BusinessMirror May 9, 2016

BusinessMirror Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Tourism& EntertainmentMonday, May 9, 2016 Monday, May 9, 2016A10

Several Americans who survived the march were put on board ships referred to as “hell ships,” suffering the same deprivation of food, wa-ter and other necessities. The ship, without markers, would go in circu-itous manner to prevent detection

on its way to Japan, becoming a target even by the American battle-ships, thus, losing more Americans.

According to military historian, PVAO Military Historian General Resty Aguilar (ret), around 500 Fil-ipinos died every day at the Camp

O’Donnel concentration camp, where the Capas National Shrine is presently erected.

In early 2014 we came across an event in New Mexico, US, of a re enactment of the famous Bataan Death March. The report showed that this reenactment has been running for more than 20 years. Started by the US veterans who were part of this long, arduous march, the organizers chose a site that closely resembled the terrain of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

With only a handful of march-ers in the beginning, the annual event takes place in March and is now joined by more than 8,000 marchers and witnessed by thou-sands of spectators.

This is a 24-kilometer march through challenging high des-ert terrain in White Sands Mis-sile Range, New Mexico, with two individual categories: light and heavy. The light marches are mostly civilians in appropriate apparel and the heavy marches are in full battle outfit carrying a backpack of consumables weigh-ing 16 kilograms and 35 pounds. The consumables are distributed to homeless Americans at the end of the march.

The Automobile Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Veteran Affairs Office of the De-partment of National Defense, the Department of Tourism and Province of Tarlac felt left out, the very site of the actual death march. So in 2014 preparations for the holding of an annual com-memoration of this event began.

Sue Staub, the head of the US event, was contacted and she im-mediately agreed to assist in the

planned event. She immediately dispatched the list of items need-ed and came up with a timetable for the event. This show of support made it easy for the organizers to launch the First Capas Freedom March in April 2015 in Tarlac with the support of Gov. Victor A. Yap, Capas Mayor Antonio Rodriguez, and tourism officer Marissa Vidal.

Close to 1,500 Filipino and American military and civilians participated in the first march. Asahi Shimbun sent their correspondents to cover the event. John Cutter, a ra-dio commentator from Chicago, who came to march for his veteran friend, did a full coverage of the march. His exclusive interview of former Presi-dent Fidel V. Ramos, who opened the event with a gun start at 5 a.m., was heard at the US military bases around the world.

The First Capas Freedom March was named as such to remember the sacrifices and the ordeal of the marchers for the freedom we now enjoy.

Dr. Mina T. Gabor was the founder and president of the Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions Inc. of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the secretary of the Department of Tour-ism from 1996 to 1998. She continues to work on her passion of promoting the Philippines through trade and tourism as the president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism, as founder and president of the Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation Inc., and the president of the Automobile Association of the Philip-pines Travel Agency. For any feedback or assistance in developing your faith-based tourism, contact this writer at [email protected].

MARCH FOR A VETERAN

Dr. Mina T. Gabor

THE BM TRAVELER(Part 1)

IN April 1942 some 75,000 to 100,000 prisoners of war (POWs), mostly Filipinos and

Americans, were forced to march from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac. With meager food, water and medicine, it is estimated around 20,000 Filipinos and 1,000 Americans died in this march.

THE cultural journey from West to East marked a new milestone for Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

with the hotel’s Silken Voices, Silken Roads: An Opera Gala Dinner.

Opera, cuisine and couture filled the halls of the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila on April 18, as the hotel celebrates its second year anniversary with its first-ever grand affair, commemorating Marco Polo’s 24-year journey through the Silk Road. The event was graced with elegantly dressed guests who experienced a travel from one region to another in one delightful evening.

The journey on the Silk Road be-gan with a Venetian collection of cou-ture pieces by Renee Salud, inspired by the place that impressed the young Marco Polo and made the boy embark on a long journey. As models stood in the middle of the grand ballroom, canapés from Spain, China and the Philippines were served, especially made by Executive Chef Lluis Pesar-rodona. Chinese Black Marinated Fun-gus and Mahi Mahi Crudo were just some of the savory dishes served at the gala dinner.

The culinary journey continues with satisfying Italian Beef Tender-loin Carpaccio appetizer paired with a delightful 2014 Banfi Placido Pi-not Grigio from Italy. Marco Polo then traveled through the Middle East. The region was an inspiration for the song, “Lakme,” for its dis-tance and exoticness. This opera song was performed by Philippine Opera Company’s Karla Gutierrez and Marian Santiago. This also gave way for the feast of Baby Calamari and Roasted Duck, a walk through Asian cuisine. Continuing the journey through Middle East was violinist Jo-seph Brian Cimafranca with a contem-

porary piece “Kashmir,” while savory dish, the Chicken Kebab with orange-flavored hummus and dried fruits, was being at the dining tables.

Showcasing her versatile talent is Gerphil Flores, who sang “Un Bel Di,” the most famous aria from Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” followed by a dish that brought a taste of China, the Stir-fried Lapu-lapu, and Tiger Prawn in XO Sauce and Soft Tofu. The world-class dish became even more enjoy-able as Philippine Opera Company’s Marian Santiago, tenor Christian Na-gaño and baritone Lawrence Jatayna, together with tenor Francisco Asenie-ro, sang the moving love songs, “Kis-met” and “And This Is Beloved.”

China is truly one of the regions that fascinated Marco Polo with its rich culture. From the West, Marco’s homeland, to East, the land of end-less discoveries, came together with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s version of a pasta medley, Lemon Ricotta Tor-tellini, and Fried Noodles with Scal-lops. The savory dish was followed by the very charming arias, “Yours Is My Heart Alone” and “When He Speaks,” sang by Francisco Aseniero.

After 23 years, Marco Polo re-turned to Italy, bringing a vast array of different cultures from the different regions he went to. Topping off the culinary journey were scrumptious desserts from the country that always brings the best of France. Joconde, a French-type cake made with layers of almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup, were enjoyed by guests while listening to “Funiculi Funicala” and “O Sole Mio.”

In a single night, the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila was able to bring its guests from West to East, a success-ful cultural and culinary journey that marks the start of its annual celebration.

THROUGH THE SILK ROAD AT MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA

By Leony R. Garcia

SOCCSKSARGEN, or Sox, a col-lective term for Region 12’s South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sul-

tan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City, recently showcased its undiscovered tourist attractions, food products and talents through the Treasures of Sox: A Travel and Trade Expo held from April 11 to 14 at the Glorietta Mall’s activity cen-ter in Ayala Center, Makati.

Soccsksargen is home to several indigenous peoples, such as the T’bolis, whose traditions has been preserved over time and offers a unique cultural experience. It is among the country’s top produc-ers of corn, tuna, pineapple, coffee, muscovado, coconut oil, Cavendish

bananas, hogs and aquaculture products, and various production and processing plants of tropical fruits, like pomelo, mangosteen, durian, passion fruit, solo papaya, guyabano, cacao and lanzones.

The region has six tuna-export-ing and -canning companies, ex-porter of black rice and pork in a box, Cavendish-processing plants, rubber, oil palm, coffee and musco-vado. It is also home to Dole Philip-pines, a 65,000-hectare pineapple-processing plant in Polomolok, South Cotabato. 

Sox is famous for paragliding and scuba diving in Sarangani, and mountain climbing in South Co-tabato; it also showcases Islamic culture in Cotabato City; and hosts several ecotourism sites in Cota-

bato Province and Sultan Kudarat. General Santos City, on the

other hand, is the country’s “Tuna Capital” and the region’s air and sea gateway with its international air-port and seaport facilities. 

Latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XII shows that the region registered 3.15 mil-lion tourist arrivals in 2015, up from its 2.5 million in 2014.

Organized by the DOT, the De-partment of Trade and Industry, De-partment of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Labor and Employment, “Sox Food and Fash-ion Fair”  is a display of some of the unique food products from Soccsksar-gen’s cultural communities.

According to DOT 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera, the

expo also celebrated the flavors of the Philippines, and showcased the region’s tourist spots, travel pack-ages, native fabrics, diverse indig-enous cultures, culinary delights, export-quality local brands and in-vestment opportunities. The travel fairs featured the area’s tourist des-tinations, among them, the famed Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, Asik-Asik Falls and Mount Apo in North Cotabato and the white-sand beaches of Sarangani. 

Business-matching sessions between tourism investments op-portunities, local producers and ex-porters, and Manila-based tour op-erators and the Soccsksargen  Tour Operators Association was also held.

Dillera said they have targeted to generate around P10 million in

sales for local products and another P10 million for tourism packages. The packages include transporta-tion, tourist guides, accommoda-tion and food, and entrance fees to the tourist destinations.

To add color and excitement, daily cultural performances high-lighting the region’s indigenous peoples and fashion shows were held. The local governments of Ko-ronadal and South Cotabato have enlisted famed fashion designer

Jared Servano, who hails from the area, and showcased his works.

Aside from the nine local gover-ment units, some 30 other exhibi-tors from national government agencies and micro, small and me-dium enterprises participated in the expo, showcasing their respec-tive products and advocacies.

Internationally acclaimed Hinu-gyaw Dance Troupe of Koronadal City also entertained the audience with Mindanao dances.

Hidden treasures of Soccsksargen revealed

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera led the formal opening of the four-day expo after the traditional demsu (T’boli blessing ritual), together with DOT Director for Tourism Standards and Regulation Ma. Rica Bueno, Brand Arch. Amor Maclang of Geiser Maclang Consultancy and other partner agencies representatives.

CHIC creation by Jared Servano

A T'BOLI woman doing the T'nalak weaving

BusinessMirrorEditor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Tourism& EntertainmentMonday, May 9, 2016 A11

THE BM TRAVELER

For someone who only knew this town for its signature spot, which is the Pagsanjan Falls, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there’s much more to it than the stereotypical image I previously conjured for it. And I was even more surprised to discover that when it comes to food, Pagsanjan certainly does not disappoint. It’s all thanks to a 10-year-old restaurant, which al-lows tourists to get acquainted with the flavors of this town.

Calle Arco conveys a sense of home, from the dishes served down to the vintage furniture, family pho-tographs and cozy vibe. Comfort reigns in every corner, and that is exactly what its owner Ana Cabrega wants the diners to feel the moment they step inside the restaurant.

“It’s a home-away-from-home kind of restaurant in which guests would be able to eat comfortably and enjoy generous servings. We serve local dishes with a twist, and I think

that could be among the reasons guests like to come back. We also take pride in our service, as well as the family collections, like those tea-pots, which have long been a source of fascination to diners.”

The cuisines are definitely worth every penny. Not because they rep-resent the hometown specialties, but because they offer a glimpse of the Pagsanjeños’ culinary creativ-ity.     Among the must-try, signa-ture dishes include its delectable appetizer, Paco salad with kesong puti; scrumptious main course, such as sinigang na baka sa langka, binagoongang crispy pata, garlic chicken, pipian (the restaurant’s ver-sion of kare-kare which has chicken on it, but no veggies) and pinakbet; and the restaurant’s own dessert, kamote de leche.   

After the sumptuous meal, we took a quick look around the town. And because nothing beats getting to know a destination better than

a quick visit to its heritage sites and historic churches, we headed first to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church.  This one is considered   to be the oldest of its kind in the coun-try. It features a Renaissance archi-tecture style that seems to be the running motif for centuries-old churches. As the town’s only Catho-lic church, it is not surprising if tourists would take such interest in this structure, especially the stone relic that it houses. Locals say the relic was part of the hill’s por-tion in Mexico where the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared, and it was later on transferred to Pagsanjan for safekeeping.

Next, we swung by the ancestral house of the Ejercitos, more popu-

larly known as the Don Porong Man-sion.  It was said that back in Pagsan-jan’s heyday, well-heeled locals had a penchant for all things grandeur—from beautifully designed homes and an array of artwork collections to neatly manicured lawns and gardens. And this well-preserved grand ancestral home is a testa-ment to that, offering a glimpse of how the Pagsanjeños, particularly the privileged clans of days long past, took much pride in building splendid abode.

Eager to see more of the town, we also checked out the Arco Puerta Real, said to be one of the town’s most significant landmarks. This stone gate has a religious signifi-cance that would surely rouse the

interest of faith travelers. Stories have it that back in 1877, the town was attacked by bandits attempt-ing to loot and pillage. But just when they were about to plunder the town, there came a luminous apparition of a lady with a shin-ing sword. It was believed to be the Pagsanjan’s patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe. And to commemorate the miraculous event, the locals built the stone gate in the very same spot where the patroness left a mark using her sword.

After the heritage tour, we wan-dered far down to Pagsanjan Falls’ jump-off point, where two rivers, namely, Bumbungan and Balanac, meet. Pagsanjan was originally called pinagsangahan, a Filipino

term for “branching,” which also aptly described how the two riv-ers branched off. The spot was also once a trading route when Pagsanjan was still the capital of Laguna. Today, however, it serves as a gateway for those who want to get to the falls and experience the adrenaline-pumping activity called shooting the rapids.   It is similar to whitewater rafting only that the boat is made of fiberglass and manned by two bangkero (boat-men) who have to skillfully navi-gate all through 14 rapids. It could have been the highlight of our trip, but we were not able to try the ride due to time-constraint. But then, this gives me yet another reason to visit the town again.

PAGSANJAN AT A GLANCE

By Jonalyn Fulo Fortuno | Photos by Pauline Dycoco

PAGSANJAN is one place I don’t mind going back to. It’s a mecca for history lovers, a

secret spot for foodies and a go-to venue for adventure junkies—all rolled into this charming town, off the eastern part of Laguna. Unfortunately, I only got to spend very little time in this place, the first time I came to visit.

Photos by Rommel Natanauan & Larry Moran, DOT-MCS

OVER a thousand international tourists, including Filipino officers and crew members,

aboard cruise ships MV Seabourn Sou-journ and MV Prestige Cruises-Insignia that stopped for a port call at the Ma-nila South Harbor on April 6 and 17, were treated to a fiesta-like reception upon arrival by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as part of the Meet and Assist Program of the National Capital Region (NCR) Office.

From Manila, cruise passengers went on a tour of the City of Manila and nearby tourist destinations, like Tagaytay and Corregidor, arranged by Travel People Ltd. Inc., before pro-ceeding to their next port call.

“The MV Prestige Cruises-Insignia is the 15th international cruise vessel to arrive in the Manila South Harbor this first quarter, in addition to the MV Seabourn Soujourn that docked at the same port recently. Outside Manila, there have been other cruise

arrivals recorded in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Boracay and Kalanggaman,” NCR Director Christer Gaudiano said at the welcome reception of MV Pres-tige Cruises-Insignia.

“This time, we brought in perform-ers from different parts of our country; and samples of our local handicrafts, particularly those made in Parañaque, Marikina and Manila, in partnership

with their respective local govern-ment units, as our way of helping them showcase their livelihood products to the international mar-ket,” he added, explaining that the Meet and Assist Program covers both airports and seaports.

According to him, over 70 ship calls are expected to arrive this year in the port of Manila alone. The DOT-NCR

office has already received requests from Baron Travel for the arrival of two Royal Caribbean cruise ships that will make several port calls in Manila beginning this month. The Legend of the Seas, carrying approximately 2,200 passengers, will be docking in Manila five times from May to Octo-ber this year. And the Celebrity Millen-nium, carrying over 2,500 passengers,

will call at the port of Manila by year-end. Pacific Venus, a Japanese cruise ship, has also sent word of its sched-uled arrival in the port of Manila later this year, carrying more than 500 senior citizens and their family mem-bers onboard.

Chris Achton of Adelaide, South Australia, who came with his wife, to meet an old friend based in Manila,

only had good words to say about the fiesta-like reception at the Manila South Harbor. “This is abso-lutely fantastic and, by far, the best welcome I have ever had in any port in the world I have been. Absolutely wonderful! Wonderful people; great welcome,” the first-time visitor in Manila said.

Cruise tourism is one of the key product portfolios identified under the National Tourism Development Plan of the DOT. The department’s cruise tourism campaign, capital-izing on the country’s rich coastal resources, has delivered significant gains and success with the visit of several major cruise ships. Accord-ing to the latest data from the DOT, more than 50 port calls were registered in 2015, resulting in an 18.8-percent increase over the 2014 recorded 44 port calls. Cruise pas-sengers, on the other hand, contin-ue to grow with 69,802 arrivals in 2015, growing by 15.98 percent as compared with the 2014 arrivals of 60,183.

Fiesta-like welcome for two international cruise ships

MEMBERS of the Dinagyang performers from Jaro Iloilo National High School MV Prestige Cruises-Insignia

PINOY’S all-time favorite pinakbet GARLIC chicken BINAGOONGANG crispy pata PACO salad with kesong puti

JUMP-OFF point to Pagsanjan FallsCALLE Arco exudes a homey feel

FAÇADE of Lady of Guadalupe Parish ChurchARCO Puerta Real is one of the iconic landmarks in Pagsanjan.