Category Archives: PLACES OF INTEREST

Church of St. James the Greater (Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte)

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Church of St. James The Greater

The last destination in our tour of Dapitan, prior to our trip to Sindangan, was the Church of St. James the Greater.  As we arrived just 5 days before their patron saint’s feast day (July 25), small, colorful flag-shaped banners were strung up all over the plaza and the church.

The Dapitan parish was established in 1631 by Jesuit Fr. Pedro Gutierres.  The present church, a 5 minute walk from the foot of Ilihan Hill, was originally built with galvanized iron walls and wooden floors in 1871 under Fr. Juan Gelabert, S.J. .

The church’s simple Gothic-style facade

 During his exile from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896, national hero Jose Rizal painted a backdrop, inspired by a church in Barcelona, for the church altar. However, the painting was later destroyed by fire.  A marker here, near the entrance, also marks the spot where Rizal usually stood when he heard Mass every Sunday. He could not go near the altar during Mass because of his excommunication from the Catholic Church.

Spot where Rizal stood during mass

National Historical Commission (NHC) plaque

From 1904 to 1909, the church was repaired and renovated under the guidance of Fr. Antonio Obach, S.J.  The original galvanized iron wall was replaced with the present solid masonry and the wooden floor changed to mortar. In 1915, the floor was concreted and the sanctuary was remodeled in 1921 by Fr. Eliseo Gil, S.J..

Historical plaque

For about five days in 1944, Japanese soldiers used the church as a resting/sleeping area. Through the years, it has undergone several reconstructions including a major renovation in 1964 when the whole structure was almost completely reconstructed with reinforced concrete by Fr. Antonio Hamak.  The new church was inaugurated on July 23, 1967.

The church interior

It’s simple Gothic-style façade, devoid of much decoration, is flanked by twin square bell towers with pyramidal roofs and semicircular arched openings.  The protruding central portion at the lower level is flanked by lancet windows and rounded pilasters. The Gothic arch main entrance, above which is a lancet window, is flanked by rounded pilasters and is topped by a triangular pediment with a centrally located oculus.

The beautiful church ceiling

Inside the church is its beautifully designed ceiling of interlocking orange and white rectangles forming a swirling pattern around the dome and arches, creating an optical illusion of depth and motion. As a whole, it drowns the audience far below in dizzying disarray.

View of interior from choir loft

At the choir loft is a German made manual pipe organ, with European pipes and a manual pump, that bears the year 1827. It was brought to Dapitan in 1864 by the Augustinian Recollect fathers.

Church of St. James the Greater: Fr. Francisco Paula de Sanchez St., Potol, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte 7101.  Tel: (065) 212-6202. Email Address: dapitanparish1631@gmail.com. Feast of St. James the Greater: July 25.

How to Get There: Dapitan City is located 15 kms. from Dipolog City. GPS Coordinates: 8.654734,123.42465

Rizal Park and Shrine (Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte)

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Rizal Park and Shrine

The highlight of our visit to Dapitan City was our tour of Rizal Park and Shrine (also known as the  José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape), a protected landscape and memorial to the Philippines‘ national hero which preserves the farm site in barrio Talisay where José Rizal was exiled from 1892-1896 (4 years, 13 days and a few hours) after being accused by the Spanish colonial authorities of sedition and plotting the Philippine revolution in Manila.  Occupying a hilly peninsula facing the Dapitan Bay, it is located in the seaside barangay of Talisay, about a kilometer northwest from Dapitan city proper.

EGI president Eulalio “Loy” Ganzon, Ms. Mamel Yap and my wife Grace entering the shrine

After his stay at the Casa Real, Rizal was transferred to Talisay, staying in a 24-hectare estate in the seaside barangay Talisay, bordering on Dapitan Bay, which he acquired by purchase.  In August 1892, two months after arriving in Dapitan, Rizal together with Gov. Carnicero and Francisco Equilor (a Spaniard living in Dipolog), luckily won the second prize of PhP20,000, via a lotto ticket with the permutation 9736, of the government-owned Reales Loterías Españolas de Filipinas (English: Royal Spanish Lottery of the Philippines).

Touring the grounds of the shrine

Rizal’s share was PhP6,200 and he gave PhP2,000 to his father and PhP200 to Jose Ma. Basa, his friend in Hong Kong. His share also financially enabled him to buy (for PHp4,000), on July 17, 1892, the Talisay Estate, a 10-hectare piece of land, from Lucia Pagbangon, enlarging his property to 70 hectares.

Map of shrine

In March 1893, Rizal transferred to this place. Later on, his mother Doña Teodora Alonso, his sisters Narcisa, Maria and Trinidad, and nephews Teodosio, Estanislao, Mauricio and Prudencio from Calamba, Laguna came and lived with him in Talisay until 1896. Pio Valenzuela also visited Rizal here, confiding to him about their planned armed revolution and the group’s offer to help Rizal flee Dapitan.

An array of Masonic structures and symbols

On this land he built three houses and decided to be a farmer, clearing a part of the forest and planting a large number of fruit trees (mangoes, lanzones, guyabano, nangka, macopa, langka, santol, mangosteen, batuno, etc.), 6,000 hemp plants, 1,000 coconut trees, coffee and cacao.

Here, he established a hospital and a school for bright boys (beginning with 3 pupils, it increased to 16 and eventually 21, 16 of which did not pay tuition), collected botanical and zoological specimens (the Draco rizali, a flying dragon; Apogonia rizali, a small beetle and the Rhacophorus rizali, a rare frog, were named after him) for some European museums (especially the Dresden Museum).

He also gathered 346 shells of 203 species, created sculptures from clay (Oyang Dapitana and Mother’s Revenge), embarked in the business of buying and selling abaca and copra, drained the marshes to get rid of malaria that was infesting Dapitan, and wrote some of his poems, articles and scientific treatises, as well as letters to his family and friends.

The Casa Residencia with the comfort room at the rear

He also learned, as well as grammatically analyzed and compared, the Subanen, Bisaya and Melayu languages, adding to the 22 languages he already knew (Tagalog, Ilokano, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Dutch, Spanish, Catalan, Latin, Italian Greek, Chinese, English, Japanese, French , Portuguese, German, Swedish, Arabic and Russian).

It was also here that he fell in love with the 18 year old Josephine Bracken (her parents James Bracken and Elizabeth Jane MacBride were both Irish in citizenship), adopted daughter of George (who adopted Josephine after her mother died of childbirth), one of Rizal’s patients.  Rizal wrote the poem A Josefina for Josephine.

El Canto del Viajero (“Song of a Traveler”) – a poem by Dr. Jose Rizal written on a pathway. Rizal wrote it upon receiving the acceptance of his offer to go to Europe then to Cuba (then under a revolution) to help in the curing of patients suffering from a raging yellow fever epidemic.

His exile here ended when he departed, on the steamer Espana, for Manila, and eventually Cuba, on July 31, 1896. On the day of his departure, accompanied by Josephine, Narcisa, Angelica (Narcisa’s daughter), his three nephews and six pupils, a marching band solemnly played Frederic Chopin’s dolorous Marche funèbre as Dapitanons turned out en masse to see him off.

Rizal the Traveler (Julie Lluch)

On January 15, 1897, after Rizal’s execution on December 30, 1896, Rizal’s properties in Dapitan were confiscated.  Don Cosme Borromeo, a good friend of Rizal, was appointed custodian of the confiscated property.  After the end of Spanish rule, the Talisay hacienda and home were neglected.  However, in 1913, the place was converted into a public park to the memory of Rizal.  It was reconstructed during the term of Zamboanga Gov. Jose Aseniero (1925 to 1928), one of Rizal’s brightest pupils.

On September 3, 1940, Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon, through Proclamation No. 616, reserved about 10 hectares (25 acres) of the land in Talisay and turned it into Rizal National Park.  On June 19, 1965, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4368, the administration of this shrine was turned over to the National Historical Commission (later National Historical Institute on September 24, 1972) from the National Heroes Commission.

On January 24, 1973, through Presidential Decree No. 105, the Rizal Shrine was then declared by then president Ferdinand E. Marcos as one of the National Shrines. On April 23, 2000, it was enlarged to its present size of 439 hectares (1,080 acres), with a buffer zone of 15 hectares (37 acres) and was declared, through Proclamation No. 279, as a protected landscape under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

The park has a collection of five reconstructed houses of bamboo and nipa, originally built by José Rizal, as well as other auxiliary structures, all in their original location.

Casa Residencia

Casa Residencia, the faithfully reconstructed (in 1960) main house of Rizal, is the biggest structure in the place.  Rectangular in shape, it is made of bamboo, wood, nipa and palma brava leaves and is located at the foot of a verdant hill studded with baluno (Mangifera caesia) and bitaong (Callophylum inophylum) trees.

The house had three verandas  (front and sides) with views of the Dapitan Bay, a main room (8 sq. yards), a lone bedroom (with a replica of Rizal’s bed made of narra with intricate carvings) and a wooden staircase leading to the main house.

Manikin of Josephine Bracken seated at the sala (living room)

Hanging on the walls are framed photos of Rizal’s relatives, friends (including Fernando Blumentritt) and acquaintances as well as pictures of relics he or his relatives owned and used (including a hankerchief and a pin cushion of his sister, Saturnina). A comfort room, at the rear, is accessible by a bridge.

A side veranda

Jose and Josephine Bracken lived as husband and wife.  Jose’s mother, sisters Maria, Trinidad and Narcisa, and niece Angelica also stayed here during their visits and Jose asked his family to accept her as one of their own.

Cocina (outdoor kitchen)

The Cocina (outdoor kitchen), located to the left and a little lower than the main house, is about 14 ft. by 10 ft. and its walls are open from the waist up. With thatched roofing and open walls for ventilation, it features a traditional banggerahan (scullery) and kalan (firewood-fueled clay stove).

Casa Cuadrada

Casa Cuadrada (Square House), at the base of the hill, towards Rizal’s clinic, is about 14 by 14 ft. and doubled as a secondary dormitory for Rizal’s students.

Interior of Casa Cuadrada

The area underneath the hut served as vocational workshop where Rizal taught his students (2 – 4 PM) carpentry, Math, English, and Spanish. In turn, during recess, his students helped him with farming, feeding the chickens, building fires to drive away insects, pruning fruit trees and manuring the soil. Outside class hours, students had gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, stone- throwing, swimming, arnis and boating.

The octagonal Casa Redonda

The Casa Redonda, an octagonal stilt house which served as the pupil’s quarters, was later converted to a clinic where Rizal operated on George Taufer, Josephine Bracken’s foster father.

It was also here where he removed his mother’s cataracts. The house is 16 ft. wide, 16 ft. long and 7 ft. high.

Casa Redonda Pequena

The hexagonal Casa Redonda Pequaña, on the right of the main house, served as a chicken house that can accommodate a few dozen chickens.

Casitas Hospitales (Casitas de Salud)

The Casitas Hospitales (or Casitas de Salud) are two structures (one each for male and female) huts perched atop a low hill originally intended as tea houses but later converted into clinics to each accommodate 2 patients from far flung municipalities. Each has a floor area of 70 sq. ft..

Aqueduct system (Patubig sa Talisay)

The aqueduct system or lagoon, cutting across the shrine, feeds a water reservoir connected by bamboo tubes to the kitchen and lavatory.  It is 110 m. long and has inclined walls about 2.5 m. deep.  As a perito agrimensor (expert surveyor), Rizal applied his engineering knowledge by constructing this system of waterworks in 1895 with the help of his pupils.  The water system provided adequate and year-round water supply for Rizal‘s farm and household needs.

The top of the dam with the bust of Don Ricardo Carnincero and his wife on the left

It connects to the still existing and original dam where Rizal gave swimming lessons to his students.  Accessed by a long flight of cemented steps, its top has a bust of Don Ricardo Carnicero and his wife.  Near the dam is a four by 2.5-m. concrete water reservoir built in 1968. 

The natural, heart-shaped Mi Retiro Rock

Mi Retiro Rock, a natural heart-shaped rock reclaimed from the sea and set in an artificial lagoon, is where Rizal scribbled the beautiful poem Mi Retiro (A Mi Madre) which described his place of exile as a tranquil haven from political persecution, and the song Himmne a Talisay (Hymn to Talisay) written for his pupils and paying tribute to individual excellence and holistic education.

Rizal exchanged commitment vows with Josephine Bracken at Mi Retiro Rock. Rizal also spent many hours watching the sunset here.

Because they could not be married under the Catholic Church (Fr. Antonio Obach refused to marry them without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu), this is also where he exchanged commitment vows with Josephine Bracken. Rizal also spent many hours watching the sunset here.  It is also called Batong Lumayag because it appears to be afloat during high tide.

The 500-seat, open air amphitheater where lectures on Rizal are held

A 500-seat, semicircular and open-air amphitheater, built in 1978 by the city government from funds from the office of the Regional Commissioner headed by Rear Admiral Romulo M. Espaldon (Minister for Muslim Affairs), is located beyond Mi Retiro Rock.  Situated at the slope of a hill, it is 20 m.long and has eight elevated steps.  Lectures about the life of Rizal are conducted here, usually by the curator.

Visit of Pio Valenzuela to Dapitan (Julie Lluch). Pio was the emissary sent by Andres Bonifacio to Dapitan to inform Rizal of the plan of Katipunan during the meeting at a little river called Bitukang Manok. Valenzuela arrived in Dapitan on board the steamer Venus with Raymundo Mata, a blind man who came with Valenzuela to camouflage his mission. Rizal objected to Bonifacio’s project because the people were not ready for a revolution and arms and funds must first be collected before raising the cry of revolution..

Strategically located within the sprawling shrine are Julie Lluch’s beautiful life-size brass sculptures, all unveiled on June 19, 2016 (the 155th birth anniversary of Rizal), depicting José Rizal as traveler, Rizal and Pio Valenzuela in a huddle, and Josephine Bracken.

Museo ni Jose Rizal

The Museo ni Jose Rizal, an addition to the shrine, was built in 1971.  Located at the foot of a hill, near the shrine’s main gate, it houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals and other historical exhibits.  Part of the building serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine Curator.  The shrine is administered and maintained by the National Historical Institute (NHI).

Check out “Museo ni Jose Rizal“

Masonic structures and symbols, beside the museum, dedicated to Rizal.  Rizal was a prominent member of Masonry.

Members of organizations dedicated to the promotion of Rizal’s ideals (Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista, Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal, Kingdom of God Inc., etc.) live in a community atop the hill of the Rizal Shrine.

Other Masonic monuments

Rizal Park and Shrine: Brgy. Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM (The Museo ni Jose Rizal is closed on Mondays). Admission is free. 

How to Get There: The protected landscape and memorial is located some 9 kms. (5.6 mi.) north of the Dipolog Airport. It is accessible via the Dipolog–Oroquieta National Road and Jose Rizal Avenue in Dapitan.

Museo ni Jose Rizal (Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

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Museo ni Jose Rizal

The first building you encounter upon entering the 10-hectare Rizal Shrine (site of national hero Jose Rizal’s exile from 1892 to 1896), immediately to the right, is the 2-storey, fairly new and modern Museo ni Jose Rizal which was originally built in 1971.

Check out “Rizal Park and Shrine“

The museum interior

The museum was later modernized (part of an overall plan to modernize around 15 more local museums nationwide, including those of Loay in Bohol, Iloilo City, Naga City, Baliuag in Bulacan, San Juan and Quezon City) by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), chaired by Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, and inaugurated on June 19, 2016 (the 155th birth anniversary of Rizal).

Gallery 1: Pagtapon sa Dapitan (Exile to Dapitan)

Gallery 2: Gawaing Pang-Aghamat Sining ni Rizal (Rizal’s Scientific and Artistic Pursuits)

Gallery 3: Mga Alaala ng Dapitan (Memories of Dapitan)

Gallery 4: Landas Tungo sa Pagkamartir (Road to Martyrdom)

It now has an e-learning room for online lessons of the National Historical Commission on Philippine history plus a variety of interactive features such as light-and-sound tableaus, a holograms (showing him talking about his last thoughts as he treks the road to martyrdom) and touch screen terminals featuring Rizal’s everyday activities as a political exile in Dapitan.

Ang Dulce Extranjera ni Rizal

Ang Guro (The Teacher)

Audio visual presentations in the museum include the Talisay waterworks system (also known as the Linao Aqueduct) which Rizal surveyed and helped build with the blueprint he made. Rizal harnessed the natural spring of Linao Creek, giving the public a potable-water system. Later, he connected pipes to the aqueduct and, with his students, built the pipe works that served his household and farm needs.

Ang Inhinyero at Arkitekto (The Engineer and Architect)

Ang Magsasaka at Mangingisda (The Farmer and Fisherman)

The Museo ni Jose Rizal Dapitan has four galleries:

  • Gallery 1. Exile to Dapitan
  • Gallery 2. Rizal’s Scientific and Artistic Pursuits
  • Gallery 3. Memories of Dapitan
  • Gallery 4. Road to Martyrdom 

Clothes of Rizal

Prominently on display at the center of the ground floor are some of Rizal’s personal wardrobe – a beige long-sleeved shirt and trouser, a brown wool vest and trouser and a black textile coat.

Haec Est Sibylla Cumana

Four sets of Haec Est Sibylla Cumana, a book of oracle or “spin-the-top-and-learn-your-future” game created by Rizal in Dapitan, also occupy a prominent spot in the museum. A family heirloom, the book was only made public in 2011 (the 150th birth anniversary of the National Hero) upon publication by Cruz Publishing.

The blackboard and table Rizal used to teach his students

Nearby are the original blackboard, table and chairs used by Rizal for teaching his pupils at Casa Cuadrada.

List of animal specimens sent to Dresden, Germany

Shell collection

Some ethnographical material collected by Rizal

Also on display are all Rizal’s personal writings (books, letters, poems, etc.), periodicals, replicas of his artworks (including paintings of his wife Josephine Bracken), his tools for fishing, the original medical instruments used by Rizal in operating the cataracts of his mother, Teodora Alonso, and many other patients from far and wide plus other historical exhibits.

Ang Manggagamot (The Physician)

Mga Gawaing Pang Agham

There are also reproductions of old Rizal photographs including those of his lady loves – Leonor Rivera, Segunda Katigbak, Josephine Bracken, Gertrude Beckett, Nellie Boustead, O-Sei-San, Suzanne Jacoby.

Museum corner for Josephine Bracken

Reproductions of Rizal’s sculptures

Part of the building serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine Curator.  Nearby is a monument of Rizal erected on March 8, 1987 by the Order of the Knights of Rizal.

Ang Malikhaing Rizal (Artistic Rizal)

Ang Manunulat (The Writer)

Mga Gawaing Pang-Iskolar (Scholarly Activities)

Museo ni Jose Rizal: Brgy. Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 8 AM to 5 PM. Mobile number: (0917) 656-4168. E-mail: museonijoserizaldapitan@gmail.com. Admission is free. Curator (since 1992): Gabriel M. Cad.

How to Get There: The museum is situated near the shrine’s main gate and the shrine is located 2 kms. from the Dapitan City Hall. The protected landscape and memorial is located some 9 kms. (5.6 mi.) north of the Dipolog Airport. It is accessible via the Dipolog–Oroquieta National Road and Jose Rizal Avenue in Dapitan.

Rizal Disembarkation Site (Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte)

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Rizal Disembarkation Site) (Desembarco de Rizal)

Upon arrival in Dapitan City, we first visited the Rizal Disembarkation Site (Punto del Desembarco de Rizal) along Sunset Blvd. where Dr. Jose Rizal first set foot on Sta. Cruz Beach in Dapitan, the start of his 4 year exile.

Check out “Rizal Park and Shrine”

The author at the Rizal Disembarkation Site

Rizal, under maximum security, left Manila after midnight, 14 July 1892, on board the steamer SS Cebu along with military corps as well as prisoners (one due for execution). On July 17, from the steamer, the ship captain Delgras and three artillery men accompanied Rizal to the small boat that would take him to the shore. The sea was rough and, in his account of his journey to Dapitan, Rizal described the beach as “very gloomy,” perhaps reflecting his mood about his exile. 

At 7 PM, they landed on the beach in Santa Cruz on to begin his life in exile. Accompanied by Delgras and the artillerymen, Rizal walked, with a farol de combate that lit the dark Sta. Cruz Street, to the Casa Real where he was presented to Don Ricardo Carnicero, Spanish military governor of the district.  He stayed here for eight months (17 July 1892 to March 1893).  Acting as his warden; Carnicero was supposed to send reports of his “prisoner” to higher authorities. However, he didn’t see any threat in him and Rizal was allowed to freely move around and lived a normal life in Dapitan. On the occasion of the commandant’s birthday on August 26, 1892, Rizal wrote a poem entitled “A Don Ricardo Carnicero.”

Bronzed statues of Rizal, Delgras and the 3 artillerymen

Marking the spot along Sta. Cruz Beach is a monument conceived by Antonio Tuviera and designed by Arch. Nilo Ajo. Ferraren.  The monument was unveiled on December 28, 2009 during the 4th Handuraw Festival celebration.

NHC historical plaque

Inauguration plaque

It consists of a raised podium with bronze statues of Jose Rizal, ship captain Delgras and three artillery men (one holding the farol de combate).  The statues were installed and bronzed by Ronel Roces.

Sta. Cruz Beach

Sunset Boulevard, the road along the landing site, is a good spot to watch the sunset. Across the landing site is a 20-foot cross was erected to symbolize the propagation of Christianity in the locality of Dapitan.

The 20-ft. high cross

Rizal Disembarkation Site: Sunset Blvd., Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Onay Museum (Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte)

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Onay Museum

The one-storey Onay Museum, completed in 2009, houses the life and works of Gen. Alexander Badong Yano, the 38th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (the highest position in the AFP hierarchy), the 49th Commanding General of the Philippine Army and the first and only AFP Chief of Staff and four-star general from Mindanao. The name “Onay” (as he was fondly called by his classmates) came from his last name in reverse.

“Onay: is “Yano” in reverse

The life and works of the general in pictures

As you enter the museum, you are welcomed by a big portrait showing the life and works of the general, depicting his childhood to adolescence and to his years in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Gen. Alexander B. Yano

Alexander Badong Yano, born on June 13, 1953 to the late Iñigo Yano and Gloria Badong, both retired public school teachers of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, is the eldest in a brood of 5 (which includes Brig.-Gen. Cesar B. Yano, a Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, a diplomat in Washington D.C. and a Philippine Military Academy Class 1980 graduate).

In 1965, “Alex,” or “Boy” as he is fondly called, graduated Salutatorian from the public elementary school of Sindangan.  Later, he pursued his secondary education in Saint Vincent’s College in Dipolog City, graduating with honors in 1969. Before taking the entrance examinations of the Philippine Military Academy, he took up 3 years (1969-1972) of Civil Engineering studies at the Cebu Institute of Technology where he was an irregular student due to activism.

In 1972, Alex entered the prestigious military institution. During his time in the PMA, he excelled more in athletics and extra-curricular activities establishing, among others, two PMA athletic records in the high jump and 400-meter low hurdles (a record, set in 1975, that remains unbroken up to this day). As a graduating cadet, he was accorded the coveted position of Regimental Adjutant of the PMA Cadet Corps, a recognition of his early leadership potentials. He graduated in 1976 as a member of the “Magilas” Class.

Later, to complete his military training, he took up courses in the Philippines such as the Special Forces Operations Course; Field Artillery Officers Course; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders and the Command and General Staff Course. Abroad, he finished the Infantry Officers Advance Course in the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, United States, landing in the Commandant’s List as an Honor Graduate.

Upon his graduation at the PMA, Alex was commissioned and called to active duty with the Philippine Army. His early years in the military service were spent mostly in combat assignments in Northern and Central Luzon and, during the height of the CPP/NPA rebellion in the 1970s and 1980s, in the provinces of Samar.

During the infamous Cabatangan crisis in November 2001, Yano hugged the limelight when, as Task Force Zamboanga Chief, he acted as overall ground tactical commander that led to the successful release of over a hundred civilian hostages and the eventual liberation of the Cabatangan Government Complex in Zamboanga City from over 300 fully armed MNLF Breakaway Group elements led by Julhambri Misuari, Nur Misuari’s nephew. After this crucial battle, the late Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat gave him the moniker “Liberator of Cabatangan.”

After his tour of duty in Zamboanga City, then SOUTHCOM Chief Gen. Roy Cimatu personally handpicked him to command the 601st Army Brigade in SOCSARGEN at the height of terrorist bombings that rocked Gen Santos City in 2002. During his over two-year stint as brigade commander, no single terrorist bombing occurred in General Santos City. He also gained similar recognition as adopted son of both Zamboanga and Dipolog cities.

In 2003, as brigade commander, he earned his first star rank, the first in his PMA batch to become a general. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to that city, he was also declared as “adopted son” of General Santos City.

Later, he served as Assistant Division Comdr of the 9th Infantry Division in Bicol.  For his proven competence and abilities, especially in understanding the intricacies of the Mindanao conflict, he was appointed, on July 7, 2004, as Chairperson of the Government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities with the MILF. Then, he briefly served as Chief of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service and AFP Spokesperson where he ably articulated the AFP’s position on various defense and security issues.

When Gen. Generoso Senga became the Philippine Army Chief, Yano was personally plucked from Camp Aguinaldo to assume as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army.  In April 2005, he earned his second star as a major-general, again the first to earn said rank in his class. On July 31, 2006, Alexander Yano was appointed head of the  Southern Luzon Command and, on August 24, 2007, as the commander of the Philippine Army following the retirement of Lt.-Gen. Romeo Tolentino.  On May 12, 2008, he succeeded Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. as AFP Chief-of-Staff.

On May 1, 2009, he retired one-month earlier and was succeeded by Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado of Philippine Army, his PMA classmate, as AFP chief of staff.  Right after his retirement from the military service, he was appointed as Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He has published two books namely “Onay: A Personal Journey” and “The Man Who Dared to Dream.”

A well-respected general who spent most of his military career in the field, Alex is known as the ‘Soldier’s soldier” for his professional competence and excellent leadership that earned him the respect and admiration of his men, colleagues, and superiors.  He is married to the former Estela Aragon from La Union, a retired military nurse, and blessed with a son, Ervin Andrew, also a nurse by profession.

Among Yano’s impressive and incredible collections on display are items from his boyhood days in Sindangan and Dipolog, college days in Cebu and cadetship in PMA; memorabilia of a life well lived in the service of his fellowmen; uniforms; nameplates; trophies; plaques of appreciation; photos (including one with Manny Pacquiao); news clippings about his great works and legacy, and other items gathered in the course of his 37 years in the military and his ambassadorial tour in Brunei Darussalam.

Signed photo of the general with 8-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao

The general’s various uniforms.  The upper two and the one at lower left are from his PMA days. The rest are his dress and field uniforms as AFP Chief of Staff

Among the array of things displayed in the museum is a letter written by him as a Grade I pupil on July 4, 1960 addressed to his grandmother and uncle to send him money for his uniform and clothing.

Photos of the general’s stint as ambassador to Brunei

As a testament to his exemplary achievements, he received various military awards and medals in recognition of his courage and bravery.

Some of Gen. Yano’s many medals, decorations and badges

On display, they include four Distinguished Service Stars; the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); four Outstanding Achievement Medals; the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation; the Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal; the Long Service Medal; the Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal; the Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal; the Military Civic Action Medal; Silver Wing Medal, Honorary PAF Gold Wings, Honorary Flag Rank Command Badge, the Military Commendation Medal; the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat; the Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Ribbon; the Gawad sa Kaunlaran; Bronze Cross Medal and 27 Military Merit Medals. He also received his Honorary Airborne Wings from the Royal Thai Army.

In 2003 and in 2005, he was awarded as “Most Outstanding Zamboanga del Norte Citizen.” On December 2005, he received the “Outstanding Alumnus Award” from St Vincent’s College in Dipolog City and, on November 2005, he was conferred the “PMA Achievement Award” by PMA in Baguio City.

The author (right) with Gen. Yano

Gen. Yano (in blue) with visitors from E. Ganzon, Inc.. On Yano’s right is EGI President Eulalio Ganzon

Onay Museum: Brgy. Sicayab, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. Though open to the public, before one could explore the gallery, one has to seek prior permission from the general or his caretaker.

Lakbay Museo (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

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Lakbay Museo entrance emulating Mayon Volcano’s silhouette and perfect cone

For those who want to travel and experience 11 regions of the Philippines without having to leave Manila, then you should visit the IG-worthy Lakbay Museo.  Prior to its official opening to the public on July 12, we were allowed a sneak preview of this unique and new destination in the Metro. Describing itself as the “first PH interactive millennial museum,” it is sort of a Nayong Pilipino for the Instagram generation.

A project of The Millennial Concept Factory Inc., headed by President Lawrence Li Tan, Lakbay Museo offers, in one massive space, a chance for young Filipino millennials to travel across the Philippines, within 2 hours inside the museum, discovering and revisiting many of the Philippines’s best vacation spots, and know more of the country’s unique history, food, music, arts and culture by immersing themselves its festivals, fashion and food, all without having to spend days of traveling and a lot of money to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

At the entrance, we were welcomed by staff wearing traditional Filipino attire. Before we entered the museum, we were dressed up, in original Pinoy fashion, with authentic handwoven fabrics with colorful designs.  A display on the museum lobby asks “Paano ka maglalakbay?”

L-R: the author, Ms. Maria “Nini” Ravanilla (former Regional Director of DOT Bicol Region), Mr. Lawrence Li Tan (President of Millenial Concept Factory, Inc.) and Ms. Karla Del Castillo (Lakbay Museo Manager). Behind is the jeepney and at right is the stairs leading up to the airplane and its slide.

To enter the museum, we were given the choice of entering via a vinta, hopping on a distinctly Filipino jeepney (with all its vibrant colors, airbrushed designs and all sorts of décor), or climbing a unique airplane display (where you slide down to enter the gallery), a reminder of the many options for traveling around the Philippines —by land, water or air.

The iconic, distinctly Filipino and colorful jeepney

The museum, boasting 1,000 square meters, is filled with interesting portals, displays and interactive stations which you can explore and experience through different senses.

Magellan’s Shrine, Sinulog mannequins and Cebu’s famous lechon at the Central Visayas Exhibit

They are adorned with eye-catching installations and shining in vibrant lights that draw attention across the floor, highlighting the best destinations in the Philippines (Mayon Volcano in Albay, Magellan’s Cross in Cebu, etc.), all worthy of the very 21st-century practice called Instagram.

A miniature Barasoain Church facade at the Central Luzon Exhibit

Stage with Sto. Nino Shrine backdrop at Eastern Visayas Exhibit.  Check out the suman-shaped seating

The well-trained guides, found all over the museum, are always ready to talk to and entertain you as you go around, offering a myriad of interesting facts about the country.

Ilocos Region Exhibit

The museum is divided into 11 areas – Ilocos Region (Region I), Cagayan Valley (Region II), Central Luzon (Region III), National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog (CALABARZON and MIMAROPA), Bicol Region (Region V), Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), Cordillera Administrative Region, and the whole island of Mindanao.

Bicol Region Exhibit

Lakbay Museo also offers 14 unique experiences including balancing a stack of rubber palayoks on top of your head or swimming in a giant rice bowl; plus 10 freebies for tasting experiences such as sampling native delicacies and tasting lambanog and fruit wine (for adults only).

Free lambanog tasting

At the Luzon Exhibit, you’ll find Luzon’s gorgeous traditional houses (Batanes’ Ivatan house, the Ifugao bale made with zero nails, etc.) and festivals.

Strawberries inside an Ifugao bale house

The life-size display of the gorgeous Pahiyas Festival, a colorful celebration in Quezon Province of the region’s bountiful harvest, features kiping (colorful decorations made from dried rice paste) used for decorating the houses alongside various fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The gorgeous Pahiyas Festival

The miniature display of a replica of Mayon Volcano, beside the equally famous miniature of the Cagsawa Ruins, is one of the highlights in the museum.   A small tunnel, under the volcano, is filled with mirrors and lights you can play with, perfect for photo experiments and extraordinary shots (including doing an iconic “lava walk”).

Mayon Voolcano and Cagsawa Ruins

The Visayas region, known for its beaches and seas brimming with life (we’re in the Coral Triangle, the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity), showcases the Philippines’ one-of-a-kind underwater world.

Coral Triangle

Hovering above this coral wonderland are strands of plastic waste

Looking like it came out of Wonderland, a display of plastic waste, right above the underwater station, shows us that if we continue to pollute our waters, this natural wonder may soon be gone.

Colorfully attired guides at Mindanao Exhibit

The amazingly vibrant and colorful Mindanao Exhibit display depicts the island’s dances, traditional instruments and local cuisines.

The author at Mindanao Exhibit

A section of Lakbay Museo is dedicated to a fabric collection of traditional textiles and original tapestries that comes with local stories and whose textures you can touch.

Colorful fabrics you can touch to appreciate

An array of banig (woven mats) and carpets

Created by actual ethnic and indigenous groups from all over the Philippines, it presents an artistic take on the colorful fabric of our country which includes the t’nalak from Lake Sebu and inabel from Northern Luzon.  There are also over 120 synthetic mannequins wearing authentic Filipino fashion.

The Arraquio of Penaranda, Nueva Ecija (Central Luzon Exhibit)

A full-blown production, the museum holds cultural performances, hourly all throughout the day, of traditional dances from Luzon to Mindanao, with dance troupes performing on the big stage (with a Sto. Nino Shrine backdrop) at the Eastern Visayas area.

They entertained us with familiar and unusual moves from many Filipino fiestas and celebrations with a live performance of the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Tinikling, Cariñosa, Sayaw sa Bangko, Ifugao Kaloob dance and Maguindanao’s Sagayan.

The Lakbay Museo staff also surprised us as they randomly burst into dance.  A puppet show also educates children on Philippine heritage.

Learning about Philippine culture is, of course, not complete without learning about the variety of dishes in the country, tasting the sour, sweet, salty, spicy, bitter and its other flavors by taking your taste buds on a journey with different Pinoy food and drinks.

Lakbay Museo, housing a large collection of Philippine staples has, literally on exhibit, over 600 known Filipino dishes in the collection.

Taboan Public Market

A replica of Cebu’s famous Taboan Public Market displays an array of local fruits and dried fishes (palad from Samar, bisugo from Ilocos, labahita from Batangas, etc.). However, since what they have on display are just life-like replicas, you won’t end up smelling like tinapa.

An array of dried fish

For the full experience, you can smell the real deal inside sealed jars on shelves.  They include different kinds of local vinegar with different strength levels (sukang Iloco, sukang paombong,etc.); delicious bagoong or shrimp paste (bagoong alamang, bagoong sisi, etc.); coffee beans and roasts (kapeng barako, kapeng alamid, etc.) and rice grain varieties (from the Ifugao’s Minaangan to the Mountain Province’s Ominio).

Bottles of bagoong, coffee and rice grain varieties on shelves

While most of the displays are replicas, you can also try some snacks using the 12 tokens that come free with the admission fee. Goodies normally cost from 1 -4 tokens each.

A sari-sari store

These, you can use to buy full meals (chicken adobo, arroz caldo, pancit lucban, sinigang, tinola, ginataang mais, etc.) and Pinoy street food (fish balls, quek quek, kakanin, sago gulaman, halo-halo, etc.) from the carinderia and chips, candies (Orange Swits, Stay Fresh, Haw Haw, Tarzan bubble gum, etc.), native treats and more from the sari-sari store. As Filipinos love sawsawan, you can try the local vinegar with their fish crackers.

Maskara Festival of Negros Occidental

Museo Lakbay, built on the foundation of environment conservation, aims to raise environmental awareness.  Most of its displays were made from recycled materials such as 4,560 old and used rubber slippers, 328 old tires, 453 old car mats, plastic bottles, and a variety of other recyclable waste products and scrap materials.

Gaily decorated carabao of Panagbenga Festival (Cordillera Administrative Region Exhibit)

The museum also provides job opportunities to the  marginalized sectors of the society – out-of-school youth, non-professionals, disabled persons (PWDs) and senior citizens.

Moriones Festival of Marinduque costumes

Local artists also lovingly handcrafted the thousands of realistic, life-size and perfectly flatlayed replicas of various market produce, multitude of fish species and a variety of vegetables and fruits on display. The quirky props, seemingly designed to appeal to social media users, include cute chairs around the stage that look like puto with cheese as well as benches that look like suman sa lehiya.

Museum shop

We ended our tour and exited the museum at the museum shop which sells local products and unique souvenir items (traditional toys, well-designed t-shirts, totes, etc.), in partnership with 189 micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the country.

Ati-Atihan costumed mannequins (Western Visayas Exhibit)

Lakbay Museo, a perfect place to rediscover our Filipino identity in a fun learning environment, is unlike most museums (where you can’t touch anything) and lots of fun.

Water from a coconut husk pouring into a palayok

Here, we can climb up and play in the exhibits and there were lots of photogenic spots and areas, standing across many of the prominent tourist spots in the Philippines for photo ops.

It presents a showcase of unique experiences, from walking through replicas of iconic landmarks, tasting samples of regional cuisine, touching handwoven textiles, and taking part in traditional folk dances as you visit various portals and IG-ready stalls and learn about our roots and appreciate the richness and diversity of Philippine culture.

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Exhibit

Lakbay Museo: Level 1, S Maison, Marina Way, Conrad Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, 1300 Pasay City.   Open daily, 10 AM -10 PM (9 PM last tour).  Admission: Php 799 (You get a P100 discount if you book online).  Some sites (like MetroDeal) offer discounted rates. E-mail: mabuhay@lakbaymuseo.ph.  Website: www.lakbaymuseo.ph.  Facebook: Lakbay Museo PH. Instagram: @LakbayMuseoPH.  S Maison is connected, via a covered walkway, to Mall of Asia. Tour starts every 15 minutes.

Adaptive Reuse in Taal (Batangas)

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Villa Tortuga

During a lull in the proceedings of media coverage of Historia, Culinaria, Y Cultura, I took the time to check out two ancestral houses in Taal that have been given relevance through adaptive reuse – Villa Tortuga and Paradores del Castillo.  Adaptive reuse is defined as the repurposing of old buildings or sites for a function other than its original purpose.

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Grand stairway of Villa Tortuga

Villa Tortuga, a 150 year old ancestral home, was meticulously restored by eminent fashion designer Angelito “Lito Perez, Perez, a fashion and interior designer and owner of Camp Suki (Quezon City), the country’s pioneer costume rental company which provided period costumes for special events in schools, companies and individuals, fashion and theater productions.

Antique turntable

The name of the establishment was derived from the Spanish word “Tortuga” which translates to “turtle” in English. The house is located along the banks of  the Pansipit River where turtles dwell.

Antique upright piano

The house, with Philippine mahogany floorboards, ventanillas and wooden capiz windows, is furnished with four-poster beds, Art Nouveau mirrors, antique blue-and-white jars, objects d’art, an old upright piano, hardwood dining table, religious icons, heavy, bright crimson brocade drapery, vintage Italian candelabras and assorted old sepia photos in old wooden frames.

Hardwood dining table

From his heritage home, Lito organizes, by prior arrangement, the Villa Tortuga Colonial Experience which features Taal town day tours, small turn-of-the-century-inspired Taaleño meals, served in turn-of-the-century china, for a thematic 5-course lunch or dinner (Php1,500 per person) at the second floor dining area, and nightly accommodations with a colonial ambiance.

Ground floor studio and curio shop

The ground floor antique curio shop and photo studio also houses a collection of rent-to-wear 18th century period costumes (trajez typicos or traditional clothing”) for fun cosplay pictorials at Php250 per costume.

18th century cosplay

Women can dress up as the quintessential Maria Clara while men can appear as an illustrado in an all-white suit and Panama hat or a monk in a brown-hooded or simmering red robe. Their sepia souvenir photo makes one feel you lived during those times. Entrance fee is Php50 (for house visit only).

Paradores del Castillo

On the other hand, Paradores del Castillo, while still adhering to the footprint and Spanish-American-Colonial style of the Filipino bahay-na-bato, was turned into a bed & breakfast facility.  Originally built in the early 1900’s, this ancestral house underwent a restoration that in started in late 2014 and was completed on March 9, 2015.

Located just a few steps away from the Villavicencio Ancestral House (Casa V) and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps, their rooms, all airconditioned with cable TV and fridge, have either ensuite or shared baths. Cucina de Jardin, their restaurant, serves Italian, Taaleño, and Ilocano dishes.  The bestsellers are the Taal specialties.  They also have a swimming pool. 

Interior

Villa Tortuga: Calle Marcella M. Agoncillo cor. V. Illustre St., Taal.  Mobile numbers:  (0927) 975-1683 (Lito Perez) and (0917) 824-6900.

Paradores del Castillo: 28 Dr. H. Del Castillo St., Poblacion Zone 14, Taal.  Tel: (043) 740-4060.  Mobile number: (0917) 526-1098 and (0917) 500-6041. Open daily, 7 AM – 10 PM.  E-mail: paradoresdelcastillo@yahoo.com.  Website: www.paradoresdetaal.com.

Balesin Island Club: Toscana Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Toscana Village

Toscana Village, which draws inspiration from the world renowned and quaint Tuscany (the Italian region renowned for its lush vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills, old-world traditions, and art masterpieces), features many hallmarks of Tuscan architecture and design—arched doorways, shallow tile roofs, terracotta accents, textured stone walls, tiled finishes, curved pediments, classical cornices and the generous use of natural wood; all used in the overall design.

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L=R: Bryan, Kyle, Cheska and Grace

The 32 suites (all with balconies) and the common areas in Toscana Village are decorated with rich yet simple furnishings in soft, opulent fabrics.

Cheska, Kyle and Bryan

Toscana, the main clubhouse of Toscana Village, is visually reminiscent of an Italian country estate.

Interior of Toscana, the main clubhouse

It features an open-air courtyard that looks up to a third floor terrace which has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The courtyard

Fronting Toscana are three oceanside swimming pools (one saltwater and two fresh), with loungers and parasols, and the sea beyond.

Swimming pool No. 1

Swimming pool No. 2

Swimming pool No. 3

Toscana Village is home to several dining areas where guests can choose to dine for their à la carte meals – Trattoria Toscana, La Nena, Da Ventura, La Meridiana, Al Foghér, Anghiari, Sezzano, Antico Posto, Molinello, and La Terrazza.

Trattoria Toscana

Their specialty dishes include antipasto Toscana (assortment of Tuscan salami and prosciutto) and spaghetti alla vongole (with fresh baby clams and whole garlic).

Da Ventura

At Un Rincón de Chile: Colchagua, the Chilean wine bar, in Toscana, you can enjoy the finest Chilean wines and sample a selection of typical Chilean tapas.

Al Fogher

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

 

Balesin Island Club: Bali Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Bali Village

Bali Village, located along the same beach as Balesin Village (but at its northernmost end), has unique villas, set away from the beach, that draw their inspiration from the salakot (the traditional Asian farmer’s hat). This is the only village with two swimming pools, one on each side of the clubhouse.

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White sand beach of Bali Village

The villas, traditionally Balinese in form, have peaked roofs and long, graceful eaves. Though the villa’s layout is the same as Balesin and Phuket Villages, it has a wraparound porch that provides a relaxing ambiance. The bathroom also has a huge, additional outdoor shower that occupied almost a quarter of the back area.

 

Warung

The author at the main entrance of Warung

Bali Village’s two water villas, the hottest place to stay in Balesin Island Club, are always the first to be booked.

Swimming pool

They provide members and guests a more romantic and secluded experience as well as the most captivating panoramic views on the island. Each villa can comfortably sleep 4-5 and costs PhP10,000.

One of two water villas

The Warung, Bali Village’s signature clubhouse/restaurant, has an authentic Indonesian ambiance, thanks to the Indonesian decorative objects and intricate friezes adorning its walls. Its carved main door came from a real Balinese house.

Interior of Warung

Its specialty dishes include traditional Indonesian and Malaysian fare such as laksa, nasi goreng, beef rendang,  sambal udang, nasi lemak and satay ayam (chicken skewers marinated in lemongrass and is served with sambal and peanut sauce and Indonesian yellow rice).

Porch of Warung

Bali Warung also has two, comfortable, 8-pax private dining rooms (Ubud and Sanur) for intimate gatherings.

Nusa Dua

The bar at Nusa Dua

At the open air, scenic Nusa Dua Bar, a pavilion set above the water, members and guests can enjoy the signature Warung cocktail (made with Galliano, rum and fresh pineapple and orange juice) or ice cold beer, while nibbling on appetizers such as the kropok dan sambal with dilis and assorted satay sticks of pork, beef, and chicken; all while enjoying the sunset.

Couches where you can view the sunset

Its comfortable couches are perfect for lazing around and reading a book while enjoying the 360-degree view and sound of Balesin’s sparkling waters on all three sides and twinkling island lights.

The author (left) with Jandy , Grace and Kyle at Warung

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club: St. Tropez (Polillo, Quezon)

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St. Tropez

St. Tropez, offering members and guests a French Riviera experience, has a long, date palm-lined driveway leading up to the village. Their rooms, with large, high ceilings and 4 color themes, all have their own balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The Presidential Suite has an outdoor whirlpool tub.

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Sun loungers and parasols large dot the terrace beside the tiled swimming pool as well as the white sand beach.

The terrace looking out to sea

‘Les Restaurants de St. Tropez’ has several small dining areas for lunch or dinner – Le Girelier, La Voile Rouge, L’Escale and Place des Lices.  For added privacy, there is the striking, 12-pax Le Neptune, an enclosed dining room that looks out to sea.

Le Girelier

Specialties of the house include pissaladière (a French type of pizza with olives, onions and anchovies on a flaky crust), escargots de Bourgogne, a traditional French onion soup, a light and healthy salade nicoise, croquet madame or monsieur; boeuf Bourguignon; lobster bisque and entrecôte au poivre. For dessert, there’s signature la tarte Tropezienne, a soft brioche cake with custard cream.

Place des Lices

The Crêperie, at the second floor, is a popular breakfast spot for all Balesin visitors with views of the swimming pool and the beach and sea.  They offer sweet and savory crêpes with café au lait (or any way) and fillings of bacon, eggs, gruyere or the ubiquitous banana and Nutella combination plus coffee, tea, cool juices and shakes.

Jandy with Le Neptune in the background

The Nirvana Lounge, the little hideaway on the main floor, is an intimate backdrop for cocktails or a post-dinner tête-à-tête.  It has hexagonal ceiling mirrors and exotic yet cozy furnishings  and draws inspiration from the sophisticated French bar scene.

Nirvana

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.