Innholdsfortegnelse for Traveller 11 i Tatler Traveller Philippines

We arrived in Tokyo just as it was transitioning to spring. En route to Haneda aboard our PAL flight, images of cherry blossoms filled my mind— memories of that magnificent sight when Tokyo's trees bloom in one glorious explosion of pink. There is nothing quite like sakura season. It is no wonder that in Japan, an entire culture surrounds the age-old tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) that welcomes spring and celebrates the ephemeral beauty of nature. On this trip , I knew it was still too early in the year to catch that exquisite moment, but I was resolutely determined to find even just one spot of cherry trees in full bloom for our cover shoot. What a delight it was to settle into the Peninsula Tokyo. With the…

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, BILBAO The Spanish institution and architectural masterpiece is celebrating its 20th birthday this year with a series of talks, shows, workshops and conferences that forgo academic approaches in favour of truly contemporary experiences. An example? Joining Cultures Together, a pop-up dining collaboration between internationally renowned chefs and the museum’s restaurant. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY The MCA kicked off the year with the first edition of a six-year initiative titled The National: New Australian Art. Scheduled to run this year, in 2019 and in 2021, the shows present a mix of emerging, mid-career and established Australian artists based both in the country and overseas. MOMA, NEW YORK From a major exhibition of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural opus on the 150th anniversary of his birth to a retrospective…

Wellness Wednesdays Healthy living is the key to beautiful skin, according to Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad®, the pioneering ethical skincare brand. This summer, a minimum purchase at Murad gets you a complimentary water bottle with Murad's fruit-infused water recipes: orange and lemons for digestion and immunity; cucumber and grapes to flush out toxins; pineapple and mint to prevent inflammation; and strawberry and lime for anti-aging. www.murad.com EASTERN REMEDIES Edsa Shangri-La recently added healing Ayurveda to its permanent offerings at Chi, The Spa. Regarded as the oldest holistic healing system in the world, Ayurveda is about finding equilibrium through the practice of purifying and nurturing the human body, mind and soul. Experience a journey of healing through the Ayurvedic treatments of Abhyanga and Shirodhara at Chi, the Spa: a…

As the knife rounds the first carve, juices and aromas burst forth waking the taste buds and making the 15-minute wait all worth it. We sampled their Australian wagyu premium rib-eye, medium, with a starter of baguettes and sides of edamame soup followed by mashed potatoes and forest mushrooms whose simplicity accentuated the wagyu’s relish. From this presentation, we took four principles that enhance dining on steaks. 1. Simplicity goes places as an unpretentious seasoning enables the meat’s natural flavours to take centre stage. The same principle holds for side dishes: rather than compete with the steak’s taste, these should balance the umami of the meat and its juices. 2. As a good steak requires minimal seasoning and marinade, its flavours come from the meat’s origin. Don’t hesitate to inquire…

Named after a colour that evokes prosperity, passion, and vigour, the Crimson Hotels are known for elegant hospitality entwined with elements of local culture and custom. Since it first opened its doors in Cebu in 2012, it has brought its unique aesthetic and emphasis on excellence to some of the country’s most iconic locations. Crimson Resort and Spa, Mactan, Cebu The first hotel opened by the group in Lapu-Lapu City, the Crimson Mactan has been lauded in the past year by both guests and travel writers as one of Cebu’s most prestigious leisure destinations, garnering awards such as TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice, World Luxury Spa Award’s Country Winner for Best Resort Spa, Haute Grandeur’s Country Winner for Best Family Resort and Best Beach Resort, World Luxury Restaurant Award’s Country Winner for…

Travel is all about immersion. Extended trips to exotic locales or exploring new angles of familiar places are best done taking one’s time. This may require technologies to ensure one’s home kitchen stays fresh while away. Korean innovator LG Electronics thus introduces its latest state-of-the-art refrigerator to frequent jetsetters who are also homeowners. Powered by new engines and smart features, the appliance pioneers a next-level design that extends the experience of freshness. Maintaining the level of craftsmanship that has marked Korean technology, the InstaView features systems maintaining the freshness of ingredients. Beyond cool Going beyond the basic ice dispensers of conventional refrigerators, LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door™ (DID) adds a stylish touch to a kitchen with its 33-inch sleek black glass panel and intuitive “knock-on feature” that lights up when knocked on…

The Mövenpick Resort and Spa offers a refreshing experience that marries the pristine nature of Boracay with amenities that embody modern luxury. Situated in the pristine Punta Bunga Cove on the northern coast of the island and 30 minutes away from the Caticlan airport, the hotel is secluded enough to provide restful privacy without seeming too distant from civilisation. Each of the 312 well-appointed rooms is designed with elegance and sublime comfort in mind as it gives guests options to suit even the most discerning tastes. Those opting for the Junior Suites can bask in the sun on the private outdoor balcony while enjoying magnificent views of the sea. Those travelling in groups can relax in style in the 143-sqm two-bedroom suites of the exclusive Sol Marina Beach Club. Even…

In essence, life is a journey. However, given the busy, high-powered schedules of society’s prime movers, it is not exactly smooth sailing all the way. One seems forever challenged to balance a hectic career with family, travel, and an equally intense social calendar. This is where the luxury lifestyle experts at Quintessentially come in, giving the gift of time and providing lifestyle solutions for even the most hectic of individuals and discerning corporate clients. Since 2000, Quintessentially has been providing the highest quality concierge and lifestyle services, helping to make things easier thanks to an extensive global network of specialists, who ensure that clients are able to live and enjoy the best possible lifestyle, one that is properly balanced and prepared for even the most unexpected experiences. Now with the…

For those suffering from the sweltering heat and pollution in major cities, the possibility of climbing up to where pine trees grow and mountain breezes blow seems to be a distant dream. But the reality is a lot closer than most people think: just a two hour drive south of Manila and nestled 2,000 feet above sea level, Tagaytay Highlands provides the fresh breezes and cooler climes that many crave for along with a variety of diversions that have made it a choice destination for over two decades. This sprawling 1,200-hectare resort spans the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas and is considered a premiere luxury lifestyle destination for seasonal visitors and club members and a rather plush residential development for dedicated homeowners. With the hill station built on the…

While it is true that clothes make the man, it is in the small details that one gets a sense of his taste and refinement. Timepieces, in particular, are a key element for any man’s wardrobe: not only for telling time, but also for properly finishing off even the most casual outfits. Even when travelling, well-made watches add style and finesse regardless of whether one is a rugged sportsman or an elegant man of the world. Exquisite materials are paired with intricate craftsmanship to create watches that are both sophisticated and durable enough to stand the rigours of the great outdoors. Likewise, some timepieces have features that are appropriate for frequent flyers traversing from one timezone to another or for those who need alerts for appointments—key functions for dealing with…

Culture, great food, and enduring hope—these words encompass the charming and bustling concrete jungle that is Seoul. This city at the heart of South Korea is truly remarkable, a vibrant melting pot of tradition and constant change. Our adventure began last December when my family decided to travel to Korea. While packing, I checked the weather app on my phone and it said the temperature in Seoul could drop to a low 8°C. Coming from the tropics, I was terrified. Immediately, I went shopping with my mother and scavenged my Tita’s closets for the perfect winter gear. My Uniqlo thermals proved to be my wisest investment. I was nervous to face the cold, at the same time I was excited to see one of Asia’s most fashion-forward cities. We arrived…

My legs were quivering in exhaustion. My knees were buckling, and my ankles swollen. I was trembling because of the frigid cold. My chest was pounding. I could barely breathe. My thirst was unquenchable, and I was swaddled in filth and mud. I muttered every curse imaginable, scratching my head in astonishment at why I ever volunteered to bring this torture upon myself. “One foot in front of the other,” I kept reminding myself. Countless times, I wavered. But whether from a slight tap of encouragement from the person next to me or because of pride, I continued to drudge, endure and toil. Then, after over four hours of misery… Finally, the peak. I collapsed in relief, gazing upon the bleak sky. A blanket of darkness covered the atmosphere until…

The big male Komodo dragon has turned its back on the half-stripped deer carcass that hangs invitingly from a tree. Now he has eyes only for me. My fellow travellers show signs of amusement but, as he swaggers my way and guides shepherding small tourist groups edge back, nervously deploying their crooks, I’ve an inkling the threat might be all too real. Growing up to three metres in length, Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizards and have been known to knock down pigs and deer with a swish of the tail, but it’s the other end that worries me: jaws said variously to contain venomous glands and a noxious concoction of bacteria that will bring down a water buffalo. The name Komodo conjures images of a lost jungle-cloaked island…

PTC Holdings recently announced its partnership with Quintessentially to formally bring the award-winning concierge and luxury lifestyle management company's services to the Philippines. Catering to a very discerning clientele, the prestigious global private members club offers a unique concierge service, exclusive privileges and coveted inside access worldwide. Operating in 65 key cities across the globe, from London and New York to Dubai and Hong Kong, Quintessentially boasts a dedicated team of lifestyle managers and specialists and operates round the clock—24/7—to meet its members' requests, ranging from simple daily needs to life's defining moments. www.quintessentially.com French Connection French fashion and design took the limelight during PhilFrance Fashion Week, a project of the Embassy of France to the Philippines, in partnership with the De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde. The programme…

Taste of Indonesia Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila's Spiral kicked off its latest culinary series, Flavours of the World, with a sizzling gastronomical venture headed by the guest chef Pradipta Bayu Primaputra of Hotel Pullman Jakarta. The epicurean series celebrated the wonderful flavours of Indonesia and featured some of the country's iconic delicacies. www.sofitelmanila.com Great British Encounter Crimson Hotel Filinvest City's in-house British Executive Chef Martin Bower took taste buds to Great Britain and paid homage to his roots as he prepared an authentic array of British fare at the hotel's Cafe 8. More than 50 selections including heirloom recipes like his grandmother’s Sherry Trifle and Victoria Sponge Cake were served. www.chromahospitality.com THE PICNIC Makati Shangri-La, Manila ushered in the summer with a festive family Sunday brunch that brought together select…

A properly grilled steak and fresh seafood are just the thing to prime the palate for fiery but nuanced spirits. Keeping this in mind, diners can make their way down from Sage Bespoke Grill to sample five of the world’s finest whiskies at Sage Bar downstairs. 1. Glendronach Audacious and most commonly aged in oaken sherry casks, Glendronach is an old-style Scotch echoing its Victorian origins. Despite mechanization, it still utilises traditional, timehonoured distillation practices to craft the particularly fine single malts that have been its stock in trade since 1968. While many of Glendronach’s Scotches are fully matured in sherry casks, some of its best whiskies sit in Bourbon casks to pick up a sweet hint of vanilla sweetness prior to maturation. 2. Ardbeg While it has faced competition…

In art and jewellery, “filigree” refers to delicate and intricate designs reminiscent of finely embroidered lace. Rendered most frequently in fine gold or silver, filigree demands the highest level of craftsmanship possible. In Philippine real estate, Filigree also stands for luxurious real estate developments that embody this emphasis on quality and elegance, not only in name but through the creation of masterfully crafted, upscale living spaces with designs that balance classic elegance and modern creativity. An unparalleled vision A cut above the rest, Filigree delivers the best residential projects to discerning individuals who wish to savour the good life; growing families that desire freedom of space and access to plush amenities; and investors seeking superior investments with impressive returns. Its vision is one grounded in exclusivity and excellence. “Filigree is…

Since making the first trans-Pacific flight in 1944, Philippine Airlines has long upheld the standards for in-flight comfort, convenience, and global connectivity. Since then, the nation’s flag carrier has constantly introduced a number of innovations which have changed the way Filipinos travel across the globe, among which is its flagship Mabuhay Miles frequent flyer program. This year, jetsetters can continue to enjoy the best of the Mabuhay Miles program, now redesigned for travellers of taste and distinction: the Million Miler and Premier Elite membership tiers. A New Look for a New Age A new Mabuhay Miles logo and more streamlined card design highlights the cardholder’s expanding access to numerous ways to makes the most of their miles from flying with partner airlines to shopping perks. Frequent flyers can also expect…

The fabled Manila Bay sunset gilds the dance floor as the strobe lights start to pulse and the DJ begins spinning the beats faster and harder. It is a club where, just a few months ago, the most beautiful women in the world danced to honour Ms. France as the 2016 Miss Universe. As one of Okada Manila’s central attractions, Cove Manila whisks the senses away on a magic carpet ride to sonic and aural heights. The 9,000-sqm, 30m tall column-free dome is an ultra-luxe party space that operates both day and night, fusing the indulgence of music, ambiance, style and dining for 5,500 dedicated partygoers. Utilizing state-of-the-art materials, architecture, and technology, Cove Manila promises a veritable feast. As the world’s first entertainment complex that seamlessly merges audio, video, and…

We currently live in a world where beauty strives against both the ravages of a harsh environment and the relentless march of time. But we have also grown wary of the extensive menu of skin and body care options presented to us: we balk at the idea of using harsh, synthetic products with labels displaying a rather frightening grocery list of chemicals with unpronounceable names or products of unknown provenance that promise effects that seem too good to be true. Rustan’s The Beauty Source takes much of the guesswork out of choosing the right products to suit your needs. The Beauty Source prides itself on carrying some of the world’s finest brands with regard to cosmetics, skincare, and body care, many of which insist on using natural ingredients to help…

Glancing at a map, one can mark any city and likely, Turkish Airlines has already done it, staying connected and flying constantly to and from such places. With one of the world’s largest fleets, flights to the most destinations from a single airport, and offices in six continents, Turkish Airlines lives through to its commitment to opening up the world to its passengers. Turkish Airlines flies to 299 destinations, 250 being international. The connections stay old, sweetened and matured by the decades, but the fleet stays young with an average aeroplane age of 6.9 years, abreast of the latest technological developments in aeronautics, acquiring the latest Airbuses and Boeings. Of its fleet of more than 300 aircraft. The airline earns the above superlatives. Going beyond its huge scale, awards garnered…

So what is all the fuss about? It has more snow falling early in the season than European and American counterparts. It’s coupled with what scientists call the ocean effect—resulting in an average of six inches per day of splendidly dry powder. All that with the mystical Mount Yotei, a dormant 1,829-metre volcano, as a breath-taking permanent backdrop to virtually all Niseko skiing adventures. To the non-skier, six inches a day is a lot of the good stuff that gives you a soft fall while learning. To the skiers reading this, you are smiling already and you should be! A one week stay in January will provide a metre of fresh new powder. It is true that Niseko is not big mountain skiing at 1,219 metres with 61 runs and…

Craft beer is having a moment, though that may be a bit of an understatement. In 2016, craft brewers represented 12.3 per cent market share of the total U.S. beer market—doubling its figure from 2012. In Europe, over 900 breweries have opened since 2013, almost all of them microbreweries producing speciality beers. And in Japan, the number of domestic craft breweries has grown to more than 220 in 2015; though overall beer consumption in the country has declined by over 10 per cent since 1994, the consumption of craft beer has continuously risen. Meanwhile in the Philippines, the craft beer industry has just begun finding its bearings, with a handful of breweries popping up all over the country, from Manila to Baguio to Iligan City. The newest addition to the…

The honey wine arrives not in a glass but a large conical flask, the type I remember from school chemistry experiments. This is my first—and last—encounter with tej, a sickly sweet and incredibly strong mead that flows freely across Ethiopia. My drinking den is Torpedo, an unexpected find in the dusty backstreets of Lalibela, one of the holiest towns in this African nation. It’s getting late and, despite a looming 6 AM start to explore the region’s famous underground churches, I’m watching a man in a military-style suit and flat cap playing what looks like a one-stringed lute. There are howls of laughter as he moves from table to table poking fun at the drinkers with improvised songs. He’s singing in Amharic, the country’s official language, so when he arrives…

"Eighty-eight years is a long life.” And so, it is. But it is not whether you live a long time or a short time, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama to me. “What is important is to have a meaningful life.” Those words of wisdom still resonate—a year since my journey to Dharamsala to meet with the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Call it karma—the actions that in one life lead to consequences in another—or call it luck. My journey from a California conference to a private audience with the Dalai Lama in India had originated months earlier in Thailand with a simple question: “Do you think I could ever meet the Dalai Lama?” Naively, I had…

The Deep Blue For over a decade, La Mer has been committed to supporting the protection of ocean habitats through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives and local beautification projects. Recently, the prestige skincare brand introduced its newest pledge, La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund. Together with the ocean conservation organisation Project O, La Mer will host an art trail that will include 50 works by artists, tastemakers and conservationists to be unveiled in New York City leading up to World Oceans Day on June 8. All of the auction's proceeds will go to the La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and Project O to help restore and protect Marine Protected Areas around the globe. Aside from its environmental projects, La Mer also creates an expression of its love for the beauty…

Fine Living Filigree’s high-end real estate projects— whether high-rise condominiums or exclusive low-density communities—depict elegance, unmatched attention to detail, quality materials and craftsmanship. Filigree's exceptional projects are made to fit the individuals who wish to savour the good life, growing families that desire freedom of space and access to a plethora of amenities, or investors looking for properties with striking returns. Now, Filigree has four residences: The Beaufort (a two-tower condominium in Taguig), Bristol at Parkway Place, The Enclave Alabang and Botanika Nature Residences, which will soon open its doors in the South. www.filigree.com.ph INTO THE WOODS Paving the way for leisure mountain living in the country, Tagaytay Highlands recently introduced its latest innovative concepts, the Aspenhills and Nob Hill. These future residential communities allow residents to build their dream…

TRAVELLER'S PACK Globe Telecom and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have joined forces by offering convenient services that have never been seen before in the telecommunications and airline industries. By giving away free Globe Traveler SIM cards to all PAL passengers arriving in Manila from overseas, travellers can now easily connect with families and friends as soon as they land. "Our common advocacy is delighting the international visitors and returning Filipinos by giving them a wonderful experience every time they arrive in the Philippines," says Nikko Acosta, IBG Senior Vice President of Globe. Formally launching this partnership was the recent Philippine Airlines 76th Anniversary Expo with Globe held at the Bonifacio High Street Ampitheatre. The expo marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between Globe and PAL, the first of many collaborations…

Resting on the southernmost tip of the biodiverse UNESCO site Panglao Island, the Bellevue Resort Bohol is a leader in luxe getaways that maintains an unobtrusive presence and aesthetic, building around nature rather than over it. Noted for its environmentally-friendly systems, programmes, and overall design, the hotel has recently been acclaimed by the ASEAN as a certified Green Hotel. After a restorative morning at the spa, gear up for diving, watersports, or trips around the island. For an active stay-in day at the hotel, a game of Ultimate Frisbee or beach soccer is perfect. The resort has also incorporated its environmental thrust in its activity line-up. Together with hotel staff, guests may help at the regular coastal clean-up drives and tree planting programs. With earthy and sylvan veneers and soft…

The pearl tells the story of cultures across the ages. There are tribes whose livelihoods have historically been shaped by pearls, like the Ama who have kept Japan’s centuries-old tradition of free diving for shells, and the Badjao, the sea gypsies who have sailed the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas in search of these gleaming gems. In its myriad incarnations, the white, the black, and the golden variety, the pearl tells the history of traditions that have endured through time’s relentless forward march— from the first tribes who have coaxed these lustrous gems into vivid life, to the iconic designs of pearl jewellery outlasting fashion’s passing trends. In the pristine waters of northern Palawan, large Pinctada maxima oysters sleep beneath the waves, awaiting the harvest that will transform the pearls within into stunning…

Since its opening in 2014, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has come a long way. In just three years, it has been recognised by two international award-giving bodies, a testament to its top-notch service and facilities. Five Stars Marco Polo Ortigas Manila received the most coveted five-star rating at 2017 Global Star Ratings, making it the first time for a Manila hotel to attain such praise from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide for the first time in six decades. Forbes Travel Guide has been the Olympics of the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and spas since 1958. Getting recognised by it says a lot about the kind of service that a property provides. A five-star rating means “outstanding, iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.” Hotels from around the…

More than just practical protection against the harsh rays, sunglasses are also a mode of self-expression for those who wear them from the laidback tourist, to the avid backpacker, to the perky beach belle. Regardless of season, there are sunglasses to suit any taste. Over the past three years, Sunglass Haven has curated the world’s finest sunglass labels to suit the needs of their clients in the Philippines. The only store in the country dedicated entirely to sunglasses, Sunglass Haven offers a prestigious roster of brands including Valentino, Emporio Armani, and Ralph Lauren, to name a few. On top of this, the store is the only one in the country to carry both the cool and iconic Ray-Ban and the high-performance, technology-driven Oakley brand. With each store distinct from branches…

Since time immemorial, medical experts have been touting the restorative properties of salt-tinged ocean breezes and how travel can help rejuvenate even the most worldweary among us. Keeping this in mind, a cruise on the high seas promises to be an experience to revive flagging spirits and exhausted bodies thanks to a mix of on-board amenities and thrilling sights at each port of call. For those seeking a restful getaway or just wanting to cure a case of wanderlust, the Regent Seven Seas fleet is set to sail to the most fascinating destinations. Each ship offers numerous offerings to suit every traveller’s needs from active sports to more laid-back and restful diversions. Experience spacious and luxurious suites furnished with original fabrics and fittings; every one a home away from home.…

There’s no better place to make a splash than in one of the world’s most fashion forward cities, Los Angeles. Hermès came to the City of Angels with a splash of colour for a special evening event, DwntwnMen. A makeshift warehouse on Spring Street was the venue for a runway show and open-air party. In the limelight were the men’s collections for Spring/Summer 2017 and artistic collaborations inspired by this sprawling Southern California city. No less than Hermès’ men’s universe artistic director, Véronique Nichanian, conceptualised the fashion celebration with the renowned graphic artist Anthony Burrill to create an exceptional sensorial and digital experience. The brand’s bright, colourful spirit was not only evident in the outdoor runway show that showcased style with playful overlapping, changing, effects, micro-patterns and tie-dye, but also…

When you open the doors to the Maison Sisley, you enter a haven where taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance. Here, products of excellence meet with unique expertise and luxury. In the heart of Paris, beauty, exigency and artistic richness invite you to discover the spirit of Sisley. Located at 5 avenue de Friedland, in the centre of Paris’ 8th district and just minutes away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, this 360-squaremetre space occupies a listed building in which modern, elegant and refined architecture aligns perfectly with Sisley’s image. The Maison Sisley was designed to reflect the spirit of the brand and the artistic and cultural inspiration of the d’Ornano family, who contributed personal objects to complement the works by designers inspired by the…

1 A TOAST TO SOUTH AMERICA JACADA TRAVEL What’s not to love about Jacada Travel’s bespoke private trips, which celebrate the food and wine of South America? The route takes you to Argentina’s Mendoza—the most popular wine region on the continent, with vineyards backed by the snow-capped Andes— the rolling fields of Chile and art-focused hotels such as Viña Vik, just outside Santiago. Special experiences include a private wine-blending class with Alejandro Vigil (one of Argentina’s leading vintners), VIP access to winemakers’ homes and vineyards, and hobnobbing with local wine celebrities. jacadatravel.com 2 TAKING IN TASMANIA SOUTHERN CROSSINGS At the forefront of Australia’s luxury tourism industry, Tasmania has a wealth of products that showcase the bounties of nature from fabulous fish, cheese and berries to outstanding wine, cider and whisky.…

Every year, my family and I enjoy the Christmas holiday seeing the world. Last December called for a particularly special trip as I was seven months pregnant, and it was the last time we would travel as a family of three—me, my husband Chris and our three-year-old daughter Andrea. We decided to travel to Sri Lanka, a place I’d always wanted to visit. I’d been wanting to go to India for the longest time, and I’d heard Sri Lanka would be a good introduction to India—an India Lite, so to speak. It was Christmas Day when we left. After having Christmas lunch with Chris’s family, we flew to Sri Lanka via Singapore, arriving in Colombo late in the evening. My family really enjoys nature and safari; Andrea has been on…

“Walking around here feels like a step back in time... Everything is quaint and charming” To travel through Tokyo for the first time is to learn the language of opposites: old and new, east and west, otherworldliness and banality. Every account of it is honest. Tokyo is as truthfully depicted in haiku and ukiyo-e as it is in the fiction of modern writers such as Haruki Murakami, whose novels collectively refer to a city that walks the fine line between dreams and reality. Understanding Tokyo is less about translation and more about sensation. It will take anybody, even a Tokyoite, a lifetime to experience all that it has to offer. But, at the very least, first-time travellers can count on the city’s trains to run like clockwork, as if attempting…

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park sprawls 97,030 hectares of waters and reefs comprising Southeast Asia’s only purely marine UNESCO World Heritage Site, It is also an ASEAN Heritage Site and a Flyway Network Site as declared by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, citing its importance as a seabird breeding colony. Established in 1988 by then Philippine President Corazon Aquino, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has a rich biodiversity that makes it one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. It is home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals (half of all the coral species in the world), 21 species of sharks, skates, and rays, 13 species of dolphins and whales, and two of seven species of marine turtle—the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green (Chelonia mydas). It is…