Osaka, Japan: Osaka Strut

At first look, the clean sterile sights and sounds of Osaka’s cityscape of silver high-rises, quiet low-lying museums and well-groomed parks, with hardly a disturbance on their well-paved highways, paint a picture of a quiet suburban life (Osaka is considered “suburban” compared to its sister cities, Tokyo and Kyoto).

But maybe I had spoken too soon, because upon the dim of twilight, Osaka reverberates with a palpable electric buzz. As businessmen shed their conservative two button American suits, the city comes alive with the neon blink of downtown Dotonbori, chivalrous bow-tied taxi drivers, the stylish elite of anime-looking characters on their way to the nearest pachinko parlor or karaoke joint, and the scent of soothing ramen and takoyaki batter wafting through the streets. With all your senses on overdrive, you realize that there is much more than meets the eye here at Japan’s water metropolis, Osaka.

After three highly fascinating days, I think I can help future visitors with some must do’s and must try’s, must eats and must sees in this city of bridges and subways.

Osaka Castle: Majestic Oasis

On our first day of adventure, we were greeted by our gracious hosts Shinichiro Takeuchi of Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; Tomoyuki Nagao, Manager of Philippine Airlines (PAL) Osaka District; and Lorelei D. Cruz, Administrative Officer from the Department of Tourism at world-renowned Ana Crowne Plaza. Together with our intimate group of five including Mayette Casanova, Corporate Sales Manager of PAL, we were whisked away to Osaka Castle.

First built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (a daimyo during the Sengoku period who unified the political factions of Japan), the lavish Osaka Castle is reputed to be unparalleled in the country. Osaka Castle, which sits at the center of a sprawling 106.7-hectares of ground, is a resplendent and shining example of history, with its elegant architecture and gold-tipped emerald roof, which one immediately sees from the bottom of the hill. While the exterior of Osaka Castle glorifies its ancestry, the interiors are all modernity, renovated and transformed into a fully air-conditioned museum. The eight floors chronicle the life and legacy of Hideyoshi, as well as the battles during the Sengoku (the warring states) period.

From one grandiose historical landmark to another, we proceeded to The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, an inconspicuous museum located at the heart of Nakanoshima Park. The museum showcases 2,700 artifacts including two national treasures and 13 important cultural properties. Ironically, the museum has just two Japanese pieces. A plate is not just a plate and a vase is not just a vase, we learned.

Tenjin Matsuri Festival: Time to Party!

Having a history of more than 1,000 years, the Tenjin Matsuri, which is one of the three greatest festivals of Japan and also the world’s greatest boat festival, is a summer festival dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, deified as the god of learning and art. The festival is divided into two parts; the land parade where some 3,000 people dressed in the imperial-court style of the 8th-12th centuries participate, and the boat procession, where the same 3,000 people board some 100 boats from the Tenmabashi Bridge and sail upstream.

And lucky for us the starting point of the parade was right outside the museum. Leading the land procession are the hypnotic beats of the moyoshidaiko, drums played by scarlet-cap wearing Ganji or “praying people.” Following the scarlet-caps are a procession of long-nosed goblins, dragons, virgins and dames as well the spirit of Sugawara enshrined in a beautiful mikoshi, a portable Shinto shrine.

Proceeding to the Okawa River where the boat procession is to take place, we were amazed at the sheer thousands of cheering spectators. The lights of the boat procession and umbrella of astounding fireworks served as a romantic backdrop. Thankfully, we had reserved ticket seats and were able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the procession while joyfully munching on our packed lunches, lovingly prepared by Takeuchi.

On an important side note, Osaka is known as the “nation’s kitchen” or the city that never stops eating. As testament to their gastronomic superiority, their battle cry in this side of Japan is actually “kuidaore” which translates to “Eat yourself into ruin.” Before leaving Osaka, you must, as in must try their legendary street foods: takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes filled with pork, squid, shrimp, shredded cabbage or whatever ingredient you wish). For the best okonomiyaki in town, you must try President Chibo Dotonbori. If you wish to partake of a traditional Osakan meal, go to Hana-Goyomi Restaurant at Swissotel where their superb display leaves one drooling. Also try the restaurant Etsu, which offers incredibly delicious low-calorie buffets. “Low-calorie” and “buffet” are two words I never expected to lump together but apparently in Japan they are a winning combination!

Floating Garden Observatory & Lumi Deck

On our second day of adventure, though still groggy from last night’s festivities, we were only too excited, delirious with glee actually, to visit the Floating Garden Observatory.

At a towering height of 173 meters above ground, the Floating Garden Observatory illustrates mankind’s obsession and curiosity with reaching the heavens. We took a vertigo-inducing elevator ride up to the 40th floor and another escalator ride to the donut-shaped skywalk. The Observatory to Osaka is what the Empire State building is to New York. This skyscraper of modernity offers a truly exceptional 360-degree panoramic view of the high-rise buildings, waters and bridges of Osaka. This could definitely be one of the most romantic places in the world, I thought. Osakans too had this in mind when they created a special niche for lovers called the “Lumi Deck.” This ledge, surrounded by a gate of heart shaped locks called the Fence of Vows, is where couples can profess their “eternal love.”

After grabbing another eight-course meal at the observatory’s restaurant Sangu (Oh how the Osakans love their dining rituals!), we swooshed back down the 40 floors. But though our feet were firmly planted on the ground, our heads were still somewhere lost in the clouds… especially fantasizing about our next destination, the Osaka Aquarium.

Kaiyukan: Under the Sea

The Osaka Aquarium is what little girls who watched little mermaid like me could only wish for. Kaiyukan, which means “playing in the sea pavilion” is located at the waterfront of Osaka Bay, next to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which was considered the largest in the world at 112 meters high until it was eclipsed by the London Eye in 1999.

Kaiyukan boasts of eight grand floors that cover approximately 286,000 square feet; holds 11,000 tons of water; and accommodates 27 tanks, 16 main exhibits, and 580 different kinds of marine life from the Pan Pacific Volcanic Zone. From sea otters to giant spider crabs, nothing compares to the pure awesomeness of standing before Kaiyukan’s prized whale sharks in the Pacific Ring Tank. It is the largest tank at 30 ft deep and houses all creatures that could be found on the ocean waterbed: hammerhead sharks, starfish, gigantic manta rays, spider crabs and adult whale sharks which measure an astonishing five meters in length. The experience became surreal especially when the whale sharks passed by my window. If wasn’t for the 12 inches of acrylic glass separating us, I would have thought I could very well touch them.

To Other Adventures

From big adventures to small adventures – raiding Daiso (Osaka’s 100 yen shops), Don Quijote, and Shinsaibaishi shopping center, what can be concluded is that there are too many things so fascinating about Osaka. The two day, three night weekend Swingaround Osaka package is simply not enough.

“But it’s a start!” adds Mayette and we all agree. Aside from being the only airlines to offer a Swingaround package in Osaka, the strength of Philippine Airlines’ weekend getaway package is that it is a convenient DIY type of trip, allowing you to map out your activities and freely explore the niches of Japan’s city of water at your own time and pace. The Ana Crowne Plaza, PAL’s only hotel partner for the package, ensures a truly memorable stay with their world class service and modern amenities. “Another airline offers daily trips to Osaka, (but) PAL is the only airline that offers business class section,” adds PAL’s VP for marketing support Felix Cruz.

“This is the life!” exclaims Mayette, right before she belts out her winning note. It is our last day and we’ve chosen to close our incredible trip with a bang as we gather in one of Osaka’s karaoke joints called the Big Echo. (The Filipino’s love for karaoke breaks boundaries yet again.)'

And as we chant whatever decipherable syllable we could catch from Takeuchi’s choice of Ulfuls’ song called Osaka Strut, a few catchy lyrics strike a chord in us: “Anywhere else seems like a foreign country, OSAKA STRUT! Keep on strut, here there’s all sorts of stuff to do.” With mocktails and Asahi beer in our hands, we toast to a city that was able to stretch a day beyond 24 hours and still left us wanting more. A toast to you Osaka, till we meet again!

Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, Bohol: The Bird of Paradise

The peacock is the iconic animal that best represents pride and vanity, but in Bohol at the Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, the peacock represents extravagance at its most hospitable, elegance at its finest and beauty in its most natural state.

One would not expect that up the dirt road, 1.5 kilometers away from the capital city of Tagbilaran, lies a gem, a respite of beauty and serenity befitting the quiet calm of the island of Bohol. Located in Upper Laya, Baclayon, the mountainside resort holds an expansive view of the Pamilacan Island and the Mindanao Sea.

In 2008, the Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa earned a prestigious AAA rating from the Philippine Department of Tourism. It is the first resort/hotel in Bohol to attain that recognition. The boutique resort, which covers over four of 11 hectares, offers 40 luxurious, modernly decked suites that all overlook the sea, an infinity pool and beautifully manicured, lush gardens. (Take a leisurely walk around the mango orchards and you might just chance upon the resident peacock.) The Mediterranean-style villas exude Old World nostalgia with an evident Filipino hospitable charm. But the Peacock Garden is more than just a luxury boutique resort, it is a museum.

Owned by German-born Hans Schoof and his wife Lani, and managed by their son Christian, the Peacock Garden hosts priceless art collections of both national and international interest. Hans, though a Weisbaden, German by birth, is a Filipino at heart. His admiration for no other than the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal is evident as numerous memorabilia decorate the walls and halls of the hotel. From first-edition postage stamps with the face of the Filipino martyr in the dining hall, the busts of Rizal and his close colleague Ferdinand Blumentritt at the entrance, to the pseudo shrine of Rizal’s past lovers — including Rizal’s dulce estranjera Josephine Bracken — in the cigar room, the collection is vast and fascinating. But nothing is as impressive as the family’s most prized piece — the original living room set used by Jose Rizal in 1886 when he stayed in Germany, which is on display at the entrance of the Old Heidelberg restaurant.

Apart from the Rizal paraphernalia, magnificent original paintings by Ivan Acuña, 18th century wooden chairs from German castles, photos from a German fencing fraternity (Hans’ father was a skilled fencer), postcards of the Weisbaden countryside and other delicate historical knick-knacks line the walls of the Old Heidelberg restaurant, warming the amber room like old family photos. 

The Old Heidelberg restaurant was originally established in Malate, but was transported to the idyllic sanctuary of Bohol when the resort was opened. Staying true to its German roots, the menu — created by Chef Klaus Weingartner — has a list of authentic and perfected German recipes like the schnitzel and veal cheeks.

When at the Old Heidelberg, make sure to try their curious ice cream platter. The innovative plate has several unique flavors that boggle the mind and tantalize the taste buds like the barley beer, chili mango and vanilla ginger scoops. Christian, who has inherited his parents’ love for history, excitedly shares that the Peacock Garden will soon recreate a menu that was only experienced by European royalty. (The idea was inspired by the menu cards, taken from 18th century royal cruise ships, that are on display in the hallways of the hotel.)

If not eating, visitors of the Peacock Garden can be usually found wading in the infinity pools or relaxing at the Fontana Aurelia Spa for their daily dose of the hotel’s signature massage — the four-handed anti-stress therapy treatment. It is pure hedonistic pleasure as this massage expertly relieves the body of its city tensions and is performed by two therapists who mirror each other’s movements. Apart from the luxurious massage, the ladies, as well as the men, can enjoy various spa facials, body scrubs and wraps.

 While the ladies will find themselves highly entertained for the day at the spa, the men need not yawn in boredom as this resort is very much made for them as well. Retreat to the members-only Cigar Lounge or the underground wine cellar to enjoy a glass of 1825 port wine and a cigar. The wine cellar, tucked beneath the Old Heidelberg restaurant, boasts a collection so vast, it will make even the most reserved sommelier squeal with glee.

Upon learning that one member of the media group was a certified sommelier, Hans graciously opens up one of his prized wines and offers the drink in a ceremonial Port wine glass, one of the only remaining sets from King Emmanuel II, the last king of Portugal.

The Cigar Lounge offers a wide selection of cigars — from famed Dominican cigars to the signature Hemingway series from the Arturo Fuente collection. The oak-colored walls are lined with pictures of (in)famous cigar smokers such as Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, Fidel Castro, Al Capone and Che Guevara.

“The peacock is not about vanity or frivolity. The peacock is a symbol for the meeting of cultures. At the Peacock Garden, this East-meets-West sensibility is reflected in warm, Filipino hospitality and Old World European art and interiors,” says Christian. “In history, legend, myth and lore, the peacock is the possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics — integrity, beauty, incorruptibility and nobility.”

The Peacock Garden is a place for enjoying the luxuries of life. Spend a day at the gardens and you’ll understand why the peacock is the choice of bird for this island resort paradise. In Bohol at the Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, the peacock represents extravagance at its most hospitable, elegance at its finest and beauty in its most natural state.

Jakarta, Indonesia: Spice of Life

To shop and dine is divine! And this could not be more true, we discovered, during our heavenly three-day stay in Indonesia’s largest city and capital, Jakarta, where shopping and dining are both undoubtedly intense.

Home to an estimated 10 million people, the thriving megapolis is abuzz with Jakarta’s iconic ojeks (motorbycle taxis), bright orange bajajs (tricycle) and blue taxis. The People Asia team peered through the windows of the bus, amazed at the city that seemed so much like ours –– familiar yet new to our senses. Far-reaching skyscrapers, impressive monuments and expansive malls that can rival any world capital’s peppered the horizon.

Despite Jakarta’s awe-inspiring structures, what interests us travelers is its famous fiery sidewalk cuisine and its small, themed markets filled with priceless historical knick-knacks. According to our gracious guide Surjadjaja Tanudiredja –– more fondly called “Surya” meaning “sun” –– Jakarta’s rich cultural heritage finds its roots in the 14th century where it served as a major trading port. Apart from the trade of spices — it was strategically located along the Spice Route — Jakarta benefited greatly from the cultural exchange and became the melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian, Arabic, British and Dutch influences. Surya’s tales of Jakarta’s gastronomic superiority had us salivating but before making our way to some delicious local grub, Surya suggested that we first work up an appetite.

Shop, Shop and Away!

After having our dose of caffeine at the Grand Indonesia Mall –– the Indonesians do so love their Luwak coffee! –– the People Asia team bolted to Jalan Surabaya, the renowned flea market in Jakarta. When they say flea market, the Jakartans really mean antique market.

The vast 500-meter long street, lined with open air stalls overflowing with dainty knick-knacks, is one of the remaining themed flea markets in Jakarta and is the treasure trove of many art collectors, interior designers and historians. From delicate silver hair pieces adorned with precious stones befitting a princess to unpolished Javanese wood sculptures and even Arabic lamps that vendors claim to date back to the 17^th century, the antique market is filled with curios and each has a story to tell. Vendors lure tourists and travelers with stories of where and how they came to have this piece of history in their hands. Fact or pure fiction, we don’t mind as we are charmed by their tales. Though there are undoubtedly pieces of dubious origin, most of the pieces are authentic, Surya claims. The Pinoy’s expert skill in haggling proves to be useful here as you can bring down the price of an “antique” to half. “Haggle –– with a passion!” Surya reminds us with a chuckle.

Apart from the overflowing curios, there are sections worth sifting through such as the Wayang “shadow” puppets store and the vintage record shop where, given a bit of time and patience, one can find a music gem like a first edition Johnny Mathis vinyl record.

Food... Glorious Food

After an hour of thoroughly scavenging through the shelves, baskets and boxes of oldies-but-goodies, we worked up a hefty appetite. I was tempted to buy the sweet-smelling banana fritters with powdered sugar and the pink-colored coolers called es campur (shredded ice topped with sweet beans and avocado, much like our sidewalk treats halo-halo and ice scramble), but Surya told us to save our appetites as he had a sumptuous feast in store for us.

And we weren’t the least bit disappointed. After sampling the Chinese cuisine the previous night at Raja Kuring, a former spice warehouse-turned-restaurant, we were ecstatic to finally have a taste of authentic Jakartan cuisine. At Tekko restaurant, located in west Jakarta, we were delighted with the venue’s burst of colors. Scarlet, emerald and gold lanterns hung from the ceilings and the colorful fare of krupuk (prawn crackers) and local delicacies in weaved baskets enticed us. The host lights up sparklers embedded in the husk of a young coconut to complete the truly festive ambiance.

We had a lot to celebrate, too, as spread out on the table were more than a dozen dishes of authentic Indonesian cuisine plated on wooden bowls and green palm leaves. Our gracious hosts made sure we had a dish from every imaginable food group and more! The feast included white clams with tauco sauce (kerang kepa tahu), chicken marinated with special Tekko’s sauce (ayam goring special Tekko), roasted and buttered prawns, crispy fried dilis and calamares.

With our stomachs grumbling, we took to the feast with much gusto. There were several dishes reminiscent of traditional Pinoy cuisine like the sop buntut, the Indonesian version of beef nilaga. But after sampling every dish on the table, the group concluded that Indonesian fare is definitely more robust.

Simple dishes like the crispy “flying” tilapia are paired with the spicy sambal, a thick, heavily spiced chili paste which is the same flavorful heat found in the tofu tahu goring (fried tofu). Fresh fish draped in a soft spicy curry was undoubtedly the group’s favorite. To temper the hot, spicy dishes, the kangkung hotplate with garlic in sweet oyster sauce soothed our palates as well as the satay in peanut sauce. Our marketing manager Ryan Calmante, on the other hand, preferred to cool his tongue by shoveling in more rice!

Surya beamed as he saw how enthusiastic we were and prodded us to eat with our hands, as this is how Indonesians truly enjoy their feasts.

Though rendered immobile after the decadent lunch, we found that we had a wee bit more space in our tummies for Es kelapa cincao, a dessert made from coconut meat and grass jelly. 

After much debate –– which occurred over another sumptuous meal at Sari Ratu Restaurant with Jakarta-based Filipina Chris Kusuma, the group concludes that Jakarta cuisine should not simply be defined as spicy. Apart from the heat and bad traffic, Chris shares that “in Indonesia –– much like in the Philippines –– hospitality finds its way into every gracious plate.”

The textures and layers of heat and spices reflect the complex and multi-tiered culture of Jakarta. The cuisine also takes the best of outside influences and masterfully incorporates them into their dishes. What makes these dishes distinct, however, is the Indonesian generosity that is felt in every bite and that kick of heat. Food is a great reflection of history, and much like its history, the flavors of Jakarta are intense.

With our stomachs full and our wallets satisfyingly empty from the long day of dining and shopping, we retreat to our comfortable abode at the Le Grandeur with Surya’s words in mind. “In Jakarta, we have a lot to offer. We have variety… and variety is the spice of life.” I couldn’t have said it better.

First published in PeopleAsia Magazine

Discovery Shores: Boracay's Wonder

Without the throng of Holy Week vacationers, the beachscape of the wildly popular Boracay Island reveals a much quieter scene. And with the help of Discovery Shores Boracay, the first Small Luxury Hotels resort in the Philippines, I was convinced that this party paradise could be a place for rest and relaxation as well.

Rising above the white baby powder-like sand of an exclusive stretch of beach, Discovery Shores Boracay ranks among the Top 15 Resorts in Asia, according to the prestigious World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Through Travel + Leisure magazine, a monthly publication from American Express Publishing Corp., readers were able to rate hotels and resorts. On its official debut, Discovery Shores earned a score of 90.35 and was the only Philippine property among renowned resorts from India, Thailand and Cambodia to be recognized.

“We are honored to receive such a distinction from the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine,“ said Discovery Shores’ general manager Jose Parreño Jr. “This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the Discovery Shores team for the past three years.”

Discovery Shores, which has become one of the key destinations for out-of-town weddings, stands above the rest not only because of its beautiful pristine beachfront but also because of its impeccable attention to detail and thoughtful service that’s all heart.

All Aboard

After a swift and comfortable flight aboard SEAIR and a 20-minute trip aboard Discovery Shores’ air-conditioned ferry at the Fairways & Bluewater port (the first and only air-conditioned boat transfer from Caticlan), guests can enjoy their luxurious rooms as soon as they touch ground because there’s no need to check in at the front desk. (Check-in will be at the rooms).

Upon entering the modern blue and white interiors by Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, one instantly melts into the luxurious covers and succumbs to the calm of this ultra-soothing respite — which is fitted with the most modern amenities. The photographs of the Boracay beach and the lapping waves by Mayie Delgado add on to the ambiance. A few steps out onto the balcony, one can take pleasure in an unmatched view of the sea. But no sight is as touching or as cheerful as the welcome dessert platter found in your rooms. Various chocolate cookies, candied macapuno and mango, and a pitcher of their famous pandan water await on the table. A customized cookie with “People Asia” printed in icing tops off the sweet delight. (It is only a sign of great personalized things to come, as we are surprised with many more treats such as these at our bedside table every evening.)

Discovery Shores houses 88 luxurious guestrooms ranging from 45 sqm to 120 sqm, with some suites fitted with an outdoor Jacuzzi. “The number of guestrooms was kept to a manageable number so that we can ensure service that is consistent and customized. And it allows us to remember guests by name,” says the Rooms Division Manager Randy Salvador. Guests will notice that the staff does greet you by name and with their hands over their hearts one can feel their sincerity – a significant detail that does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the other guests.

Among the resorts’ eye-catching landmarks are the 14-meter high man-made waterfall, which delights guests in the evening as it changes colors, and the wishing stone created by renowned artist Impy Pilapil, located on the second level of suite clusters. Just write your prayer or your wish on the stone and the cosmic forces will supposedly take it to heaven.

Family Adventure

If one would like to go on a family adventure, “bookers” by the beach offer their services for popular water sports like parasailing, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling or trekking. But if guests would like, the front desk is happily willing to arrange activities for the family as well. The staff can arrange for better deals and discounts for groups as well as coordinate transportation for the family/group to and from the activity sites. (The guests are also entitled to free use of the hotel’s kayaks so be sure to take advantage of that.)

But one really need not look far for adventure, as you will discover that there aren’t enough hours in a day to fully enjoy the resort. The resort hosts an activity every afternoon for the young ones so as the children while away time at the Sandbox (the children’s activity room), the kiddie pool or the game room complete with billiards and karaoke, the adults can enjoy a sensuous massage at the Terra Spa or can chill out on the magnificent beachfront. (Despite it being Habagat season when we went there, the water was perfectly tranquil and the sunsets were spectacular.) While you enjoy a book or a tan on the lounge beds by the beach, beach butlers armed with Evian facial spritzers and sunscreen bottles are on standby, eager to whip up a refreshing snow cone or a mind-tingling cocktail for you.

After whetting one’s appetite for adventure, why not satisfy one’s craving at Discovery Shore’s three restaurants. Choose from Platitos or Sands Restaurants, which offer an elegant array of amuse-bouche (literally “mouth amusement”) and flavorful themed buffets that provide a cleansing and refreshing fare much different from the inihaw found at D’Mall and D’Talipapa. For a more fine-dining experience of coastal cuisine, partake of the magnificent feasts prepared by Chef David Pardo de Ayala at Indigo Restaurant where one can enjoy the spontaneity of the night, dining al fresco by torchlight.

The End to a Perfect Day

After watching the sun set over the horizon — dying the sky amber and changing colors like a moving watercolor painting, we retreat to our rooms and happily relish the perfect day. We were able to enjoy every moment and create memories because we did not need to worry about anything. Discovery Shores anticipated our every need and went the extra mile to ensure that we had a vacation experience like no other. World-renowned entrepreneur Tony Alessandra once said, “Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game. Service wins the game…” Discovery Shores Boracay definitely won by that extra mile.

Oh Boy Obagi: Skin Miracles

Pricking and pinching, layering and peeling, slathering and steaming — we’ve all heard the “tricks” and “quick fixes” to control our wild breakouts or cover up our fine lines, and most of us have met it with failure. And this is not surprising, says Aimee DeMarais, pronounced “de meh-ray,” international education and training manager of Obagi Medical Inc., as these products, may they be topical lotions and ointment creams, only solve the problem superficially. Obagi, on the other hand, takes a revolutionary turn, inspiring the trend in skin health care today by introducing a milder, less risky therapeutic approach to skin-aging by going beyond the skin’s surface and actually treating living tissue.

“Obagi is perfect for Filipino skin because it’s specifically formulated for Asian and Mediterranean skin,” says DeMarais. Having educated and trained Obagi professionals, doctors and distributors for over three years and having seen the results of Obagi medical skincare first hand, DeMarais stands by the brand exclaiming that “it had truly taken off years from my face.” And with her beautiful sun-kissed glow and the fresh youthful glance of a young 20-year-old (she is 34), one does not have to think twice. (She uses the Obagi Nu Derm system in her daily skin regimen.)

With her hectic schedule, traveling for assignments that allow her only to stay a few days at a time in each country, the strawberry blonde bombshell says that looking picture perfect is never as tedious as it was before. With her healthy skin, all she needs is just a whip of lip gloss and a pat of color on her eyes and she’s done!

She traveled recently to the Philippines for Obagi’s 11th anniversary to educate the market on the new hot products of the Obagi skin care line. She shared her company’s exciting innovations to the excitement of dermatologists and patients in attendance.

The Elastiderm eye treatment and the Elastiderm décolletage system are two of the most anticipated products as they target the next concerns of skin-aging — the sagging skin and wrinkles under the eyes, face and neck. By using a revolutionary bi-mineral complex called Copper Zinc Malonate, the Elastiderm eye treatment works to help restore the elasticity around your eyes and reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles in as little as two weeks. As we age, the elastin and the collagen which are responsible for our skin’s tensile strength no longer produce at the same rate so our skin becomes weaker and starts to show the unsightly lines. The Elastiderm system replenishes both skin components by stimulating cells to produce them faster, giving the eye area the ability to bounce back so that skin looks, feels and acts younger. Say goodbye to paralyzing botox! 

Another product that is a welcoming relief to a population of patients is the Rosaclear system, which is the only complete therapeutic system specifically tailored for rosacea patients. Though rosacea is a harmless cosmetic condition which causes facial eurythema (redness), it can be quite uncomfortable for the patient. It is more common among Caucasians but it could also affect people of ethnicities with it being three times more common in women. The Obagi Rosaclear system effectively treats the redness through the use of calming and anti-inflammatory agents, minimizing the signs of rosacea resulting in a clearer, calmer and smoother complexion.

One of the other treatments that is a must mention is the Obagi Blue Peel, which is the first controllable chemical peel engineered by Dr. Zein Obagi himself. Named after its patented blue base, the Obagi Blue Peel has received much acclaim for its new, far milder, multi-staged skin resurfacing system which has become the alternative to much riskier, harsher skin peels on the market. The chemical peel works by removing the topmost layers of the skin revealing fresh, younger looking skin. Used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System, the Obagi Blue Peel uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is the active ingredient used by thousands of doctors to treat acne, rosacea, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and photo damage. Though it will leave a slight bluish tint on your face for up to a day and the peeling process days after may become a bit unsightly, the visible results will however outweigh the inconveniences.

Obagi systems can and will show results, may your skin condition be a minor or major problem, because they treat the damage at the cellular level and the systems are tailored specifically to suit each patient’s needs. While Obagi seems to be the solution to all our skin problems, Obagi systems are not quick fixes, DeMarais says. She stresses, “It’s a rejuvenation process. It’s a type of maintenance (therapy) that takes commitment on the part of the patient.”

Dr. Aivee Teo: Fat Stem Cell Repair Therapy

We have all heard the saying “Health is wealth.” But Dr. Jung Kwang Seup, former chairman of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery Association and board certified plastic surgeon in Brazil, adds his own twist — “But a pinch of fat can keep you forever young!”

It is an intriguing statement and Dr. Seup is only too excited to explain. At the recent launch of Fat Stem Cell Repair Therapy (FSCR) at the posh Fort clinic of Dr. Z and Dr. Aivee Teo, Seup shares the “hows” and “whys” an extra inch or two around the waist may just bring you one step closer to eternal youth. 

The Fat Stem Cell Repair Therapy, the newest anti-aging technology in the Philippines, promises a whole new, youthful you in just two hours.

The FSCR therapy comes at the heel of two recent revolutions, namely: the recognition of fat tissue as the most abundant source of stem cells in the body and the improved technique of isolating stem cells from fat. Surgeons can now harvest stem cells in abundance without the need of culturing them for weeks in expensive facilities and laboratories. In fact, the FSCR therapy offered at the Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo clinic is able to do stem cell extraction in a little under two hours.

The cutting-edge FSCR procedure entails extracting stubborn fat from the thighs and tummy via ultrasound fat aspiration and separating stem cells from the fat with the use of the FDA Super Stem Cell Extraction machine. Once separated from the fat, the pure stem cells are then injected back into the face, neck, breast, hands and other areas of the body to reverse the signs of aging. Stem cells correctly injected into the target areas can result in tighter skin, a glowing complexion, firmer breasts and a natural facelift. Stem cell therapy has also been used to improve joint pain, lower blood pressure and improve diabetes. After a few treatments, patients observe an immense improvement in their overall health.

The government has not considered stem cell therapy a public health issue, and it also plans to come up with therapy guidelines in the country. But the debate is more focused on the moral and ethical issues of culturing and extracting stem cells from human embryos and sheep, rather than their efficacy. (Many studies already confirm the anti-aging and rejuvenating potential of stem cells in therapy) Dr. Seup clarifies that in the FSCR therapy, only stem cells from one’s own fat is used, so he claims it is 100 percent safe. Plus, the fully automatic procedure has been fine-tuned for optimum efficacy, requiring less fat tissue, producing a higher yield of stem cells, and shortening the recovery time of the patient. The closed system of extracting fat and the immediate integration of stem cells back into the body also ensures that there is no contamination.

But why are stem cells so important and why do they hold the key to looking forever young? Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo explains the roles of stem cells in her blog: “Stem cells in simple terms are the basic cells, which are able to differentiate into more specialized cells for different organs. Think of the popular Lego toys that we have all played before. It comes in small little pieces and as we piece them together, they become a car, a plane or whatever you want it to become. It may be a bit simplistic to use that analogy, but it encapsulates what all methods of stem cell are doing. (In FSCR therapy), we are getting basic cells to replace cells in our body, which have been lost through years of wear and tear, pollution, unhealthy diet and the inevitable process of aging.

“If the cells are not replaced adequately (because of age, radiation, pollution, unhealthy food, genetics, etc.) the organ will start to fail and diseases occur. It is the same in beauty. As we age, our skin (the body’s largest organ) is unable to replace the cells adequately and so it loses its tightness and brightness and we start to look older and more droopy,” she continues. The FSCR therapy helps boost the rejuvenation process by injecting stem cells into the target areas.

Seup affirms, when it comes to combating age, it is not enough that one looks youthful on the outside. Rejuvenation should also work from within, at its most basic cellular level. And to the delight of all those interested in trying out FSCR, everyone has a little bit of fat that they are only too willing to dispose of.

For best results, consult your doctor. For inquiries, please call The Fort clinic at 403-3245 or 403-1982 and the Cebu clinic at 0932-877-2763.

Voyager of the Seas: The Love Boat

They say that the last thing you want to do in your first years of marriage is to “rock the boat.” But on the Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, one of the world’s luxury liners, newlyweds and lovers won’t find their marital passions the least dampened here. Rather, they may have just found a new playground to inspire newfound romance.

Just a glimpse at the sleek blue and white exteriors of the gigantic modern ship, while it docks at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore, will send chills up and down one’s spine. Standing taller than the cruise center itself, measuring over 1,000 feet long and almost 200 feet wide, and composed of 15 decks, which house more than 3,000 guests, the Voyager of the Seas is a truly breathtaking sight. Say goodbye to the days when we thought cruises were just for old, moneyed retirees. In fact, cruising is the new hip, luxury way to travel — and a stylish one at that!

Couples who love to travel and who love variety will not be disappointed with the unique experience the Voyager of the Seas offers. Depending on the cruise package you avail yourself of, you can visit as many as six different cities/countries in a week.

Oasis of Calm

Admittedly, couples may initially be overwhelmed by the sheer size and the overflowing activities they can do onboard. But a vertical and horizontal inspection of all 15 decks proves immensely fascinating.

At the tip of the boat, on Deck 14, lies the quaint but beautiful Skylight chapel, available to lovers who would like to renew their vows. But most couples, in search of a new thrill, opt to spend their time on Deck 13 where the Voyager’s first rock climbing wall is mounted. From the top of the rock climbing wall, you have a perfect view of the ship’s mini golf course and basketball courts. Cooling down after working up a sweat is an easy walk down to Deck 11 where you will find the highly popular Solarium bar and 10 swimming pools.

Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Couples who love to read together can find a quiet corner at the ship’s library. A slower paced date can also be had at the ship’s ice skating rink. (Yes, despite being out at sea and sailing the tropics no less, you can find a grand theater of ice!)

At least one night during the cruise, the skating rink transforms into an enchanting stage for the Ice Odyssey. 

It won’t take you long to realize that the ship is abuzz. At any point in time, there are at least 10 activities that are simultaneously happening, says Captain Charles Tiege, the Voyager of the Seas’ handsome ship captain. “So if you get bored, it’s your fault!” he chuckles. 

“The activities and the ship may seem overwhelming at first. But what is liberating about the cruise experience is that it is your choice — to do as much or as little as you like,” says Joy Abrogar, senior vice president and COO of Arpan Air Inc.

Heart of the Sea

Most of the activities may be anchored on the upper deck, but the true heart of the ship beats along the Royal Promenade. The marble street, which covers three-fourths the length of the ship, is home to a row of specialty diners and luxury shops. Buy your partner Fendi, Gucci, Chanel and other duty-free luxuries.

“It’s more fun to shop onboard because the transactions are cashless,” shares Joy. Shopping is made more convenient because with your Assist Card, all your purchases will be put on tab. The Assist Card, which is issued upon boarding, does not only serve as a key to your room and travel pass when you dock for the day, but it also allows you worry-free, stress-free shopping onboard. No more digging for change and the hassle of going to the money changer. Swipe all you want and at the end of your trip, you can conveniently pay your bills at the reception when you check out.

Aside from being the shopping alley (the ultimate playground of the wives and girlfriends, they say), the Royal Promenade also serves as a venue for sales, parades and nighttime raves. Just the other night, we saw the charming blonde, blue-eyed cruise director Gordon Whatman don a leather vest and gyrate to Saturday Night Fever when he hosted the ‘70s night festivities. While the party-goers boogied to the Bee Gees staples, right below the Promenade, the casino thundered with high rollers who were playing their luck for the night. (The next morning, in a more PG 13-rated event, the same space was packed with doe-eyed children and their parents as the cast of Dreamworks’ Shrek and Madagascar paraded through the Promenade.)

Regardless of the activity, when out at sea, the minutes melt into hours of fun and you won’t notice the time until your belly makes itself audibly clear that you need to munch on something good. The Voyager of the Seas has taken into consideration the varying tastes of its discerning travelers and has come up with every menu imaginable: formal four-course meals at the three-tiered, regal main dining hall, German beer at the Pig’s Whistle’s bar, international buffet at Windjammer Café, classic Italian cuisine at Portofino Restaurant, American classics at Johnny Rockets and snacks and coffee at La Promenade café. Debunked is the myth that food on cruises is as bad as the ones on planes! Even a simple romantic, candlelit dinner in your suite can be easily granted.

It’s important to note that cruise packages already cover all dining expenses so you can eat as much as you want, all day, any time! An exception lies with Portofino restaurant, where you are required to pay a $20 reservation. (Another note: The cruise hosts at least one formal night at the main dining hall, so be sure to pack at least one cocktail dress or a suit. Take the opportunity to dress to the nines and dine in glorious fashion. )

When dining, try to forget about the calories! But if you can’t quite get it out of your head, don’t worry. You and your hubby can always work off the extra calories together at the ship’s fully-equipped fitness center and relax with an ultra-luxurious spa treatment at the Day Spa.

The Voyager of the Seas is a dream escape, not only because it can take you to your dream destinations, but it offers lovers so many opportunities to be together. Travelling on a gigantic ship, with an endless array of activities and possibilities, you can easily be swept off your feet and find love again. 

(For more information, call your preferred travel agent or contact Arpan Air Inc., the international representative in the Philippines of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, at 892-2701 to 03 or email rylcaribbean@arpanair.com.ph.)

as first published in Philippine STAR and PEOPLEASIA magazine