Davao Occidental could be 81st Philippine province

I was reading the papers last Monday and saw that they had published Republic Act No. 10360 - An Act Creating the Province of Davao Occidental. Signed into law by President Noynoy Aquino on January 14, 2013, the creation of this new province now depends on the people of Davao del Sur. And thus, Davao Occidental could become the country's 81st province.

So I decided to visit over the weekend, going as far south as Jose Abad Santos, the southernmost municipality of Mindanao Island. And what an adventure it was! Talking to people in the south, you could sense their longing for a new province. They have been left behind by the rest of Davao del Sur because they are not allied with the current leadership of the province. Talk about vindictive and feudal!

I wish them well and hope that their aspirations for a separate province become a reality. Their future province is pristine, rugged but beautiful. I'll be writing about the trip in detail. But in the meantime, check out the @ivanhenares photos in Instagram.

Part 1 - Davao Occidental: Road adventure to Santa Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino & Jose Abad Santos
Part 2 - Davao Occidental: Adventure in Jose Abad Santos

Instant relief to food sensitivity from Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief

After all those Christmas parties, tasting all those warm soups, warm drinks like hot chocolate, and cold desserts like frozen salads or ice cream, you should know by now if you have sensitive teeth. Did you every experience any difficulty trying out these dishes? If so, don’t fret because there’s an easy solution. You don’t have to give up your dreams of being a foodie.

So what triggers tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentine of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over time, the enamel covering can get thinner, thus providing less protection. The gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentine.

Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ provides instant relief to tooth sensitivity. Note that most other sensitivity toothpastes contain potassium which primarily numbs the tooth nerve masking the pain of sensitivity. And that potassium toothpastes take at least 2 weeks of use before significant sensitivity relief is delivered. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ on the other hand, effectively plugs and seals open dentine tubules, the cause of tooth sensitivity. This prevents pain pain-producing stimuli, such as heat and cold, from causing pain sensations. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ is made of a unique combination of ingredients -- Arginine and the insoluble calcium compound, Calcium Carbonate -– which provides instant relief when directly applied with fingertip to a sensitive tooth and massaged for one minute. It provides lasting relief when you brush your teeth twice daily.

So don't wait another minute. Try it for yourself and feel the difference! Who says we have to abstain from delicious food?

For more information on how to relieve tooth sensitivity, see www.colgatesensitive.com.ph/

Join me on a tour to Siem Reap, Cambodia (May 23-26, 2013)

Take a ride on a traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake, watch the sunset on Bakheng Hill, experience the night markets of Siem Reap, witness Angkor Wat's magnificent beauty and splendor and immerse yourselves in the breath-taking cultural experience that is Cambodia! Discover Cambodia with Asia Society and Ivan About Town this May 23-26, 2013!

For my next international tour, I'll be collaborating with Asia Society to bring you to Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit the temples of Angkor! If you register early or form a group of five, we'll give you a discount! Details in the Asia Society webpage. E-mail info@asiasociety.org.ph for more information.

Related entry
Cambodia: Day tour to Preah Vihear Temple from Siem Reap

Ivan Henares named one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2012 awardees

As many former awardees have pointed out, I must still be on a high after receiving The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2012 for my work in heritage conservation. I shared during my response at the TOYM reception that this award is not only a personal recognition. It recognizes heritage conservation as a professional field and the principles we stand for.

Culture as a national concern has almost always been muted by other equally important national priorities. But we all know it is a potent force for poverty alleviation if harnessed properly and effectively. Alloting funds for culture and heritage conservation is not an expense. It is an investment!

President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the winners of the 2012 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards for a photo souvenir in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 09, 2013). In photo are Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad, Jr., Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong, Emmeline Aglipay, Waren Baticados, Ivan Anthony Henares, Abelardo Apollo David and Allan “Apl.D.Ap” Pineda. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Heritage and culture are inherent elements of our national identity. I've always held the belief that a strong national identity and pride of place are often disregarded tools for nation-building. The Heritage Conservation Society envisions "a Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage in order to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity."

We fight hard to preserve what is left of our built heritage because, no matter what conflicting interests say, we are positive that these old structures are tools towards progress, as they enhance the character of our towns and cities and strengthen their economic potential through tourism.

The Philippines, in order for it to excel and progress, must move forward as one nation, grounded on its history, heritage and culture. This is our nation's soul. And only when we appreciate, understand and embrace this heritage will we be inspired as a people, strengthened by our renewed national pride, to uphold a culture of excellence.

Thank you very much to TOYM for recognizing our work! It gives us inspiration to ardently carry on our mission to preserve our country's built heritage.

PALACE GIG Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee Allan “apl.de.ap” Lindo Pineda Jr. dances and sings the songs by the Black Eyed Peas. He is joined by fellow awardees Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad Jr. and one of his children, Rep. Emmeline Aglipay Yan (left), Ivan Henares, Abelardo Ilagan Jr., Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong and Waren Baticados (right) in Rizal Hall in Malacañang. Watching from the stage at the far end is President Aquino. LYN RILLON. Full story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Azkals’ Caligdong, apl.de.ap lead 2012 TOYM awardees

The Outstanding Young Men awardee Allan ‘apl.de.ap’ Pineda of US pop music band The Black Eyed Peas performs during the awarding ceremony at Malacañang yesterday. Other awardees are (from left) the Azkals’ Emelio ‘Chieffy’ Caligdong, Abelardo David, Warren Baticados, Ivan Anthony Henares, Rodrigo ‘Jiggy’ Manicad Jr. and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay. Full story in the Philippine Star: 7 TOYM awardees honored

Philippines is highly-recommended destination by travel magazines for 2013

View on the way up to Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan

The Philippines is the destination to visit for 2013! That's according to three popular international travel publishers. And they have nothing but good words about our island paradise.

Condé Nast Traveller included the Philippines in its top ten Destinations to watch in 2013. The article reads, "For travellers willing to go the extra thousand miles for a deserted beach, the Philippines has around 7,000 of the most heavenly islands in the world. It's still not the most obvious beach-holiday destination, but it soon will be."

Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol

Among the recommended destinations are Bicol, Siargao, Palawan and even Manila! They add, "Sorry, Maldives... We love you, but we've got a new flame."

Willie's Rock in Boracay Island, Aklan

Travel + Leisure Magazine named the Philippines as part of its Hottest Travel Destinations of 2013. The article recommends resorts in Boracay, Panglao and El Nido. Just last year, Boracay topped the same magazine's survey for best island in the world for its 2012 World's Best Awards!

Looking out of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lonely Planet chose Palawan to be part of its Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 regions. Dubbed as the "ultimate archipelago for adventurers," they recommend Palawan for off the beaten track, adventure and culture.

They write, "Palawan incorporates thousands of sparkling, rugged islands and is fringed by 2000km of pristine coastline. So far Palawan’s natural marvels have only been sampled by plucky backpackers. Not for much longer. The trail these pioneers have blazed is set to explode, with regional airlines waking up to Palawan’s potential and clambering to schedule direct flights to the capital. Throw in the mushrooming growth of style-conscious boutique hotels normally found in places like Ko Samui or Bali, and you can feel that Palawan is ready to hit the big-time in 2013."

Boracay Island's White Beach (Station 1)

Also part of Best in Travel 2013 is a guided trek of Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in its Best places to do something new. In particular, the article recommends the Philippines to see the newest animal which can be found in the park. They write, "What’s two metres long, lives in the trees and has a double penis? Varanus bitatawa, of course. The enormous monitor lizard, though well-known to local tribes (who consider it tasty eatin’), was only identified by scientists in 2009. A herbivorous relative of the komodo dragon, it’s about as close to a dinosaur as you’re going to get." DOT should definitely start developing our nature trails!

Dazzling sunset seen from the shores of Boracay Island

Lonely Planet also included the Philippines in its top ten best beach hotspots and top ten classics for castaways island destinations.

We almost scored a grand slam. But unfortunately, National Geographic Traveler left us out this year. Palawan already made their Inaugural Best Trips List in 2011 (at least we were top of mind). But with great recommendations from these equally reputable travel magazines, I'm sure they'll rediscover us this year and include a new Philippine destination in their 2014 list.

Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Historic Town of Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

I'm actually hoping better accommodation in the Ifugao Rice Terraces and Vigan will get them noticed too. Hint to investors out there! These places have potential and need first class accommodation.

So make that trip to our islands because It's more fun in the Philippines!

Update (01/12/2013): We're on a roll! The New York Times included the Philippines in The 46 Places to Go in 2013.

They write, "Idyllic white sand beaches, secluded, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the natural draws of this country made up of over 7,000 tropical islands. Now in addition to the more upscale choices cropping up in former backpacking enclaves like Boracay, there is a new generation of luxury hotels opening even further afield. The new Dedon Island resort on Siargao, for example, is close to one of the world’s best surf breaks, Cloud 9 (Kelly Slater is a fan), and has an outdoor cinema along with spa and paddle board classes. And the private island resort of El Nido Pangulasian opens this month in the Unesco biosphere of Palawan, right by some of the world’s most pristine diving spots. Although the Philippines has been subject to travel advisories in the past, they mostly focus on Mindanao in the south."

In a customer survey of Agoda.com, with feedback from 113,000 respondents, Boracay was selected as the top destination for seeking out relaxation and tranquility and ranked third in the top ten cities for nightlife. Manila ranked 22nd in the same global survey.

The Philippines was also named as one of the top five Best Tourism Destinations at the 2012 Oriental Morning Post's World Travel - Special Trips Awards held last January 9, 2013.