Dr. Joven Cuanang
Dr. Joven Cuanang, one of the country’s top neurologists, is equally known for his pursuits outside the medical field. The former Director of St. Luke’s Hospital is also lauded for his patronage of the arts. He founded both the Boston Art Gallery in Quezon City and the Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo, to provide venues for local artists to showcase their work. He owns Sitio Remedios, a nostalgic resort of restored ancestral houses which captures the charm and feel of old-world villages. As of late, he has been advocating the inabel and supporting the entire traditional weaving process, from strengthening the sourcing of local fibers through the reestablishment of cotton farming in Ilocos Norte, to the promotion of the final textile and garments. His latest preoccupation is Balay San Nicholas, recently restored and brought to its former glory through his leadership and guidance.
Dr. Joven Cuanang -- neurologist, heritage advocate, and one of Ilocos Norte's finest and reputable citizens. Renaissance man.
Catalino Bactat. Marcos Mausoleum Caretaker.
(From 2011 prior to more recent events)
The Marcos tale came full circle at his mausoleum in Batac where his remains lay encased in glass in a darkened room. The inevitable question that entered my mind and those of countless others who have come here before me, “Is that the real McCoy?”
“That is the President,” claims Catalino Bactat, the warden. “His body has been coated with wax to preserve it and keep it from decaying.”
He should know, he has been the crypt’s gatekeeper from the time the President’s remains were flown in from Hawaii in 1993. The air-conditioning was not for my benefit, it was to keep the remains cool. The lights dimmed, to minimize the heat. But I still didn’t know what to make of the eerie music piped in from an unknown source.
The caretaker was quite a character and a study in effectiveness Directing crowds with authority and precision. No photos please was his mantra, and he would not hesitate to confiscate your camera if you were caught sneaking a photo.
It had been Marcos’ dying wish to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. the Libingan ng mga Bayani was “hallowed ground meant for true heroes” and that Marcos did not belong there. And so the impasse continues.
But for it is business as usual. And until the decision makers and the powers that decide such matters relent, he will continue to usher visitors, never tiring of the questions and talk fondly of his ward who lies in state, whom he continues to dutifully serve.
WWF Environmental Advocate
Raz Climaco is involved in the conservation of the northeastern Palawan marine protected area (MPA) network. The areas under his watch are the municipalities of Roxas, Taytay, El Nido, Linapacan, Dumaran and Araceli. (Cambari Island where this photo was shot is part of Araceli.) He monitors the area regularly, determining baseline scenarios, and works with local government and coastal communities, educating them and establishing sustainable protocols and practises.
Raz is a marine biology graduate from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology. It was his interest in science, especially in marine ecology, that compelled him to work in an NGO.
In his spare time, he dons running shoes and prepares for ultramarathons, with the mountains and trails throughout Palawan as his personal training ground.
A Soldier at Hashim Salamat's Lair.
A soldier is amused at the nests of swiftlets nestled on the walls just below the ceiling of Hashim Salamat's home in Camp Abubakar.
The bungalow is hidden within a forest and echoes of abandonment. The MILF forces withdrew after two months of intense fighting with government troops. The walls are thick and belies a more functional use. This is where the most famous MILF fighter lived.
Boronggan Surfer
Carlos Aga, one of the best surfers in Borongan. A legend in Eastern Samar surfing folklore.
A pioneer and pillar of the local surfing community, Carlos is a keeper of secrets -- of breaks and surfing spots from the channels to the outer islands, a lifetime of discoveries made by exploring the 100-kilometer stretch of coastline of Eastern Samar since the 1990s.
“There is a need to change the image of the surfer. People used to look down on surfing because they couldn’t see what it was for. They thought we were just being reckless.”
Lamitan Delicacy Vendor
A vendor in Lamitan shows off her glutinous delicacies -- PUTU (Yakan).
Teri Malvar. Multi-awarded Actress.
Therese "Teri" Malvar is a multi-awarded thespian who won her first best actress award at 13-years old opposite Angel Aquino in the indie film ""Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita." Since then, she has received numerous recognitions, both local and abroad, including the Screen International Rising Star Asia Award at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival, and the Silver St. George Best Actress at the 38th Moscow International Film Festival, for various film projects.
Teri is a great-granddaughter of General Miguel Malvar. She is also of Rizal lineage. Dr. Jose Rizal's youngest sister Soledad, is her great-grandmother.
Palm Oil Cultivator in Quezon, Palawan
It is widely believed that there are more negative than positive effects from palm oil farming, ranging from encroachment issues and the use of slash and burn activities (for clearing), soil erosion, biodiversity loss, the high use of chemical fertilizers to rejuvenate the soil, among others. More often than not, land that had been used for palm oil would have lost the vital nutrients to be fertile and useful for other crops and would be useless for agricultural production. Therefore, it would only be a matter of time before the land is eventually converted from agricultural use to commercial purposes, resulting in a reduction of tillable areas.
Kalel Demetrio. Liquido Maestro.
Mixologist Kalel Ervin Demetrio, also known as Liquido Maestro, is an artist who spends his time on the road, in search of spices and ingredients he would concoct into different brews and drinks. He experiments with tastes and flavors as he devices interesting mixes. He interacts directly with farmers, buying produce in bulk, to reduce intermediation costs. He runs the Agimat Foraging Bar in Poblacion, Makati.
Watch our #KnowYourNorth Video
Lui Oliva of Kalui
Lui Oliva is the force behind Kalui, Puerto Princesa's most famous restaurant.
Lui moved to Puerto Princesa in the mid-80s and started out as a guide for the Vietnamese refugees and various NGOs based there. He would often entertain guests and friends in his humble place along Rizal St. when the area was still woodland. From simple dishes, his menu expanded and he eventually put up a restaurant. His establishment has grown along with Palawan's tourism industry. Kalui is now an institution.
Lui is also involved in development programs in Coron helping out less fortunate communities. He also manages Casa Linda, one of the first yet still cozy accommodations in Puerto Princesa.
Burpee
The primary criterion for a coffee shop to be considered good is not its free wifi, sleek interior nor chic vibe. First and foremost, the coffee has to be exceptional.
Burp's cafe (in Narra along the main highway in Southern Palawan) is a joint which serves the usual preferences --brewed, lattes, americanos-- served with all sorts of bread as it is a bakery as well. The place blends well with the fruit stands, carinderias and other establishments with rural sensibilities. Nothing pretentious at all. A favorite of foreigners who get their caffeine doses and the locals who are not alienated one bit.
Burp Porquez, the barista who moved from Iloilo, is the entrepreneur behind this.
Dale Bagtas. Artist.
Dale in a quiet moment with his dog given to him by his girlfriend.
Dale is a multi-awarded artist whose recent recognitions include:
International Prize Michaelangelo Award (The Genius of Italy) Teatro Italia, Rome, Italy / July 22, 2023
World Best Artist Prize Award / Palazzo Fatta, Palermo Italy / June 21, 2023
International Prize Pegasus for the Arts Award & Top Artists Protagonists of Contemporary Art Award in Scoula Grande di San Teodoro in Venice Italy. May 18, 2023
5° International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci Award / Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci / April 6, 2023
1° International Prize Donatello / Borghese Palace, Via - Ghibellina, 110 - Florence, Italy
Takibo
It is said that the Takibo fishermen of Laguna wear hoods not just to protect their their skin from the sun, but also to hide their faces from the fish as they act as executioners as well.
Ifugao Gangsa Player
Felisa Boucan. Playing two gangsas simultaneously is not an easy feat. And only one woman in the entire Ifugao province can do it.