LITR SEMESTRAL PROJECT

reluxeVOL 01 | ISSUE 01 DEC 2021 RELAX AND RELUXE. The Road Less Travelled Come across the natural beauty of the members of the ASEAN countries, such as beaches, tropical island resorts, temples, and events. Beyond Imagination Figure out how locals live their ravishing lives with their culture and beauty as their cornerstone.

reluxe editor in chief cyrill venn badua creative director cyrill venn badua managing editor regina shayne salazar style editor charmaigne dauz associate editor regina shayne salazar assistant editor charmaigne dauz editorial assistant charmaigne dauz features editor regina shayne salazar on the cover A young Filipina playing nearby during the volunteering program held in Mactan. Photograph by Carina Chen.

The picture shows a place in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Captured by Jah Codorva. TABLE OF 16 UNVEILING THE CONTENTS LUXURIES OF LAOS 08 VOICEBOX: Discover the relaxing and MYANMAR bodacious culture of Laos. With the voice of Yadanar, a 30 PARADISE local in Myanmar, she invites UNCOVERED us to travel and experience the beauty of Myanmar. Take a look on the beauty flaunted by the Philippines.

CAMBODIA KINGDOM OF WONDER You don't need magic to disappear; all you need is a destination. The picture behind is the Angkor Wat located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo credits to Bitcoin News.

PAGE 5 | RELUXE Our world is diverse and distinct due to our cultural and religious backgrounds. Cyrill Venn Badua The photo above shows Khmers preparing for their celebration of New Year. As common as it may be, Cambodia’s This seems to be so significant to them as celebration of the New Year is likewise extravagant they also thought of others who are in need of and bodacious. It is one of the most important those possessions. The last day is called \"T’ngai celebrations in their homeland, as it is an event Loeng Sak\". This is the day where Khmers wash where families gather to pay respect to their their statues, with perfume water along with the ancestors. The people of Cambodia celebrate the elderly. This is a culminating activity that sums up new year during the month of April in reference to the three-day celebration of the new year. their traditional solar new year. Most countries only celebrate new years for one day, but the Khmer, Khmers also celebrate the new year by Cambodians, celebrate new years for three days. plating their native delicacies such as egg rolls, ya-hon, Kralan, nom ansom, and Khmer fish The first day is called \"Moha Sangkran\", where amok. It is indeed just like any other country locals will wear their native clothing, which gives an celebrating one of the most significant times of implication that they are ready to welcome the new the year. It varies by country, however, because year wearing their best clothing. Subsequently, the our world is diverse and distinct due to our following day is called \"Vireak Vanabat,\" where cultural and religious backgrounds. they celebrate generosity and giving. They donate food, money, and other things to other people.

PAGE 6 | RELUXE QUEST FOR WORD Circle the eight (8) words listed below. Words appear straight across, backward straight across, up and down, down and up, and diagonally. Check your work with the answers below. WORD BANK Reamker Jataka Valmiki Cbap Verse French Ramayana Tum Teav

GUSTAVE FLAUBERT The picture behind is a barefooted boy walking in a monastery in the country of Myanmar. Photo credits to Sasin Tipchai.

VOICEBOX: PAGE 8 | RELUXE MYANMAR After the breathtaking view from the U My blissful greetings to you! I am Bein Bridge, try to fill up your tummies by Yadanar, a local from Myanmar. I’ve got to finding a delicacy here in Myanmar that share interesting facts about my country, will probably satisfy your palates. Take a and I am honored to share them with you. I hot slurp of the famous Shan noodle soup. hope you’ll be persuaded to come visit my This is a soup with thin noodles with either country and enjoy its itineraries. pork or chicken. Take note that this dish is one of the famous dishes here, so you Firstly, let me introduce my country. better try it out. Don’t miss it, my friend! Myanmar is sometimes called \"Burma\" and is a member of Southeast Asia. Our Despite the fact that I am not fond of country has three seasons: the hot, cold, hiking and mountains, I’ll still recommend and rainy season. Most of our landmass is Mount Popa to you. Sadly, if you are not covered by forests, where there are a fond of hiking, like me, you’ll be massive number of species. overwhelmed by the amount of time it takes before you reach the target location. So much for the introduction. Let me It’ll probably take half a day to reach the give you at least two places you must visit. top and is not advisable for children since Oh, wait! I forgot to say that it is much it is exhausting. You also need to be aware better if you are familiar with some basic that there are monkeys around the area, Burmese words because English is not our but don’t worry, they are friendly and will primary language. It would be preferable if not take your belongings. However, Mt. you attempted to communicate with the Popa is still a place you need to visit. locals, even if only by greetings in our native language. You can say \"How can I I hope this statement of mine excites get to...?\" by saying \"Bae lo twar ya ma lae you and persuades you to visit our ?\". motherland. There is so much to see in Burma and I can’t wait to see you take an Number one on the list is the U Bein adventure here! Cezu tin ba deh! Bridge, which is considered the longest Mingalaba! teak bridge in the world. Indeed, if you are a fan of sunsets, you’ll definitely enjoy this Yadanar place. Take a deep breath and feel the warmth of our weather as you become fascinated with the sunset by the lake. This is where my husband proposed to me way back when. Just kidding.

PAGE 9 | RELUXE Travel Perks! Traveling may make us think that it is a waste of time as well as a pain in our pockets. Neither do we think that traveling improves our well-being unconsciously. It makes us enjoy what we do not see on an ordinary day and makes us realize the beauty of life. Traveling, likewise, gives us enthusiasm to learn something new and adapt something from a different culture, background, and place. As early as you can, start saving up and filling your bank accounts to have time and resources to travel and experience the beauty of Asia! The picture behind is the famous Mount Popa located in Mt.Popa National Park, Bagan, Myanmar. Photo credits to Luis Valiente This picture shows the U Bein Bridge from the crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura in Myanmar.

PAGE 10 | RELUXE MUSCLE OF ART The picture shows the golden temple of Myanmar named Shwedagon Temple. Photo credits to Sharon Ang. WRITTEN BY CYRILL VENN BADUA Surprisingly, despite the advancement in our Buddha’s relics are everywhere and will technology, reading is still considered a past time in be caught by your eye. Most of Myanmar’s Myanmar. It is a fact that Burma’s literature is artworks are influenced by their religious influenced by Thai culture as well as that of the Indians. background. Temples are scattered There is distinction from other literature, yet Myanmar’s everywhere as this reminds them of the literature likewise reflects their tradition, culture, and kingdom built before, where the kings customs. A stone inscription is said to be the oldest reigned and embarked on legacies. These form of Myanmar’s literature. Just like any form of temples are mostly built of bricks, yet literature, it advances and continues to improve as time some of them are already non-existent passes by. Prayers and poems written by notable people due to inevitable natural calamities. from their respective eras are inscribed in these stones. After this era, they discovered how to write their In this regard, the temple famously literature on dried palm leaves. Thankfully, literature is known in Burma is the Shwedagon still prevalent in the country of Myanmar, and they have Pagoda, or the Golden Pagoda, having its successfully preserved their crafts from before. As they formal name of ShwedagonZedi Daw, say, literature, aside from their language, is the identity which means \"The Great Golden Mountain of their country and the backbone of their nationalism. Stupa.\" It has an exemplary architecture, evident by its structure and buildings. Its beauty is seemingly flaunted at night because of its night lights and warmth. Being known worldwide, the Golden Pagoda stores significant relics, which most tourists become fond of. Personally, this may seem bad because there is no solemnity. There are four precious relics inside the pagoda—all being items thought to have belonged to three previous Buddhas and the current Buddha, Gautama.

THAILAND THE LAND OF SMILES WAT CHEDI LUANG PRAPOKKLAO ROAD, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND Photo credits to Michelle Raponi.

PAGE 12| RELUXE THE ENTICING LAND OF SIAM BY CYRILL VENN BADUA Cultural and linguistic barriers appear to be a hindrance for many travelers. They do not want inconvenience and just want to travel with ease. We had no idea that these obstacles would push us to try new things and learn to interact with people from all over the world. Thailand, as one of the largest economies in Asia, has been proof that beauty and preservation can be a thing. The city of Bangkok has been the capital and a major driver of the economy of Thailand. Bangkok, as known to many, is the official name of Bangkok. However, there is an original name of Bangkok which is \"Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasxathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit\" which means \"The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn\". Furthermore, despite Dubai's extravagance and development, Bangkok kept their pace along with Dubai, United Arab Emirates as one of the most visited city in the world. The above picture is The Grand Place located in Bangkok, Thailand.

The picture above is the Phang Nga Bay, a place near Phuket, Thailand. Photo credits from tawatchai07 on Freepik.com. Serenity in Beauty CYRILL VENN BADUA Cultural differences divide the world, One of the most preserved places in Thailand hence cultural diversity. A country’s and considered a must-visit is the Phang Nga difference sets their homeland apart from Bay, located near Phuket. Phang Nga is a serene the others as they possess something that place where the largest mangrove is located, as most countries do not have. Thailand, the well as a place for gorgeous limestone karsts. only country in Asia, is the only country The adventure that can be had in this place is that has not been colonized by any riding a boat to travel the emerald-green water European country. This implies that most and reaching James Bond Island, which is of their cultures and traditions are their named after the actor Roger Moore. You’ll also own, with only a small amount of influence find limestone caves and hongs where you can from neighboring countries. see countless bats and other land forms naturally built. Nevertheless, if you want to find The prevailing religion in Thailand is a serene place close to nature, Phang Nga Bay is Buddhism, which has become the identity a must-visit. Certainly, it will certainly cater to of most locals. Buddhism helps people to your desire to be mesmerized by its natural believe that they will live longer and landform structures and the breathtaking view of happier as they continuously live by the its vicinity. teachings of Buddha. PAGE 13| RELUXE

QUEST FOR WORD Fill in the crossword puzzle using the clues provided below. If filled out correctly, the words will fit neatly into the puzzle. ACROSS 6. A country in Asia which means \"Land of the Free\". 7. Players try to keep the ball on air using their feet. 9. The capital of Phuket province and noted for its white beaches and mesmerizing coves and bays. DOWN 1.The monetary unit of Thailand. 2. This word means \"hello\" in Thailand. 3. 95% of Thais believe in this religion and lived by its teaching and identity. 4. The known capital city of Thailand. 5. The way people call Thailand before. 8. The national flower of Thailand. 10. The locals of Thailand. PAGE 14| RELUXE

LAOS THE LAND OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS This picture shows the Pha That Luang Vientiane, a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos.

UNVEILING THE PAGE 16| RELUXE LUXURIES OF LAOS By: Charmaigne Dauz \"Rich in history, traditions, diverse landscapes and cultures, Laos is sure to captivate your inner explorer.\" - Discover Laos Top Left: Mekong River; Top Right: Buddha Park; Bottom Left: Lao Woman; Bottom Right: Pha That Luang Laos. We’ve all heard of it. We know one of the world’s longest and greatest makes up the Khmu, Hmong, as well as it’s a country somewhere in Asia but rivers. Mekong River is home to rich other tribes that have proven to retain when asked where exactly, we would biodiversity, and is used for recreation their traditions over the years. This most likely hear nothing but crickets and transportation by several countries strong regional variation is well- chirping. Truth be told, this captivating in Asia. Fascinating landmarks that reflected in their artisans, cuisine, and nation does not deserve to remain in the embody the Lao architecture are spread literature. The latter, however, serves shadows of other ASEAN countries. across the entire country. Not to proof of the Lao worldview. It captures mention a gold-covered Buddhist the essence of their culture and displays stupa, “Pha That Luang,” in the heart of how As if a massive reclining buddha isn’t Vientiane, which also serves as the most Laotians are truly a people of the enough, Vientiane’s Buddha Park offers important national monument in Laos. over 200 statues more. Also known as heart. Their deeply sensitive culture the Wat Xieng Khuan, this park shows a Aside from tourism, Laos boasts a traces its roots from strong personal glimpse of transcendence with its rather rich culture that has not yet been contacts and familial relationships, eccentric yet sacred statues of gods, tainted by the fast-paced innovations of behaving in accordance with Buddhist demons, and other bizarre creatures. It the world. Almost half of its population beliefs and the general posture of is situated by the bank of Mekong River, patience and acceptance.

Timelessness endures in Laos. For centuries, they have preserved what is lost in the world’s constant pursuit of development. Breathe deep and bear witness as saffron- robed monks roam around the streets where stilt houses lay. See Asia in its barest, most authentic form in Laos. Charmaigne Dauz The picture behind is the Vientian in Laos.

INDONESIA THE EMERALD OF THE EQUATOR The picture behind is the Mount Bromo, East Java in Indonesia. Photo credits to Wallpaper Flare.

PAGE 19| RELUXE Exploring Indonesia By: Charmaigne Dauz If you identify as a serious adventure buff, there’s no better place to visit than Indonesia. It is the world's largest archipelagic state, with islands spanning more than 5,000 kilometers. Indonesia is home to the world's second largest tropical forest, countless beaches, and the best hiking experience, thanks to a massive volcano chain that runs the length of Sumatra. Indonesian rainforests are credited to be one of the most biologically diverse in the world, housing thousands of species across the archipelago. This diversity, however, extends beyond flora and fauna. Indonesians themselves cannot be identified with a single, uniform culture. The country is made up of about 300 ethnic groups with each having their unique set of customs and traditions. Amid their differences, Indonesians value personal relationships. They are known to keep tight-knit communities and their cultural values are grounded on the principles of collectivism. The importance of familial relationships is also deeply ingrained in their culture and has proven evident in the way they interact. Such values can be seen even in modern professional settings, where inclusivity, friendliness, and collaboration is the norm. Keep in mind that visiting Indonesia is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of willpower to stop yourself from falling in love with their breathtaking views, rich wildlife, and remarkable traditions. Who knows? Once you're in Indonesia, you may never want to leave. The above picture shows the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bedugul. Photo credits from Dezalb.

PAGE 20 | RELUXE Best Places to Visit in Indonesia With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia surely has a lot to offer. Here are our top picks. Komodo National Park, a biosphere reserve for the conservation of over 1,000 species Bali, one of Indonesia's most enthralling islands Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, the world's largest Buddhist temple

BRUNEI ABODE OF PEACE The picture behind is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin in Brunei. Photo credits to Azhar Masood.

Brunei The by Regina Salazar Frame With the most iconic Considering the fact that the landmark of Brunei, Sultan country, Brunei, is a small Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, country bordering the South one of the most beautiful China Sea and Malaysia. It is still mosque in Southeast Asia. known as an immensely wealthy country in Southeast Asia The mosque brings together the world's most As you step into “the Abode of elegant materials, including Peace,” the meaning of marble from Italy, granite darussalam, you will lose yourself from Shanghai, stained glass in a world of tranquility. From and chandeliers weighing some of the most elegant four tons and two tons from mosques in Asia to quaint England and handmade districts steeped in culture, I carpets from Belgium and know, you’ll find inspiration Saudi Arabia. everywhere in Brunei. PAGE 22 | RELUXE

There's No Place Like it \"I solo travelled here and didn't have any problem throughout my stay. Unlike other destinations in Southeast Asia, Brunei is probably the safest. It is one of the hidden gems of a place in Asia. Whether you are on a visa run or looking for a week-long escape, Brunei could be the one for you. Especially the Ulu Temburong National Park, the tranquility and peace I felt there is off the charts!\" annasherchand.com Blogger PAGE 23 | RELUXE

INSIDE Brunei Pantai Seri Kenangan The Great Seawall Wasai Terjun Tinggi Ulu Temburong Photos from Ari Kustiawan Sunrise at Sultan Haji Night at Sultan Haji

IBN BATTUTA The picture shows a boy holding a lamp, venturing through the night in Vietnam. Photo credits to Sasin Tipchai.

5 Reasons why you'll fall in love with Vietnam's people They are very forgiving; They have an entrepreneurial spirit; They are very hospitable; They love to love; They are great cooks Words from Matthew Pike Shot by Suzanne Chater

\"Live Fully in Vietnam\" by Regina Salazar As someone who loves to explore, Vietnam is one of the countries that I want to visit. Foods and beaches are my top priorities when exploring and luckily, I found it in Vietnam. Seeing those beautiful beaches that are blessed with clear blue water and smooth sand, caves that surely give us an adrenaline rush, gorgeous mountainous landscapes and the raw beauty of Vietnam, colorful blocks and houses, busy streets, and bustling markets are definitely a vibe that I want to explore and experience. Indeed, a country that we’ll definitely feel how alive it is. Fish Cake Golden Quay Son Noodle Soup Bridge River by bubufoodshow by slaynetwork by Nur Bilge One of the Vietnamese One of the famous The largest natural foods, which is a sweet modern landmarks. waterfall in Southeast and sour broth with bites That is located on a Asia. And a must-see of seafood and mountaintop that was for adventures seekers. meatballs. Really perfect once a popular resort It stretch 300m across for lunch on a hot day. retreat built by French. the border of China. PAGE 27 | RELUXE

The picture behind features the vehicle owned by the Philippines. Photo credits to gloverbh222 frim Pixabay. Philippines Pearl of the Orient Sea

The picture shows a painting named \"Gathering of Heroes\" by Juanito Torres Photo courtesy of Galerie Joaquin. Gathering of Heroes Juanito Torres Another notable Filipino painting is the Gathering of Heroes created by the Filipino modern artist Juanito Torres. This famous art in the Philippines depicts key figures in Philippine history, including those part of the 19th-century Philippine movement, in what is said to be a composition reminiscent of Marvel’s “X-Men” cover. PAGE 29 | RELUXE

ParadisUe NCOVERED Photo from Van Geermet A little slice of heaven! This is the iconic bent palm tree of Maasin River in Siargao, Philippines. Photo from Wandercebuana The Breathtaking Batanes! This is Morong Beach, probably the most well-known beach in Sabtang Island, Batanes. Nothing beats the beauty of this place. Photo from Tripsavvy The island of Bohol in the Philippines is known for its 'Chocolate Hills.' It consists of approximately 1,268 cone-shaped hills. Photo from JOWT After 2,000 years of history, it still feeds the Filipino with rice rich in energy and a sight filled with beauty. This is the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Truly, the world's most PAGE 31 | RELUXE perfect cone volcano. Mayon Volcano Priceless. A photo from ZenAbleLife While editing this, I found myself stunned by this question, “What are you grateful for?” It took me a while to even form a sentence, But slowly yet surely, this scenery and a photo of children comes to mind and I realize that what I’m grateful for at this moment in time is simply being here, living and breathing in this country. As a Filipina, I always get inspired by the things and the people around me who show amazing beauty and talents, especially as they always do it for the country and always reflect the characteristics of a true Filipino. Despite the pandemic, I’m still grateful for the things that I have right now. As I witness different inspirational lockdown stories that truly unlock the beauty of friendship, the resilience of community, and the strength of the Filipino spirit. by Regina Salazar

The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are. Samuel Johnson reluxe Photo credits to respective photographers of Pixabay. Magazine template from Canva. Quotations from Expert Vagabond. Photo credits to Leo Leung.