From Broadway to Batanes

Watching Julian DeGuzman dance in the Broadway hit “Newsies,” one would not believe that the energetic, talented Filipino American performer was once told by his doctor that his dancing career was over and he should take a desk job instead. Julian was diagnosed with hip cancer, operated on twice and had to undergo a painful rehab -- obstacles that would have stopped a less courageous person. But cancer was no match for Julian's commitment and determination and he was back to his great love -- dancing -- in no time. Bert Eljera profiles this exemplary young man in "Dancing His Way to Broadway."

Those who grew up in the Philippines once considered Batanes, the country's northernmost island-province as a no-man's land, difficult to go to because of the lack of regular transport, difficult to get out of because constant bad weather could derail one's leave-taking.  Not anymore. Regular flights and an influx of tourists have made the island a must-see destination and our contributing writer Omar Paz takes us with him as he wanders around the land of the Ivatans in "Batanes Beckons."

From Batanes, we take a virtual trip to the Netherlands as Jojo Sabalvaro-Tan shares with us the third of her series of travel sketches. Sketching, she says, seers the memories of beautiful sites deeper into one's soul, more than photographs do. Enjoy "Travel Sketching: The Netherlands" and share with us your own travel sketches.

For visitors to Chicago wanting the sweet tastes of home, there's Rowie's Bakery on the city's North Side. Our regular contributor Rey E. De la Cruz introduces us to Rowie Ramos, co-owner (with husband Mike) and chief baker in "Cakes To Have and Eat, Too." Rowie's Fruta de Crema recipe is our feature this week in The Happy Home Cook.

As we begin this month of weddings, read again "The Philippines Top 10 Wedding Destinations."