Spectacular in every way, Pantelleria is unique for being the largest of Sicily’s satellite islands and for sitting a mere 37 miles east of Tunisia, which is visible from the island on clear days. The challenges of Pantelleria’s location and weather are reflected both in the architecture and the agriculture. A typical local dwelling called the dammuso is constructed with thick walls to keep interiors cool or warm depending on the season, and the roofs are domed and painted white to collect rainwater and deflect heat; the island’s strong winds have led to grapevines being cultivated in circular nests close to the ground, while citrus trees are protected inside circular stone walls called Pantescan gardens. Pantelleria is most famous for its capers, with many experts claiming the Pantescan variety to be the world’s best. The island is also famous for its dessert wines moscato and passito, both made from the locally grown Zibibbo grape. (Make a reservation for a tasting at the Donnafugata vineyard to try them.) There are only a few lodging options; we recommend Club Levante, where every guestroom is inside a dammuso and the pool overlooks Pantelleria’s iconic Elephant Arch.
Veteran columnist Rigoberto Tiglao exposed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) records of former President Benigno Aquino III showing that he never bought or sold an expensive Porsche car. The LTO records proved that the former President did not sold his Porsche 911 Carrera car which he claimed he bought for P5 million. The controversial Porsche car of the former President made headlines just months into his presidency but he explained that he bought the luxury car with the proceeds he got when he sold his BMW. Because of the furor from such display of opulence, Pres. Aquino claimed to have sold it six months later for exactly the same price. According to Tiglao during that time he asked through his column the LTO to release the car's deed of sale and registration to prove that it was not a gift from a Chinese-Filipino tycoon as rumored by some individuals critical to the President. The only possible way to discover whether the Porsche luxury was indeed sold was through ...