yep.. they are.. santa monica is just in dumaguete while atlantis and pura vida are just a couple of towns away. antulang is four towns away..

yep.. they are.. santa monica is just in dumaguete while atlantis and pura vida are just a couple of towns away. antulang is four towns away..


I love to visit these resorts when i go back to our country.

the thread title didn't mention "beach" resort, so maybe this one should be included also...

Eden Nature Park, davao city

A mountain resort located at 3,000 feet above sea level, Eden Nature Park is 95% human-made! It is a great model of how humans can re-create nature and rebuild a lost environment.

Discovered sometime in 1971, the resort used to be a logged-over area covered only by a blanket of wild grass. Its potential was, however, readily seen by the owners as the property provided an imposing view of Davao City and the Davao Gulf.

Not long after, terraces were carved out of the mountain slope, and thousands of pine tree seedlings were planted. As the pine trees grew it created canopies, allowing other trees and plants to grow and creating a secondary forest. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread in about 80 hectares, providing a refreshing backdrop to the various attractions in Eden Nature Park.
EDEN WEBSITE (http://www.edennaturepark.com.ph)

this is davao's two punch, from the beaches...
pearl farm beach resort...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i292/naxju/pearl03.jpg

to the mountains...
eden...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i292/naxju/eden.jpg

Is Pearl Farm expensive ? How i wish i can also visit this resort. :dance:

Guys anymore photos? How about the Misibis in Bicol?

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8697/9130920661060bg8wi5zr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7484/115791988b6c1755fb8b0ea.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9820/665486760857ff93f7yx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

hilton hotel and resort: mactan, cebu



I really like this .....but for me Shang Mactan is still the number one.

Ah guys, can somebody post any resort in Bicol and Bohol ?

^^ is that you pnggirl on your avatar? id love to see you on the beach! :D

Wait Markiiboi, i will really change my avatar wearing two piece or one piece (basta lang dili no piece hehehe) .

Ako rin... saka paturo ako mag langoy.. nyehehe :P

Ako ang turuan mong lumangoy, ......hehehehe

:dunno: http://www.eaglepoint.com.ph/



I like this resort too, how i wish i can also visit eaglepoint. Bakit Eaglepoint ang name ng resort ?

Antulang Air Philippines Package

For Travel 15 March up to 31 December, 2006
Inclusive of:
Roundtrip Airfare
3 Days/ 2 Nights Accomodation
Daily Breakfast
Roundtrip transfers: Airport - Hotel - Airport

Php5,911.00 on twin sharing on a Deluxe Cabana
(1 double / 1 single bed, water heating, PABX system)

http://www.antulang.com/gallery/albums/album04/DELUXE_CABANA_001.jpg

Php6,847.00 on twin sharing on a Seaview Cottage
(matrimonial bed, minibar, tv w/ dvd & audio, heated outdoor jacuzzi, water heating, safety deposit box, PABX system)

http://www.antulang.com/gallery/albums/album04/SEAVIEW_COTTAGE_2_FOR_THE_WEB.jpg




Nice rooms.

:gaah: :gaah: :gaah: :dunno: :dunno: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: :hahano: Guys , ako ra man usa nagtikaw-tikaw diri? Laaya uy. Ok Good night and muaaahhhhh.

yawg kabalaka dha pnggrl!!! duha nata!! wooooo!!!

Originally Posted by pnggirl
Guys , ako ra man usa nagtikaw-tikaw diri? Laaya uy. Ok Good night and muaaahhhhh.

Forgive me, pr0 ask lang ko unsay pasabot anang 'tikaw-tikaw' hehe.. usahay naa juy times nga di ko kasabot ug lawm au nga mga bisaya terms.. hehe :D

========

woawh, antulang is nyc with its wood-wall effect.. not so much world-class resorts follow that style.. its indeed a one of a kind.. :D

Guys anymore photos? How about the Misibis in Bicol?
Hey. although not as grand as the rest of the resorts here hehehe :D
Here's Bicol's:

Misibis Resort, Bicol

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m5.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/condotel_ltype_b.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms1.jpg

iVe been to Shangrila Mactan for 2 times already.. but I really want to go to Plantation bay

ganda mg misisbis resort.. may cable cars pa..

Hey. although not as grand as the rest of the resorts here hehehe :D
Here's Bicol's:

Misibis Resort, Bicol

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m5.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/condotel_ltype_b.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms1.jpg


Very nice resort. Wow Bicol. Is this near to Legazpi city or Naga City? :dunno:

is it really white sand or golden?

newbie here!
check out this resort in Bohol, im sure very few people arent aware of this.

THE ANANYANA Beach Resort & SPA on Panglao Island, Bohol, was selected as one of five of the world´d best SPA hotels by the international travel magazine “Openroad”. The other 4 selected ressorts are based in Greece, Austria, Thailand and Australia. <br>ananyana.com (http://ananyana.com)

http://www.ananyana.com/Relax/start/en/Bild
<br>
http://www.cebuexplorer.com/resorts/Ananyana/ananyanpool.jpg
<br>
http://www.divers-travel-guide.com/Exklusivreisen/Bilderpool/Ananyana.jpg

welcome to SSC etienne..

yeah i've heard of Ananyana Resort but never had an idea how it looks like until now.. thanks for posting etienne..


btw guys, SUMILON ISLAND of cebu will be featured tonight in SPORTS UNLIMITED.. its one of cebu's most treasured islands..

Hey guys.. hello!! iknow dis are not pictures of very grand resorts..not even a resort..jz wana share dat in one part of bicol der is one place with d best beaches and spots is waiting to be discovered!! :) :) hope someday caramoan will be develop and compete with d best not only in the phil but in d world...lets bring back the former glory of the phil as d best place to visit in asia!! :) :) misibis is also really nice!!!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/30117235481.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/caramoan_031.gif

that girl in d photo is not me....i jz got d pic frm d net!!
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/2112594-Things_To_Do-Caramoan1.jpg


http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/40118.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/2112576-in_one_of_the_many_islets_w.jpg

more pics of caramoan!!! hope di nyo ko icondemn..kc beaches lng 2 la pa kc resorts sa area ehh :) :) but dats d strenght of caramoan, unspoiled paradise!!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/306032423NHEPSn_ph1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/caramoan_021.gif

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/caramoan_041.gif

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/306032248ORGPHe_ph1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/123278968jdSPSH_ph1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/123278819UEoExo_ph1.jpg

Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas.

Hey. although not as grand as the rest of the resorts here hehehe :D
Here's Bicol's:

Misibis Resort, Bicol

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m5.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/condotel_ltype_b.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms4.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ms1.jpg

wow, a resort with a cable car. beautiful !

philippines best kept secret beach, i guess...
Malapacao Island Retreat and Helaing Spa, Malapacao Island Palawan.

http://www.caribbeandreams.co.uk/assets/images/malacapao-beach.jpg

http://mikilo.image.pbase.com/u20/maxxum/small/9358592.malapacao44.jpg
click here for more pix.
http://www.pbase.com/maxxum/malapacao_island_palawan_2003&page=all
malapacao.com (http://malapacao.com)

hey matt, jz wana ask if how extensive is the cable car system?? is it one way of going to the island resort?? parang an ganda tlga ng misibis!! go bikol!!

i dnt like caramoan to be developed.. its nice being wat it is ryt now..

i dnt like caramoan to be developed.. its nice being wat it is ryt now..

i agree!! dats really something dat makes caramoan special!! virgin, isolated and unspoiled...actually it scares me thingking of many big hotels, resorts and people flocking the beaches of caramoan..bka masira ang ganda dahil sa mga pasaway..

nkapunta na poh ba u sa caramoan?? :)

I really like this .....but for me Shang Mactan is still the number one.

in my opinion, for the size of the hotel there are far too few beach areas, it´s much too small for all those sun+beach hungry tourists. how many rooms can this hotel accomodate ?

shangs beach too small? wait till you see hilton's, hehe, a new player dressed in wild pink, hilton resort and towers mactan could be one of the top 10 resorts in the philippines.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto14.jpg

^^ i personally dont like the mediterranean style of the hilton buildings...the walls are in pink and the roof is blue, its kinda weird for a beach resort.

you are not alone in your sentiments, maraming ayaw sa kulay ng hilton, someone even said that it reminds him of the mmda urinal, hehehehe, for me personally, i think its ok, but they could have chosen a different shade, not pink. pero ok na rin, at least weird sya, stand out, sabi din naman ng iba, hilton is not targetting mainly the locals, and pink and other bright colors daw is "uso" sa mediterranean areas and in south of france, etc.. so theyre playing safe with the foreigners, but gambling with the locals, hehehe.

shangrila mactan island resort, one of the top ten asian resorts.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto13.jpg

good neighbors.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto27.jpg

sory if ill dis agree...cute nman ang pink hah!!! ska der are so many grand and luxurious hotels like the Atlantis hotel and resort in the bahamas na pink din...and it seems dat tourist liked it.....besides ok nga kc catchy xa...

pero i really dont like the blue roof!!! it doesnt compliment or fit the pink whole of the bldg!!:)

hey matt, jz wana ask if how extensive is the cable car system?? is it one way of going to the island resort?? parang an ganda tlga ng misibis!! go bikol!!
i really dont know as far the length, nikki. ive never been there :lol:
im sure it takes passengers to and from the resort :D

misibis is close to legazpi and caramoan is closer to naga

ic, frm d mainland ol u nid 2 ride is the cable car to get into the resort???? am i ryt?

i had been 2 caramoan, its almost a 3 hour trip frm naga..including the boat ride!!its really a nice place..i can say even better than puerto galera...cleaner water and beach, finer sand, better marine life, best in everyhting!!

umm i think it crosses a channel. not really sure of the length.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec2jpg.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec3.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000131.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000071.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/04748CFC-B800.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/misibisview2.jpg

its still under construction, though :D

^^ i personally dont like the mediterranean style of the hilton buildings...the walls are in pink and the roof is blue, its kinda weird for a beach resort.

it most probably is Paris Hilton's favorite color, fenk! hehehe

umm i think it crosses a channel. not really sure of the length.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec2jpg.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec3.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000131.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000071.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/04748CFC-B800.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/misibisview2.jpg

its still under construction, though :D


Ang ganda talaga ng Misibis, I heard it is also a resedential village , for the rich daw, correct me if wrong.

it most probably is Paris Hilton's favorite color, fenk! hehehe


Maybe, heheheh.

good neighbors.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto27.jpg

:tongue4:
omg! this pic looks like pattaya or acapulco! mactan is fast devoloping even if the quality of beach there isnt that good, i heard that the sand used in some resorts there are imported from bohol.

^^ thats the power of marketing, maybe its because mactan offers the whole package, hehehe, the beaches are actually fine, even the fake ones, they are one of the attractions in mactan, but most of the tourists, locals and foreign, dont go to mactan just for the beach,they island hop, they snorkel and feed fishes at a nearby fish sanctuary off hilutungan island, and watch migratory birds in the neighboring island of olango, attractions in mactan goes beyond the beaches. thats why developers of international resorts are eying mactan, some are ambitious developments like a seven tower resort, another resort will build an underwater restaurant, there are even news of a four seasons and a marriot resort in the pipeline. though im not sure if they are just proposals or "visions". the only thing im sure of about mactan is it continues to attract international developers, where can you see a shangrila and a hilton resort sitting side by side in a philippine destination? its only in mactan. it must be mactan.

^^ i personally dont like the mediterranean style of the hilton buildings...the walls are in pink and the roof is blue, its kinda weird for a beach resort.

even if pink is not in for me, i think they didn't choose that color just for the heck of it. like any international hotel chain, hilton influences the designs and the looks of the hotels they manage. they have been doing well in the business and among the best at that. to stay on top hilton 'must have' consulted the people who know best when it comes to the total getup of their hotels. they would have been the first to say how lousy the building looks if indeed it lacked the proper combination.

i had the chance to see the hotel within its premises and the color warmly welcomes and one that soothes. your usual qualms of "why pink?" will fade in oblivion. heheheheh...

Parang yung Hotel sa Waikiki puro Pink :D

the pink color and the Mediterranean look of the resort is patterned after some of the resorts in the French Reviera which the owner happens to love so much . . .


the blue color is Hilton's signature color for their resorts. FYI.

^^ i personally dont like the mediterranean style of the hilton buildings...the walls are in pink and the roof is blue, its kinda weird for a beach resort.

umm i think it crosses a channel. not really sure of the length.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec2jpg.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec3.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cablec1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000131.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/dsc000071.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/04748CFC-B800.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/misibisview2.jpg

its still under construction, though :D

do u knw this 3 people??

the two girls wer actually my friends..we were all nursing students in ateneo de naga..the guy is i think frm usi..

the girl in white(pamela) will be bicol's representative in ms. teen philippines pageant in manila...

hehehe :)

anyways, my top ten

amanpulo - palawan
shangri la - cebu
ananyana - bohol
barcelo pearl farm - davao
club noah isabelle - palawan
nami resort - boracay
waterfront insular hotel resort - davao
panglao island nature resort - bohol
pasukian resort - siargao, surigao
and plantation bay

IMO, el nido resorts (miniloc and lagen islands) should also be included in the top ten.

http://www.elnidoresorts.com/index.asp

downloaded pics from that site: ^^

Miniloc Island
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/miniloc_accomodations2.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/miniloc_accomodations.jpg

Lagen Island:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_pic.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_accomodations5.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_accomodations1.jpg
<---- this island resort was featured by amazing race.

omg!! dat's really close 2 paradise...nice pix pbuddy!! it seems isolated and enchanted!! nywei, wer are the fairies??:)

downloaded pics from that site: ^^

Miniloc Island
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/miniloc_accomodations2.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/miniloc_accomodations.jpg

Lagen Island:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_pic.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_accomodations5.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/lagen_accomodations1.jpg
<---- this island resort was featured by amazing race.

Ang ganda, wala akong masabi.

Pansukian Tropical Resort
Surigao's one and only 5-star resort

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian13.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian14.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian17.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian8.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian9.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian6.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian5.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian10.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian15.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian16.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian19.jpg

nice resort in surigao....can u plz post pics of the beach or pool in dat resort??
im craving 4 more pics..

^^ here's the beach...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian20.jpg

Pansukian wants to be one and blend with nature as much as possible...they don't want to build a pool...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian11.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian12.jpg

ic, nice idea....maganda nman xa khit la pool...beach plng super ganda na....hehehe

thanks sa pics! interesting design ng resort, baliness inspired yata..... but i saw its CR, i was a bit dissapointed.

By: Muffet Dolar_Villegas

http://www.negroschronicle.com/final/april_30/yacht_club.jpg

The sun is about to set. Red and crimson fill the skies. High above the cliff, where profusion of bougainvilleas are cascading along the shoreline of Antulang Beach Resort, a long winding stairway leads to the pristine white sand below. Spending time in this resort, gives one an opportunity to go cruising to two most beautiful and exotic places in the Philippines today.

Along the shore, Annabelle Lee waits placidly on the clear blue waters. The summer breeze begins to cool off our skin, as we board the trimaran for a short cruise along the Tambobo Bay, where the famous Cuckoo's Nest is located.

Yachts and sailboats are all over the bay. It reminds me of famous impressionist paintings. The change is from European to exotic setting, with palm trees and lush vegetation adorning the shores. From a distance, the tall and majestic mount Talinis stood against the backdrop of crimson skies.

As the boat glides smoothly on the cool blue waters, friendly greetings came from different nationalities on board those yachts. I learned that they come as far as Australia, Spain, Japan, Korea, Israel, France, Italy, England and Hongkong.

For those who takes pleasure with underwater gardens, Annabelle Lee with the latest addition of another boat, named Don Joaquin, can cruise near the world famous Apo Island, where the scuba divers all over the world explore the abundance of marine life that only Philippine waters offer.

But really, as Nikki Danika wrote, ?this is only one of the many things that are uniquely Antulang. Heavenly place, Antulang (Resort Hotel) is endowed with a graceful stretch of powdery white sand dotted here and there with a myriad of shells depicting the intricate patterns of beauty.

Retreat yourself into their airy restaurant pearched neatly on the long stretch of sheer cliffs and bless your bellies with delish dishes.

Explore the resort amidst the dizzying labyrinth of staircases and retire into one of their comfortable and luxurious stately villas with its own private pools and jakusies to rid yourself of all that big-city grime.

Owner Boy Lee, businessman, entrepreneur and a visionary in his own right, loves the good life, and is now a made man. Boy tells my editor that at first he just wanted a private hideaway from the city jungle. This was then a place for hunting birds in Siaton. But when his guests came, they wanted more. Looking westward, one cannot ignore the majestic seas, the magnificent sunset and the fresh aroma of poignant memories start to seep into the mind of every first timer.

Thus, Mr Lee thought of sharing the experience to people here and around the world. And came they did. Koreans and Europeans specially, honeymooners, high-end business executives, conferences, and strategic planners make their way to Antulang.

Just call: 035-225-8899 / 422-2600/ email info@antulang.com, make sure you meet Anabelle, the manager and daughter of Boy Lee, or her in-house keeper Bernice, everything will become easy and exciting.

ohh, I luv Pansukian, tho i haven't been there, I first saw it sa isang issue ng Architectural Digest. wanna go there someday...

is siargao different from surigao?

this thread is a very good idea ! keep it comming boys and gals, show us foreigners all the beautiful resorts in the philippines !

^^ are you a foreigner? :)

Mangodlong Rock Resort, San Francisco, Camotes
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4381/imgp16172sg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5402/imgp16247xa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5814/imgp16281fp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1294/imgp16352pi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/849/imgp16597ul.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ where is camotes?

thanks sa pics! interesting design ng resort, baliness inspired yata..... but i saw its CR, i was a bit dissapointed.

y nman? wats with the cr??

iceman, nice pics..pero san po b an sn. francisco, camotes??

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/caramoan_041.gif


I'm surprised this place havent been discovered by anyone yet, it's the first time ive seen it and it looks simply GORGEOUS! WOW!

tnx...dats one of d island in caramoan, camarines sur(bicol)..slamt nman may nkappreciate...hehehehe:)

nywei, its not yet very develop...little people got to go there bcoz of its isolation....der are also no resorts in d area...dat is way it remains clean, unspoiled and free frm the other bad effects of tourism....

y nman? wats with the cr??

iceman, nice pics..pero san po b an sn. francisco, camotes??


Camotes group of islands lies between Mainland Cebu and Leyte province. Camotes is part of Cebu province.

ahhh, tnx 4 d info...

bout how far frm cebu??

^^ are you a foreigner? :)

well, i grew up in manila ages ago. but i now live in europe since 1963. so my birthplace is manila, my blood&ancestors are germans. so i´m a "eupoy" (european+pinoy) :)

well, i grew up in manila ages ago. but i now live in europe since 1963. so my birthplace is manila, my blood&ancestors are germans. so i´m a "eupoy" (european+pinoy) :)

ahhh...welcome back to d philippines...hehehehehe..its nice dat even though you dnt hav a blood of a filipino and you are already out of the country for years, you still hav the love and appreciation 4 this country....and u consider yourself as a true filipino....im proud of you...bcoz ur proud to be one of us..:)

shangs beach too small? wait till you see hilton's, hehe, a new player dressed in wild pink, hilton resort and towers mactan could be one of the top 10 resorts in the philippines.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto14.jpg

you are right. i meant the beach afront the hilton !

ahhh...welcome back to d philippines...hehehehehe..its nice dat even though you dnt hav a blood of a filipino and you are already out of the country for years, you still hav the love and appreciation 4 this country....and u consider yourself as a true filipino....im proud of you...bcoz ur proud to be one of us..:)

SALAMAT PO ! :) :) :)

u understand and speak tagalog???? for how long did u lived here in the phil???

I really think that the Phils has the world's best beaches and I'm not just being biased :colgate: But it frustrates me why we are not a major tourist destination! :bash:

ahhh, tnx 4 d info...

bout how far frm cebu??

from any point of cebu city take a jeep/bus for danao city. from there take a motorize banka, it takes 2 hours to reach mangodlong, San Francisco, Camotes.

Based of what i have seen and read in this thread, i think my top 10 resort would change. Ang dami palang magandang resort. Btw guys can anybody post Boracay and maybe any mountain resorts too? Baguio? Some more photos please from Samal island and Bohol? Muwaahhhhhhhhhh. :cheer: :cheer: :laugh: :laugh: :) :)

mukhang ang sarap dun sa mangodlong rock resort. ang linaw ng tubig. :cheers:

Based of what i have seen and read in this thread, i think my top 10 resort would change. Ang dami palang magandang resort. Btw guys can anybody post Boracay and maybe any mountain resorts too? Baguio? Some more photos please from Samal island and Bohol? Muwaahhhhhhhhhh. :cheer: :cheer: :laugh: :laugh: :) :)


photos are net finds


Samal Island

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/kun2002_3insular_sanbasi1.jpg<Br>An outrigger docking at a Jetty in Davao City side. This type of boat will bring you to the island<Br> right across. Ferry boat also crosses the channel on a regular day trips. Isalnd hopping is offered<Br> too by tour operators. You can avail it cheaper in Sta Ana wharf where a lot of outriggers and operators<Br> are standing by. They offer island hopping too in groups.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/davao_1-1-1.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958756.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958748.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958750.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958753.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958751.jpg


Talikud Island off Samal

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/7d.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/5s.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/8f.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/9d.jpg

photos are net finds


Samal Island

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/kun2002_3insular_sanbasi1.jpg<Br>An outrigger docking at a Jetty in Davao City side. This type of boat will bring you to the island<Br> right across. Ferry boat also crosses the channel on a regular day trips. Isalnd hopping is offered<Br> too by tour operators. You can avail it cheaper in Sta Ana wharf where a lot of outriggers and operators<Br> are standing by. They offer island hopping too in groups.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/davao_1-1-1.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958756.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958748.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958750.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958753.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/30958751.jpg


Talikud Island off Samal

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/7d.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/5s.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/8f.jpghttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/9d.jpg

Nice, very nice and very nice. Parang nasa Phuket, Thailand. Wow Davao.

[QUOTE=MtApoStandard]photos are net finds

[Center]
Samal Island

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/kun2002_3insular_sanbasi1.jpg<Br>An outrigger docking at a Jetty in Davao City side. This type of boat will bring you to the island<Br> right across. Ferry boat also crosses the channel on a regular day trips. Isalnd hopping is offered<Br> too by tour operators. You can avail it cheaper in Sta Ana wharf where a lot of outriggers and operators<Br> are standing by. They offer island hopping too in groups.

Good afternoon mate, i find this picture interesting. It reminds me of Far North
Queensland. Davao is great. :dance:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/Pansukian19.jpg



I like this one too. Hope one day i can visit the resort too. Walang wala ang PNG mga bai.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/sleepie_uno/camiguin/camiguin013.jpg

yes, Camiguin is indeed beautiful. But I guess, no resort in the island would qualify for top 10 position.


I like Camiguin too, it is only a small island but beautiful. It is almost similar to Palau. The beach above is beautiful.

looks like we'll have a real hard time choosing the best resort to stay in.
ganda talaga ng mga beaches but i'm a pro if they will take the developments nice and slow para di siya kaagad masira!

In my opinion.. only few resorts in our country are worthy to be called as "PHILIPPINE RESORTs", best examples are..

1. PEARL FARM
2. AMANPULO

both reflects vernacular/regional/Philippine architecture and will definitely give you the impression of being in the Philippines! It a dismal fact that most resorts here in our country are offering those Western/European impressions. We should promote regional, vernacular, Philippine identity on every resort built here in our country.

Now heres a new emerging resort: Calico-an, Guiuan Eastern Samar.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6151/calicoan20dr.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/388/calicoan37af.jpg
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8530/calicoan48xz.jpg

In my opinion.. only few resorts in our country are worthy to be called as "PHILIPPINE RESORTs", best examples are..

1. PEARL FARM
2. AMANPULO

both reflects vernacular/regional/Philippine architecture and will definitely give you the impression of being in the Philippines! It a dismal fact that most resorts here in our country are offering those Western/European impressions. We should promote regional, vernacular, Philippine identity on every resort built here in our country.

Now heres a new emerging resort: Calico-an, Guiuan Eastern Samar.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6151/calicoan20dr.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/388/calicoan37af.jpg
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8530/calicoan48xz.jpg


May magandang resort din pala ang Samar. Very nice resort bro.

Any pictures of resorts from Leyte, Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Zamboanga? Please post mga bai.

u understand and speak tagalog???? for how long did u lived here in the phil???

not really, too long ago. i lived in manila 13 years (was born there). went to La Salle Taft and Green Hills before i left for europe aged 13.

looks like we'll have a real hard time choosing the best resort to stay in.
ganda talaga ng mga beaches but i'm a pro if they will take the developments nice and slow para di siya kaagad masira!



Tama ka dyan, rockwell baller, nahihirapan tuloy ako sa ranking ko. Too many nice resorts. I should say my list is not yet final, hehehehehe.

Any pictures of resorts from Leyte, Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Zamboanga? Please post mga bai.



Yes guys, how about the resorts from Leyte, Negros Occ., Iloilo, Zamboanga and please ,please Boracay . I never knew that there is also a nice resort in Samar.

if i'm not mistaken, this is CANIBAD in samal, davao...
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/5s.jpg

oh man, this place is paradise... the long white sand stretch is awesome. pag dating mo dito, just pure nature. no stores, no cottages, nothing but virgin beaches... nag overnight kami dito last lent... tent lang kami. full moon pa, parang cast away ang setting. adventure at its best.

an island off mactan, CEBU

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto22.jpg

hilutungan island near mactan, CEBU

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto21.jpg

snorkeling around hilutungan island

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto20.jpg

if i'm not mistaken, this is CANIBAD in samal, davao...
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/5s.jpg

oh man, this place is paradise... the long white sand stretch is awesome. pag dating mo dito, just pure nature. no stores, no cottages, nothing but virgin beaches... nag overnight kami dito last lent... tent lang kami. full moon pa, parang cast away ang setting. adventure at its best.

thanks junax wherever that is i picked these photos in random on the net and note down spme descriptions. this one is awesome. pagkanindot gyud

if i'm not mistaken, this is CANIBAD in samal, davao...
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/5s.jpg

oh man, this place is paradise... the long white sand stretch is awesome. pag dating mo dito, just pure nature. no stores, no cottages, nothing but virgin beaches... nag overnight kami dito last lent... tent lang kami. full moon pa, parang cast away ang setting. adventure at its best.


The beach name is Canibad? What a name, Parang mysterious. Is it a separate island from Samal or it is really in Samal island ? I like the beach junax. PARADISE.

[QUOTE=fundraiser]an island off mactan, CEBU


hilutungan island near mactan, CEBU

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto21.jpg


Muwaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Very nice picture. fundraiser, is it a floating cottages? of which resort ? Pagkaanindot gyud uy.

Good evening mga bai, Is Boracay Shangrila is as big as the Mactan Shangrila?

is siargao different from surigao?

siargao is an island in surigao ;)

The beach name is Canibad? What a name, Parang mysterious. Is it a separate island from Samal or it is really in Samal island ? I like the beach junax. PARADISE.

its a secluded part of samal island... no buildings, no roads, no establishments, just virgin beach. who needs accomodation anyway when you are in paradise? hehehe.

siargao is an island in surigao ;)

thanks.. i thought theyre different..

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3305/bantayan0581sb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1869/bantayan0216xx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8838/bantayan0451tt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3669/bantayan0393fc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4382/bantayan0469zk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/3279/bantayan0479fh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

bantayan island, cebu

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7199/bantayan0644ze.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/318/bantayan0657dz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/424/bantayan0712fz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4118/bantayan0723ex.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3796/bantayan0734bs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3372/bantayan0748ha.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

virgin island, cebu

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3305/bantayan0581sb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1869/bantayan0216xx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8838/bantayan0451tt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3669/bantayan0393fc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4382/bantayan0469zk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/3279/bantayan0479fh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

bantayan island, cebu



LOVE THIS PICS.

^^ nice beach, i think ive been there ages ago... is that the one in sta. fe or madridejos?

Mermaid Resort at Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines.

I learned about this place from my co-worker who went home last year, and she shared all her pics and i remembered being in awe seeing her pics from this place. so i thought i should share... (not her pics tho.)

nice overview:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B43.jpg
elegance:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B48.jpg
beautiful suites:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B91.jpg
ride a little boat:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B56.jpg
cottages available:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B23.jpg
swimming pools:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B12.jpg
ooh waterfalls:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B04.jpg
waterskiing:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B07.jpg
scuba diving:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B16.jpg
famous celebrities:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B14.jpg
say hello to Aida and Lorna:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B39.jpg
meet Fe who wants you all to herself:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B25.jpg
show off your new tan:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B52.jpg
catch really big protruding....... fish mouths...
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B60.jpg
freely eat any indigenous delicacies:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/c2russ/gal_B57.jpg

[pictures from mermaidresort.com]

@sugbuanon: nice island virgin pa nga!
@tagacebuako: wat do u mean? there's a shangri-la on boracay??

@sugbuanon: nice island virgin pa nga!
@tagacebuako: wat do u mean? there's a shangri-la on boracay??




Yes, rockwell baller, shangrila boracay resort is opening soon. Merong Shangrila na ang Boracay.

@sugbuanon: nice island virgin pa nga!
@tagacebuako: wat do u mean? there's a shangri-la on boracay??




Yes, rockwell baller, shangrila boracay resort is opening soon. May Shangrila na ang Boracay.

Yes, rockwell baller, shangrila boracay resort is opening soon. May Shangrila na ang Boracay.

pero to answer your previous question bai, it's smaller than mactan shangrila (in terms of the number of rooms) as what ive read from the philippine tatler. it's not also very similar to mactan as well because it will be composed of villas, di ba sa mactan, there's a big structure/bldg man jud for the rooms...

pero to answer your previous question bai, it's smaller than mactan shangrila (in terms of the number of rooms) as what ive read from the philippine tatler. it's not also very similar to mactan as well because it will be composed of villas, di ba sa mactan, there's a big structure/bldg man jud for the rooms...



Yes, bai dive-cebu shang mactan is a lot bigger than shang boracay, i think shang bora has only 100 + rooms while shang mactan is 400 + (please correct me if im wrong) Btw mga bai any renderings of the propoed Korean resort in Cebu?

Btw mga bai any renderings of the propoed Korean resort in Cebu?


This one:


http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7692/cebuimperial9fj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cebu Imperial Palace Resort Hotel

Target Completion Date:

October, 2007


Specifics:

15 storeys
424 guest rooms
200 resort-style rooms
44 full-size villas

This one:


http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7692/cebuimperial9fj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cebu Imperial Palace Resort Hotel

Target Completion Date:

October, 2007


Specifics:

15 storeys
424 guest rooms
200 resort-style rooms
44 full-size villas





Ang ganda. Salamat Markiiboi.

"these pictures does not even do justice to this heavenly place.."

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5018/antulanggift4vw.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6762/antulangflowers1yk.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7933/antulangcurtain8ej.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5287/antulangcliff6jv.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6888/antulangpool3es.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5307/antulanginfinity7el.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1089/antulangsummer3nv.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6560/antulangwaves0qo.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/184/antulangsea2dj.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5457/antulangporch8sn.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/2724/antulangpeninsula4md.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1180/antulangfalls8ce.jpg

"these pictures does not even do justice to this heavenly place.."

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5018/antulanggift4vw.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6762/antulangflowers1yk.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7933/antulangcurtain8ej.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5287/antulangcliff6jv.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6888/antulangpool3es.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5307/antulanginfinity7el.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1089/antulangsummer3nv.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6560/antulangwaves0qo.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/184/antulangsea2dj.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5457/antulangporch8sn.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/2724/antulangpeninsula4md.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1180/antulangfalls8ce.jpg


Antulang, ang ganda mo.

AMANPULO, PALAWAN

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0930.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0896.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0843.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0823.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0826.jpg

Message From The USTH CEO

This is very special year indeed for us all here at our beloved UST Hospital.

Building on the solid foundation painstakingly laid by our predecessors, we have made significant gains these past eighteen months; today, we are poised for greatness and, with the Grace of God, the inspiration of Saint Thomas and the active joining of hands by the whole UST Hospital community, we may very well be creating the country's finest hospital.

Sixty years is an achievement in itself. For a hospital it is remarkable, considering the unique challenges that this management hurdled, faces and will overcome. But of course THERE IS NO STOPPING HERE! There is still much to do if The UST Hospital is to remain relevant, global and at the center of things. Here are some of the exciting developments set for completion in the next five years that we can all look forward to.

By July 2006 the massive USTH-Benavides Cancer Institute, the country's only world-class, fully-staffed and equipped center dedicated to deliver comprehensive care for cancer patients, specialty training for interested physicians, and clinical research in oncology, shall be commissioned.

The footbridge, the essential lifeline connecting the hospital's Clinical and Private Divisions shall be opened. The state-of-the-art, 1 OS-seater USTH-Angelo King Audio-Visual Room at the bridgeway will be inaugurated and blessed. And in order to expand the Billing Section, Cashier and integrating the Philhealth section with them for the ultimate convenience of all paying patients Accounting will be relocated, together with Purchasing (Procurement and Materials Section) to the second and third floors of the Pharmacy Building. To give way to the new Medical Arts tower, the Dietary, Purchasing and Storage Sections currently housed there will all be moved into the Pharmacy Building and ground level of the Medical Arts building.

The next four years will be a whirl of activity: comprising three phases, the end result will be one massive, modern structure facing Lacson Avenue, where all critical services will be unified in a central podium; the 4th and 5th floors of the USTH-CD will be converted into additional private beds; 250 doctors' clinics housing a thousand practicing physicians will be created; we will have a total of 620 private beds (excluding bassinets) and 450 charity beds (including bassinets), about 450 parking slots, a hospital chapel, 17 commercial spaces for value-added services, a fully-equipped emergency and trauma care area, a ground-level pharmacy and an expansive, welcoming lobby.

And even as I write this, we are gearing up for active participation in the country's Medical Tourism programme, where we have allocated 70 international hotel-standard rooms.

Please join me in giving thanks to God for giving us this chance to restore our beloved UST Hospital to its premier status, even amidst the unique challenges of today.

http://www.usthospital.com.ph/corporategovernance/msgfromceo.php

PGMA AT USTH BENAVIDES CANCER INSTITUTE INAUGURATION

http://www.usthospital.com.ph/images/PGMA.jpg
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unveils the marker of the P350-million University of Sto. Tomas Hospital Benavides Cancer Institute (BCI) at its formal inauguration on Monday, Aug. 21. The new cancer institute, which is the first project under a five-year redevelopment and expansion program of USTH, aligns with the Arroyo government’s thrust to improve further the quality and delivery of medical services in the country, as well as generate revenues from the world’s medical tourism markets. Assisting the President is USTH Trustee Rev. Father Edmund Nantes (left) and USTH President and Chief Executive Officer Cenon Alfonso (right).


University of Santo Thomas Hospital Development Plan 2006-2009

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/usth2009-2006.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/usth32009-2006.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/usth22009-2006.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/usth42009-2006.jpg

go cebu for medical tourism

INQ7 MONEY - FEATURES

Learn the 4 Cs in medical tourism
Eduardo A. Morato
Inquirer

August 27, 2006

CROSS-BORDER health and wellness services or medical tourism can be clustered into four distinct domains that are inter-connected by the provision of professional medical and therapeutic care.

These four domains include: (1) full hospital care and treatment; (2) specialty clinics (e.g. eye, dental and cosmetic services); (3) wellness and spa centers, and; (4) retirement and long-term care for the elderly.

The primary motivations for cross-border health seekers are the high medical costs in their home countries, long queuing times for elective surgeries and the attraction of add-on tourist and therapeutic wellness packages. These packages might include air travel, hotel or resort accommodations, recuperation and rehabilitation programs, site seeing and cross cultural experiences.

According to Michael Porter of Harvard, clusters are "geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, firms in related industries, and associated institutions in particular fields that compete but also cooperate." Clusters promote continuous improvements in customer servicing as competitors try to outdo one another. They also upgrade technologies adopted, production systems used, suppliers' quality, and manpower competencies. Sooner or later, clusters cooperate to share common service facilities, professional expertise, labor pools, suppliers for discounted bulk purchases and information bases.

There are obvious health and wellness clusters in the Philippines. For hospitals, there is the concentration of specialized government and private hospitals in East Avenue. This stretches all the way to E. Rodriguez in Quezon City. Here, one can find hospitals geared primarily for heart, kidney, lung, tuberculosis, children's, and maternity care and treatment as well as some of the best general purpose private hospitals.

South of Metro Manila, another cluster is developing comprised of St. Luke's at Fort Bonifacio, Cardinal Santos in San Juan, Medical City in Pasig, Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa. Although more spaced out from one another, they serve the more affluent customers living in the environs of Edsa and South Expressway. Specialty eye, dental and cosmetic clinics also thrive robustly in this lucrative stretch. So do wellness and therapeutic centers.

Spas likewise abound in more distant resort clusters. Unfortunately, these health and wellness establishments have not yet embarked on full-scale cooperation and integration programs. Hopefully, the initiative of the Philippine government to promote and develop medical tourism will galvanize them into more cooperative action. Investors in the retirement and elderly care sectors should position themselves strategically to take advantage of this clustering effect.

Clusters spawn participants in and complete the supply and market chains of geographically concentrated industries. At the back end of the supply chain are the agriculture, real estate and education sectors. From agriculture, two vital products emerge: food and therapeutic oils and balms. Food for the health and wellness cluster range from the common diet to organic food, medicinal herbs and tonics. Food is brought to the cluster via logistics and distribution intermediaries.

From the real estate sector, there are architectural and engineering firms, project developers and construction companies, financing and marketing arms, including banks and investing institutions. They build hospitals, clinics, resorts, restaurants, retirement homes, and spas. Finally, from the education and training sector comes the professional health workers which include doctors, nurses, therapists, medical technologists, nutritionists, caregivers, managers, supervisors, cooks, waiters, housekeepers, etc. Three industries directly serve the cluster at the middle end of the supply chain. These are the IT-enabled services sector, the suppliers of equipment and materials and the travel and tourism middlemen.

With the health and wellness cluster at center stage, it is linked to the market chain by air and land transport companies, international health and wellness service syndicators and safety and security enforcers.

Connecting these connectors to the final customers are information intermediaries (digital, advertising and promotions units) and the all-important health maintenance organizations, national health insurance and social security systems. They bring the global health and wellness seekers to their desired destinations.

The tight interlinking of the cluster with the supply and market chains accelerate the convergence efforts of public and private institutions all the way from the back end of the supply chain to the final customers. They are composed of government agencies with specific mandates, industry associations, service networks and the like. For example, at the back end, one will find interventions from the Departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, the Commission for Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. At the front end, the Departments of Foreign Affairs, of Trade and Industry and of Tourism converge to entice global customers. At the middle, one would find the most concentrated convergence of both public and private institutions.

Finally, the clustering, chaining and converging phenomenon creates communities of product and service providers who join hands to make available all the critical requirements of the entire health and wellness universe. "Communitizing" these providers allow for quality standards, volume deliveries and even cost containment since it would be more expensive to avail of their products and services from large corporations and high-overhead institutions. At the back end, farmers can be "communitized" for the production of organic food. In between, therapists, cooks, waiters, caregivers, taxi operators, and even medical doctors can be "communitized." At the front end, the obvious community is composed of long term care customers (elderly patients with chronic conditions) and retirees seeking each other's companionship for recreation activities.

A complete model for Clustering, Chaining, Converging and Community in Cross Border Health and Wellness Services is shown in the accompanying diagram.

If the Philippine government and industry associations desire to be a major global participant in cross-border health and wellness professional care services, they would be well advised to embrace the clustering, chaining, converging and "communitizing" model. Entrepreneurs will find bountiful and boundless opportunities by identifying obvious gaps or linking various elements of the model together.



©2006 www.inq7.net all rights reserved

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PCIJ: And now, hospitals spruce up to lure tourists

Article posted September 14, 2006, 10:08 pm
by AVIGAIL M. OLARTE

A private facility in Italy was out; being uninsured, she says there was no way she could afford a bill that would be nearly twice that of St. Luke's. Besides, the 55-year-old widow liked the charming St. Luke's doctor better than the one she consulted in Bologna.

Both had diagnosed her as having cervical spine arthritis. But when de la Torre finally decided to proceed with the operation they said she needed, she opted to take a 16-hour flight to have it done by her U.S.-trained Filipino orthopedic surgeon at the private hospital that recently had President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo among its patients.

"They have excellent and very caring doctors here," said a happy and satisfied de la Torre on the bright August morning that she was discharged from St. Luke's. "The hospital took care of me the moment I stepped through their doors."

She added, "I'll definitely tell my Filipino and Italian friends to come have their treatments here."

Philippine officials certainly hope so. After all, they launched a medical-tourism program last January, and are set to have a bigger launch this November. The plan is to have as many tourists — and balikbayans like de la Torre — coming not only to see the sights, but also to have medical treatments that could range from cosmetic nips and tucks to major surgeries like that undergone by de la Torre.

For government officials and some hospital administrators, medical tourism is a win-win industry. Tourists would be able to enjoy medical services at a fraction of the price they would pay at home. (See table on comparative costs.) The Philippines would earn millions of dollars in revenue from a business that would also generate thousands of jobs. Even the International Trade Commission in Geneva says medical tourism could grow into a $188-billion global business by 2013.

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Full Article: http://www.gmanews.tv/specialreports.php?id=15396&sec=4

Former Miss Universe To Promote Philippine Medical Tourism
By Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign October 8, 2006

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres has been tapped by the Philippine government to promote its medical tourism after she was named as the face of Beverly Hills 6750, a new surgical center specializing in plastic surgery in Makati City, Philippines.

Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said the beauty queen would be a big bost the country's booming medical tourism industry.

He said, "We are encouraged by Miss Torres' decision to endorse a local company, and the Philippines as a whole, as a hub of wellness and rejuvenation. As an international celebrity, she will help attract interest for the country. I think she has the credibility to pull in the tourists and she has a strong affinity with Filipinos."

He said he would meet with Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano to discuss more ways in tapping the celebrity status of Torres to further promote the country's medical tourism business.

Torres was chosen to be the face of Beverly Hills 6750, a new surgi-center, whose staff boasts of leading specialists from St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical Center and University of Sto. Tomas Hospital.

The center is partly owned by celebrity couple David Bunevacz and Jessica Rodriguez, a close friend of the ex-Miss Universe.

Beverly Hills 6750 medical director Eduardo Santos disclosed that Torres "provides credibility to the whole business with her wholesome image and professional reputation."

The new surgi-center is an affiliate of the Beverly Hills Institute, a top medical center in southern California which specializes in plastic surgery.

Torres is scheduled to arrive in Manila on November 10-12 where she will conduct photo shoot and celebrity interviews. She is also expected to meet with Defensor and Durano.

Santos adds the center aims to tap the Japanese, Chinese and Korean markets that is why they decided on having Torres as their image model. "By endorsing a local surgical center, Torres would be uplifting the image of the Philippines overseas," he explained.

nasa Pinas ba ngayon si Dayanara?

^^ The article says that Dayanara will arrive on November 10. :colgate:

hindi ko binasa hehehe!

RP medical tourism industry to tap European market
By Christian V. Esguerra 10/06/2006

The Government's ambitious medical tourism program is poised to penetrate the rich European market this month and hopes to earn 300 million dollars in the process.

The Philippines has made contact with hospitals and patients in European countries like Russia, Romania, Poland, Italy and France that have expressed interest in several medical procedures which can be done locally.

Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo, the official in charge of the program, on Tuesday said foreign patients expressed interest in the coronary bypass and hip replacement surgeries and the local program for geriatric care.

These procedures were generally 80 percent cheaper in the Philippines than in most European countries, he explained. A coronary artery bypass graft would cost 50,000 dollars (roughly 2.5 million pesos) in Europe and only 10,000 dollars (around 500,000 pesos) here.

The low cost of procedures done by highly skilled Filipino doctors has started to attract patients from Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“Europe is really a very good prospect,” Del Mundo told the Inquirer.

In tapping this rich market, the Philippines will have to compete with Singapore and India which, along with Thailand, have the most successful medical tourism programs in Asia.

Last year, Thailand earned 1.1 billion dollars, India, 800 million dollars and Singapore, 300 million dollars. During the same period, the Philippines already earned 125 million dollars without going full blast in its medical tourism program.

“If we become successful in the European market,” Del Mundo said, “we could beat Singapore and the other top Asian players.”

Europeans go to Singapore for more sophisticated and expensive procedures like cancer immune therapy which, he said, is already available in the Philippines.

Del Mundo said the grand launch of the program was scheduled on November 20 and 21 at the Philippine Plaza Hotel. On November 29, it will hold the first massage festival featuring indigenous massage therapies.

This could be our niche. Since the govt. is not arresting the rapid pop. growth they should train every kid to become a doctor, with free tuition to medical schools subsidized. That way we can be the hospital of the world and we will fill all the vacant medical staff positions around the world.

DoH names St. Luke’s as partner in med tourism

The Department of Health (DoH) has conferred the Gintong Sigla (Golden Enthusiasm) Seal of Approval to St. Luke’s Medical Center, making the hospital a medical tourism partner of DoH’s Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP).

In cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DoT), the DoH launched the PMTP on Jan. 11 this year in a bid to get a share of the US-billion global medical tourism industry.

With the theme "Philippine Islands of Wellness," the PMTP is a comprehensive multi-sectoral program aimed at making the country become the new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia.

To merit the Gintong Sigla Seal of Approval and become a full medical tourism partner, a healthcare facility must be accredited by the Philippine Council on Accreditation of Health Organizations (PCAHO) and the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI), a subsidiary of the Joint Council on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

JCI and JCAHO are recognized worldwide for setting high levels of quality standards in the medical and healthcare professions.

To date, St. Luke’s is the only JCIaccredited healthcare facility in the Philippines and the second of 24 in Asia.

Technologically advanced hospital

"St. Luke’s is the country’s most technologically advanced hospital," said Jose G. Ledesma, president and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center. "We are known for our aggressive acquisition of the latest and most advanced medical equipment, making St. Luke’s better equipped than 95 percent of hospitals in the U.S."

It is the only hospital in the country equipped with a PET scanner, a 3-Tesla MRI scanner, a Flat-Panel Detector Cardiac Cathlab system, a combined Gamma Camera/CT system, and the first 64-slice CT scanner. It also implements a program that actively recruits some of the country’s best-trained physicians and provides continuous medical talent development.

"St. Luke’s excellence is recognized the world over," Ledesma said. "We are affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and more."

Centers of excellence

St. Luke’s Centers of Excellence offer many procedures in demand among medical tourists. It has established expertise in heart surgery, coronary angioplasty and stenting, comprehensive executive health assessment, spine surgery, cancer diagnosis and therapy, hip and knee replacement, eye care, digestive and liver disease management, aesthetic surgery, neurosurgery and neurology, bone marrow transplants, diet and weight management, to name a few.

The hospital’s International Eye Institute is the only such facility in the Philippines that is based in a JCI-accredited hospital. It offers the most comprehensive range of eye care facilities and services in the country, including two facilities for customized laser vision correction and specialized vision rehabilitation. The country’s first tear duct laser surgery and first conjunctival stem cell transplant were performed at the Institute.

Its Heart Institute has the most complete infrastructure in the country to manage the most advanced equipment in the diagnosis of heart problems. The Institute’s superior diagnostic efficiency and clinical success rate is comparable with the best medical centers in the world.

Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, senior vice president for Medical Affairs said: "St. Luke’s is the first and currently the only institution in the country that maintains fully operational disease databanks and disease study groups."

Databank-based researches are unique because the problems which researchers seek to resolve are identified in the course of monitoring data from disease registries and databanks. These studies aim to find solutions to existing healthcare problems in the institution itself. Furthermore, the databank provides a continuing source of research ideas over time that can be developed into relevant clinical researches.

Hotel-like services

St. Luke’s has been receiving a growing number of patients from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. since the 1980s.

St. Luke’s International Patient Care Center is the country’s first full-service hospital department that provides patients with hotel-like services such as travel planning, medical evacuation and repatriation, airport transfers, interpreters and secretarial service, and even personal concierge.

^^Ganda naman, mahal cguro dyan mag stay...

If I'm not mistaken, Amanpulo is the only "Aman" here in the Philippines noh?

It's really a very exclusive resort. I think the latest addition to the Aman group is a moutain resort in Tibet. I saw it in a news article around a few months ago.

AMANPULO, PALAWAN

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^^Ganda naman, mahal cguro dyan mag stay...


Treetop Casita 2006- US$ 700*, 2007-US$ 575*
Hillside Casita 2006-US$ 775* , 2007-US$ 625*
Beach Casita 2006-US$ 825* , 2007-US$ 650*
Deluxe Hillside Casita (39/40) 2006-US$ 925* , 2007-US$ 750*
Villa (beach/garden) 2006-US$3,000* , 2007-US$2,750*
4 bedrooms
4-bedroom Beach Villa 2006-US$3,000* , 2007-US$2,750*

*Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 12% government tax.
* Rates and government tax are subject to change without notice.
* All US dollar rates are converted to local currency at time of billing.
* Rates listed are per room per night based on one or two persons sharing.
* Supplementary cost: Return transfers by plane between Amanpulo and Manila US$325 per adult, US $175 for children aged two to six years and US$55 for infants below two years.
* For details of special offers, please see Romance at Amanpulo and Amanpulo Underwater Experience

Source: http://www.amanresorts.com/

wheeewww makalibat ang presyo

Treetop Casita 2006- US$ 700*, 2007-US$ 575*
Hillside Casita 2006-US$ 775* , 2007-US$ 625*
Beach Casita 2006-US$ 825* , 2007-US$ 650*
Deluxe Hillside Casita (39/40) 2006-US$ 925* , 2007-US$ 750*
Villa (beach/garden) 2006-US$3,000* , 2007-US$2,750*
4 bedrooms
4-bedroom Beach Villa 2006-US$3,000* , 2007-US$2,750*

*Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 12% government tax.
* Rates and government tax are subject to change without notice.
* All US dollar rates are converted to local currency at time of billing.
* Rates listed are per room per night based on one or two persons sharing.
* Supplementary cost: Return transfers by plane between Amanpulo and Manila US$325 per adult, US $175 for children aged two to six years and US$55 for infants below two years.
* For details of special offers, please see Romance at Amanpulo and Amanpulo Underwater Experience

Source: http://www.amanresorts.com/

wheeewww makalibat ang presyo


OUCH! hehe!... pero ganda! sana i'd get to stay there kahit 4D3N lang (but preferably 5D4N) in this lifetime :lol:

the best naman yan!

Pueblo por la Playa is a 12-hectare, first-rate, Mexican-inspired residential and country club, tucked away in Pagbilao Cove whose water ranges from emerald green to dark blue with its gentle surf lapping the white sands of Brgy. Bantigue, Pagbilao, Quezon.

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OUCH! hehe!... pero ganda! sana i'd get to stay there kahit 4D3N lang (but preferably 5D4N) in this lifetime :lol:

chartered plane pa yata ang sasakyan mo papunta jan..:ohno:

chartered plane pa yata ang sasakyan mo papunta jan..:ohno:


yup, i think as small as the planes that fly to el nido resorts (miniloc & lagen)... 19 seater, no flight attendants, no lavatory... it's not scary coz di naman mataas sila... you still see land below... wag lang kung may bagyo i guess :lol:

yup, i think as small as the planes that fly to el nido resorts (miniloc & lagen)... 19 seater, no flight attendants, no lavatory... it's not scary coz di naman mataas sila... you still see land below... wag lang kung may bagyo i guess :lol:
naku! e mas nakakatakot kaya yun.. e what if sumalpok sa bundok, ehehehe..

naku! e mas nakakatakot kaya yun.. e what if sumalpok sa bundok, ehehehe..

hahaha! not that low naman... uneasy din ako before i experienced flying in a plane that small BUT i wanted to go to el nido and that was the only way to go... in fact sobrang strict sila sa weighing in (passengers + luggage + carry on)

hahaha! not that low naman... uneasy din ako before i experienced flying in a plane that small BUT i wanted to go to el nido and that was the only way to go... in fact sobrang strict sila sa weighing in (passengers + luggage + carry on)

dapat lang no..19 seater lang eh.. baka mas mabigat pa yung karga sa eroplano..haha

BAHURA
Resort & Spa
www.bahura.com
dumaguete city

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Located in the town of Dauin, a few kilometers from Dumaguete, Bahura Resort & Spa nestles in the heart of a sprawling, 5 hectare beach-side coconut plantation. It is 25-minute ride by car from the Dumaguete airport, and an hour's drive to spectacular cave explorations, cascading waterfalls and whale & dolphin-watching centers.

This tropical garden resort has 8 luxuriously-appointed villas and 32 modern-detailed hotel rooms.

The villas offer intimate personal spaces for you to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy the panoramic vista. Extravangantly laid out, each villa comes with a bedroom on the loft, semi-kitchen, full bar setup, dining area, livingroom, extra large bathroom fitted with shower & whirlpool tub, walk-in closet, wrap around panoramic glass windows, garden sunning / seating spaces.

The spacious hotel rooms are fitted with two queen-size beds, shower stall, lounge area, some with private pools with a day bed.

The resort caters to water sports such as speedboat trips, jetski, hobie cats, hobie boats, banana boats, snorkeling, diving, parachute sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and more.

A fitness gym is also available.

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Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa is nestled in a private beach in Mactan Island, Cebu, the undisputed holiday capital of the Philippines with its white sandy beaches, year-round summer weather, cheerful inhabitants, world renowned diving and snorkeling spots. The resort is a French Mediterranean-inspired to evoke a feeling of the “Cote de Azure” with its solarium lobby and live foliage and tropical landscaping. All residential condominium units have private balconies, provisions for cable TV, telephone and hi-speed internet access, washer/dryer, and split-type air conditioning, and European bathroom fixtures and floor finishes. The resort boasts of a variety of trendy modern restaurants with open kitchens designed by reknowned Dan Kwan for an ultimate dining experience. For leisure, there is a full service health club equipped with a professional gymnasium, steam room including daily fitness classes and a luxurious garden spa offering a range of body and beauty treatments. The resort is just ten minutes from Mactan International Airport and 25 minutes from cosmopolitan Cebu City with its vibrant nightlife, extensive shopping and 24-hour casinos.

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HILTON CEBU RESORT & TOWERS offers The Resort Club shares and few residential condominiums. Visit www.vaticsregistry.com for details.

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can't see the pictures

^^ you need to active your 3rd eye to see it bai slerz...

to activate send GO3EYEto 2326

^^ me too... :(

try lang ni!http://static.flickr.com/106/290468579_68284e786f_o.jpg
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Wow!! Great!

Escape to Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa on tropical Mactan island in the Philippines, with its private sandy beach, 7 treatment room spa and 3 restaurants. Dive and snorkel from the marina, or stroll lush gardens at this French Mediterranean-inspired resort, just 10 minutes from Mactan International Airport.

Here on business
- Business centre open from morning 'til late
- Customisable, well-appointed function rooms

Here on time off
- Private sandy beach in front of the hotel
- Balconies in each guest room with unsurpassed view
- Numerous bars and restaurants for every taste
- World-renowned hotspot for aqua sports

Plan an event
Our business centre and function rooms cater for your every need. Enjoy high-speed internet access in your room.

Our hotel rooms
Each of of our contemporary rooms has high-speed internet access, TV and private balcony.

Restaurants and bars
Savour fresh seafood in one of 3 restaurants, or sip cocktails and watch the waves at our laid-back pool bar.

Travel details and arrival information
Need directions? You can also find out about hotel check-in times, where to park and how to get around the area.

Nearby Points of Interest


Beach – on site
Mactan Shrine – 1 kilometre (0.5 miles)
City of Cebu – 5 kilometres (3 miles)
Taoist Temple – 18 kilometres (11 miles)
Bird Sanctuary – 20 kilometres (12.5 miles)
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino – 20 kilometres (12.5 miles)
Fort San Pedro – 20 kilometres (12.5 miles)

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Cebu Mactan International Airport (CEB): Approximate driving time to the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa is 15 minutes and distance is 5 kilometres (3 miles).

Taxis are available outside the terminal and cost approximately 25 USD. The hotel can also arrange a limousine transfer.

Driving directions: From the airport, take the main road. At Marina Mall turn right passing thru Mactan Economic Processing Zone (MEPZ), reaching the Lapu Lapu Shrine. Continue straight ahead to the hotel.

Guests can get around the province via jeepney, bus or tricycle. Taxis are also readily available.

HOTEL AMENITIES

• Furnishings, interior fit-outs & linens to 5-star international hotel standards
• 3 passenger and 3 service elevators
• Centralized air-conditioning
• Cable TV / in-room video games
• Data port for broadband internet access
• European bathroom fixtures and floor finishes



SERVICED APARTMENT AMENITIES

• Furnishings, interior fit-outs and linens to 5-star international hotel standards
• 2 exclusive elevators
• Thermo-controlled air-conditioning
• Cable TV / in-room video games
• Data port for broadband internet access
• Kitchenette
• European bathroom fixtures and floor finishes

Residential I and II Amenities

• 2 passenger and 1 service elevator
• Provisions for telephone and broadband lines
• Interphone from reception to units
• Provisions for cable TV
• Provisions for split-type air-conditioning
• Provisions for washer / dryer
• Maids room with toilet and bath for 2 and 3 bedrooms
• European bathroom fixtures and floor finishes

The Porte Cochere
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SEAS Restaurant
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View from the boat
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The Lobby
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Hilton Cebu Resort & Towers offers resort club shares and residential condos. For more details, visit www.vaticsregistry.com website.

RP’s medical tourism rakes in $200M
By Christian V. Esguerra 11/06/2006

The Philippines earned an estimated $200 million this year from foreign patients seeking affordable medical services, the health department said Monday.

A quarter million people flew into the country this year for cosmetic surgery, eye treatment or get their dentures fixed, said Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo, who is in charge of the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP).

It is the first year of government efforts to promote the Southeast Asian nation as a "medical tourism" site. The Philippines now ranked fifth in the medical tourism business in Asia, behind Thailand, India, Malaysia and Singapore, Del Mundo said.

“Everything’s going well,” Del Mundo told reporters during the grand launch of the PMTP at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday.

The program seeks to offer the Philippines as a destination for health care and tourism where patients can go for rest and recreation while recuperating, De Mundo said.

In its first year, the program attracted at least 200,000 patients from Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, United States, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and other countries.

Low prices of health services and treatment are the main attractions of the Philippines, she told reporters.

They primarily went for cosmetic and surgical procedures and to enjoy the country’s well-developed spa industry, Del Mundo said.

Other top earners for the PMTP were eye surgery and dental procedures.

Blepharoplasty, a procedure to widen the contours of eyes, was a hit among the Japanese and Koreans, Del Mundo told the Inquirer in a previous interview. It usually costs about $10,000 in their respective countries, but only around P150,000 here.

Del Mundo said the government was encouraging foreign patients to also try procedures for life-threatening conditions, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), hip replacement surgery and cancer surgery.

These “high-end” procedures were the main offerings of Singapore. “They’re cheaper here and our doctors are equally competent,” Del Mundo said.

CABG is worth around P500,000 in the Philippines or about half the price elsewhere, according to him. A kidney transplant, which normally costs around P7 million abroad, costs around P3 million in the Philippines.

Del Mundo said the government expected medical tourism turnover to be between $300 million and $400 million next year, out of a global health care market valued at some $3 trillion.

Del Mundo said the government planned to ramp up the business by accrediting more quality hospitals and health care facilities and banking on Filipinos' "unique" hospitality in taking care of patients.

He said The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Capitol Medical Center were on their way to being accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an agency that determines whether the standards of a hospital are at par with the international norm.

The JCI is an arm of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the oldest and largest health care accrediting body in the United States.

So far, only St. Luke’s Medical Center has been granted JCI accreditation, according to Del Mundo.

Durano makes a pitch for medical tourism

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano expressed confidence the biggest hospitals in the Philippines will soon invest in providing hotel services to their patients as part of the government’s Medical Tourism Program.

Through the 1st Philippine Medical Tourism Congress, Expose and Launch to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Nov. 20 to 21, Durano said hospitals would see the opportunities in medical tourism and invest in it.

Envisioned as a vital catalyst to fuel the country’s economy in the near future, the Arroyo administration has included medical tourism in its Philippine Medium Term Development Plan.

In 2004, the PMT Program was launched through Executive Order 372 as a public-private sector initiative.

Durano said the event will spread the good word about the Philippines as a major player in a fast-growing segment of the global health care market.

The congress will bring together business leaders and industry experts for roundtable discussions in a range of strategic issues and concerns.

The Expo will showcase the country’s best providers of health care, wellness and various tour and travel services.

“It is not enough for these hospitals to have state-of-the-art facilities or the best doctors,” Durano said yesterday.

He said hospitals should offer facilities and services also found in hotels to attract foreign patients.

Durano added the event will also showcase the various institutions and products the Philippines has to offer the world in cross border health and wellness.

“We were very successful in the “feel-good spa,” said Durano.

The traditional hilot has been acknowledged as purely Filipino treatment, and has been a by-word the world over.

So now, the tourism department secretary said, it is natural for the Philippines to go to the next sector and embark on medical spa, which could branch out to specialized facilities like cosmetic, eye surgery and dentistry.

According to Durano, the Philippines enjoys competitive advances as compared to other countries due to its proximity, the tropical climate, and hospitality of the Filipinos.

“As our spa and wellness program took the market by storm,” Durano said he was confident that “we will be winning awards in the field of Medical Tourism.”

But Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo debunked reports that sale of kidneys and other human organs is part of the country’s Medical Tourism Program.

“Officially, it is not part of the Medical Tourism. Health department does not actively promote kidney for sale or any other organs,” he said, but added that kidney transplantation is recognized.

If a Filipino patient wants to donate a kidney, he said the organ recipient can give a “gratification gift.”

He explained the Philippines does not shun kidney transplant because “we are signatory to International Treaties and we adhere to the Philippine Medical Association Code of Ethics which does not discriminate operations in our country done on foreigners.

“Kidney operations on foreigners is welcome as long as there is no outright sale of kidney especially through backdoor or underground means,” he added.

RP drums up bid as Asia’s major medical tourism destination
By RACHEL C. BARAWID

The Philippines drums up its new image as a medical tourism destination offering affordable but quality medical and healthcare services, highly-trained and skilled doctors and nurses, state-of-the-art facilities, and the distinct caring, nurturing spirit and hospitality of the Filipinos that could rival its Asian and Western counterparts.

In a press conference for the 1st Philippine Medical Tourism Congress, Expo and Grand Launch at the PICC, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the unique, inherent Filipino traits of compassion, caring, and hospitality, plus the cheaper cost of medical/healthcare treatments and procedures set the country apart from already established medical tourism destinations Thailand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, the US and Europe.

"If you go all over the world, you will more or less get the same treatment and use similar facilities or equipment. But it is what is communicated in the touch of the people administering the treatment that gives us an edge. Another advantage is our value proposition which is really unbeatable. That is one of our strengths – the very affordable quality medical/healthcare services that we offer which is 10 to 20 percent cheaper or a fraction of the cost in western countries," Durano said.

This rapidly growing trend of a new breed of tourists seeking affordable but quality medical/healthcare services in other countries is a result of escalating prices of these services in the United States and Europe and of improved medical service, skills, technology and facilities in the developing nations, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

In a bid to capture a share of the - trillion-a-year global medical tourism market, the Arroyo Administration has created in 2004 Executive Order 372 to institutionalize the Philippine Medical Tourism (PMT) Program as a public-private sector initiative, and has recently included Medical Tourism in its medium term development plan.

Durano said the DoT is closely working with the DoH to strengthen the PMT program which integrates the medical and hospitality industries. An example is a combination of excellent medical services with leisure activities, city and countryside tours that medical visitors can indulge in while recuperating.

"Our goal is to get major hospitals to invest and join the medical tourism market. The program also requires an interagency collaboration between the DoH, DoT and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) particularly in creating the regulatory framework for the program along with the incentives that will make these hospitals upgrade and participate," Durano stressed. He added that the private sector, for their part, needs to organize and prepare themselves.

At present only a few hospitals in the country like St. Lukes Medical Center, and the University of Santo Tomas are actively participating in the program. The DoH are targetting other hospitals in Metro Manila and in the provinces to join as well. Among these is the Asian Hospital which boasts of excellent medical services and the ambience of a hotel with its elegant facilities and interiors.

DoH Undersecretary Jade Del Mundo said the country is already receiving a lot of Australian, Micronesian and American tourists who come here to avail of dental, medical and cosmetic services, respectively.

The medical tourism industry’s bright prospects, huge opportunities and the multi-billion peso business it promises to generate for the country and its stakeholders, will be revealed to the public during the first-ever PMT Congress, Expo and Grand Launch on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The congress will gather public officials and private sector leaders of the medical and tourism industries who will address vital issues and concerns regarding the establishment of a successful medical tourism program and the promotion of the country as an ideal health, beauty and wellness destination. The expo, meanwhile, will feature an array of health and wellness providers, insurance and finance companies and tourism facilities like spa resorts, hotels, and even retirement homes for patients requiring longer periods to recuperate. Tour operators will also be present to offer various medical tourism packages that offer leisure activities like golf, tours to famous landmarks and vacations in top tourist destinations.

^^for a truly authentic pinoy experience for medical tourists, why dont we revolutionize the healing methods of local herbolarios and hilots, give them a more scientific approach, and offer these kind of packages in these tourist hospitals...it might click, just like the traditional thai methods offered in thailand...

^^Hilot is practised in the CHI Spa at Shangi-la Mactan's Island Resort. Nice idea you've got there, that will shut our critics up for saying that our country lacks an exotic charm. We don't have to offer snakes, pickled grasshoppers and elephant rides just to look exotic right???

^^im really excited about this medical tourism thing...will they employ pinoys? and will the employees be earning dollars?

its a bit ambitious, but im hoping on landing a job in one of these facilities...its kind of selfish of me, thinking about it...serving foreigners here in my own country just so i could earn dollars...but hey, if ever...this could be a start...after i graduate (if i graduate) and become a nurse, i dream of working in one...but not forever...i intend to invest my money here and do whatever i could do to help my countrymen...

hehehe...i got off-topic...but this medical tourism thing could really open a lot of doors for us pinoys...

take it one step higher and become a doctor. ^^^

University of Santo Thomas Hospital Development Plan 2006-2009

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^^
Mukhang malapit na simulan 2, dinedemolished na yung mga old structure na dating nakalagay dun sa pagtatayuan ng bagong hospital building for Medical Tourism. My nagsabi sa akin na taga USTH na 17 Floors daw ung circle na structure sa unang pic.

wow.. winner...

so.. they will replace the whole UST HospitaL? the private and that one facing Dapitan?... nice!... and it seemed from the size of it, it will include the Pharma building is it?

That's very nice.
Does anyone know how difficult and what the process is for a licensed doctor in the PHils to practice in the US.

Bohol beach club panglao island bohol

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^^very difficult...i dont know the actual details...but from what i hear, sobrang hirap daw talaga...kaya nga mga doktor nagta-transform, nagiging nurse...:lol:

about me pushing it a bit further, why not? basta't ikaw magbabayad ng tuition ko...:lol:

^^ the great thing here is, bohol and cebu, only 2 hours apart by fastcraft! :)

i will be there next year... sinong YFC dito na sasama?

^^ YFC ka pa rin Lew? Switch to SIngles na uy! :lol:

^^ YFC ka pa rin Lew? Switch to SIngles na uy! :lol:

ano ka.. bata pa ko no...LOLS

http://www.antulang.com/gallery/albums/album02/MAICA_IN_TUB_1_FOR_THE_WEB.jpg

Kahit ano pang resort kahit pipichugi bastat kasama ko 2 overnight ok na 2.. nyehehe!! :D


ako kahit sa sapa lang pwd na kung yan ang kasama.. hehehehe

PEARL FARM..WORLD CLASS

http://www.metrodavao.com/images/headers/2.jpg

Does anyone know how difficult and what the process is for a licensed doctor in the PHils to practice in the US.

Aside from passing the state med boards, most have to go through internships and residencies again before they can practice and specialize.

el nido resorts (both miniloc & lagen islands) in palawan... the best so far for me :okay:

A suggestion. Try a resort hopping experience (Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol) Since they are all so near by boat :)

For retirement village project: Cebu Doc in talks with Naga lot owners
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 10/13/2006

Cebu Doctors Hospital Inc.,(CDHI) is currently negotiating with different lot owners in Naga for the establishment of an integrated retirement village facility.

In an interview with CDHI chairman Potenciano Larrazabal, Jr., he said that the company is looking at five years time to complete the entire plan, which will utilize the Cebu Doctors' South General Hospital as the medical component of the retirement village, with its 250-bed capacity.

In the last few years, Cebu Doctors Hospital invested close to a billion pesos to create a network of hospital facilities in Metro Cebu, including the North General Hospital, the South General Hospital, and its support facility the establishment of Cebu Doctors University in North Reclamation Area.

He said the company has not entertained the entry of partners to the multi-million pesos retirement village facility project.

Last year, Larrazabal said that the company has started to explore around the world in a benchmarking travel, especially in Thailand to see the facilities that attracted the medical tourism in that country.

Larrazabal strongly believes that the future is into healthcare sector, as people are becoming health conscious, while aging population around the world are looking for good sites for retirement, at the same time availing of good healthcare facilities and services.

Cebu, despite having the potential to attract the medical tourism market, or the retirees from all over the world, what impedes these multi-million dollar tourists from coming to Cebu is the absence of "legitimate" facility for medical tourists.

As of this moment, Larrazabal said he cannot determine the size of the upcoming CDHI retirement village, as the company is still on the negotiation stage with the lot owners with properties near the South General Hospital.

Certainly, he said after CDHI will be able to close deal with few lot owners, the project will have to start.

The Board of Investments (BOI) requires that a retirement village should be a large tract of land suitable for development that will ensure healthful, safe and environmentally-sound community life.

The village should be under a unified and continuous management.

And it should be readily accessible by air, land or water transport.

BOI also requires that a retirement village shall not be less than four hectares of contiguous land, and project cost must be at least US$1 million.

Despite the huge potential of Cebu to attract foreign retirees to settle here, there is no retirement facility yet being built in Cebu, aside from the 1.5 hectare sea-side retirement village A.C. Enclave Resort Homes, in Tabongon town, northern Cebu.

delete

I think Amanpulo is the best in the country.

^^ for me, mactan shang! d best.. hehe. :)

Beautiful Philippines :okay:


El Nido, Palawan
http://files.myopera.com/chicosolitario/albums/9986/thumbs/palawan_el_nido.jpg_thumb.jpg


Pearl Farm, Davao
http://www.chikatayo.com/gallery/data/media/1/Awesome.jpg


Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Mactan Island
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/skyscrapercity/shangrila_hotel03.jpg

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Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Mactan Island
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/skyscrapercity/plantation_bay01.jpg


Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, Mactan Island
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/skyscrapercity/mactan_beach_scene02.jpg


White Island, Camiguin
http://www.bikoy.net/images/camiguincdo-09.jpg


Alona Beach Panglao, Bohol
http://www.travelphil.com/internet_eng/fotos/pics/visa2_alona.jpg


Bantayan Island, Cebu
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/skyscrapercity/bantayan_beach02.jpg


Bohol Beach Club, Bohol
http://www.wowphilippines.com.hk/images/tourist_estb/bohol_beach_club_000.jpg

http://p.vtourist.com/1402581-Bohol_Beach_Club_Panglao_Island-Panglao_Island.jpg


Katigbawasan Falls, Camiguin Island
http://www.travellerspoint.com/photos/43960/large_falls.jpg


.:.

Aside from passing the state med boards, most have to go through internships and residencies again before they can practice and specialize.

JUST LIKE IN GREY'S ANATOMY??? No wonder Meredith Grey and her friends are at the point of collapsing in the show.

^^ ang ganda talaga ng Pnas! neither phuket nor bali can beat that! :)

^^ too bad we are behind in terms of promotion :ohno:

at least they get a lot of sex... ^^

^^^ Yeah, sex as a consolation price for all that suffering. I Dunno, for me it depends on how good the sex is.

Photos were taken from www.sampaguitagardens.com

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****sex it is!****

RP rushes to catch up in medical tourism (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112106/content.php?id=001)

Philippine Medical leaders are confident with the talents and competitiveness of the medical groups here in the country, which can definitely compare to other medical professional countries.

that show is overdramatized anyways and spiced up with sex otherwise no one will watch it. I believe most Med students don't have time for that . Just like ER the ER rooms in the US is not as hectic and chaotic.

^^but they DO have sex, don't they? Otherwise no one would want to be a doctor.

this was posted by xavierdude at the hospitel thread...

Medical Tourism in the Philippines.

Globally, medical tourism is a US$20 billion industry. After the success of India and Thailand in this relatively new industry, the Philippines is now closely following suit. In the 1970s, faith healers like Tony Agpaoa were already offering tour packages for people from Europe and Japan who were in search of their services. Agpaoa even had his own little hotel in Baguio City so that patients did not have to look for their own accommodations. The faith healing packages eventually died down and these healers are believed to have transferred to Eastern European Countries.

The Department of Tourism has teamed up with the Department of Health, (specifically the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care) to promote medical tourism and secure international accreditations for our hospitals. So far, only the St. Luke's Hospital has been accredited for their program with the Asian Hospital, Capitol Medical Center, and Medical City pursuing the same route. Thus, lobby designs, for example, of these hospitals replicate those that we have been accustomed to see in hotels.

With the internationally renowned Filipino hospitality, facility in the use of the English language, high quality medical labor force and competitive cost of services, the Philippine government formally launched the Philippine Medical Tourism program last January to promote the country as "islands of wellness." Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the program, participated in by government agencies, private clinics and hospitals, aimed to make the Philippines the "new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia.

Although the National Statistical Coordination Board has no record of how many of the 1.907 million tourist arrivals availed of medical services during their stay, the government hopes to attract 700,000 foreign medical tourists annually to achieve the much needed revenues. In a recent news article, it was written that the Philippine medical tourism program netted US$ 200 million this year alone from foreigners and even balikbayans.

The PMTP covers the following key niches:

1. Medical and Surgical Care. Although Asian competitors have already gained a foothold in invasive medical procedures like heart bypass surgery and kidney transplants, the PMTP offers other treatments in the field of medical care, women’s health care, dental care, optometric care, and rehabilitative treatment. This niche will involve a group of DOH-accredited private and government hospitals, stand-alone clinics, and medical centers.

2. Traditional and Alternative Health Care. Since alternative medicine is prevalent in the Philippines, this niche will be offered to patients with end-stage diseases like cancer or diabetes. The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) has already set in place an accreditation process for acupuncture and other alternative massage therapies that comply with the WHO standards.

Health care alternatives also include chiropractic therapy, the use of natural and herbal medicines, naturopathy, detoxification, and other cancer therapies. The medicinal value of virgin coconut oil is being validated in clinical studies.

3. Health and Wellness. Most popular among tourists is the health and wellness niche. The country has witnessed a proliferation of spas and health and wellness farms, with several spa resorts receiving international recognition for their world-class facilities. The government aims to consolidate at least seven traditional hilot therapies into a Philippine massage to rival other Asian forms of massage like the Thai massage.

4. International Retirement Center. The DOH estimates that between the years 2010 and 2020, around 500,000 to 3 million retired Filipino-Americans will settle in the Philippines. With a potential Php4 billion retirement industry, government has included in the IPP the development of retirement villages, which offer retirees accommodations, food, recreation, medical and healthcare services, security and other amenities. Each of these villages will have a hospital or clinic to ensure the retirees are cared for. This will entice not only the Filipino-Americans but foreign nationals from around the world as well.

The PMTP is seen as a viable solution to some of the problems beleaguering the medical industry, including the inadequate conditions of medical facilities, equipment and hospitals, and the exodus of medical professionals seeking green pastures abroad.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.sampaguitagardens.com

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/ab.jpg

Photos were taken from www.sampaguitagardens.com

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ASTIG!!! :approve:

Hospitals Are The Newest Tourist Destinations In The Philippines
By Komfie Manalo - All Headline News - November 21, 2006

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The Philippine Department of Tourism on Tuesday has unveiled plans to partner with local tour operators to come up with tour packages that would include treatment and check-ups in the rest and recreation itinerary of tourists.

Cynthia Carrion, assistant secretary for Sports and Wellness of the Department of Tourism said at the Bulong Pulungan forum, "We are now [coordinating] with the PTAA (Philippine Travel Agencies Association) and Naitas (The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies."

Carrion said visiting foreigners will be given a tour in the country's famous white beaches and have a check-up or surgery, at a price cheaper than what's offered by Bumrungrad Hospital, Thailand's leading medical services provider.

Bumrungrad International recently purchased a 40-percent share and acquired management of the two-year-old Asian Hospital in Alabang, Muntinlupa City in the Philippines.

Thelma Clemente, president of the Philippine Hospital Association, boasted that the Philippines has all the potential to make a mark in the medical tourism industry. "We have competitive English-speaking staff who can give [the] tender, loving, health care that most patients abroad are looking for."

But she suggests that hospitals in the country to upgrade their facilities to become the "newest hub of medical tourism in Asia."

There are about 2,000 hospitals across the country, 160 of them are in Metro Manila, according to Clemente.

Yeah I wish they would build more first world technology standard hospitals with Filipino hospitality bedside manners and affordable price ,now that would be an awesome hospital.

Pagudpud, North Ilocos

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Pagudpud, North Ilocos

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WOW... Reminds me of DUKA Bay..

A tourism boom through cosmetic surgery?
BUSINESS & LEISURE By Ray Butch Gamboa
The Philippine Star 12/02/2006

In last week’s column, we had the first part of this two-part series on the Philippines’ potential as the next medical tourism haven in these parts. Heck, it could be a major player globally in fact, considering the costs involved, the quality of our home-grown medical practitioners and support staff, and the rest and recreation facilities and sites available during recuperation.

The alliances involved, as I mentioned, are plenty and varied. For the most part, the tourism industry plays a large role as competent travel agents who will market this new phase of tourism must be thoroughly knowledgeable and updated on the cutting edge technology of cosmetic enhancement if they are to market it well. The hotel and resort industry must be able to meet not only the demands of a surge in occupancy but to be able to offer competitive standards and prices. Too, they must be able to cater to this new breed of guests, convalescing and in need of proper nutrition, hygiene and meticulous sanitation, and the total ambience such recuperation entails. Resorts, especially the five-star ones, may have the edge here because of the personalized service they usually offer their guests. Guests can request for special dietary requirements, and therapeutic massages are made available at any time. Domestic travel, of course, will also be a significant part of the business alliances involved in this endeavor and efforts should be made to cater specifically to the convalescents by making available wheel chairs, masks, etc. After all, this endeavor will be a health and wellness travel package and attention to details such as these will spell the difference.

By this time, the big hospitals and institutions have become aware of the potentials of medical tourism. Actually, the term entails a larger picture of medicine, not just limited to cosmetic enhancement. Because our doctors are well-trained, even patients with life-threatening or serious medical problems can, with peace of mind, avail of RP’s excellent medical resources. While the US, Europe, Canada and Australia and some Asian neighbors like Japan may have the edge in technology here, the difference in prices can make the relatively less critical procedures more interesting for some patients who cannot afford the high cost of surgery and convalescence in those countries.

It is difficult, though, to go into the price schemes for these medical procedures. Cosmetic enhancement procedures, on the other hand, have become more competitive. A few years back, a simple rhinoplasty (nose lift) was not so simple. It cost somewhere around P40,000, for doctor’s fees alone, and the doctor would sometimes recommend overnight confinement to monitor the patient’s condition. On top of that, one had to pay the anesthesiologist whose fee would be 10 percent of the surgeon’s, pay the operating room fees which was around P10,000, and still cough up the money for the various antibiotics and pain killers that the patient would have to take for a week. Roughly, that would total to more than P60,000.

Today, such simple procedures as rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty (eye bag/drooping eyelid correction) are now mall services. They cost about half of what they used to, perhaps because more cosmetic surgeons have joined the practice, and they have determined that with proper home care, these simple procedures do not require confinement. Because they are safe, simple and considered common procedures, these can even be performed safely in clinics, not in hospitals anymore, and without the benefit of an operating room. In fact, a simple dentist’s chair would be sufficient.

In Singapore, they advertise a nose job, nostril size reduction (which can really be part of the package, depending on the doctor and which costs about P30,000), a chin implant (which locally costs around P40,000) and a double eyelid operation (which could be had for another P30,000 to P40,000) for $12,500. Take note that convalescence and R&R are not part of the package. Locally, these same combo of procedures would cost anywhere between P110,000 to P130,000, depending on your choice of doctors. In dollars that would be around $2,400 for professional fees. If marketed well and packaged with hotel and/or resort rest, the patient could still save a lot. Do your math.

In India, breast reduction is advertised at $5,600. Whew! That’s P280,000, when it can be had locally with excellent results as well for about a third of that amount. Their face lift costs $2,500, as boldly advertised, while locally, a full face lift can be had for about P80,000. Even the common nose lift costs $1,000 over there, while breast augmentation costs $2,500. Locally, this can be had for about P80,000 to P90,000.

In Toronto, Canada, breast implants (breast augmentation) are advertised at Canadian $5,600 using saline solutions while the procedure making use of cohesive gel costs Canadian $7,400.

I must say here that prices of cosmetic procedures are generally competitive in Thailand with our own local prices. They are almost similar, maybe even slightly lower for some procedures, but for Filipinos looking for a bargain, the cost of airfare and hotel accommodations alone would be a big deterrent. Upper or lower eyelid surgery costs only $300. Forehead lift (amazing how this procedure can add a few years to an aging face) is at $1,000, while an eyebrow lift costs about $850. A full face lift costs $ 3,000, and here is where we are much much lower. A temporal lift (they pull the immediate skin around the outer eyes towards the temple) costs about $875, whereas locally, this simple procedure costs just a little less. There are other simple procedures which do not cost much in Thailand like cheek lift which costs $1,125, and lip collagen filling which costs $450. Incidentally, some parlors boldly attempt to try this procedure on their own, without the benefit of a licensed medical practitioner. The results can be disastrous. Be forewarned.

Still in Thailand, cost of breast augmentation costs a little more than in the RP, at $2,125, while a breast lift (this procedure is surprisingly more complex than breast augmentation) costs as much as $4,000. My friend Dr. Jim Sanchez says this procedure does not cost as much in the Philippines. A very simple nose tip procedure costs $500. Locally, that could cost only about P18,000, while a chin augmentation using the patient’s own bone could reach as high as $3,000. Hair transplant starts at $1,250.

Speaking of hair transplants, our very own Dr. Jim who pioneered in "nerve blocking" in the Philippines has perfected his own brand of hair transplant. Dr. Jim has been a by-word in cosmetic surgery in the Philippines, known not only for his skill and professional integrity as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon but also for his socialized prices. He supplied most of the prices I quoted here. Dr. Jim is also much appreciated for his benevolence, giving regularly his time and professional services for free as part of the Operation Smile where they do reconstructive surgery on hare-lipped patients. He has devoted his life to the creation of beauty, and his socialized approach in the practice of his chosen profession (call his secretary Irene at 0915-5400878 if you wish to verify any of the above) has endeared him to many of his patients and has earned the respect of his colleagues in the profession. I salute this gifted man.

The foregoing should give you a fairly good idea of how the cost of our professional services alone can be a good rallying point in our drive to make the Philippines the next haven for medical tourists in this part of the world. The youthful Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism has set his eyes in the right direction with the creation of the first ever Philippine Medical Tourism Congress/Grand Expo. His untiring efforts will surely translate into mega dollars for the country. It will be an exponential surge, and not only the medical profession (doctors, nurses, care givers, therapists) but the travel/ hospitality industry (hotels, resorts, pension houses, and restaurants) as well will reap the benefits from this endeavor. The is well-known and much-sought after when it comes to care-giving. Maybe, with a good machinery going, our licensed care givers need not leave the country anymore in search of dollars to send back home.

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.

^^but they DO have sex, don't they? Otherwise no one would want to be a doctor.

Do you have to be a nymphomaniac to want to be a doctor? no

^^ What a stretch! :|

Do you have to be a nymphomaniac to want to be a doctor? no

My statement is figurative.

hoping to see more of these medical facilities in our country.

THE FOREST CAMP
mountain resort
(in the uphills of Dumaguete)


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the hanging bridge over a ranging river which connects the two sides of the mountain resort

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I was awakened when the sunlight fell on our tent making it a hothouse, and came out to see the camp in the daylight, a sprawling park-like tract of land. Forest Camp seemed to me the most beautiful campsite resort in the country. The camp has uneven terrain, vibrant with trees and coconuts. There was a creek running through it, feeding two man-made swimming pools. Over it was a hanging bridge. Footpaths inlaid with stones sliced through the tingly grass carpet. There was an area where you can set up tents, a common bathroom and toilet, and areas where you cook and grill. But there is also a restaurant at the center of the site. There were also nice, comfy cottages for those who want to straddle between modern comfort and nature. But the centerpiece remains to be a magnificent tree house. At the end part of the site, the area sloped upwards towards a forest, where you can trek and then further is already mountain.


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Forest Camp is located eleven kilometers west of Dumaguete in Valencia Town. The 2.2-hectare facility is an oasis of natural wonders and offers the best in outdoor experiences like nature and adventure treks to Casaroro and Mount Talinis, camping, and horseback riding among others.
Apart from two large nipa guesthouses, a treehouse, four cottages, a dormitory, and a backpackers’ den, it also has a conference hall, a campers’ site, and a pool fed by natural waters cascading down Mount Talinis. The backpackers’ den can accommodate up to 10 people, while the dormitory holds up to 20 students. Its main hall can accommodate up to 250 people and may be resrved for private functions like conferences or wedding receptions.

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by: Roel Hoang Manipon
www.lakbaypilipinas.com

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The spring is so inviting but it's really cold. I can't stay in the water for more than 2 minutes or I'll freeze my balls off. It may look dirty but actually its not. The water comes from a spring and it filtered. There may be moss but its actually the same thing you see on the rocks on rivers so you don't have to feel icky. Entrance fee is only PHP70.00/head the last time i went there. Cottages good for 2 heads for a night's stay is only PHP600.00 and there are cottages good for family use. There are a lot of cottages to choose ranging from top hill cottages to cottages clinging on to coconut trees or cottages by the river or by the hanging bridge but all of them are not air-conditioned. Anyway who needs it when it's very cold up there, good for cuddling and other "stuff", I tell you. *grin* I love staying there coz i like seeing that "smoke thingy" coming out from my mouth when i talk. Fireflies are very abundant at night. Very very romantic jud if ur with ur special someone.

There is also this fish pond with lots of lilies. You can fish out your meal with a variety of fresh water fish choices and send it to the chef for cooking. Talk about FRESH. Swans can be spotted floating gracefully on the pond. There is also a golf area but im not sure of the number of holes. Billiard tables are also availabe.

What is the best in the place is their restaurant located in the center of the resort. Their buko-halo is the best! The place is very picturisque and i like it. When i feel really hot here in the city, i could always go up hill and enjoy FOREST CAMP!

I hear stories of doctors having nurses as kabits being very common, i believe its true it makes sense, educated nurses going out with rich docs with money to burn... hehe

Anyways the government should really focus on health infrastructure and incentives realated to medical tourism. The costs of operations here in the Phils are almost at par with western practice but much cheaper even with the airfare included. Fractional even! This has the potential to be a successful industry like the Call-center industrial. Mind you both are related. Both fit in the definition of OUTSOURCING in one way or another.

^ that's only in the PHilippines where even if you're not a doctor you have kabits. It's per individual basis.

pics from flickr.com


Alegre Beach Resort - Sogod, Cebu
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Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort & Spa
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Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
http://static.flickr.com/36/86329919_1ce402e9dd.jpg?v=0


Maribago Bluewaters Resort - Mactan
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panglao, bohol...
this one's heavenly!
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the philippines, being an archipelago has a lot of pristine beaches. i just really dont know why di na pro promote ito ng mabuti... lagi na lng naririnig natin campaigns about boracay cebu palawan and bohol.

example na lang.. sa basilan, they have white sand beaches too. kung gaano ka fine ang sand at kung gaano kaputi ang sand sa bora ganun din ang white sand sa malamawi island in basilan. mas malinis dahil konti lang tao.

sa zamboanga naman they have pink sand beaches in santa cruz island. its pin because of the powdered corals na naging buhangin na rin.

up in luzon there are also a lot of fine beaches screaming for our attention. sana lang the DOT and the PTA will actively promote these beaches

^^

You said it right buddy! That's one sad truth about governance in the Philippines. We are a country where despotism and nepotism are your best money-makers. In short, whoever is in power (and I'm saying this not only with reference to the highest position in the country but any position that puts someone at an advantage) will exercise his power to put forward his hometown's advocacy thereby leaving the other potential areas in deplorable state. In the process, we compete and slug it out for what ever little opportunities that come. We become rivals of one another. Sad case indeed.

^^

You said it right buddy! That's one sad truth about governance in the Philippines. We are a country where despotism and nepotism are you best money-makers. In short, who ever is in power (and I'm saying this not only with reference to the highest position in the country but any position that puts someone at an advantage) will exercise his power to put forward his hometown's advocacy thereby leaving the other potential areas in deplorable state. In the process, we compete and slug it out for what ever little opportunities that come. We become rivals of one another. Sad case indeed.


I agree with you.

you know what guys, the government should concentrate more in tourism as well.. and preserve these natural beauties that the philippines have been given... dapat di sobrang random yung mga structures around the beaches, the more natural the more beautiful sometimes... parang haven talaga.

The bad thing is that most people from outside pinas would rather go to phuket or that sort, i dont even know why the philippines is never mentioned

just recently... i was in basilan. a lot of people nag taas ng kilay when i told them na pupunta ako dun.

their initial reaction ? sabi nila--> magpapakamatay ka ba?

the moment na dumating ako sa basilan i instantly fell in love with the place. its the exact opposite sa mga nababasa sa dyaryo or naririnig sa balita. its very peaceful there. kahit mga locals nag sasabi na tahimik na ang basilan. matagal na.

and their beaches.....better than boracay. malinis , no buildings. very clear water, pwede ka pa nga mag surfing dun kasi malakas ang waves. and i made a promise that before holy week babalik ako sa basilan, and hopfully ma include ko na rin ang Sulu sa itinerary ko.

^^

You said it right buddy! That's one sad truth about governance in the Philippines. We are a country where despotism and nepotism are your best money-makers. In short, whoever is in power (and I'm saying this not only with reference to the highest position in the country but any position that puts someone at an advantage) will exercise his power to put forward his hometown's advocacy thereby leaving the other potential areas in deplorable state. In the process, we compete and slug it out for what ever little opportunities that come. We become rivals of one another. Sad case indeed.

....i don't know if you have tried to visit one of the road shows of DOT in your city

...well, here in Riyadh, i have witnessed how DOT has promoted all the beautiful spots in the Philippines ...in fact, after i've seen their promotion about Basilan, i want to go there even if the perception of the majority about Basilan is chaotic...


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http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/images/header/wow_logo.jpg
Here's an info from WOW PHILIPPINES!

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Basilan - A Province To Be Watched

Description
Basilan is one province in a setting that reflects the true description of an island paradise. Blessed with natural bounties since its early years of existence, it has been called by merchants and travelers as an island of hope. The province, bestowed with different cultures and traditions and rich in aquatic resources, was once considered the trading center of Mindanao in the early days.

The kilometer-wide channel that opens to the port of Isabela, provincial capital, is lined on both sides by mangroves and Samal houses on stilts. Across is Malamawi Island, the gateway to Basilan, where can be found the Badjao, Samal-Luaans-Banguingui, and Muslim cemeteries. The island boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks and is home to the Panigayan fishing village, an ideal spearfishing destination.

In the heart of Isabela is the Santa Isabel Cathedral with its modern architectural design. Beside the cathedral is a display center of native handicrafts like mats, bags, and other products made of buri.

Not far from Isabela proper is the Kaum Purnah Mosque and Muslim Village, which shows Muslim culture through at least three tribes. The 400-meter-high Calvario Peak and its Chapel of Peace are a delight to photographers. Sumagdang Beach is a natural swimming resort amidst coconut plantations, mini rice fields, and fishponds while Kumalarang River boasts of a 14-meter-high waterfalls.

The next town of Lamitan is the best place to see the Yakan, a peace-loving people known for colorful clothes handwoven with intricate geometric designs as well as for elaborate weddings and festivals.

Geography
The province of Basilan has an aggregate historical jurisdiction of 135,892 hectares, with mainland Basilan encompassing an area of 124,892 hectares. It is separated from the mainland of Mindanao by a strait of about 17 miles wide at its narrowest point. Basilan is geographically located between latitude 6°15' and 7°00' longitude 121°15' and 122°30'.

Political Subdivisions
Basilan has eight municipalities, namely; Isabela, Lamitan, Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Maluso, Malamawi, Lantawan.

Climate
Basilan, as part of Mindanao, is outside the typhoon belt. The annual average rainfall is 1,100 millimeters and mean annual temperature is 26.6° C. Source of rainfall is the southwest monsoon and intertropical convergence zone (mc). Prevailing winds are from the southwest with a speed of 4 knots.

Language / Dialect
Approximately 55% of the people speak Chavacano; 20% Samal; Joloano, Yakan, and Maranao; 10% Visayan; 10% Tagalog, 5% llocano and other dialects.

Major Industries
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the people of lsabela, in particular. There are a few industries operating here and all are agro-based. Copra trading is the leading commercial activity while coconuts are planted almost throughout the year. Rubber-sapping and logging complement the people's major occupations.

Mineral deposits of gold, manganese, iron, ore, copper, and coal are also found in Basilan.

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Zamboanga City - The Philippines' Little Spain

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Quetal Ustedes? From the moment you hear those lifting words, you realize it’s true. Here indeed is a quaint pocket of history torn from mainland Spain. A place unlike any other in the Philippines.

While Spain’s three-century reign left its indelible imprint on the country, nowhere was its legacy perhaps so concentrated and embedded than in Zamboanga, which took for its native tongue, Chabacano, the delightful mix of 60% Español and 40% native words.

There is more to Zamboanga than this. As far back as the 13th and 14th centuries, it was already a trading center with a vibrant culture of its own, emblazoned against the horizon in the vivid colors of the native vinta sails that fluttered gaily off its shores. And when the Castillan flag of Spain first appeared in the horizon off Caldera Bay (now Recodo) in 1593, Zamboanga opened another epoch in its colorful heritage, one that would leave a legacy so rooted that from it would spring much of the city’s romance and allure.

The best recuerdo of la presencia de España in Zamboanga was and remains to be Fort Pilar, the coastal fort built in 1635 around which the city first grew. In time, it became a shrine to Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, especially after miracles that are now part of legends and Zamboanga folklore.

It was in Zamboanga that Christianity gained a foothold in Mindanao. The Archdiocese of Zamboanga covered all of Mindanao, except Sulu where Islam and the Tausug culture proved every bit as dynamic as Spain’s influence.

GEOGRAPHY
Zamboanga City is located on the tip of the Zamboanga peninsula that juts out of the bottom of Mindanao island in Southern Philippines. It has about 142,000 hectares of sloping terrain from a surrounding shoreline of coral beaches to mineral-rich mountains in the center of the peninsula.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Zamboanga City has at least 25 island communities and 98 barangays.

POPULATION
Zamboanga’s population as of the 2000 census is 601,794.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Chabacano is the dominant language in Zamboanga City. Other dialects like Bisaya and the Muslim vernaculars are also spoken in certain communities in the city.

CLIMATE
Zamboanga City enjoys a location that is free from the typhoon belt area. March to May is hot and dry, with temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Average humidity year-round is 77%.

INDUSTRIES
Zamboanga City is the center of Western Mindanao for commerce and trade, government and finance, transportation and communication. It has an international airport, a huge port area, and the Zamboanga Freeport and Economic Zone Authority.

It is known as the Sardine Capital of the Philippines because most of the sardine and canning factories are situated in Zamboanga City. It has been involved in the export of marine/aquaculture products, fruits, processed food, furniture/wood products, and many more.


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Sulu - Land Of Treasures And Farers Of The Sea

Description
Far-flung Sulu is the southernmost part of the Philippines, lying between the Sulu Sea on the north and the Celebes Sea on the south. With fishing as its most important industry, it is classified as a First Class Province in terms of income.

The glorious Sulu Sea is dotted with coral reefs, such as the pearl farm at Marungas Island, and provides some of the world's best dive spots. Tubbataha Reef is its best known site, a 33,200-hectare underwater splendor drawing divers from all over the world with its marvelous marine wilderness and special ecosystem. Because of its fabulous beauty, the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park was honored by UNESCO in December 1993 as the first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List.

The provincial capital is Jolo. Its walled city is the smallest in the world, with its historic brick walls that lay proof to the city’s historic and continuous strife. At the entrance of the city are four gates that were used as watch towers and several mounds that were the burial grounds of Spanish and American soldiers who died in the hands of the Muslim warriors. Another attraction of the city is the Provincial Capitol with its moorish-inspired architectural design.

The province nurtures a harmonious coexistence of the two most dominant religions in the Philippines, Catholicism and Islam. There are Muslim mosques situated in each barangay, most notable being the Tulay Mosque. The existing churches of Christian faith in the province are the Jolo Parish Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel, and Jolo Evangelical Church.

Geography
The Sulu Archipelago is the southernmost part of the Philippines. It lies between the Sulu Sea on the north and the Celebes Sea on the south.

The province consists of over 400 scattered and almost isolated islands, stretching from the tip of Zamboanga southwestward towards Borneo. It forms one of the three connections of the Philipines with Borneo.

Climate
Sulu is outside of the typhoon belt. Its climate is warm, humidity is generally moist, but precipitation is constant throughout the year. February is considered the coldest month while May to August are the hottest, with mean relative humidity of 86%, one of the hottest in the country. January to April is considered the dry period, with a monthly average of 7 to 9 inches of rainfall. The mean annual temperature is 26 degrees centigrade and the maximum is 27 degrees centigrade.

Language / Dialect
The principal dialect of the natives of Jolo is Tausug. The rest speak Samal, Cebuano, Chavacano, Tagalog, and other dialects. English is widely spoken.

Major Industries
Far-flung Sulu is surprisingly a first-class province by income classification. While there is an absence of mineral deposits, Sulu nevertheless abounds in timber resources. Lying outside the typhoon belt, it is blessed with a year-round bounty from both land and sea.

Due to the character of the soil and climate, the province of Sulu grows a greater variety of products than any other part of the country. In addition to all the crops of the islands, which are abaca, coconut, and fruits like oranges, lanzones, and jacks, other fruits that do not grow in the northern islands are harvested here, such as the mangosteen and durian.

Fishing is the most important industry. Trepang and pearls are extensively gathered. Sea turtles and fish of all kinds are caught. Otherwise the people engage in the industries of boat building, mat weaving, coffee processing, and fruit preservation (durian and mangosteen).


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Lanao Del Sur - Cradle Of Muslim Art

Description
Lanao del Sur is the land of the Maranaos, “people of the lake,” among the most devout of Muslim tribes as well as the most artistic. Nowhere is this more evident than in the the people’s most natural way of life and the land’s most attractive sites.

The life of the Maranaos centers on Lake Lanao, the second largest and deepest in the Philippines and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful. The lake is surrounded with myths and legends. The climate here is envigorating and fine grazing land stretches into the distance. A commanding view of the lake is offered by Marawi City, the provincial capital.

The unique natural setting of the Maranaos is perhaps best manifested in Marawi Cty, by the presence of the many large torogans, the Maranao houses, which are characterized by an antique royal high roof with curved designs. The city’s Aga Khan Museum, located within Mindanao State University, is a repository of Maranao and other Moro artifacts. It boasts a huge collection of indigenous art and cultural materials, ethnic music, the native tools and weapons used by the Muslims, and Muslim houses of different artistic designs. Founded in 1962, the university draws the most crowds to the city.

The Maranaos’ flair for the creative is exhibited by their numerous ceremonial artifacts and everyday tools trimmed with the sensuous "okir" (carving) and colorful "nagas" (serpent figures). Their long, low, and sleek boats sport a rainbow of brilliant colors matched only by the exuberance of the malong, the native wear of the Maranao women. Worn as a shirt or dress, used to cover the head or as a blanket, the highly decorated malong is violet, purple, green, red, yellow, floral, and geometric.

Geography
Lanao del Sur forms the western portion of Northern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Lanao del Norte, on the east by Bukidnon, on the west by Illana Bay, and on the south by Maguindanao and Cotabato. Rolling hills and valleys, a placid lake and river dominate the landscape.

Climate
The province has a cool and pleasant climate that falls dominantly under type F, which is distinguished by an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. The Philippine summer is not quite distinct here. The wettest month is February and the dryest month is June. Lanao del Sur is outside of the typhoon belt

Language / Dialect
The Maranao dialect is the most commonly spoken. Also spoken are Tagalog and Visaya as well as English and Arabic.


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Maguindanao - The Seat Of Muslim Mindanao

Description
The essence of the ancient Islamic faith and culture remains in good health and well-being in the province of Maguindanao, home of the Muslim Maguindanaos, traditionally a peace-loving, inland-dwelling people. Maguindanao is the only predominantly Muslim province of the four that were created out of the former province of Cotabato. Today it holds the seat of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The ARMM Compound, located on Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, is a showcase of a unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture. It houses the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, the Regional Museum, the Regional Library, and almost all regional offices of Region 12.

Perhaps Maguindanao is most popularly known for Rio Grande de Mindanao, the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest in Mindanao. Water sports and boat racing are ideal activities here, and are usually held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival and the Feast of Hariraya Puasa. Celebrated every December 19, the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is a colorful commemoration of Kabunsuan’s arrival via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to the natives.

Cotabato City's most famous landmark is P.C. Hill, a stone fort towering over the city with a height of 90 feet and now housing the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. This historic hill served as a watch tower for the natives. It commands a panoramic view of the city and Rio Grande de Mindanao. The oldest church in the city is Tamontaka Church at Barangay Tamontaka. It was built in 1872 following Spanish architecture and design.

Geography
Maguindanao is bounded on the north by Lanao del Sur, on the east by North Cotabato, on the west by the Moro Gulf, and on the south by Sultan Kudarat.

Climate
The province's climate is generally characterized by a more or less even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Compared to other regions of the Philippines, Maguindanao has the lowest frequency of very cloudy or over-cast days.


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Tawi-tawi - Wildlife Mecca Of Muslim Mindanao

Description
Wild cattle, wild hogs, and monkeys of the brown and white variety are just some of the many exotic fauna that abound in the forests of mainland Tawi-Tawi. Lying at the southwestern tip of the Philippines, accessible in only a matter of hours from Sabah in Malaysia, Tawi-Tawi is a province to visit for its natural zoos and a world all its own.

At Sibutu, wild hogs come in rampaging bands of black, reddish brown, white, and spotted black and white. A hunter's paradise, Sibutu also boasts of the sleek and rare "labuyo" or wild rooster, birds of the edible variety – the balud, tabon, kingfisher, orioles, dandunay of the peacock variety, and more – as well as pet birds such as green, gold, and white parrots, canaries, lovebirds, and so much more.

Seagulls, known to the natives as “tallah-tallah,” have settled by the thousands at Gusong Reef in Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi to lay their eggs there. Gusong Reef is a top producer of the delicious turtle eggs, ranking second to the Turtle Islands. Bongao Peak is a veritable monkey sanctuary, which also provides a view of the expanse of sea and the necklace of islands for miles around.

Tawi-Tawi can easily transport one to a whole other world. Eye-catching Sitangkai is considered the “Venice of Tawi-Tawi.” The Royal "Kupunga" rises straight out of an Arabian setting. The Malay influences as well as tribal arts and crafts are very much visible in the province. Here, it is not uncommon to see folks dressed in colorful malongs, the women adorned in beads and brass trinkets.

Bongao, the provincial capital, is the only place in the province where simple amenities can be availed of. Lodging is spartan. Bazaars and small cafes crowd the commercial center. At the marketplace, foodstalls serve seafare and native delicacies like the "tapa" or cured boar's meat.

Geography
Tawi-Tawi lies at the southwestern tip of the country. Irregular in shape, with splashes of white sandy beaches and rock-bound coasts, the province has 107 islands and islets with a combined land area of 462 square miles.

Political Subdivisions
The province is composed of ten municipalities: Balimbing, Bongao, Cagayan de Tawi- Tawi, Simunul, Sitangkai, South Ubian, Tandubas, Turtle Island, Languyan and Sapa-Sapa. There are from ten to more than thirty barangays in each municipality. Each barangay is administered by a Barangay Captain.

Climate
Tawi-Tawi has two seasons: dry and wet The climate is generally moderate. The wettest months are from August to November. The other months of the year are generally dry with occasional rain showers.

Language / Dialect
The prevailing dialect is Samal, which is widely used in varied tones and accents. The Tausug dialect is also spoken, as are English and Filipino (Tagalog). Many local traders can speak Malay and Indonesian.

Major Industries
Agriculture, fishing, and agar-agar farming are the leading source of livelihood of the people of Tawi- Tawi, with quite a number engaged in the barter trade business. Copra is the top agricultural produce, followed by root crops, fruits, and vegetables.

*********and more....!!!!********

Region 1
ILOCOS NORTE | ILOCOS SUR | LA UNION | PANGASINAN |

Region 2
CAGAYAN | ISABELA | NUEVA VIZCAYA | QUIRINO | BATANES |

Region 3
BULACAN | NUEVA ECIJA | PAMPANGA | TARLAC | ZAMBALES |
BATAAN | AURORA |

Region 4
BATANGAS | CAVITE | LAGUNA | MARINDUQUE | OCCIDENTAL MINDORO | ORIENTAL MINDORO | PALAWAN | QUEZON | RIZAL | ROMBLON |

Region 5
CAMARINES NORTE | CAMARINES SUR | CATANDUANES |
MASBATE | SORSOGON | ALBAY |

Region 6
CAPIZ | ILOILO | NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | GUIMARAS |
AKLAN | ANTIQUE | BORACAY |

Region 7
BOHOL | CEBU | NEGROS ORIENTAL | SIQUIJOR |

Region 8
EASTERN SAMAR | LEYTE | NORTHERN SAMAR | WESTERN SAMAR |
SOUTHERN LEYTE | BILIRAN |

Region 9
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE | ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY |
ZAMBOANGA CITY |

Region 10
BUKIDNON | CAMIGUIN | MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL | MISAMIS ORIENTAL |
LANAO DEL NORTE | ILIGAN CITY |

Region 11
DAVAO DEL NORTE | DAVAO DEL SUR | DAVAO ORIENTAL |
COMPOSTELLA VALLEY |

Region 12
NORTH COTABATO | SARANGANI | SULTAN KUDARAT |
SOUTH COTABATO | KIDAPAWAN CITY | KORONADAL CITY |

Region 13
AGUSAN DEL NORTE | AGUSAN DEL SUR | SURIGAO DEL NORTE |
SURIGAO DEL SUR | BUTUAN CITY | SURIGAO CITY |

CORDILLERA
ABRA | BENGUET | KALINGA | APAYAO | MOUNTAIN PROVINCE |
IFUGAO | BAGUIO CITY |

NCR
MANILA CITY | QUEZON CITY | CALOOKAN CITY | PASAY CITY |
PASIG CITY | MAKATI CITY | MANDALUYONG CITY | MARIKINA CITY |
ALENZUELA CITY | MUNTINLUPA CITY | ARAÑAQUE CITY | LAS PIÑAS CITY | MALABON CITY | NAVOTAS | TAGUIG | PATEROS | SAN JUAN |

sna yumaman nko para makapunta nko sa mga beaches na yan :D

Beautiful Philippines :okay:


El Nido, Palawan
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Pearl Farm, Davao
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Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Mactan Island
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wooow, nangingintab sa kaputian! heavenly!

^^ Cebu can really do magic.... that white sand coastline of Shangrila is man-made only ...but you can find natural white sand coastline in the southern and northern parts of the mainland Cebu...

diehardbisdak> try mo punta sa basilan... its very very peaceful there. walang gulo. i was there last saturday-sunday. hindi sya katulad ng pag picture out ng mga taga media. the beaches there are excellent.... way way better than boracay.


gusto ko nga rin mag tawi tawi at sulu. :)

diehardbisdak> try mo punta sa basilan... its very very peaceful there. walang gulo. i was there last saturday-sunday. hindi sya katulad ng pag picture out ng mga taga media. the beaches there are excellent.... way way better than boracay.


gusto ko nga rin mag tawi tawi at sulu. :)


Pwede mo naman syang i-compare sa ibang beaches, bat sa Boracay pa?:)

al-teeway, kasi boracay is just soooooo overrated.

gusto ko lng sabihin na there are still a lot of beaches na mas maganda ang quality ng sand at ng tubig kaysa bora.

=================

actually there are a lot of overrated beaches sa pilipinas .. and ive been to these beaches. i wont just name them to avoid conflicts ehre

@al_teeway: Since Boracay is the model, being looked upon by all :yes:

Anyway, yeah, I believe that the small island provinces in Mindanao (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, etc.) have huge potential. They SHOULD be discovered!

@al_teeway: Since Boracay is the model, being looked upon by all :yes:

Anyway, yeah, I believe that the small island provinces in Mindanao (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, etc.) have huge potential. They SHOULD be discovered!

amen to that sinjin... sana nga lang the DOT will promote least known island paradise hrere in the philipines, not just the bora, or puerto galera or pgudpud. we need to promote more of these little known beaches.

:okay: :okay: :okay: :okay:

al-teeway, kasi boracay is just soooooo overrated.

gusto ko lng sabihin na there are still a lot of beaches na mas maganda ang quality ng sand at ng tubig kaysa bora.

=================

actually there are a lot of overrated beaches sa pilipinas .. and ive been to these beaches. i wont just name them to avoid conflicts ehre


then you should also spare Boracay..

@al_teeway: Since Boracay is the model, being looked upon by all :yes:

Anyway, yeah, I believe that the small island provinces in Mindanao (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, etc.) have huge potential. They SHOULD be discovered!

I understand :)

pics from flickr.com

Maribago Beach Resort - Mactan, Island
http://static.flickr.com/134/322046368_c620fdbd67.jpg?v=0


Bantayan Island - Cebu
http://static.flickr.com/143/321335228_57149b7fc4.jpg?v=0

ATLANTIS
beach resorts
PHILIPPINES
dumaguete & puerto galera resorts

ATLANTIS DumAGUEte
http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/9413/atlantisdgte6kp.jpg

ATLANTIS is located on a beautiful 1.5 kilometer stretch of uninterrupted golden sand. The area hosts only but a handful of resorts, of which ATLANTIS is in a distinctive world class of its own. The immediate vicinity is perfectly suited for diving and endless other water sporting activities. On exciting excursions with jungle trips, cave exploring, hiking to the mountain lakes, hill walking to the waterfalls and hot springs, you will get to know the diversity of the amazing island of Negros. Alternatively, Atlantis is equally suited for romantics and those who just want to relax. Guests describe ATLANTIS DUMAGUETE as "a serene native paradise, hosting modern amenities, a pleasing blend of tradition with a distinctive touch of luxury (truly a heaven away from home)".

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/3043/atlantisdgtecabin6wv.jpg

http://www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete/gallery/images/resort_pool1.jpg

Discover the resort that’s in a class of its own
Set in secluded private grounds, ATLANTIS BEACH RESORT is one of the more unique privately owned ‘boutique style’ resorts in Asia. Designed with the elegance of Asian architecture, and constructed from indigenous Filipino materials, the tranquility of another world is clearly visible. Come and discover a refreshingly different lifestyle and decompress from all of life’s pressures.

http://www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete/gallery/images/resort_pool2.jpg

http://www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete/gallery/images/resort_cottage3.jpg

Truly International
Opened in late 2000, by 2001 ATLANTIS had already welcomed guests from six of the seven continents of the world (WE STILL TODAY, EAGERLY AWAIT A GUEST/GUESTS FROM ANTARTICA). We are pleased to continually welcome back guests from Europe, Korea, China/Hong Kong, Australia, the Americas, Africa and of course the Philippines.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2939/atlantisdgterum9oq.jpg

http://www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete/gallery/images/resort_cottage1.jpg

Feel like you're in your own private estate.

DTI readies perks for medical tourism

First posted 19:40:41 (Mla time) December 17, 2006
Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer

THE TRADE department's investments promotion agencies are readying tax perks and other incentives for medical tourism businesses in the hope of nurturing a new sunshine industry.

According to Board of Investments governor Francis Ferrer, the BoI was reviewing the Investment Priorities Plan to possibly include the retirement and medical tourism industry.

Ferrer said that if the sector was included in the yearly updated list of businesses qualified for incentives, companies may avail themselves of income tax holidays, duty-free importation of capital goods and the usual complement of fiscal and non-fiscal perks.

He said the board was supporting wellness centers and that it was studying how to tailor-fit incentives to the needs and situation of the retirement industry.

The official added that interested investors were already scouting for properties in areas like Laguna, Tagaytay and Leyte where land prices were still relatively low.

Proponents of at least six projects have "sent feelers" to the Department of Trade and Industry, expressing their interest to do business in the Philippines, he said.

In a separate interview, Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima said the Peza board had approved a move to encourage the development of medical tourism zones.

The DTI had started as early as 2004 to push for the establishment of so-called medical zones when large-scale healthcare providers from Japan expressed interest in putting up hospitals and retirement facilities in the country.

One such firm was Tokushukai Medical Corp., whose plan was to put up a 1,000-bed facility worth some $100 million.

Tokushukai is the operator of Japan's largest chain of hospitals, with 160 facilities including 47 hospitals. Each hospital has between 190 and 600 beds.

Another Japanese firm--Sanyo Emeritus Corp.--had looked at the possibility of building a retirement village in Tagaytay City.

Medical zones would enable patients from overseas--like those from Japan--to enjoy care and services like those back in their home countries at lower costs.



http://www.inq7.net/breakingnews/view.php?story_id=38818

with all these foreigners investing in hospitals, will that mean bigger salaries for health care workers? or are they just after the cheap labor?

BoI seeks incentives for medical tourism
By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos
Manila Standard
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_dec18_2006

The Board of Investments is considering the possibility of including sunrise industries such as retirement and medical tourism in the 2007 Investment Priorities Plan.

Board Gov. Francis Ferrer said government was crafting the 2007 listing of sectors that the government prioritized through the grant of fiscal and non-fiscal perks.

He said the agency planned to formulate incentives such as income tax holiday, duty free importation and other perks to further encourage more investments into the two sectors.

“We are supporting wellness centers. We are formulating incentives such as ITH, duty free importation, etc. We also want to tailor-fit incentives to the retirement industry,” said Ferrer.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier declared the development of the local retirement industry as a flagship project of her administration.

Ferrer said several companies were seriously looking at venturing into the development of retirement villages. Among the areas being considered are Laguna, Tagaytay and Leyte where land prices are still relatively low.

Ferrer said at least six groups have sent feelers to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for possible investments in new retirement villages in exchange for government perks.

The board is also looking at granting incentives to centers of excellence.

“These are activities that will improve the skills and knowledge of Filipinos,” said Ferrer.

He cited centers that offer specialized training courses as well as English and other languages classes.

The board is drafting the 2007 IPP, a rolling annual list of sectors prioritized by government with the grant of incentives. The plan includes the sectors as well as the incentives that granted to investors. The listing is prepared and reviewed annually by the board in consultation with other government agencies as well as the public.

with all these foreigners investing in hospitals, will that mean bigger salaries for health care workers? or are they just after the cheap labor?

both are correct, but they will still be paying low compare to what they are paying thiere own employees overseas.

Plantation Bay picture feature

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http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7667/about1su9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Located in the City of Lucena, the Capital of Quezon Province 131 kilometers South of Manila, by the bay of Tayabas, South Waters is a unique eco-resort destination.

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3559/about2ko0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A first-of-a-kind concept in leisure Proprietary Membership Club is South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the Country Club operates its own aquaculture farm and vegetable garden so that the food served in its restaurant comes freshly grown from the Club's farms. The excess production of its farms is then sold to the market. From oysters, crabs, prawns, shrimps and fishes of various types to vegetables; all its produce is a major source of the Club's income.

Facilities
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/9029/facilitiespl8.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Fromthe Club's private pier, guests are ferried to the Marina where courteous and friendly staff awaits the guest. In the main Clubhouse, one will find the sports lounge, restaurant and suite rooms. It also has the best view of the swimming pool and the bay. And just across the Clubhouse are the private Cabanas situated above the club's aqua farm ponds.

The Club offers a wide array of activities for all ages from watersports such as boating, jetskiing, island hopping, and swimming to tennis, volleyball and basketball. For all those who are into real adventure, there is crab catching, camping and fishing.


Around the Club, one will find a variety of lush greenery in full bloom and naturally landscaped. There is a wide array of "flora and fauna" teeming with life and color!

The Garden
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/497/gardenla2.gif (http://imageshack.us)


South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm is an exclusive Club where a member will find solace and peace in utmost privacy. The Club is a perfect get-away place from the rapid and fast urban life.

South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm is only 30 to 45 minute boat trip to white sand beaches nestled in secluded coves with turqouise waters.

River and Sea
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9623/riversrn3.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Home grown fresh catch, oyster, crabs, prawns, shrimps and fish as well as vegetables came from the club farm ... Excess produce are sell to the market.

Produce
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4708/producevu7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/770/2leftxj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7667/about1su9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Located in the City of Lucena, the Capital of Quezon Province 131 kilometers South of Manila, by the bay of Tayabas, South Waters is a unique eco-resort destination.

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3559/about2ko0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A first-of-a-kind concept in leisure Proprietary Membership Club is South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the Country Club operates its own aquaculture farm and vegetable garden so that the food served in its restaurant comes freshly grown from the Club's farms. The excess production of its farms is then sold to the market. From oysters, crabs, prawns, shrimps and fishes of various types to vegetables; all its produce is a major source of the Club's income.

Facilities
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/9029/facilitiespl8.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Fromthe Club's private pier, guests are ferried to the Marina where courteous and friendly staff awaits the guest. In the main Clubhouse, one will find the sports lounge, restaurant and suite rooms. It also has the best view of the swimming pool and the bay. And just across the Clubhouse are the private Cabanas situated above the club's aqua farm ponds.

The Club offers a wide array of activities for all ages from watersports such as boating, jetskiing, island hopping, and swimming to tennis, volleyball and basketball. For all those who are into real adventure, there is crab catching, camping and fishing.


Around the Club, one will find a variety of lush greenery in full bloom and naturally landscaped. There is a wide array of "flora and fauna" teeming with life and color!

The Garden
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/497/gardenla2.gif (http://imageshack.us)


South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm is an exclusive Club where a member will find solace and peace in utmost privacy. The Club is a perfect get-away place from the rapid and fast urban life.

South Waters Marina Country Club and Farm is only 30 to 45 minute boat trip to white sand beaches nestled in secluded coves with turqouise waters.

River and Sea
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9623/riversrn3.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Home grown fresh catch, oyster, crabs, prawns, shrimps and fish as well as vegetables came from the club farm ... Excess produce are sell to the market.

Produce
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4708/producevu7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

NICE RESORT.

Medical Tourism in Asia
By Prakriiti Gupta 13/01/2007

Asia is fast becoming the new home to what is known as ‘medical tourism’ as countries such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and the Philippines are attracting a large number of medical tourists every year.

Medical tourists from all over the world - US, UK, Europe, the Gulf States and Japan are visiting Asia after realizing the potential of the Asian healthcare systems. Estimated currently at US $1.5 billion, the medical industry is expected to increase to US $4 billion in the next five years, enhancing the Asian economy, as research shows a medical tourist spends an average of US$362 per day, in comparison to the average tourist’s expenditure of US$144 per day.

A report by the Kasikorn Research Centre states that Thailand has the highest income from medical tourism as 1.35 million expatriates visited Thai hospitals in 2006, generating revenue of approximately US$ 900 million. The popularity of this country is a result of its excellent health services that include offering ancient Thai herbal remedies to the tourists from the west, the Middle East and the Far East at reduced costs.

The Thai medical education system is based on the US model. The factors that are contributing to the 20%-30% annual growth of Thailand’s health industry includes international accreditation of Thai hospitals, and internationally trained, English-speaking doctors as well as the country’s reputation as the ‘Land of Smiles’ with its friendly people, superb beaches and tasty food.

Thai hospitals offer services such as dental implants, face lifts, nose jobs, ear surgery, eyelid surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast surgery in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

Singapore on the other hand has made its name in medical tourism by carrying out complex surgical procedures such as stem cell transplants, liver transplants and advanced robotic surgery.

According to the World Health Organisation, Singapore’s health system is ranked the best in Asia and amongst the best in the world ahead of Japan and the US. Singapore attracted 370,000 medical tourists last year. The sector aims to attract one million medical visitors and US $3 billion dollars in revenue and to create at least 13,000 jobs in the health industry by 2012, reports a Singaporean news agency.

As well as medical treatment, Singapore is visited for health screenings and aesthetic and anti-ageing programs. It aims to compete with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia through medical tourism.

India is also competing in this sector as its healthcare industry is growing at annual rate of 30%, employing 4 million people and currently attracting approximately 200,000 visitors each year. India is a relatively new participant to this field and faces strong competition from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These three countries together at present attract ten times more medical tourists than India alone; however, it is predicted to generate at least US$2.2 billion by 2012.

Unlike other healthcare tourism destinations that are directed towards physical health through surgical treatment, Indian healthcare services provide alternate ancient therapies including yoga, meditation, ayurveda, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and so on.


Dr Lloyd Nazareth of Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai says, "India could be the medical tourism capital of the world as it has the advantage of English speakers, highly qualified medical professionals and diversity of tourism. The WHO estimates that India must increase the number of hospital beds by 80,000 per annum for the next five years to meet growing demand.”

The Indian healthcare industry employs over four million people. Corporate hospitals, offering world-class treatments in almost every medical field has changed the face of medical care in this vast country. Medical tourism in India accounts for 13% of the total global healthcare industry but is growing at a higher rate than other international markets.

The Chamber of Industry in India believes that the country should seek to replicate the success of the Thai model and capitalize on its inherent strengths to become a world player in medical tourism.

Naresh Trehan, the executive director of Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, a leading private healthcare provider, states that India has established world-class expertise in practices such as heart treatment, cosmetic surgery, joint replacements and dentistry.

Malaysia, which attracted 150,000 patients in the first half of 2006, expects its medical tourism to generate enormous revenue of US $1 billion by 2010.

According to Malaysia Tourism, "Medical expertise in Malaysia ranks among the best in the world and most private hospitals in the country are of international standards. All private medical centres must be approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health."


Malaysia is also blessed with numerous captivating beaches. Hotels and resorts are dotted along the coastline in popular areas or secluded lagoons. Most of them boast luxurious spas and the pleasure of rejuvenating massages. Malaysia is warm all year round and its people are welcoming. With excellent hotels, a superb motorway system and streets that are safe and well policed, a medical vacation to this country may be just what the doctor ordered.

DeMicco, Cetron and Davies, the authors of the travel book entitled ‘Hospitality 2010’ wrote that most private hospitals in Malaysia offer accommodation for their patients ranging from comfortable rooms to luxurious suites with personal butlers and full time nurses. Some hospitals also offer a sleep-in facility for companions who are accompanying patients. The cost of accommodation is reasonable, whereby foreign patients can afford luxurious suites and arrange comfortable accommodation for their travelling partners.

South Korea is also on its way to attaining the position of the world's capital for plastic surgery. A report in The Korea Herald stated that Anacli, a Seoul-based clinic for skincare and plastic surgery, has treated approximately 10,000 foreigners over the past year, mostly Japanese and Chinese. The Korean government and hospitals also contribute to the marketing of Korean medical care by easing visa restrictions in order to attract foreign patients.

The Philippines has been long known for its fabulous beaches, however this is no longer the country’s only attraction as the government seeks to transform the country into a legitimate destination for medical tourism by incorporating medical care into holiday packages. It provides a combination of conventional and alternative medicines, offered with an attractive holiday package to medical tourists from the Middle East including United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and Iran as well Eastern European countries.

A major factor that contributes to the boom of Asian medical tourism is the low cost, as in Western countries the prices of medical care have increased significantly. Asia offers world-class healthcare at much lower prices, using the same technology and carried out by competent specialists, ultimately resulting in comparable success rates.

A news report quoting Abacus International President and CEO, Don Birch, said, "Medical tourists are a new breed of travellers. They have particular needs, they are going to these locations for a specific reason, have a holiday in an exotic place where they can soak up the sun, visit other landmarks and end up with a new hip or knee, a healthy heart or a robot-controlled joint replacement.” He continued, “What we are seeing now is an increase in the number of service providers in the industry specialising to meet the needs of this market, with tailored packages and services, and building partnerships with treatment providers to increase the number of consumers."

Undoubtedly, price advantage is a major selling point. A heart-valve replacement that would cost US$ 200,000 or more in the US would cost US $10,000 in Asia. The price of knee surgery (on both knees) is approximately US$7,700 in India, whereas in Britain, it would cost GB£10,000 (US$16,950).

In April 2006, an Indian hospital successfully operated on an 87-year-old American patient at a reported cost of US $8,000 including the cost of his airfare and the cost of one month's stay in hospital. The patient claimed that a less complex operation in America had previously cost him US $40,000.

US Planet Hospital, which arranges medical trips to eight foreign countries, stated that it receives more than 4,000 inquiries per month.

To cater to an international clientele, many private hospitals in Asia are applying for accreditation from the Joint Commission International, the global arm of the institution that accredits most US hospitals. Many of the tourist hospitals employ surgeons who have trained in the United States or Britain , which is a great comfort to American patients (the irony is that 25% of physicians in the US obtain their MD qualification abroad).

Rating agencies such as Crisil and the Credit Rating Agency have graded many corporate hospitals for setting standards.

Bangkok's Bumrundgrad hospital has more than 200 surgeons who are board-certified in the United States. A number of Thai hospitals are also signing up, with Malaysia developing its own system.

The Indian Apollo group alone has so far treated 95,000 international patients, and is even seeking partnership with hospitals in other countries. "We have just established partnership to provide operational management services to Lagos-based Hygeia Nigeria, one of the largest healthcare groups in West Africa," said Apollo group vice president, Dr Hari Prasad.

A report in a Singaporean newspaper quoting Dr Timothy Low, General Manager at Gleneagles Hospital Singapore said, "Our marketing offices throughout the region not only reach out to inform our potential customers of the types of services we offer, but also work in collaboration with local travel agencies to arrange for special health packages that will include logistic and travel requirements."

To create awareness and market their medical services, Singapore's Raffles Hospital works with 50 agents in 12 countries. Parkway Group Healthcare has marketing offices in 15 countries including China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Brunei, UAE, Russia, Canada, Indonesia and Malaysia, which helped attract over 17,000 warded patients and 140,000 outpatients in 2006.

The kindest cut of all
By Dinna Chan Vasquez

Florencio Lucero says the best cosmetic surgery is when you cannot tell if the person had anything done even after she’s been through two or three procedures.

“For me, the biggest compliment is when one of my patients is told that he or she must have come from a vacation because that person looks really good,” says the man who is considered the dean of plastic surgery in the Philippines.

Lucero, a two-term president of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons and our representative to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, has done more noses, breasts, eyelids and tummies than he can count but he refuses to do one thing that some of his collegues like to indulge in: name-dropping.

“It is important for me that my clients are happy with the results of my work,” he says.

Lucero is said to be responsible for some of the country’s most beautiful faces, including showbiz personalities, socialites, politicians and their wives, members of the business community and many others.

He points out that the real plastic surgeons do not need to compete with those who have had very little training and compensate for this advertising. He says the best way for a doctor to “market” himself is by the result of his work.

Lucero has also received his fair share of weird requests from patients, like being asked by a man to change his face. At first, the doctor thought his patient was a fugitive from the law. It later turned out that he was running away from a fixed marriage.

So did Lucero go through with the surgery?

“Yes, I did, but not before making the patient understand the limitations of surgery and making him accept my recommendations of a noselift and eyelid surgery,” he says, clarifying that it is not possible for anyone to have his or her appearance altered significantly through surgery.

Lucero has also turned down patients whom he thought didn’t need surgery.

“If my patients believe me when I say they don’t need surgery, they go home smiling and happy. If they don’t believe, they go to another surgeon. Some of them have come back to me to say they should have listened to me but others continue to search for surgeons or non-surgeons who can give them what they want,”he says.

Lucero explains that aesthetic surgery deals with normal features that, from the person’s point of view, need improvement or enhancement. He says it is important for a doctor to point out to the patient that the surgery has limitations. “This has to be explained clearly because we don’t want the patient to have unrealistic expectations about the procedure.

A devoted husband to the woman he considers the best testimony for his work—his wife Tinette—and the proud father of three children, two of whom are studying to be doctors, Lucero defines beauty as “generally good physical appearance.”

“Good proportion and symmetry will greatly affect one’s appreciation of a beautiful person. Beauty in a person is influenced by the beholder to a large extent. One beauty queen defined beauty as 90 percent youth and the 10 percent, something one has to work on. Youthful appearance therefore is an important determination of beauty,” says Lucero.

He considers actresses Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta Jones two of the world’s most beautiful women but it is his wife Tinette that he says is the loveliest of all. “The appreciation of beauty varies according to who is appreciating it.”

Lucero’s mission right now is to put the Philippines on the medical tourism map. He says medical tourism has been going on for many years and started with plastic surgeons operating on foreign visitors or Filipino migrant workers on vacation.

Lucero says his wish is for the government to help implement a higher standard of care, with only certified plastic surgeons allowed to provide plastic and cosmetic surgeries. He explains that certified means the surgeon would have passed the plastic surgery board under the Philippine College of Surgeons.

Lucero has done his part for Philippine medical tourism by conducting lectures and fulfilling speaking engagements abroads.

“I want people in other countries to recognize that the Filipino surgeon is world-class,” he says.

Lucero, 60, also wants to continue his legacy of being an ethical and competent plastic surgeon so part of this advocacy is helping train other doctors. “I plan to continue to offer training programs to plastic surgeons here and abroad.”

I think we can surpass Thailand if the government will help advertise and push a campaign for medical tourism...

^It is. Concerned agencies have been working hard to promote medical tourism in the Philippines. We just recently held our first ever Philippine Medical Tourism Congress. We definitely have a lot going for us in this regard, and the development of medical tourism here will also redound to the benefit of our health sector as it will help fund improvements therein.

Americans Are Traveling Overseas for Inexpensive, Quality Care

Medicine is going global. Vacation time isn't just for fun. Increasingly, people who have never left the United States before are traveling thousands of miles for complex medical procedures.

The reason is, simply, money. Treatments that would drive many people into bankruptcy at home often cost only a few thousand dollars in the developing world.

Added bonus: Medical tourists get to see another part of the world. But the risks can be significant. Imagine everything that can go wrong after surgery _ then imagine it going wrong in a strange city, 10,000 miles from home, in a country whose legal system may make it difficult or impossible to sue.

Still, the financial rewards are big enough, and the quality of care high enough, that growing numbers of Americans with limited or no insurance are outsourcing their medical care.

Take the case of Tim Devinney, a North Carolina Realtor who needed surgery to close a hole in his abdominal wall. Devinney, who is in his 40s, did not have insurance, and a doctor told him the surgery would cost about $30,000.

He put it off, but his intestine kept squeezing through the abdominal wall _ an incredibly painful experience that sent him to the emergency room several times.

Then he read a newspaper story about a North Carolina company that helped people _ mostly middle class and uninsured _ find medical treatment overseas. A few months later, he was on a plane to Delhi, India.

When Devinney landed, a driver was there to meet him. But his medical liaison, who was stuck in Delhi's notorious traffic, was not. The driver didn't speak much English.

"The driver just dropped me off at the emergency room and these people did not know who I was," he says. "The doctor was ready to start an examination and I was like, `No, you're not.' "

His liaison found him a few minutes later, and shepherded him through the admissions process. The hospital was a bit shabby _ no air conditioning in the hallways, interiors that felt older than those in U.S. hospitals. Some nurses wore gloves when they touched him; others didn't.

But, he says, "where they were way ahead was in patient care ... The night before I had the procedure, I had six doctors in my room for an hour, talking with me about the procedure, answering questions. That's unheard of here."

The cost of the entire 10-day trip _ including airfare, the hotel stay and all of his medical bills _ was less than $5,000, one sixth what the procedure would have cost in the United States.

In many ways, Devinney is typical of the new wave of medical tourists. In the past, those who traveled abroad for care often had family overseas, and typically went for minor or elective procedures, such as dental work or cosmetic surgery.

To be sure, many still make such trips.

Abella Bayanos of Miami took her son home to the Philippines this summer after she learned that he needed dental work that would have cost $7,000 here. The whole trip, including the dental work in Baguio City and two round-trip tickets bought at the last minute, cost just over $3,000.

the top ten list has to be categorized first. example in mactan, wherein the beaches were artificial. the sands are brought there just to have a beach.
i have an idea for some categories (according to activity or hilig) with examples. i hope everybody can contribute.

A. top ten party place resorts = boracay, puerto galera, ...
B. top ten romantic resorts = club noah isabelle, dos palmas, antulang, ...
C. top ten family outing resorts = club noah isabelle, pearl farm, bantayan island, ...
D. top ten adventure resorts = el nido, guimaras, basilan, ...
E. top ten business resorts = shangri-la mactan, plantation bay, ...
F. . . .
G. . . .
.
.
.

MAKATI MEDICAL TOURISM PLANS

A few days ago, the Makati Tourism Foundation together with the Government of Makati hosted a meeting of different Medical Tourism stakeholders in Makati to see how this little city can include not just medical tourism, but health tourism in general, in its over-all tourism plan. So many stressed out business executives go to Makati, stay a few days to do business, then leave. If they can be enticed to stay one more day in Makati, what would they want to do? Why visit a spa, of course.

There are other things that can be done cheaper and better in Makati than anywhere else, which would only take a day, such as have a hair transplant, undergo a blepharoplasty, or have his or her teeth whitened for that perfect smile.

What say?

Visit our site:

Beautiphil Health Holidays Corporation (http://www.beautiphil.com)

Americans Are Traveling Overseas for Inexpensive, Quality Care
...
Abella Bayanos of Miami took her son home to the Philippines this summer after she learned that he needed dental work that would have cost $7,000 here. The whole trip, including the dental work in Baguio City and two round-trip tickets bought at the last minute, cost just over $3,000.

From my personal experience, ordinary Filipinos are not getting inferior treatment in these hospitals at all. When I went to UST for treatment for my allergy, the staff was courteous and accommodating, unlike in hospitals abroad where pricey services come with a snotty attitude. Two (pretty :D ) doctors attended to me, and the fee was reasonable enough considering the quality service. I think they take good care in hiring and training their personnel, because of the hospital's reputation.

The Philippines has a lot of potential in medical tourism, and fully harnessing this will also redound to the benefit of our poor countrymen in better charity wards, plus the revenues the government earns from this will enable it to improve government hospitals.

i would like to get veneer implants but man 600 $ per tooth. :bash:

Atlas Outsourcing to market medical tourism packages of 2 RP providers
February 1st, 2007

The Philippine medical tourism program got a boost recently with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between two top Philippine-based medical providers and a California-based outsourcing company.

The agreements, signed separately by the Clinica Manila Group and Global Medical Wellness Medical Tourism Corp., designated Atlas Outsourcing Inc., a Chino-based marketing and outsourcing firm, to market their medical tourism packages in the Philippines.

The Clinica Manila Group, composed of Clinica Manila, Ambulatory Health Care Institute and Health Source, is based in Pasig City, Metro Manila and provides the following medical services, among others: cardiology, cosmetic surgery, dental medicine, dermatology, gastro-enterology, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, rheumathology, and urology.

The memorandum of agreement was signed by Dr. Hernando B. Delizo, president and chief executive officer, for Clinica Manila, and Joel P. Longares, owner and CEO, and Mark Bantigue, marketing director, for Atlas Outsourcing.

Global Wellness Medical Tourism Corp., based in Quezon City, is engaged in the following medical and cosmetic services, among others: cardiology, oncology, urology, neurosurgery, ob-gyn, pediatric medicine, stem cell/bone marrow/organ tyransplants, general medicine, cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic dentistry.

The MOA was signed by Raphael Ryan Zantula, president, and Arturo Aguila Jr., corporate secretary, for Global Wellness, and Longares and Bantigue for Atlas Outsourcing.

“The Philippines has some of the best hospitals, doctors and other health workers, plus some of the best tourism attractions in the world. It is about time the country takes its rightful share in the multi-billion dollar medical tourism industry,” said Longares. “And Clinica Manila and Global Wellness are among the best health care providers in the country.”

Under the two agreements, Atlas Outsourcing Inc., which has offices in Chino, California and in Ortigas Center in Pasig City in Metro Manila, will market, sell and provide other related services to attract customers outside the Philippines to come to the country and avail of the services of Clinica Manila and Global Wellness, pursuant to the medical tourism program of the Philippines.

Both Clinica Manila and Global Wellness have medical tourism packages that include medical treatments, cosmetic surgeries and/or physical therapy and other medical services, amd are usually in combination with airline reservations, hotel and resort accommodations, transportation services and other auxiliary services.

Because of the rising costs of health care services in developed countries, such as the United States, Canada and European nations, patients from these countries look to inexpensive medical providers, such as the Philippines, India and Thailand, where they can have their medical procedures and treatment done at nearly half the price and still have enough to enjoy the tourism attractions of these countries before or after the medical procedure.

Atlas Outsourcing is in the business of providing outbound and inbound services to companies in the United States, Canada and European countries, including telemarketing, accounting and bookkeeping, website design and management, and call centers.

Longares, who heads Atlas Outsourcing, is also chairman of Atlas Shippers International, Atlas Express Padala and five other corporations in the US and in the Philippines.

The Beauty Holidays experience

How would you like to have the vacation of your dreams and also come out more youthful, voluptuous and radiant than ever before? This is exactly what Renee Meddaugh, an African–American teacher based in New Jersey, got when she put together the grandest vacation she has always dreamed of, one that culminated in an ultimate makeover!

"After a thorough research for the best alternative locations to have my surgical procedures done, I discovered the most cost–effective packages of Beauty Holidays in the Philippines and learned for myself how excellent their services are, at par with the global standards," Meddaugh shares as she sashays in with her new look.

She came to the Philippines with a relative, Willia Mae Todd, who likewise enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Filipinos.

Beauty Holidays is a pioneering medical tourism program created by Travelpros Inc. that seamlessly combines a tour package with medical services by leading practitioners in the country, in top class medical facilities, five-star hotels, paradise resorts.

Crispino Aquino, president of Travelpros Inc., started Beauty Holidays in 2005 when he observed that his US-based family and friends would come to visit the Philippines not only for its beaches and shopping malls, but also for medical procedures that may be too expensive or too taxing to undergo in the US.

"They always ask me to refer them to reputable doctors where they can have treatments – from cosmetic purposes or other medical procedures. They ask me about which plastic surgeons or cosmetic doctors are good because when they come home for a holiday, they also want to have a nose lift, or breast augmentation, or liposuction," Aquino shares.

Thus, the idea of an all–in-one beauty tourism package was hatched through the consortium of New Life Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Center, Travelpros, Inc., Ricky Reyes salons, and selected world–class hotels and resorts all over the country.

FOREIGNERS on BEAUTY HOLIDAYS

Beauty Holidays, however, does not just concentrate on balikbayans. It is gunning for the real, genuine medical tourism where foreign nationals can be enticed to come and see what the Philippines has to offer in terms of both tourism and medical services.

Meddaugh is but the first of the several batches of foreigners who will arrive in the Philippines this year. In July, about 100 will arrive from the US, all ready to get a taste of Beauty Holidays.

She had the time of her life as she recounts the Beauty Holidays experience that she had. From the warm welcome she got at the airport, to the pre–operation preparations, to the surgery which was done at the Metropolitan Hospital in scenic Tagaytay, to the recuperation she had at Tagaytay Royale and at the Golden Sunset Resort in Calatagan, Batangas, everything was a breeze.

In the hands of topnotch surgeons Dr. Joseph James Joaquino, Dr. Hector Santos and Dr. Edwin del Rosario with Dr. Rodel Valera as anaesthesiologist, Renee underwent a whole body liposuction, a nose lift, and a Perlaine treatment.

She also got personally attended to by beauty maverick Ricky Reyes for a hair and makeup makeover.

"The first thing that made me choose the Philippines was the cost, for a third of the price in the States, I can have a relaxing vacation and also get the makeover I’ve been planning for, with the best doctors in the country! Definitely an excellent deal one can’t pass off," Meddaugh points out.

The Filipinos’ innate hospitality also made her Beauty Holidays an unforgettable experience.

Dr. Joaquino, a plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon and a fellow of the Philippine College of Surgeons and of the Philippine Association of Plastic Surgeons, confirms the buoyant medical tourism that is happening.

"Patients from other countries, mostly Filipino- Americans and overseas workers ranging from teens to seniors seek to have their cosmetic surgical treatments done here in our country because of the best value they will get from their hard- earned money. They are also familiar with the high touch technique of our nurses and caregivers and know that they will be very well taken care of by our able and competent staff."

Beauty Holidays offers complete beauty packages starting with the following surgical procedures: breast augmentation or reduction and bust lift; upper and lower blepharoplasty (eye bag removal, slit eyelid, deep-set eye); face lift; rhinoplasty (nose lift, alar trimming); chin and cheek augmentation; dimple and cleft chin surgery; and liposuction.

Please see revised version at post #136

i hope the govt makes this industry one of its flagship programs. This is a niche we can really excel at given our massive nursing ,other health professional manpower and the unique bedside manner of the pinoy touch.

Hospital builder raises stakes in medical tourism
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02152007/special_feature02.html
Property developer United Hospital Builders Inc., a company owned by a group of physicians and businessmen engaged in hospital construction and management, has opened a P250-million state-of-the-art medical facility to boost the growing medical tourism industry in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Geronimo David, company chairman, said the Parañaque Doctors Hospital is the latest among several UHBI-built and operated modern medical tourism facilities that include the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, the Calamba Doctors Hospital, the Family Care Hospital, the Metro South Medical Center, the Manila East Medical Center, and the MPI-Medical Center in Muntinlupa City.

Other health care and medical tourism facilities currently under construction are the Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center, the Tagaytay Hospital Systems Inc., and the Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Manuel Eduardo Lunas, UHBI president, said the medical tourism industry is banking on professional health care services of the best Filipino medical specialists.

“This is a welcome development for Parañaque and residents who will have better access to modern medical facilities situated within our community,” Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe said.

Bernabe pointed out that “balikbayans” who live in Parañaque and foreigners visiting their relatives in the city could use the new hospital for executive medical checkup and other healthcare procedures to ease the high cost of treatment abroad.

The 100-bed, 9,000-square-meter, eight-story Parañaque Doctors Hospital is situated on a prime lot on Doña Soledad Avenue in Better Living Subdivision, Barangay Don Bosco. It is designed to provide out-patient and emergency medical services to the growing number of city residents and nearby communities.

Dr. Amado Manuel Enriquez Jr., a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and founder-director of the company, said the hospital would be manned by specialists from all fields of medicine and dentistry providing latest equipment to be able to deliver optimum quality medical and dental services.

He added that the hospital was also offering a unique blend of hospital and first-class hotel rooms for its medical tourism patients, creating a more relaxed ambience rather than the usual uncomfortable and awkward hospital room settings.

The founding members of the UHBI-Parañaque Doctors Hospital belong to a highly specialized and experienced group of physicians and managers of various established healthcare facilities.

Hospital projects are directly benefiting host-communities by way of first-class facilities, contribution to economic development, employment generation and assurance of satisfying the increasing need for health care service in medical tourism

Add this One of the biggest threats for the Medical Tourism business that is banking on uninsured Americans, is generally overlooked.

I strongly recommend that new ventures planning the plunge in Healthcare looking at this greener opportunity to make a fast buck, should think twice before doing so. As setting up a Tertiary Health Care center is highly capital intensive, and return on the same is long term.

So read on for more.....

Bush may Push Healthcare mandate in 2008
Universal insurance through a mandate that all individuals obtain insurance would be a biggest threat for Medical Tourism business that is focusing on uninsured Americans[/SIZE]

By Manish Panchal, Partner 2S Consulting

“With pressure building to reform America's healthcare system, President Bush has launched what may be his most ambitious bid to tackle the issue from a free-market basis.”

The 2004 Census Current Population Survey (CPS) identified 44.7 million non-elderly uninsured in 2003. The Actuarial Research Corporation (ARC) detailed analysis of the uninsured identified by the Census Bureau, found:

Nearly one-third were reachable through public programs, such as Medicaid and the SCHIP program for children
One-fifth earn $50,000 or more annually and may be able to afford coverage.
Almost half may have difficulty affording coverage because they earn less than $50,000 per year. Many of these people work for small firms that do not offer health coverage.


America's health system can travel three paths toward reform:


Trying to preserve and improve elements of a free market, with competition and information for consumers holding prices in check. Call it the Bush plan.

Mandating that all employers provide insurance to their workers, or contribute a share of their payroll to help government insure the workers. This is the path many states are taking.

Shifting toward a single-payer system, the model in many developed countries, where Congress would expand a program like Medicare to be an insurance provider for all Americans


The debate now includes which major paths would be opted by the federal government?

Two proposals federal government is working on are:

1. Standard tax deduction for health insurance, $15,000 for families, $7,500 for individuals. But health insurance that costs more than that – whether obtained through an employer or individually – would be considered taxable income.
In effect, this would help level a playing field in which employer-based insurance enjoys tax-free status, while individuals must buy insurance with after-tax dollars. This would save $4,500 for a family of four earning $60,000 a year, thus helping to put insurance "within reach" for more Americans, Bush said. The new taxes on those with high-end insurance would help offset the cost of this plan.

2. The government should provide grant money to help states that are coming up with innovative ways to cover the uninsured.
Those could include states such as Massachusetts, which is seeking to achieve nearly universal insurance through a mandate that all individuals obtain insurance. In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently launched a similar proposal.

Some of the major Insurance companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield calls on federal policymakers to step up to the challenge of stemming the growing ranks of uninsured Americans, and have offered the following road map for consideration:


Strategies to Improve Enrollment in Public Programs: funding for improved outreach, streamlined enrollment and incentives for states to use Medicaid/SCHIP funds for employer coverage of low-wage workers, allowing families to be covered on a single policy.
Outreach to Urge Higher Income Individuals to Participate in Coverage: a broad-based public education campaign on the importance of insurance, the risks associated with being uninsured and options available in the marketplace.
Subsidies to Address Affordability Issues: tax credits for small employers with low-wage workers, a new tax credit for individuals tied to both the cost of coverage and the individual’s income, tax credits for the unemployed, expansion of Medicaid and SCHIP to all individuals with incomes below poverty and federal grants for both private uninsured initiatives and targeted state initiatives.


Taken together, these proposals could reduce the 44.7 million uninsured by as much as two-thirds. The diverse array of approaches is tailored to those in need while preserving a system that works for the majority of Americans.

If all of the above happen successfully by 2010, to which I would attach a 50% probability, the long-range revenue forecasts incorporated into investment decisions may not hold true. While this is not a doomsday prediction, future cash flow projections may merit a relook. As a matter of abundant caution. And it is critical.

Manish Panchal - India

Sinful exploitation
By Fr. Shay Cullen Sunday, February 25, 2007

Harvesting the body parts of the poor is sinful exploitation.

On almost every corner in a Philippine town and many developing countries you will see a shop of salvation, economic salvation for the poor—the pawnshop. Pawning their last precious possession for a pittance is a sign of hard times, grinding poverty and even utter desperation for the wretched of the earth, the dwellers of the slums.

When they have pawned everything and possess nothing and face another crises there is, no way out, no hope, no handout. That’s when they are vulnerable to the ultimate exploitation—forced by hunger to sell their body organs. The trafficking of human organs is one of the fastest growing illicit trades in the Philippines.

Slum area

A recent study made by the University of the Philippines revealed that an estimated 3,000 people in one slum area of Metro Manila alone sold their kidney for P70,000 to P120,000 ($1,440 to $2,469). One poor man was cheated and was paid only a fraction of what was promised and went to the police. His complaint led to the arrest last December 2006 of a middleman that was arranging to buy the organs of the poor. Some major hospitals, the National Kidney Institute and doctors have agreed to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Health Secretary Waldo Duque to stop the illegal trade after The Manila Times ran a banner story on the scandal a few weeks ago. This came shortly after an undersecretary of health caused an avalanche of condemnation when he said that health tourism was the industry of the future and that foreigners ought to pay at least US$3,000 to $5,000 for a kidney.

Dr. Gene Alzona Nisperos Secretary General of the Philippine organization Health Alliance for Democracy was quoted as saying that the statement was “morally wrong and insensitive.”

Health tourists

Human organ trafficking is illegal in the Philippines. The Antitrafficking of Persons Act (R.A. 9208) makes it crime to arrange the sale or removal of a person’s organ by abduction, deceit, fraud or force of any kind. This aspect of the law underlines the fears and allegations that children are being abducted and either trafficked into the sex industry as slaves or are being harvested for their body organs. Children’s rights advocates claim that foreign led gangs are behind the trafficking supplying children to the sex and health tourists flocking to the Philippines.

However, the voluntary donation of an organ is legal and is considered an act of sacrifice. The medical profession has set up a fledgling Philippine Organ Donation Program that encourages the selfless giving of organs to patients in danger of death.

Needy Filipinos, not foreigners ought to be the priority for available donated organs. The poor cannot afford the costly operation anyway. The availability and willingness of the poor to sell their organs is indicative of the depth of poverty. They sell them because they have nothing else to sell to survive. Many are so weak and malnourished they can die within months of the removal unless they get continual medical care which devours any payment they get for the kidney. Critics say it is insidious that the rich, having 70 percent of the wealth of the nation now go so far as to harvest the bodies of the poor to prolong their own pampered lives. This is even more objectionable when their diseases are brought on at times by sumptuous overeating or luxurious lifestyles.

Executed criminals

China is widely condemned for its routine use of the death penalty and even more so the selling of body organs of executed criminals. Although authorities deny it critics say prisoners are even prescreened and their blood type matched with a recipient of their organs. Their families get part of the payment. Their executions are scheduled to coincide with the operation of the patient.

The trafficking of human organs no matter where it happens must stop.

One thing is certain, the voluntary donation of organs must be allowed and encouraged yet with absolute control and screening.

Hospitals and doctors must be held responsible and a strict monitoring has to be in place. The rights and dignity of donor and recipient must be safeguarded at all costs.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03082007/images/prop-pic03.jpg
P200-MILLION TAGAYTAY MEDICAL TOURISM HOSPITAL. Tagaytay Hospital Systems Inc. president and CEO Dr. Amado Manuel Enriquez Jr. (4th from left) pose along with corporate partners (left to right) Dr. Julio Canero, Dr. Felicismo de Castro, Dr. Roberto de Leon, Dr. Fently Oreta, Engr. Gene Orillaza, Dr. Ceasar Tongo, Geronimo David, Dr. Felix Nolasco and Bueno Castillo to show the perspective plan of the hospital that will soon rise in Tagaytay City for medical tourism. About 40 medical practitioners and businessmen grouped together as founders of the said hospital.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03082007/special_feature02.html
P200-M modern medical tourism center
to rise in Tagaytay City

CONSTRUCTION starts for a P200- million tertiary hospital and wellness center equipped with modern medical facilities in Tagaytay City, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, which has joined the growing medical tourism industry in the country.

The Tagaytay Hospital Systems Inc. (THSI) is a corporation formed by physicians and businessmen engaged in hospital construction and management with members that belong to a highly specialized and experienced group coming from various established health-care facilities.

THSI president and CEO Dr. Amado Manuel Enriquez Jr. said in a statement that Tagaytay hospital will directly provide benefits to host-communities by way of first-class facilities, contribution to economic development through job generation and assurance of satisfying the increasing need for health-care service in medical tourism.

Enriquez added that the hospital will be manned by Filipino specialists in all fields of medicine and health care using state-of-the-art equipment to be able to deliver optimum quality medical services.

THSI chairman of the board Geronimo David said that the Tagaytay Hospital is the latest project among several other medical tourism facilities of the company such as the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, Metro South Medical Center and the recently opened Parañaque Doctor’s Hospital.

Other health-care facility projects currently under construction are Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center and Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center in the Subic Bay Free Port Zone.

“Tagaytay hospital is offering a unique blend of medical facilities combined with first-class hotel rooms for its medical tourism patients creating a more relax ambience rather than the usual uncomfortable and awkward hospital room settings,” Enriquez added.

The project launching was highlighted with the contract signing between THSI and general contractor D.L. Cervantes Construction represented by its president Diosdado Cervantes for the construction of the hospital expected to be completed within the next 15 months.

“Tagaytay Hospital was designed to accommodate medical and wellness tourism featuring lobby and front desk area similar to a first-class hotel with coffee shops, organic restaurant, boutique and souvenir stores,” Cervantes said.

Cervantes added that the 100-bed six-story hospital with a total floor area of 11,680 square meters, will be built in a prime lot along Tagaytay Rotonda (circumferential) road with view decks in the upper level offering panoramic picturesque view of the famous Taal Volcano lake.

On the same occasion, Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary for sports and wellness Cynthia Carreon entered into a memorandum of agreement with THSI to become “working partners” and jointly promote the Philippines as a medical tourism destination in Asia providing best health-care services and facilities.

Carreon noted that the country would soon be the “Mecca destination for medical and wellness tourism in Asia.”

Carreon added that the Philippines, even if it is far behind in medical tourism industry from other countries such as Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, among others, is fast developing to become the Asia’s best site for medical and wellness tourism with the help of the government and the entry of private investors including medical practitioners themselves.

The hospital will also provide out-patient and emergency medical services to the growing number of city residents and nearby communities.

kumusta ang Punta Fuego? hehehehe....

Ok ba sa Grande Island?

THE MEDICAL CENTER

A 100-bed hospital and medical center will start construction in 2005. However, plans are afoot start an OPD (out-patient department) with doctors offices complete with laboratory and diagnostic facilities and pharmacy as an existing building is available. This will be staffed with medical specialists from Metro Manila major hospitals and teaching institutions and nearby areas who will provide the backbone and attract other specialists to practice in the area. The Medical Center will also house state-of-the art medical equipment and facilities providing tertiary care. The influx of transient medical tourists is also another eventuality that the Medical Center will prepare for.This is because of rising costs of medical care abroad and medical tourists have been coming to Southeast Asia for medical care tourism package.

Tie-up with the various hotels and half-way houses is also being considered by the corporation as we envision quality time for the client and the family. The construction of suite rooms will serve as an added feature for clients who wish check-up and recuperation together with their family.

SPA & WELLNESS CENTER

The corporation has envisioned the setting up of a Medical Spa and Wellness Center that will exist as a separate structure to cater to clients who desire to get well and maintain wellness in a cozy, homey spa setting while enjoying the fresh and organic produce of the area. The Medical Spa will provide facilities and staff for aesthetics ( plastic surgery, dermatology and state-of-the-art skin care treatment), conventional and alternative anti-aging medicine including dentistry, and disease detection. The ambience of a non-threatening environment with a minimum of white uniforms coupled with a casual spa lifestlye will attract the wellness market (95% of the population) which is currently experiencing a worldwide boom. Various approaches to health nutritional, holistic, spiritual, etc.) are also being looked at by the corporation as this will improve the total health care and profile of the client.
Experience nature’s way to better health and longer life through ORGANIC foods produced by ecological balance of nature…food free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, artificial growth hormones
and antibiotics.

March 16, 2007
Saudi prince plans to build Bohol resort

By MARVIN SY

The Philippine Star

President Arroyo announced Saturday that one of the world’s richest men, Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, is planning to build one of his Raffles resorts in Panglao, Bohol.

In a speech at the Bohol Youth Day celebration, the President said that Prince Alwaleed intends to bring in another $150 million for the project. Earlier, Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Hotel Investments forged a tie-up with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) for a $153-million hotel project at the Makati Central Business District.

Mrs. Arroyo said that the "decision of Prince Alwaleed to invest in Panglao was a result of her discussions with the heads of the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during her state visit last year.

The President said the Saudi Prince has expressed interest in buying the entire property in Panglao held by the Fonaciers, with the help of ALI.

"They would like to buy the whole Fonacier property in Panglao to put up a six-star (luxury) resort," the President said.

The resort would carry the famous Raffles name of Kingdom Hotel Investments, which is chaired by Prince Alwaleed.

Panglao Island in Bohol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, particularly for beach and diving enthusiasts.

The Arroyo administration has made the promotion and development of the tourism industry as among its priorities.

A bill that would provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for investments in tourism has been passed in the Senate but is still pending in the House of Representatives.

Once passed into law, the Tourism Act would pave the way for the establishment of tourist enterprise zones where investors would be given a package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=69641

the top ten list has to be categorized first. example in mactan, wherein the beaches were artificial. the sands are brought there just to have a beach.

i have an idea for some categories (according to activity or hilig) with examples. i hope everybody can contribute.

A. top ten party place resorts = boracay, puerto galera, ...
B. top ten romantic resorts = club noah isabelle, dos palmas, antulang, ...
C. top ten family outing resorts = club noah isabelle, pearl farm, bantayan island, ...
D. top ten adventure resorts = el nido, guimaras, basilan, ...
E. top ten business resorts = shangri-la mactan, plantation bay, ...
F. . . .
G. . . .
.
.
.

so your point is??? to classify our top ten artificial resorts, and resorts that fit our "hilig"?

i doubt if the artificial/manufactured resorts could even reach ten.

and is there a business resort? there is a business hotel but this is the first time ive heard of a business resort.

but anyway, its your opinion buddy. heh.

http://myprivateboracay.blogspot.com

No frills. No five star amenities. The plain and simple laid back lifestyle.

how will i post a picture in the threads? i have some pretty nice makati and ortigas skyline shots. tried following the direction i saw in here but to no avail..

thanks!

i dont know if this would qualify as among the top resorts in the phils. but this is one of the few international resorts found in the country, and yes, the home of the country's most expensive burger at more than 1k per burger, heh.

the hilton resort CEBU
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/port16.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto25.jpg

this one im sure is among the top resorts in the country, and was rated as among asias best resort. the shangrila mactan island resort

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto16.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto26.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/Photo-0418.jpg

now let us put them together, cause actually theyre "neighbors" hehehe

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto27.jpg

and both of them offers guests the right amenities to enjoy the waters of cebu

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto20.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/porto22.jpg

Bahura! here i come.. im checkin u out tomorrow!!

Bahura is a tropical sanctuary tastefully designed in the heart of a 5-hectare beachside coconut plantation. From the airport you will experience a 45-minute introductory tour through interesting and historical landmarks in town. All is lush, serene and worthwhile here…just as how you want your time to be.

This tropical garden resort has 8 luxuriously-appointed villas and 32 zen-inspired rooms for meditative solitude. The villas offer intimate spaces for you to relax by the generous glass windows so you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the tropics and the ocean. Extravagantly laid out, each villa comes with a loft bedroom, semi-kitchen, full bar setup, TV/DVD players, dining area, living room, extra large bathroom fitted with shower & whirlpool tub and a little Japanese garden to invigorate your senses.

The Hotel Wing rooms boast of spacious rooms with oversized beds, mini-bar, TV/DVD players and personal coffee/tea making facilities.

Facilities and Services
Front desk
Conference Room
Room Service
Al fresco dining spaces
2 free-form spring water eternity pools
Airport transfers
Laundry and pressing services
Water sports
PADI dive center
Souvenir shop
Local Tours


http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/topsights/gal_topsights_10.jpg

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http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/topsights/gal_topsights_08.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/the_resort/gal_the_resort_05.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/topsights/gal_topsights_04.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/topsights/gal_topsights_02.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/the_resort/gal_the_resort_02.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/the_resort/gal_the_resort_03.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/the_resort/gal_the_resort_06.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/watersports/gal_watersports_03.jpg

http://site363.mysite4now.com/peter567/cia/bahura/images/watersports/gal_watersports_04.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/7199/bantayan0644ze.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/318/bantayan0657dz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/424/bantayan0712fz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4118/bantayan0723ex.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3796/bantayan0734bs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3372/bantayan0748ha.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

virgin island, cebu

if i had a billion pesos, i'd love to 'devirginize' that island...:D