Travel and Tourism Industry - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 11

Tornado

October 7th, 2007, 10:08 AM

Ph has so many beautiful islands but not many ppl know much about it like Palawan.

I think the reason that Vietnam and Cambodia are growing so fast because they are on the mainland.
They are not heavily rely on Air transportation because they benefit from road connections from neighbouring country such as Thailand. Cambodia and Vietnam even there is no sufficient air transportation but tourist still be able to get there. The figure of Tourists to CAmbodia would tell this. more than 30 percent (I estimate) actually passing to CAmbodia from Thai border.

In contrast , Ph has probably the top class natural resources to offer but sue to limited infrastructure such as limited airline fly in to the country this resulted in higher price for airfare ticket due to less competition. ( ?)

you can't drive to Ph as well. so Air transportation plays an importatnt role.

I have to admit that the tourism marketing of Ph still quite behind many competitors as I have seen here in Australia.

When compare choice beaches between Thailand and Ph , I have to say that THailand has less choice with more crowded but the image that traveller knows is they think Thailand is so easy to travel. a great place to start their first journey in their life. Amazing THailand campaign is very successful.

I think Ph has to focus more on marketing.. build a better image as an easy destination to travel around.

when travellers think about thailand.. they think that or THailand has incredible food , ohh lovely Chiangmai , beautiful beaches of Phuket
Wow Koh PhiPhi , excellent shopping mall and night marketsof Bangkok.
Amazing elephant land blah...

I am saying this b coz I would like to share.. I am a tourism student. I used to work as a tourguide as well.
I really see the potential of PH but... how could Ph really show the world what you have got.what is the image of PH ? what is the brand that Ph trying to deliver ?
how could you really clean up the image of quite hard to travel country.
or quite expensive country to tavel compare to direct competitors in the region. (I wish Thailand could clean up the image of sex city too)
that's my little ideas when i see Ph.

been planning to go for the last 3 years but it still never happen!! i 'llm ake my dream come true soon !! love to go PH love Palanwan.. (seen photos of Palawan)

flymordecai

October 7th, 2007, 10:29 AM

Agreed...WOW Philippines needs to go. "Wow" is not universal and it might even create confusion with some group of people who do not use that interjection. "Visit Malaysia" and "Amazing Thailand" are better marketing phrases.

Rence

October 7th, 2007, 02:58 PM

:banana: Some people from Department of Tourism do not even know what "WOW" means ????? Even a lot of HRM , Tourism Students, Deans , pati professors do not even know the historical and even tourism areas near their schools or universities! :nuts: Nakakabaliw

I do not want to mentioned what schools or universities but they are located within the University Belt and in Quezon City ! Kaya walang pagpapahalaga sila sa mga Tourism sites! Ehem tinalo pa sila ng mga non-tourism students!

Sinjin P.

October 7th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Parang may bagong slogan ang international marketing ng Pilipinas: "Your Home in Asia". I saw the full commercial ad kanina, medyo maganda naman. :applause:

Rence

October 7th, 2007, 03:10 PM

:lol: Sana ipagpatuloy iyang slogan na iyan!

flymordecai

October 7th, 2007, 11:32 PM

Parang may bagong slogan ang international marketing ng Pilipinas: "Your Home in Asia". I saw the full commercial ad kanina, medyo maganda naman. :applause:

:lol: It's nice, but it's not very original. Malaysia uses the slogan "Malaysia My Second Home" for their foreign retirement program, a part of their tourism push.

great184

October 8th, 2007, 06:25 AM

Just my opinion, but maybe our destinations should be marketed on its own, rather than being marketed as part of a general advertisement of the Philippines. That way these destinations esp. in Mindanao will not be identified with our problematic areas in ARMM.

flymordecai

October 8th, 2007, 07:03 AM

^^ Geez, that would just divide an already divided country.

pau_p1

October 8th, 2007, 08:02 AM

ei.. there is a new Philippine tourism ad... I just saw it this weekend during the Pacquiao fight in GMA7...

it goes with the tagline.. This is my home.... it featured foreign celebs living locally... like the Brazilian Ariannie of Eat Bulaga and that Aussie guy who acted with Ai Ai in her movie ("Ang Cute ng Ina Mo").... sayang wala pa sa youtube...

pau_p1

October 8th, 2007, 08:04 AM

ay di ko nabasa post ni Sinjin... yup.. something like that.. My Home in Asia nga ata....

great184

October 8th, 2007, 08:17 AM

^^ Geez, that would just divide an already divided country.

That's not what I meant. What I said is that maybe a certain destination could market itself besides marketing itself along with other Philipine destinations. Doesn't Bali do that in their advertising? If not then Touche, Im done.

Espma

October 8th, 2007, 09:13 AM

^^no actually you're right that makes sense....you'd be surprise as to how many people are not even aware that Bali is in Indonesia, that's how strong the branding is of Bali..it's marketed on its own..there's no "Indonesia" tag next to it...I think it's proven to be successful don't ya guys think??

pau_p1

October 8th, 2007, 11:00 AM

yeah... I met an American in TExas and he knew I'm from the Philippines and he always says that he and his wife are going to here for their honeymoon.. they're going to Bali... he just know its in the region but he did not know that it is in Indonesia..

michael677

October 8th, 2007, 12:53 PM

if this will be the slogan, no i dont like it...
here's why...
the philippines is the least asian-like country in asia IMHO
the macho mentality is abound
observe when filipinos have their picture taken,
they normally just have a straight pose
thais do funny and non-macho-like poses..:lol:
we drive suvs rather than saloons or mpvs; hatch.. anyone?
ive been to many asian countries and it seems like only in the phils one can find tons of ford expeditions...
some tourists were actually shocked to find out we are VERY westernized
we play basketball, NOT soccer
does other se countries have krispy kreme too? and a drive-thru one at that!
and finally, i think we are the only asian country who recognizes xmas as christ's birthday and not santa's!:rofl:

so, no not this slogan. philippines is also held as like a small latin american country, i read that somewhere

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 01:04 PM

if this will be the slogan, no i dont like it...
here's why...
the philippines is the least asian-like country in asia IMHO
the macho mentality is abound
observe when filipinos have their picture taken,
they normally just have a straight pose
thais do funny and non-macho-like poses..:lol:
we drive suvs rather than saloons or mpvs; hatch.. anyone?
ive been to many asian countries and it seems like only in the phils one can find tons of ford expeditions...
some tourists were actually shocked to find out we are VERY westernized
we play basketball, NOT soccer
and, does other se countries have krispy kreme too? and a drive-thru one at that!

so, no not this slogan. philippines is also held as like a small latin american country, i read that somewhere

Then it drives home (No pun intended :) ) the point of the slogan. It's in Asia and yet something familiar for Westerners.

Rence

October 8th, 2007, 01:33 PM

michael677

October 8th, 2007, 02:02 PM

but, we have a little dilemma here..
westerners come to asia to see the real asia..
we have to think of something uniquely filipino
id rather stick with wow philippines for now

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 02:22 PM

The Philippines has always been a dilemma. :) . We really are a child of the East and West. We cannot offer what we are not. So just make best use of what we really are.

Offering the exotic is what "Amazing Thailand", "Malaysia Truly Asia", and "Incredible India" are all about already.

Rence

October 8th, 2007, 02:43 PM

Sadsad na ang WOW Philippines! Heart and Soul of Asia ! Or Where EAST and WEST meets!

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 03:03 PM

Share ko lang itong article clipped by Animo....

From banana cue to real estate for the global market

http://images.inquirer.net/media/globalnation/ofwspotlight/ofwspotlight/images/pic-08290105490428.jpg

By Arnel Medrano
Inquirer
Last updated 12:01pm (Mla time) 08/29/2007

SHE SPENT PART OF HER YOUTH IN MALABON, selling sugar-coated banana-on-stick just to send herself to school and support her younger siblings, not knowing she was destined to sell much bigger things.

Selling, she still does, but no more banana cues for her. And she plies her trade no longer in Malabon but in the world: the
US and far beyond.

Susan Barlin has made it big selling prime real estate in various parts of the world to the global marketplace.

This former small entrepreneur is making a name no longer for herself but for the Philippines—selling the country and the rest of tropical Asia as the world’s premier second-home and property investment destination and retirement haven.

Her efforts have caught the attention of the Department of Tourism, which has appointed her as its special envoy for investment and tourism promotion.

“After all, that’s what I’ve been doing all these years,” Barlin says, referring to her trips around the world year-in and year-out to promote the Philippines and Asia’s tropical region to the international market.

Voice of real estate

“That’s part of my business as a certified international property specialist,” Barlin says in Filipino. “Making the Philippines and Asia as the focal point of my sales pitches is part of my being a Filipino and an Asian.”

Barlin is the chief executive officer of the Barlin Group of Companies, which comprises the Barlin & Associates Realty Inc., Barlin International Group, Barlin Commercial Property Management, First Home Loans Inc., Media Consultants Inc. and Advance Graphix Design & Print, all based in the US.

Both owned and run by Barlin, Media Consultants Inc. is the publisher of South Bay Balita, Planet Philippines and Loans 101 Magazine, while Advance Graphix publishes and manages the Kababayan Homebuyers’ Guide magazine.

Barlin is also the editor in chief of the International Real Estate Magazine, which is circulated in 27 countries worldwide.

Her achievements made her an easy pick for the post of president/liaison to the Philippines for the 1.3 million-strong National Realtors Association, the voice of real estate in the US and an influential member of the International Confederation of Real Estate Associations (ICREA), an alliance of 24 international realtor associations worldwide.

“As such, traveling becomes part of my life’s routine, and the best way that I can make it relevant to my country and region is to promote them wherever I go,” Barlin says.

Top 12 choices for 2nd home

It was in one of her trips that the prospect of the Philippines and Asia becoming a second home and retirement hub dawned on Barlin.

“I’ve realized that we (tropical Asia) have as much, if not more, to offer than Central and South America and the Mediterranean region to the world’s millions of second-home buyers, a trillion-dollar market that we cannot afford to miss,” Barlin says. “Otherwise, our own property industry will be left out in this global craze for vacation and retirement homes.”

At present, the world’s top 12 choices for second homes are Panama, France, Malta, Mexico, Romania, Italy, Nicaragua, Uruguay, New Zealand, Belize, Spain and Chile.

“But that’s because the global second-home market hasn’t heard or seen much about tropical Asia, particularly the Philippines, which ought to be on top of that list,” she says.

“Ours is a beautiful country and region with very affordable real estate, competitive labor costs, lower cost of living and nice tropical climate where the icy world can run to during cold winter and where many speak English.”

She says that in the Philippines, for example, a foreigner’s regular dollar income can afford him a driver, house help, even a nurse if he’s a retiree.

“And he can live like a king while enjoying the beauty and bounties of our country’s nature and the hospitality of our people. At the same time, the dollars these foreigners will spend in the Philippines can create jobs and help improve our economy.”

Barlin says this sector of the tourism market may seem new to Filipinos, pointing out the Philippine real estate industry is not even represented in the Sima (Salon Imobiliario de Madrid).

Bringing the world to Asia

She describes Sima as Europe’s biggest annual real estate expo and conference, offering 38,000 square meters of exhibit space and attracting thousands of industry professionals and exhibitors yearly. It had 140,000 attendees in 2005 and 156,000 in 2006.

“An event of this magnitude, when held in the Philippines, could boost both our tourism and real estate industries,” Barlin says.

She says Europe is getting very expensive for the average exhibitor or second-home buyers.

“So, why not hold an event like Sima in more affordable Asia, or in the Philippines. And since I’ve been promoting the Philippines and Asia to the world, I’ve thought of bringing the world to Asia, instead,” Barlin adds.

This was how she arrived at the idea of staging the 1st Asian Real Estate Expo and Conference (AIREEC) at the Philippine International Convention Center on Dec. 6-10 this year. (Event details at www.aireec.com).

Hard work, studies

AIREEC is projected to bring in more than 5,000 visitors from some 50 countries worldwide, according to the US-based Expo and Convention Promotion Inc. (ECPI), whose support Barlin has gained for her vision.

ECPI president Leon Katz has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano for that project.

“Now all three of us—ECPI, DOT and the Barlin Group—will just have to pull our act together to make AIREEC successful,” Barlin says.

Barlin didn’t get to the peak of her career in a single bounce. From her humble beginnings in the Philippines, she beefed up her credentials through hard work and studies.

Hard work as a real estate broker paid off, not just in millions of dollars worth of sales, but more so in numerous prestigious awards she has earned as an exceptional entrepreneur and outstanding business and community leader in California.

Barlin is also a member of the CEO Clubs Worldwide, which has over 10,000 members in the US, China, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan and the Middle East.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/ofwspotlight/ofwspotlight/view_article.php?article_id=85332

michael677

October 8th, 2007, 03:12 PM

:banana: I also saw that tagline!

But I wanted -Philippines Heart and Soul of Asia!

its a nice idea but, honestly i dont like it
read my previous post..
our culture is totally diff from malaysia, if thats ur comparison
we are in asia but it sure doesnt feel like it.. thats what makes us so unique!^^

for now, id stick with wow philippines More Than The Usual
it actually has so much meaning
i like the end.. "if we like to overdo things"..
here's my vote, for recall: Malaysia Truly Asia
for meaning/overall impact: 1st place Amazing Thailand 2nd place Wow Philippines

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 03:20 PM

Sadsad na ang WOW Philippines! Heart and Soul of Asia ! Or Where EAST and WEST meets!

And I agree with you but let's not offer what we are not.

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 03:21 PM

-double post-

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 03:47 PM

-triple post-

Rence

October 8th, 2007, 04:03 PM

michael677

October 8th, 2007, 05:30 PM

mas ok pa ako sa where east and west meets..
well, thailand wag kyo masyado mabulag
malaking porsyento din sa mga pumupunta dun ay yong naghahanap ng ibang klaseng aliw..
cguro alam na natin yan..

gaya nga ng sinabi ko,
mdyo nadehado tlga tyo
una, air travel lang tlga ang angkop sa atin
d tulad sa thailand, pwd ka pumuntang bangkok, tapos magvietnam
cambodia laos tapos magtungong mainland china...
o di kaya malaysia tapos mag singapore o bali..
wala kasi sa ruta ang pinas,
dagdag pa dito ay yong kultura nating masyadong westernize
isa pa yong kakulangan sa mga hotel,
kaya nga kaliwat kanan ang mga proyekto ngayn
mga kingkom hotel investments, shimao group, boracay shangrila? atbp..

darating din tyo dyan! seguridad b ang problema? kamakailan lang nabigyan na tayo ng green zone status ng france. may naalala pa nga ako sa nabasa ko..
travel agent:" want to go to phuket?"
customer: "yes"
travel agent" where are u from"
customer: "philippines"
travel agent: "philippines? why go to phuket? boracay better!!" :lol:

icarusrising

October 8th, 2007, 07:10 PM

:bash: Ano naman ang gusto ninyo i-Offer?

:ohno: Ultimo ang mga Tourism Deans madaming hindi alam na mga tourism spots at museums which is just located just a few blocks from their schools?

Well , Mas malaki naman kasi ang budget ng Thailand at Malaysia sa Tourism program nila kaya they could attact tourist pati peace and order situation

Let's play on our strengths. We are not exotic in the sense that mainland countries in Asia are. They have been in touch with the great cradles of civilizations or are the cradles of civilization themselves since time immemorial.

The Philippines is an island nation. The sea served as a natural barrier for contact with the ancient civilizations. To say it figuratively, we did not invent the wheel. As such, we should accept that a great deal of our culture is borrowed or amalgamations of influences from elsewhere. These islands became the Philippines only because a great Western power claimed us for its own. Left on their own, those little kingdoms then existing on these isles would have evolved with trully "exotic cultures" but then again that did not happen. More than 300 years under Spain and 50 or so years under America and the still existing neocolonial structures has made us one of the most Westernized peoples in the world.

We are not exotic Asia. Even the legendary writer, journalist and historian, Nick Joaquin has come to the conclusion that we are more akin to the natives of the Paciifc islands than to Asia. He has even quoted Aldous Huxley, an intellectual and writer, who came to the Philippines and thought us the “least original” of people.

Our exoticism lies in the fact that we will always be a child of the East and West. A veneer of modernity and cosmopolitanism but with a core traditionalism and deep spirituality.

Not original. But then again, unique.

The new DOT ad, I believe aims to get a chunk of the baby boomers who have reached retirement age now and are looking for a haven in their sunset years or at least a holiday home during the wicked winter season. There is logic in the thinking that Westerners looking for a second home, would entrust themselves to something which is more familiar. It is not always the exotic which they are after. The world’s top 12 choices for second homes- Panama, France, Malta, Mexico, Romania, Italy, Nicaragua, Uruguay, New Zealand, Belize, Spain and Chile aren't really that exotic for the Westerners.The peace and order situation would play a great part, yes. Facilities and infrastructure, yes. Maybe image and knowledge would help too.

Susan Barlin enumerates our advantages-“Ours is a beautiful country and region with very affordable real estate, competitive labor costs, lower cost of living and nice tropical climate where the icy world can run to during cold winter and where many speak English.”

Some of those aren't exclusive to the Philippines but I would add to that- warm and truly caring people.

Your first point above is highly debatable but even if it were true, it isn't without a solution.

Your second point is true but I think the issue wasn't about how much resources is being channeled for these campaigns but more on the content.

pau_p1

October 9th, 2007, 05:30 AM

the Philippines is still part of Asia.... remember that India, China, Thailand, and Japan are not only in Asia.. remember that we together with Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq and even the new Russian states like Kyrgystan are also parts of Asia....

Asia is a very big continent of diverse cultures.. and we are unique in each own... we present ourselves as a "Home" to anyone... who wants to go in Asia... that is because we always make our visitors feel like their home away from theirs...

pau_p1

October 9th, 2007, 06:04 AM

oooppss.. double post...

icarusrising

October 9th, 2007, 07:56 AM

Japan, like the Philippines, is an Asian archipelago. The Japanese has long accepted that it can only accept culture from centers of civilization that has long existed before it. An example would be Buddhism which originated from India and came through China. Their writing system was also an influence coming from China. However, when they accept foreign influence, they do so with a unique Japanese mindset. Think of all those cars, electronic appliances and gadgets that the world recognizes for their superior quality. The Japanese did not start from scratch inventing them. Yet when the Japanese make innovations out of those inventions, what comes out has a Japanese identity.

Unlike Japan, we didn't have a strong central government that preexisted before the coming of our foreign colonizers. The little kingdoms that dotted the islands had contact and were probably trading with each other but no single power held them together. It was Spain, usurping the power from those chieftains, which eventually forced them to submission through guns and the cross. Our first central government was a foreign one.

We are Asia but not "exotic Asia". So let's not play that up. There is exotic Asia in us, yes I agree, but we have more to offer. Let's focus on those strengths.

I like the theme of "Philippines More than the Usual" but IMO, WOW is just vague. We need something more concrete. It's of little surprise then why even promoters themselves don't know what it stands for. :ohno:

great184

October 9th, 2007, 08:10 AM

Have you noticed that we really never play on the diversity of destinations here in the Philippines to our advantage? Somehow we should include the "7107 islands, 7107 destinations, 7107 etc." concept in our tourism ads. Of course it would not make a catchy slogan, since it is too long. But would it not point out to the casual tourist that "Hey you got lots of places to go, its a bargain"

Also a lot of foreigners that I have met loved the experience of travelling from one island to another on boats (or ships) of different sizes. I mean going on Superferry from, lets say, Manila to Cebu to Davao and vice-versa is an experience in itself.

wynngd

October 9th, 2007, 11:25 AM

^^ Yeah that's a really good idea. We can have a cruise ship that will take you all around the tourist spots in the country. In that way you will have a floating hotel so you just need to go down the beaches like boracay and stay there for 2 days and 1 night then go to the next destination which is cebu or bohol or palawan. That will be a brilliant idea and a very good way of enjoying our 7k plus islands. What do you think guys?

icarusrising

October 9th, 2007, 01:06 PM

Didn't we have a campaign called "Islands Philippines" in the not so distant past? DOT had this video with Agot Isidro singing... "Come to the islands, Philippines"... I liked that video which they showed over and over again at NBN 4 and RPN 9...

Maybe we should just put an adjective before the word "islands"...

kyle@1008

October 9th, 2007, 01:29 PM

^^ you mean this one...

WMrM8WvUCoo

icarusrising

October 9th, 2007, 02:00 PM

^^ you mean this one...

WMrM8WvUCoo

Thanks, Kyle...

Rence

October 9th, 2007, 03:56 PM

Anyway, Those interested in the Postal Walking History Tour may PM me for more informations!

A Little Piece of History

http://www.youthtrip.org/archives/images/oldest%20philippine%20stamp.jpg
150th anniversary commemorative stamps issued in 2004

The Postal History Walking Tour was an afternoon of big words and old stories. Organized by the Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club (FSCC), it was a small trip in history guided by black and white images and anecdotes. Not to mention, the auction at the end of the tour felt like a time warp.

The tour begins in Liwasang Bonifacio, continues to nearby areas representing significant parts of our postal history, and ends in the compound of the *Manila Central Post Office (MCPO).

This time, for a twist, we will not talk about the tour (not now) but on what happened after.

At the auction, we saw 1898 Spanish–Philippines stamps, an original German (Eagle) Swastika cap, and ancient coins, among others. One of us got a 1953 Pepsi Philippines Ad and a pre-WW2 photo of Intramuros.

That’s where the word and world of Philately welcomed us.

http://www.youthtrip.org/archives/images/Post%20Office%20Building_eric%20isaac.jpg
Photo by Eric Isaac ©

Here come the big words…

At the auction, we met bibliophiles (book collectors), coin collectors and numismatics (those who study currency), antiquaries (antique experts/collectors), and stamp collectors and philatelists.

Philately is the study of postage stamps. It comes from the Greek words Philos (friends) and Atelei (to be exempt from charge). It is usually equated to the art and science of stamp collecting. To many, Philately lets you learn about a country’s history, culture, passions, nature, and industries. All that with a small piece of paper.

In 1767, the Philippines established its postal service – the first in all of Asia. We even became a leading center in 1838. We also issued Asia’s very first stamp in 1854 – that of the profile of Queen Isabella of Spain (depicted in the first photo).

In the 1930s, our country also issued the FIRST set of basketball stamps in the world. Now that says so much about us.

Philatelic stamps come in different forms: Mint, Cancelled, Setenant, Souvenir Sheets, and Sheetlets (imagine that!). As with most collectibles, stamps with errors or variants are valued pretty high. With an eagle eye, one collector pointed out to us stamps that had butterflies with only one antenna. A design mistake that resulted to an increase in [its] value.

More importantly, stamps tell stories: paintings and painters, celebrities and events, architectural treasures, rare flora, and endemic fauna. Hometowns, initiatives, and even pets are immortalized in small sheets of paper that travel around the world. Wish you were here never resounded so well when you send postcards paired with wonderfully illustrated tourism or nature stamps.

Stamps also share in the adventure– yours and the letter’s. Sometimes they arrive; sometimes not.

Stamps and stories

One of the best parts of collecting stamps is the story on how you got hold of them. One YTRiP volunteer began stamp-collecting when his grandmother gave him a set of old and used stamps at age thirteen.

http://www.youthtrip.org/archives/images/Philippine-Owl-Stamp.jpg

My interest arose when I saw the Philippine Lighthouses series and the variant 2004 World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippine Owl stamps. It turns out that WWF only prints stamps every seven years. It was an object of pride and joy as much as an investment. On the other hand, the commemorative stamps for the first Philippine Expedition to Mount Everest have been (unfortunately for us) sold out.

At the end of the day, our guide, Lawrence gave us old stamps as souvenirs; I got three Manuel Quezon stamps from the early 20th century, purposely on Quezon Day.**

In a nation supposedly plagued with selective historical amnesia, it is not a wonder how very few actually engage in such a hobby (a.k.a. passion) - yet there is still so much to know about us, so much to learn about our history. Just an afternoon of meeting new people and seeing old collectibles could give you a freshly informed take on even the most common of things.

Now that e-mail is a much-preferred form of communication, there is no telling what the future holds for postal service. With letters and postcards though, there is always something more. The weathered look when they arrive in your mailbox, the stamps all marked and dated, the handwritten notes – they tell a far better kind of story, a little piece of history that something new technology could not match.

------

Text by Clare Amador | 2007

The Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club holds the walking tour and auction every 3rd Sunday of the month. Interested parties may contact us or email Lawrence Chan (FSCC VP) at l_rence_2003@yahoo.com. Join us on September 16, 2007.

*Interestingly enough, the MCPO building is of neo-classical design, built in 1926 by Filipino Architect Juan de Guzman Arellano. The columns are Ionic (Grecian). Quite apt for a building that houses postal service and philately. It is located in Manila. The Philatelic Library and Museum is just beside it.

**August 19 is Quezon Day; it is also the beginning of the Linggo ng Wika.
Next Tour will be on October 21, 2007 or every third sunday of the month!

for more informations try this links: Youth Tourism Response Philippines
http://www.youthtrip.org/archives/YTRiP%20walk-postal-history.html

Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club 10th anniversary exhibition October 4-14, 2005
http://www.cddstamps.com/filpex.htm

Asiafinest forum : 6 Filipino Philatelist Wins Abroad
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=134614

Espma

October 10th, 2007, 01:19 AM

Ok I thought..the Philippines will only be creating 6 star hotels...not SEVEN..huge statement that the Philippines is indeed serious about its Tourism Potential right??

Southeast Asia's First Seven-Star Hotel To Rise In The Philippines
October 9, 2007 8:06 a.m. EST

Harriette Cecilio - AHN News Writer

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The first seven-star hotel in Southeast Asia will be built in the Philippines and the blueprint for the ambitious plans is ready for execution.

A joint partnership of Filipino and Chinese businessmen will build the country's first seven-star hotely in a new business district adjacent to Makati or in the capital city of Manila.

"The seven-star hotel will be similar to the one in Dubai," said Susan Barlin, co-founder of the CEO Club Philippines.

Dubai etched its name in the global hospitality industry as the first to build the world's first seven-star hotel, the posh Burj Al Arab.

The Philippine project will be known as the Pentominium and will be a combination of retail outlets, offices and penthouses.

The luxury hotel will be 35 stories and, like its predecessor in the Emirates, it will be exclusive to guests who can afford the top-dollar rates.

Barlin said her group has been scouting for a land parcel at least 2,000 square meters. Ground breaking is set for the first quarter of 2008.

The CEO Club is also planning to build hotels in other Philippine provinces known for their pristine beaches such as Bohol, Palawan and Cebu - all of which are south of Manila.

g0Rs

October 10th, 2007, 06:26 PM

Here's the new TV ad by Smart and DOT

Directed by Jun Reyes
Song "Land of the Loving" by David Benoit

IgN0e8DJHvM

g0Rs

October 10th, 2007, 06:37 PM

DOT Out of the box promo

2UaOy2rT0RY

rowG4pIPUl8

n56wV_Tx9pI

nayki

October 10th, 2007, 07:07 PM

Nagvacation ako sa Bataan last weekend, ganda din pala dun ok din mga beach. Sa loob kami ng Bataan Nuclear Power Plant compound nagswimming...hehehehe May mga kunti akong pictures sa loob nung compound, post ko dito in a few days.

flymordecai

October 10th, 2007, 08:47 PM

I like that new ad by DOT and Smart, beautiful spots used. "Your Home in Asia"...better than WOW Philippines but it's not original. Oh well, better than nothing. :)

Tornado

October 11th, 2007, 06:44 AM

Tornado

October 11th, 2007, 07:09 AM

i was on youtube watching the video about boracay.. wow the water is so clear

search for the
Weekend In Boracay Beach

If you guys have to list the best places to visit in PH.. how would you rank it.
( in case I only have 10 days to go)

For me if my friend coming to Thailand with 10 days limit i'll take them to

1. Krabi ( the small province nearby PHuket) home to PhiPhi islands , Railey beach and laid back town.

2 Phang NGa , home to the amazing scenery like Palawan (anyhow , Palawan is more virgin)

3. then back to BAngkok for 2 days for a grand palace and so on.

icarusrising

October 11th, 2007, 07:24 AM

Hmm... "Land of the Loving" sounds great too.

flymordecai

October 11th, 2007, 07:27 AM

^^ If I had 10 days to travel the Philippines I would go to :

1. 3 days - El Nido & Coron, Palawan for some kayaking/diving

2. 2 days - Boracay, stroll through White Beach and experience the night life.

3. 2 days - Bohol, to see the Chocolate Hills and that famous river boat tour

4. 3 days - Cebu, to see the City and the countryside

After 10 days? I would extend the trip to another 20 days, 10 days to try to explore every nook and cranny of Luzon from Metro Manila to Bataan, and 10 days to explore the hidden wonders of Mindanao. That would be my dream trip. :)

wynngd

October 11th, 2007, 07:28 AM

lots of nice video ads. i really like the one
Directed by Jun Reyes
Song "Land of the Loving" by David Benoit

out of the box ad don't really impress me.
I thin more than usual is somehow not very effective like Malaysia truly asia , Pure NZ , or Amazing tHailand

heaven on Earth ... PH hehehe

by the way, what is the very best month to Visit Palawan.

In Thailand , best month for me is Jan -February

^^ TRy to go in Palawan around end of May to Early June. April to May is the summer season here in the Philippines so Expect lots of people going to different resorts. To avoid the crowd, it will be ok to go there by end of May up to early June where People are all busy doing their shopping for their first day at school.

beads_strawberries

October 11th, 2007, 08:23 AM

I've encountered news that we are on Top 10 of the most traveled destinations as per Yahoo. I think this just shows that tourism is one of the growing industries in the land. In as much as foreign investments are pouring in, we might as well welcome our foreign tourists.

Maybe it also helps that there are airlines that have their cheap offers for local travels. Now, it's not so expensive to travel all over the country from time to time.

odyssey

October 11th, 2007, 12:29 PM

Amanpulo was recently rated as the Best Beach in the World by Conde Nast Magazine Traveller.

pau_p1

October 11th, 2007, 01:01 PM

Here's the new TV ad by Smart and DOT

Directed by Jun Reyes
Song "Land of the Loving" by David Benoit

IgN0e8DJHvM

The lady on the last scene on the phone is Ariannie.. the Brazilian host in Eat Bulaga!...

while the guy playing checkers beside the church was the Aussie guy who played as the father of Ai Ai's child in her last movie...

benchjade

October 12th, 2007, 10:33 AM

^^ you mean this one...

WMrM8WvUCoo

mas gusto ko yan kesa yung "Biyahe Tayo"

benchjade

October 12th, 2007, 10:37 AM

Animo

October 12th, 2007, 05:43 PM

I find the new DOT video lacking the "X Factor". Maybe if they added more time in the clip with more places of the country.

---

TO achieve its targets, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is proposing a bigger budget for next year.

Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the DOT will propose a budgetary allocation of P1.1 billion for 2008, P130 million higher than its total budget this year.

Jarque said the proposed budgetary increase was to be discussed in the second budget hearing in the House of Representatives yesterday.

Jarque, during the 888 News Forum at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, said tourism stakeholders sought for an increase in the budget from the National Government for promotions and other services so that the DOT will be able to bring in more tourists to the country.

“The mandate of the DOT is to bring in warm bodies from other countries,” Jarque said in an interview following the news forum.

Marketing

He said 90 percent of the budgetary allocation will lure more foreign visitors through marketing promotions abroad.

DOT 7 Director Patria Aurora Roa said that of the intended P1.1 billion over-all tourism budget for next year, Central Visayas will get about P12 million.

She said P8 million of the region’s budget for next year which will be spent on marketing promotions while the rest are for personal services.

Jarque said he is optimistic that the increase in funding will help spur tourism activities and revenues for the country as the Philippines will become more visible among international travelers.

He said a 13-percent budget increase will allow more room to promote the Philippines as one of Asia’s premier vacation hubs among priority markets like Korea, Japan, China and the United States, he said.

European market

Earlier, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said DOT’s marketing team is also reviving promotions in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

“We also plan to increase the slice of the European market,” said Jarque.

He considered Western Europe travelers from countries like the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Scan-dinavia and Russia, that the DOT is starting to tap.

In previous reports, the DOT noted that Europeans are known for their fondness for diving sites in the Philippines.

Apart from being among the country’s longer-staying tourists, the Europeans are also known to be big spenders, averaging $95 per day, Jarque said.

During the forum, tourism stakeholders discussed two major concerns affecting the industry — accessibility and room availability.

While they agree that the budgetary increase would raise the influx of foreign tourists, they said the private and public sectors must first lay down the foundations, especially infrastructure-wise, to effectively position the country as a world-class tourism destination. (MMM)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/10/10/bus/dot.seeks.bigger.budget.html

Rence

October 16th, 2007, 04:46 PM

http://www.philtourism.com/

Welcome to the Philippine Tourism Authority

For thirty-three years, we have been pioneering tourism development in the Philippines, have been witnesses to the development of its major destinations and the subsequent influx of foreign as well as domestic tourists have been our source of pride and satisfaction.

This time around, we are privileged to announce the coming of another Philippine First, one of the BEST in the Philippines – the Manila Ocean Park. Located at the foreshore area at the back of historic Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, the Manila Ocean Park shall have an underwater walkthrough Oceanarium featuring various species of marine life such as rays, sharks and other exotic species and a simulated beachfront with white sand and marine mammals aside from a marine museum, rainforest exhibit and exhibit and several galleries for shops, food entertainment and shopping.

Another major development, the PTA has been honored with is the up and coming construction of the Panglao International Airport. This major development shall provide direct access to the nearby provinces of Cebu, Leyte, Samar, Bacolod, Iloilo and, of course, the Province of Bohol, where the PTA’s very own world-class dive resort on Balicasag Island is just a stone’s throw away.

Welcome to The Best in the Philippines

... To a tropical archipelago hosting 7107 islands matted by majestic mountains with lush verdant rainforests slowly sprawling into thick mangroves with tall swaying coconut trees lining long wide strips of powdery white beaches.

... To the Banaue Rice Terraces – 100 square miles of an ancient irrigational innovation that exemplifies the mastery of engineering that has nourished the ifugao for generations, now declared a UN heritage site, truly an 8th wonder of the world.

... To the San Fabian PTA Beach Resort – former President Ferdinand Marcos’ beach rest house, given an “AA” resort rating ensuring a presidential vacation experience.

... To where the classical splendor of 19th century Europe merges with the growing cosmopolitan culture of thriving metropolises, veritable melting pot of cultures in South East Asia throbbing with the earthy beat of ethnicity and the powerful pulse of progress.

metrosuburban

October 16th, 2007, 07:52 PM

Rence

October 18th, 2007, 04:31 PM

Isa iyan sa dapat pag-ukulan ng pansin , sa Luneta people had to walk several meters just to go to Jollibee in order to urinate , In some parts ofLuneta sa tabi-tabi na lang sila !

icarusrising

October 19th, 2007, 02:18 AM

mas gusto ko yan kesa yung "Biyahe Tayo"

Magkaiba naman yata yung intended audience nila... Eto mas pang foreign tourists. Yung "Tara na Byahe Tayo" aims to promote tourism among the locals.

animasola

October 19th, 2007, 05:57 AM

^^Exactly, pero sa aking palagay, napakaganda ng biyahe tayo na ad. :)

Animo

October 19th, 2007, 08:49 PM

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red_jasper

October 21st, 2007, 10:53 AM

Source: The Manila (Sunday) Times
Sunday, October 21, 2007

Philippine conglomerate SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), has embarked on a multi-billion peso development project for the construction of a 60-hectare mixed-use complex envisioned to become a premier business and tourism destination in the Philippines.

Dubbed the “Mall of Asia Complex”, the project is located along the coast of Manila Bay and will consist of technologically-advanced infrastructure integrated with office, retail, institutional, residential, and leisure components. The complex is now home to the Philippines’ largest shopping mall, the SM Mall of Asia, and will soon boast of the latest business and IT hub, the country’s largest convention center, a 16,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, and a wide range of facilities with recreational, tourism, and residential uses.

“We envision the Mall of Asia Complex to be a prime business and tourism district in the country and in the region,” says SM Investments Corporation executive vice-president for real property Josefino Lucas. “With its unique location by the side of the famous Manila Bay, the Mall of Asia Complex which features an excellent mix of business and leisure elements is expected to boost Philippine tourism as well as redefine Manila’s place among the new and exciting urban centers of Asia.”

The Mall of Asia Complex’s proximity to the international airport, seaports, hotels, and other commercial districts make it ideal for business, will give rise to world-class business facilities such as the OneE-Com Center which is targeted for completion by year-end.

The OneE-Com Center is a 10-storey building designed for e-commerce, contact centers, BPO companies, and specialized office uses. It will provide leading edge facilities such as multi-telco redundancy and connectivity, 100 percent backup power supply, basketball and badminton courts at deck level and central courtyard amenities, to meet the growing needs of technology-based companies with 24/7 operations.

Recently, SMIC formalized a deal with the leading global fitness company Fitness First Philippines, Inc to house the club’s 16th branch in the country on the ground and second levels of OneE-Com Center. Set to open by last quarter of this year, the fitness center will cater to the health and fitness needs of people specially those who work 24/7 in the call centers.

Also set to rise within the Mall of Asia Complex is the SMX Convention Center, which is envisioned to be the country’s premier destination for both local and international trade and cultural events. The three-storey, 46,647-square meter building will feature open exhibition areas, multi*functional halls, and flexible meeting rooms with modern exposition amenities for major conferences and trade exhibits.

Another major development project is the SM Arena, a sprawling indoor facility for big-time sports and entertainment events that can seat over 16,000 spectators. This expansive arena is expected to be the venue of choice of major gigs of well-known international artists in the music and entertainment industries.

In addition, the Mall of Asia Complex is set to inaugurate the SM Mall of Asia Science and Discovery Center on October 10, 2007—the first of its kind themed-park devoted solely to science and technology. A partnership between SM Prime Holdings and the US-based Leisure Entertainment Consultancy, the center will feature a digital planetarium and a wide range of technology and science-themed presentations and exhibits.

Likewise in the pipeline are the construction of the SM Ferry, which will feature a modern ferry terminal to service guests and tourists who wish to travel to Cavite city and Bataan, or to SMIC’s eco-tourism development estate, the Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas; the SM Land Showroom which will showcase the resort and residential features of the Hamilo estate; and a leisure strip area which is set to soft-open this October, where people can converge and unwind after a hard day’s work and look forward to fresh and hip themed-happenings every month with their choice drinks and spirits. The Mall of Asia Complex will also give rise to real property investments such as deluxe hotels, upscale offices and full-serviced apartments. Read full text of article here (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/21/yehey/property/20071021prop1.html)

allan_dude

October 23rd, 2007, 10:27 AM

Tourism planners urged to come up with saleable strategy

Sun.Star (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bag/2007/10/06/feat/tourism.planners.urged.to.come.up.with.saleable.strategy.html)

KALINGA as a tourist destination has much better goods to offer compared to other destinations in the country. It just has to strategize its tourism promotion efforts.

Sharing her experiences in Camiguin as a tourist to participants of a seminar-workshop on eco-tourism trade and industry, tourist safety and security, Kalinga Governor Floydelia Diasen said what really prompted her to visit the place was the packaging in the brochure.

“The packaging was so attractive that you really want to see their sites,” she said, adding that Kalinga, with its vast potentials, has a better stand.

She suggested that the packaging should include something mysterious about the place that would rouse the curiosity of the people to come and see it.

Aside from its natural beauty, Kalinga has several interesting things seen only in the province like the ‘sleeping beauty’ of Tinglayan, culture and traditions that are still being practiced by the people and several others.

“We have a very rich customs and traditions and tourism potential which we should be proud of and we could harness to make it as a source of income,” she said, stressing that to do this, it is just a matter of making the people appreciate these potentials.

“It is sad to note that we could not even appreciate what we have in the province since we are so engrossed with the unfortunate situations happening here,” she said.

Diasen suggested that to make a change, participants composed of planners, tourism officers and law enforcers should advocate and direct the attitude of the people towards the development of the province’s eco-tourism industry.

“It is important that we showcase the real Kalinga, its culture, ecology and the things unique in our place,” she said, underscoring that one way of doing this is to “change the definition of Kalinga from head hunters to ‘Kalinga -- a caring and safe community,’ quoting that Kalinga in tagalong means care’”.

But all of these get lost once a visitor experiences something unfortunate in the province, she said, urging government planners to sit down to discuss and plan with the people and all sectors to come up with a consolidated tourism effort that would turn and make Kalinga as an eco- tourism destination.

In her lecture on eco-tourism development, Natividad Sugguiyao, founder and owner of the only successful and world-known tourism outfit in the province -- the Chico River Quest Inc. - said the industry would positively boom and eventually be at par with other world-class provinces.

Taking such positive outlook on the province’s tourism industry, Sugguiyao said this is possible “if we only learn to appreciate and enhance what we have and be positive about it.”

“Kalinga as a tourism destination basically has everything with its vast natural resources and rich culture,” she said, adding that the development of the industry “should start from us.”

Pointing out that the problems on peace and order in the province are isolated cases, she shared that as a proof, she had been entertaining ‘high end’ tourists and visitors in the province for the past years and they have left the province satisfied and wanting to come again.

Animo

October 23rd, 2007, 04:54 PM

I see the promotional video for the Philippines should be like this one from Mexico (Themed: México in your senses). It has a perfect balance on all factors: nature, culture, modernity and it's people.

This one from Smart could be used internationally especially if we add more into the theme. The ending song by Regine Velasquez in amazing with the "....Pilipinas/Filipinas" I like the new slogan: "Discover Our Home: Your Home in Asia" but the video is subpar compared to others.

uEtxx4lPjWs

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You can change the colors represented by the video to
yellow = sunset ,
white = beaches(sand),
blue = ocean and skies
red = festival colors

then the backdrop is the Philippine flag heheheh

kiretoce

October 24th, 2007, 01:00 AM

Consider the Philippines as a destination or starting off point, the flights are both reasonable and non-stop from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Manila, as low as $600 U.S. dollars round trip on Philippine Air or use your frequent flyer miles. From there, over 7,000 islands greet you with a variety of accommodations, services, sports activities and spa treats.

The Philippines is a little more challenging than some other countries in Southeast Asia. For starters, it is separated by several hundred miles of ocean and there is the Mexico-like chaos at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. But for the traveler who makes the effort to get here, the Philippines is usually a very friendly and pleasant place to visit.

The Philippines is a bit more expensive than Thailand or Indonesia, but quite affordable by Western standards. The currency is the peso and currently has an exchange rate of 41 pesos per U.S. dollar, down from 50 just six months ago, still a bargain for the accommodations, food and services that are available.

Once outside of Manila and Cebu, the midrange traveler can expect to pay about 2,100 pesos per day for good accommodations, 900 pesos for hotel or resort, 600 pesos for three decent meals and another 600 pesos for travel and other expenses. Many of the resorts are all inclusive and if you are a scuba diver, tremendous packages abound for exceptional dive areas. There are also kayaking, hiking and general beach relaxation vacations available.

A huge plus is the lack of bugs that abound in the Caribbean and Mexico, if you want to leave the insect repellent at home. The weather is best October through April as the rainy season is May through September. Holidays are busy and reservations should be made in advance if your travel time is expected to be when everyone else is traveling. For those who have a flexible schedule, island hoping itineraries are readily available through several books such as the Lonely Planet series.

The U.S. State Department publishes a “warning” on travel to the Philippines; this is a blanket statement that should focus on the Southern islands and specifically Mindanao and Sulu and not the entire archipelago. While there have been issues in the past relative to kidnapping and Muslim activities, there are 7,000 islands without issues. Much the same way that natural disasters or riots on one coast of the United States don’t necessarily affect the opposite coast, the same is true for the Philippines. As with travel to any destination foreign or domestic, use common sense.

With very limited assets, some forward-thinking people, both at a national and local level, are making headway toward a more sustainable use of resources. By visiting the Philippines and enjoying its natural beauty above and below the water, perhaps we can help restore some of the damage done by dynamite fishing and forest devastation.

In a global survey conducted in 2005, Filipinos came out among the world’s happiest people, much to their surprise. Although they do not think twice about their laissez-faire attitude, they generally take an unfavorable view of themselves, particularly in comparison with the wealth of Americans, the old culture of Europeans, the work-ethic of the Chinese and the discipline of the Japanese.

If you are looking for an alternative to Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii, and you enjoy the exotic, want your dollar to go further on vacation, or simply want a different path to follow, check out the Philippines.

SOURCE (http://www.tahoe-world.com/content/view/10750/73/)

pau_p1

October 25th, 2007, 04:24 PM

Visa-free privilege given to Russian tourists in RP

By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer
Last updated 10:14pm (Mla time) 10/25/2007
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=96761

MANILA, Philippines -- Russia has become the new focus of the country’s tourism program after its nationals have been given the privilege of entering the country without the hassle of having to obtain a visa.

The Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration have announced the government’s visa-free entry program would be implemented for Russian visitors beginning this month.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the new policy would encourage more tourists to visit the country, particularly Russians.

“We expect the privilege will attract more Russian visitors to the Philippines,” Durano said, adding that the policy would also strengthen the country’s travel trade industry and boost the revenues of hotel and leisure establishments.

Durano said Russian tourists and businessmen may now stay in the country for a maximum of 21 days without a visa, provided they have valid tickets to their port of origin or port of next destination and provided they had valid passports for the next six months.

He said a Russian visitor wishing to stay in the country more than 21 days would need to secure a temporary visitor visa with the BI.

“The Russian market is a very crucial market to explore. The new policy will greatly enhance their experience in our islands,” Durano said.

Durano invited Russian nationals to visit the Philippines during the Otdykh-Leisure 2007 Travel Fair held in Moscow.

The DOT, with its partners in the travel trade sector, has also completed a selling mission in Far East Russia to explore business and tourism opportunities in the region.

In line with this, Vladavia Air Company has opened regular weekly charter flights using a 150-seat TU-154 airplane to Manila from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the major gateway in Far East Russia.

The DOT has reported that from January to August 2007, tourist arrivals from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) grew by 7.2 percent compared to the same period in 2006. They are currently the Philippines’ seventh biggest source of tourists from the European region

Rence

October 25th, 2007, 04:38 PM

Nice to hear that!

Ex!lE

October 26th, 2007, 03:09 AM

Foreign arrivals in first 9 months up 6% (http://http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2007102571)
By Edu Punay
Friday, October 26, 2007

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported yesterday that the Philippines is becoming a top destination of foreign tourists in Asia after more than four million foreigners visited the country during the first nine months of the year.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said a total of 4,024,067 foreigners, mostly tourists, arrived in the country from January to September.

He said the foreign arrivals increased by six percent compared to the 3,781,713 aliens who arrived during the same period last year.

“More and more foreigners are entering our country and this indicates that the Philippines is fast emerging as a favored destination for both foreign tourists and businessmen,” Libanan said.

He said foreign investors are coming here because of the country’s sound economic fundamentals despite the claim of critics that the government is facing a political crisis.

Libanan said the confidence of foreign investors in the Philippine economy remains very strong.

He attributed the influx of foreign tourists to the government’s reforms on immigration policy, including the lifting of restrictions on the length of stay of foreign visitors in the country.

Unlike in the past when foreign tourists were allowed only a maximum stay of one year, Libanan said they can now extend their stay up to two years depending on their reasons for extension.

He said the BI recently launched a new visa-upon-arrival program for foreign businessmen whereby they are issued visas upon their arrival here for a period of 30 days instead of visas from Philippine consulates in their country of origin.

BI records showed that Americans topped the list of foreigners who arrived during the nine-month period with 466,086.

Koreans ranked second with 330,154, the Japanese were third with 261,823, and Chinese were fourth with 136,223.

The other top visitors included Britons, Taiwanese, Australians, Canadians, Singaporeans, and Germans.

More than 1.13 million of the foreigners who arrived were tourists, while 431,236 were balikbayans or former Filipino citizens who have become naturalized citizens of other countries.

The rest were holders of various immigrant and non-immigrant visas such as permanent residents, expatriates, investors, retirees, returning residents, students, and those married to Filipinos.

JustHorace

October 26th, 2007, 05:51 AM

^^Oh my, 4 million in the first nine months? I think there's something wrong with the article. As far as I can remember, there were less than 3 million tourist arrivals last year, not 3.8 million.

cyrusal

October 26th, 2007, 08:04 PM

^^Yeah. 4M foreigners. It doesn't necessarily mean that they are all tourists.

mambo

October 27th, 2007, 10:10 AM

isnt it all foreigners coming to the country are considered tourists whether they are coming for pleasure or business, the data must have come from the immigration cards that incoming passengers fill up and given to the immigration arrival counter

icarusrising

October 29th, 2007, 02:20 AM

Businessmen investing in new resorts – DOT

By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star
Monday, October 29, 2007

Businessmen are investing billions of pesos in constructing new first-class resorts and in expanding existing ones to accommodate the rising number of foreign and domestic tourists, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said yesterday.

Speaking at the Manila Overseas Press Club’s “Tourism Night,” Durano said at least three high-class resorts in Palawan are adding new villas and suites as a part of their expansion programs.

These resorts are El Rio Y Mar Island Resort, a sister company of Club Paradise Resort in Coron; Amanpulo Resort on Pamalicalan Island, which is touted as the most expensive resort in the Philippines; and the Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa on Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, he added.

El Rio is reportedly building 80 new rooms while Dos Palmas is adding 88 new villas.

No details, however, were given to the expansion plans of Amanpulo, which is luring rich foreign tourists and a number of wealthy Filipinos.

Durano said another upscale resort, Eskaya Beach
Resort and Spa, recently opened in Panglao Island in Bohol. He said investors have reportedly committed to invest nearly a billion pesos for the resort.

The 200-room Shangri La Boracay Resort & Spa will open in August 2008 while the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa on Mactan Island, Cebu is scheduled to open in 2009, he added.

Investors have recently completed the Camiguin Highland Resort on an eight-hectare lanzones plantation, Durano said.

In Eastern Samar, a multimillion-dollar resort is being constructed on Calicoan Island, which is emerging as a surfing destination in the Visayas.

In Bicol, Masibis Land is developing a first-class resort, with its own cable car, on Cagraray Island near Legazpi City.

Durano said these projects are part of the P160 billion in new hotel and resort investments that are underway. The government expects more than three million foreign tourists this year, and about five million by 2010.

The tourism sector is contributing about $2.5 billion a year to the economy, he added.

In 2006, international tourism receipts from 2.84 million visitors to the Philippines totaled $2.7 billion or about P135 billion. Tourism receipts are expected to hit $4 billion this year with the influx of more long-staying and high-spending tourists such as the Europeans, Durano said.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071028116

Sinjin P.

October 29th, 2007, 03:32 AM

^^Oh my, 4 million in the first nine months? I think there's something wrong with the article. As far as I can remember, there were less than 3 million tourist arrivals last year, not 3.8 million.

4M foreigners enter RP
in first 9 months, up 6%
(http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10292007/economy04.html)
By Paul Atienza
Correspondent

MORE than 4 million foreigners, mostly tourists, have entered the country during the first nine months of the year, up 6 percent from those who arrived in the same period last year, the Bureau of Immigration said.

Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said 4,024,067 foreigners from different countries arrived in the Philippines from January to September, compared with the 3,781,713 who came in the same period in 2006.

“That more and more foreigners are entering the country indicates that the Philippines is fast emerging as a favored destination for both foreign tourists and businessmen,” Libanan said.

He said the continued influx of tourists should dispel any doubts about the government’s ability to attract foreign investors and visitors.

“Foreign businessmen are coming because our economic fundamentals are sound; and despite the assertions of government critics that our government is facing a political crisis, the confidence of foreign investors in our economy remains very strong,” Libanan said.

As for the influx of foreign tourists, Libanan said, it was partly attributed to the policy reforms in immigration, such as the lifting of restrictions on the length of stay of foreign visitors in the country.

He explained that unlike in the past when foreign tourists are allowed only a maximum stay of one year, they can now extend their stay up to two years and even longer if the bureau finds that their reasons for doing so are meritorious.

Recently, the immigration office launched a new visa-upon-arrival program for foreign businessmen whereby they are issued landed visas upon their arrival here for a period of 30 days instead of securing the visas from the Philippine consulate in their country of origin.

Statistics showed that Americans, numbering 466,086, topped the list of foreigners who arrived during the nine-month period, followed by Koreans, 330,154; Japanese, 261,823; and Chinese, 136,223.

Also included in the top 10 list were Britons, Taiwanese, Australians, Canadians, Singaporeans and Germans.

Records also showed that more that 1.13 million of the foreigners who arrived were tourists while 431,236 were balikbayan or former Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of other countries.

OtAkAw

October 29th, 2007, 07:43 AM

^^I wonder how much in percentage the number of tourists are from that 4M figure.

Rence

October 30th, 2007, 02:21 PM

^^I wonder how much in percentage the number of tourists are from that 4M figure.

Most of the figures are from balikbayan !

OtAkAw

October 30th, 2007, 06:14 PM

^^Balikbayans? How come the article labeled those who entered as "foreigners"?

icarusrising

October 30th, 2007, 07:05 PM

^^ Anu ba pamparami rin yun ng bilang... :lol: Must be because they are now citizens of other nations. Born where their parents have migrated, the children and children's children of balikbayans would also count as foreigners...

Kaya kapag nagbibilang... nagsisimula sila sa hintuturo (sabay sabing "wan"), kasunod by hinlalato (sabay sabing "tu") at pagkatapos ay ang palasingsingan (kasabay ng pagbigkas ng "tri"). Di tulad ng mga ipinanganak dito na nagsisimula sa hinliliit, tapos ay palasingsingan hanggang makarating sa hinlalaki. Mahirap nga lang magbilang hanggang 4 na milyon sa pamamagitan ng daliri... :lol:

le Reine

October 31st, 2007, 06:29 AM

^^Balikbayans? How come the article labeled those who entered as "foreigners"?

^^ Anu ba pamparami rin yun ng bilang... :lol: Must be because they are now citizens of other nations. Born where their parents have migrated, the children and children's children of balikbayans would also count as foreigners...

Kaya kapag nagbibilang... nagsisimula sila sa hintuturo (sabay sabing "wan"), kasunod by hinlalato (sabay sabing "tu") at pagkatapos ay ang palasingsingan (kasabay ng pagbigkas ng "tri"). Di tulad ng mga ipinanganak dito na nagsisimula sa hinliliit, tapos ay palasingsingan hanggang makarating sa hinlalaki. Mahirap nga lang magbilang hanggang 4 na milyon sa pamamagitan ng daliri... :lol:

you're not reading, the article said "431,236 were balikbayan or former Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of other countries."

icarusrising

October 31st, 2007, 12:55 PM

you're not reading, the article said "431,236 were balikbayan or former Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of other countries."

Sabi ko nga di ba...

le Reine

October 31st, 2007, 01:05 PM

^^uuuy... nagalit. :jk:

Ex!lE

November 1st, 2007, 08:58 AM

Korean to invest in tourism (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/11/01/bus/korean.to.invest.in.tourism.html)

THE tourism industry in Cebu is expected to grow further with the entry of new investments, said an official of the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said he remains “upbeat” about prospects in Cebu with the plans of a Korean firm to open an integrated facility that includes a retirement village and a golf course, among others.

He said the firm, whose name he did not divulge, is now starting to purchase a 50-hectare property in the northern part of Cebu and may begin construction of the multi-million peso project next year.

The tourism department chief also revealed that another Chinese airline will open direct flights between Shanghai, China and Cebu starting next month.

Huge development

Durano said he still does not know how many rooms the future facility in northern Cebu will produce but it will be a “huge development” that will boost the province’s efforts to become a medical tourism hub in the country.

Cebu wants to develop itself as a medical tourism hub by providing hassle-free and efficient world-class medical care at less cost to tourists while they enjoy their tropical vacation.

The medical tourism industry is envisioned to include spa and wellness, retirement or rehabilitation homes, and medical or surgery.

Durano said the country, as a whole, is considered attractive to foreign patients because medical treatment here is less costly. He said the caring nature of Filipino health care personnel is also an added advantage.

“There is so much investor’s confidence in Cebu’s medical tourism industry.

Otherwise, they would not be willing to spend millions of pesos in developing that huge a property,” he said, referring to the Korean firm.

More flights

Meanwhile, Durano said the decision of China Eastern, the second Chinese airline company to open direct flights to Cebu from Shanghai, will make the province more attractive to foreign visitors.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Durano said China Eastern will launch its thrice-weekly Shanghai-Cebu flights this month.

The first direct chartered flight of China Eastern is expected to be fully booked, he added.

Last July, China Southern Airline launched its first direct flight from Shanghai to Cebu.

China Southern’s flight frequencies include four chartered and regular direct and indirect flights from Shanghai every week.

Earlier, Durano said Shanghai, which is the second biggest outbound market in China, will be a “very promising” market for Cebu since tourists from the area are one of the “most cosmopolitan.”

“Most (tourists flying) Shanghai-Manila are business travelers. But the tourists we get from (the) Shanghai-Cebu (route) are mostly leisure travelers,” he said.

DOT 7 records showed that Chinese arrivals to Cebu in the first seven months of this year rose to 7,880 from 3,856 in the same period in 2006.

The Chinese are one of the country’s target tourist market. (MMM)

a s i a n a

November 3rd, 2007, 07:10 AM

IgN0e8DJHvM
Smart and Department of Tourism's HOME
PHILIPPINES: YOUR HOME IN ASIA

Thank you Smart for that amazing ad!
Song: Land Of The Loving by David Benoit and Diane Schuur

A MUST SEE!!!

OtAkAw

November 3rd, 2007, 01:26 PM

you're not reading, the article said "431,236 were balikbayan or former Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of other countries."

OK got it

le Reine

November 4th, 2007, 04:25 AM

IgN0e8DJHvM
Smart and Department of Tourism's HOME
PHILIPPINES: YOUR HOME IN ASIA

Thank you Smart for that amazing ad!
Song: Land Of The Loving by David Benoit and Diane Schuur

A MUST SEE!!!

this is the most beautiful ad I've seen so far. The song made me cry. Is it Lea Salonga singing on the background?

death327

November 4th, 2007, 08:36 AM

IgN0e8DJHvM
Smart and Department of Tourism's HOME
PHILIPPINES: YOUR HOME IN ASIA

Thank you Smart for that amazing ad!
Song: Land Of The Loving by David Benoit and Diane Schuur

A MUST SEE!!!

This is a good ad. Ads like this can minimize the negative image of the Philippines in the eyes of the foreigners.

youdamiren

November 5th, 2007, 05:02 PM

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business2_nov5_2007

September tourist arrivals rose 10%
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines rose 10.3 percent year-on-year in September, marking the fourth straight month of double-digit growth, which put the country closer to its goal of attracting a record three million foreign tourists in 2007.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said the country was on its way to posting the record arrival figure this year, despite the Makati blast on October 19, which police officials linked to an accidental underground gas explosion at the Glorietta mall.

Data from the Tourism Research and Statistics Division showed that there were 212,415 foreign arrivals in September, up by nearly 20,000 or 10.3 percent from a year ago.

This followed a similar 10.3 percent increase in August, 11.6 percent in July and 10.9 percent in June.

Total arrivals in the first nine months hit 2.266 million, up 8.6 percent from 2.086 million recorded during the same period in 2006.

This means the country needs to attract 734,000 foreign tourists in the fourth quarter, or 245,000 each month in the remaining months of 2007, to achieve the three-million target.

Industry players said the target is achievable as the fourth quarter is historically considered a peak season for the tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism was actually aiming for 3.1 million arrivals this year, but Durano said the agency was setting its sights at the three million benchmark at the moment.

He said the influx of three million foreign tourists was expected to generate a record $4 billion for the economy this year.

Korea maintained its position as the largest source of foreign tourists, accounting for nearly 21 percent of the total in the nine-month period.

Arrivals from Korea grew 16.3 percent to 472,711. The Department of Tourism expects the figure to hit 650,000 by December.

Visitors from the United States, including Filipino holders of American passports, increased 2.1 percent to 433,425 for a 19.1 share of the total.

Arrivals from Japan fell 7 percent to 303,420, but this was offset by a 15.8 percent increase in visitors from China at 113,593.

Other top origins of foreign guests in the Philippines were Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany.

Durano said tourism receipts had grown 20 percent to 30 percent annually over the past three years because of the combination of high-spending European tourists and long-staying Korean guests.

He said due to increased visitor arrivals, the tourism sector generated more than one million jobs over the past three years, on top of the two million existing jobs.

heathcliff

November 6th, 2007, 05:41 AM

This is a good ad. Ads like this can minimize the negative image of the Philippines in the eyes of the foreigners.

I first saw this ad during Pacquiao's fight. "Philippines: Your Home in Asia" is quite appropriate. The Philippines is both the gateway of the West to Asia and apparently the best Asian country in terms of overall quality of expatriate life, ranking third behind the U.S. and Australia (according to a PERC survey), considering its cultural compatibility with expatriates, its nightlife, housing, sporting and recreational facilities, and the quality of healthcare and schools in the country.

This ad should be shown in international channels as well, such as CNN and BBC, in order to counteract the negative image of the Philippines spawned by both international and local media. The song is delightful to hear (unlike the themes of most tourism ads) and the meeting of blinding white sand, turquoise sea and clear blue skies is like a dream. Our myriad beautiful beaches and abundant marine life (we have the richest marine biodiversity in the world) are really something we can be proud of. The country's heritage as a former Spanish colony (such as the old churches) is also shown.

bily_lion

November 6th, 2007, 06:12 AM

^^ Ang ganda nga ng ad. Mas maganda ito compared sa Wow Philippines ad dati.

Rall

November 6th, 2007, 06:36 AM

check this thread made by @ The Olderfleet

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=543622

also featured in the Australian forum!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...0#post16306830

**************

icarusrising

November 6th, 2007, 01:08 PM

This time, the DOT’s keen on film tourism

By Mayen Jaymalin
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The Philippine Star

From Hollywood to Bollywood.

After American actor Josh Harnett, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to the visit of Indian actors and directors.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the DOT has embarked on a program to lure visitors from the movie industries of India and other countries.

“The DOT’s Film Tourism project aims to entice a different set of visitors to the Philippines, starting with the Mumbai cinema and then on to Hollywood and other countries,” Durano said.

Durano said the DOT plans to capitalize on the popularity and influence of movies among viewers by encouraging location shoots in the country.

The program, according to Durano, got a big boost recently when President Arroyo met with Bollywood directors, actors and producers during her recent visit to Mumbai, India.

The group, Durano said, made a courtesy call on the President to discuss the possibilities of filming future movie productions in the Philippines.

Mrs. Arroyo took the opportunity to promote the country’s strategic location and well-educated, productive and English-speaking workforce, Durano said.

“The President cited the country’s white sand beaches, enigmatic and mysterious rainforests, historical heritage sites and crystalline landscapes like lahar and sand dunes as just some of the places to weave Mumbai’s cinematic magic,” he added.

Bollywood is considered the biggest motion picture industry in the world, churning out about 1,000 movies annually.

The average budget of Indian films ranges from $2 million to $3 million, with the most expensive productions costing as much as $10 million. Around 23 million Indians watch the colorful song and dance extravaganzas every day.

Durano said the DOT hopes to tap the new market segment since Bollywood locations often become trendy and popular tourist destinations among Indian travelers, thus making it an effective means to promote tourism in the Philippines.

In the Asian region, Durano said both Malaysia and Singapore have used Bollywood cinema to advertise their countries and have since become popular destinations for Indian visitors.

“President Arroyo’s active promotion of the new Film Tourism program will start the ball rolling for us, and we look forward to hearing from the Mumbai cinema industry regarding sites here in the Philippines,” he said.

The DOT reported that well-known Indian film producer Aditya Raj Kapoor has committed to do a $10-million movie project in the Philippines by next year.

A total of 17,989 Indian nationals visited the Philippines between January and August this year, marking a 16.5 percent growth compared to the 15,445 registered during the same period last year.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Travel&p=49&type=2&sec=48&aid=2007110335

jaywalker

November 7th, 2007, 03:03 AM

2007 WV tourism assembly "biggest" in RP, says DOT official

Negros Occidental (6 November) -- In line with the program of the national government of to make Visayas as the tourism capital of the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is set to stage the biggest tourism assembly in the country on November 12-18 through its 7-day assembly consisting of 9 tourism events.

The assembly aims to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas of Region VI. This event is co-hosted by the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental.

DOT 6 Director Edwin Trompeta said this year's theme Entrepreneurial Tourism: Beyond Tourist Arrivals should be translated into generating income to the community through jobs and livelihood going beyond the number of tourist arrivals.

Trompeta said that the WVTA is a summit in the travel and tourism industry that seeks to combine the strength and tourism potentials of the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Region 6.

Jennylind Cordero, Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer assured that the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental are joining forces in hosting the event adding that both party will share in the tourist arrivals and investment opportunities that the WVTA is bringing.

The nine events lined-up for the week long assembly are: Regional Tourism Fair, Regional Travel Exchange, Regional Cultural Showcase, Regional Tourism Congress, Regional Tourism Excellence Awards, Tourism Olympics, Regional Food Festival, Search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism and the Regional Parade of Festivals.

Western Visayas is being positioned by the DoT as the Heritage and Resort Destination. The WVTA is expected to bring in 2,000 to 3,000 participants for the nine events.

DoT Secretary Ace Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, President of League of Cities President and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Camarines Sur Governor Luis Villafuerte and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Lilia de Lima are expected to grace the week-long Western Visayas Tourism Assmebly. (PIA/EAD)

heathcliff

November 7th, 2007, 04:43 AM

This time, the DOT’s keen on film tourism

By Mayen Jaymalin
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The Philippine Star

From Hollywood to Bollywood.

After American actor Josh Harnett, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to the visit of Indian actors and directors.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the DOT has embarked on a program to lure visitors from the movie industries of India and other countries.

“The DOT’s Film Tourism project aims to entice a different set of visitors to the Philippines, starting with the Mumbai cinema and then on to Hollywood and other countries,” Durano said.

Durano said the DOT plans to capitalize on the popularity and influence of movies among viewers by encouraging location shoots in the country.

The program, according to Durano, got a big boost recently when President Arroyo met with Bollywood directors, actors and producers during her recent visit to Mumbai, India.

The group, Durano said, made a courtesy call on the President to discuss the possibilities of filming future movie productions in the Philippines.

Mrs. Arroyo took the opportunity to promote the country’s strategic location and well-educated, productive and English-speaking workforce, Durano said.

“The President cited the country’s white sand beaches, enigmatic and mysterious rainforests, historical heritage sites and crystalline landscapes like lahar and sand dunes as just some of the places to weave Mumbai’s cinematic magic,” he added.

Bollywood is considered the biggest motion picture industry in the world, churning out about 1,000 movies annually.
...

I haven't even thought of this. It's good to know that GMA is actively promoting film tourism. This is another good way of changing the negative image of the Philippines to many foreigners. Imagine, some Americans still think we live in trees, or that we don't speak English (that's even worse than saying our medical schools are inferior). On the other hand, many Americans cannot even locate America on a map.

While the Philippines may not have the modernity of a first-world country, we are not really behind in needful infrastructure as a filming location. We also have our picturesque beaches and heritage sites to boast as some of the best in the world. It may even be cheaper for foreigners to make movies in the country.

waketrex

November 7th, 2007, 07:31 AM

I haven't even thought of this. It's good to know that GMA is actively promoting film tourism. This is another good way of changing the negative image of the Philippines to many foreigners. Imagine, some Americans still think we live in trees, or that we don't speak English (that's even worse than saying our medical schools are inferior). On the other hand, many Americans cannot even locate America on a map.

While the Philippines may not have the modernity of a first-world country, we are not really behind in needful infrastructure as a filming location. We also have our picturesque beaches and heritage sites to boast as some of the best in the world. It may even be cheaper for foreigners to make movies in the country.

Some of you may be interested in this post:

BigFoot Entertainment: Movie Industry > BPO (http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/09/25/bigfoot-entertainment-movie-industry-b/)

Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=288879742297532703&hl=en)

Highlights:

20:10
Local market is very limited. Thailand realized this and does not encourage locally target movies only.

20:40
It’s not just local film industry that there are revenues but enticing people to shoot movies in the Philippines. Thailand had 500 shootings, in the last 5 years which accounts for $1 Billion.

21:30
There’s a big government intervention in Thailand, because of it’s a big advertising tool for the country.

22:20
Most of the movies that was shot in the Philippines which had broad audience has always been about war.

23:20
Movies (media) subtly, bring lifestyle, culture to the world, because we glorify what we see in movies. People go to Starbucks, buy SUV’s and acknowledge the power of cinema.

Espma

November 7th, 2007, 08:14 AM

^^i sorta missed the purpose of that post....do we have to click on the links?!!

animasola

November 7th, 2007, 08:49 AM

^^I think so... the links point to an interview.

mambo

November 7th, 2007, 06:26 PM

le Reine

November 7th, 2007, 10:02 PM

^^yeah, that's a great idea!

heathcliff

November 8th, 2007, 10:05 AM

Some of you may be interested in this post:

BigFoot Entertainment: Movie Industry > BPO (http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/09/25/bigfoot-entertainment-movie-industry-b/)

Video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=288879742297532703&hl=en)

Highlights:

20:10
Local market is very limited. Thailand realized this and does not encourage locally target movies only.

20:40
It’s not just local film industry that there are revenues but enticing people to shoot movies in the Philippines. Thailand had 500 shootings, in the last 5 years which accounts for $1 Billion.

21:30
There’s a big government intervention in Thailand, because of it’s a big advertising tool for the country.

22:20
Most of the movies that was shot in the Philippines which had broad audience has always been about war.

23:20
Movies (media) subtly, bring lifestyle, culture to the world, because we glorify what we see in movies. People go to Starbucks, buy SUV’s and acknowledge the power of cinema.

That is why there are also misconceptions that the Philippines is a war zone or a haven of terrorists. The movies should show the Philippines as a country of educated and intelligent people, the good values of Filipinos and our rich heritage. These movies should help erase the prejudice and discrimination against Filipinos and help correct negative and false perceptions.

zeejay

November 8th, 2007, 10:30 AM

Just recently I read a news article that there was an increase of foreigners who entered in the Philippines this year. Some are for vacation and business purposes and others are for study. It goes to show that the Philippines is not that bad after all contrary to the projection made by pessimist groups in the country. We can be confident to say that the Philippines is a safe country to live in. Even if there are many bickering politicians, the strong leadership attitudes of our President makes foreign visitors or investors to come here.

Espma

November 8th, 2007, 11:27 AM

kyle@1008

November 8th, 2007, 01:35 PM

film tourism is a better way to promote the country....

People would often forget ads, over time news would also be forgotten, but movies they have staying power,.. plus the fact that if international superstars would learn to love the place where they shoot the scenes, would generate free publicity worth much much more than a daily five minute slot at CNN

heathcliff

November 9th, 2007, 10:36 AM

Any fellow Aussies here by the way? Did you guys see that CNN or was it BBC report about how a certain Government Body wants to turn or add "Organ Harvesting" into a full pledged EXPORT commodity?? (oohhh something to discuss in MEDICAL TOURISM PERHAPS??)..Anyways did you guys notice how during the whole 5 or so minutes of that quick report they did not show any other part of Manila other than the the slums and squatter areas?? That wasn't the first case either, one show here in Sydney had a special report on how Filipino workers (e.g. Managers for McDonald Restaurants) are supposedly taking jobs away from the locals. They showed snippets of "The Philippines" and I swear they only focused on the slums and squatter areas....I have a few friends who were like, whoa "Philippines is just like India"....I dunno if I should be defensive or just accept it. I dunno if the purpose of that report is to showcase the poverty in the Philippines..but I didn't see the relevance of showing kids digging garbage?? ..There has been numerous cases like this, why can't they feature the good sides, it is as if they're deliberately trying to tarnish the Philippines already damaged image.

About the issue on "organ export", it would be good if you could provide a link. To my knowledge, the business of brokering organs is a violation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law and the NBI has apparently prosecuted people engaged in selling organs. The government has also been conducting an information campaign discouraging people, especially poor people who are being taken advantage of by these "brokers", from selling their organs for a quick buck. I don't know about the medical tourism angle, but brokering organs is prohibited by law and is against government policy.

Showcasing the slums in Metro Manila has negatively affected foreigners' perceptions of our country. Even in nearby Australia, people didn't know, until recently, that the Philippines is something more than just the country of slums that international and even local media often portray. If not for the aggressive campaign of the tourism department, people would not know of our beautiful white sand beaches.

Espma

November 9th, 2007, 03:24 PM

amigo32

November 9th, 2007, 03:43 PM

i'm gonna raise humans and goats and sell their organs. good business isn't it. hehehe

icarusrising

November 9th, 2007, 03:46 PM

death327

November 10th, 2007, 09:23 AM

youdamiren

November 10th, 2007, 05:30 PM

DoT sets assembly to boost Visayas tourism

Danny Fajardo

BACOLOD City — Determined to make Visayas the tourism capital of the country, the Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 6 is set to stage the biggest tourism assembly in the country from November 12-18 through its seven-day assembly with nine tourism events.

The assembly aims to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of tourism attractions, services and facilities of the different areas in the region. This event is co-hosted by the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental.

DoT 6 Director Edwin Trompeta said this year’s theme "Entrepreneurial Tourism: Beyond Tourist Arrivals" should be translated into generating income to the community through jobs and livelihood going beyond the number of tourist arrivals.

Trompeta said the WVTA is a summit in the travel and tourism industry that seeks to combine the strength and tourism potentials of the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in Region 6.

Jennylind Cordero, Negros Occidental tourism officer, assured that the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental are joining forces in hosting the event adding that both parties will share in the tourist arrivals and investment opportunities the WVTA brings.

The nine events lined up for the week-long assembly are Regional Tourism Fair, Regional Travel Exchange, Regional Cultural Showcase, Regional Tourism Congress, Regional Tourism Excellence Awards, Tourism Olympics, Regional Food Festival, Search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism, and the Regional Parade of Festivals.

Western Visayas is being positioned as the Heritage and Resort Destination. The WVTA is expected to bring between 2,000 and 3,000 participants for the nine events.

DoT Secretary Ace Durano, Senator Richard Gordon, League of Cities president and Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Villafuerte, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Lilia de Lima are expected to grace the week-long Western Visayas Tourism Assembly.

http://www.mb.com.ph/SP_PROV20071110.html

Rolls-Royce

November 10th, 2007, 06:18 PM

About the issue on "organ export", it would be good if you could provide a link. To my knowledge, the business of brokering organs is a violation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law and the NBI has apparently prosecuted people engaged in selling organs. The government has also been conducting an information campaign discouraging people, especially poor people who are being taken advantage of by these "brokers", from selling their organs for a quick buck. I don't know about the medical tourism angle, but brokering organs is prohibited by law and is against government policy.

Showcasing the slums in Metro Manila has negatively affected foreigners' perceptions of our country. Even in nearby Australia, people didn't know, until recently, that the Philippines is something more than just the country of slums that international and even local media often portray. If not for the aggressive campaign of the tourism department, people would not know of our beautiful white sand beaches.

Based on my own experience, any foreigner who never heard of the Philippines' tourism potential (yes, there's a lot of them still and it's quite sad), had painted our country in their own minds about grinding poverty since we export a lot of manpower to every corners of the globe. They thought that Philippines is a really third-world and dirt-poor country like any country in Africa, and for them, we're no bettter than these countries. To them, we're just economic migrants. BBC, CNN and the likes wouldn't show how cosmopolitan our big cities are, because there isn't any 'economic miracle' happening in the Philippines unilke India and China. These reporters are not interested in how lovely and tall our buildings are, how humungous our malls are, they wanted to delve what's in the midst of our society, mostly negative if not scandalous. They've already shown a documentary about child prisoners, child trafficking, and now this, the human organ trade. How low can we go as a country? Although it's only being done by a tiny proportion of our population, to the foreign reporter's eyes, we're all somewhat guilty of it.

As long as there's no econmic miracle in the Philippines and Filipinos are forced to seek greener pastures abroad, we would always be pictured as poor country and therefore, deserves less space in the good news department. No matter how much we revere the Filipinos achievements abroad, the fact still remain if you look at what's happening back home closely.

mambo

November 12th, 2007, 04:14 PM

^^thats true, here in K.S.A, Asian and Middle East citizens including the Saudi Arabians who visited the Philippines were "surprised" that M.M. (they thought the Philippines is same like other much poorer countries of Asia or Africa- i dont want to mention names) is a modern metropolis with so many tall buildings and huge shopping malls, and even our provinces have modern and first class facilites, I was so proud that when I went back to Riyadh last month, two Arabs who were seated beside me enjoyed their staay in the Philippines and during take off they got the chance to peek at the window and see MM skyline from above:nuts:

metrosuburban

November 12th, 2007, 11:05 PM

foreigners kase holder ng non-Philippine passport, yun lang..

flymordecai

November 12th, 2007, 11:12 PM

Chinese firm to build budget hotels in RP (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=98938)

By MA. ELISA P. OSORIO

The Philippine Star

A leading Chinese firm is planning to build budget hotels in major tourist destinations in the country.

"They are conducting due diligence. They want to put up clean affordable hotels in most of the tourist spots," Miguel Varela, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chairman emeritus said in an interview.

According to Varela, the Chinese group will be coordinating closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in order to identify possible locations of the hotel.

"It would be a backpackers hotel. This would boost the tourism in the country," Varela said.

Other neighboring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand have a number of backpackers hotels in areas frequented by tourists.

In a related development, three international hotel groups have expressed interest in building no frills hotels in the country through the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) hotel project.

Earlier, PCCI president Samie Lim said Ginger hotel from India, European-based Accor Hotel and United Kingdom’s Hotel have already approached the proponents of the project in order build the ASEAN hotel.

The three hotel chains are interested in the project of the ASEAN member nations namely the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia.

According to Lim, the ASEAN ministers approved the ASEAN hotel concept last month after the meeting of the economic ministers in Manila.

"All the ASEAN hotels will have similar services and integrated marketing and advertising," Lim explained. "They will also conduct a centralized training for the food and beverage staff," he said.

cyrusal

November 13th, 2007, 05:27 AM

Japanese tourist shot dead in Cebu

link (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=100592)
Agence France-Presse
Last updated 10:24am (Mla time) 11/13/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- A Japanese tourist was killed in an ambush in the central Philippine city of Cebu Tuesday, police said.

Hiroshi Kosaka, 49, was on his way to the airport for an early morning flight to Narita when he was shot by two men riding on a motorcycle, police said.

The suspects had apparently waited for Kosaka's vehicle at a stoplight and shot him point-blank before speeding away, police said.

The driver of the vehicle was unharmed and reported the incident to police.

"We are investigating the motive of the attack," said city police chief Senior Superintendent Rodel Calungsod on Manila radio.

Random shootings on crime-ridden Philippine streets are increasingly common, but attacks on foreign tourists are rare.

heathcliff

November 13th, 2007, 07:45 AM

^^That's what the report was about the International Community is totally against it. The way the Government see it..apparently is, by legalizing organ exporting they are protecting the poor from being exploited by rich foreigners. This way they can provide some kind of compensation and make those "brokers" liable to any misfortunes.

Organ harvesting has been happening in China, it is like the world's biggest provider isn't it?! They prosecute thousands of criminals each year and their organs are then sold. Totally different to what the Philippines is trying to accomplish though. I'll post the link when I find it. I'm hoping that report has been posted in YouTube but havent checked yet.

Thanks. If the said plan will worsen the proliferation of selling of human organs, then we need to make our voices heard against it.

Based on my own experience, any foreigner who never heard of the Philippines' tourism potential (yes, there's a lot of them still and it's quite sad), had painted our country in their own minds about grinding poverty since we export a lot of manpower to every corners of the globe. They thought that Philippines is a really third-world and dirt-poor country like any country in Africa, and for them, we're no bettter than these countries. To them, we're just economic migrants. BBC, CNN and the likes wouldn't show how cosmopolitan our big cities are, because there isn't any 'economic miracle' happening in the Philippines unilke India and China. These reporters are not interested in how lovely and tall our buildings are, how humungous our malls are, they wanted to delve what's in the midst of our society, mostly negative if not scandalous. They've already shown a documentary about child prisoners, child trafficking, and now this, the human organ trade. How low can we go as a country? Although it's only being done by a tiny proportion of our population, to the foreign reporter's eyes, we're all somewhat guilty of it.

As long as there's no econmic miracle in the Philippines and Filipinos are forced to seek greener pastures abroad, we would always be pictured as poor country and therefore, deserves less space in the good news department. No matter how much we revere the Filipinos achievements abroad, the fact still remain if you look at what's happening back home closely.

We are not the only country in Asia that exports a lot of manpower. We are also not the only country where there are negative happenings in the midst of our society. Other Asian countries have worse problems in human trafficking. But we are among the least active countries in terms of promoting tourism. Our neighbor countries have been aggressively promoting tourism for so many years. Eh tayo, kahit brochure wala tayo masyado, especially in the U.S. and European countries. Kaya tayo nagiging biktima sa mga ignoranteng journalists. It has only been in recent years that we have been stepping up.

flymordecai

November 13th, 2007, 07:51 AM

^^ Sad and unfortunate story. Something must be done about the safety and security issue, not just for the safety of tourists but also for the safety of the Filipino people (like politicians and the common people). There's an aura around the Philippines of being a dangerous place and unless something is done about these random acts of violence, the Philippines will never be a major tourist spot. But it's not even getting more tourists, but more importantly it's about the safety of the people in general.

ofw_cebu

November 13th, 2007, 07:54 AM

dinabaw

November 16th, 2007, 04:58 AM

amigo32

November 16th, 2007, 05:38 AM

parang sinabi mo sa prosti na huwag na mag paganda, huwag na mag makeup. Paano sya kikta ng malaki?

masakit no?

icarusrising

November 16th, 2007, 06:25 AM

Japanese group eyes RP facilities for medical tourism

November 15, 2007
The Manila Bulletin Online

Japan’s most influential women citizens’ group visited the Philippines to look into the prospects of bringing in Japanese seniors for care and treatment in the country’s health and wellness facilities.

The four-day visit by officers and members of the Women’s Association for Better Aging Society was facilitated by Team Japan of the Department of Tourism (DoT), heeding the call of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano for all marketing teams to intensify the promotion of medical tourism worldwide.

DoT Team Japan brought the group to various health and wellness destinations, including St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City and Tagaytay Highlands in Cavite.

DoT Team Japan head Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr. and Product Research and Development Director Elizabeth Nelle briefed the group on the Philippines’ medical and health facilities and services that could meet their needs.

Also at hand was a representative from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) who discussed the quality of the country’s caregiver curriculum since the Japanese group was also eyeing prospects of bringing Filipino caregivers to Japan.

Like most countries in various parts of the world, Japan has a big number of ageing baby boomers, or those born in 1946 and later years. A sizeable number accounts for Japan’s 17.4-million outbound market and the more than 421,000 Japanese arrivals to the Philippines last year.

The big ageing population in Japan and the rest of the world presents vast opportunities for the country’s health and wellness facilities and destinations, prompting Durano to swiftly position the Philippines as the "Islands of Wellness" in the international tourism market.

This forward-looking market positioning tack got a boost from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who declared October as "Health and Wellness Tourism Month."

In inviting participants to the recently concluded Spa Asia Summit in Manila, Durano said the dramatic growth of the industry in the past few years inspired the government to invest significantly in its further development.

The move has triggered private sector investments in modern and artisticallydesigned spa and wellness facilities that have mushroomed across the country and have become major tourist attractions by themselves.

The strategy not only broadened the industry but also increased tourism capacity and enhanced the Philippine’s image as a multi-dimensional destination with a specific niche for every foreign market.

In Japan, for example, "health and wellness" has been integrated into the Philippines’ brand image through the campaign "Wellness from the Inside Out."

While the campaign is specifically targeted at the wide female segment of the Japanese market, it has also set the groundwork for promoting the Philippines as a medical tourism hub and added a new dimension to the country’s "Premium Resort Islands Philippines" brand.

The campaign is now generating Japanese demand for health and wellness package tours to the Philippines.

At the same time, traditional Filipino massage therapy known as hilot is becoming popular in Japan.

"There is now a ‘Cebu Hilot’ spa in Nanja town, Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo," Bengzon said.

dinabaw

November 16th, 2007, 03:12 PM

parang sinabi mo sa prosti na huwag na mag paganda, huwag na mag makeup. Paano sya kikta ng malaki?

masakit no?

hindi naman . hindi naman itatago ang katutuhanan but every incident ba dapat front page? well look at Thailand they have the worst peace and order in there southern area ...feel ba natin or ng buong mundo ? apektado ba ang turismo nila ? why? bec they see to it will not be BIG and BOLD letters in the news .

amigo32

November 16th, 2007, 04:10 PM

hehehe, sobrang exaggerated para makita lang na ganun ka pangit ang media sa atin.
minsan nanood ako ng bitag, tinitira ni tulfo yung 2 higanteng network.

odyssey

November 18th, 2007, 01:15 AM

Travel site ranks Bohol as one of "best spots you've never heard of"
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/11-17-2007/bohol.jpg

Users of a leading travel website has rated Bohol as one of ten "best spots you've never heard of" in a poll.

In an article by Reuters Life, the members of the travel website IgoUgo (http://www.igougo.com) voted Bohol, Philippines as one of ten previously-unknown tourist spots that are ideal vacation places.

The article cited the Visayan province as "one of the Philippines' secrets." The place was described as having "numerous natural treasures that lure visitors to its shores."

"Although people usually go to its highly urbanized neighboring island Cebu, Bohol holds a charm of its own makes it distinct from other Visayan islands," the article added.

Bohol was listed eighth in the poll.

The ten spots which made it to the list are:

1. Amarante, Portugal - a magnificent little city

"During my first time in Amarante, I found it such a nice town to visit, a pleasant 'discovery,' the only thing I could complain about was the weather... The lovely city is bathed by River Tamega and Amarante's beautiful architecture by its margins and green streets reflect on its water."

2. Sigulda, Latvia - a beautiful little town

"As the Gauja National Park gateway town closest to Riga, only 50 km southwest, Sigulda attracts its fair share of tourists, and deservedly so because it is one of the nicest small towns in Latvia. It is located on the banks of the Gauja river that winds through the forested hills."

3. Avebury, England - a Stonehenge alternative

"Avebury may be a lesser-known henge sibling to the massive stones of Stonehenge in the south, but it is certainly no less impressive. "Although Stonehenge's stones are so much bigger, the scale of the circle here at Avebury leaves the former well and truly in the shade."

4. Sorata, Bolivia - a mythical Shangri-La

"Bolivians mention Sorata (a small village of 2,000 people) as one of the most beautiful places in their country. They compare it to a mythical Shangri-La, placed in a narrow, faraway - almost lost - valley in the mountains. "

5. Camargue, France - for a Spanish/Gypsy flavor

"It's an unusual corner of France with many Spanish and Gypsy influences, worth a day or two for those who enjoy outdoor activities or a touch of the exotic ... The Camargue is a national and regional nature park of marshes and wetlands encompassing the Rhone River delta, just south of Arles."

6. Victoria, Argentina - the "City of the Seven Hills"

"Victoria is known as the "City of the Seven Hills" and the whole landscape is beautiful. The Parana Delta starts here, and goes all the way down to Buenos Aires."

7. Budva, Montenegro - on a dramatic coastline

"Budva is a 2,500-year-old seaside settlement about halfway along the dramatic Montenegrin coastline. The immaculately cared-for old town juts out into the Adriatic Sea on a small peninsula and is surrounded by tall stone walls."

8. Bohol, Philippines - one of Philippines' secrets

"Bohol has numerous natural treasures that lure visitors to its shores. Although people usually go to its highly urbanized neighboring island Cebu, Bohol holds a charm of its own makes it distinct from other Visayan islands."

9.Cuyutlan, Mexico - black sand, green waves, sea turtles

"The beach is the reason to come to Cuyutlan. It is long and wide with black sand and rolling waves ... the seafood is fresh, abundant, and inexpensive."

10. Perthshire, Scotland - in the heart of highlands

"Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the dukes and earls of Atholl, has been awarded five stars as a visitor attraction by the Scottish tourist agency, its highest award. The castle enjoys one of Scotland's finest settings."

IgoUgo.com touts itself as "the world's leading online travel community" with 350,000 members who share opinions and experiences on destinations around the globe.

The users of the website voted for the list based on their experiences, and reader comments accompanied each place.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=99506

jhunix

November 18th, 2007, 09:17 PM

Students from Ateneo de Manila law school enjoy white-water tubing at Pangi River in barangay New La Union. The 1.6- kilometer ride along river rapids and trekking are among the “pure adventure” packages offered by Sarangani Tourism Center during the MunaTo Festival on November 23-28. Contact number is 09069470288 or 09177155524.

http://mindanao.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/river-tubing.jpg

Students from Ateneo de Manila law school cool off at the crystal clear water of Bocay-il Falls in Kiamba, Sarangani
http://mindanao.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/waterfalls.jpg

Gumasa cove which has some 10 kilometers of white sand beach, GLAN, Sarangani
http://mindanao.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/family-tour.jpg

source: http://mindanao.com/blog/?p=2696

Dive Spot in Tinutu, Maasim Sarangani
http://www.thelandofpromise.com/sarangani/tinutu-cliff-PA260016.jpg

Sarangani Bay
http://www.thelandofpromise.com/sarangani/bay-horiz-PA260034.jpg

source:http://www.thelandofpromise.com/sarangani/0sar-index.html

dancethingy

November 19th, 2007, 03:07 AM

^^ Gorgeous view there!

dinabaw

November 19th, 2007, 04:39 AM

^^yes Gumasa beach is awesome!

Davao Wildwater Adventure

http://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/DSC08099218135175.JPGhttp://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/DSC07144461558850.JPGhttp://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/DSC07401420938730.JPG
http://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/wilbert4779815546.JPGhttp://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/DSC0350181996713.JPGhttp://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/DSC05076538551511.JPG
http://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/36619253462.jpghttp://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/photos/37642245845.jpg

http://www.davaocrocodilepark.com/uploads/images/DSC06918.JPG

Davao Wildwater Adventure Operations Manager
Crocodile Park Compound, Riverfront Coprorate City,
Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines 8000
Tel # (082) 301 2020
(atoy +63920 954 6898 axyto_h2o@yahoo.com)
(pidot +63920 954 6896 wcernal@yahoo.com)
(poloy +63920 954 6897 yolops@yahoo.com)

quoted by @jhunix

bily_lion

November 21st, 2007, 04:40 AM

^^ Kagagaling kolang ng Saranggani at maganda talaga dyan. I like a lot yung Lemlunay dive site. Ang ganda ng view duon. Ok din yung glan kaso ang layo, talagang liblib n\na liblib ito :D

habagatcentral1

November 21st, 2007, 04:42 AM

By the way, has anyone seen the newest Smart-DOT X'mas Video?
I think they modified this in time for Xmas

laui7-IA3pA

animasola

November 21st, 2007, 05:06 AM

^^May nag-iba ba? Same as before lang ata.

habagatcentral1

November 21st, 2007, 05:12 AM

^^ Check the TV commercial and this Youtube. In the last few seconds of this ad Ace will show up and will greet "Merry X'mas" something like that.

icarusrising

November 21st, 2007, 06:04 PM

^^ Check the TV commercial and this Youtube. In the last few seconds of this ad Ace will show up and will greet "Merry X'mas" something like that.

Bernie, fan ka pala ni Sec. Durano... :lol:

amigo32

November 22nd, 2007, 05:20 AM

Bernie, fan ka pala ni Sec. Durano... :lol:

that guy is a hardworker. no wonder may fans na sya.:lol:

a s i a n a

November 24th, 2007, 06:04 PM

Actually the TVC posted didn't change at all. Although the new SMART-DOT Christmas ad already aired on TV.

dancethingy

November 24th, 2007, 08:33 PM

that guy is a hardworker. no wonder may fans na sya.:lol:

and may i add that he is soooooo cute.

icarusrising

November 24th, 2007, 09:01 PM

that guy is a hardworker. no wonder may fans na sya.:lol:

and may i add that he is soooooo cute.

I guess being hardworking and cute satisfies a lot of concerned sectors. Ei, it could be the very reason he was selected to be the DOT alter-ego of Madame President.

red_jasper

November 25th, 2007, 08:17 AM

Sunday, November 25, 2007
The North Philippines International Tourism Fair

SM CITY CLARK -- The 2nd North Philippines International Tourism Fair (NPITF) went on with a blast last Friday drawing crowds and spectators, including local and foreign tourists.

Showing-off in the mall’s gallery area is a throng of tourism-related booths from hotels to airlines, travel agencies and specialty shops.

The event, organized by the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas), will feature more than 150 tourism-related booths. The event aims to diversify tourism destinations, tourism products and services and explore new business opportunities and enhance product knowledge through workshops and lectures.

Visitors had the chance to sample locally made delicacies from the various provinces in the central plains. Although initially for the central region, the NPITF also included a few booths from the Visayas. And true to its word of providing a sneak taste on the tourism potential of the region, we had the chance to sample a few of the endless amenities and delights that awaits a weary tourist.

The booth of the Hotels and Restaurants in Pampanga (Harp), an organization of tourism-related businesses within Clark and around Angeles City, was one most frequented booth. They offered a few of their best cuisine samples for free! Gourmet chefs prepared some dishes on the spot and a little wait was all it take to taste a few of the favorites served in the most popular hotels in the region.

The region’s three cluster under Tourism Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico had organized a sturdy conglomerate from Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Aurora and, of course, Pampanga. Pampanga showcased its most endearing provincial symbol and long time Otop (One Town One Product) project -- the Parul. Although the booth presentation of the province (Pampanga) was impressive it was dwarfed by that of Bulacan and Zambales which were able to showcase more of their provincial tourism attractions.

The tourism fair is a bit of a wake-up call for the province to create a more streamlined tourism program and to tie the loose strands of other festivals and tourism attractions in the country. It was easy to spot the “green apple” among the participating booths, and without question it is Pampanga which needs to catch up a long road treaded by other provinces that have elevated their tourism potential to almost world-class standards. The video presentation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) was more commendable it somehow gave a clear view of what Pampanga is capable of providing.

There were also straw hat making from Bulacan and basket weaving from the Aeta’s of the Zambales mountains. I was actually hoping that there were also presentations and demo’s on parul making or something that could be concocted for our indigenous to group, but alas, nothing. There were also free massage demo’s, foot massage, brochures, video tours. The event is a one stop shop and provides you with all the pertinent information you need to now when you travel both here and abroad.

People (especially government officials) who would want to catch up with the event may still troop to SM Clark for the final day of the tourism fair.

The author is accepting comments, suggestions, love notes, indignant rebuttals, hate-mail and what-have-you: e-mail:ianocampoflora@yahoo.com (0927-542-5466). Here (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2007/11/25/feat/the.north.philippines.international.tourism.fair.html)

a s i a n a

November 26th, 2007, 06:34 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RVO4Wvt_Xk

Indonesia's comin' with their Visit Indonesia 2008 campaign. Sorry but to tell you guys frankly, the Philippines is nowhere. We need a true campaign, not just news article promotions.

amigo32

November 27th, 2007, 05:47 AM

small steps muna, baby ka pa eh, puede bang lumipad agad?

flymordecai

November 28th, 2007, 05:42 PM

Banyan Tree expands into Philippines.
Wednesday, 14th November 2007
Source : Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

This new venture is the first project for the Banyan Tree Holdings in the Philippines.

Banyan Tree and its partner, Mr Salvador B Zamora II, a prominent businessman in the mining and real estate industries, have entered into a joint venture to develop and operate luxury resorts on Dinaran Island in the Philippines. The joint venture agreement was signed this morning in the Philippines between Mr. Zamora and Mr Ariel Vera, Banyan Tree’s Group Managing Director. Banyan Tree will acquire a significant interest in the joint venture.

The parties plan to develop two resorts on the island, each of which will retain a secluded and intimate ambience due to the island’s size and terrain. The total development costs for these two resorts is estimated at around US$70 million.

Banyan Tree will master plan, provide architectural and interior design concepts for the resorts which will include its signature pool villa, multi-award winning spa and its unique brand of Asian hospitality. The entire project is targeted for completion in 2010.

The uninhabited island, which has an area of about 55 hectares, is surrounded by stretches of white-sand beach. Located south of Manila in Palawan Province, Dinaran Island is just 15 minutes away by speedboat from the thriving town of Coron.

Visitors can reach Coron through daily scheduled flights of approximately one hour from Manila to Yulo King Ranch Airport in Busuanga, which is the adjourning town to Coron.

"We believe Philippines will grow into an important luxury tourist destination and our resorts in Dinaran will not only enhance our position as a premier resort chain in Asia but will also give us an important foothold in a country with tremendous potential. We also intend to explore other development opportunities here, and seek out partnerships with local investors,” said Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

This project is not expected to have any material financial impact on the Group’s earnings and its net tangible assets for 2007.

ofw_cebu

November 30th, 2007, 07:47 AM

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Friday, November 30, 2007

European businessmen have expressed interest in investing in the country’s tourism industry by building hotels and resorts in Western Visayas.

“The biggest management group in Spain would like to develop hotels and resorts,” Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila told reporters at the sidelines of the Most Outstanding Retailers and Shopping Center Awards held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Wednesday night.

“Tourism is the primary interest of the Europeans,” Favila noted.

Favila refused to name the potential investors. He said he will be talking to the management group when he visits Spain and London.

Favila will be joining the party of President Arroyo for the state visit to the two cities scheduled next week.

“There are strong signs that the European businessmen will invest in the country. They like the Philippines and they think it is worth taking a look at the country,” Favila explained.

He said he has already invited the businessmen to visit Visayas. “The favorite of investors are Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and now even Camarines Sur,” Favila said.

“They need to come here so they can get a feel of the place. Right now we are at the talking stage,” the Favila added.

When asked if lack of infrastructure will deter potential investments in the region, Favila said there are some businessmen who are willing to develop the area themselves.

While in Europe, Favila said he will talk to business process outsourcing (BPO) groups in order to encourage them to invest in the country.

Most of the BPOs in the country serve the United States market.

“We want to expand the BPO industry by getting more Europe- based firms,” he said.

The main selling point of the Philippines, Favila said is the people. “There are a lot of talented and English speaking Filipinos.”

Favila said they would like to attract more non voice BPOs instead of call centers. Non voice BPOs includes animation, software development and medical and legal transcription.

ofw_cebu

November 30th, 2007, 07:01 PM

By Ehda M. Dagooc
Saturday, December 1, 2007

As the Philippine government opens up the privatization of energy ownership rules, it likewise eases the investment environment of the country thereby attracting more foreign investors.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Chesnel said the investment environment in the Philippines “is much better now” as the country has provided a friendlier investment environment, unlike in the past.

Chesnel was in Cebu recently to grace the opening of Les Amis de la France-Institut Culturel Francais, a Filipino-French cultural center, and the courtesy visit of the French ship “Vendemiaire”, among other events held in Cebu over the week.

The Amis de la France cultural center located at QC Pavilion, along Gorordo Avenue, will offer French courses, Library, Cultural exchanges in various areas.

Aside from energy investments, Chesnel said French investor interest in the Philippines is into transportation equipment, automatic ticketing, hotels and manufacturing.

Recently, he said a French company has invested US$780 million for the take over of the Calaca Power Plant in Batangas.

“In the past the atmosphere was not always easy. It’s better now with the privatization programs and opening up of policies in the Philippines,” he stressed.

French companies in the past were reluctant to come and invest in the Philippines, especially on power plant investments, because of unfriendly policies.

He said the loosening of investment policies in the Philippines, especially in energy, and mining has stimulated interest from French capitalists, as it signals fair international competition.

In Cebu, there are French companies that are manufacturing furniture, home furnishings, fashion accessories, electric wires for cars at the Mactan Export Zone (MEZ).

According to Chesnel, the Embassy is starting to intensify its presence and trade relations with Cebu, considering that Cebu has the second largest number of French community in the Philippines, next to Metro Manila.

“Cebu is the most dynamic [province], more so with the establishment of the Cebu International Convention Center,” he said.

In tourism, he said the Philippines still has to make more efforts to promote the country to the French traveling market.

“French do not know the Philippines enough,” said Chesnel, adding that Cebu should also be promoted well to France.

He suggested that travel agencies should also push a promotion of the Philippines to France, and vice versa.

French tourists, like other European travelers are known to be adventurous and like most in water sports, like diving.

The Ambassador believes that if the Philippines should be promoted very well France, to lure more French tourists.

metrosuburban

December 1st, 2007, 02:22 AM

^^ "investor friendly"???

pangyao™

December 1st, 2007, 02:08 PM

malayo pala tayo sa Malaysia when it comes to foreign tourists arrival. As of 2006
Malaysia - 17.55M foreign visitors
Thailand - 14M
Singapore - 9.7M
Indonesia - 5M
Philippines - 3M

amigo32

December 1st, 2007, 03:06 PM

hidden gem tayo. lol

mambo

December 1st, 2007, 03:29 PM

i though thailand is no 1

icarusrising

December 1st, 2007, 04:14 PM

i though thailand is no 1

It was surpassed by Malaysia I believe when it began promoting using the "Malaysia Truly Asia" tag. If I'm not mistaken, Thailand had 7M visitors that year and Malaysia 9M.

pechie

December 1st, 2007, 10:31 PM

nakow baka lalo pang bumaba yan dahil sa nangyari sa Makati...pero infairness naging tourist attraction ang Manila Pen ang daming nagpipicturan...hehehe!

ofw_cebu

December 2nd, 2007, 09:50 PM

By Edu Punay
Monday, December 3, 2007

The Philippines continues to be a favorite destination of foreign tourists in the region as shown by the increasing number of aliens arriving in the country this year, the Bureau of Immigration said yesterday.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan revealed that some 4.4 million foreigners arrived in the country during the first 10 months of this year.

He said this figure showed a seven-percent increase in the number of foreign visitors as compared to the same period last year when 4.1 million aliens arrived in the country.

“This only shows that more foreigners are coming into the Philippines for vacation, work or business purposes. This is beneficial for the country as a whole since it is a major boost to our economy,” Libanan stressed in an interview with The STAR.

Libanan likewise attributed the influx of foreigners to reforms that simplified and liberalized BI’s procedures and requirements in processing visa applications and other immigration documents.

He stressed there has also been an upsurge in the number of foreigners who applied for extensions of visas.

“We have been implementing reforms to provide convenience to our clients. This way, we believe that we would be able to encourage more foreigners to come to the country. And this will have benefits to our government as well,” Libanan explained.

The BI chief explained that the country’s economy was the immediate beneficiary of the increase in arrival of foreigners.

As a result of increased foreign arrivals, Libanan reported that the collection of the bureau has also risen to P1.4 billion during the same period.

This 10-month income from immigration fees represents a P171 million or 14-percent increase from the P1.2 billion collection of the bureau in the same period last year.

It was also higher by P231-million or 20 percent more compared to the target of P1.15 billion for that period, he added.

According to BI finance chief Elvira Presado, the BI’s annual take has steadily risen from only P891 million in 2001 to P1.07 billion in 2002; P1.09 billion, 2003; P1.1 billion, 2004; P1.27 billion in 2005; and P1.46 billion in 2006.

Presado said she expects the BI’s income to surpass P1.5 billion by the end of the year, adding that the bureau is just half a million pesos short of attaining its P1.45-billion target.

Recently, the BI has been recognized as one of the top five government agencies that contributed to the national coffers from 2001 to 2006.

benchjade

December 3rd, 2007, 12:17 AM

malayo pala tayo sa Malaysia when it comes to foreign tourists arrival. As of 2006
Malaysia - 17.55M foreign visitors
Thailand - 14M
Singapore - 9.7M
Indonesia - 5M
Philippines - 3M

wala namang makikita diyan sa malaysia eh, magthailand na lang ako kesa diyan!!

3cr

December 3rd, 2007, 07:31 AM

Business as usual for RP’s tourism industry after hotel siege
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071202146

It’s business as usual for the country’s tourism industry.

Travel warnings following Thursday’s failed mutiny have not deterred foreign tourists from visiting the country, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano reported yesterday.

Durano said the country’s tourism business operations remained normal with no reports of booking cancellations by foreign tour groups.

“Peak season fervor continues to preoccupy the industry and so far we have been dealing only with standard queries from tour operators from various markets abroad about the travel advisory,” he said.

According to Durano, top tourist drawers such as Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu were not affected by the hotel standoff in the country’s financial district and continue to receive many foreign guests.

He added that his department, through its various offices abroad, had been monitoring the situation but has not received any cancellation of bookings.

Former Navy officer and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV led a failed revolt by taking over The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati last Thursday before eventually surrendering to authorities.

Durano, however, assured that the Philippines remains a safe destination for both local and foreign tourists despite the attempted power grab.

“We are in coordination with our private stakeholders, especially hotels around the Makati area, to ensure the safety of our guests,” Durano said, adding that the DOT is still expecting to attract three million foreign visitors by yearend.

In September, tourist arrivals grew 10.3 percent year on year, bringing the country’s total guests to 2.266 million for the first nine months of the year.

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), on the other hand, is supporting moves to remove Trillanes from the Senate for putting the country’s tourism industry in peril.

“It is simply unimaginable for a public servant, how much more a senator of the Republic, to barge into a reputable tourist facility, hiding behind the populace in order to evade a court order and driving foreign guests out of their rooms. Let us expel him from the Senate,” PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers said.

He said Trillanes’ action has turned the financial district of Makati into an undesirable place for business and tainted the country’s image abroad.

“The tourism industry has gained so much and by their actions we now stand to lose more than what we have gained,” Barbers said.

According to Barbers, the tourism industry had worked hard to recover from losses resulting from the Oakwood mutiny also led by Trillanes four years ago, and now he again put those efforts to risk. –

mambo

December 3rd, 2007, 10:16 AM

It was surpassed by Malaysia I believe when it began promoting using the "Malaysia Truly Asia" tag. If I'm not mistaken, Thailand had 7M visitors that year and Malaysia 9M.

well i read from the newspapaers hqlf of these tourists are actually bored singaporeans jst around the border who want to take dip at malaysias beaches for short breaks

mambo

December 3rd, 2007, 10:25 AM

wala namang makikita diyan sa malaysia eh, magthailand na lang ako kesa diyan!!

to be fair with malaysia they though offervey good though similar products as we in the philippines or thailand and indonesia for that matter the beach resorts, shopping, adventures and tourists attractions like genting highlands, hiking in the forest and mountains but tourists come mostly for the beaches and for that matter shopping

ashton

December 3rd, 2007, 11:44 AM

In fairness meron naman - yun nga lang hindi sila friendly naiirita talaga ako. If only we have budget for a "Malaysia Truly Asia" alike campaign. . :)

wala namang makikita diyan sa malaysia eh, magthailand na lang ako kesa diyan!!

kyle@1008

December 3rd, 2007, 11:58 AM

malaysia is richer, they have oil...

icarusrising

December 3rd, 2007, 02:08 PM

Here's an interesting opinion from the Philippine Star...

How we can achieve $8 billion in tourism revenues by 2010

BULL MARKET, BULL SHEET By Wilson Lee Flores
Monday, December 3, 2007

Let’s decisively push real — not cosmetic or PR — reforms in our whole society and undertake blitzkrieg global marketing to sustain the ongoing Philippine tourism boom. The recent Manila Peninsula Hotel coup try may be over, but it exposes our society’s urgent need to drastically reform government, the military and others, to cleanse the excessive corruption and rectify social injustices. Yes, the coup attempt is a black eye to our tourism efforts, but shouldn’t it awaken all sectors to demand sweeping social, political and other reforms?

Despite our shameless, nonstop political scandals, I still believe robust tourism can insulate the Philippine economy from a possible US economic recession next year. Tourism — more than human exports with its huge social, emotional and other costs — should be the industry we should build up to bolster faster Philippine economic growth and to encourage better redistribution of income across neglected rural regions.

US$8 Billion Tourism Revenue By 2010

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano excitedly told this writer, “The Philippines is clearly breaching the three-million-tourist-arrivals mark this year, with a projected 3.1 million tourists. This is a first in Philippine history. Last year we already achieved the previous highest record of 2.84 million tourist arrivals. But what is more significant is not just the arrivals, but tourism spending in the Philippines is growing this year at three times that of last year — with higher-end and a bigger ratio of longer-staying tourists. By the end of this year, our projected tourism revenues will hit US$5 billion. By 2010, we target to have $7 billion to $8 billion in tourism revenues.”

Government and investors should push for high-end tourism projects so that the Philippines can benefit from higher spending and a better quality — not just an increase in quantity — of tourist arrivals. Big global tourism players from Sofitel, Singapore’s Banyan Tree, Shangri-La (opening its Boracay resort in August 2008 and launching another in Fort Bonifacio), Radisson (soon to open beside SM Mall of Asia), Marriott, Britain’s Hermitage, Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Hotel and others, are coming to the Philippines for big, new, five-star luxury ventures. Why doesn’t Emilio Yap try to invite The Ritz-Carlton to run his prized possession, the historic Manila Hotel, or taipan Lucio Tan let Le Meridien or The Four Seasons or the posh W Hotel manage and upgrade Century Park Hotel?

Among local investor groups with luxurious, high-end projects are Robinsons’ Amisa Resort Cebu, and SM’s Hamilo Coast mega-project; a Korean group is opening the 600-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa in Cebu in November 2008, the once crises-hit Dos Palmas Palawan is expanding, the posh Amanpulo Palawan is adding villas, Club Paradise Palawan recently opened the new El Rio y Mar Resort, Discovery Hotels has a new Boracay resort (plus two new projects in Fort Boni and Ayala Avenue), the new P500-million Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa in Panglao, Bohol; the Camiguin Islands Resort in the middle of a huge lanzones plantation, and the new Green Mango Inn & Resort opening near NAIA airport. After the success of Metrobank’s Marco Polo Hotel Cebu, they will soon announce a new luxury hotel project in The Fort.

In spite of all her abominable political controversies, we should credit President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her solid achievements in championing better English-language education, expansion of call centers and business process outsourcing (BPOs) into strong pillars of the economy, and her vigorous push for rapid development of Philippine tourism, which is now on the brink of an unprecedented golden age.

Invest, Cleanse, Stabilize & Upgrade To Sustain Tourism Growth!

Here are some suggestions for President Arroyo and Tourism Secretary Durano to help sustain the ongoing tourism boom:

• Force the opening of NAIA 3 in early 2008 by whatever means humanly possible, even by martial law! Perhaps this project should be transferred out of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and placed under President GMA for furious, decisive action, not all sorts of technical and other excuses for this crazy delay!

• Use an iron-fist response to criminals and terrorist pests! We should efficiently obliterate thieves, kidnappers, terrorists and other crooks — not handcuff or kill journalists and human rights activists! Whether due to methane gas, political squabbles or Abu Sayyaf bandits, we should never tolerate any more bombing incidents messing up our international image! We must have zero tolerance for crimes or social disorder.

• Cleanse our airports of messy facilities as well as of corrupt immigration, customs and other personnel. Recently, a businessman guest of mine from Xiamen City was the victim of mulcting by an immigration officer at the Centennial airport, who grabbed a US$100 bill from his wallet. Philippine STAR reader and Dragon Fireworks owner Jovenson Ong also complained that his outbound Taiwanese businessman guest was victimized by a NAIA immigration officer who asked him to open his bulky wallet and then just plucked out a $100 bill before shooing the shocked foreign tourist away.

It will be Christmas soon. How many returning Filipino balikbayans or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as well as foreign travelers, will be victimized at our airports by the mulcting of unauthorized “aguinaldos” or “pasalubongs”? Can’t we jail them?

• Promote the use of the English language not only on the bilingual signage at our LRT, MRT, buses, airports, seaports, streets and malls but also among all taxi drivers, bus employees and others for possible assistance to foreign travelers. Erect detailed city maps at major intersections or bus/LRT/MRT stations and shopping centers to guide tourists.

• Revive historical or cultural sites like Intramuros (Secretary Durano said the government got a P250-million foreign grant to rebuild the Maestranza Wall of Intramuros and I suggested that the ancient Chinese ghetto of Parian could be rebuilt, too), the old shophouses or bahay-na-bato (stone houses) in Binondo and Quiapo, the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces, Baguio City, the houses of heroes or famed writers, antique churches, the Chinese mestizo mansions of Vigan City in Ilocos, the World War II-era bastion of anti-Japanese resistance in Corregidor, and many others.

Along with cultural structures, the government and the private sector should also revive, enrich and promote traditional or even dying folk arts, music and other traditions of the various ethnic/linguistic groups of the Philippines.

• Protect, upgrade and promote the diverse ecological treasures and pristine environment of our 7,107 isles. The government and the private sector should promote eco-tourism not only to preserve the priceless wonders of our Philippine mountains and seas, islands and forests, and the unique, breathtaking diversity of our flora and fauna, but also as a golden opportunity to spread the fruits of economic growth to far-flung rural regions of our archipelago. Eco-tourism can be our strong competitive edge over the more luxurious casinos, glitzy hotels and other Disneyland-like tourist attractions of other countries.

We should invest more resources, efforts, common sense, hard work and political will in sustaining this ongoing momentum of Philippine tourism growth. We cannot just fatalistically invoke God’s grace to bless us with a better future without our own efforts, because God helps those who help themselves.

To achieve $8 billion in tourism revenues by 2010, to accelerate this unprecedented golden age of Philippine tourism now upon us, we need efficient long-term strategic planning, iron-fisted political will to uphold law and order, massive infrastructure investments and vigorous efforts at sweeping socio-economic reforms!

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business%20Life&p=49&type=2&sec=43

le Reine

December 3rd, 2007, 08:13 PM

malaysia is richer, they have oil...
And they are have a very small population relative to ours.

Here's an interesting opinion from the Philippine Star...

How we can achieve $8 billion in tourism revenues by 2010

BULL MARKET, BULL SHEET By Wilson Lee Flores
Monday, December 3, 2007

Let’s decisively push real — not cosmetic or PR — reforms in our whole society and undertake blitzkrieg global marketing to sustain the ongoing Philippine tourism boom. The recent Manila Peninsula Hotel coup try may be over, but it exposes our society’s urgent need to drastically reform government, the military and others, to cleanse the excessive corruption and rectify social injustices. Yes, the coup attempt is a black eye to our tourism efforts, but shouldn’t it awaken all sectors to demand sweeping social, political and other reforms?

Despite our shameless, nonstop political scandals, I still believe robust tourism can insulate the Philippine economy from a possible US economic recession next year. Tourism — more than human exports with its huge social, emotional and other costs — should be the industry we should build up to bolster faster Philippine economic growth and to encourage better redistribution of income across neglected rural regions.

US$8 Billion Tourism Revenue By 2010

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano excitedly told this writer, “The Philippines is clearly breaching the three-million-tourist-arrivals mark this year, with a projected 3.1 million tourists. This is a first in Philippine history. Last year we already achieved the previous highest record of 2.84 million tourist arrivals. But what is more significant is not just the arrivals, but tourism spending in the Philippines is growing this year at three times that of last year — with higher-end and a bigger ratio of longer-staying tourists. By the end of this year, our projected tourism revenues will hit US$5 billion. By 2010, we target to have $7 billion to $8 billion in tourism revenues.”

Government and investors should push for high-end tourism projects so that the Philippines can benefit from higher spending and a better quality — not just an increase in quantity — of tourist arrivals. Big global tourism players from Sofitel, Singapore’s Banyan Tree, Shangri-La (opening its Boracay resort in August 2008 and launching another in Fort Bonifacio), Radisson (soon to open beside SM Mall of Asia), Marriott, Britain’s Hermitage, Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Hotel and others, are coming to the Philippines for big, new, five-star luxury ventures. Why doesn’t Emilio Yap try to invite The Ritz-Carlton to run his prized possession, the historic Manila Hotel, or taipan Lucio Tan let Le Meridien or The Four Seasons or the posh W Hotel manage and upgrade Century Park Hotel?

Among local investor groups with luxurious, high-end projects are Robinsons’ Amisa Resort Cebu, and SM’s Hamilo Coast mega-project; a Korean group is opening the 600-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa in Cebu in November 2008, the once crises-hit Dos Palmas Palawan is expanding, the posh Amanpulo Palawan is adding villas, Club Paradise Palawan recently opened the new El Rio y Mar Resort, Discovery Hotels has a new Boracay resort (plus two new projects in Fort Boni and Ayala Avenue), the new P500-million Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa in Panglao, Bohol; the Camiguin Islands Resort in the middle of a huge lanzones plantation, and the new Green Mango Inn & Resort opening near NAIA airport. After the success of Metrobank’s Marco Polo Hotel Cebu, they will soon announce a new luxury hotel project in The Fort.

In spite of all her abominable political controversies, we should credit President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her solid achievements in championing better English-language education, expansion of call centers and business process outsourcing (BPOs) into strong pillars of the economy, and her vigorous push for rapid development of Philippine tourism, which is now on the brink of an unprecedented golden age.

Invest, Cleanse, Stabilize & Upgrade To Sustain Tourism Growth!

Here are some suggestions for President Arroyo and Tourism Secretary Durano to help sustain the ongoing tourism boom:

• Force the opening of NAIA 3 in early 2008 by whatever means humanly possible, even by martial law! Perhaps this project should be transferred out of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and placed under President GMA for furious, decisive action, not all sorts of technical and other excuses for this crazy delay!

• Use an iron-fist response to criminals and terrorist pests! We should efficiently obliterate thieves, kidnappers, terrorists and other crooks — not handcuff or kill journalists and human rights activists! Whether due to methane gas, political squabbles or Abu Sayyaf bandits, we should never tolerate any more bombing incidents messing up our international image! We must have zero tolerance for crimes or social disorder.

• Cleanse our airports of messy facilities as well as of corrupt immigration, customs and other personnel. Recently, a businessman guest of mine from Xiamen City was the victim of mulcting by an immigration officer at the Centennial airport, who grabbed a US$100 bill from his wallet. Philippine STAR reader and Dragon Fireworks owner Jovenson Ong also complained that his outbound Taiwanese businessman guest was victimized by a NAIA immigration officer who asked him to open his bulky wallet and then just plucked out a $100 bill before shooing the shocked foreign tourist away.

It will be Christmas soon. How many returning Filipino balikbayans or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as well as foreign travelers, will be victimized at our airports by the mulcting of unauthorized “aguinaldos” or “pasalubongs”? Can’t we jail them?

• Promote the use of the English language not only on the bilingual signage at our LRT, MRT, buses, airports, seaports, streets and malls but also among all taxi drivers, bus employees and others for possible assistance to foreign travelers. Erect detailed city maps at major intersections or bus/LRT/MRT stations and shopping centers to guide tourists.

• Revive historical or cultural sites like Intramuros (Secretary Durano said the government got a P250-million foreign grant to rebuild the Maestranza Wall of Intramuros and I suggested that the ancient Chinese ghetto of Parian could be rebuilt, too), the old shophouses or bahay-na-bato (stone houses) in Binondo and Quiapo, the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces, Baguio City, the houses of heroes or famed writers, antique churches, the Chinese mestizo mansions of Vigan City in Ilocos, the World War II-era bastion of anti-Japanese resistance in Corregidor, and many others.

Along with cultural structures, the government and the private sector should also revive, enrich and promote traditional or even dying folk arts, music and other traditions of the various ethnic/linguistic groups of the Philippines.

• Protect, upgrade and promote the diverse ecological treasures and pristine environment of our 7,107 isles. The government and the private sector should promote eco-tourism not only to preserve the priceless wonders of our Philippine mountains and seas, islands and forests, and the unique, breathtaking diversity of our flora and fauna, but also as a golden opportunity to spread the fruits of economic growth to far-flung rural regions of our archipelago. Eco-tourism can be our strong competitive edge over the more luxurious casinos, glitzy hotels and other Disneyland-like tourist attractions of other countries.

We should invest more resources, efforts, common sense, hard work and political will in sustaining this ongoing momentum of Philippine tourism growth. We cannot just fatalistically invoke God’s grace to bless us with a better future without our own efforts, because God helps those who help themselves.

To achieve $8 billion in tourism revenues by 2010, to accelerate this unprecedented golden age of Philippine tourism now upon us, we need efficient long-term strategic planning, iron-fisted political will to uphold law and order, massive infrastructure investments and vigorous efforts at sweeping socio-economic reforms!

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business%20Life&p=49&type=2&sec=43

^^This article is full of bs.

dancethingy

December 3rd, 2007, 10:26 PM

^^ Venezuela has lots of oil. It receives $60 billion annually for it, but the people there don't seem to fare as well as a country with black gold should be. I think if we did have oil, we'd still be the way we are now or even worse. Its all about good governance!

Let's say it all together

GOOD GOVERNANCE

icarusrising

December 4th, 2007, 06:22 AM

And they are have a very small population relative to ours.

So IYO does having a bigger population mean better or worse?

le Reine

December 4th, 2007, 08:23 AM

So IYO does having a bigger population mean better or worse?

^^ Venezuela has lots of oil. It receives $60 billion annually for it, but the people there don't seem to fare as well as a country with black gold should be. I think if we did have oil, we'd still be the way we are now or even worse. Its all about good governance!

Let's say it all together

GOOD GOVERNANCE

You both got me wrong. I'm sorry if I wasn't able to explain it further.

@Icarus: Population has a BIG impact in economic development. But of course, there are other major factors too. We all know that a faster population growth rate means that we need a rapid development to sustain it. So, if we have a gradual increase in population (say 1.5%) in sync with a decent GDP growth rate (meaning 5-6) then, we could at least have a per capita increase of 3.5-4.5%. I think that is decent enough. BUT if we really are serious in eradicating poverty to achieve the MDG goals, then we must try more than that. To summarize, it is common sense that it is easier to govern if the population grows much slower than what we have now.

@Dance: You didn't get my point. We were comparing Malaysia with the Philippines. Aside from having oil, which gives them billions of dollars, they also have a smaller population. This simply means that they only have a few people sharing for the national wealth unlike in our country.

Yes, you're also right. Good governance is a must. But in the Philippines' case, I think curbing the rapid population growth rate is more feasible and easier to do than to reform the government. And besides, if only we have a slower population growth rate, even the effects of corruption would not affect us much as we do now (it sounds really stupid though). Good governance would surely take a lot more time to implement than the former. I also have this hypothesis, although it is still it's in infancy stage, that good governance may come later when the economy is already growing fast. I'm not sure about this though. My safest bet is to do it simultaneously. But since controlling the population is easier to do, then I guess we should capitalize on that.

dancethingy

December 4th, 2007, 08:28 AM

^^ Oh, i completely agree and i did get what you were trying to say, i just wanted to add good governance to it. Low population growth rates are a must in order for us to improve the lives of people already struggling.

flymordecai

December 4th, 2007, 08:53 AM

Yup, Malaysia's population is only a fraction of ours, yet their economy is slightly bigger meaning their standard of living is higher. It's possible that we will pass them in the next decade in terms of nominal GDP, but their GDP per capita will be higher for a long time.

trevor500

December 4th, 2007, 10:08 AM

mambo

December 4th, 2007, 10:12 AM

malaysia has small population compared to us but they are more productive than us, they are one of the more successful economies in south east asia aside from singapore of course (which should credited to their nations enjoying political stability, peace and order, leaders vision in running the country and economy of course their vast natural and perhaps more efficient human resources) , i agree that population explosion puts a lot of strain to our resources and its should have been an important government policy but due mainly to opposition from y the catholic church, the government (afraid to antagonize the church) never attempted to place it a serious policy for sustainable economic development. population control is crucial if we are to succeed economically in the long run,., otherwise whatever gains we have will jst be wipe out

le Reine

December 4th, 2007, 10:17 AM

As a foreigner who have been to the Philippines, I don't really find many of the suggestions above meaningful. I think most Filipinos in my experience speak good English to be understood. The airport is definitely not world class but it is not a major issue. Yes, it seems strange that you seem to have so many employees in the airport but then again it doesn't worry most of us. I think what we would really find helpfulare clearer instructions on your policies/rules, etc. (such as when leaving the airport) as this is what many find very stressful. I have been told that the policies were intentionally being blurred so that there would be room for corruption. The only thing that really makes sense in the article above is preserving your national heritage like churches, museums, etc. Most of the historical sites in Manila are dirty with the streets filled with vehicle smoke, most foreigners I've met complained about these sort of things.

I definitely agree.

3cr

December 9th, 2007, 09:38 AM

Filipino cuisine should attract tourists – Villar
Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071209111058.html

Senate President Manny Villar said yesterday the uniqueness and excellence of local cuisine can be used to boost the Filipino’s national identity and to entice tourists to visit prime destinations in the country.

Villar said studies show that Thailand and Vietnam became a favorite tourist destination because of their famous cuisine.

"Hindi ilang dayuhan lamang ang nagsasabing maihahalintulad o higit pa ang ating kulinarya sa taglay na kaibahan at sa kagalingan ng pagkakaluto. Nakakapukol ng atensyon, may tamang timpla at may samyong nagpapatunay ng pagiging tatak lutong Pinoy," Villar said in filing Senate Bill 1814.

The bill written in Filipino seeks to include in the academic curriculum the teaching of Filipino cuisine under subjects such as Social Studies, Hekasi and Home Economics.

The proposal also seeks to mandate the Department of Tourism to feature Filipino cuisine in tourism programs such as brochures, billboards, motoring advertisements, among others.

"Hindi naman matatawaran ang angking lasa at sarap ng lutuing Pilipino. Ang mga pagkaing tulad ng adobo, pinakbet, laing, sinigang, inasal, bibingka, puto bumbong, kapeng barako, balut at iba pa ay sumasalamin sa mayaman at makulay na kultura ng ating lahi," Villar said.

The Nacionalista Party president also cited the achievements of enterprising Filipinos for making Filipino cuisine popular overseas through companies like Jollibee, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks and Figaro, which have branches in the United States, Canada, Shanghai, Dubai and Hong Kong.

"The success of these proudly-Pinoy companies abroad is an indication that Filipino cuisine is warmly received and patronized even by foreigners," he said.

"Ang pagpapalaganap ng kulinaryang Pilipino ay makakatulong sa pagpapalaganap ng pambansang kamalayan at pagkakakilanlan," Villar said.

dancethingy

December 9th, 2007, 11:22 AM

^^ ah, how broad and all encompassing the ideas our senate president produces. He's due to effect unprecedented change to our country for sure.

amigo32

December 9th, 2007, 01:07 PM

that's how a president of the Phil., este , mali pala, senate should think. lol.

kiretoce

December 9th, 2007, 05:40 PM

Bringing ‘em home! (http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR20071209111115.html)

Thirtysomething Bernie Encarnacion left the Philippines for the United States as a 16-year-old immigrant. For decades, she stayed away from her birth country, and only came home in 1993 to visit relatives.

Having been used to the easy, convenient American life, Bernie was reluctant to come back to the ‘’hot, dirty, congested’’ place that she once knew. Vacation for her and her family spelled trips to Europe, or Hawaii, or Mexico, but never the Philippines. When in the country, she would only shuttle between her home provinces of Batangas and Bulacan and never took time to explore.

But all that changed in 2005 when Bernie, director of patient admitting in a Chicago hospital for 18 years, came home and decided to swing by Cebu and Bohol.

‘’I never knew these places even existed. It’s much much better than Mexico or Hawaii. Palawan, oh my God, it’s beautiful that I just have to take pictures with my Blackberry and blast it to every person I know!’’ Bernie gushes.

Ironically, after all these years, this is the first time Bernie has fallen in love with her country of birth. And the love affair has grown so intensely that she now comes ‘’home’’ at least three to four times a year. Bernie has since quit her job to become a full-time tour operator, avidly promoting her Philippine Amazing Vacations to Filipino-Americans like her, and to American families and friends who are on the lookout for leisure, business and investment trips.

‘’In Chicago, my team and I would go to different universities where we promote the Philippines as a wonderful destination. Every night, I go online, chatting with Filipinos in North America and telling them about the beauty of rediscovering their roots. Nothing beats a Filipino promoting the Philippines,’’ Bernie explains.

PERSONAL APPEAL

Vernie Velarde-Morales, the hardworking Tourism Director for USA and Canada Midwest regions, has a term for the special strategy that they in the Department of Tourism employ to get Fil-Ams and Americans to visit the Philippines.

‘’We call it the ‘personal appeal.’ A lot of Fil-Ams in the US midwest have not gone home for a long time, some even as long as 30 years. They would go to Europe or even to other Asian cities as visit destinations, rather than to their ‘old home Philippines.’ But over the years, by sheer perseverance, we have succeeded in making them go back, visit their homeland, see how it has changed, see how it offers everything for everybody, and talk about it when they go back to the US to their colleagues,’’ Morales explains.

She cites the case of a family of doctors who have all settled in the US. Morales was able to convince one of the brothers to go home with his wife for his medical school homecoming.

‘’The experience turned out to be memorable that the brother told his other siblings of how wonderful his vacation was. Pretty soon, members of his family started going home, discovering for themselves the Philippines that they have left behind. Today, some of them are even contemplating of buying properties, investing and retiring in the Philippines,’’ Morales proudly narrates.

It is incorrect to say that Fil-Ams know a lot about their ‘’little hometown’’ Philippines and the wealth of wonders that it has. It is not also safe, Morales adds, that migrant Filipinos in the US would always come back to the Philippines, no matter what. The figures would prove otherwise.

‘’Of the three million Fil-Ams in the US alone, only about 300,000 went for a visit in 2006. There is a vast potential market out there still waiting to be tapped therefore,’’ quips Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo, head of DoT’s Team North America.

For 2007 so far, arrivals from Guam and the US mainland are nearing to breach the 600,000 mark, a seven percent growth from the 2006 figures of 587,000. The US is currently the second largest source of travellers.

The personal appeal strategy thus works well with the Fil-Ams in North America who are profiled as mostly highly professional, the highest income families among Asians, earning at least US,000 annually. Those who go back to the Philippines for a vacation have been found to stay longer (in hotels, not with relatives!) spending about US0 a day, and definitely seeking value for their money.

Morales and her team also take time to go to various midwest states to take time to listen to Filipino communities, with the end goal of influencing people to consider going back to the Philippines and there spend their money.

‘’This is our market intelligence, an opportunity to show them how beautiful the country they have left behind has become, and what they are missing as Filipinos,’’ she says. ‘’Every visitor is appreciated, every North American visitor means money flowing straight to our country.’’

PROMOTING RP TO CAUCASIANS

Vis-a-vis the personal appeal, joining expos and fairs proves to be viable in making the Philippines’ presence felt in the American travel market.

Recently, the Philippines joined the NBC 5 Travel Expo 2007 held at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. The said show is one of the much-awaited tourism events in Chicago and draws in potential tourists and travel trade decision makers from around the city. The weekend event is spearheaded by NBC, one of the leading media networks in the United States.

The Philippine booth highlighted the island’s extensive stretch of warm, sunny beaches and impressive seascapes. The DoT staff accommodated inquiries and assisted them in booking their next vacation with partner travel agencies based in the state of Illinois. Among the sample packages being offered at the booth were the Puerto Princesa Escapade, the Ifugao Banaue Rice Terraces Heritage Tour, Boracay Getaways, the Quezon Culinary Tour, The Farm at San Benito Wellness Package, the Balicasag Island Dive Package, and the Medical Tourism Package.

"The expo itself is part of a bigger promotional campaign we arranged with NBC in Chicago. Even while the fair lasted for two days, this was amply sustained by print advertising, a month-long airing on television and six months exposure on the network’s website," Jorda-Apo explains.

Furthermore, the tourism department is sprucing up its travel products, making them more attractive to the travellers with special interest in diving, adventure and family activities.

‘’The flight to the Philippines is long, so their trip must be worth it. Americans are always searching for new destinations, and we have 7,107 islands to show for, each with different character, with different offerings. We have culture, beaches and people - what more can they ask for,’’ Morales quips.

PHILIPPINE SPECIALISTS

And yet, there is not stopping the North American team in getting Americans and Fil-Am interested in the country. A program called the Philippine Specialist is a DoT online educational program for travel agents in North America where participants are introduced to major Philippine tourism destinations in a four-seminar interactive course.

"We want to educate retail travel agents about Philippine tourism products, services and facilities," said Jorda-Apo, adding that they are targetting to recognize about 1,000 agents as specialists.

Participants are taught how to sell to specific Philippine markets like divers and other water sports enthusiasts, adventure travellers, ballroom dancers, engaged couples, honeymooners, family travellers, spa and medical tourists, and regular tourists.

"The program demonstrates how to entice clients with special interests to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines as well as its exotic beaches and islands, unique dive spots, colorful festivals, Philippine cuisine, and shopping," Jorda-Apo added.

The participants are also brought to the Philippines on familiarization tours to personally experience the product that they are selling.

Recently, about 30 agents from 16 US states and two Canadian provinces hied off to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, as well as the different beach and dive destinations in Bohol, Cebu and Palawan as part of the fam tours.

Erin Morse, a travel consultant from San Jose, California was surprised to see that Palawan had such great beaches and dive sites. She said she would not hesitate to send her clients to Dos Palmas or to Panglao Island, Bohol, which according to her, were both great places.

Nelia del Rosario of BNW Travel Management Ltd. of Vancouver has done a lot of traveling to Mexican and Caribbean destinations "but I can definitely say that the Philippines has a lot to offer, not to mention the most hospitable and friendliest people."

As of October, about 700 travel agents have enrolled in the program, with 400 graduating as certified Philippine Specialists. The next two runs of familiarization tours for the Philippine Specialist graduates will be in February and May 2008. A third run will be on October. The DoT hopes to bring a total of 150 Specialists to the Philippines in 2008.

kiretoce

December 9th, 2007, 05:51 PM

Three Travel Café Philippines to open in Makati, Pasay (http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=5996)

http://theseoultimes.com/ST/db2/images/5751-20071015184113.jpg
Travel Cafe Philippines (TCP) will likely to have its offshoot in Seoul soon.

Three new branches of Travel Café Philippines would be opened in Makati and Pasay to serve as showcase operations for investors interested in this pioneering concept, Ms. Basco-Ebron, tourism attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul said.

The franchise for all three new stores were granted to the same group behind the first TCP outlet in Tokyo, and which had entered into a joint venture with catering firm Makati Skyline, Ms Ebron quoted Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano as having said.

The first of the three is in Greenbelt 5 and would open on Dec. 18 and another one would be at the SM Mall of Asia and a third in the SMX Convention Center, both expected to open in January, according to Ms.Ebron.

She explained that as "showrooms," the new stores would be fully-operational cafés but would serve as models that would be available for potential franchisees to view.

So far, new franchisees include those that would open TCPs in New Delhi, San Francisco in California, Seoul and Shanghai.

The cafés in India and the United States would open in 2008 while those in South Korea and China would have to wait a little longer as the franchisees were still looking for locations that were acceptable to the DoT.

"We have been receiving positive feedback and inquiries from interested investors," Durano was quoted as saying. "But when they ask to see an example, we could only point to the Tokyo café, which is an expensive trip and out-of-the-way for some."

Launched in 2006, TCP in Tokyo was developed under a concept that consulting firm Francorp Philippines designed.

"This was a world's first in terms of integrating the businesses of a café and of travel," Durano was quoted as having said. "New Zealand has adopted this model."

Secretary Durano also said that TCP was an innovative and cost-effective means for the DoT to promote the country with limited resources, according to Ms Ebron.

"Unlike the traditional and seasonal advertising media of television and magazines, TCP is all-year-round, quite experiential and a lot cheaper," Secretary Durano was quoted as having said.

Durano said the new franchise would be heavy on featuring destinations—by way of items in the menu, naming of the foods and the themes in the different areas of the café—as well as "very strong" on the travel components.

In the meantime, travel warnings following the recent failed mutiny have not deterred foreign tourists from visiting the country, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano was quoted as saying..

He went on to say that the country's tourism business operations remained normal with no reports of booking cancellations by foreign tour groups.

"Peak season fervor continues to preoccupy the industry and so far we have been dealing only with standard queries from tour operators from various markets abroad about the travel advisory," Durano was quoted as saying.

According to Durano, top tourist drawers such as Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu were not affected by the hotel standoff in the country's financial district and continue to receive many foreign guests.

He added that his department, through its various offices abroad, had been monitoring the situation but has not received any cancellation of bookings.

Former Navy officer and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV led a failed revolt by taking over The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati last Thursday before eventually surrendering to authorities.

Durano, however, assured that the Philippines remains a safe destination for both local and foreign tourists despite the attempted power grab.

"We are in coordination with our private stakeholders, especially hotels around the Makati area, to ensure the safety of our guests," Durano said, adding that the DOT is still expecting to attract three million foreign visitors by yearend.

In September, tourist arrivals grew 10.3 percent year on year, bringing the country's total guests to 2.266 million for the first nine months of the year.

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), on the other hand, is supporting moves to remove Trillanes from the Senate for putting the country's tourism industry in peril.

"It is simply unimaginable for a public servant, how much more a senator of the Republic, to barge into a reputable tourist facility, hiding behind the populace in order to evade a court order and driving foreign guests out of their rooms. Let us expel him from the Senate," PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers said.

He said Trillanes' action has turned the financial district of Makati into an undesirable place for business and tainted the country's image abroad.

"The tourism industry has gained so much and by their actions we now stand to lose more than what we have gained," Barbers said.

According to Barbers, the tourism industry had worked hard to recover from losses resulting from the Oakwood mutiny also led by Trillanes four years ago, and now he again put those efforts to risk.

kiretoce

December 9th, 2007, 05:54 PM

67 foreign students experience community service in RP (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=101853)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) says the 67 students from 19 different countries who joined the program Up With People (UWP) are "ambassadors of goodwill" who would promote the Philippines when they go home.

Tess Mauricio, officer-in-charge of the Travel Trade Promotions of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp.-DOT, said the participants of UWP would bring home with them fond memories and good experiences of their visit.

"This is our way of reaching out to the 19 different countries, since the participants would be talking about the good experiences of their visit. They would be our ambassadors of goodwill," said Mauricio.

There were participants from Mexico, United States, Brazil, Sweden, Romania, Uganda, China, Japan, Panama, and Venezuela.

Brazilian national Luis Petzhold, UWP community relations coordinator, said this was the first time they brought their students to the Philippines.

He said that one of their objectives for the trip is for the members to experience community service.

One of the places they visited was the GK (Gawad Kalinga) Village in Baseco, Manila.

When asked how visiting a depressed area would help boost the DOT’s efforts to promote the country, Mauricio said, "The group is not only here to see the beauty. They tried to see the cultural aspects and gave a message of helping the less fortunate from the heart. Maybe they have less fortunate people in their own countries."

She added, "Not just because they are the less fortunate, they should deserve less. They are also people and we are reaching out to them. I guess their group is called Up With People because they are capable and want to uplift the less fortunate."

During their visit to the community, they assisted the GK in building homes for the residents. "Here, they saw our bayanihan spirit."

They are currently in Baguio City upon the invitation of the Philippine Military Academy. They will end their three-week visit on Monday, Dec. 10.

"So far we got a positive feedback from them. During their short stint, they learned about our culture and about Filipino hospitality. We were able to establish friendly ties," said Mauricio.

In fact, she added the 40-year-old UWP is reportedly considered adding the Philippines in their future exposure learning trips.

One of the participants, 22-year-old Romanian student Alexandra Neagu said in an earlier interview that she is temporarily staying with the Suria family, her "host family," who resides in Camp Aguinaldo.

"I love my host family. They are open and warm. I feel loved by my host family because they allowed me to call my mother. They are very considerate and tried to understand how I feel," she said.

Her adoptive mother even gave her a homemade pearl earring.

The Romanian student said, "My stay in Manila has been heavenly. I thought it would be very different because they told us that Philippines is a Third World country and that we should keep an open mind. But I realized that there were similarities between my country and the Philippines."

Petzhold said they want the participants to experience international travel, help in community service, hone their leadership and communication skills, and to perform arts.

"Up With People is a life-changing experience that’s for sure. You don’t leave the same way you started because you are exposed to many interesting people with different values, different opinions, and different ways of doing things. You’re going to see things through different eyes," Petzhold said.

pangyao™

December 9th, 2007, 08:20 PM

dandy13

December 9th, 2007, 08:51 PM

dancethingy

December 10th, 2007, 07:11 AM

Reality check for you people in this tread. I have spoken to some foreign tourists what they think of the philippines. They say beautiful natural scenery, beautiful beaches but other minor cities in the country needs more improvement. They suggested make the cities more attractive. When the tourist go to a beautiful place like Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, they see unattractive city like Alaminos and Dagupan. When the tourist go to Subic , they see unattractive Olongapo city. The same as other minor cities in visayas and mindanao. Could you people contact the mayor or any authorities to those cities and tell them make the city attractive. Compared to Malaysia there cities are attractive and beautiful, 22 million tourist will go there this year.
http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/31867/2902006350102661831S600x600Q85.jpg

yeah ok, im gonna call the mayor of olongapo right now and demand a cleaner city. Im gonna give this mayor 1 year damn it, 1 year! If nothing happens, im gonna put my foot down.

My i wish it were that easy. We all want cleaner, prettier, small towns across the Philippines, but something is amiss with our leaders and most of the people living in those small cities.

Malaysia has far fewer people to manage, keeping things orderly and clean is much easier.

Espma

December 10th, 2007, 08:05 AM

^^I honestly wouldn't call Olongapo unattractive. I actually thought that city is very clean, with decent infrastructure. The last time I was there, there were heaps of tourists mostly Koreans and Chinese(Taiwanese?).There were even tour buses everywhere.

3cr

December 10th, 2007, 08:56 AM

RP capable of drawing 10-M tourists every year
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2007120915

The Philippines could attract around 10 million tourists each year like its neighbors Thailand and Malaysia once the long-awaited Executive Order 500B is issued.

This optimism was expressed by Meneleo J. Carlos Jr., private champion of National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) Seamless Infrastructure Network Working Group, as they expect President Arroyo to sign the proposed EO before the year ends.

EO 500B seeks to rescind the restrictive EO 500A which limits the operation of budget airlines in Subic and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark. Such budget airlines first have to be designated by their respective countries and are entitled only to third and fourth air freedom rights meaning, they can no longer fly to a third country.

EO 500A amended EO 500 which allowed budget airlines to fly to DMIA without limitations on traffic rights, capacity and air freedom rights, except sabotage.

During its seven-month implementation period starting August 2006, EO 500 effectively brought more tourists into the country, attracted new investments, created more jobs and improved the overall competitiveness of the Philippines.

“There is a need to restore EO 500 to allow pocket open skies policy for DMIA in support of the promotion of international trade, tourism and investments as well as the development of a mega logistics hub in Clark and Subic,” Carlos told Philexport News and Features.

He said this initiative shall be pursued with a few countries of major market interest and where reciprocity, defined as the exchange of rights, freedoms and economic benefits of equal or equivalent value, can be achieved.

Carlos said possible partner-countries where this reciprocity concept can be achieved are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, India and Russia.

He said the Philippines would conduct and conclude bilateral air talks for 2007 and 2008 with Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Russia, Brunei, Bahrain, Australia, Cambodia, China and Canada .

Aside from these efforts, Carlos said they are also working on ways to lower airport fees in these areas to further boost the tourism sector.

“Of his $1,000 budget, a regular tourist now spends $400 for airline while only $600 for tourism. A typical tourist should pay only $200 for airline. Because of this, the country is losing (in terms of tourism revenue) because tourists spend more money in airline,” he noted.

To this end, the NCC believes that the Philippines would greatly benefit in joining the Asean Open Skies for capital cities in 2008. This would allow any carrier to fly passengers and goods in either direction between capital cities of consenting countries.

Arkdriver

December 10th, 2007, 09:13 AM

yeah ok, im gonna call the mayor of olongapo right now and demand a cleaner city. Im gonna give this mayor 1 year damn it, 1 year! If nothing happens, im gonna put my foot down.

My i wish it were that easy. We all want cleaner, prettier, small towns across the Philippines, but something is amiss with our leaders and most of the people living in those small cities.

Malaysia has far fewer people to manage, keeping things orderly and clean is much easier.

is that an excuse? Also, from 2.9m figure, how many are actual tourist? (not balikbayan holding foreign passport).

Malaysian government spent RM 850 million (about P10 billion peso) for tourism expenditure and advertising this year. I see our government has much more important things to do with such amount of money. I would be grateful if they ever will spend a quarter of that amount for tourism promo.

Espma

December 10th, 2007, 12:38 PM

^^ what does that mean "actual tourist"..why does it matter if they are balikbayans or "foreigners"..both are using foreign currencies arent they? Injecting them to the economy? Why must we differentiate the two?! ...all of a sudden a "balikbayan" isn't considered an "actual tourist" anymore?..I do not understand that kind of mentality, but it seems to be the typical perception.

wynngd

December 11th, 2007, 03:02 AM

^^In my opinion, being a tourist does not necessarily mean that you need to be a foreigner. I can be a tourist if I go to Cebu or Bohol to enjoy my summer break there. I will be spending my money in my own country and it doesn't mean you need to bring dollar in the country.IMHO.

nostalgicbabe

December 11th, 2007, 08:19 AM

^^Personally, I would prefer touring the whole country rather than go to neighbor countries like Thailand, Vietnam, etc. (except for the novelty aspect of the latter, of course). I've always wanted to go to Batanes, Palawan, as well as to the southernmost provinces in the Philippines. I was so excited even just to cross over from Panay Island to Cebu or Bohol (esp the latter). I think we Filipinos are underestimating the beauty and potentials of our own country.

I'd also give some credit to the DOT for working hard so that the Philippines will be more known as a tourist destination. There is also PGMA's plan to turn Central Philippines into the country's tourism hub (which IMO is well-deserved by the region). Wish ko lang, mababaan ang airfares which makes the cost of traveling between islands prohibitive. Of course there is the RORO (roll-on roll-off) which has made transport a lot easier, but still it is considerably slower and more troublesome than flying.

metrosuburban

December 11th, 2007, 08:12 PM

malvinjordan

December 13th, 2007, 05:12 AM

Tourists from Asia and Europe continued to troop to the Philippines in October, pushing arrivals for the first ten months of the year 8.6 percent higher to 2.5 million, the Department of Tourism said in its latest report.

This bring the Tourism department closer to its target of attracting 3 million tourists to visit the country for the full-year 2007.

For the month of October, foreign tourist arrivals were recorded at 241,745.

East Asians were the largest group of visitors in the Philippines in the first ten months of the year with a total of 1.172 million arrivals, followed by North Americans with 546,142.

However, by country, Koreans remained the biggest group of foreign visitors to the Philippines with a total of 522,410 arrivals in the first ten months of the year. US citizens ranked second with 477,752 arrivals; Japanese were third with 333,874 and the Chinese were fourth with 127,954.

Most other visitors were from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany. - Cheryl Arcibal, GMANews.TV

red_jasper

December 13th, 2007, 12:42 PM

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (13 December) -- Tourists arrivals in Boracay Island have surpassed the half-million mark a month before the year ends, records from the Provincial Tourism Office here show.

From January to November of this year, a total of 547,305 tourists, domestic and foreign, visited the island. Their arrival in the island generated a total of P10,062,326,737.00 in tourism receipts, with the foreign tourists contributing P6,535,377,089 and the locals adding P4,770,800,330.

Of the more than half a million arrivals in the island within the eleven month period, 189,005 were foreigners; 300,955 domestic and 57,345 were Overseas Filipinos.

Foreign tourists registered the highest arrival during the month of August numbering 19,023, while domestic tourists crowded the island during the month of April with 75,739. They also came in droves in the month of March with 35,330; May, 51,464 and June, 29,832.

With still a month to go before the year ends, more tourists, foreign and local, are still expected to visit Boracay especially during this holiday season.

Last year, total tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 558,084. Translated to tourism receipts, their arrival generated P10.2 Billion. By 2010, Aklan anticipates that arrivals will reach the one million mark.

Tourism is one of the anchor industries of the province of Aklan, along with agriculture. (PIA) Here (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p071213.htm&no=69)

Rolls-Royce

December 13th, 2007, 06:19 PM

Before we even get excited about tourism promotions and all the hooplas, may I suggest that any of you guys to visit this site, www.travelpod.com. The comments that the tourists made, especially the backpackers would tell you how our country is faring compared to other countries. Some good, some bad comments. It's all up to you to decide.

Ex!lE

December 13th, 2007, 07:25 PM

October tourist arrivals up by 8% despite blast (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business2_dec13_2007)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

Foreign tourists ignored the negative news and advisories about the Philippines in October, as they continued to arrive in record numbers in the country, which now has a $4-billion international tourism market.

The statistics division of the Department of Tourism said international visitor arrivals in the Philippines rose 8 percent to 241,745 in October from 223,818 a year ago, despite the Oct. 19 blast that hit a major shopping mall at the financial center of Makati.

This brought the total foreign arrivals in the first 10 months of the year to a record 2.508 million, up 8.6 percent from 2.31 million a year earlier.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano expressed optimism that the government would achieve the goal of three million arrivals this year, despite new security concerns such as the bombing at the House of Representatives complex in Quezon City on Nov. 13 and the Peninsula Manila Hotel siege by a group of renegade soldiers on Nov. 29.

Durano said the securities issues did not affect the country’s top tourist drawers such as Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu, thus the areas remained safe for both local and international guests.

He said he had coordinated with the national police and private stakeholders to ensure the safety of guests in the Philippines.

Data shows that arrivals from Europe, East Asia and North America posted an impressive growth in October despite the negative advisories issued by different countries during the month.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom surged 23.5 percent to 6,551 in October, despite the British embassy’s renewed warning on Philippine travel. The British embassy has cautioned its nationals about visiting Mindanao, avoiding crowded areas in Metro Manila and shunning public transport here.

Korea solidified its position as the largest foreign tourism market for the Philippines with 522,410 arrivals in the first 10 months, up 15.4 percent from a year-ago level.

Tourism attaché to Korea ******* Ebron said the goal was to attract 600,000 Korean tourists to the Philippines this year.

Arrivals from the United States, including Filipino holders of American passports, went up 2.3 percent to 477,752 in the 10-month period, representing the second-largest tourism market for the Philippines.

Arrivals from China rose 15.8 percent to 127,954 and Hong Kong went up 18.6 percent to 94,328. Japanese arrivals fell 6.7 percent to 333,874.

Other top origins of foreign tourists in the Philippines were Taiwan, with 94,103; Australia, 84,880; Singapore, 77,729; Canada, 67,234; United Kingdom, 62,115; Malaysia, 54,077; and Germany, 44,281.

Analysts said investors and tourists were now looking beyond political noise in the Philippines.

Ratings agencies, such as FitchRatings and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, said recent developments in Metro Manila, including the Makati standoff on Nov. 29, did not alter their overall view of the Philippines.

The Department of Tourism was originally targeting to draw five million tourists and $5 billion in tourism receipts by 2010, but the department has yet to reassess whether it would keep the target.

dandy13

December 22nd, 2007, 01:02 PM

Previous post by Rolls-Royce
Before we even get excited about tourism promotions and all the hooplas, may I suggest that any of you guys to visit this site, www.travelpod.com (http://www.travelpod.com/). The comments that the tourists made, especially the backpackers would tell you how our country is faring compared to other countries. Some good, some bad comments. It's all up to you to decide.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

You should visit this site about tourist comments on the Philippines.
Some good, some bad comments.
http://www.travelblog.org/

odyssey

December 22nd, 2007, 03:14 PM

is that an excuse? Also, from 2.9m figure, how many are actual tourist? (not balikbayan holding foreign passport).

Malaysian government spent RM 850 million (about P10 billion peso) for tourism expenditure and advertising this year. I see our government has much more important things to do with such amount of money. I would be grateful if they ever will spend a quarter of that amount for tourism promo.

At least the Balikbayans are spending huge cash in the Philippines.
It's similar to Asians crossing connected borders for a day being counted as tourist. Example my Singaporean friend crosses the bridge going to Malaysia to buy pirated dvds then go back after a few hours. Let's say she does that 3 times a year, so she's already counted as tourist in Malaysia even though she only spent a few bucks for some fake dvds.

Arkdriver

December 22nd, 2007, 10:43 PM

At least the Balikbayans are spending huge cash in the Philippines.
It's similar to Asians crossing connected borders for a day being counted as tourist. Example my Singaporean friend crosses the bridge going to Malaysia to buy pirated dvds then go back after a few hours. Let's say she does that 3 times a year, so she's already counted as tourist in Malaysia even though she only spent a few bucks for some fake dvds.

that's true my friend

some fact that people dont really know. Malaysia may have 20 million tourist arrival this year. But 55% of them consist of Singaporean. Pero still, 45% of 20 million will make so much difference with the philippines. Singapore also has millions of tourist from Malaysia. Day trip included, but alas, we have to give them credit because they are willing to spend a good fortune to sell their country to foreigners and now they are reaping benefits.

Malaysia share 3 border entry with Thailand with thousands of Malaysians went to the other side for cheap shopping and go home the same day or within hours. Malaysian made sizeable chunk of tourist pie for Thailand for 13 million foreign visitors per year.

I beg to differ. For me balikbayan should not be classified as a tourist. A pure tourist from a foreign country would likely attract more of their kind because the nature is that, people tend to believe a neutral view of a country rather than stories told by the host countrymen which is likely to be biased (also a human nature). A joe with good stories about Pinas will attract more than a americanised pinoy with the same story. Just my view. :)

If people still want to view them as a tourist then it's not a problem :) but if Thailand and Malaysia does not include Singaporean and Malaysian as foreign tourist, the number of pure tourist from other malapit/malayo countries are well off above the pinas with balikbayan still counted! I see potential but much has to be done to upgrade existing infrastructure to match them.

odyssey

December 22nd, 2007, 10:57 PM

But the end of the day, it's not really the number that counts. It's how much cash that visitors or tourists spend in the country.
If you don't want to classify balikbayans as tourists, its your choice. They are still considered as visitors if their stay in the country is not permanent, meaning they are destined to go back to their host country. But during their stay, they will still spend the foreign currencies in Pinas.
I think I prefer the Balikbayans more than some foreigners because of the former's respect to their home country than some foreign sex tourists that demoralized the country and spread sexual diseases.

crappypants

December 23rd, 2007, 02:33 AM

it's good to have both.

le Reine

December 23rd, 2007, 05:34 PM

that's true my friend

some fact that people dont really know. Malaysia may have 20 million tourist arrival this year. But 55% of them consist of Singaporean. Pero still, 45% of 20 million will make so much difference with the philippines. Singapore also has millions of tourist from Malaysia. Day trip included, but alas, we have to give them credit because they are willing to spend a good fortune to sell their country to foreigners and now they are reaping benefits.

Malaysia share 3 border entry with Thailand with thousands of Malaysians went to the other side for cheap shopping and go home the same day or within hours. Malaysian made sizeable chunk of tourist pie for Thailand for 13 million foreign visitors per year.

I beg to differ. For me balikbayan should not be classified as a tourist. A pure tourist from a foreign country would likely attract more of their kind because the nature is that, people tend to believe a neutral view of a country rather than stories told by the host countrymen which is likely to be biased (also a human nature). A joe with good stories about Pinas will attract more than a americanised pinoy with the same story. Just my view. :)

If people still want to view them as a tourist then it's not a problem :) but if Thailand and Malaysia does not include Singaporean and Malaysian as foreign tourist, the number of pure tourist from other malapit/malayo countries are well off above the pinas with balikbayan still counted! I see potential but much has to be done to upgrade existing infrastructure to match them.

As long as they bring in dollars and they create jobs, who cares if they are balikbayans or not? If they are balikbayans, well and good. At least it shows that they still have trust in their country and willing to spend dollars to enjoy the tourist spots or visit their relatives. Either way, we benefit from it so why bother?!? Number of tourists is just mere bs if it doesn't translate to income nor create much needed jobs. We prioritize tourism not to brag to our neighbors but to have much needed income, investments and jobs. So for me, the more important indicator of a growing tourism industry is the total amount that tourists spent in a year. And also the ave length of time they spend here.

Fraulein

December 23rd, 2007, 06:08 PM

As long as they bring in dollars and they create jobs, who cares if they are balikbayans or not? If they are balikbayans, well and good. At least it shows that they still have trust in their country and willing to spend dollars to enjoy the tourist spots or visit their relatives. Either way, we benefit from it so why bother?!? Number of tourists is just mere bs if it doesn't translate to income nor create much needed jobs. We prioritize tourism not to brag to our neighbors but to have much needed income, investments and jobs. So for me, the more important indicator of a growing tourism industry is the total amount that tourists spent in a year. And also the ave length of time they spend here.

Not only that, kahit konti lang ang dumadating sa 'tin, still we are competing against our Asian neighbors. And we survive. At tignan mo, konti lang ang lamang nila pero kakaunti ang tourists natin.

What more kung kasing dami or mas marami pa sa Thailand at Malaysia? At mas malaing tourist receipts, bongga di ba? Kaya cheer up guys. Hindi pa tapos ang laban o usapan. :)

3cr

December 27th, 2007, 07:40 AM

Record 3M tourists seen
By Roderick T. dela Cruz
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business1_dec27_2007

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines rose 10.5 percent year-on-year in November, following an 8 percent growth in October, putting the country on track of recording three million arrivals for the first time in its history.

The Philippines is expected to achieve the target despite a tumultuous fourth quarter when a powerful blast hit a Makati shopping mall on Oct. 19, a bomb exploded inside the House of Representatives complex in Quezon City on Nov. 13, and a group of renegade soldiers laid siege on Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati on Nov. 29.

International visitor arrivals in the country, according to the Tourism Research and Statistics Division of the Department of Tourism, reached 263,443 in November, up from 238,310 a year ago.

“The January-November period experienced an 8.8 percent growth over the same period last year for a total of 2.771 million foreign visitor arrivals. Since December 2006 saw 280,000 arrivals, even without factoring the growth momentum this year, full-year arrivals will surely breach 3 million for the very first time in Philippine history,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said.

Data show that arrivals from all regions posted strong growth in November, with visitors from Western Europe rising 13.8 percent from a year ago; Northern Europe, 23.5 percent; Southern Europe, 43.3 percent; North America, 8.2 percent; Australia and Pacific, 11.4 percent; East Asia, 7.3 percent; South Asia, 21.5 percent; Middle East, 14.9 percent; Africa, 78.4 percent; and other Southeast Asian countries, 10.8 percent.

There are indications that the impressive growth in arrivals was sustained in December, with most hotels in Metro Manila, Cebu, Boracay and other major destinations reporting full occupancy rates during the holidays.

Several visitors, for one, have complained about the difficulty of booking for a room in Boracay for the celebration of New Year’s eve.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort, the largest hotel on the island, said all rooms were booked for Dec. 31 weeks ago.

The Department of Tourism estimates that the three million arrivals this year will bring in about $4 billion in international tourism receipts to the Philippines and employ a total of three million Filipinos in hotels, resorts, travel industry, transport sector, retail and other tourism-oriented establishments.

By country, top sources of foreign visitors were Korea, the United States, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany.

Arrivals from Korea surged 14.7 percent to 586,398 in the first 11 months, representing 21.2 percent of the total.

The DoT expects total arrivals from Korea to hit 650,000 this year and 700,000 by 2008.

A number of Korean investors have invested billions of pesos in the Philippine tourism industry, with the 616-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa on Mactan Island in Cebu set to open in 2009.

nostalgicbabe

December 27th, 2007, 08:25 AM

^^ hindi naman underestimating, just being realistic.. DOT din naman ang nagsabe we can only get a max of 3-4 million tourists at this period coz infrastructure here is really really bad.. (just look at the airport), lack of hotels, transpo access, plus the image problem, etc etc..

I'm not referring to our ability to attract tourists; I'm talking of the potentials of our country as a tourism destination, that is, if we can improve our infrastructure, as well as other problem areas like the image of our country, as you say. The fact that the Philippines is an archipelago also makes travel costlier, not to mention our bad roads. Admittedly, we are experiencing faster progress under the present dispensation. New airports and roads are cropping up everywhere. We still have a way to go, though.

Manila-X

December 27th, 2007, 08:28 AM

that's true my friend

some fact that people dont really know. Malaysia may have 20 million tourist arrival this year. But 55% of them consist of Singaporean. Pero still, 45% of 20 million will make so much difference with the philippines. Singapore also has millions of tourist from Malaysia. Day trip included, but alas, we have to give them credit because they are willing to spend a good fortune to sell their country to foreigners and now they are reaping benefits.

Malaysia share 3 border entry with Thailand with thousands of Malaysians went to the other side for cheap shopping and go home the same day or within hours. Malaysian made sizeable chunk of tourist pie for Thailand for 13 million foreign visitors per year.

I beg to differ. For me balikbayan should not be classified as a tourist. A pure tourist from a foreign country would likely attract more of their kind because the nature is that, people tend to believe a neutral view of a country rather than stories told by the host countrymen which is likely to be biased (also a human nature). A joe with good stories about Pinas will attract more than a americanised pinoy with the same story. Just my view. :)

If people still want to view them as a tourist then it's not a problem :) but if Thailand and Malaysia does not include Singaporean and Malaysian as foreign tourist, the number of pure tourist from other malapit/malayo countries are well off above the pinas with balikbayan still counted! I see potential but much has to be done to upgrade existing infrastructure to match them.

I agree. Balikbayan or Filipinos with foreign citizenship should be classified as tourists.

crappypants

December 28th, 2007, 09:46 AM

AH-7Raja

December 28th, 2007, 09:42 PM

GearX

December 29th, 2007, 06:20 AM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/another/tourism/Eco-adventurecopy.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=535966)

crappypants

December 30th, 2007, 08:32 AM

Ang dami kasing squatters na naglalantaran sa kanto, sama mo na mga street children na dapat rineregulate na ito ng ating pamahalaan ng maynila. PAti mga estero na madudumi at hindi linilines... But im optimistic for the years to come, slowly but surely, as we can see, our government is trying hard to correct these flaws, howeer, they are too slow to act.

and don't forget the ladies with naked babies intow knocking on your car windows. they target the foreigners especially. Before they spend millions on advertising and promoting they should just invest it on building CLEAN sidewalks where tourists can walk, most tourists like to walk,really, to take in the sights. Clean up the air and relocate the homeless families living on cardboards outside the downtown area. Such a shame the touted tourist district of malate is filthy with stagnant plastic trash filled sewer water.

a s i a n a

December 30th, 2007, 01:31 PM

it's sad that most everyone said Manila was the dirtiest , filthiest city they've ever seen and they couldn't wait to get out of there.

They've only seen the bad side of Manila. And Manila's not the only place in the Philippines.:lol:

OtAkAw

December 30th, 2007, 02:43 PM

garzland

December 30th, 2007, 05:12 PM

it's sad that most everyone said Manila was the dirtiest , filthiest city they've ever seen and they couldn't wait to get out of there.

Aside from that is the lack of good spaces such as parks or plazas, especially in provincial cities... Our spaces are mostly filthy because they make it as garbage area....So, we have to create more and more greener areas such as parks and plazas....

crappypants

December 31st, 2007, 03:19 AM

They've only seen the bad side of Manila. And Manila's not the only place in the Philippines.:lol:

actually most said they've seen the grand malls and areas fronting Forbes park. but that only highlights the huge gap between the rich and the poor.

jbkayaker12

December 31st, 2007, 12:29 PM

^^I congratulate tourists who see the beautiful side of Manila and for those who do not, pity. That means their level of perception is not very deep. Beyond the dirt, filth and traces of poverty, Manila has this certain "charm" that is difficult to resist and forget.

Unfortunately do not take it against the visitors noticing the squalor in Philippine cities and not only in Metro Manila. Take it as constructive criticisms, these foreign visitors did not create these mess but the Filipinos themselves. Visitors come in to see what the Philippines has to offer but sadly the Philippines has a noticeably bad side to show. If you don't want visitors to see dirty Philippines then I suggest you people clean up your acts, from the politicians and their constituents.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

gen1

December 31st, 2007, 12:54 PM

jbkayaker12

December 31st, 2007, 01:06 PM

Who do you think is responsible for the mess in your country, the Martians????? Hehehe! Perhaps you can blame the foreign visitors that come and visit the Philippines, afterall they were the ones noticing the squalid conditions in Philippines cities and towns which you people seem to ignore.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

gen1

December 31st, 2007, 02:44 PM

metrosuburban

December 31st, 2007, 06:44 PM

Ang dami kasing squatters na naglalantaran sa kanto, sama mo na mga street children na dapat rineregulate na ito ng ating pamahalaan ng maynila. PAti mga estero na madudumi at hindi linilines... But im optimistic for the years to come, slowly but surely, as we can see, our government is trying hard to correct these flaws, howeer, they are too slow to act.

by just looking at how Bangkok has improved in just 20 years (or even less..) then we have a looooooong way to go... malala na ang social cancer ng Phils. After a century of independence, everyone asks what went wrong???

BANGKOK
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=563436

le Reine

December 31st, 2007, 07:00 PM

OtAkAw

December 31st, 2007, 07:36 PM

jbkayaker12

December 31st, 2007, 09:27 PM

Let me recollect. Before the marcos dictatorship the philippines was the 2nd best economy in asia.

By the time marcos was booted out a couple of decades later, "we were the sick man of asia"

So who would I blame ?

I would point one accusing dirty finger at the leader of a great nation who told the dictator "I admire your adherence to democracy, Mr. President" :lol:

This is the leader of a great nation which unfortunately has small segment of its population composed of yokels who like to preface their statements with stuff like "You people should clean up your acts"

I am almost tempted to say, "same to you" but I won't since I have great admiration and many friends from that nation. And they did help expunge our country of the blight that was Mr. Marcos

I still hate the yokels though :lol: :lol: :lol:

Are there yokels in mars too ? :lol:

Unfortunately Filipinos like YOU who do not like to hear the truth is the reason why the Philippines is in a state it is in.

I posted a couple of replies regarding the squalid condition of areas in the Philippines that was noticed by foreigners visiting the Philippines and you seem to not comprehend what was posted.

Perhaps, you're one of those people who seem to ignore the fact that the Philippines has a very serious problem when it comes to its environment and who seriously got offended when foreigners and others tell it like it is. The truth of the matter, you seem to be the gullible one in here, sort of like the village idiot.:lol:

jbkayaker12

December 31st, 2007, 09:43 PM

by just looking at how Bangkok has improved in just 20 years (or even less..) then we have a looooooong way to go... malala na ang social cancer ng Phils. After a century of independence, everyone asks what went wrong???

BANGKOK
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=563436

Yes, there can be, there will be improvement with the situation in the Philippines but it will have to come first and foremost from the people residing in the Philippines and seriously what is lacking this moment in the Philippines is discipline and the lack of respect for the rule of law. Filipinos need to love their home country for it to have an improvement in its current situation.

The only reason why I go to the Philippines for a vacation is because I respect and love my birth country but it saddens me to see it in a state of environmental degradation. I could go to other places but I choose to spend my vacation and hard earned money in the Philippines. If others like myself together with the foreigners visiting the Philippines noticed the squalid conditions in the country don't take it against us for seeing these kind of situations.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

papable

December 31st, 2007, 09:55 PM

Let me recollect. Before the marcos dictatorship the philippines was the 2nd best economy in asia.

By the time marcos was booted out a couple of decades later, "we were the sick man of asia"

So who would I blame ?

I would point one accusing dirty finger at the leader of a great nation who told the dictator "I admire your adherence to democracy, Mr. President" :lol:

This is the leader of a great nation which unfortunately has small segment of its population composed of yokels who like to preface their statements with stuff like "You people should clean up your acts"

I am almost tempted to say, "same to you" but I won't since I have great admiration and many friends from that nation. And they did help expunge our country of the blight that was Mr. Marcos

I still hate the yokels though :lol: :lol: :lol:

Are there yokels in mars too ? :lol:

The 2nd best economy in asia during marcos time? are you kidding? we were already the sick man of asia even at that time. We have never recovered. We have some amount of growth at the time of ramos. then the 1997 financial crisis, then a much bigger disaster in erap presidency, and, now the corrupt gma regime. all the other countries have zoomed past us. singapore, malaysia, rhailand, china, even india and vietnam. who's next cambodia? laos?

jbkayaker12

December 31st, 2007, 09:56 PM

Yes they are constructive criticisms but I think their reaction is always a bit OA. They are just fanning the flames of this rampant "Manila-is-dirty, Manila-is-ugly" perception. And I live in Pampanga so any dirt in Manila is not caused by me.

No, take it like it is!! The truth of the matter, they have seen the ugly side of the Philippines and also these visitors are in the the Philippines to see what is best about the Philippines from its beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls......but sadly Philippine town and cities not just in Metro Manila, generally speaking are dirty, polluted and chaotic.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

crappypants

December 31st, 2007, 10:18 PM

i guess some of us don't want to hear the truth. Even if it hurts accept it and stop making excuses. If you're fat and someone says you're fat accept it , then go on a diet.

garzland

December 31st, 2007, 10:19 PM

gen1

December 31st, 2007, 11:34 PM

Unfortunately Filipinos like YOU who do not like to hear the truth is the reason why the Philippines is in a state it is in.

I posted a couple of replies regarding the squalid condition of areas in the Philippines that was noticed by foreigners visiting the Philippines and you seem to not comprehend what was posted.

Perhaps, you're one of those people who seem to ignore the fact that the Philippines has a very serious problem when it comes to its environment and who seriously got offended when foreigners and others tell it like it is. The truth of the matter, you seem to be the gullible one in here, sort of like the village idiot.:lol:

Ha,ha, it took you that long to find out what a yokel is. And you didn't even bother finding out in what context I used the word in.

WhaT I simply love about your "intelligent" posts is how you love to generalize. Even using that lovely term "you people", "LUMPING ALL FILIPINOS ALTOGETHER AS A FAILED PEOPLE"

Manila is an old city with patches of squalidness that seem to will never go away. Rio de Janiero has the same problems with her infamous favelas (squatter communities).

I will not go into detail on manila's ills because to write about it is to digress from the issue.

what I take issue against is how you use the term "YOU PEOPLE" as if ALL FILIPINOS as a people are sloths doing nothing to better their nation.

(oo nga pala, pinoy ka rin nga pala. so isa ka sa "YOU PEOPLE SHOULD CLEAN UP YOUR ACT") :lol:

gen1

December 31st, 2007, 11:39 PM

Let me recollect. Before the marcos dictatorship the philippines was the 2nd best economy in asia.

The 2nd best economy in asia during marcos time? are you kidding? we were already the sick man of asia even at that time. We have never recovered. We have some amount of growth at the time of ramos. then the 1997 financial crisis, then a much bigger disaster in erap presidency, and, now the corrupt gma regime. all the other countries have zoomed past us. singapore, malaysia, rhailand, china, even india and vietnam. who's next cambodia? laos?

No I'm not kidding. Didn't you see the preposition "before". makes all the difference in the post. :lol:

gen1

January 1st, 2008, 12:15 AM

Agree, Philippine cities are simply chaotic and dirty... It's because of us.. When I look at other countries' cities I would simply say I wish Philippine cities are like them... Small but beautiful and clean, many public parks and green open spaces with beautiful sidewalks... Just look at our sidewalks, full of vendors and dirty..And if some righteous leaders get rid of these illegal vendors, they would simply say "we're just working here, we're not doing wrong" .. What they don't know is that they are already violating laws...

Any big city will have it's own unique set of problems.

I remember as a young adult walking on mission street in touristy san francisco with my then GFs dad an aggresive homeless person started bodily pushing my GF's dad around because he wouldn't give the homeless person spare change.

Pucha this homeless person was a really big guy and as a first timer in san fo I was too chickenshit to intervene.

I have never experienced this in any city in the philippines, then and now.

If I were act like a yokel I would say, "YOU SAN FRANCISCANS SHOULD CLEAN UP YOUR ACT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT RIDDING YOUR CITY OF THESE HORRIBLE HOMELESS PERSONS" :) (hindi naman ako ngas-u kaya hindi ko gagamitin ang mga katagang yaon :lol: )

Pero I understand that even these homeless persons have their rights and cannot just be rounded up and sent to the looney bin. They need to agree to be helped.

kaya mula noon kapag may humarang na homeless sa akin, alok kaagad ako ng marlboro :lol:

garzland

January 1st, 2008, 05:11 AM

Any big city will have it's own unique set of problems.

Agree, but referring to what I've posted it's almost common to all Philippine cities...

We need tree-lined streets, sidewalks, walkways, and open spaces...

gen1

January 1st, 2008, 05:20 AM

^^ sa older spanish era cities and big towns, medyo mahirap nang gawin yan dahil karamihan sa lupa in private hands na and buying up property in the downtown to convert to parks will be horribly expensive.

but let's see what they do sa Fort Boni. Its a new "city" :)

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 05:24 AM

Ha,ha, it took you that long to find out what a yokel is. And you didn't even bother finding out in what context I used the word in.

WhaT I simply love about your "intelligent" posts is how you love to generalize. Even using that lovely term "you people", "LUMPING ALL FILIPINOS ALTOGETHER AS A FAILED PEOPLE"

Manila is an old city with patches of squalidness that seem to will never go away. Rio de Janiero has the same problems with her infamous favelas (squatter communities).

I will not go into detail on manila's ills because to write about it is to digress from the issue.

what I take issue against is how you use the term "YOU PEOPLE" as if ALL FILIPINOS as a people are sloths doing nothing to better their nation.

(oo nga pala, pinoy ka rin nga pala. so isa ka sa "YOU PEOPLE SHOULD CLEAN UP YOUR ACT") :lol:

Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for its environment. Take it or leave it, otherwise the Philippines will not be in a state it is in. Do not give having a huge population or huge metropolis as an excuse. There are many metropolises with the same population as Metro Manila and they are not in the same condition as the cities in the Philippines. Comparing Metro Manila with Rio does not correct or remedy the situation. Philippine cities and towns are still a mess. No ifs or buts!!

Like what has been said here, the responsibility lie with the citizens of the Philippines. Dont wait for Greenpeace or a foreign institution to come over and clean up your mess.

Do you honestly think I will stay online 24 hours to rebutt everything you say. You're not only in denial with the whole situation but hilarious as well.:)

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

gen1

January 1st, 2008, 05:36 AM

Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for nature. Take it or leave it otherwise the Philippines will not be in a state it is in. Do not give having a huge population or huge metropolis as an excuse. There are many metropolises with the same population as Metro Manila and they are not in the same condition as the cities in the Philippines. Comparing Metro Manila with Rio does not correct or remedy the situation. Philippine cities and towns are still a mess. No ifs or buts!!

Like what has been said here, the responsibility lie with the citizens of the Philippines. Dont wait for Greenpeace or a foreign institution to come over and clean up your mess.

Do you honestly think I will stay online 24 hours to rebutt everything you say. You're not only in denial with the whole situation but hilarious as well.:)

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

Speculative thought or logic was a required course in college.

Your statement is Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for nature..

Gen1 is a Filipino. Gen1 segregates and recycles his trash, uses recycled paper for office work, does not indiscriminately dispose of garbage. Gen1 therefore has respect for nature.

Therefore the statement Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for nature is FALSE.

Absent ka siguro nang ituro yan sa iskul :lol:

And you, with your generalized hate of all local filipinos, are the funny one, Mr. John Y. Life. :nuts:

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 05:38 AM

Agree, but referring to what I've posted it's almost common to all Philippine cities...

We need tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and open spaces...

At least, you're not in denial! You know the problems besetting Philippine cities and towns. I agree with what you have mentioned but the most important thing lacking is discipline. Poverty and hardship in life is not a permit and most definitely should not be used as an excuse for anyone from following and respecting rule of law.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

crappypants

January 1st, 2008, 05:40 AM

Well we can compare ourcities to Haitian or Indian cities and we can say our cities are relatively clean. Consuelo de bobo na lang pairalin natin.

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 05:45 AM

Speculative thought or logic was a required course in college.

Your statement is Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for nature..

Gen1 is a Filipino. Gen1 segregates and recycles his trash, uses recycled paper for office work, does not indiscriminately dispose of garbage. Gen1 therefore has respect for nature.

Therefore the statement Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for nature is FALSE.

Absent ka siguro nang ituro yan sa iskul :lol:

And you, with your generalized hate of all local filipinos, are the funny one, Mr. John Y. Life. :nuts:

Just to end this discussion, Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for its environment. Now if you got offended because I said so then its not my fault. Just because you segregate thrash and recycle thrash does not necessarily equate to other Filipinos doing the same thing and having repect for their environment. The state of Philippine cities and towns says it all!!

Just because you mentioned here you segregate thrash does not necessarily mean it is the truth and that I should believe you.
Bottom line, Philippine cities and towns are dirty and polluted and foreign visitors have taken noticed. Like it or not, it is the truth.:)

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 05:50 AM

Well we can compare ourcities to Haitian or Indian cities and we can say our cities are relatively clean. Consuelo de bobo na lang pairalin natin.

I would rather have the cities in the Philippines be compared to cleaner cities in the world than the other way around. Yon lang!!

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 05:53 AM

Happy New Year everyone!! May things turn out for the better in the Philippines!

Tschau!!

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

dinabaw

January 1st, 2008, 06:04 AM

Any big city will have it's own unique set of problems.

I remember as a young adult walking on mission street in touristy san francisco with my then GFs dad an aggresive homeless person started bodily pushing my GF's dad around because he wouldn't give the homeless person spare change.

Pucha this homeless person was a really big guy and as a first timer in san fo I was too chickenshit to intervene.

I have never experienced this in any city in the philippines, then and now.

If I were act like a yokel I would say, "YOU SAN FRANCISCANS SHOULD CLEAN UP YOUR ACT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT RIDDING YOUR CITY OF THESE HORRIBLE HOMELESS PERSONS" :) (hindi naman ako ngas-u kaya hindi ko gagamitin ang mga katagang yaon :lol: )

Pero I understand that even these homeless persons have their rights and cannot just be rounded up and sent to the looney bin. They need to agree to be helped.

kaya mula noon kapag may humarang na homeless sa akin, alok kaagad ako ng marlboro :lol:

slow death ika nga hehehe

dinabaw

January 1st, 2008, 06:05 AM

Well we can compare ourcities to Haitian or Indian cities and we can say our cities are relatively clean. Consuelo de bobo na lang pairalin natin.

agree i will never live in Calcutta! :lol:

gen1

January 1st, 2008, 06:06 AM

I have no issues against criticism against pinoyland. critical views are natural agents for change.

What I take offense at is when someone generalizes and points an accusing finger at ALL PINOYS.

This belittles what we as people have achieved, one excruciatingly small step at a time.

It belittles my friends who have turned away from a life of privilege and opted for an alternative lifestyle to better serve their countrymen.

garzland

January 1st, 2008, 07:12 AM

agree i will never live in Calcutta! :lol:

So do I... But for best results, we have to compare our cities to those better ones so that we can achieve what they have achieved.

So, for us to attract more tourists we have to have those things first....Put things in order. That's why I salute Bayani Fernando for having the will in cleaning up the mess of Metro Manila. We have to build more parks and make sidewalks cleaner and uniform, too....

crappypants

January 1st, 2008, 10:42 AM

I would rather have the cities in the Philippines be compared to cleaner cities in the world than the other way around. Yon lang!!

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

yes that was the whole point.

crappypants

January 1st, 2008, 10:44 AM

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 11:53 AM

The bottom line the ones residing in the Philippines should take responsibility for their actions. In other words you people, you Filipinos in the Philippines. No need to spin it around and there is even no need to compare cities and towns in the Philippines to other cities even less organized for it will only breed even more careless Filipinos. Lesser of two evils is still evil.

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 11:58 AM

So do I... But for best results, we have to compare our cities to those better ones so that we can achieve what they have achieved.

Most definitely!

jbkayaker12

January 1st, 2008, 12:03 PM

yes that was the whole point.

Well we can compare ourcities to Haitian or Indian cities and we can say our cities are relatively clean. Consuelo de bobo na lang pairalin natin.

The point you were trying to make on your post was more in the context of the Philippines being better off because somewhere in the world there are even worse places to live. This is a wrong way of thinking! In other words it is like you saying the squalor that we see in Philippine cities and towns are ok because there are other cities in the world that are worse off. Mali!!

gen1

January 1st, 2008, 12:39 PM

Unfortunately do not take it against the visitors noticing the squalor in Philippine cities and not only in Metro Manila. Take it as constructive criticisms, these foreign visitors did not create these mess but the Filipinos themselves. Visitors come in to see what the Philippines has to offer but sadly the Philippines has a noticeably bad side to show. If you don't want visitors to see dirty Philippines then I suggest you people clean up your acts, from the politicians and their constituents.

JB Photography (http://www.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker)

Just to end this discussion, Filipinos in the Philippines lack the respect for its environment. Now if you got offended because I said so then its not my fault. Just because you segregate thrash and recycle thrash does not necessarily equate to other Filipinos doing the same thing and having repect for their environment. The state of Philippine cities and towns says it all!!

Just because you mentioned here you segregate thrash does not necessarily mean it is the truth and that I should believe you.
Bottom line, Philippine cities and towns are dirty and polluted and foreign visitors have taken noticed. Like it or not, it is the truth.:)

The bottom line the ones residing in the Philippines should take responsibility for their actions. In other words you people, you Filipinos in the Philippines. No need to spin it around and there is even no need to compare cities and towns in the Philippines to other cities even less organized for it will only breed even more careless Filipinos. Lesser of two evils is still evil.

Ang kuleeeet ! ! ! May issues talaga sa lahat ng local na pinoy :ohno:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=458529

3. Expression of hate. We do not tolerate hateful messages. This includes things such as racism, sexism, xenophobia, religious bashing, open support of terrorism, homophobia, ultra nationalism or provincialism. If you generally have a problem with an entire group of people because of their nationality, religion, race or sexuality, that is your problem. Don't make it ours too. This rule is especially applicable to forumers who hijack or troll a thread/local forum, basically just to bash the topic or participants of the thread/local forum. This also applies to forumers who persistently engage in posting news articles with an agenda as identified by the SSC staff.