Travel and Tourism Industry - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 15

manila_eye

November 27th, 2008, 11:48 AM

Filipino businessmen engaged in tourism industry are eyeing a piece of land here in Coron as they considered this island town as the “Next Big Thing” in the country’s tourism. More Filipino investors are putting up their investments, building island resorts in Coron, board member and Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) Palawan Chapter president Jim Gerald Pe told PNA.

Pe, a native of Coron, said some businessmen already acquired tropical islands, beach front properties, residential lots and other real estate properties in preparation to the rosy development of tourism in this island town.

He said one of them is Salvador Zamora who partnered with the Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (Banyan Tree) who is pushing its $ 70-million island resort project in Dinaran Island here.

Banyan Tree Holdings and Global and regional hotel chains as industry leaders Accor are also rushing to open hotels and resort in northern Palawan. The 55-hectare uninhabited Dinaran island is surrounded by stretches of white-sand beach which is just 15 minutes away by speedboat from the town proper.

The other businessman is William Gatchalian, who owns Waterfront Properties Inc. He plans to invest P5 billion to develop an island here into a resort, gaming and residential V complex.

The island, Uson, is one of the cluster of islands in the northern tip of the province. The 1,200-hectare island will be Gatchalian’s first venture into resort development and it is part of Waterfront’s plan to have 20 hotels in two years from its current portfolio of eight hotels and casinos. Gatchalian said initially, P2 billion will be spent for Uson to build three first-class hotels with 300 rooms each on one-half of the island.
Cathedral Cave, Coron

The other investor is Esteban Tajanlangit, owner of luxury ship M/V 7107 Island Cruise, already acquired the island of Ditaytayan, Malcapuya, Demanglet and other islands. The cruise ship docked here last Aug. 27, but since then, has not sailed because pending problem with the Bureau of Customs.

Pe described Tajanlangit as “tourism locator”, because he promotes the development of “tourism triangle” that include Calamianes Group of Islands, Puerto Galera and Boracay.

He added the property value of an island has increased compared to previous years. Pe said two to three years ago, it was only P250 per square meter, but now, it cost more than one thousand pesos per square meter. Price of commercial property in the Calamianes is dependent on size, terrain, distance to mainland, quality of beach, he added. “Coron is God’s country”, Pe said, referring to the description made by veteran journalist Antonio Lopez.

IslandSon.PH

November 27th, 2008, 12:02 PM

Costa cruiseliner ships to increase stopovers in Manila port by 2009
Written by VG Cabuag / Reporter
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 19:04

ITALIAN cruise operator Costa Crociere will increase the frequency of its vessel stops in Manila next year, despite the shortcomings of local port facilities and a perceived slowdown in the global economy.

Costa is currently the only international cruise line that makes stops in Manila.

It plans to deploy another vessel next year. The plan could boost Costa’s twice-a-month frequency in the Philippines.

Travel People Inc., a wholly owned unit of the Magsaysay group, markets costa tours in the Philippines.

Doriana Orro, guest relations manager of Travel People, said the cruise liner would launch the cruise ship Costa Classica as part of the tour that will dock in Manila not later than November 2009. The ship has 654 cabins.

The Costa Classica will boost the stops twice a week of the Costa Allegre in Manila.

The 19-year-old vessel, which has 399 cabins, docks at the Manila South Harbor, which at the moment does not have the proper facility to take cruise ships.

Manila is not a normal destination of cruise liners, and South Harbor has no terminal to accommodate disembarking passengers.

The Eva Macapagal Super Terminal is for the exclusive use of SuperFerry vessels.

Orro said Asians usually buy into tour cruises of five to six days. “Filipino cruise passengers number only a few. They are also thrift spenders.”

Travel People is promoting tour cruises in Asian markets, including the Philippines’. Most people think a tour cruise is expensive “but it is not,” she said.

Costa is one of the largest companies in the business in Europe, with a fleet of 12 of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the continent.

Apart from the Costa Classica, the company plans to deploy the Costa Pacifica to grow its existing fleet. By March 2010, the 92,700-ton ship will enter into service. By then the Costa fleet will consist of 15 ships that can accommodate 30,800 guests in double-occupancy cabins.

From 2011 to 2012, new Concordia class ships with 114,500 gross tonnage built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yards will enter into service.

Costa’s fleet is expected to reach 17 ships that can accommodate about 36,800 guests. In 2012 its total investment is expected to reach $5.5 billion.

Costa teamed up with the Magsaysay Group, the country’s top maritime manning firm, in an effort to expand its culinary and hospitality-training center. It intends to deploy thousands of Filipino skilled workers a year.

That means Magsaysay would have to churn out 1,600 culinary and hospitality workers per year to support Costa’s expansion over the next five years. About 40 percent of Costa’s crew would come from the Philippines.

“We have to do it. And I think we can do it, we just have to be organized,” Doris Magsaysay-Ho, the company’s president, said in a recent interview.

Magsaysay has been in partnership with the Italian firm for the last 10 years.

IslandSon.PH

November 27th, 2008, 12:13 PM

RP bids to become health tourism hub in the world

By TRINA A. LAGURA, abs-cbnNEWS.com
A Canadian tourist flew to the Philippines by herself to try one of its much-touted diving sites in the province. It was her first time in the country and she knew no one. It was supposed to be a fun vacation but she ended up in a hospital to undergo surgery for appendicitis.

Thousands of miles away from Canada, the tourist nonetheless felt like she was home. She found herself being taken care of by the hospital staff as if she were a member of their family.

“The hospital, the nurses, not only took care of her medical needs but her emotional needs [as well]. That is so important,” said Cynthia Carrion, undersecretary for sports and wellness of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The tourist, Carrion believed, would have not gotten the same kind of service anywhere else.

According to Carrion, this case showed that Philippine health service does not only emphasize on quality but, more importantly, on providing service with a “heart.”

Carrion said that, among other factors, this kind of service is the edge of Philippine health care compared to other countries.

The government’s bid to make the country a destination of choice for medical tourists is also anchored on this, with the DOT’s campaign boasting that the Philippines is the “heart of Asia.”

Health tourism

The Philippines is positioning itself to become the preferred health and wellness destination in the world.

Apparently, this is so because health tourism is becoming the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry worldwide, with its market value projecting to surge to $60 billion by 2012.

The main drivers of medical tourism are those from the US, United Kingdom and other member states of the European Union who seek adequate medical treatment abroad at competitive prices.

Medical tourists are those who usually cannot afford to seek health services in their own countries due to costs.

In the United States alone, figures show that there are over 50 million Americans who do not have health insurance and cannot afford treatment there.

At the same time, these medical tourists, along with their families, spend their vacation in the country where they are seeking medical help.

In the Philippines, health tourism has generated $350 million in revenue from 2006. The Department of Health is targeting to increase this to $1 billion by 2012.

Destination of choice

The Philippines is the host country for the 2009 World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC) to be held from March 26 to 28 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The 2009 WHTC in the Philippines is the fourth since its initial staging in Germany in 2006. After Germany, Cyprus hosted the second WHTC in March 2007 followed by Spain less than a month later.

The event will boost the country’s campaign to become the world’s health tourism hub. The DOT said the event will bring in leading health and wellness tourism players from all over the world.

According to event organizer Aura International, next year’s WHTC will focus on four major categories. These are medical treatment, sports medicine, wellness treatment and cosmetic surgery.

Aura International’s Hadi Malaeb said the event will give the Philippines a chance to showcase its services to big and new markets.

Two hundred corporate buyers from various countries, particularly from Arab nations, North America and Western Europe, are expected to attend the event, Malaeb said.

The corporate buyers include foreign health officials, insurance companies, third-party medical agents and outbound tour operators looking for health and wellness destinations for their clients.

Carrion echoed that WHTC is “a great opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its ‘centers of excellence.’”

“[It will also give the Philippines a chance to show] the quality of [its] healthcare and the country’s close attention to patient safety, the capabilities of our caring, compassionate and culture-sensitive healthcare professionals that reinforce the Philippines as the ‘heart of Asia,’” she said.

IslandSon.PH

November 27th, 2008, 12:17 PM

RP tourism reels from global crisis
By Mayen Jaymalin Updated November 27, 2008 12:00 AM

The local tourism industry is now reeling from the global economic meltdown.

Alejandra Clemente, president of the Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines (FTIP) said fewer foreign tourists are coming to the country as a result of the financial crunch.

“There were no booking cancellations, but we are only getting very few bookings at this time. The industry has really been affected by the economic crisis,” Clemente told The STAR.

Clemente noted that the number of foreign tourists, particularly those coming from the country’s top market-Japan and South Korea- has sharply declined over the the past months.

“Since early this year, the industry already recorded a 35 percent dropped in arrivals from Japan and the number is still going down,” Clemente added.

According to Clemente, Japanese tourists are shying away from the Philippines because of the very high hotel rates here compared to neighboring Asian countries.

“A room in five star-hotels in the country cost about $250 which is more than double the $100 rate of hotel rooms in Macau,” Clemente said.

The restriction in hiring of foreign entertainers in Japan, Clemente said, has also contributed to the slowdown in the number of Japanese visitors to the country.

“There are so much constraints in getting the Japanese market, but, of course, the major reason is the economic meltdown. Japan is in recession right now,” Clemente explained.

She said fewer overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and “balikbayans” are returning home. “Traveling is very expensive, so many of our OFWs and balikbayans are hesistant to return home,” she disclosed.

But Clemente said the situation can be reversed if both houses of Congress and President Arroyo immediately pass into law the proposed Tourism Act.

Clemente said the proposed measure would promote the construction of additional hotel and other tourism-related establishments in the country. “With more hotel rooms, the rate would be lower and thus more foreign tourists will be coming here,” she stressed.

Clemente said the tourism industry is also pushing for the ratification of the ASEAN open skies agreement to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the country.

Despite the reported drop in the number of OFWs returning home to spend the holiday season in the country, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has opted to continue their operations during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

POEA chief Jennifer Manalili said the POEA will be open on Dec. 26 and 29 and on Jan. 2 to accommodate the thousands of OFWs who are going back to their jobs abroad after the holidays.

Manalili said OFWs are required to secure an overseas employment certificate and multiple travel exit clearance(TEC) from the POEA before departure.

POEA issues an average of 50,000 TECs during the months of December and January because many OFWs spend Christmas with their families here.

shyaman

November 27th, 2008, 01:40 PM

Animo

November 27th, 2008, 09:19 PM

By TRINA A. LAGURA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/27/2008 11:37 AM (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/26/08/rp-bids-become-health-tourism-hub-world)

A Canadian tourist flew to the Philippines by herself to try one of its much-touted diving sites in the province. It was her first time in the country and she knew no one. It was supposed to be a fun vacation but she ended up in a hospital to undergo surgery for appendicitis.

Thousands of miles away from Canada, the tourist nonetheless felt like she was home. She found herself being taken care of by the hospital staff as if she were a member of their family.

“The hospital, the nurses, not only took care of her medical needs but her emotional needs [as well]. That is so important,” said Cynthia Carrion, undersecretary for sports and wellness of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The tourist, Carrion believed, would have not gotten the same kind of service anywhere else.

According to Carrion, this case showed that Philippine health service does not only emphasize on quality but, more importantly, on providing service with a “heart.”

Carrion said that, among other factors, this kind of service is the edge of Philippine health care compared to other countries.

The government’s bid to make the country a destination of choice for medical tourists is also anchored on this, with the DOT’s campaign boasting that the Philippines is the “heart of Asia.”

Health tourism

The Philippines is positioning itself to become the preferred health and wellness destination in the world.

Apparently, this is so because health tourism is becoming the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry worldwide, with its market value projecting to surge to $60 billion by 2012.

The main drivers of medical tourism are those from the US, United Kingdom and other member states of the European Union who seek adequate medical treatment abroad at competitive prices.

Medical tourists are those who usually cannot afford to seek health services in their own countries due to costs.

In the United States alone, figures show that there are over 50 million Americans who do not have health insurance and cannot afford treatment there.

At the same time, these medical tourists, along with their families, spend their vacation in the country where they are seeking medical help.

In the Philippines, health tourism has generated $350 million in revenue from 2006. The Department of Health is targeting to increase this to $1 billion by 2012.

Destination of choice

The Philippines is the host country for the 2009 World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC) to be held from March 26 to 28 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The 2009 WHTC in the Philippines is the fourth since its initial staging in Germany in 2006. After Germany, Cyprus hosted the second WHTC in March 2007 followed by Spain less than a month later.

The event will boost the country’s campaign to become the world’s health tourism hub. The DOT said the event will bring in leading health and wellness tourism players from all over the world.

According to event organizer Aura International, next year’s WHTC will focus on four major categories. These are medical treatment, sports medicine, wellness treatment and cosmetic surgery.

Aura International’s Hadi Malaeb said the event will give the Philippines a chance to showcase its services to big and new markets.

Two hundred corporate buyers from various countries, particularly from Arab nations, North America and Western Europe, are expected to attend the event, Malaeb said.

The corporate buyers include foreign health officials, insurance companies, third-party medical agents and outbound tour operators looking for health and wellness destinations for their clients.

Carrion echoed that WHTC is “a great opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its ‘centers of excellence.’”

“[It will also give the Philippines a chance to show] the quality of [its] healthcare and the country’s close attention to patient safety, the capabilities of our caring, compassionate and culture-sensitive healthcare professionals that reinforce the Philippines as the ‘heart of Asia,’” she said.

RonnieR

November 28th, 2008, 05:27 AM

Tourist arrivals hit all-time high of 2.6M in Jan-Oct :banana:
By Mayen Jaymalin Updated November 28, 2008 12:00 AM

Foreign tourists continue to flock to the country despite the global financial crisis, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said yesterday.

The DOT said tourist arrivals reached an all-time high of 2,607,118 in the first 10 months of the year.

The figure was four percent higher compared to the number of international arrivals during the same period last year, the DOT added.

Tourism officials attributed the steady growth in number of foreign tourists to new markets in Russia and India, which posted a 36.7 and 15.36 percent growth.

“These new segments augmented the slowdown of growth rates from traditional source markets such as Japan and Korea which have been affected by the financial crisis in the United States,” the DOT said in a statement.

The DOT said tourist arrivals from ASEAN countries rose by 8.64 percent or 211,120, with tourists from Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand posting 32.07, 10.85 and 10.28 percent growth.

The Scandinavian market of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark also registered a significant 12.98 percent growth over previous year’s volume of 30,091, the DOT added.

This market has continued to surpass record growth rates registered by traditional sources, the DOT said.

Tourists from France went up by 20.94 percent and the United Kingdom by 13.99 percent during the 10-month period following the DOT’s launching and promotion of diving, bird watching and adventure programs in these markets.

The number of visitors from the United Arab Emirates went up by 32.07 percent, with the maiden participation of the DOT in two major international travel fairs, namely the Arabian Travel Mart and Health Care Travel Exhibition in Dubai.

Tourists from the United States also grew slightly by 0.56 percent, DOT said.

However, Alejandra Clemente, Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines president, said fewer foreign tourists are coming to the country as a result of the financial crunch.

Foreign tourists, particularly those from the country’s top market of Japan and South Korea have sharply went down for the past months, she added.

Jake_noypi

November 28th, 2008, 09:23 AM

^^ it will never happen to us, I hope. Just imagine the kababayans which is going home in december it's part of the Filipino culture to be with the family in Christmas.

We'll see the results by the end of december..:) Mostly is that the peso value is declining against the dollar.

diz

November 29th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Oh but some of em are in the government already.

Animo

November 29th, 2008, 08:45 PM

John Borthwick (http://www.theage.com.au/travel/unsung-adventures-of-the-far-north-20081113-628l.html?page=-1)

Off the Philippines' beaten track is a place of jubilant fiestas and glorious beaches, John Borthwick writes.

'I HAVE the highest-placed job in the country - but with the lowest pay," quipped Ruben Labuguen, the keeper of the ornate old Spanish lighthouse whose seemingly endless spiral staircase I was climbing.

It was clear that this tower, built in 1892 on Cape Bojeador near the north-west tip of the Philippines' main island of Luzon, had survived a hundred rounds or more with typhoons. Likewise, its unique wall plaster (made of egg white, ground coral and cane juice) was peeling noticeably, but its light still probed across the South China Sea.

Ruben led me up the lofty spiral to the top of his tower, 108 metres above sea level, where I found a powerful modern solar-electric lamp.

As we looked down on the Ilocos Norte coastline and out to the ocean beyond, I could almost see the flimsy Spanish caravels that, for centuries, sailed here from Europe via Mexico. Instead I spotted today's giant container ships heading south to Manila, still guided by the old tower's light.

Later, as we descended, I heard Ruben's ongoing, tongue-in-cheek lament drifting down from the heights: "Instead of danger money, up here I should get loneliness money!"

He explained that he was due to soon retire, already being in his mid-60s. "The department of tourism should keep him on, at double the salary - he's a tourist attraction in himself," my travelling companion commented. Ruben has recently retired, but exploring this historic lighthouse, not to mention meeting such characters, is just one of the unsung adventures of the Philippines' "far north", the prosperous provinces of Ilocos Norte and Sur.

Farther up the Ilocos Norte coast is Pagudpud Beach, a two-kilometre arc of blindingly pure sand that separates the turquoise waters of the South China Sea from a palm-fringed shore. It looks like a pristine version of that other famous, though now overbuilt Philippine strand, White Beach on Boracay Island. I scan the beach and note that Pagudpud's "crowd" today consists of two strollers, one dog, three fishermen and one swimmer. I make a mental note: beat the world's dreamers and resort schemers - get to Pagudpud now.

Laoag City, capital of Ilocos Norte, is alive with a fiesta on the day I arrive. A jubilant parade of marching bands passes hefty churches built by the Spanish during their occupation between 1572 and 1899, plus less elaborate structures from the American era (1900 to 1942). The adjacent Ilocos coast remains peppered with Spanish-era cathedrals built in "earthquake baroque" style - massive, squat structures with buttresses up to three metres wide.

A striking feature of most Ilocano churches is the huge stone belfry that sits apart from the main building - so that, should it tumble in an earthquake, the tower would not crush the main church. In mid-town Laoag, I find an example, these days known as the Sinking Bell Tower. It not only tilts, Pisa-like, but since 1580 has been subsiding into the ground by several centimetres each year.

"How is it that all the roads are so good?" I ask my guide, Maria. "This was the home province of President Ferdinand Marcos," she answers. "He made sure his local people always had good roads."

One of the great treats of the Philippines is its food, especially the snacks unique to each region. At Batac town, Maria takes me to a covered stall area where the tables are crowded with students and office workers; they're wolfing down the local speciality, scrumptious fried empanadas filled with bean sprouts and sausage. Batac was the family seat of Ferdinand Marcos who died in exile in 1989. Around the corner from the empanada stalls is his mausoleum. Here I find the disgraced, embalmed ex-Prez lying in a glass coffin like a leftover Lenin, a discounted Mao. I make a second mental note: next time, skip the mummy - another empanada with the locals is more fun.

In the beautiful city of Vigan, about 90 minutes drive south of Laoag, I find pony-drawn calesa carriages clattering along cobble-stoned streets that are overseen by shuttered windows and iron lace balconies. In 1999 UNESCO added Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur province, to its World Heritage listing, lauding it as "the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia". Take a walk here and history strolls with you, especially along Mena Crisologo Street and across Plaza Salcedo, named for the Spaniard who founded Vigan in 1572.

Facing the broad plaza is the imposing St Paul's Cathedral, built by Augustinian friars in 1541, while beside it stands the rambling Archbishop's Palace built in 1783, the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. The excellent repair of these venerable buildings can be attributed to a fast food, for Plaza Salcedo has gone from friars to fryers, so to speak. McDonald's and other franchises, built on church-owned land and housed in pseudo-colonial architecture, now face the historic holy buildings across the square. These food outlets have replaced a historic seminary building that burned down in 1968, with their rents nourishing the church's coffers quite nicely, thank you.

Parts of Vigan look like an 18th century Spanish town, with some 180 ancestral stone houses still standing in its historic Mestizo District. Many of the houses were built by Chinese taipans who made their fortunes from indigo dye, fabrics, gold, tobacco and other exports.

The best of the massive brick houses still boast red-tiled roofs, grand doorways, fine staircases, narra wood floors and sliding capiz windows, all reflecting the craftsmanship of early Filipino artisans who had to develop an architectural style that could survive this earthquake-prone region. A number of homes have been turned into inns, museums and souvenir shops, and yet royal Vigan remains refreshingly "under-discovered" by international tourists.

At the baronial Syquia Mansion, I meet Eddie Quirino, grandson of late 1940s to early 1950s Philippine president Elpidio Quirino. He invites me in to explore his family home, now a museum. The walls are hung with pictures of his grandfather in the company of his presidential contemporaries like Truman, Franco, Sukarno and Peron. "He almost went to Argentina in Peron's time," says the flamboyant Eddie, adding, "And he could tango - if only he'd gone there, he could have tangoed with Evita!"

I sip a coffee in cobbled Plaza Burgos and consider the echoes of Vigan history that surround me - earthquakes, assassinations, piety and liberation. The plaza itself is named in honour of Jose Burgos, a Filipino priest garrotted by the Spanish for espousing minor church reforms. That there is even a square to sit in is fortuitous. In the final days of the Pacific War, beautiful Vigan miraculously escaped being razed by the retreating Japanese and bombarded by the advancing Americans.

History here is not without its humorous twist. A Filipino friend, Danny, explains to me how the Spaniards allocated three common surnames to local people. "If your father was one of the king's soldiers, you might be given the family name of De Los Reyes - literally, 'of the kings'. Illiterate people were often named De La Cruz - 'of the cross' - because you just signed your name with a cross. But if your name was De Los Santos - 'of the saints'- that meant your sire was probably a friar. So much for priestly celibacy."

TRIP NOTES

* Philippine Airlines flies to Manila from Sydney, with connections to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Phone 1300 888 725.

* Fort Ilocandia Hotel, Laoag, phone +63 77 722 1166, or see http://www.fortilocandia.com.ph.

Vigan Hotel, Vigan, phone +63 77 722 2588 or +63 77 722 1906.

* June and July is "steam bath" weather. November to May is drier and less humid.

* Australians do not require a visa if visiting for fewer than 21 days.

* For further information, see http://www.vigancity .gov.ph and wowphilippines.com.ph or contact Philippines Tourism on (02) 9283 0711.

TIPS

* Don't miss the World Heritage-listed 1702 Santa Maria cathedral at Paoay, near Laoag, and the similarly impressive Sarrat Church and bell tower, also in Ilocos Norte province.

* In Vigan, visit Padre Burgos National Museum that houses ethnological and historical exhibits such as weapons, kitchen utensils, basketry, period jewellery and costumes.

* Shop for traditional crafts, especially pottery (burnay) and handloom weaving (inabel) in the shops lining Crisologo Street.

The writer travelled courtesy of Philippine Airlines and the Philippines Department of Tourism.

manila_eye

December 2nd, 2008, 05:05 PM

I have travelled abroad but this coming holidays I would love to see Philippines more. Last years I went to Sagada and Cebu but this time I'm planning to travel to Batanes or Siargao. I hate Boracay!

Jake_noypi

December 3rd, 2008, 02:04 AM

Locally I've been to Ilocos, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Mindoro but not yet to the area of Mindanao still scared..:lol:

But I think it's time to go now to other country maybe I'll go to Singapore by the end of this year, I've heard that the ressecion there is like a judgement day...

benchjade

December 3rd, 2008, 02:27 AM

Philippine booth at Odaiba, Tokyo.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h209/jadebench/ETC/DSC01945.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h209/jadebench/ETC/DSC01943.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h209/jadebench/ETC/DSC01944.jpg

taken Nov. 23, 2008

orion.phiaos

December 3rd, 2008, 06:08 AM

^^^^
that is good! but why is it nobody is going to take a look at the stalls?

kiretoce

December 3rd, 2008, 06:21 AM

^^ Probably because travel isn't really up there on the to-do list of people these days because of the downturn in the global economy.

benchjade

December 3rd, 2008, 07:53 AM

^^^^
that is good! but why is it nobody is going to take a look at the stalls?

nung nagbigay sila ng free bags, dumami yung tao hehehe!

adverg

December 3rd, 2008, 08:11 AM

After 911, no more safe place in the world, if you are too scared of all this, you're life wouldn't move on. Anywhere in the world, there is danger and safe place, but if it is really your turn, even you are inside your room, it is your turn.

davaob4now

December 4th, 2008, 05:18 AM

Jake_noypi

December 4th, 2008, 08:40 AM

After 911, no more safe place in the world, if you are too scared of all this, you're life wouldn't move on.

Perpekto!:cheers:

leechtat

December 4th, 2008, 11:04 AM

may mga nabura ata...

RonnieR

December 4th, 2008, 11:11 AM

^^:):)

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 4th, 2008, 01:23 PM

^^

siempre. magreply na sana ako then biglang close thread na! he he he :laugh:

le Reine

December 4th, 2008, 01:29 PM

may mga nabura ata...

^^:):)Yes. It is to avoid having CvC from other countries. :)

orion.phiaos

December 4th, 2008, 05:04 PM

^^^^^
is it my post?

le Reine

December 4th, 2008, 05:12 PM

^^I didn't erase the posts. I just know the reason why posts here were deleted.

FlashCollider

December 4th, 2008, 09:40 PM

^^
It's good that they deleted it, that is a childish argument to begin with.

-TC-

December 6th, 2008, 05:53 PM

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081206-176507/Wow-Philippines-revived-for-Christmas

‘Wow Philippines’ revived for Christmas
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12/06/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- How do Filipinos celebrate Christmas? Let us count the ways.

In Manila, radio stations bust out the Christmas songbook even before December arrives. The Christmas tree and the lights are up by November and by December, Manila is ablaze with Tivoli lights and festive neon signs.

In Pampanga, there’s the giant Christmas lantern festival that towns compete for. There’s the Belen or nativity scene showcase in Bicol, the dawn Masses nationwide, the parades, and the native delicacies and spreads that Filipinos look forward to every year.

For Filipinos and tourists, there’s no need to travel to the provinces to witness and taste the Philippine holiday celebrations as the Department of Tourism has revived "Wow Philippines" precisely to give local and foreign tourists a glimpse of how Christmas is celebrated throughout the country.

Romulo Delos Reyes, Department of Tourism director for special projects, said the Christmas-themed festivities in Intramuros will be an opportunity to highlight the best of Filipino culture, food, music, and wares. After all, nobody comes close to Filipinos when it comes to celebrating Christmas, he said.

“Every weekend, there will be a festival related to Christmas. We will have the ‘Pastores a Belen’ show, which is from Bicol. On the last weekend, we will bring the giant Christmas lanterns of Pampanga,” delos Reyes said in an interview.

He also noted that the Christmas exhibition in "Wow Philippines" is aimed at injecting a sense of Filipino pride to the holidays.

“It’s really about bringing back people to Intramuros and developing a sense of pride in being Filipino,” delos Reyes said.

Senator Richard Gordon, former tourism secretary, said the Christmas festival in Intramuros should spur domestic tourism.

He urged families to bring their children to the Walled City this holiday season instead of the malls, where they have to spend money to enjoy the attractions. “It’s cheaper here and it’s educational,” he said.

Aside from the festivals, there will also be pop concerts, zarzuelas, and plays at the small stage on Anda St., he said. The tourism department also set up bazaars inside the "Wow Philippines" tent to showcase regional products under the Department of Trade’s "One Town, One Product" project.

Tourists who want to sample native Filipino foods and rice cakes can have their fill at the food stalls located in the compound.

Bambi Harper, head of the Intramuros Administration, said there will also be an exhibit of the nativity scenes crafted by the late national artist Ramon Obusan sometime this month.

On Friday night, for instance, throngs of tourists were treated to exhibits showing model houses and musical styles from the Mayoyao and Kalinga tribes. There was also a Hispanic “bachelor pad” complete with reproduction furniture and photographs.

All model houses were complete with “residents” in full costume who danced and played native musical instruments.

The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group also graced the Friday night festivities with its thanksgiving dances and rituals at the Bahay Tagalog, Torogan, Kalinga Village. The UP Singing Ambassadors also performed Christmas songs.

There was also a parade of period inspired floats depicting historical themes. The parade, called Pinoy, Pinas, will be held on Fridays to Sundays at 6:30 p.m. The Saturday parade will be capped by a grand fireworks display.

The tourism department hopes that the renewed interest in "Wow Philippines" will continue even after Christmas. Delos Reyes said they plan to continue holding regional festivals next year.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said the revival of "Wow Philippines," which stopped four years ago due to stiff competition from the Baywalk area and lackluster development, should encourage the public to return to the Walled City.

"Intramuros will be a one-stop venue where domestic and foreign tourists can experience the best of our 7,107 islands -- our destinations," he said.

orion.phiaos

December 7th, 2008, 12:20 PM

the link is http://www.bworldonline.com/BW120608/content.php?id=053

Tourism dep’t upbeat on Japanese visitors

The Tourism department is upbeat on attracting more East Asian visitors, citing Japanese interest in agri-tourism and a recently concluded travel fair in Taiwan.

In a statement yesterday, the Tourism department (DoT) said a niche market of health-conscious Japanese are looking to experience agri-tourism, particularly on organic vegetable farms and their produce.

"Agriculture has been the traditional backbone of the economy, and there is synergy with tourism. The Philippines can also be known for agri-tourism, since here in our country is a whole selection of quality organic products" Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano said in the statement.

There are 35,000 organic farms on 14,140 hectares of land nationwide, DoT said.

"The increasing popularity of the healthy lifestyle in Japan will definitely attract the specialized market segment of vegetable and fruit [enthusiasts] to the Philippines," Mr. Durano said.

Meanwhile, the recent promotion of Boracay and Palawan beaches at the Taipei International Travel Fair is expected to increase the number of Taiwanese tourist arrivals, DoT said.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Boracay Mandarin, Patio Pacific, Island Star Express, El Nido Resorts, Alegre Beach Resort and Spa, Tambuli Resort, Pier Uno Dive Resort, Waterfront Hotels and Gold Mines Travel & Tours had joined the exhibit under the Philippine banner.

"Tourist arrivals from Taiwan is expected to further increase due to the growing interest of the Taiwan outbound travel market in the country’s beach hideaways," the department said in a separate statement.

in_a_rush

December 9th, 2008, 04:46 PM

if they want to reach 5M tourists in 2010 dapat next year nasa 4-4.5 M ang tourists sa pinas. i doubt kung aabot ng 3.5 ang arrrivals ngayong 2008. 2months na lang ang hindi nabibilang e. o siguro biglang bulusok sa 5M sa 2010 since maraming hotels ang magbubukas sa taon na yun including Pagcor city.

metrosuburban

December 10th, 2008, 10:02 AM

^^ Is the pagcor commercial really being broadcast to CNN world viewers or patong lang sya to show only to philippine audience?..

davaob4now

December 10th, 2008, 10:05 AM

^^
parang wala atang tourism ad campaign ang pinas sa CNN...hopefully magkaroon sila or baka masyadong mahal...

malaysia, india, cambodia, korea, china, mayron ehhh...

Manila-X

December 10th, 2008, 06:02 PM

^^
parang wala atang tourism ad campaign ang pinas sa CNN...hopefully magkaroon sila or baka masyadong mahal...

malaysia, india, cambodia, korea, china, mayron ehhh...

If Cambodia can afford it so can The Philippines.

skyscraper100

December 10th, 2008, 06:08 PM

^^
parang wala atang tourism ad campaign ang pinas sa CNN...hopefully magkaroon sila or baka masyadong mahal...

malaysia, india, cambodia, korea, china, mayron ehhh...

we used to have a tourism TVC in CNN at the time of sen. Gordon.
i know sec. Ace Durano is doing a great job as well.

Askal82

December 10th, 2008, 09:52 PM

Manila-X

December 11th, 2008, 06:59 AM

kiretoce

December 11th, 2008, 06:59 AM

Obsession with Boracay reflects what’s lacking in tourism (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3150:obsession-with-boracay-reflects-whats-lacking-in-tourism&catid=47:properties)

Although the Philippines brands itself as a destination of more than 7,000 islands, tourism industry investors have until recently focused most of their energy on the tropical island paradise of Boracay.

Discovered by backpackers in the 1980s, the small island in the Western Visayas that boasts long stretches of spectacular white-sandy beaches has become the country’smost developed tourism location, attracting more than 60 percent of the country’s foreign leisure travelers. In 2007 it attracted more than 600,000 visitors, 8 percent more than in 2006.

In contrast to the rest of the country, Boracay, with a capacity of over 2,000 rooms, caters to both luxury and budget segment travellers, and is well served by local airlines.

However, there is now consensus among local tourism insiders that Boracay has reached its saturation point and may lose its paradise appeal if it tries to accommodate larger volumes of visitors.

“Boracay is not like Bali in Indonesia. It is quite a small island that cannot expand to accommodate large numbers of visitors,” a local tour operator told OBG. The focus of tourism authorities is now on diversifying the country’s hospitality product range in order to reach the declared target of 5 million visitors by 2010. Although efforts have been made to promote alternative destinations, Boracay nevertheless continues to dominate the Philippine tourism industry.

Only Cebu has arguably managed to compete with Boracay. Established as the new gateway to the Visayas, the island enjoys a strategic geographical location, offering both an international airport and an array of small virgin islands off its coast The island hosted nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2007, 19 percent more than in 2006. However, it is important to note that most of these were business travellers. Cebu’s product range is much more limited than Boracay’s, as it is focused primarily on the high-end segment epitomized by such lavish international accommodation as Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa. It has also marketed itself successfully as a new destination for convention, diving and heritage tourism.

The new wave of travelers to the Philippines is most likely to come from mid-range budget travelers, supported by aggressive expansion of low-cost airlines; rising incomes in Asian countries, such as China; and an increase in long-haul travelers from Scandinavia, Germany and, most recently, Russia.

Indeed, the Philippines has been experiencing high growth in travellers from all over the globe. Most significantly, visitors from China rose by 194 percent from 2006 to 2007, as well as by 34 percent for visitors from Europe and 28 percent from the US. Overall growth has remained in the high single digits throughout 2008.

Yet, this falls short of some 600,000 new arrivals the country needs to attract to stay on track for its 2010 arrival target.

The industry as a whole shares the common problem of a lack of transport connectivity and local infrastructure that can cater to new arrivals. In the absence of prerequisite infrastructure guarantees, investors hesitate to put their money in new tourism destinations.

The World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report released in 2008 ranked the Philippines 86th in the world behind its regional rivals Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, due to low marks for infrastructure and business environment. This is in spite of its ninth ranking in terms of price competitiveness and high potential in human resources for the hospitality sector.

While there is no lack of recognition that the country urgently needs to upgrade its infrastructure, opinion seems to diverge on which tourist areas should be prioritised. Big-ticket spending has so far been limited to expanding the capacity of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, expected to become the main gateway for the country as a whole. However, this will not necessarily improve access to regional islands, the primary destination for foreign travellers. A majority of regional airports that are key to tourism expansion are still unable to accept larger international aircrafts, thus constraining growth and further investment.

A case in point is Palawan, which in 2007 was rated the best island destination in Southeast Asia by National Geographic Traveler magazine. It has long been considered the hottest new alternative to Boracay, offering pristine tropical nature, unique World War II shipwreck dives and white sandy beaches.

Palawan’s attractiveness as a new tourism investment destination was confirmed by Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings, which announced earlier in 2008 that it will invest approximately $70 million in two new resorts in Palawan. A number of local investors who have succeeded in Boracay are also targeting Palawan as the next big destination in the Philippines.

However, Palawan’s most attractive location, Coron—which has some of the best scuba diving in the world and is the site of one of Banyan Tree’s new resorts—is still served only by a handful of small low-cost airlines that fly between Manila and Coron’s Busuanga airport.

Thanks to active investment interest and help from regional authorities, the airport has recently seen its basic infrastructure upgraded in order to accommodate larger aircrafts. Yet international connectivity will remain limited as long as the airport is unable to handle a larger volume of traffic. Seats on smaller aircrafts often sell out, and flight schedules are not necessarily convenient for international visitors coming through Manila.

Even the popular Boracay, which enjoys several daily flights and more convenient flight schedules, is limited to smaller aircraft, constraining its flow of visitors.

As one local tour operator told OBG, “The development of the Philippine tourism industry is currently driven not by demand, but by capacity. If you remove the transport and infrastructure bottlenecks, investors will come and visitors will come.”

In particular, the country needs to further the growth in regional tourism from countries such as China, Japan and South Korea, which accounted for around 50 percent of visitors in 2007.

The onus is therefore on central and regional authorities to upgrade the Philippines’ infrastructure so as to diversify its tourism sector. This is necessary if the country is to break into the fast lane of the growing regional tourism market.

JulZ

December 11th, 2008, 01:11 PM

I dunno if this is related but I think Pacquiao's victory could be a big boost to tourism. Haha, even my brother's English teacher won $800 that night and after knowing where he comes from, he becomes curious about Philippines. :lol:

gusto ko makita si pacquaio sa isang enggrandeng tourism ad..:banana: na nagiingles..:lol: go manny!

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 11th, 2008, 03:47 PM

And the adventure begins!

Markiiboi of Slemarken and a female companion.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure10.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure09.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure11.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure12.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure15.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/skyadventure/sky_adventure16.jpg

now this will be another added attraction in the Philippines! Cebu's very own Sky Experience Adventure which opened yesterday! :cheers::okay:

orion.phiaos

December 11th, 2008, 04:20 PM

^^
wow! how i wish i can try that. but i have this slight fear with heights.

in_a_rush

December 11th, 2008, 05:24 PM

gusto ko makita si pacquaio sa isang enggrandeng tourism ad..:banana: na nagiingles..:lol: go manny!

pero mas maganda kung makikita natin siyang makipag laban dito sa Pinas na malupit yung kalaban. Sana si Hatton o Mayweather. Sana sa Pagcor City. pero sana malakas pa siya kapag natayo na yun.

RonnieR

December 12th, 2008, 05:30 AM

now this will be another added attraction in the Philippines! Cebu's very own Sky Experience Adventure which opened yesterday! :cheers::okay:

Here's an article from Business World

Cebu hotel offers extreme rides to clients
12/12/2008 | 04:10 AM

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Crown Regency Hotel and Towers will try to lure foreign thrill seekers as it offers coaster rides and adventure walks atop its 40-story tower.

"Our company wanted to elevate the hospitality industry from the usual room accommodations and meeting venues, to a world class entertainment provider," said Richard King, chairman and chief executive officer of property developer J. King & Sons Co., Inc., which owns and operates the Crown Regency hotels under the Club Ultima network.

During its grand opening on Wednesday, Crown Regency officially launched its sky experience adventure attraction, which includes the Edge Coaster Ride, touted as the first of its kind in the world. The hotel will also launch in 2010 another extreme ride called the Insanity Orbit.

Hitesh Sampat, hotel general manager, said they would try to attract adventure tourists from other countries in the region.

"Our Asian neighbors will find our hotel attraction more convenient and accessible, and since we will market and promote it globally as a world landmark, it’s not impossible to entice tourists worldwide," he said.

Interactive Rides, Inc., one of the top amusement and extreme ride developer in the US, designed the Edge Coaster.

The coaster is built along the edge of the building on the 38th floor of the hotel tower. It takes two-passenger escape-proof coaster one to five minutes to go around the tower.

At the press briefing, Interactive Rides Vice-President Janos Lakatos assured the public the ride system was safe, adding that a similar ride they had built in Las Vegas have had zero accidents.

Even children can take the ride as long as they meet the minimum height requirement of 52 inches, he pointed out.

For those who don’t want to take the ride, the hotel has a walking escapade called the Sky Walk Extreme, where one walks on a narrow platform along the edge of the tower with a safety harness.

Executives of Linked International Management and Consultancy (LIMC), which operates Sky Walk Extreme, also said the system was safe. "In terms of fall safety, the same latest cutting edge technology being used in James Bond stunts is applied here so it’s extremely safe," LIMC Managing Director Danny Dy told reporters.

The Edge Coaster ride and Sky Walk Extreme are open to the public and initially cost P500 per ride/walk.

Mr. Sampat said they would finalize the prices soon, adding that they were still trying to determine the attractive rate. He added that special packages would be offered to both local and foreign visitors.

Aside from the two adventure attractions, the Sky Experience Adventure also showcases an observatory, sky bars, clubs and lounges, and a four-dimensional theater complex for kids.

The hotel is part of a complex of four adjoining towers expected to be completed by 2012. — BusinessWorld

RonnieR

December 12th, 2008, 05:33 AM

Just curious, do Philippine cities especially Manila or Cebu have a Visitor's Kit or brochures? We have them here especially in the arrivals terminal of HKIA.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/05/88/4d16_1.GIF
Its one way of making our city tourist friendly

Yes, we have...these are the few DOT brochures I saw last November at Terminal 2.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/DOTbrochure2.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/DOTbrochure1.jpg

jonno

December 12th, 2008, 08:51 AM

manila_eye

December 12th, 2008, 06:30 PM

boracay is already destroyed. with all those cheap and small time resorts.

in_a_rush

December 13th, 2008, 06:07 AM

RP ranks 8th among top travel destinations
By Lynda B. Valencia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MANILA, Dec. 13 (PNA)-- The Philippines has landed on the list of top 10 most-searched travel destinations among Shanghai online users of China's leading search engine Baidu, according to a research done by Darwin Marketing.

Baidu comprises 72 percent of the Chinese online market, and is the third largest search engine in the world in December last year.

Google posted a 19 percent share in the same market, placing it at a distant second to Baidu

The Philippines is 8th among the top travel destinations, with Japan placing 1st; South Korea, 2nd; Thailand, 3rd; Singapore, 4th; Australia, 5th; Bali, 6th; Malaysia, 7th; North Korea, 9th; and France, 10th.

Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano acknowledged the good news, saying, "On top of this report, we have several other developments in progress for China. It is a strong market which will augment the slowdown in other regions."

Referring to the information provided by the Shanghai Tourism Board, Durano mentioned that the board has reported a 57 percent increase in tour group movement from Shanghai to the Philippines.

He added that Shanghai Post also complimented the country for getting the biggest increase in visa collections, with a 65 percent year-to-date growth rate recorded from January to October of 2008.

Apart from the data gleaned from these reports, DOT Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. also highlighted several positive reinforcements coming from the air transportation sector.

"Three additional flights to Cebu and the Hangzhou-Manila charter will soon be offered regularly. Charters, which include two-three flights a week for Hangzhou-Manila, Hangzhou-Cebu, and Shanghai-Kalibo are now in negotiations to accommodate the increase in traffic during the Chinese New Year," Jarque said.

The Chinese market is the fourth top tourism source, posting a 5.4 percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to October of this year. (PNA)

in_a_rush

December 13th, 2008, 06:08 AM

4 hotels in Puerto Princesa to open in Q1 2009

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- At least four hotels will commence operation in the first quarter of next year to complement the influx of tourists visiting this “city in a forest”, City Tourism Council (CTC) president Felisa Torres said on Thursday.

Torres said the first hotel is the 100-room Sheridan Hotel of the Wyland Group of Hawaii.

The Sheridan, a five-star hotel, is located in sitio Sabang, barangay Cabayugan, which is near the site of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, an underground river reputed to be the longest known navigable underground river in the world, she said.

The three other hotels are the 80-room A&A hotel in barangay San Miguel, owned by a group of Filipino-Chinese businessmen, represented by Antonio Onghocgan; 68-room Microtel Hotel in barangay San Manuel, owned by Teddy Pena; and a hotel in barangay San Pedro, owned by businessman Engr. Tederico Teotangco.

”We are now more than ready to accommodate more tourists”, Torres said, adding that tourism players in the city joined the pronouncement of Mayor Edward Hagedorn’s readiness to go full blast on tourism promotion with the completion of some major tourism-related facilities.

With more hotel rooms, she stressed, they could accommodate more foreign and domestic tourists while they enjoy the different tourism sites in the city.

She said the city has introduced four new tourism sites.

One such is dolphin watching being managed by Barangay Tulingan, a group of fishermen living in the surrounding barangays of the bay, organized and assisted by the ABS-CBN Foundation to help in protecting the cetaceans.

Another is the Iwahig River, which snakes its way within the area of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF), also known as "prison without walls."

The river is best appreciated at night due to its glow because of hundreds upon hundreds of fireflies and nocturnal beetles that during courtship produce intermittent lights from luminescent chemicals in their abdominal organs.

The third is the climb Ugong Rock in Barangay Tagabenit. The rock formation, which once served as home to a Batak family and a resting place to others who go to the mountains to look for food, is slowly gaining popularity as a worthy alternative side trip to visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP).

The fourth is at a river at Sitio San Carlos in Barangay Bacungan, where a floating restaurant can be found and the half finished boardwalk, which leads to another lush mangrove forest.

Torres said they are set to open three tourism sites next year so that visitors will have more points of interests.

Previously, Hagedorn refused to attend any tourism convention abroad so he could entice more foreign and local visitors, but the city has inadequate hotel rooms to accommodate them.

Starting this year, Hagedorn is ready for a massive tourism promotion as he aims to bring in 600,000 tourists in three years. (PNA)

jpdm

December 14th, 2008, 04:51 AM

Manila Bulletin
December 14, 2008

RP is No. 8 most searched spot in China search engine

By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

The Philippines has landed on the top 10 most searched travel destinations among Shanghai online users of China’s leading search engine Baidu, according to a research done by Darwin Marketing.

Baidu comprises 72 percent of the Chinese online market, and is the third largest search engine in the world in December last year. Google posted a 19 percent share in the same market, placing it at a distant second to Baidu.

The Philippines is No. 8 on the top travel destinations, with Japan at No. 1, South Korea No. 2, Thailand No. 3, Singapore, No. 4, Australia at no. 5, Bali at No. 6, Malaysia at No. 7, North Korea at No. 9 and France at No. 10.

"On top of this report, we have several other developments in progress for China. It is a strong market which will augment the slowdown in other regions," according to Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

Referring to the information provided by the Shanghai Tourism Board, Durano mentioned that, "The board reported a 57 percent increase in tour group movement from Shanghai to the Philippines. Shanghai Post also complemented the country for getting the biggest increase in visa collections, with a 65 percent year-to-date growth rate recorded from January to October of 2008."
Apart from the data gleaned from these reports, Eduardo Jarque, Jr., DoT Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions, also highlighted several positive reinforcements coming from the transportation sector, "Three additional flights to Cebu and the Hangzhou-Manila charter will soon be offered regularly. Charters which include 2-3 flights a week for Hangzhou-Manila, Hangzhou-Cebu, and Shanghai to Kalibo are now in negotiations to accommodate the increase in traffic during the Chinese New Year."

Great news!!:cheers:

in_a_rush

December 14th, 2008, 03:10 PM

Yes, we have...these are the few DOT brochures I saw last November at Terminal 2.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/DOTbrochure2.jpg

masyadong mahal tong HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR. 500 pesos for 9am-5pm tour. e sobrang traffic sa metro manila to enjoy those places.:ohno:

in_a_rush

December 14th, 2008, 03:10 PM

700 pesos pa pala.

bartstrife99

December 14th, 2008, 03:56 PM

masyadong mahal tong HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR. 500 pesos for 9am-5pm tour. e sobrang traffic sa metro manila to enjoy those places.:ohno:

malamang ang gamit nilang vehicle ay yung pang Ambulance pag traffic mag aalarm na lang. :lol::lol:

Manila-X

December 15th, 2008, 09:16 AM

habagatcentral1

December 15th, 2008, 10:00 AM

^^ Yeah...very strict...2 guides every time you go out and will only answer to as according to the state. But in fairness to North Korea, I'm either lured by the Arirang Mass Games spectacle or simply its mysteriousness being a "Hermit Kingdom" and being controversial....South Korea is just like any other "capitalist country" while DPRK is different...Para maiba naman. Given that I've won that Lotto jackpot yesterday, I'll be preparing myself for a trip to Pyongyang or DPRK for the Mass Games...:D

Will go "sightseeing" to where no tourists dare to go...hehe!! :colgate:
Blame this inspiration from Diego Binuel of National Geographic! :D

metrosuburban

December 17th, 2008, 02:03 AM

^^ ako din!! :)

in_a_rush

December 17th, 2008, 05:48 PM

Just curious, do Philippine cities especially Manila or Cebu have a Visitor's Kit or brochures? We have them here especially in the arrivals terminal of HKIA.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/05/88/4d16_1.GIF
Its one way of making our city tourist friendly

i hope magkaroon ng ganyang map ang Pagcor city kapag natayo na. pwede din i-extend at isama ang CCP complex, Rizal Park, MOP hanggang Intramuros. basta yung mga tourist places sa MM.

benchjade

December 18th, 2008, 09:58 AM

lightsaber46

December 19th, 2008, 03:43 AM

Friday, December 19, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/dec/19/yehey/business/20081219bus9.html

Biofuels, housing ventures bag perks

The Board of Investments (BOI) on Wednesday granted tax incentives and other perks to five projects involving the production of biofuels, operation of a wake*boarding resort facility, expansion of a furniture exporter and two mass housing ventures.

The projects are worth over P4.2 billion in investments, with the bioethanol production complex contributing the most at P3.298 billion. The facility would be put up by the Cavite Biofuel Producers Inc. in Sitio Lobo-lobo, Bara*ngay Caluangan, Magallanes, Cavite. According to BOI, Cavite Biofuel Producers would construct an integrated bioethanol manufacturing plant and power cogene*ration facility with production capacity of 36 million liters of bioethanol a year. The resulting electrical output of five megawatts would supply the energy requirement of the manufacturing plant as the company said it would neither buy electricity from the grid nor sell to the grid.

BOI said it granted this project pioneer status as it would produce non-conventional fuel using as feedstock domestic raw materials such as locally grown sugarcane, molasses, remelted sugar, bagasse (a residual pulp produced from sugar milling process) and also methane. This investment would begin commercial operations in November 2010 and would generate 218 jobs.

BOI also awarded pioneer status to VG Puyat Lifestyle Corp., a subsidiary of the VG Puyat Group, for its P504-million wakeboarding facility development dubbed Silang Wakeboard Park on a 12-hectare track of land in Barangay Kaong and Barangay Munting Ilog Area, Silang, Cavite. Fifty-nine employees would be hired when commercial operations start in August next year.

Meanwhile, Johndorf Ventures Corp.’s 556-unit mass-housing project called The Bellevue worth P256,429,700 in Barangay Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, would hire 75 workers when commercial operations commence in January next year.

Tax perks were given to Convergence Realty and Development Corp. for its P150-million housing venture named Bougainvilla Homes Subdivision Phase II. For this project, 456 low-cost units would be constructed on 1.819 hectares of land in Barangay Bañadero, Calamba, Laguna. It would create 280 jobs when commercial operations begin next month.
-- Ben Arnold O. de Vera

in_a_rush

December 19th, 2008, 08:16 AM

may katapat na ang Cam Sur, wala naman kasing binatbat yung sa Lago de Oro eh.

youdamiren

December 19th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Its surprising that North Korea is no.9. The place isn't tourist friendly

The relationship between China and North Korea is special, that's why North Korea is one of the best destinations for Chinese people.

teresa1

December 19th, 2008, 08:44 AM

maraming pilipino ngayon na sa panaginip na lang nila makikita yung Boracay, sariling yaman ng kanilang bansa e hindi nila mapakinabangan dahil sa taas ng presyo

icarusrising

December 19th, 2008, 01:24 PM

Hindi naman mahal ang Boracay. Maraming klase ng pagpipilian sa mga tutuluyan. Kaya nga maraming dumadayo dito maging sa panig ng mga lokal na turista. Paulit-ulit din ang pagbisita dito ng mga turista. Maaari siyang marating sa pamamagitan ng eroplano, barko, roro, at iba pa.

in_a_rush

December 19th, 2008, 03:53 PM

si ate teresa talaga, kahit saang thread, may reklamo.. haha

kevinb

December 19th, 2008, 05:41 PM

maraming pilipino ngayon na sa panaginip na lang nila makikita yung Boracay, sariling yaman ng kanilang bansa e hindi nila mapakinabangan dahil sa taas ng presyo

It just so happen na wala silang pambayad. Simple as that. If they had work, then they could spend as much as they wanted. Eh kaso mga batugan ung karamihan sa mga pinagtatanggol mong taumbayan. And don't mistake me for hating the poor because I am not very different from them. They just don't persevere enough to be alleviated from whatever situation they are now.

Juan Pilgrim

December 19th, 2008, 06:29 PM

Same here in the U.S., panaginip din ng mga KANO ang makita at makarating sa Oahu o Sanibel o Catalina.

These islands are all in the United States of America but still majority of the U.S. Americans haven't been there.

WHY?

Same reasons IMO---ECONOMICS! still tops the list!

:horse:

JP

leechtat

December 20th, 2008, 05:03 AM

maraming pilipino ngayon na sa panaginip na lang nila makikita yung Boracay, sariling yaman ng kanilang bansa e hindi nila mapakinabangan dahil sa taas ng presyo

Hindi naman mahal ang Boracay. Maraming klase ng pagpipilian sa mga tutuluyan. Kaya nga maraming dumadayo dito maging sa panig ng mga lokal na turista. Paulit-ulit din ang pagbisita dito ng mga turista. Maaari siyang marating sa pamamagitan ng eroplano, barko, roro, at iba pa.

^^ mahal din sa boracay, nami nga 50k per night.. yung aria overpriced, but i love it there.. most of the resto there are priced like greenbelt, zuzuni is overpriced, but it tasted better than cyma.. regency however is not over-priced for their buffet, 500 lang, sobrang dami mo nang options.. one should eat buffet at regency when they visit..

mura mga accomodation sa station 2 and 3, pero pangit na yung sand dun.. we always stay at vans station 1 since they offer the best bang for your buck at their beachfront location..

now if you cannot afford to fly pal, then go for budget airlines.. or better yet, wait for cebupac zero fair... our recent trip to cebu-bohol cost us only 400 pesos 2-way.. super affordable... wala nang excuse na mahal ang travel, just be smart..

Animo

December 20th, 2008, 11:21 AM

si ate teresa talaga, kahit saang thread, may reklamo.. haha

Itong si Teresa parang similar ang tono nung isang miembro dito. Haka-haka ko lang na baka clon nya ito kasi tahimik na iyong kanyang nick at para "goody-goody" ng umasta. :nuts:

amigo32

December 20th, 2008, 12:02 PM

si ate teresa talaga, kahit saang thread, may reklamo.. haha

:lol:reklamador

icarusrising

December 20th, 2008, 02:16 PM

^^ mahal din sa boracay, nami nga 50k per night.. yung aria overpriced, but i love it there.. most of the resto there are priced like greenbelt, zuzuni is overpriced, but it tasted better than cyma.. regency however is not over-priced for their buffet, 500 lang, sobrang dami mo nang options.. one should eat buffet at regency when they visit..

mura mga accomodation sa station 2 and 3, pero pangit na yung sand dun.. we always stay at vans station 1 since they offer the best bang for your buck at their beachfront location..

now if you cannot afford to fly pal, then go for budget airlines.. or better yet, wait for cebupac zero fair... our recent trip to cebu-bohol cost us only 400 pesos 2-way.. super affordable... wala nang excuse na mahal ang travel, just be smart..

Sa tingin ko di naman high-end ang hanap ni Teresa dahil di nga afford ng masa yun. Pumili ng rum na bandang looban at di beachfront. Mas mahal din ang airconditioned kaysa fan room syempre. Mas mapapamahal din ang presyo kung makikipag-deal ka ng island hopping sa hotel staff. Dapat matutong lumabas at makipag-usap sa mga bangkero. May pamayanan sa likuran kung saan may pag-aaring bangka ang mga pamilyang naninirahan doon. Pwedeng magkumpara ng presyo at piliin ang mas mababa. Maging malinaw lang ang usapan para maiwasan ang di pagkakaintindihan.

Nakapagstay na ako ng maghapon na di kumukuha ng kwarto. Kumain ako sa isang restaurant sa beachfront, at nakisuyo ng shower. Umuwi ako sa mainland pagka-hapon. Andun mga kamag-anak ko eh. :lol:

metrosuburban

December 21st, 2008, 11:23 AM

It just so happen na wala silang pambayad. Simple as that. If they had work, then they could spend as much as they wanted. Eh kaso mga batugan ung karamihan sa mga pinagtatanggol mong taumbayan. And don't mistake me for hating the poor because I am not very different from them. They just don't persevere enough to be alleviated from whatever situation they are now.

so true!! they don't help themselves so why help them??... :lol:

garzland

December 23rd, 2008, 01:40 PM

^^They have to change their attitudes first before helping them.

palawan_buddy

December 23rd, 2008, 04:33 PM

MICROTEL Hotel PUERTO PRINCESA (u/c)

entrance to the vicinity:
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2651.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2652.jpg

the hotel under construction (taken dec 22)
beach/rear view:
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2654.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2655.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2657.jpg

facade view:
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2660.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2661.jpg

view from the facade:
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww240/francisjerom/IMG_2662.jpg

Planning Democracy

December 23rd, 2008, 07:19 PM

orion.phiaos

December 23rd, 2008, 07:27 PM

shyaman

December 24th, 2008, 12:07 PM

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 12:56 PM

Juan Pilgrim

December 24th, 2008, 05:11 PM

Nice development.
I wonder what they're going to do with that swampy portion with mangroves to make it look nice.

I hope they do not drain those "swampy mangroves jungle"
kailangan natin itong wetlands to maintain a balanced ecosystem sabi ng guru ko.

lagyan na lang nila ng PINK FLAMINGOS:
http://www.sproutpics.com/images/gallery/zoo/IMG_1847.jpg

:horse:

JP

icarusrising

December 24th, 2008, 05:28 PM

I hope they do not drain those "swampy mangroves jungle"
kailangan natin itong wetlands to maintain a balanced ecosystem sabi ng guru ko.

lagyan na lang nila ng PINK FLAMINGOS:

:horse:

JP

Pero sabi po ng tagapagturo ko baka makasira rin kapag nag-introduce ng non-endemic species sa isang ecosystem... :D

Juan Pilgrim

December 24th, 2008, 06:16 PM

^^OO nga pala.

ITIK na lang kaya? may BALUT at PENOY pa.
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/division/lrdupdated/imageNLB.JPG

:horse:

JP

in_a_rush

December 24th, 2008, 08:08 PM

tapos kasama sa hotel package, yung pagkuha ng mga itlog ng penoy sa swamp nila. mageenjoy mga turista dun!

MatudNilaBaby

December 26th, 2008, 10:00 PM

^^OO nga pala.

ITIK na lang kaya? may BALUT at PENOY pa.
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/division/lrdupdated/imageNLB.JPG

:horse:

JP

i dont think this picture are of ducks? it could be mallards since ducks are white feathered.

Juan Pilgrim

December 26th, 2008, 10:12 PM

MatudNilaBaby

December 26th, 2008, 10:36 PM

May tama ka jan!
But I think you got the picture.:okay:

basta huwag dapat sirain yung ecosystem.
ang wetlands ay mahalaga sa ating kapaligiran!

I think those MICROTEL are way too close to the shore,
they should take care of the sewage and sanitation system.

:horse:

JP

having lived in cebu for a long time, such a view is so ordinary looking to me and i see nothing special about that place where microtel is. i hope the tourists will get its moneys worth

Juan Pilgrim

December 26th, 2008, 11:00 PM

^^ WOW!!! You are lucky indeed.

CEBU is so beautiful!
It really deserves the title: "QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH"

:horse:

JP

orion.phiaos

December 27th, 2008, 07:57 AM

^^^^^^
as a cebuano, thanks. hehehe. i really can't explain it but the aura of cebu is really different compared to manila or to other places that i have visited. not because it is my birthplace but because the way the people live. cebu has a fast paced life but still you can relax. must be the weather. hehehehe.

gen1

December 27th, 2008, 09:38 AM

Nice development.
I wonder what they're going to do with that swampy portion with mangroves to make it look nice.

mangroves are typically protected areas. these usually is the breeding area for fish.

hagedorn being top dog at puerto princesa, I doubt if microtel can remove the mangroves :D

icarusrising

December 28th, 2008, 05:05 PM

having lived in cebu for a long time, such a view is so ordinary looking to me and i see nothing special about that place where microtel is. i hope the tourists will get its moneys worth

Though I agree Cebu has beautiful beaches, and perhaps some of the country's best tourism facilities... Palawan has some incomparable attractions too. The St. Paul Subterraenean River and Coron's Limestone Cliffs and Lagoons among them...

Juan Pilgrim

December 28th, 2008, 06:57 PM

^^CEBU...PALAWAN...BOHOL...DONSOL...SIARGAO... PASIG.... ... ...

I just hope they will have the right infrastructure
and develop all these tourists areas comprehensibly!!!

:horse:

JP

concern

December 30th, 2008, 04:37 PM

Bantayan Island, Cebu

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/992061066_6be36fc61a.jpg?v=0
flickr by joy obando

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/462688543_5215adae87.jpg?v=0
flickr by peenkfrik

crystal clear water

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/879940723_643a49f904_m.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1121/879940661_c3d23f2cbe_m.jpg
flickr by edwin martinez

concern

December 30th, 2008, 04:49 PM

Plantation Bay, Cebu

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/360936753_551fd14f8b.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/360936733_34ac49e684.jpg?v=0
flickr by mjsearle121

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/544100580_6c3f8b8b61.jpg?v=0
flickr by reinhard m

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/408612960_f481993731.jpg?v=0
flickr by truffes

concern

December 30th, 2008, 04:52 PM

Shangrilla, Cebu

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2974174666_8ef260e2b8.jpg?v=0
flickr by Crash point

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2773494132_9e37a6e295.jpg?v=0
flickr by johnvincentlabata

manila_eye

December 30th, 2008, 06:05 PM

plantation bay is pretty good but service kinda sucks... i saw a worm on my food and the waiter told me it was just a seed.

palawan_buddy

December 31st, 2008, 08:11 AM

having lived in cebu for a long time, such a view is so ordinary looking to me and i see nothing special about that place where microtel is. i hope the tourists will get its moneys worth

i always get that feeling growing up in palawan. beach is just a few minutes away. but its worth saying that most people do not get to see things that are ordinary to us. i know many people who have never seen palawan or boracay or maybe cebu, though they want to, because they cannot afford it, or whatever.
i do not think microtel is a upscale resort. by the looks of their other hotels, its just a standard hotel. and here in palawan, few tourists stay in their hotel because the destination is really not in their hotel rooms but out there-- in the wilderness. they will get their moneys worth, im sure. palawan is palawan. nuf sed.:cheers:

concern

December 31st, 2008, 08:26 AM

Hilton Cebu Resort and SPA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3091927001_0ee3d798bd.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3092766528_710c3afcd2.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/3092760542_81d394c632.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/3092759616_c70da16fae.jpg?v=0
flickr by chestlim

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2777413507_1d5aea3d5d_m.jpg
flickr by MeloVillareal

concern

December 31st, 2008, 10:16 AM

Kawasan Falls, Cebu

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2348319197_e27f8a2197.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2349173822_5a9c368c59.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2348340997_1a24e73c9d.jpg?v=0
flickr by danmastous

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/1646065072_fcf3cad72b.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1214/1481890166_70ce1e5292.jpg?v=0
flickr by beningh

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2057631949_2952e52603_m.jpg
flickr by by shutterdragon

JulZ

January 1st, 2009, 06:16 AM

nasa Cebu thread ba ko?:lol:...Cebu makes me awe!:banana:

shamhoy

January 1st, 2009, 04:25 PM

Wow! I really should get out of Manila.

Note to self: Go South. :bash:

Planning Democracy

January 1st, 2009, 05:05 PM

i don't think boracay should be used as barometer for tourism. personally, i don't fancy boracay. it's just a hype. philippines is an archipelago, even though, most of us could not go to boracay, there are other places that are more beautiful than boracay. just because i was not able to visit boracay it does not mean i am poor. well, a personal view - a 7-peso worth of my fare.

I don't like Boracay that much either, its not that I don't like the island, I don't like the development!

It just makes me cringe every time I see the ugly development. I've been there several times, back in grade school, paradise pa sha nung time na yon, ala kuryente and maraming resort. And then two times in college, I was surprised at all the 'puerto galera" style development, sayang yung island. I hope the situation can still be remedied.

Our laws should be as strict as those in Hawaii, they really make an effort to preserve their beaches there because that's a central part of their economy, tourism!

-TC-

January 2nd, 2009, 01:18 PM

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090102-181028/Paradise-to-Paradise-route-now-open

‘Paradise-to-Paradise’ route now open
By Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
01/02/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Tourists no longer have to take a circuitous route just to visit Puerto Princesa from Kota Kinabalu or vice versa. The two cities boast of three World Heritage sites.

For its first international route, Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair) flew a 32-seat plane to the capital of Sabah from Palawan.

“It used to be so near yet so far. So we welcome this, and we hope that this flight will provide more exchange between our people,” Tungku Zainal Adlin, Sabah Tourism Board chair, said at the route’s recent launch at the Kota Kinabalu airport.

The destinations have their strengths, according to Zainal. “Where in the world can you find Tubbataha Reef, the Underground River and Mount Kinabalu?” he said.

Palawan hub

The link removes the hassle of connecting flights to Manila or Cebu before getting to neighboring countries like Malaysia, which is less than an hour from Palawan on Seair’s Dornier 328 aircraft.

“We are looking at creating a hub in Palawan that will cut the necessity of passing through Manila or Cebu and make Palawan more attractive to tourists because of easy access,” said Patrick Tan, Seair vice president for commercial affairs.

The opening of the link between eastern Malaysia and Palawan came at a propitious time. The Puerto Princesa airport is undergoing renovation and is expected to improve its services for travelers early this year.

The choice of Kota Kinabalu for Seair’s first international destination was meant to promote the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) agreement, Seair president Avelino Zapanta said.

BIMP-EAGA was launched in March 1994 upon the proposal of then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos to expand economic cooperation among poorer areas in the four countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It aims to increase trade, investment and tourism in the sub-region. Included in the growth area are Mindanao and Palawan.

The opening of the route marked the first time that a BIMP-EAGA carrier was flying between two points in the growth area.
“Easy access to the tourist destinations is one key to a successful tourism program ... Seair is beginning to do this with the introduction of services between Puerto Princesa and KK,” he said.

Dream come true

Transportation Undersecretary Dante Lantin said the long-awaited opening of the route was a “dream come true.”

“The promotion of tourism is an important part of the BIMP-EAGA because of the vision of having one economic community in the ASEAN by 2015,” Lantin said.

He said the Department of Tourism would promote must-see attractions not only in the Philippines but also in the ASEAN member-countries as part of the goal to create a stronger regional economy.

From Boracay to Palawan

Seair also linked Boracay and Puerto Princesa for the first time as part of its “Paradise-to-Paradise” route.

So visitors to Boracay’s powdery white-sand beach may choose to hie off directly to Palawan, which has its own share of world-renowned dive spots in El Nido and Coron.

Beach lovers then can make the most of their trip without the usual backtracking through Clark (Pampanga)-Caticlan-Puerto Princesa-Kota Kinabalu.

The under-served destinations, especially in Mindanao, are being tapped by the airline because of the growing number of businessmen and tourists, according to Zapanta.

“We have been strengthening our domestic destinations by introducing new ones with great tourism potential. These include Basco (Batanes), Baler (Aurora), Daet (Camarines Norte), Tablas (Romblon) and Borongan (Eastern Samar),” he said.

Depending on the demand, he said Seair may increase its once-a-week flights from Caticlan to Palawan, and Palawan to Kota Kinabalu, to twice a week.

What’s definite is the airline will expand its operations in Clark by opening flights to Singapore and Macau, followed by Hong Kong, Cebu and Davao.

But for now, a quicker gateway to Malaysia’s prime eco-tourist destination seems more than enough.

Southeast Asia’s highest peak

There’s much to do in Kota Kinabalu, which has a population of half a million. It has mostly mid-rise buildings instead of skyscrapers like Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and billboards are kept to a minimum unlike in Metro Manila.

The Sabah Tourism Board, which is in charge of marketing Kota Kinabalu, sums up what the city offers—“eco-treasures from mountain high to ocean deep.”

Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, is popular among hikers who want to climb Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The park is also home to stunning flora and fauna and the Poring Hot Springs.

Activities like white-water rafting and seawalking—the closest thing to diving—also attract the more adventurous, while a trip to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park or a riverboat ride to spot the proboscis monkey, a creature endemic to Sabah, would appeal to the sight-seeing crowd.

As for food trips that Filipinos are fond of, Kota Kinabalu is no letdown with its fresh seafood, and the interesting mix of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian tastes in its cuisine.

Shopping for South Sea pearls and colorful handicraft is also something to look forward to at the so-called “Filipino market” (a tiangge-like area with a handful of Filipino vendors who immigrated to Malaysia).

Click on the link above for the complete article.

red_jasper

January 2nd, 2009, 01:27 PM

v cross-post from the Heritage... thread:

Preservation of heritage sites sought

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090102-181112/Preservation-of-heritage-sites-sought)
First Posted 19:08:00 01/02/2009

MANILA, Philippines -- Tourism Secretary Ace Durano called on local communities that host World Heritage sites to help preserve these tourist magnets since "these are sources of our livelihood as much as they are wellsprings of our national pride."

Durano made the appeal in the wake of the Department of Tourism's participation in the World Heritage Travel Expo held last November in Macau.

"We appeal to the people, tourists who visit and local communities, to take care of these sites," he said of special landmarks included on a list drawn up by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.

"We also owe their preservation not only to our fellow Filipinos but to the world and our future generations," he added.

Durano also sought help from schools, local government units and families to encourage the young to promote and value Philippine heritage sites and even other local tourism attractions.

Of the 878 World Heritage sites on Unesco's list, five are in the Philippines: the Baroque churches of San Agustin (Manila), Sta. Maria (Ilocos Sur), Paoay (Ilocos Norte) and Miag-ao (Iloilo); Tubbataha Reef marine park; the Rice Terraces in the Cordilleras; the historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur; and Puerto Princesa Subterrenean River national park.

The Baroque churches made it to the list because of their European Baroque architectural style designed by Chinese and Filipino craftsmen.

The Tubbataha Reef harnessed tourism receipts, impelled preservation and enticed involvement from the local community through its heritage site repute, according the tourism chief.

At some 2,000 years old, the rice terraces form a landscape recognized for its feats of history, environment, culture, engineering, and agro-ecosystem.

Vigan, which is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia, features architecture that reflects the fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River features a spectacular limestone landscape with its underground river.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the underground river has ranked No. 1 on the New 7 Wonders of Nature list for the past several weeks.

"It stands out from the rest because it's a river that has strong tidal behaviors, due to its direct connection to the sea," Jarque said.

"It's also every conservationist's dream - a river that seamlessly flows into a mountain and forest landscape forming a teeming habitat of biodiversity," he added.

in_a_rush

January 2nd, 2009, 07:55 PM

WOW! Cebu looks like Guam. Hotel buildings by the beach. I hope they can construct more tourism facilities near it such as casinos, theaters, malls etc. and please more high-rises. i bet it will be unique in Philippines. skyline by the white beach!

MatudNilaBaby

January 3rd, 2009, 12:54 AM

i always get that feeling growing up in palawan. beach is just a few minutes away. but its worth saying that most people do not get to see things that are ordinary to us. i know many people who have never seen palawan or boracay or maybe cebu, though they want to, because they cannot afford it, or whatever.
i do not think microtel is a upscale resort. by the looks of their other hotels, its just a standard hotel. and here in palawan, few tourists stay in their hotel because the destination is really not in their hotel rooms but out there-- in the wilderness. they will get their moneys worth, im sure. palawan is palawan. nuf sed.:cheers:

well every province or city is trying to outsell each other but the one shown in the pix above looks like an upgraded "lungan sa kabaw" which is not technically a wilderness.:bash:

Sleepwalker

January 3rd, 2009, 03:34 AM

well every province or city is trying to outsell each other but the one shown in the pix above looks like an upgraded "lungan sa kabaw" which is not technically a wilderness.:bash:

Bai, hinay-hinay lang siguro...Wala pa ta kakita sa finish product...Basin mabudlat unya atong mata sa kanindot igkahuman...Hangyo lang hinoon ning akoa... :)

Tag: Igan, dahan-dahan lang...Di pa natin nakita yong finish product...Baka lalaki yong mata natin sa ganda pag natapos na.... :)

bartstrife99

January 3rd, 2009, 06:49 AM

Philippines to host the 4th Annual World Health Tourism Congress in 2009

he Department of Tourism’s (DOT) aggressive campaign to place the Philippines as a top global health and wellness destination has finally paid off for the country will host the World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC) on March 26 to 28, 2009 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.

The event is held every year and this is the first time that an Asian country is hosting the prestigious event. Germany (2006), Cyprus (2007) and Spain (2008) were the past host countries of WHTC.

Dubbed as the “Heart of Asia,” the Philippines has a wealth of healthcare options not only when it comes to competitive medical practitioners but also as far as spa, alternative and complementary healthcare are concerned. Aside from the Philippines, the strong players in the Asian region are Thailand and Singapore. While Thailand focuses more on cosmetic surgical procedures, the Philippines has been the destination for cardiovascular and diabetes treatments for the past years.

DOT Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia Carrion emphasizes the country’s edge over its Asian neighbors when it comes to medical tourism, “Our people can beat Thailand. We have everything here especially alternative healing.” She added that the Philippines also has advantage over Thailand when it comes to language, with English being widely spoken in cities and most establishments around the country. Carrion further said that DOT is preparing affordable accommodation to support the health tourism industry.

Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano stresses that “The 2009 WHTC will bring this large global market within the reach of our health and wellness in industry, and our success in gaining the privilege to host clearly indicates that our campaign to establish a niche in this field is gaining ground.”

Hadi Malaeb, Managing Partner of Dubai-based Aura Events International, the company that organizes the event, on the other hand emphasizes the Philippines’ potential to attract more medical tourists because it offers a retirement or place of residence option as a byproduct of this growing industry.

Big Market

The health tourism (also known as medical and well being tourism) industry covers a huge market for it includes anything from medical to surgical to alternative healing and dental procedures to sports and hospitality aspects. Cosmetic surgical procedures are just a small part of it.

The industry is continuously gaining ground because it addresses the need for affordable health options and provides opportunity to have a vacation while seeking medical treatment outside the home country, according to Malaeb.

He further informs that the World Travel Organization sees it as a rising trend. At present it is a $40 billion industry and based on trends it is expected to reach $61 billion by 2012. There is a ready market for medical tourism because people are looking for a one-stop solution.

Buyers and Sellers

The WHTC is an invitation-only event and not open to the public. Its organizers stresses that this is not a trade show. Rather, it is a gathering of decision makers and solution providers where one-on-one meetings are pre-arranged to maximize benefits for both parties. The event’s main goal is to reduce the sales cycle and for buyers to meet the right providers in a shorter time. The buyers include the Ministries of Health particularly of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, insurance companies outbound travel companies and Fortune 500 companies that use well-being travel as part of their incentives. The buyers are the decision makers so having a meeting with them is actually cost-effective for the sellers too.

These buyers are matched to solution providers that include hospitals, dental clinics, spa, resorts, hotels, government tourism agencies, inbound tour operators, golf courses, sports clubs, sports medicine specialists, medical agent services, plastic surgery clinics, airlines and medical travel portals.

Benefits of WHTC to Host Country

Learning about the benefits of hosting such event in the country can explain why the DOT is aggressively pursuing it. Mr. Malaeb enumerates that investment to local economy is the most obvious benefit as well as opening up of new markets by introducing the Philippines to buyers from the Arab world aside from tapping the US and European markets, introducing local solutions providers to international health market, promoting Philippines as a destination of choice, and growth in border crossing of patients seeking better care, cheaper options and shorter waiting lists.

With Asia being the biggest hub of medical tourism, the hosting of this event is expected to boost the country’s efforts to be a major player in the industry and showcase its brand of healthcare to the world.

For those interested to join this event, please get in touch with the Department of Tourism through email: webmaster@tourism.gov.ph or call 523-8411 to 20 for more information.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife3_jan3_2009

concern

January 3rd, 2009, 06:58 AM

Bai, hinay-hinay lang siguro...Wala pa ta kakita sa finish product...Basin mabudlat unya atong mata sa kanindot igkahuman...Hangyo lang hinoon ning akoa... :)

Tag: Igan, dahan-dahan lang...Di pa natin nakita yong finish product...Baka lalaki yong mata natin sa ganda pag natapos na.... :)

^^ i agree with that! perhaps micro hotel won't invest in that vicinity if isn't lucratively sustainable.

RonnieR

January 5th, 2009, 09:54 AM

South Koreans to participate in RP's first golf junket
01/05/2009 | 02:02 PM

MANILA, Philippines - More than a hundred South Korean golfers will arrive tonight and stay at the Subic Bay Freeport for three days as part of the Philippines’ first-ever golf junket.

The special program intends to bring an estimated 180 golfers twice weekly this year, said Benjamin John Defensor, President of Hanafil Golf and Tours which sponsors the junket.

The initiative is being headed by Hanatour, South Korea’s largest tourism company, and its Philippine unit, Hanafil.

The arriving 174-member delegation, which is scheduled to visit other tourism facilities, will be flown in by Jeju Airlines.

“We want to fully utilize the capabilities of Subic Bay Freeport's location by using the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) to become the entry point of international golfers and tourists," he said.

Besides citing the many “recreational activities in Subic," Defensor said that the newly-opened Subic-Clark road will make it easy for foreign golfers to “visit other areas in central Luzon and even Metro Manila."

Hanatour is currently listed in the London Stock Exchange as well as the Korean Stock Exchange. - John Bayarong, GMANews.TV

icarusrising

January 7th, 2009, 11:13 AM

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/SiteAssets//images/main-en/hero.sub.destinations.philippines.jpg

The first casino and hotel in Southeast Asia, Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal, was opened on April 11, 2005 by Thunderbird’s subsidiary, Eastbay Resorts Inc.

Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal is situated in the town of Binangonan of the Rizal province. This resort is a short drive from downtown Manila and is located on a scenic lake view property that creates the perfect getaway for local Filipinos as well as visiting Asian players seeking a golf, hotel, restaurant, and gaming experience. The lure of Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal is that it's unlike any casino in the Philippines because of its unique offering that includes a hotel, themed restaurants, and a golf resort complex.

In a very short time, Eastbay Resorts Inc. has proven its expertise in Casino and Hotel Management with the following achievements:

Fiesta Casino at Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal is the first private casino in the sector to service both local and foreign markets.

Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal offers Thunderbird’s first hotel in the Philippines that has 43 suites (Phase I).
Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal adjoins an 18-hole championship calibre golf course that has 200 members, which allows the casino operation to offer golf to its patrons.

A year after in April 2006, Fiesta Casino at Poro Point was opened for business. Fiesta Casino at Poro Point offers a luxurious, fine dining experience and live entertainment. Thunderbird Resorts is building a 40-room luxury hotel in Poro Point that is adjacent to a 9-hole, all-weather golf course with signature holes by the cliff-side. Ten out of these forty suites will be open for vacation ownership. Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point will open in the first quarter of 2008.

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/amazing.jpg

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/fiesta.jpg
Thunderbird Fiesta Casino at Binangonan

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/table7.jpg

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/vipmin.jpg

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/fiestaporo.jpg
Thunderbird Fiesta Casino at Poro Point

To date, Thunderbird Resorts - Rizal and Fiesta Casinos in both Rizal & Poro Point have surpassed management expectations as entry points into the Southeast Asia region, proving that each of the resort properties has tremendous opportunities for expansion.

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/SiteBase/wrap/theme6/images/common/hero.sub.jpg

Source (http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/info/en/destinations.philippines.aspx)

RonnieR

January 7th, 2009, 05:04 PM

^^ beautiful Thunderbird Resort hotel - the road going there is so steep... the first time I went there, I never thought that such place exists in Binangongan. :)

Manila-X

January 7th, 2009, 05:06 PM

I actually checked out the one in Rizal. Interesting enough that there were hardly anyone in the pool areas and hotel corridors but once you step in the casino, the place is crowded! I actually met the manager who was German

RonnieR

January 7th, 2009, 05:33 PM

^^ we went there to watch the Erik Mana's magic show....I heard this is owned by an American group. They have cool show bands...

richard24

January 8th, 2009, 02:10 AM

^^ beautiful Thunderbird Resort hotel - the road going there is so steep... the first time I went there, I never thought that such place exists in Binangongan. :)

daan ka sa antipolo side. di mashadong steep. :)

-TC-

January 8th, 2009, 02:52 AM

Holiday economics:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/07/09/palace-oks-10-long-holidays-2009

Palace OKs 10 long holidays in 2009
abs-cbnnews.com
January 7, 2009

There will be 10 long holidays in 2009.

Last Christmas eve, Arroyo signed Proclamation 1699 that lays out the holiday schedule this year.

First on the holiday list is a three-day weekend before the Easter break.

The observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9 (Thursday) was moved to the nearest Monday which is April 6.

This will be followed by the Easter holidays from April 9 (Maundy Thursday) until April 12 (Easter Sunday).

The other regular holidays are:

Labor Day-May 1(Friday);
Independence Day- June 12 (Friday);
National Heroes Day- August 31 (Monday);
Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Monday);
Christmas Day- December 25 (Friday); and, Rizal Day- December 30 (Wednesday).

Arroyo declared the following as Special Non-Working Days:

Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Friday);
All Saints Day - November 1 (Sunday) and All Soul’s Day - November 2 (Monday);
Christmas Eve - December 24 (Thursday); and, New Year’s Eve - December 31 (Thursday).

The president has long been implementing holiday economics to boost domestic tourism and allow Filipinos to have more time with their families.

Holiday economics entails the transfer of some holidays to a Monday or a Friday so that Filipinos may enjoy longer weekends.

Businessmen earlier complained over the recent two-week Christmas-New Year break.

However, Malacañang maintained consultations were made with all sectors concerned, including the business community, before issuing this year's holiday list.

icarusrising

January 8th, 2009, 06:17 AM

Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club and Residential Estates (http://www.malarayat.com/)

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_main.gif

It is an exclusive retreat from the pressures of city living, in a place you can call your very own. Get into the swing of things. Shall it be the golf course with friends in the morning? The country club with the kids in the afternoon? A quiet dinner at a restaurant with your wife? Here, you can do everything... or do absolutely nothing!

This is how life is to be lived: At your own pace... in the company of friends... in the bosom of your family... in a world-class resort and leisure environment like no other.

Golf Club

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_golfclub.gif

Imagine taking it easy in the cool highland climate of Lipa, basking in the windswept beauty of landscaped evergreens with a spectacular view of an expansive verdant mountainscape.

The centerpiece of this magnificent scenery is our 27-hole all-weather championship golf course designed by the internationally-renowned J. Michael Poellet Design Group. Our Mount Makulot Par 5 Hole Number 7 was voted by Golf Magazine as among the "Top 500 Best Holes in the World."

Country Club

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_countryclub.gif

Take your slice of life and enjoy it too!

There are so many amenities and facilities to enjoy at the Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club... so you and your family can enjoy sporting pleasures to your hearts' delight. There are also food and beverage establishments for more tasteful pursuits.

All in all, it is a quality of life that is a cut above the rest.

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_clubhotel.gif

Club Hotel

Twenty (20) De Luxe hotel rooms with two (2) double beds, tub & bath with hot and cold shower, satellite TV, writing desk and deluxe guest amenities.

Eleven (11) De Luxe hotel rooms with loft, four (4) single beds, two (2) tub & bath, aircon, IDD/NDD, fully stocked mini-bar, satellite TV, de luxe guest amenities.

One (1) De Luxe premier room with loft and lounge area, four (4) single beds, two tub & bath with hot & cold shower, writing desk, aircon, IDD/NDD, fully stocked mini-bar, satellite TV, de luxe guest amenities.

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_aboutus.gif

Residential Estates

The Mount Malarayat Residential Estates is a first-class residential subdivision within a world-class golf course resort, the Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club.

The Residential Estates is only an hour-and-a-half drive from Metro Manila, and a short hop from the many malls, schools and churches of Lipa city proper - near all the conveniences of modern living, yet far enough from the noise, pollution, traffic and overcrowding.

- Two (2) landscaped entrances
- Tree-lined wide concrete roads with concrete sidewalks
- Landscaped open spaces
- Concrete curbs and gutters
- Concrete perimeter fence
- Centralized water distribution system and elevated water tank
- Underground drainage system
- Overhead electrical distribution system
- Street lighting

http://www.malarayat.com/thesuites/images/t_main.gif

The Suites at Mount Malarayat

A cluster of first-class low-rise condominiums within the Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club and Residential Estates envisioned for successful individuals with a sporty and leisure lifestyle who want a regular and easily-accessible getaway that offers modern conveniences without the maintenance requirements that come with a traditional house and lot.

The Narra and Tanguile buildings have fully-furnished units available to a select few.

The third building, Yakal, is currently under construction. Property previews can be pre-arranged.

The Suites at Mount Malarayat is available for overnight stay, unit ownership, vacation ownership, or business opportunities.

Visit The Suites' buildings and check out the units and their availability.

http://www.malarayat.com/mmgcc/images/t_reservations.gif

The Inns at Mount Malarayat

http://www.malarayat.com/theinns/images/p_main.gif

Explore Lipa, Batangas

The City of Lipa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Lipa) is a first class city in the province of Batangas, Philippines. It is one of the three chartered cities of Batangas province (the others being Batangas City and the City of Tanauan). It is situated 78 kilometers south of Manila. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 218,447 people in 41,962 households.

Lipa City is bounded by the town of Santo Tomas in the northeast, San Pablo City of Laguna and San Antonio of Quezon in the east, the municipalities of Padre Garcia and Rosario in the southeast, the municipalities of Ibaan and San Jose in the southwest, the municipaltities of Cuenca and Mataas Na Kahoy and Taal Lake in the west and the municipalities of Balete and Malvar in the northwest.

The city's location, in a valley located between Mount Malarayat mountain range - makes it a low risk area. These two mountains serve as a wind breaker in times of typhoon. Mount Makulot at the western portion also served as shield of the city in times of eruption of Taal Volcano.

Lipa City is a major recreational, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center in central Batangas province, as shown with the presence in the city of entities like Nestle Philippines, De La Salle Lipa, The Nazareth School, the San Sebastian Cathedral (seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa), The Mabini Academy which was founded in 1922, the Carmelite Convent, Robinson's Place Lipa Mall, Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club, Summit Point Golf and Country Club and SM City Lipa Mall. The City is also home to the Fernando Air Base, the former headquarters of the Philippine Air Force's 100th Training Wing and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) which is known in military circles as the Baguio of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

-TC-

January 8th, 2009, 10:29 AM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=430030&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Palawan's underground river one step closer to new 7 wonders

January 08, 2009
Philippine Star

The underground river in Palawan is now a step closer to being named one of the world’s new seven wonders of Nature.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday reported that Palawan’s Subterranean River has been officially selected as the country’s bet in the race for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

“We are proud to announce that the Philippine marvels have stood strong in the first round of voting. This affirms the support of Filipinos as well as other tourists in helping our natural sites make their mark in the global scene,”

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Durano said results of the first phase of voting in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign were announced yesterday at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters.

According to Durano, the head of communications for New7Wonders Tia Viering sent a letter congratulating the Philippines for qualifying in the second phase of voting.

Viering said the 261 nominees in the second phase of the race are now one step closer to being chosen one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature by the people of the world.

The Philippines’ underground river shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant.

Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world’s top priorities for marine conservation.

The qualified 261 national and multinational nominees from the 222 participating countries feature iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Loch Ness, the Black Forest, and Mount Fuji, alongside the Amazon, the Danube, the Dead Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, the Kalahari Desert, Mont Blanc, and Niagara Falls.

The first stage of the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign officially ended last Dec. 31 and voting was suspended on the New7Wonders website until yesterday to allow organizers to tally and verify all votes.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180 or more than 40 percent were eliminated. Those selected will become the pool from which the 21 official finalists are chosen.

A panel of experts will select the 21 finalists from the top 77, which will be announced on July 21 this year.

When the third and final phase of voting begins, the people of the world will have approximately two years to choose from the 21 finalists for the Official New7Wonders of Nature, to be revealed in 2011. Over one billion votes are forecast.

Durano said the new seven Wonders of Nature campaign is expected to promote and increase awareness and appreciation of the different spectacular sites all over the world.

“With billions of supporters all over the globe, promotion of spectacular sites from all over the world has been set to greater heights. It is also very important to call on the sustainable promotion of these tourism sites, which are Nature’s blessings,” Durano said.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said inclusion of the Philippines’ wonders in the list gives more reason to strengthen not only the promotion but the preservation of our natural sites.

Jarque said the country’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign would inevitably translate to increased interest in seeing the nominees, including the tourist destinations in the Philippines.

bledzoe

January 9th, 2009, 04:46 AM

Subic expects 3,000 Korean golfers from January to March

Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Wednesday, 07 January 2009 21:30

SUBIC BAY Free port—About 3,000 golfers from South Korea will regularly arrive in this free port in the first quarter of this year under a golf “junket” program arranged by the new operator of the 18-hole golf course here.

The first batch of golf players, composed of 174 persons, flew into Subic on Monday night aboard a chartered Jeju Airlines flight from Seoul, bringing back to life the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), which had lain relatively dormant for more than one year after Mandarin Airlines stopped its regular flights here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza, who personally welcomed the Korean visitors with SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, said two junket flights, with about 180 persons per flight, have been scheduled to land here each week until March.

With more than 24 golf junket flights set this first quarter, Subic expects at least $48 million in extra income, Arreza said.

He added that the golf-tour program initiated by Hanafil, a Korean-Filipino firm that now operates the Subic golf course, “would certainly boost Subic’s tourism industry,” as the tour packages arranged by organizers will also bring the Korean golfers to beach resorts, nature theme parks, duty-free shops and other tourism facilities in Subic.

The planeload of golfers and some family members flown in by Jeju Airlines will stay here in Subic for a three-day “golf holiday.”

Organizers said junket participants had a choice of tour packages: the golf package, which provides for an 18-hole golf game every morning and a visit to Subic attractions every afternoon; and the “free-to-do” package, which has no fixed schedule.

Another package, the so-called holiday tour scheme, will also become available once Hanafil finished its villa and condominium projects in Subic.

The junket flights program is an initiative of HanaTour, Korea’s lar-gest tourism firm and mother company of Hanafil and HanaGolf, which promoted the golf junket tours.

Jae Yeoul Kim, who is president and CEO of HanaGolf, said these junket flights were just the initial result of their promotion of Subic in Korea.

Kim said starting March this year, regular tourist flights will be made from Seoul to Subic, which he described as an attractive place that draws tourists mainly because of its secure environment.

Kim pointed out that virtually 60 percent of tourist travels in Korea is handled by HanaTour. With the company’s extensive international network, Subic could be further promoted internationally, he said.

He added that it would not be long before Subic is recognized as a prime tourist destination among Koreans.

“We [HanaTour] have the power to do that,” Kim said.

Meanwhile, Hanafil chief executive officer Benjamin Defensor said the golf junket program would also help promote the SBMA as an entry point for international golfers and tourists.

“With this, Subic Bay will be the next big thing in tourism, especially since it has all the necessary infrastructure to support tourism growth,” Defensor said.

“This is why our company is committed to developing the [Subic golf course] area,” he added.

Defensor said Hanafil, which took over golf-course operations last year, has already renovated some parts of Subic’s 18-hole golf course and is now gearing up to construct additional nine holes.

On top of this, the company is currently finalizing plans to build a five-star hotel and luxury villas near the golf course at Subic’s Binictican area, Defensor added.

RonnieR

January 9th, 2009, 05:13 AM

daan ka sa antipolo side. di mashadong steep. :)

Don't know the way..... :)

bledzoe

January 17th, 2009, 04:33 AM

Discover Manila’s best in a Jeepney

You can’t say that you’ve been to Manila if you haven’t had the chance to ride the cultural icon of the Philippines, the jeepney!

The Jeepney is a unique transportation that can only be found in the Philippines. It was originally made from the US military jeeps that were left to the Filipinos after World War II, giving it the powerful engine of an army jeep. With great Filipino ingenuity, the body was remodeled by adding some metal roofs and decorating it with vibrant colors. It has rapidly emerged as a creative and popular means of public transportation. Tagged as the “King of the Road,” it has become an enduring symbol of Philippine pop culture.

We are proud to introduce the concept of “Jeepney Tours”, a breakthrough in Philippine tourism that offers a convenient and daily sightseeing tour to travelers staying in five star hotels who wish to explore the best of Manila. Its main objective is to leave a positive image of the Philippines with every single ride.

Onboard the Jeepney Tours

The jeepney tours will take the travelers on a fascinating tour of the historical and vibrant city of Manila onboard a custom-built air-conditioned jumbo jeepney which can easily seat 20 people. A tour facilitator will join the passengers for the whole duration of the tour to point out interesting landmarks and give you brief backgrounds on the places that will be visited.

Stuck in Manila traffic? Fret not! There is a videoke system onboard to keep the guests entertained on the way back. The jeepney has a cooler for storing cold bottled drinks to keep the guests refreshed and hydrated at all times.
Jeepney Tour guide

The Jeepney Tours is an essential introduction to Manila in a fun and informative way and it links the travelers to the main attractions of the city. It is a perfect gift that can be offered to visiting friends and colleagues to experience all the magical sights and sounds of Manila in an entertaining, comfortable and secure environment.

“The Jeepney Tours is a tourism breakthrough that we are extremely proud of. Despite all the challenges, our profound commitment to the tourism industry fueled us to develop a major tourism infrastructure that transports the tourists to a day filled with fascinating experiences, a day packed with cultural learning and beautiful memories that will make them remember the Philippines at its best.” Clang Garcia, Managing Director of Jeepney Tours.

The Jeepney Tours can be booked at major five stars hotel with Thematic Tours to choose from.

Intramuros: A Cultural Heritage Tour

Metro Manila is the urban capital of the Philippines. Comprised of several bustling cities, it is the country’s bastion of modernity and cosmopolitan appeal. Manila is the premier gateway to any destination in the country. It serves its own menu of attractions and activities. Visit Manila and walk the walls of the old historical town of Intramuros and find out for yourself why it is hailed as one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world.

Spa and Shopping Spree

Travelers can indulge in purely pleasurable activities as they treat themselves to one fine day in Manila – one of the greatest spa and shopping destinations in Asia! From power spending down to flea market bargaining, one will never run out of options while exploring the malls of Manila, the uncontested shopper’s paradise. Tourists can pamper their body after a day of discoveries as they unwind and get the treatment they deserve amidst a relaxing atmosphere of a serene spa. What an exciting way to spend a day in the city!
Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Manila Bay is known for its captivating sunset. An extraordinary sight to behold because of the different play of colors decorating the sky, the Manila Bay sunset is a truly pleasurable experience in the city. Locals and tourists are known to hangout and spend their lazy afternoons by the bay along the historical Roxas Boulevard; however, a far better treat is to seize the moment while riding on to the sunset with a cocktail cruise. Before sailing away to the cruise, tourists will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Manila en route to the Manila Bay harbor where they will board a yacht to experience a memorable ride with their loved ones. Onboard, guests may explore the wide docks of the yacht, and after watching the sun go down, different wines and beverages will be served as guests enjoy the sea breeze of the cool night. Perfect for couples looking for a special romantic setting, the Sunset Cocktail Cruise is an ideal affair to remember.

Pampanga Escapade: Fly, Dine and Spa!

Just a short ride away to the north is the charming province of Pampanga. It is a place mixed with a proud cultural heritage and fast developing sites that cater to the international community. It is also a haven for people who want to experience the leisurely pace of the countryside. Start off your day with an English breakfast followed by a tour of a wine cellar. Then enjoy an Ultra-Light Flying experience, a sumptuous lunch and a rejuvenating spa treatment. Welcome and have a good day! Makusuelong pamagbisita keni Pampanga.
National Museum

The Charm of Tagaytay

Tagaytay is the perfect day trip destination outside Manila. A scenic drive to the countryside treats the traveler’s eye to sights of pineapple plantations, colorful fruit stands, flowers in bloom, ridges and mountains swathed in green and a breathtaking view of the famous Taal Volcano – the world’s smallest volcano. Tour this extraordinary city onboard our jeepney and get to enjoy the superb food of Sonya’s English Garden, a walk around and great buys of natural products from the charming honeybee farm and a relaxing treatment at Nurture Spa offering Asian and Filipino healing traditions in native Ifugao huts from the Cordillera province.

bledzoe

January 17th, 2009, 05:01 AM

Global Youth Travel Campaign
Philippines Department of Tourism partners with MTV

By eTN Staff Writer | Nov 11, 2008

LONDON, HONG KONG and SINGAPORE - With an eye on the growing market of youth adventure travelers, the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) partnered with MTV Networks for a "hip, contemporary" global campaign - MTV Revelations, to promote Philippines as a destination for young adults and music lovers.

MTV Revelations is being created for twelve markets: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA, enabling millions of young adults worldwide to discover the "Awesome Philippines" through the eyes of MTV. The highly-visual MTV Revelation to be launched in February 2009, will underscore a series of TV spots featuring MTV VJs from different countries talking about their personal experiences in the Philippines in a fun and fresh way. The campaign will change the way youths view the Philippines.

The partnership was announced during a meet and greet reception between Bill Roedy, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks International and Philippines tourism secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano at the Philippines Tourism stand at the annual international travel trade show, World Travel Market held in London.

"MTV is the brand most synonymous with youth - youth culture, music, lifestyle, and travel - globally. With our expertise in creating compelling content and our natural association with a young audience, we are best placed to enhance the Philippines' image as the number one destination amongst youth," said Mr. Roedy. "We're delighted that with our international reach, we can work with the DOT to promote the Philippines to such a targeted youth audience across so many countries."

"MTV knows its demographics best. Its VJs and onscreen personalities, for instance, have the credibility to reach out to the same youth market we are targeting. The partnership is a strategic fit and ensures continuity of demand as 70 percent of the Philippines' tourist mix comes from the youth travelers," said tourism secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano.

"With research identifying the 18-34 demographic as enjoying a higher disposable income, as well as being the most avid travelers of today, the entire global tourism industry has been reassessing the way in which it communicates to this very lucrative segment," commented Kevin Razvi, EVP and managing director of VBSI. "We are happy that PDOT sees the value in us as we are the only media brand delivering all encompassing experience to youth across multi platforms."

Amit Jain, EVP and managing director of MTV Networks India, China, and South East Asia added, "MTV Networks has a strong brand and excellent reach in Tourism Philippines' priority markets. With customized content delivered by MTV's iconic VJ's, we have another winner here - one that will deliver credible results for PDOT and create engaging and relevant content across twelve different markets."

The MTV Revelations campaign includes a series of TV vignettes featuring MTV VJs' personal stories and experiences in the Philippines as well as a variety of web activities synergized with local relevance to reflect the different style, culture, and tone of each market. This strategy combines MTV's successful localization efforts to be more bespoke on air and online.

Apart from the on air component, the online elements enhancing the campaign will include MTV's Music Mixer and MTV Video Widgets on www.awesomephilippines.com, playing a prominent role in personalizing the Philippines experience and a direct link to PDOT websites. In addition, the mini-site will host a Best Kept Secret contest, asking viewers to submit their best kept personal experience with the Philippines. Lucky winners will stand a chance to win a trip to the Philippines.

filcan

January 17th, 2009, 05:02 PM

^^awesome! :okay:

btw...whats with MTV these days?...first airing the Skittles commercial with the Filipino guy and now this...

kiretoce

January 19th, 2009, 02:37 AM

Luring French divers into RP waters (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090117-183991/Luring-French-divers-into-RP-waters)

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-01180842550720.jpg

Amid imperiled economies all over the world, with travel and leisure among the biggest industries to be hit by the downturn, some Philippine tourism experts—practitioners as well as policy hands—are pinning their hopes on a sector that might yet prove to be recession-proof: divers.

“It’s an upscale market, certainly not for the backpacker type,” said Yvette Lee, director for marketing and media affairs of Expedition Fleet, a company that operates a mix of resorts and diving boats aimed mostly at foreign, usually European, divers.

Expedition’s typical “Liveaboard” package of seven nights on a specially outfitted diving boat and three nights on shore in a first-class resort cost around 1900 Euros. A rather steep price, but “it’s a top-tier package that brings you to some of the best diving sites in the Philippines, and even 100 Euros can go a long way here,” explained Lee. “That amount is inclusive of meals and accommodations already, so it’s a pretty good package.”

Proof that the market for diving in Philippine waters remains on the upswing is that, even if the summer season hasn’t started yet, Lee said her company’s trips to the Tubbataha Reef are almost fully booked for the year.

“The Philippines as a diving destination is relatively low-cost, so it will remain attractive,” echoed Tommy Soderstrom, a Swedish national who owns a diving resort, El Galleon, with its own diving school, in Puerto Galera, Mindoro.

Soderstrom, who has lived in the country for 21 years and is married to a Filipina, said the Philippines offers great bang-for-the-buck value for divers—a considerable factor even for high-spending but pragmatic travelers.

“In Puerto Galera alone, there are 25 to 30 diving sites within 15 minutes of each other, so it’s very convenient,” he pointed out.

Exhibit

Lee and Soderstrom were among the Philippine-based tour operators who joined the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) participation in France’s premiere diving exhibit Salon de la Plongée, held a week ago at the Parc des Expositions-Porte de Versailles in Paris.

The other private-sector participants included Abyss Scuba Divers, Atlantis Dive Resorts, Atmosphere Resorts, Marco Vincent Dive Resort, Sea Explorers Philippines, Sampaguita Resort and Cathay Pacific.

They were in Paris with DOT to try to capture a significant chunk of France’s diving market. The French are among the world’s most enthusiastic divers. Around 400,000 are registered practitioners, members of some 2,500 active clubs around the country.

Salon de la Plongée is, in effect, their exhibit—an international fair that brings together French and foreign exhibitors specializing in diving. Last year, it hosted more than 400 exhibitors and around 40,000 general public visitors, majority of whom held Grade 2 (Advanced level) diving skills on the French grading system.

The fair offered not only an array of global diving destinations, but also companies and brands hawking all manner of diving gear and accessories, even lessons in a large indoor pool.

The Philippines was “Destination of the Year” in the 2008 exhibition, a distinction that, with the country’s extensive exposure on the TV show “Koh-lanta” (the French version of “Survivor”), resulted in greater awareness of the Philippines as an alternative leisure destination for the French.

According to DOT records, French tourists accounted for the highest percentage growth (24.4 percent) among European visitors to the Philippines in 2007. From January to October 2008, despite the creeping economic squeeze, French arrivals still managed a respectable 20.94-percent increase. This makes France one of the country’s fastest-growing tourist markets in
Europe today.

Not only are the French, and European tourists in general, high spenders, they also stay in the country longer—around 10 days, spending around 100 US dollars a day. It’s not hard to see why, said Mark Sutch, France country manager for Cathay Pacific, which has the biggest share—about 45 percent—of the French tourist market to the Philippines.

“You’ve got a fantastic array of diving sites, the sites are relatively unspoiled, Filipinos are a very welcoming people, and European visitors get a lot of value for their money, with hotel prices, food and drinks very affordable,” he pointed out. Sutch himself dived in Philippine waters during his stint as Cathay’s country manager in Manila a few years ago.

“If the Euro remains strong, the Philippines will remain a very affordable and attractive destination,” said Sutch. “People into diving are very passionate about it; the industry will hold up, I believe.”

“We’ll just have to offer them the right package,” said Venus Tan, Philippine tourism attache for the Western, Central and Eastern European markets.

“Travel is sacred to the Europeans, and with ‘Koh-lanta’ and other French diving operators featuring the Philippines as their main diving destination, we’ve created a buzz as far as this niche product is concerned. It’s one of our strongest suits—we have the highest marine bio-diversity in the world!—and we have to stay in this market and build on it.”

Different breed

French tourists, said Tan, are a different breed. Generally they want rustic surroundings and greater interaction with local people and culture. “They don’t like staying in concrete structures. They don’t just stay in the resort to dive, they want to immerse themselves in local food, to talk with people. That’s an advantage for us, because we’re very sociable. The impression always is that Filipinos are very friendly and hospitable.”

Tan is looking at another sub-set of the market—airline employees with travel privileges, a big sector in Europe—to buoy the market, through active advertising and editorial presence in consumer magazines, newsletters and other publications.

The sustained PR campaign the last two years has resulted in many French travel firms taking a second look at the Philippines.

About 14 major French diving operators have or are featuring the country in their 2008-2009 campaigns, while Nouvelles Frontieres, one of France’s biggest tour operators, pushed the Philippines as a top destination in its sprawling exhibit booth and dive brochures.

Air France, too, devoted 17 pages of its inflight magazine to Philippine destionations, while the popular French Travel Guide had nine pages of pictures of Bohol, Palawan and other main attractions.

“Our goal is to make the Philippines a destination that can compete with the Caribbean and the Red Sea among French divers,” said Tan. “Divers will travel to dive, and we’re here.”

What about French tourists who aren’t too keen on diving? The country, it seems, has got them covered, too.

In March this year, another international fair called Destinations Nature! will open in the same venue. The focus this time is ecotourism, and its featured destination: The Philippines. Vive le honeymoon.

in_a_rush

January 19th, 2009, 03:39 PM

this is really good, but i checked the website and its so demn expensive!

Discover Manila’s best in a Jeepney

You can’t say that you’ve been to Manila if you haven’t had the chance to ride the cultural icon of the Philippines, the jeepney!

The Jeepney is a unique transportation that can only be found in the Philippines. It was originally made from the US military jeeps that were left to the Filipinos after World War II, giving it the powerful engine of an army jeep. With great Filipino ingenuity, the body was remodeled by adding some metal roofs and decorating it with vibrant colors. It has rapidly emerged as a creative and popular means of public transportation. Tagged as the “King of the Road,” it has become an enduring symbol of Philippine pop culture.

We are proud to introduce the concept of “Jeepney Tours”, a breakthrough in Philippine tourism that offers a convenient and daily sightseeing tour to travelers staying in five star hotels who wish to explore the best of Manila. Its main objective is to leave a positive image of the Philippines with every single ride.

Onboard the Jeepney Tours

The jeepney tours will take the travelers on a fascinating tour of the historical and vibrant city of Manila onboard a custom-built air-conditioned jumbo jeepney which can easily seat 20 people. A tour facilitator will join the passengers for the whole duration of the tour to point out interesting landmarks and give you brief backgrounds on the places that will be visited.

Stuck in Manila traffic? Fret not! There is a videoke system onboard to keep the guests entertained on the way back. The jeepney has a cooler for storing cold bottled drinks to keep the guests refreshed and hydrated at all times.
Jeepney Tour guide

The Jeepney Tours is an essential introduction to Manila in a fun and informative way and it links the travelers to the main attractions of the city. It is a perfect gift that can be offered to visiting friends and colleagues to experience all the magical sights and sounds of Manila in an entertaining, comfortable and secure environment.

“The Jeepney Tours is a tourism breakthrough that we are extremely proud of. Despite all the challenges, our profound commitment to the tourism industry fueled us to develop a major tourism infrastructure that transports the tourists to a day filled with fascinating experiences, a day packed with cultural learning and beautiful memories that will make them remember the Philippines at its best.” Clang Garcia, Managing Director of Jeepney Tours.

The Jeepney Tours can be booked at major five stars hotel with Thematic Tours to choose from.

Intramuros: A Cultural Heritage Tour

Metro Manila is the urban capital of the Philippines. Comprised of several bustling cities, it is the country’s bastion of modernity and cosmopolitan appeal. Manila is the premier gateway to any destination in the country. It serves its own menu of attractions and activities. Visit Manila and walk the walls of the old historical town of Intramuros and find out for yourself why it is hailed as one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world.

Spa and Shopping Spree

Travelers can indulge in purely pleasurable activities as they treat themselves to one fine day in Manila – one of the greatest spa and shopping destinations in Asia! From power spending down to flea market bargaining, one will never run out of options while exploring the malls of Manila, the uncontested shopper’s paradise. Tourists can pamper their body after a day of discoveries as they unwind and get the treatment they deserve amidst a relaxing atmosphere of a serene spa. What an exciting way to spend a day in the city!
Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Manila Bay is known for its captivating sunset. An extraordinary sight to behold because of the different play of colors decorating the sky, the Manila Bay sunset is a truly pleasurable experience in the city. Locals and tourists are known to hangout and spend their lazy afternoons by the bay along the historical Roxas Boulevard; however, a far better treat is to seize the moment while riding on to the sunset with a cocktail cruise. Before sailing away to the cruise, tourists will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Manila en route to the Manila Bay harbor where they will board a yacht to experience a memorable ride with their loved ones. Onboard, guests may explore the wide docks of the yacht, and after watching the sun go down, different wines and beverages will be served as guests enjoy the sea breeze of the cool night. Perfect for couples looking for a special romantic setting, the Sunset Cocktail Cruise is an ideal affair to remember.

Pampanga Escapade: Fly, Dine and Spa!

Just a short ride away to the north is the charming province of Pampanga. It is a place mixed with a proud cultural heritage and fast developing sites that cater to the international community. It is also a haven for people who want to experience the leisurely pace of the countryside. Start off your day with an English breakfast followed by a tour of a wine cellar. Then enjoy an Ultra-Light Flying experience, a sumptuous lunch and a rejuvenating spa treatment. Welcome and have a good day! Makusuelong pamagbisita keni Pampanga.
National Museum

The Charm of Tagaytay

Tagaytay is the perfect day trip destination outside Manila. A scenic drive to the countryside treats the traveler’s eye to sights of pineapple plantations, colorful fruit stands, flowers in bloom, ridges and mountains swathed in green and a breathtaking view of the famous Taal Volcano – the world’s smallest volcano. Tour this extraordinary city onboard our jeepney and get to enjoy the superb food of Sonya’s English Garden, a walk around and great buys of natural products from the charming honeybee farm and a relaxing treatment at Nurture Spa offering Asian and Filipino healing traditions in native Ifugao huts from the Cordillera province.

filcan

January 19th, 2009, 03:54 PM

^^ is it really? I wouldve given it a try.

ericlucky290

January 20th, 2009, 09:06 PM

ano yung website?

in_a_rush

January 20th, 2009, 09:18 PM

i copied from their site the various packages, sample intenerary and the prices..

Itinerary: Intramuros Cultural Heritage Tour

8:30 a.m. Pick-up time from the hotel
9:00 a.m. Sightseeing at SM Mall of Asia to CCP Complex
9:20 a.m. Harbour Square to Rizal Park
9:50 a.m. Rizal Park to Intramuros – Light and Sound Museum
10:00 a.m. Light and Sound Museum
11:00 a.m. Sight seeing and picture taking
11:30 a.m. Lunch at Barbara’s Restaurant
1:00 p.m. San Agustin Church
1:20 p.m. Manila Cathedral Church
1:45 p.m. Fort Santiago
2:45 p.m. Shopping for souvenir and local products at
Silahis Art and Artifacts
3:30 p.m. Depart from Intramuros
4:00 p.m. Arrival at the Hotel

Package Cost: P1,980 you can do better than that with that amount.

Itinerary: Spa and Shopping Spree

8:30 a.m. Pick-up time from the hotel
10:00 a.m. Shopping Tour at Greenhills
12:00 noon Buffet Lunch at Kamayan Restaurant
2:00 p.m. Depart for Market Market
2:30-4:30 p.m Shopping at Market Market
4:30 p.m. Depart for The Spa for a choice of Full Body Massage or Foot Spa
5:00 p.m. Pampering Spa Treatment at The Spa, The Fort

Package Cost: P3,500 though kasama na ata yung buffet and spa but still its overpriced.

if your a Filipino and living here, better do it yourself na lang.

here's the site BTW,

www.jeepneytours.com/

Rence

January 21st, 2009, 01:13 AM

FLORA FILIPINA EXPO DAILY FREE LECTURES (As of 1/20/2009)
Venue: Orchidarium Park Area (Lagoon Area), Quezon City Hall Complex,
East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

http://philippineorchids.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/flora-poster5.jpg?w=450&h=675

Exhibits * Socials * Lectures * Auction * Guided Tours * Commercial * Contests * Flower Arrangement * Photography * Festivals

February 5 , 2009 Opening - Guess of Honor - Vice President Noli De Castro , Congresswoman Cynthia Villar , Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista - attire : Filipiniana

February 6 to7 , 2009 on the spot photography contests, on the spot painting, on the spot flower arrangement in cooperation with QC Tourism , DECS-QC, Philippine Orchid Society, Camera Club of the Philippines, World Flower Council.

February 08, 2009 – Sunday
2:00-3:30pm Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
Speaker: Mr. Arnold Pesit

3:30-5:00pm The Art and Science of Bonsai
Speaker: Mr. Mody Manglicmot

February 09, 2009 - Monday
2:00-3:30pm Culture Guide in Raising of Bromeliads, Neoregalia and Tillandsia
Speaker: Mr.Rene Dofitas

February 10, 2009 - Tuesday
2:00-3:30pm Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids
Speaker: Mr. Vicente Chin Jr.

3:30-5:00pm Culture Guide for Growing Sympodial Orchid
Speaker: Mr. Andres S. Golamco, Jr.

February 11, 2009 - Wednesday
2:00-3:30 pm Establishing a Tissue Culture Laboratory for Selected Ornamental Plants
Speaker: Prof. Jovita A. Anit

3:30-5:00pm Growing Techniques for Vandaceous and Phalaenopsis Orchids
Speaker: Mr. Carlos Valeria C. Lazaro

February 12, 2009 – Thursday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Anthurium Foliage
Speaker: Ms.Vangie Go

3:30-5:00pm Cultural Techniques for Growing Selected Ferns
Speaker: Mr. Andres S. Golamco, Jr.

February 13, 2009 - Friday
2:00-3:30pm : Nutritional Requirements of Orchids & Ornamental Plants
Speaker: Allied Botanicals representative

3:30 – 5:00pm: Aglaonema Production
Speaker: Mr. Fernando Aurigue

February 14, 2009 - Saturday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Dish and Wall Garden
Speaker: Mr. Serapion Metilla

3:30 – 5:00pm. Cultural Guide for Raising Noteworthy Collectible Orchid Species
Speaker: Mr. Kelvin Neil Manubay

February 15, 2009 – Sunday
2:00 – 3:30 pm.: Production Techniques for Hoyas and Dischidias
Speaker :Lawrence Chan

3:30 – 5:00pm : Growing Cattleyas
Speaker : Atty. Hernando B. Perez

February 16, 2009 - Monday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Flower Arrangement
Speaker: Floral Designer’s Circle

see the link :
http://philippineorchids.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/2009-flora-filipina-international-expo/

Ozymandias214

January 21st, 2009, 05:13 PM

There was a busload full of Americans tonight at the hotel lobby of TriNoma. Interesting. It seems our malls are already becoming tourist attractions in their own right. But I do have to question the time, though, since I saw that they had just arrived there at 7pm. Certainly not prime hours for mall-going, no?

benchjade

January 21st, 2009, 06:37 PM

hotel lobby of trinoma?

in_a_rush

January 21st, 2009, 06:52 PM

metrosuburban

January 22nd, 2009, 04:22 AM

^^ but right beside trinoma is huge colony of slums, BIGGG eye sore...

Rence

January 23rd, 2009, 01:35 AM

http://philippineorchids.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/flora-poster5.jpg?w=450&h=675
Flora Filipina 2009 Poster

The show is expected to be one of Southeast Asia’s biggest gardening and plant event, which envisions to gather under one single international gardening event horticulturists, flower and plant connoisseurs, collectors or rare plants, traders, suppliers, landscapers, architects, manufacturers and traders of gardening tools, fertilizers, pesticides, garden equipment, environmental government and non-government organizations, private and government universities and colleges, government departments and agencies, foreign embassies, including local and foreign visitors. There will be 120 commercial booths and 60 exhibits featuring an assortment of plants including new hybrids and species.

The Flora Filipina will begin with a 2-day Scientific Conference on Philippine Plants from February 6 to 7, 2009 at the Bureau of Soils, Visayas Avenue. corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. After which, there will be an organized tour to various plant nurseries and tourist destination in the Laguna, and Batangas area.

http://philippineorchids.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/flora-09-brochure-cover.jpg
Brochure of Flora Filipina obverse

http://philippineorchids.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/flora-09-brochure-inside-fl.jpg
inside cover

FLOWER ARRANGING COMPETITION
February 7, 2009 ( Saturday)
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

1. Prizes
1st Prize – 3,000.00 + Trophy
2nd Prize – 2,000.00 + Trophy
3rd Prize – 1,000.00 + Trophy
2. Entry fee - Php 250.00/competitor
3. The competition is open to all Hotel and Restaurant Management students, who are proficient in flower arranging and has the necessary skills to join a flower arranging competition. The competition is limited to 10 competitors only. One representative per school is allowed. In cases when there are excess entries, the committee will put the said entry on wait list. In case of no show, the entry on the waitlist will be allowed to compete.
In cases of low turnout, the committee may allow multiple entries per school.
4. All materials will be provided during the competition except for cutting tools.
5. Entry forms are can be downloaded at . www.philippineorchidsocietyph.org
6. Deadline of submission of entries will be on February 2, 2009. Entry forms can be submitted at Philippine Orchid Society secretariat, Fax No. +632 9294425. Email. philorchidsociety@yahoo.com.
7. Organizers. Philippine Orchid Society, World Flower Council, Quezon City Tourism Office.

FLORA FILIPINA EXPO DAILY FREE LECTURES (As of 1/23/2009)
Venue: Orchidarium Park Area (Lagoon Area), Quezon City Hall Complex,
East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

February 08, 2009 – Sunday
2:00-3:30pm Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
Speaker: Mr. Arnold Pesit

3:30-5:00pm The Art and Science of Bonsai
Speaker: Mr. Mody Manglicmot

February 09, 2009 - Monday
2:00-3:30pm Culture Guide in Raising of Bromeliads, Neoregalia and Tillandsia
Speaker: Mr.Rene Dofitas

February 10, 2009 - Tuesday
2:00-3:30pm Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids
Speaker: Mr. Vicente Chin Jr.

3:30-5:00pm Culture Guide for Growing Sympodial Orchid
Speaker: Mr. Andres S. Golamco, Jr.

February 11, 2009 - Wednesday
2:00-3:30 pm Establishing a Tissue Culture Laboratory for Selected Ornamental Plants
Speaker: Prof. Jovita A. Anit

3:30-5:00pm Growing Techniques for Vandaceous Orchids
Speaker: Mr. Carlos Valeria C. Lazaro

February 12, 2009 – Thursday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Anthurium Foliage
Speaker: Ms.Vangie Go

3:30-5:00pm Cultural Techniques for Growing Selected Ferns
Speaker: Mr. Andres S. Golamco, Jr.

February 13, 2009 - Friday
2:00-3:30pm : Nutritional Requirements of Orchids & Ornamental Plants
Speaker: Allied Botanicals representative

3:30 – 5:00pm: Aglaonema Production
Speaker: Mr. Fernando Aurigue

February 14, 2009 - Saturday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Dish and Wall Garden
Speaker: Mr. Serapion Metilla

3:30 – 5:00pm. Cultural Guide for Raising Noteworthy Collectible Orchid Species
Speaker: Mr. Kelvin Neil Manubay

February 15, 2009 – Sunday
2:00 – 3:30 pm.: Production Techniques for Hoyas and Dischidias
Speaker :Lawrence Chan

3:30 – 5:00pm : Growing Cattleya Orchids
Speaker : Atty. Hernando B. Perez

February 16, 2009 - Monday
2:00 – 3:30 pm. Flower Arrangement
Speaker: Floral Designer’s Circle

Links:

http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/2008/10/flora-filipina-international-show-2009/

http://philippineorchids.wordpress.com/

carl_vilches21

January 23rd, 2009, 02:19 PM

...walang finalist ang philippines para sa new7wonders:ohno:...

-TC-

January 23rd, 2009, 02:50 PM

...walang finalist ang philippines para sa new7wonders:ohno:...

Are you sure? Read January 8 article below:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=430030&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Palawan's underground river one step closer to new 7 wonders

January 08, 2009
Philippine Star

The underground river in Palawan is now a step closer to being named one of the world’s new seven wonders of Nature.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday reported that Palawan’s Subterranean River has been officially selected as the country’s bet in the race for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

“We are proud to announce that the Philippine marvels have stood strong in the first round of voting. This affirms the support of Filipinos as well as other tourists in helping our natural sites make their mark in the global scene,”

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Durano said results of the first phase of voting in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign were announced yesterday at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters.

According to Durano, the head of communications for New7Wonders Tia Viering sent a letter congratulating the Philippines for qualifying in the second phase of voting.

Viering said the 261 nominees in the second phase of the race are now one step closer to being chosen one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature by the people of the world.

The Philippines’ underground river shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant.

Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world’s top priorities for marine conservation.

The qualified 261 national and multinational nominees from the 222 participating countries feature iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Loch Ness, the Black Forest, and Mount Fuji, alongside the Amazon, the Danube, the Dead Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, the Kalahari Desert, Mont Blanc, and Niagara Falls.

The first stage of the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign officially ended last Dec. 31 and voting was suspended on the New7Wonders website until yesterday to allow organizers to tally and verify all votes.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180 or more than 40 percent were eliminated. Those selected will become the pool from which the 21 official finalists are chosen.

A panel of experts will select the 21 finalists from the top 77, which will be announced on July 21 this year.

When the third and final phase of voting begins, the people of the world will have approximately two years to choose from the 21 finalists for the Official New7Wonders of Nature, to be revealed in 2011. Over one billion votes are forecast.

Durano said the new seven Wonders of Nature campaign is expected to promote and increase awareness and appreciation of the different spectacular sites all over the world.

“With billions of supporters all over the globe, promotion of spectacular sites from all over the world has been set to greater heights. It is also very important to call on the sustainable promotion of these tourism sites, which are Nature’s blessings,” Durano said.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said inclusion of the Philippines’ wonders in the list gives more reason to strengthen not only the promotion but the preservation of our natural sites.

Jarque said the country’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign would inevitably translate to increased interest in seeing the nominees, including the tourist destinations in the Philippines.

carl_vilches21

January 23rd, 2009, 03:52 PM

Are you sure? Read January 8 article below:

The Acropolis of Athens (450 - 330 B.C.) Athens, Greece GREECE/ GREECE

Alhambra (12th century) Granada, Spain SPAIN/ SPAIN

Angkor (12th century) Cambodia CAMBODIA/ CAMBODIA

Statues of Easter Island (10th - 16th Century) Easter Island, Chile
CHILE/ CHILE

The Eiffel Tower (1887 - 89) Paris, France FRANCE/ FRANCE

The Hagia Sophia (532 - 537 A.D.) Istanbul, Turkey TURKEY/ TURKEY

Kiyomizu Temple (749 - 1855) Kyoto, Japan JAPAN/ JAPAN

The Kremlin and Red Square (1156 - 1850) Moscow, Russia RUSSIA/ RUSSIA

Neuschwanstein Castle (1869 -1884) Schwangau, Germany GERMANY/
GERMANY

The Pyramids of Giza (2600 - 2500 B.C), Egypt EGYPT/ EGYPT

The Statue of Liberty (1886) New York City, U.S.A. UNITED STATES/
UNITED STATES

Stonehenge (3000 B.C. - 1600 B.C.) Amesbury, United Kingdom UNITED
KINGDOM/ UNITED KINGDOM

Sydney Opera House (1954 - 73) Sydney, Australia AUSTRALIA/ AUSTRALIA

Timbuktu (12th century) Mali MALI/ MALI

...I'm sorry moderator @-TC-...
...But when i vor\ted(again) I only saw on candidate of ours...
...Puerto Princessa Underground river lang ata...
...Where are the other candidates of the Philippines???

filcan

January 23rd, 2009, 04:08 PM

^^read the article @-TC- gave you :)

in_a_rush

January 23rd, 2009, 04:12 PM

The Acropolis of Athens (450 - 330 B.C.) Athens, Greece GREECE/ GREECE

Alhambra (12th century) Granada, Spain SPAIN/ SPAIN

Angkor (12th century) Cambodia CAMBODIA/ CAMBODIA

Statues of Easter Island (10th - 16th Century) Easter Island, Chile
CHILE/ CHILE

The Eiffel Tower (1887 - 89) Paris, France FRANCE/ FRANCE

The Hagia Sophia (532 - 537 A.D.) Istanbul, Turkey TURKEY/ TURKEY

Kiyomizu Temple (749 - 1855) Kyoto, Japan JAPAN/ JAPAN

The Kremlin and Red Square (1156 - 1850) Moscow, Russia RUSSIA/ RUSSIA

Neuschwanstein Castle (1869 -1884) Schwangau, Germany GERMANY/
GERMANY

The Pyramids of Giza (2600 - 2500 B.C), Egypt EGYPT/ EGYPT

The Statue of Liberty (1886) New York City, U.S.A. UNITED STATES/
UNITED STATES

Stonehenge (3000 B.C. - 1600 B.C.) Amesbury, United Kingdom UNITED
KINGDOM/ UNITED KINGDOM

Sydney Opera House (1954 - 73) Sydney, Australia AUSTRALIA/ AUSTRALIA

Timbuktu (12th century) Mali MALI/ MALI

...I'm sorry moderator @-TC-...
...But when i vor\ted(again) I only saw on candidate of ours...
...Puerto Princessa Underground river lang ata...
...Where are the other candidates of the Philippines???

you got it wrong dude. yang mga yan, man-made wonders of the world. wala talagang philippine nominee..

yung sa natural wonders, dyan kasama ang underground river ng palawan. nasa rule na 1 finalist lang per country hence di mo makikita yung ibang philippine entries.

carl_vilches21

January 23rd, 2009, 04:32 PM

you got it wrong dude. yang mga yan, man-made wonders of the world. wala talagang philippine nominee..

yung sa natural wonders, dyan kasama ang underground river ng palawan. nasa rule na 1 finalist lang per country hence di mo makikita yung ibang philippine entries.

...Now I get it...

^^read the article @-TC- gave you :)

...Actually, I'm lazy reading very long articles just like that...
...He he he, but I tried to read it...
... Thanx!!!:okay:

anakngpasig

January 23rd, 2009, 05:32 PM

sana nung time
ng votation ng
7 new (man-made) wonders
na promote ng maayos
yung Banaue Rice Terraces.

Rence

January 23rd, 2009, 06:52 PM

http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/images/stories/articles/flora-2009-poster.jpg
Flora Filipina International Horticulture Expo 2009 Poster

Greetings from the Philippines!

We would like to invite you to our once in 3 years Flora Filipina Expo on February 6-16, 2009. There will be over 120 commercial booths and 80 exhibits featuring an assortment of plants. In the last expo in 2006, our guests had an excellent time at the show, parties, tours and the conference.

http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/images/stories/flora/flora-filipina-banner.jpg

We are cordially inviting everyone to come and join us in the up coming “Flora Filipina Expo 2009”, to be held on 06-16 February 2009 at the Orchidarium Park of Quezon City Hall, East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. We would appreciate it very much if your firm/ institution/ club and members could include this very important event in your calendar for 2009.

In line with this, we will also be holding the 2nd Flora Filipina Conference on February 06 to 07, 2009 at the Bureau of Soils, Elliptical Circle in Quezon City (venue still to be confirmed). For this we have invited foreign and local speakers to share with us the latest in horticultural information, trends, demands and innovations. The POS secretariat is now accepting reservations of participants for this conference.

For those who wish to join the commercial booth section, please contact the FFE Secretariat at telephone number +632.929.4425 / 926.5061, mobile phone numbers +63917.8485468, +63922.8959544.

There is an on going registration for those who are interested in joining the on the spot painting ( QC public High School Students ) and on the spot flower arrangement ( Open to College Students)

Please visit the Link:

http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/home.html

in_a_rush

January 24th, 2009, 06:38 PM

sana nung time
ng votation ng
7 new (man-made) wonders
na promote ng maayos
yung Banaue Rice Terraces.

oo nga eh, para kasing walang nabalitaan man lang doon. pero baka iba yung criteria, maybe not like sa natural wonders na through voting. kasi kung pinag-botohan for sure kasama ang rice terraces.

MatudNilaBaby

January 25th, 2009, 05:41 AM

the rice terraces in the philippines is not uniquely filipino. there are other rice terraces existing in south asian countries.

Muffstar

January 25th, 2009, 01:23 PM

Gee there are some really nice photo's of places to visit in Philippines. I live in Sydney and my wife and I return each year to visit her family and what I find very disappointing that the Phillppines is not considered a holiday destination for Australians to visit.

Marketing for all Asian holidays includes, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, you don't see packages advertised for any destinations for Philippines. Whether that is because infrastructure is lacking in getting to some of these places I don't know. Maybe DOT need to start pushing holiday destinations with Tourism Australia ?

Another area for improvement is the staff at the Philippines Consulate in Sydney, I have never met a more arrogant and stuck up bunch of people in all my life, which may turn people off visiting.

Rence

January 25th, 2009, 03:24 PM

We are cordially inviting everyone to come and join us in the up coming “Flora Filipina Expo 2009”, to be held on 06-16 February 2009 at the Orchidarium Park of Quezon City Hall, East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. We would appreciate it very much if your firm/ institution/ club and members could include this very important event in your calendar for 2009.

In line with this, we will also be holding the 2nd Flora Filipina Conference on February 06 to 07, 2009 at the Bureau of Soils, Elliptical Circle in Quezon City (venue still to be confirmed). For this we have invited foreign and local speakers to share with us the latest in horticultural information, trends, demands and innovations. The POS secretariat is now accepting reservations of participants for this conference.

see the link:
http://http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/flora-filipina.html (http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/flora-filipina.html)

MatudNilaBaby

January 26th, 2009, 01:54 AM

Dreamtofly

January 26th, 2009, 12:16 PM

those filipinos manning the philippine embassies and consulates all around the world need a lesson on CUSTOMER SERVICE. thats what i noticed in the consulate office here in los angeles. the long lines, endless waiting, unfriendly and snotty attitude. thats my personal observation as well.

It’s the same thing here in Sweden and Austria. This people those not have an etiquette at all. I think in general the whole government employee in the country and outside the country where the same. Even thou one employee does that; it reflects the whole image of the country and the people.:bash:

xXx carlos xXx

January 26th, 2009, 11:25 PM

umabot ba tayo sa 3M foreign tourists this year?

ofw_cebu

January 26th, 2009, 11:56 PM

those filipinos manning the philippine embassies and consulates all around the world need a lesson on CUSTOMER SERVICE. thats what i noticed in the consulate office here in los angeles. the long lines, endless waiting, unfriendly and snotty attitude. thats my personal observation as well.

hmmmm, add mo na rin yung mga staff sa Philippine consulate in London . . . parang mga walang alam sa customer service . . . this is based on my experience . .

federalist

January 27th, 2009, 11:17 AM

Cebu's location a plus

TOURISM stakeholders remain optimistic about Cebu’s tourism industry this year amid reports of a slowdown in the travel market in some parts of the world due to the global financial crisis.

This optimism can be attributed to Cebu’s “strategic geographical location” and availability of more flights to neighboring provinces and Asian regions.

Charles Lim, special tourism envoy for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), said that despite the economic slowdown, Cebu’s “greater accessibility” to other areas is increasing the province’s tourism potential this year.

“Cebu would be a hub for tourists who want to go to Boracay, Davao, Cagayan and even some parts of Luzon without them
having to go to Manila,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

He added that Cebu is also becoming an ideal point for travelers who want to go to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other destinations in the Asean region.
To be able to continue tapping this potential—especially during the economic slowdown—Lim advised hotels, resorts and tour operators to aggressively market their destinations to specific target sectors.

Sites, events

In response, the members of Cebu Association of Tour Operators (Cato) is planning to go around domestic destinations this year to check out the latest events and products that they can help promote to both local and foreign visitors.

“We want a hands-on experience. We have to see the destination so that we’ll know what to sell. If we have inquiries from international people, we can tell them that they can come to Cebu and have a side trip to Cagayan de Oro and then go to Dipolog, for example,” said newly-inducted Cato president Zenaida Chua.

She disclosed that about 16 travel agents will be going to Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte next month. They are coordinating with the tourism office of Northern Mindanao for a possible trip there by March.

Chua, also managing director of Worldwide Travel and Tours Inc., said that local tour operators’ promotions are limited by packages that include Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and some neighboring areas. Cato wants to expand its offers to include activities in other provinces like sightseeing in Davao and whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro.
She said that despite concerns of several tourists over expensive hotel costs, her group maintains a positive outlook this year and hopes for an increase in tourist arrivals coming to Cebu. They observed that Americans, Europeans, Koreans and Japanese continue to visit the province.

Cato is also anticipating an increase in domestic travelers this summer as the group keeps on encouraging families to visit local destinations first before heading to other countries for vacation. (NRC)

davaob4now

January 28th, 2009, 06:37 AM

Durano optimistic on Davao
mb.com.ph
Sarah Jane Hilomen

DAVAO CITY — Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano is optimistic about the prospects of Davao City as one of the best tourist destinations in the country.

He said Davao City will be highlighted at the International Tourism Fair ITB, the world’s biggest tourism fair, to be held in Berlin, Germany on March 5-9, 2008.

Durano made this statement during the 2nd Davao Travel Show held recently here.

"One thing Davao can look forward to this coming ITP fair in Germany is that our new product, the Adventure Philippines package, will prominently highlight Davao City and the rest of Mindanao," he said.

He said that the country has many tourist attractions, but in terms of ready tourism products, Davao has these. "Some tourism products that we can sell are the Mt. Apo trekking, the various scuba diving destinations in Davao Gulf, the Philippine Eagle Center, and even white water rafting."
Durano expressed confidence in the growing market power of Davao.

"Tourism has been contributing to the overall economic growth of the country. Now, with more and more Davaoeños having the purchasing capacity, tourism will continue to be a vital contribution to the economic growth here (Davao)," he said.

He encouraged Davaoeños to travel to other parts of the country and outside to determine how the city fares with other places.

"This will help Davaoeños compare themselves with other destinations and see what else Davao needs to do to be more competitive," Durano said.

He urged Filipinos to travel abroad. "It is only by seeing the world that we will appreciate what the Filipino can offer to the world," he said.

lancetrn

January 28th, 2009, 08:53 AM

RP river now leads 7 wonders rankings

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on Tuesday topped the live ranking in the category of forests, national parks and nature reserves in the ongoing global search for the new seven wonders of the world.

Occupying 2nd and 3rd place in the live ranking were the Amazon rainforest (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, etc) and the Sundarbans delta (Bangladesh/India), respectively.

Buoyed by a successful campaign last year that catapulted the underground river to the top spot among entries that made the cut into the second round of voting, the city government has set its sights on a massive local and international campaign to draw votes for the famed local attraction.

It has scheduled a campaign launching activity on Saturday that would be attended by ranking cabinet officials and various support organizations.

“We are stepping up our campaign by tapping into the vast network of supporters, nationally and globally, who have visited the underground river. We’ve done it before and we will do it again,” said Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

The organizer, the New7Wonders foundation, was founded by Swiss-Canadian aviator Bernard Weber. There are 261 nominees in seven categories, namely, landscapes and ice formations; islands; mountains and volcanoes; caves, rock formations and valleys; forests, national parks and nature reserves; lakes, rivers and waterfalls; and seascapes.

Log on to www.new7wonders.com to vote and for more information.

On January 1 this year, the first stage or the national qualification ended. Online voting has entered the second stage for the nomination. Online voting for nominees will continue through July 7.

A panel of experts, under the leadership of Federico Mayor, former Unesco director-general, will review the top 77 nominees and choose the 21 finalists to be announced on July 21. Redempto Anda, Inquirer Southern Luzon
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090127-185940/RP-river-now-leads-7-wonders-rankings

anakngpasig

January 29th, 2009, 04:18 PM

umabot ba tayo sa 3M foreign tourists this year?

Global crisis seen to dampen Philippine tourism target
01/29/2009 | 06:17 PM

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146513/Global-crisis-seen-to-dampen-Philippine-tourism-target

MANILA, Philippines- The tourism sector will be among the casualties of a global slowdown, travel agents said.

Jose C. Clemente 3rd, Philippine Travel Agencies Association ex-officio and Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. president, told reporters that the industry will be hard pressed to match the 3.5-million foreign tourists arrivals recorded in 2008.

He said the economic uncertainties in the US and European countries such as United Kingdom, France and Germany – among the Philippines’ largest markets- would translate to lower number of foreign tourists visiting the country.

“They ( the Department of Tourism) may not get this target considering the current situation. If we do reach that, then it is a major achievement, “ Clemente added.

Tourist arrivals is one of the 11 criteria in an index, the leading economic indicator (LEI), which intends to predict future economic direction.

However, travel agents see growth from the Russian market with Russians continuing to show interests in the Philippines.

Europe as a whole is the country’s 4th largest market, followed by the US. The Philippines’ neighboring countries South Korea and Japan remain the biggest sources of foreign visitors.

Clemente lamented that the Philippine government is doing very little to tap the tourism industry to become a major driver to boost the economy.

Unlike in other destinations where their respective governments provide them with financial resources, the Philippines including officials of local government units have yet to adopt this practice.

Clemente was referring to the P1.2 billion or a measly $20 million annual budget of the Tourism department as against other countries such as Malaysia, Hongkong and Singapore which yearly allot about $100 million for tourism.

Out of the P1.2 billion budget, bulk, or 60 to 70 percent, goes to promotion and marketing or equivalent to P800 million.

DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano earlier conceded that agency has to work within a $20-million budget to promote the country.

"You can never promote enough if you are always limited by your resources," he said.

Funding, Durano noted, is an area where the Philippines is being outdone by other countries in the region.

In the region, the top tourist draw is Thailand with 23 million foreign visitors; followed by Malayia with 20 million, while the Philippines ranked third.

The DOT was targeting to entice 3.5-million foreign visitors to come to the Philippine shores.

GMANews.TV

*****

The Philippines ranked third??
Indonesia has been getting
more than 5 million

:nuts:

amigo32

January 29th, 2009, 04:56 PM

[B][SIZE="3"]G
*****

The Philippines ranked third??
Indonesia has been getting
more than 5 million

:nuts:

don't worry, more than half were Malaysian visitors:D:D:D

RonnieR

January 29th, 2009, 05:02 PM

^^ Singapore also...don't forget :) they got more tourists than the Phils. :) so, 3.5M tourists visited the country in 2008? that's a record.... good job. Official data na ba to?

in_a_rush

January 29th, 2009, 06:54 PM

^^ mali naman yung article. actually sa SEA, we are ranked sixth pa nga. next to malaysia,thai,sing,indonesia,vietnam. but then 3.5 million is is good news na! to think na 3 million lang last 2007. if the trend continues its possible that we will reach the 5 million mark by 2010. i hope that 3.5 is official.

in_a_rush

January 29th, 2009, 07:01 PM

anyone na merong issue ng yes magazine feb issue, nasa issue daw yung hotel na pag mamay-ari ni Manny Pacquiao sa boracay, i wonder kung boxing themed hotel yun. in the article, mukhang high-end since target niya foreign honeymooners.:)

heres the link..
http://www.pep.ph/news/20657/%3Cem%3EYES!%3C-em%3E-takes-a-peek-inside-Manny-Pacquiao’s-GenSan-mansion-and-Boracay-hotel

Animo

January 29th, 2009, 07:37 PM

http://www.libertaddigital.com/fotos/noticias/170_0_principesfitur.jpg

Madrid, Jan 28 (Prensa Latina (http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID={D010D6A3-C7BF-4739-A744-8F6CE98C0524})&language=EN)) The 29th FITUR 2009 opened today in Madrid dented by the world economic crisis with fewer participants and 13 per cent less space.

Opened by the Princesses of Asturias, Felipe and Letizia, the International Tourism Fair gathers 170 countries, including 20 from Latin America and the Caribbean, in pavilion 8.

The Latin American guests are Argentina, Brazil Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela and Central America united.

The fair hosts 11,137 firms, nine less than the 28th FITUR and half are Spanish, within an area of 87,520 sq. meters (17,000 meters smaller as well).

The above is owed to the absence of big Spanish firms like Iberia, Globalia and Iberojet, despite new comers Gabon, Bosnia Herzegovina, Nigeria, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, Botswana, Reunion Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The agenda involves business meetings, forums and conferences, including tourist municipalities: competition threatened by financial distress and research methods and techniques.

Porknight

January 30th, 2009, 05:56 AM

RonnieR

January 30th, 2009, 06:32 AM

Manila-X

January 30th, 2009, 06:33 AM

^^ Singapore also...don't forget :) they got more tourists than the Phils. :) so, 3.5M tourists visited the country in 2008? that's a record.... good job. Official data na ba to?

Note that Singapore is more of a transit-hub thus the number of tourists.

The problem is, The Philippines is off the beaten path within the Asian destination. Improve the airport especially DMIA, implement open skies policy and Manila can become an main air hub in Asia. This will bring more tourists and make the country a serious travel destination.

RonnieR

January 30th, 2009, 06:33 AM

I was wondering if they are going to do something for the corrupt government officials ? I don't know if they do it also to foreigners or only to OFWs or filipino in general but they usually stop you and ask for money for no good reason ?
Happened to me almost 5 times in my 1 month vacation.

I guess you're referring to the immigration officers. The best way you could do is: IGNORE them and have a fierce look in your eyes directed to that officer. It worked for me and he never asked me again.

What they do is illegal and if you report them to a higher officer, they could be sacked.

in_a_rush

January 30th, 2009, 08:46 AM

Yeah, agree. I heard that even the transit Malaysian tourists from the border who stay in Singapore for few hours are counted as "tourists"....well....that explains.

agree. look at Vietnam, i doubt if it will reach 4.2 million tourists that easy (surpassing Philippines) if it is not beside Thailand. Cambodia as well with 2 million..

Porknight

January 30th, 2009, 10:47 AM

I guess you're referring to the immigration officers. The best way you could do is: IGNORE them and have a fierce look in your eyes directed to that officer. It worked for me and he never asked me again.

What they do is illegal and if you report them to a higher officer, they could be sacked.
No it won't work , be always gentle when talking to them, at least this is what a friend of mine told me and he is a lawyer in the Philippines. They are in power and they are gonna to abuse it.

The immigration officers are very arrogant and unprofessional compare to other countries I visited , One of them wanted to confiscate my passport because according to him was tampered or even fake ? It was the first time I visited the Philippines with that passport but not the first time I used it to visit other countries such as UAE, Turkey , Singapore , Italy and Egypt and nobody never bother me, asked me anything or even implying that there was something wrong with it.
His accusation was ridiculous my passport is genuine all he wanted was money.
I almost lost my flight fortunately I know some important person who work in the airport and after a call and after 20 minutes they let me go.

But beside them also ordinary police are very annoying , it happened to me 2 times , they stop my driver who did nothing wrong and he say that he was going to remove the plate number from the car . I ask for his name and he get angry and he reply that he was going to arrest us.

We were desperate , luckily the driver told us to give him some money to let us go. I give him 500 pesos an he let us go . I never saw anything as fast as his hand , it took less than a picosecond to him to make disappear the banknote from my hand.
This jerk was wearing a jacket and sunglasses so it was very hard to recognized. I didn't even know if he was a real police he didn't even bother to show me his badge.

I don't want a special treatment when I visit my country but god sake if i'm not doing anything wrong leave me alone.

I know that Ofws are not tourists but damn most of them when they come back bring money or see some opportunity to invest .
And do you think I should promote my country abroad after what I experienced ?
Many people ask me about the Philippines because they are interested , I have some friends who really want to visit the Philippines and it breaks my heart when I have to say that the people with the badge are our mafia
So get ready to be extorted !

What really the government should focus on is getting rid of this corrupt officials if they want to attract tourists beside of course more infrastructures many roads were atrocious very dangerous !

jaygold06

January 30th, 2009, 10:54 AM

^^ Singapore also...don't forget :) they got more tourists than the Phils. :) so, 3.5M tourists visited the country in 2008? that's a record.... good job. Official data na ba to?

may nabasa ko na sa singapore ang mga pinoy ang isa sa pinakamaraming foreign tourist na dumadayo doon...

Porknight

January 30th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Note that Singapore is more of a transit-hub thus the number of tourists.

The problem is, The Philippines is off the beaten path within the Asian destination. Improve the airport especially DMIA, implement open skies policy and Manila can become an main air hub in Asia. This will bring more tourists and make the country a serious travel destination.

Like HK and Singapore what we really should have to attract more flights is a good airline.

Pal don't even go to Europe any more. I'm wondering how much money SIA and Cathay Pacific are making with all the filipino working in Europe.
What about Qatar airways , my dad took a flight from Doha with the local airline and all the passengers were all filipino.

What we need is a fancy airline with reasonable rates !

jaygold06

January 30th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Visitors arrival in singapore by major market..
2006 statistics...ang daming mga pinoy na turista sa SG.. ang yaman talaga ng pinoy. sino ang nagsasabing naghihirap ang mga tao sa pilipinas..!?!:lol:

Indonesia, P R China, Australia, India and Malaysia were the top five visitor-generating markets in 2006,
accounting for 51% of total visitor arrivals. India overtook Japan as the fourth largest market, representing an
increase of 13% over 2005 while the Philippines edged out Thailand from the list of top 10 visitor-generating
markets.
Amongst the Chinese visitors, Singapore remained as one of their favourable destinations. In 2006, visitors
from P R China surpassed the one millionth mark for the first time. Visitor arrivals from P R China rose by 21%.
Strong double-digit growth from markets such as South Korea (+25%), the Philippines (+21%), India (+13%) and
Australia (+12%) also helped to boost 2006’s performance.
The top ten markets for Singapore posted growth, with eight of them achieving record highs in visitor
arrivals. They were Indonesia, PR China, Australia, India, United Kingdom, South Korea, U.S.A. and the Philippines.

RonnieR

January 30th, 2009, 11:27 AM

^^ It's not only Singapore where PInoys are one of the top tourists, even in Hongkong. Of course, out of 92M Pinoys, there will always be the rich, middle class who can afford to travel :) :)

RonnieR

January 30th, 2009, 11:29 AM

Porknight: I guess after reading your experience, it's hard for me to explain how it happened to you. In all my travels overseas, I never experienced this horrible thing except at the airport when the officer commented "wala bang pamasko dyan?" this is what I meant: I just ignored him and stared at him...and he did not make a follow up....so I passed thru.

crappypants

January 30th, 2009, 10:34 PM

No it won't work , be always gentle when talking to them, at least this is what a friend of mine told me and he is a lawyer in the Philippines. They are in power and they are gonna to abuse it.

The immigration officers are very arrogant and unprofessional compare to other countries I visited , One of them wanted to confiscate my passport because according to him was tampered or even fake ? It was the first time I visited the Philippines with that passport but not the first time I used it to visit other countries such as UAE, Turkey , Singapore , Italy and Egypt and nobody never bother me, asked me anything or even implying that there was something wrong with it.
His accusation was ridiculous my passport is genuine all he wanted was money.
I almost lost my flight fortunately I know some important person who work in the airport and after a call and after 20 minutes they let me go.

But beside them also ordinary police are very annoying , it happened to me 2 times , they stop my driver who did nothing wrong and he say that he was going to remove the plate number from the car . I ask for his name and he get angry and he reply that he was going to arrest us.

We were desperate , luckily the driver told us to give him some money to let us go. I give him 500 pesos an he let us go . I never saw anything as fast as his hand , it took less than a picosecond to him to make disappear the banknote from my hand.
This jerk was wearing a jacket and sunglasses so it was very hard to recognized. I didn't even know if he was a real police he didn't even bother to show me his badge.

I don't want a special treatment when I visit my country but god sake if i'm not doing anything wrong leave me alone.

I know that Ofws are not tourists but damn most of them when they come back bring money or see some opportunity to invest .
And do you think I should promote my country abroad after what I experienced ?
Many people ask me about the Philippines because they are interested , I have some friends who really want to visit the Philippines and it breaks my heart when I have to say that the people with the badge are our mafia
So get ready to be extorted !

What really the government should focus on is getting rid of this corrupt officials if they want to attract tourists beside of course more infrastructures many roads were atrocious very dangerous !
this happened to me twice in Manila, I think that city is godforsaken, pollution, extortion prostitution you name it.
Once it was a lady bunge cop who stopped us for no reason, I refused to give in to her extortion tactic and informed her I would report her and she let us go. Another time inside Manila downtown and the moment they see you have an international license, their eyes light up like they hit the jackpot. I can only imagine the horror if you're a puti, Such a shame these people don't realize they're helping kill the hand that can potentially feed them much more than a few cents the'y'll get from their extortion rackets.

jonno

January 31st, 2009, 07:07 AM

RonnieR

January 31st, 2009, 01:43 PM

^^

Not to mention the dengue epidemic. The real shame is the Philippines government's not even doing anything to counter this growing epidemic; in fact they seem to be downplaying the worrying stats. Even actors, actresses and the rich are now becoming dengue victims. Just look at Angel Locsin, she was rushed to the hospital because of Dengue. I know a Fil - Am family who was looking forward to their holiday in the Philippines for years, the son caught Dengue before christmas and they had to rush him to makati med, they haven't got medical insurance so they spent a lot since the boy's liver's weak and he had a 40% chance of dying. By the time the boy recovered, it's time for them to go home. The father told me they will never come back to the Philippines again.

I can't help but to react. :) Dengue? even Singapore, Malaysia have this problem....we are in a tropical zone....

latest article about dengue...i have a friend, his daughter caught dengue in Singapore...so, it's not unique....malinis na ang bansang yan and yet....
Singapore registers more dengue cases in January. SAbihin mo sa friend mo....:)

www.chinaview.cn 2009-01-30 00:03:20 Print

SINGAPORE, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Singapore registered more dengue cases in the first three weeks of January over the same period last year, local media reported on Thursday.

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) said that 509 people caught dengue fever in the first three weeks of January, compared to 341 during the same period last year, according to a report by the Straits Times.

The NEA said it was monitoring whether the increase in cases was simply due to short-term fluctuations, adding that a surge in the number of cases in neighboring Malaysia may have an impact on Singapore.

The English newspaper said that Malaysia reported 4,221 dengue cases in the first 23 days of this month, which almost doubled the figure of the same period last year.

Singapore's key strategy to prevent dengue outbreaks is to keep the mosquito population low to reduce their chances of transmitting the disease, the NEA said in the report.

Porknight

January 31st, 2009, 09:42 PM

I had some vaccination before going to the Philippines but I guess it's something that you must do before going in any tropical country , I don't know what kind of vaccination I had , ask to your doctor.

Never and never drink tap water and remember even in the restaurant when you ask for water they tend to serve you tap water , always ask for bottled ones.
In the Philippines is not yet illegal to serve tap water and when you ask for water they are sure that you want water to save money . not because you are so tired of drinking coke. Lol

Such a shame these people don't realize they're helping kill the hand that can potentially feed them much more than a few cents the'y'll get from their extortion rackets.

Yup definitely , corruption and extortion and lack of good infrastructures , 3 issues that are keeping away many investors from our country !

in_a_rush

January 31st, 2009, 09:57 PM

Animo

January 31st, 2009, 10:18 PM

Sa totoo lang merong punto iyong sinabi dito na maraming mga Taga-Manila ang humihingi ng pera sa pag-dating mo palang sa airport. Sa isang halimbawa na nangyari sa aking mama: galing Davao (domestic airport) siya at nung kumuha ng taxi at sinabi na pupunta siya sa Manila Pen ang gagong tsuper naman ay humingi ng dolyar para pambayad! :nuts: Binigyan na lang nila niya ng P500 at pinag-sabihan bakit ang daming kurakot sa bansa.

Isa pa nung pina-barko naming iyong mga gamit at furniture's ng papa ko galing sa Tokyo at nasa pier nakukunin. Meron kaming pina-dala na kukuha sa mga cargo. Ang mga sirang tao na nag-trabaho ba naman doon ay ayaw i-release iyong mga gamit kasi daw kulang sa papel at dahil "foreign" daw ito. Puta! Binayaran na nga ng kompanya ang lahat ng mga buwis at mga papeles ay kompleto na. :ohno:

Gaya ni Porknight, tumawag din kami sa isang mataas na opisyal na kilala ng pamilya namin. Pagka-hapon na kuha na iyong mga cargo! kawawa iyong mga Filipino na walang koneksyon at iyong mga ginagago ng mga taong katulad nila. :bash:

ruralvillage

January 31st, 2009, 11:27 PM

Puno urges LGUs to help national gov't transform RP into dive capital of Asian region (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Puno_urges_LGUs_to_help_national_gov_t_transform_RP_into_dive_capital_of_Asian_region.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Puno_urges_LGUs_to_help_national_gov_t_transform_RP_into_dive_capital_of_Asian_region.shtml)

MANILA, Feb 1 (PNA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Saturday asked local chief executives to help the national government in transforming the country into a dive capital of the Asian region.

Puno asked the local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances that would standardize the collection of recreational diving fees and utilize such revenues to implement marine conservation and coastal livelihood programs.

He asked the city and town mayors of areas where dive sites are located to create their respective multisectoral coastal resources management bodies to strengthen existing ones to preserve eco-tourism sites and conserve the country’s marine life.

He issued this call following the recent signing by DILG and the Departments of Tourism (DOT) and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of a Joint Memorandum Circular covering guidelines on the management of dive sites in 49 cities and municipalities.

This circular also covers the standardized imposition and utilization of recreational scuba divers’ fees, and the tasks of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) in response to diving-related accidents and similar tasks.

Signatories of this joint circular last Thursday were Puno, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano during the Dive Congress held at the Philippine Tourism Authority Clamshell in Intramuros, Manila.

Puno said: “We are one with the DOT and DENR in promoting the marine treasures of our country.

“All of us are stakeholders here and, given the new imperatives of a world under siege from environmental degradation and a deepening financial contagion, this joint undertaking promises to be an excellent vehicle for us to turn the country into a world-class dive haven despite the prevailing global threats.”

He added that "the scuba diving tourism remains one bright spot in the services sector when it comes to generating revenues and livelihood opportunities at a time when the world is saddled with a long-winding business slump and job hemorrhage."

The DILG chief also said: "The country’s dive sites such as those in Puerto Galera, Anilao, Busuanga and Coron Bay, Balicasag Island and Subic Bay, are among the best in the world.

"And Tubbataha Reef is the only United Nations Educational and Scientific Council Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site in the Southeast Asian seas."

In the joint DILG-DOT-DENR circular, Puno said the coastal resources management bodies that LGUs are encouraged to create would also ensure that the fees collected from recreational scuba divers are spent exclusively on programs and projects on environmental protection and coastal resource management in the communities where the dive sites are located.

These include research, training and education programs on indigenous technologies supportive of sustainable development; rehabilitation of the marine ecosystem; conservation and protection of marine biodiversity for aesthetic enjoyment and the livelihood of fisher-folk and enforcement of laws and ordinances on environmental protection.

Puno said: “Through our regional offices, we will see to it that our LGUs start working at once on these management boards and integrated coastal management plans.

“We will also make sure our LGUs provide business friendly environments for tourism.”

The circular also calls on the PCSSD to draw up a rating system to determine the standard fees that coastal communities can charge for their diving sites.

This five-level rate structure will depend largely on the live coral cover, presence of flora and fauna, existence of diving-support facilities and management authorities in diving sites in each of the 49 communities covered by the circular.

LGUs currently charge varying fees on the basis of their respective municipal and city ordinances and use these collections for various purposes.

Puno said that on top of ensuring the speedy implementation of the joint DILG-DOT-DENR circular, his Department will also support calls for the swift passage of legislative measures clothing the PCSSD with more powers and imposing stringent measures to promote safety in sports and technical scuba diving.

A stronger PCSSD has now become even more urgent in the light of its massive task of guarding the environment and serving as growth catalyst in coastal communities with existing and potential dive sites at this time of a global financial slowdown, he said.

Puno related that extensive studies showed that as a result of human-induced stresses such as blast, cyanide and muro-ami fishing; overfishing, sedimentation and industrial pollution, only 4 percent to 5 percent of Philippine coral reefs remained in excellent state, with about two-thirds destroyed and roughly 27 percent in poor condition. (PNA)

Manila-X

February 1st, 2009, 03:44 AM

Like HK and Singapore what we really should have to attract more flights is a good airline.

Pal don't even go to Europe any more. I'm wondering how much money SIA and Cathay Pacific are making with all the filipino working in Europe.
What about Qatar airways , my dad took a flight from Doha with the local airline and all the passengers were all filipino.

What we need is a fancy airline with reasonable rates !

Unfortunately PAL is not joining any alliance either One World or Star Alliance. And the fact that Manila doesn't have any direct European flights (except Amsterdam via KLM) gives it a drawback for Europeans to visit The Philippines.

Manila-X

February 1st, 2009, 03:46 AM

I can't help but to react. :) Dengue? even Singapore, Malaysia have this problem....we are in a tropical zone....

latest article about dengue...i have a friend, his daughter caught dengue in Singapore...so, it's not unique....malinis na ang bansang yan and yet....
Singapore registers more dengue cases in January. SAbihin mo sa friend mo....:)

Note that the aegis agyepti mosquito breeds on clean water. The fact Singapore has lots of that. Even HK has its own cases mostly imported though. Best way is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes especially at daytime. If possible wear pants!

Manila-X

February 1st, 2009, 03:50 AM

^^ It's not only Singapore where PInoys are one of the top tourists, even in Hongkong. Of course, out of 92M Pinoys, there will always be the rich, middle class who can afford to travel :) :)

Also yuppies since you have the low cost carriers offering cheap flights.

HK will always be a favourable destination for Filipinos traveling abroad the fact that its a next door neighbour and it take less to travel there by plane than from Manila to Baguio by car. Also HK has some exciting feature for everyone especially children. Alot of Filipino kids would like to go to Disneyland. They don't have to go all the way to the US for that!

in_a_rush

February 1st, 2009, 01:57 PM

Also yuppies since you have the low cost carriers offering cheap flights.

HK will always be a favourable destination for Filipinos traveling abroad the fact that its a next door neighbour and it take less to travel there by plane than from Manila to Baguio by car. Also HK has some exciting feature for everyone especially children. Alot of Filipino kids would like to go to Disneyland. They don't have to go all the way to the US for that!

HK is just two hours away! parang mas malapit pa kesa sa batangas o la union. if u have money naman, why not go there instead dba? not to mention, hotel rates are cheaper/almost the same price with hotels in manila or resorts in the provinces.

in_a_rush

February 1st, 2009, 02:06 PM

Porknight

February 1st, 2009, 02:32 PM

^^ I don't think HK or Singapore have so many tourists , I think most of them are just transit passengers . Btw we have many things to fix before we can be considered a nice ans safe tourist destination

Manila-X

February 1st, 2009, 04:29 PM

actually, pwede ding maging advantage yung distance ng pinas at Hk for philippine tourism industry. since Hk gets 20million tourist a year, dapat i-promote ang pilipinas doon. imagine 2 hours travel lang, they can have a different experience by doing a side-trip in our country.. since cosmopolitan ang HK, mag-focus in promoting the beaches/provinces para a different experience naman. just provide a cheap airfare and accommodation for them, they will come!

HK got around 29.5 million last 2008 but most came from The Mainland. And yes The Philippines gets promotion the fact that there are alot of Pinoys here. The Philippines was the best deal for Cathay Pacific's Asian package tour though its mostly focused on Cebu.

For how many HKers visiting The Philippines, I have no clue on that.

jonno

February 2nd, 2009, 04:00 AM

jonno

February 2nd, 2009, 04:46 AM

Note that the aegis agyepti mosquito breeds on clean water. The fact Singapore has lots of that. Even HK has its own cases mostly imported though. Best way is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes especially at daytime. If possible wear pants!

Sorry but I have to correct you as that is misleadingly dangerous info that the Philippine government should be doing something about. Mosquitoes breed on STAGNANT water and that is what should be avoided.

Saying that cleaner cities such as Singapore have cases of Dengue as bad as the Philippines is just plain wrong and is dangerous as it discourages the preventive measures that the government should be doing to mitigate the dengue epidemic.

Thanks for your input anyway. I don't blame you, I blame the Philippine government for not doing its job in informing you about the dangers of dengue.

Just get the info off the Singaporean government who is doing something to protect its citizens, here:

http://www.pqms.moh.gov.sg/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx?qst=2fN7e274RAp%2bbUzLdEL%2fmJu3ZDKARR3p5Nl92FNtJidBD5aoxNkn9rR%2fqal0IQplImz2J6bJxLTsOxaRS3Xl53fcQushF2hTzrn1PirzKnZhujU%2f343A5TwKDLTU0ml2TfH7cKB%2fJRT7PPvlAlopeq%2f%2be2n%2bmrW%2bZ%2fJts8OXGBjRP3hd0qhSL4A%2bSPXD1IfSFokODp5uFhQl251w7kUnN7D2nmXYwoBTshLnrWNUC0VlzN03X6V00A%3d%3d

Manila-X

February 2nd, 2009, 04:48 AM

^^^^

The fact that there is so much ignorance about dengue in this forum just proves that the government isn't doing enough to raise awareness about the issue.

Yes, Singapore has cases of dengue and so does Australia but I guess it's pretty obvious that the incidence of dengue in those countries are not as serious as in the Philippines. Singapore and Australia do not have a dengue epidemic, just occasional outbreaks

Why blame the government??

Why not blame the government???

After all if the government doesn't think it has a role to play on the growing dengue epidemic in Metro Manila then what is the purpose of having a government???

Of course it's much better to demonize the poor, unemployed and other victims when it's obvious that the ones in power are failing in their duties.

I forgot to mention the stagnant water part. Anyway, both Philippine government and local barangays have dengue awareness programs in fact I see alot of banners/streams about this campaign in several neighbourhoods around the metro. Now its up to the residents to do what is needed like getting rid of stagnant water and cleaning up their homes, etc.

jonno

February 2nd, 2009, 04:52 AM

Rence

February 2nd, 2009, 05:57 AM

http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/images/stories/flora/flora-filipina-banner.jpg

Brochure of Flora Filipina 2009 Expo

All Set for the staging of Flora Filipina 2009
At last! Everything is set for the staging of the much awaited 2nd Flora Filipina Expo on February 6-16, 2009 at the Orchidarium Park, Quezon City Hall, East Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Through the leadership of the Philippine Orchid Society (POS), the country’s various garden clubs and the major key players of the ornamental plant industry will convene in this prestigious event at the iconic heart of Quezon City. This year’s event will be much larger than the previous one 3 years ago and will again put the Philippines in the map of floriculture tourism.

Past POS President Mr. Manolo Lopez and Congresswoman Cynthia Villar will be the guests of honor who would be leading the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Flora Filipina this coming February 05, at 4:00 in the afternoon.

The event aims to boost the morale of the country’s horticultural industry, with the blessings of the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture and the Quezon City government. The Flora Filipina Expo has become a major Philippine tourism event, and it aims to create awareness among Filipino horticulture enthusiasts and also foreign plant growers about the beauty and value of Philippine plant species. This is also an event wherein we are inviting foreigners to visit our islands and see our wide collection of flora species.

The Flora Filipina Expo is proud to have about 90 commercial booths who will be trading to the public selected and rare orchids, ferns, bromeliads, aroids, palms, flowering annuals, hoyas, epiphytes, bonsai, tree seedlings, seeds, including garden accessories, fertilizers, and pesticides.

A 2-day Scientific Conference will also be staged at the Conference Hall of the Bureau of Soils, (besides the Department of Agriculture), Visayas Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on February 6 - 7, 2009. Topics includes: production and research results in orchids, bromeliads, ferns, hibiscus, palms, cacti, succulents, mussaenda, rafflesia, the use of beneficial microorganisms, landscaping, horticultural internet marketing and a lot more. Along with these are presentation of horticultural technologies in France, Hawaii (US), Thailand and Singapore.

There will also be a free-daily lecture at the exhibit site. With this, the event is expecting more than 25,000 visitors. Foreign delegates and participants from the provinces will be arriving on the first week of February to attend the opening of the event, the conference and the special organized tours.

The Philippines is certainly is a rich plant habitat and is truly an ideal place to grow both tropical and semi-temperate crops. Some of the rare orchid species that can actually be found in the country include the majestic Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderiana), which is the "Queen of the Philippine Orchids," Vanda luzonica, Phalaenopsis amabilis and other Phalaenopsis species, the Black orchid (Trichoglottis brachiata), various Lady slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum species), just to name a few. This season is the flowering of the Dendrobium anosmum (Sanggumay) and the Butterfly Orchids (Phalaenopsis species and hybrids). For ornamentals, we have the jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), various Alocasia species, an assortment of fern species and allies, Hoya and Discidia vines, palms and cycads, and about 27,000 species more of ornamental plants.

Aside from species, the country can grow and mass produce a lot of introduced or imported ornamental plant hybrids like Euphorbias, Hibiscus, Aglaonema, Alocasia, Cacti, Succulents, and Cattleya orchids. With this, the Philippines certainly has much to offer in terms of diversity of garden plants for trade.

The country has a high potential of mass producing and exporting plants abroad, however, we just need to identify problems in marketing which are causing barriers in the expansion of the Philippine plant trade export industry. With this Flora Filipina event, the organizers hope to unite the local ornamental plant industry, provide technical assistance and market opportunities, and in a larger picture push forth the positive growth of the industry.

For more information :
http://philippineorchidsocietyph.org/beta1/

venntro

February 2nd, 2009, 08:51 AM

Gov't readies 'stimulus package' to spur tourist arrivals (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/01/09/govt-readies-stimulus-package-spur-tourist-arrivals)
By JUDITH BALEA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/01/2009 11:26 PM

The government is readying a "stimulus package" for the tourism industry that would help spur foreign visitor arrivals to the country from the weakening markets of US and Japan.

At the sidelines of the unveiling of the new tourism economic zone in Cebu, Tourism Department Secretary Ace Durano announced they have partnered with airline companies and property developers for a stimulus package that they would launch in the US and Japan next month.

The program, which involves up to a 50-percent fare cut for flights going to the Philippines and discounts on hotel accommodation rates, would run for a trial period of three months.

"We are just choosing the markets where we will be introducing our own stimulus package. We're launching it in Japan and the US because these markets are depressed. They have been contracting and everybody will be fighting over a smaller pie," said Durano.

Voluntarily, he said, some airline players and selected hotel developers have offered discounts on their services while the government have agreed to shell out around P100 million to market the new promos.

"In a way that is our support to the tourism industry," Durano noted.

According to him, arrivals to Asia-Pacific destinations could post a flat growth or a decline of about 2 percent this year, and the stimulus package they have created would prepare the Philippines for this.

He said the Philippines' key markets have already contracted.

Last year, the total outbound market of Japan declined by 7 percent, Korea by 9 percent and the US by a percent, and Durano said these figures would likely worsen in 2009.

These three markets alone already compose close to 50 percent of total arrivals in the Philippines, he said.

He noted, however, that while the number of visitors from the major markets went down, that from smaller ones has grown. He said in 2008, arrivals from Russia grew by 34 percent, France by 18 percent, United Kingdom by 10 percent, Australia by 8 percent and Taiwan and Hong Kong by 6-10 percent.

For the full year, total tourist arrivals in the Philippines grew close to 2 percent to 3.2 million, slightly lower than the government's target of 3.5 million.

"The reality is we can only perform as well as the markets would allow us. If we don't base our projections on market realities, it's really daydreaming. We have to be dictated by the markets," said Durano.

"But we are happy to say that we are one of the remaining destinations in the world that still achieved a positive growth despite the deep downturn in global tourism," he added, noting that arrivals in neigboring countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have fallen by as much as 4 percent.

With the buildup in hotel room capacity and new flights going to local tourist destinations, the Philippines is in a very strategic position to take advantage of the expected rebound in markets in the next two years, Durano said.

"We would achieve growth because of these new capacities. The moment the markets bounce back, automatically, we will experience our next growth spurt."

"The new capacities are here already, that's what's important."

Looking forward, by 2012, Durano said foreign tourist arrivals could hit five million.

No excess capacity

Durano said that based on the results of a study they commissioned recently, even with the slowdown in foreign arrivals, there has been no excess capacity in the tourism sector.

"In fact, all additional capacity that will come in the next three years, it would just be enough to accommodate the market," he noted.

"We have no excess capacity. One indication is the hotel rates, which haven't gone down because demand is still there," he added.

venntro

February 2nd, 2009, 08:53 AM

First tourism ecozone unveiled in Cebu (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/01/09/first-tourism-ecozone-unveiled-cebu)

By Judith Balea, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/01/2009 10:43 AM

MACTAN ISLAND, Cebu - In a bid to attract more investments, the Department of Toursim (DoT), in an agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), granted the biggest international resort and spa here the special economic zone status.

Sitting on an 8-hectare property in Barangay Maribago, Imperial Palace Water Resort and Spa is the first ever tourism ecozone to be operational in the country under Presidential Proclamation No. 1681.

As such, the P4.5-billion condominium-hotel and resort project, which is owned by Korean-led Philippine BXT Corp., has been enjoying incentives like tax holidays and the duty-free importation of capital equipment.

DoT Secretary Ace Durano said the new development is a proof of the continued interest of foreign businessmen in the Philippines and a welcome addition to address the country's increasing need for more tourism accommodations.

"Phil BXT's major decision to invest here despite the global economic situation signals investors' confidence in the country's potential and affirms us of the Philippines' viable assets," he said.

Morever, Durano noted, the new project has helped generate jobs for the communities in Cebu.

"During construction phase, it employed around 2,000. It is expected to employ another 1,100 when it opens this April."

Imperial Palace features 557 contemporary and luxuriously designed rooms, suites and villas complete with water park resort amenities.

It is among the country's biggest tourism investments to date.

beads_strawberries

February 2nd, 2009, 10:10 AM

Before, we only see tourists for a certain time of the year: summer. But now, we see tourists everywhere and all the time of the year. Thanks for the effective attraction of the Department of Tourism which encourage more tourists, both local and foreign. By now, the world is seeing that the Philippines is worth visiting.

I'd like to think there will be more tourists in the coming days. Summer is still the best time to visit the beaches. Although the tourists come here all year round, there will be more of them during summer time, I suppose.

Those who are in the Metro Manila area, they can visit Intramuros. There are some shows there practically showing the best products and culture of the countries.

bartstrife99

February 2nd, 2009, 02:39 PM

in_a_rush

February 2nd, 2009, 06:58 PM

^^

Good. I have no problems with barangays, many of them are hardworking. I'm more worried about the ones on the top who should be putting more resources into this problem. People in barangays are as vulnerable as ordinary folks but many of the bureaucrats on the top are sorry to say useless and incompetent.

point taken. but the statement of the father that he will never come back to the Philippines again because his son got dengue here is too much. IMO, masyadong mababaw!

Juan Pilgrim

February 2nd, 2009, 07:17 PM

point taken. but the statement of the father that he will never come back to the Philippines again because his son got dengue here is too much. IMO, masyadong mababaw!

It is not masyadong mababaw at all IMHO!
His son didn't just get an itchy mosquito bite, he got dengue fever--
a life threatening viral disease than can lead to hemorrhagic fever and death.

I can emphathize with the father for whatever traumatic experience he
and his family encountered in the PHILIPPINES.

:horse:
____________________________________
Cliché: Once burned, twice shy.
Explanation: Once someone experiences something painful, they are very less likely to try to experience that same thing ...

amigo32

February 3rd, 2009, 05:28 AM

RonnieR

February 4th, 2009, 11:15 AM

Good Job to Department of Tourism: Eventhough the Philippines has no border countries/cities like our neighbors, more tourists continue to visit... :)

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 15:13:00 02/04/2009

MANILA, Philippines - Tourist arrivals in the Philippines rose by 1.5 percent to a record 3.14 million in 2008, despite the global financial crisis, the Tourism Department said Wednesday.

It attributed the rise partly to a big increase in arrivals from European markets such as Russia, up 34 percent in 2008, and France, up 18.7 percent.

The department also cited the opening of chartered flights from Shanghai, Nanning, Guangzhou and Kunming in China, as well as Taipei and Kaohsiung, for bringing more visitors from China and Taiwan.

South Korea topped the number of arrivals with 611,629 in 2008, up 19.48 percent from the 2007 figure, while the United States was second with 578,246 arrivals, up 18.4 percent, the department said in a statement.

It said the global economic crisis would likely lead to a contraction in overseas tourism worldwide and forecast that the rise in tourist arrivals in the Philippines this year would range from zero to 1.9 percent, "depending on the recovery of key source markets."

Tourism accounts for 6.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

in_a_rush

February 4th, 2009, 11:46 AM

It is not masyadong mababaw at all IMHO!
His son didn't just get an itchy mosquito bite, he got dengue fever--
a life threatening viral disease than can lead to hemorrhagic fever and death.

I can emphathize with the father for whatever traumatic experience he
and his family encountered in the PHILIPPINES.

:horse:
____________________________________
Cliché: Once burned, twice shy.
Explanation: Once someone experiences something painful, they are very less likely to try to experience that same thing ...

I know how dangerous and deadly dengue is. I am a nurse. I know how they feel about it, my patient with dengue died just two weeks ago. but then his statement insinuates that all visitors of the philippines will have dengue. and everytime they will go back to the philippines, they will contract dengue again..

it is the responsibility of the government to disseminate information about the dreaded diseases. but still, it depends on the people if they will follow these information. the government, can clean all the drainage/esteros all the time but if the people still throw garbage everywhere or still keeps stagnant water, mosquitoes can even breed on vases inside the houses, dengue will always be there. kumbaga, its a collaboration between the government and the people. kaya dont blame only the government.

Juan Pilgrim

February 4th, 2009, 09:52 PM

^^I agree. :okay:the only finger we should be pointing is a THUMBS UP!

Now let us do our part in making the PHILIPPINES a tourist magnet.

:horse:

venntro

February 5th, 2009, 01:43 AM

^^ I do hope that DOT would be able to reach its 5M target by 2010.

filcan

February 5th, 2009, 04:15 AM

^^it's going to be hard to reach that target as the world tries to recover from the financial crisis.

ruralvillage

February 5th, 2009, 05:21 AM

Stability in Philippine tourism despite global meltdown (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Stability_in_Philippine_tourism_despite_global_meltdown.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Stability_in_Philippine_tourism_despite_global_meltdown.shtml)

By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, Feb. 5 (PNA) -- Philippine tourism in 2008 remained stable and even grew by 1.5 percent by reaching 3,139,442 despite worldwide recession.

Attractive, modern and diversified media and man-to man marketing strategies employed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) further boosted its efforts to offer new tourist products like water sports, scuba diving and bird-watching resulted in substantial turnout of tourists.

Unique and natural environment in the provinces and cities outside of cosmopolitan Manila plus a host of exotic experiences such as reasonably-priced medical wellness and beauty augmentation offering made foreigners more than willing to spend more, stay longer and come back sometime in the future.

Overall, the Tourism department reported that strong European performance led by Russia's posting of 24 per cent growth, France by 19 percent, the United Kingdom by 10 percent, the Scandinavian countries of Finland by 19 per cent, Norway by 16 percent and Sweden by six percent greatly contributed to the country's stability in the tourism industry.

South Korea and the United States were also top market sources by accounting with a share of 19 and 18 percent, respectively.

Asian tourists from Mainland China expanded to 163,689 as the DOT worked with Chinese travel agents and airlines to mount new charter flights between Shanghai and Nanning to Cebu, Guangzhou to Clark, Nanning and Kunming to Manila.

The Taiwanese tourist inflow was highlighted last year with 118,782 arrivals or 5.86 percent as the Mandarin Airlines chartered flights between Taipei-Kalibo and Cebu as well as Kaoshiung-Cebu.

Oceania's biggest continent, Australia, surpassed its previous year record in fifth place with 121,514 arrivals or eight percent increase.

North America's Canada continued to show significant improvement with 102,381 tourists.

Tourist arrivals from the Middle East led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia posted 29 percent and seven percent hike respectively as Middle Eastern airlines enjoyed an average of 90 percent load factor between Manila to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as Cebu to Doha, Qatar.

Effective marketing campaigns also propped up cruise arrivals by 22 per cent with Manila and Cebu being the major ports of call.

Besides MV Costa Allegra, five new cruise ships arrived with an aggregate of 4,226 passengers. (PNA)

dinabaw

February 7th, 2009, 12:29 PM

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7923/dotdiscoverdavaoposter2lu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9471/dotdiscoverdavaoposter1mv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3251/dotdiscoverdavaoposter4zz8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8676/dotdiscoverdavaoposter3az8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Juan Pilgrim

February 7th, 2009, 03:06 PM

^^ this is a good package that will surely attract a different set of visitors.
Good job:okay:

:horse:

leechtat

February 8th, 2009, 08:07 PM

i would love to do that climb... if only i have much needed time to practice again..

ruralvillage

February 9th, 2009, 02:04 AM

DOT to tap RP’s 16,000 councilors in tourism development (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_to_tap_RP_s_16_000_councilors_in_tourism_development.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_to_tap_RP_s_16_000_councilors_in_tourism_development.shtml)

CEBU CITY, Feb. 9 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is planning to involve some 16,000 councilors who are members of the Philippine Councilors League in identifying and developing more tourist destinations, a senior tourism official said.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said the DOT will implement a program that will involve educating town and city councilors how their respective areas of jurisdiction can be developed for tourism.

Jarque said the program which is set to start next month will enlighten the councilors on what they can do within their areas of responsibility for the tourism industry.

Jarque said the DOT targets to hold 10 conventions in 10 different venues nationwide this year. The department also targets at least 100 attendees for each gathering. Travel, accommodation and food expenses will be shouldered by the DOT.

Cebu, said Jarque, is one of the chosen destinations for the convention but the list is yet to be finalized.

The two-day program will tackle three main topics pertaining to the trends and issues of the industry. The first topic will talk about what makes a particular destination attract local and foreign tourists because not every attraction is a destination.

The DOT will also discuss how to market tourist attractions and teach councilors about market-matching.

The last topic will be on the trainings and standards of the DOT.

On the second day, the DOT will showcase a compilation of the best tourism practices by some players in the industry.

After the discussions, the participants will be allowed to shop for "pasalubong" (souvenir) so that they can get ideas how important product presentation is in the industry.
Jarque said the DOT hopes to attract many local government councilors, adding that 100 participants per destination would mean 100 success stories. (PNA)

venntro

February 9th, 2009, 05:44 AM

^^ I think Gordon had a similar project before during his stint as DOT Secretary.

venntro

February 9th, 2009, 08:48 AM

Time to travel: Room rates, air fares down (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=438684&publicationSubCategoryId=68)
By Elisa Osorio Updated February 09, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a good time to travel nowadays as air fares have been slashed by as much as 50 percent while room rates are down by 10 percent.

Philippine Travel Agents Association (PTAA) vice president John Paul Cabalza said air fares have gone down by more than 50 percent to encourage more people to take a trip.

“There are some airlines that offer airfares for as low as P1,500 roundtrip for Palawan or Boracay,” he said.

Room rates have also gone down by 10 percent, still in an attempt to prop up domestic tourism to offset the slack in international tourism.

Because of the slowdown in the global economy, the government said tourism will have a negative growth or a flat growth at best.

“Maybe we can experience a little growth if the domestic tourism picks up. We see this happening. I think this is the trend,” Cabalza said over the weekend at the sidelines of the three-day travel expo at the SMX Convention Center.

“Instead of traveling overseas, people opt to go to local destinations and the cheap fares encourage people to travel. Who can resist a bargain,” he said.

With the air fare and room rate cuts, domestic tourism is expected to increase by 15 percent.

The anticipated increase will come from travels of associations like the Philippine Medical Association, the government sector and various schools, Cabalza said.

He said the months of November until May are considered the peak seasons of travel.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has signed an agreement with the Department of Tourism in an attempt to encourage more investments in the tourism sector by creating tourism economic zones.

“The signing of this supplemental MOA signals the country’s strong investor confidence despite the global crunch. In fact, we expect a boost in investment as we offer lower costs in workforce, construction and tourism infrastructure development,” Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said.

The supplemental MOA will give Special Economic Zone status to tourism development zones or tourism estates.

Pursuant to Republic Act 7916, as amended by RA 8748, tourism development zones/tourism estates may be granted Special Economic Zone Status upon registration to PEZA and issuance of the required presidential proclamation. PEZA, however, will only consider proposed development tourism zones endorsed by the DOT.

“Tourism is seen to be one of the strongest propellers of the economy for the year ahead. Together with the government, we seek to intensify the impact of this industry on the economy, particularly by encouraging investments and creating opportunities for tourism economic zones,” Durano explained.

venntro

February 10th, 2009, 07:40 AM

Immigration warns travel firms (http://http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090210-188478/Immigration-warns-travel-firms)

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 13:25:00 02/10/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration has warned travel agencies against selling airline tickets to suspected victims of human trafficking and illegal recruiters.

BI commissioner Marcelino Libanan urged officials of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association to be diligent by profiling their customers to ensure that they would not be part of illegal travel syndicates.

“If you suspect that the passenger is not a legitimate tourist but a potential victim of illegal recruitment, don’t sell them a plane ticket,” the BI chief said.

“We are urging the PTAA to help the government in its campaign against travel fraud syndicates by scrutinizing first your prospective clients,” he added.

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 05:00 AM

This will be a great relief especially for tourists and balikbayans.

Trains connecting NAIA terminals eyed (http://http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090210-188540/Trains-connecting-NAIA-terminals-eyed)
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:01:00 02/10/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Plans are underway for a rail service connecting the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) complex, according to airport officials.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi and his deputy for airport development and corporate services, Tirso Serrano, said on Tuesday the monorail service would bring convenience to air travelers using the NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Manila Domestic Airport.

“This is part of our program to improve airport services by connecting our terminals for easy access,” Cusi said during the weekly media forum at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

At present, passengers use shuttle buses, taxis and other public utility vehicles to get from one terminal to another.

The setup has resulted in some inconvenience, particularly for departing passengers who sometimes ended up at the wrong airport, as well as for arriving foreign tourists with connecting flights.

Many foreign tourists who come to the Philippines without advance bookings have a hard time shuttling from NAIA 1 or 3 to the domestic airport for their connecting flights to the provinces.

Serrano said the monorail system would cost around P300 million and would be constructed via the design-and-build scheme, utilizing local technology.

If the project were put out for bids and awarded this year, construction could begin immediately and the train system would be operational within two years, he said.

Serrano added that the MIAA has been studying if the monorail system would be internal, meaning, the service would be located inside airport premises, with trains available only to air travelers and airport personnel.

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 05:04 AM

BI: Profile clients to stop travel fraud (http://http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090210-188478/BI-Profile-clients-to-stop-travel-fraud)

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 13:25:00 02/10/2009

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Check your client’s profile first before issuing a ticket.

That was the advice given to travel agencies by the Bureau of Immigration which is bent on cracking the whip against illegal recruiters and human traffickers.

BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said travel agencies and tour operators should not take any chances when selling airline tickets or tour packages by “making a profile” of their customers.

Travel agencies have opposed Libanan’s suggestion, saying it would violate their clients’ right to privacy and the right to travel.

In a statement Tuesday, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) also said they would cooperate with the bureau in its fight against human trafficking, but bristled at the suggestion to profile their clients.

“We are urging the PTAA to help the government in its campaign against travel fraud syndicates by scrutinizing prospective clients first,” the BI chief said in a meeting with PTTA officials last week.

“It is common knowledge that these ‘tourists’ buy tickets from your travel agencies. You, too, can play a part in our campaign to protect our OFWs,” Libanan told PTAA officials. “If you suspect that the passenger is not a legitimate tourist but a potential victim of illegal recruitment, don’t sell them a plane ticket.”

The BI chief said illegal recruiters and traffickers provide tourist visas for their victims leaving the country.

PTAA president Pat Alberto, however, said travel agencies do not have the right to scrutinize their clients’ financial records, adding that the BI order infringes on Filipinos’ rights to travel and privacy. Besides, the agencies do not have the capability to profile travelers, she added.

“This is something that should be left in the hands of government agencies like the BI and the various consular offices,” Alberto stressed.

The BI has barred 1,200 travelers from leaving the country last year. Most of them were victims of travel fraud syndicates. Last week, around 50 potential overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were offloaded in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on suspicions that they would work in their countries of destination

ericlucky290

February 11th, 2009, 05:23 AM

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/DPP/Manila/JeepneyTours.jpg

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 05:31 AM

^^ The tourist jeepney is so colorful.

RonnieR

February 11th, 2009, 06:35 AM

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/DPP/Manila/JeepneyTours.jpg

Any info on the tourist jeepney? the routes, for tourists only? station?

RonnieR

February 11th, 2009, 07:37 AM

Big-spending Europeans lift RP tourism
Posted on February 8th, 2009 under Beauty of the Philippines

The increase in visitor count in 2008 is greatly attributed to the strong performance of the high-spending tourists from the European continent.

Russia, posted the largest growth of 34 percent, France by 19 percent, and the United Kingdom by 10 percent. Scandinavian countries also recorded substantial increment as arrival from Finland grew by 19 percent, Norway by 16 percent and Sweden by 6 percent.

In addition, the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) effort to diversify and offer new tourist products in the market like adventure, diving and bird watching provided impetus to stimulate an increase in awareness of the country’s tourist potentials and substantial turnout of high-value visitors with greater propensity to stay longer and spend more.

Chinese tourists during the year expanded to 163,689 as the DoT worked with Chinese travel agents and airlines to mount new charter flights between Shanghai and Nanning to Cebu, Guangzhou to Clark, Nanning and Kunming to Manila.

Australia surpassed its previous year record with 121,514 arrivals, posting 8 percent increase. It also overtook Taiwan and Hong Kong, ranking it in the 5th place. Canada, another strong market, continued to show significant improvement with 102,381 tourists.

The Middle East market led by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia posted 29% and 7% hike respectively, in tourist arrivals as Middle Eastern airlines enjoyed an average of 90% load factor between Manila to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as Cebu to Doha.

Korea and the USA remained the top source markets with a share of 19 and 18 percent, respectively, accounting for 38 percent of the total tourist inflow.

Cruise arrivals surged by 22 % with Manila and Cebu being the major ports of call. Aside from MV Costa Allegra, five (5) new cruise ships arrived with an aggregate of 4,226 passengers.

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines grew by 1.5% in 2008, reaching 3,139,442.

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 07:47 AM

^^ That's welcome news inspite of the financial crisis. :)

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 10:07 AM

NEDA Board OKs road project in Samar and airport upgrade in Palawan (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148283/NEDA-Board-OKs-road-project-in-Samar-and-airport-upgrade-in-Palawan)
02/11/2009 | 03:26 PM

MANILA, Philippines- The National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has approved two new projects aiming to link remote provinces in Samar and increase tourist arrivals in Palawan.

In a statement, NEDA said the two projects, which will be sponsored by South Korea, are worth P6 billion.

The P2.5-billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project will link the towns in Samar Island to enhance the development of potential agricultural lands and fishing grounds of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces as well as facilitate the movement of goods and services in the area.

It involves the improvement of the 108.4-kilometer road that traverses the pacific coastal towns of Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig in Northern Samar and Arteche and San Policarpo in Eastern Samar. Of the total project cost, about P1.6 billion will be foreign-funded while the remaining P900 million will be the local counterpart. The foreign cost component shall be sourced from the Korean-EDCF loan facility.

While the project is set to be implemented from 2010 to 2013, the Department of Public Works and Highways has jumpstarted implementation of the project in “critical" locations in 2008. About P287 million was used to finance the project last year while P500 million is allocated to continue completion this year.

Meanwhile, the Board also approved the P3.5-billion Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project. About P2.8 billion of the total cost for this project shall be sourced from the Korean EDCF loan facility while the remaining P700 million will be the government counterpart.

The project will improve the Puerto Princesa Airport by upgrading its facilities to meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization .

It includes the construction of a new passenger terminal complex and a new access road off the national highway; widening of the runway strip and installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS); establishment of new security fencing; and improvement of navigational aid, air traffic control, communications and air field lighting.

Moreover, the Board approved the “emergency" repair works for the LRT Line 1 Capacity Expansion Project (Phase II). The LRT Line 1 was constructed in December 1984 and operated as the first light rail line in Asia.

The Line 1 Capacity Expansion Project which was implemented from 1994 to 1998 increased the passenger-carrying capacity by 50 percent from 18,000 to 27,000 passengers per peak hour per direction.

On the other hand, the Phase II of the project, implemented from 1999 to 2008 supported the operations of integrated LRT Lines 1, 2 and 3 networks. This increased passenger capacity by another 50 percent from 27,000 to 40,000 passengers per peak hour per direction. GMANews.TV

crappypants

February 11th, 2009, 11:12 AM

sana they fix the roads in palawan to make travelling easier and more comfortable. tricycles are polluting puerto princessa's air. I wonder if they will really implement etrikes .

Espma

February 12th, 2009, 02:41 AM

^^I was there about a year ago..the tour guide we had, claimed that due to the money Puerto Princesa received from the Malampaya Gas Project they are actually able to fund more infrastructure projects than anticipated. I guess they don't want to just keep waiting on government hand outs. The roads especially leading to the Underground River is being constructed fairly rapidly. That city is very very clean I'm very impressed. Hagedorn is really doing a great job over there.

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 02:50 AM

sana they fix the roads in palawan to make travelling easier and more comfortable. tricycles are polluting puerto princessa's air. I wonder if they will really implement etrikes .

^^ There are so may tricycles in Puerto Princesa and we all know that they really pollute the area not only air pollution but noise pollution as well. Etricycles should be used instead.

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 03:22 AM

Iran readying Tehran-Manila direct flights (http://http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20090212147922.html)
By CHARISSA M. LUCI

The Iranian government plans to start the first Tehran-Manila direct flight "in three months" in a move to intensify the tourism and investment relations between the two countries.

Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani said Tehran’s Mahan Air, a private airline, is targeting to have four direct flights in a week.

"We will have direct flights from Tehran to Manila. In two or three months, it will take off," he said at the celebration of National Day of Iran at Mandarin Hotel in Makati last Tuesday night.

Last year, the Philippine air panel signed the first air services agreement with Iran to address the increasing demand for Middle East-bound flights.

There are about two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed in the Middle East.

Rouzbehani said Tehran is set to expand the proposed four flights in a week to 14 flights to cater to airports outside Manila, including those at Clark and Cebu.

"We suggested to have four flights in a week. We are eyeing to expand them to 14 flights, including in other Philippine airports," he said.

Mahan Air already expressed readiness to operate in Manila and at the Clark airport.

Once the Tehran-Manila direct flight operations start, the Philippines is expected to at least lure around seven million tourists from Iran, Rouzbehani said.

"It is very important to have Iranian tourists here. I am pushing for that," the top Iranian top official in the country said.

He said Mahan Air has invited Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano to visit Tehran, together with officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to finalize air agreements.

Earlier, Reza Jafarzadeh, spokesperson of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), announced the Iranian government’s intention to begin the first Tehran-Manila direct flight.

Aside from Iran, the Philippines has reached new and amended air agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Canada, and Finland.

filcan

February 12th, 2009, 04:01 AM

Iran readying Tehran-Manila direct flights (http://http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20090212147922.html)
By CHARISSA M. LUCI

...the Philippines is expected to at least lure around seven million tourists from Iran

^^ahaha this made me laugh :lol:

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 04:05 AM

^^ Perhaps a total of 7 million Iranian tourists in 20 years. :lol::lol::lol:

amigo32

February 12th, 2009, 04:05 AM

^^ahaha this made me laugh :lol:

why?
it's possible in 10 years time:D:D:D

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 04:29 AM

Arroyo foreign trip cost taxpayers P123M
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:10:00 02/11/2009

But Ermita said the bill was “worth it” since the President secured “pledges” for multi-million dollar investments, including $200 million for agriculture from Saudi Arabia, $300 million for agriculture and between $350-$400 million for a Makati City hotel from Bahrain, and $1.2 billion for textile exports to the US.

^^ Looks like Philippine tourism is really in the upswing. Another big ticket hotel in the works.

crappypants

February 12th, 2009, 06:24 AM

that's great i love persian food, let them stay permanently

RonnieR

February 12th, 2009, 07:53 AM

^^ahaha this made me laugh :lol:

that's great i love persian food, let them stay permanently

why?
it's possible in 10 years time:D:D:D

^^ Perhaps a total of 7 million Iranian tourists in 20 years. :lol::lol::lol:

:) Iran is still a good market for the Philippines. Their GDP per capita is higher...classified as middle income country.

GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate
- Total $816.839 billion[4] (18th)
- Per capita $11,209[4] (71st)
GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate
- Total $382.328 billion[4] (29th)
- Per capita $5,246[4] (85th)

higen

February 12th, 2009, 08:45 AM

crappypants

February 12th, 2009, 09:05 AM

hindi puede mamamatay sila sa baboy.

RonnieR

February 12th, 2009, 09:13 AM

Hmmmmmm...Iranian tourists, 7 million muslim tourists! Pork and Non-Halal is everywhere in the Phils...I dont know of any HALAL Restos in Manila. If there is one, never heard of it. Hotels serve HALAL food but where on Earth will they eat if they get hungry strolling around Manila? Shoots...there goes a good business idea...darn it...:lol:

If Phils wants more muslim tourist there should be more HALAL restos around the metro and not to mention prayer rooms and mosques. They should dress up the hand full of mosques in Manila too...There are over 200 million muslims in this region alone. Imagine how many tourists that translates to if only Philippines is catered for muslim tourists.

Yeah, good idea...I've seen halal restaurants in Malate - Mabini, Adriatico and nearby. Some of them are owned by middle eastern nationals. Very few halal restaurants in Makati...but this is not a problem for Moslems since they can eat in non-halal restaurants and order only food that that is "halal"....

Porknight

February 12th, 2009, 09:13 AM

We have the same problem with vegetarians then.
Well I believe if restaurants in the metro and around the country see a real "invasion" from the Iranians or muslims in general (because we don't really care where they come from) they will surely start to make Halal.
Its called demand but since we have also a muslim community in the country I'm wondering why they didn't already started doing it.

I was very pleased that in Makati in some streets there were hotels and restaurants for Koreans because obviously means that Koreans love to come to our country and spend their Wons. And we love their won don't we ?

RonnieR

February 12th, 2009, 09:17 AM

^^ Are you a vegetarian?

higen

February 12th, 2009, 09:34 AM

Yeah, good idea...I've seen halal restaurants in Malate - Mabini, Adriatico and nearby. Some of them are owned by middle eastern nationals. Very few halal restaurants in Makati...but this is not a problem for Moslems since they can eat in non-halal restaurants and order only food that that is "halal"....

Just goes to show that I havent been around that area too often and for quite a while now.

True...some mulims can eat non-halal but their choices would be limited (But what about the all the pork around?:lol:) . The business minded muslims in the south should set up a local (as in Filipino) restorant offering nothing but the best Philippine Muslim cuisine out there. I think thats a good idea, Philippine or Filipino Muslim cuisine. They should promote that idea. Tell them we got muslims here too!...Dog nabit! there goes another idea

We have the same problem with vegetarians then.
Well I believe if restaurants in the metro and around the country see a real "invasion" from the Iranians or muslims in general (because we don't really care where they come from) they will surely start to make Halal.
Its called demand but since we have also a muslim community in the country I'm wondering why they didn't already started doing it.

I was very pleased that in Makati in some streets there were hotels and restaurants for Koreans because obviously means that Koreans love to come to our country and spend their Wons. And we love their won don't we ?

I agree about the demand thing. Im doing some business myself and the moment I read 7 million, tourist, Muslims a light bulb just turned on in my head and FOOD is the first thing that came into my mind :lol:. And Im sure Im not the only one who is contemplating this.

yet28

February 12th, 2009, 09:48 AM

Amazing!

IF BF BECAME PRESIDENT EVRY PUBLIC INFRA WOULD BE PINK, AND NO ARCHITECTURAL/AESTHETIC VALUE...HAAAAAY!!!

THAT FALLS WAS TOTALLY AWESOME, I NEVER THOT WE HAVE SOMETHIN LIKE THAT, HOW COME LOCAL BOOKS DONT MENTION ABOUT IT...DAMN THOSE OLD BOOKS....:bash:

ericlucky290

February 12th, 2009, 09:58 AM

Any info on the tourist jeepney? the routes, for tourists only? station?

Information about this Tourist Jeepney has been posted on previous thread.

Discover Manila’s best in a Jeepney

You can’t say that you’ve been to Manila if you haven’t had the chance to ride the cultural icon of the Philippines, the jeepney!

The Jeepney is a unique transportation that can only be found in the Philippines. It was originally made from the US military jeeps that were left to the Filipinos after World War II, giving it the powerful engine of an army jeep. With great Filipino ingenuity, the body was remodeled by adding some metal roofs and decorating it with vibrant colors. It has rapidly emerged as a creative and popular means of public transportation. Tagged as the “King of the Road,” it has become an enduring symbol of Philippine pop culture.

We are proud to introduce the concept of “Jeepney Tours”, a breakthrough in Philippine tourism that offers a convenient and daily sightseeing tour to travelers staying in five star hotels who wish to explore the best of Manila. Its main objective is to leave a positive image of the Philippines with every single ride.

Onboard the Jeepney Tours

The jeepney tours will take the travelers on a fascinating tour of the historical and vibrant city of Manila onboard a custom-built air-conditioned jumbo jeepney which can easily seat 20 people. A tour facilitator will join the passengers for the whole duration of the tour to point out interesting landmarks and give you brief backgrounds on the places that will be visited.

Stuck in Manila traffic? Fret not! There is a videoke system onboard to keep the guests entertained on the way back. The jeepney has a cooler for storing cold bottled drinks to keep the guests refreshed and hydrated at all times.
Jeepney Tour guide

The Jeepney Tours is an essential introduction to Manila in a fun and informative way and it links the travelers to the main attractions of the city. It is a perfect gift that can be offered to visiting friends and colleagues to experience all the magical sights and sounds of Manila in an entertaining, comfortable and secure environment.

“The Jeepney Tours is a tourism breakthrough that we are extremely proud of. Despite all the challenges, our profound commitment to the tourism industry fueled us to develop a major tourism infrastructure that transports the tourists to a day filled with fascinating experiences, a day packed with cultural learning and beautiful memories that will make them remember the Philippines at its best.” Clang Garcia, Managing Director of Jeepney Tours.

The Jeepney Tours can be booked at major five stars hotel with Thematic Tours to choose from.

Intramuros: A Cultural Heritage Tour

Metro Manila is the urban capital of the Philippines. Comprised of several bustling cities, it is the country’s bastion of modernity and cosmopolitan appeal. Manila is the premier gateway to any destination in the country. It serves its own menu of attractions and activities. Visit Manila and walk the walls of the old historical town of Intramuros and find out for yourself why it is hailed as one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world.

Spa and Shopping Spree

Travelers can indulge in purely pleasurable activities as they treat themselves to one fine day in Manila – one of the greatest spa and shopping destinations in Asia! From power spending down to flea market bargaining, one will never run out of options while exploring the malls of Manila, the uncontested shopper’s paradise. Tourists can pamper their body after a day of discoveries as they unwind and get the treatment they deserve amidst a relaxing atmosphere of a serene spa. What an exciting way to spend a day in the city!
Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Manila Bay is known for its captivating sunset. An extraordinary sight to behold because of the different play of colors decorating the sky, the Manila Bay sunset is a truly pleasurable experience in the city. Locals and tourists are known to hangout and spend their lazy afternoons by the bay along the historical Roxas Boulevard; however, a far better treat is to seize the moment while riding on to the sunset with a cocktail cruise. Before sailing away to the cruise, tourists will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Manila en route to the Manila Bay harbor where they will board a yacht to experience a memorable ride with their loved ones. Onboard, guests may explore the wide docks of the yacht, and after watching the sun go down, different wines and beverages will be served as guests enjoy the sea breeze of the cool night. Perfect for couples looking for a special romantic setting, the Sunset Cocktail Cruise is an ideal affair to remember.

Pampanga Escapade: Fly, Dine and Spa!

Just a short ride away to the north is the charming province of Pampanga. It is a place mixed with a proud cultural heritage and fast developing sites that cater to the international community. It is also a haven for people who want to experience the leisurely pace of the countryside. Start off your day with an English breakfast followed by a tour of a wine cellar. Then enjoy an Ultra-Light Flying experience, a sumptuous lunch and a rejuvenating spa treatment. Welcome and have a good day! Makusuelong pamagbisita keni Pampanga.
National Museum

The Charm of Tagaytay

Tagaytay is the perfect day trip destination outside Manila. A scenic drive to the countryside treats the traveler’s eye to sights of pineapple plantations, colorful fruit stands, flowers in bloom, ridges and mountains swathed in green and a breathtaking view of the famous Taal Volcano – the world’s smallest volcano. Tour this extraordinary city onboard our jeepney and get to enjoy the superb food of Sonya’s English Garden, a walk around and great buys of natural products from the charming honeybee farm and a relaxing treatment at Nurture Spa offering Asian and Filipino healing traditions in native Ifugao huts from the Cordillera province.

www.jeepneytours.com/

RonnieR

February 12th, 2009, 10:17 AM

^^ Thanks

amigo32

February 12th, 2009, 10:27 AM

IF BF BECAME PRESIDENT EVRY PUBLIC INFRA WOULD BE PINK, AND NO ARCHITECTURAL/AESTHETIC VALUE...HAAAAAY!!!

THAT FALLS WAS TOTALLY AWESOME, I NEVER THOT WE HAVE SOMETHIN LIKE THAT, HOW COME LOCAL BOOKS DONT MENTION ABOUT IT...DAMN THOSE OLD BOOKS....:bash:

ala eh!, ikaw bagay galit:D

ruralvillage

February 12th, 2009, 11:43 PM

RP's medical, healthcare services much sought-after by foreigners (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/RP_s_medical_healthcare_services_much_sought-after_by_foreigners.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/RP_s_medical_healthcare_services_much_sought-after_by_foreigners.shtml)
By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, Feb. 13 (PNA) -- Philippine medical tourism and health care services have been gaining worldwide popularity, particularly in physical well-being, beauty, leisure or plain vanity, according to reports gathered in the first World Tourism and Global Health Congress late last year.

The US provides the bulk of clientele for the Philippines but other countries such as Canada and Europe also look towards the country because of troubles due to prolonged waiting time for patients who are in need of immediate medical/health care attention.

The Middle East is of no help since it also suffers from inadequate world-class healthcare professionals for the region’s growing medical/health needs.

More and more Americans are traveling out of the US to avail of medical services that range from simple teeth whitening, to the more complicated procedures like hip surgery and eye operation for sight restoration.

Head of Philippine delegation to the three-day US confab, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, said Filipino medical experts hope to lessen the rising costs in curing people’s illnesses and pains with the increase of healthcare professionals to attract more foreigners to come as tourists while seeking healing or rejuvenation in the country.

When it comes to comparative costing, Durano said, "A medical holiday can cost from 10 per cent up to 90 percent less than what Americans would pay back home.

”A coronary bypass surgery with heart valve replacement costs $ 11,956 - $ 17,391 here, while in the US, it ranges from $ 70,000 - $ 133,000 for medical procedures."

Aside from adding that the Philippines is an inexpensive destination replete with hospitality, colorful atmosphere and pleasant environment for holidays, Durano also campaigned for cosmetic surgery where facelifts done by top surgeons cost only between $ 3,913 to $ 4,347. In the US, the price would teeter between $ 10,000 to $ 16,000.

Considering that it is the lowest price in Asia, it adds up to huge savings for an American or any foreigner who wants his physical assets enhanced or looks boosted with added years of youth.

“We have the lowest costing in Asia which makes it possible for a patient to have huge savings while enjoying the country’s amenities also as a tourist,” added Durano.

“Topping the pricing advantage is the exclusive selling proposition of our country that our healthcare professionals known all over the world for their natural ability to nurture patients," said Durano.

The Filipinos are by nature friendly, warm, caring, patient and bestow their patients tender, loving care not easily found among other nationalities. No wonder, at the rate of at least 3,500 people leaving daily for jobs abroad, majority of them get hired by satisfied employers. (PNA)

venntro

February 13th, 2009, 02:01 AM

Moody's affirms positive outlook on RP (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=439741&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Des Feriols Updated February 13, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Moody’s Investors Service affirmed yesterday its positive outlook on the Philippines’ credit ratings, retaining the country on its path towards a possible upgrade in the actual ratings.

Following its review mission in January this year, Moody’s said the Philippines has so far demonstrated what it called “a remarkable degree of resiliency” to the global financial and economic crises.

For the country’s actual credit rating to go up, however, Moody’s said it would watch whether this resilience holds, especially with the anticipated decline in remittances from overseas Filipinos.

Moody’s said its outlook remained positive on the country’s B1 foreign and local currency government ratings, the Ba3 country ceiling for foreign currency bonds and B1 country ceiling for foreign currency bank deposits.

The Philippines has been on Moody’s “stable” outlook basket for several years until the credit rating agency upgraded its outlook to “positive” in late January 2008.

Aside from its resiliency, Moody’s said the Philippines has largely preserved the gains that it achieved in improving the country’s economic, external payments and fiscal fundamentals.

“The Philippines’ balance of payments and banking system have held up well to the global inflationary and credit market shocks of 2008,” said Tom Byrne, Moody’s senior vice president.

According to Byrne, this placed the country’s external payments in a “strengthened position” that would enable it to cope with the stresses that would likely hit in 2009.

Byrne said the improving trend in the country’s external debt service capacity would “pause” but not deteriorate. This would help ease the pressure on the exchange rate this year, especially with the slowdown in inflation that would bring the 2009 average rate within the government’s official target of 2.5 to 4.5 percent.

“This would provide the central bank with additional scope to relax policy to cushion the effects of the global recession,” said Byrne.

According to Byrne, the stable peso is considered critical for containing the budgetary debt service payments since over 50 percent of the public sector’s debt burden is denominated in foreign currency.

With less pressure coming from foreign debt servicing, Byrne said there would be more room in the national budget for spending on infrastructure programs and the fiscal stimulus package intended to soften the impact of the global economic depression.

The positive outlook was also a reward of sorts for the government’s decision to accommodate a higher deficit rather than balancing the budget based on the political commitment made by the Arroyo administration early in its term of office.

“Moody’s considers that the government’s intention to increase the National Government deficit only moderately in 2009 would not necessarily permanently reverse the improving trend in the government’s debt metrics,” Byrne said.

The credit rating agency added that the Philippine’s public sector debt overhang remained greater than most its rating peers.

“Moody’s believes that the country’s long-term fiscal outlook would improve with more progress in shoring up government revenues, both through tightened administration and new tax measures, several of which are now pending before Congress,” Byrne said.

However, Moody’s said that while expenditure control has improved in recent years and Treasury debt management has been skilled, these alone would not ensure fiscal sustainability.

“For the rating to move up, Moody’s will assess the prospects for the continued resiliency of the country’s balance of payments and the government’s ability to limit revenue slippage,” Byrne said.

“In this context, a key concern will be how overseas workers remittances hold up,” he added.

venntro

February 13th, 2009, 02:11 AM

that's great i love persian food, let them stay permanently

^^ Persian Kebabs are just so delicious.

venntro

February 13th, 2009, 03:26 AM

Asia business travel spending seen falling 20 % (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=440004&publicationSubCategoryId=200)
Updated February 13, 2009 08:22 AM

HONG KONG (AP) -Asian businesses could reduce their spending on hotels, flights and other travel expenses by as much as 20 percent this year to cut costs amid the global downturn, a leading travel company said Thursday.

Paris-based Carlson Wagonlit Travel says its corporate customers operating in Asia are expected to spend between 15 percent and 20 percent less in 2009 compared to 2008. Last year's spending totaled around $3 billion, the company said.

Worldwide, travel spending by its clients is expected to decline 10-15 percent, the firm predicts.

The decline reflects the efforts among many companies to slash costs in the face of the one worst economic slowdowns in decades.

A number of businesses have already started conducting meetings via video and Web conferencing rather than face to face. Others are bumping down flight bookings in business class and first class to economy.

"If they were previously staying at five-star hotels they may stay at the four-star hotel," said Martin Warner, the company's chief operating officer in Asia. "Whatever standard they're at, they're looking if they can downgrade it one level."

India will likely see Asia's biggest drop in corporate travel spending, falling 25 percent this year compared to 2008, Warner said. The company forecasts about a 10 percent softening in spending in China.

ianers_ianized

February 13th, 2009, 06:34 PM

i think minimal lng ang effect ng crisis sa travel industry ntn...

ruralvillage

February 13th, 2009, 11:34 PM

Gordon expects PGMA to sign tourism bill into law next month (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Gordon_expects_PGMA_to_sign_tourism_bill_into_law_next_month.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Gordon_expects_PGMA_to_sign_tourism_bill_into_law_next_month.shtml)
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Feb. 13 (PNA) -– Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate tourism committee, hailed the ratification on Thursday by the bicameral conference committee of Senate Bill No. 2213 or the Tourism Act of 2008.

"There is no superlative that can describe how important this piece of legislation will be to our people who are looking for jobs or looking for business opportunities,” he said at the conclusion of the bicameral conference panel meeting.

Gordon, who is the principal author of SB 2213, said he expects that the measure will be signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before Congress take a month-long recess starting on March 7.

“This bill, when it becomes a law, will bring investments directly to our provinces and spur economic growth of unprecedented proportions there," he said.

The Senate version’s counterpart consolidated measure is logged as House Bill No. 5229, principally authored by House tourism committee chairman Rep. Edgar Chatto.

Aside from Gordon, the Senate contingent to the bicameral conference includes Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, Loren Legarda, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Meanwhile, Chatto was joined by Reps. Raul del Mar, Florencio Miraflores, Del de Guzman, Philip Pichay, Ma. Carissa Coscoluella, Bienvenido Abante Jr., Darlene Antonino-Custodio, and Juan Edgardo Angara.

The bill seeks to declare a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development. It also aims to reorganize the tourism department and its agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy.

The measure also seeks for the establishment of "tourism enterprise zones" in strategic areas in the country, such as Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Laguna, Cavite, Boracay, Palawan and Iloilo, to lure foreign investors and tourists to visit places rich with history and culture.

Gordon said that tourism does not only provide jobs and spurs business, it also revives the ordinary Filipino's pride and compels him to take stock in himself. (PNA)

venntro

February 14th, 2009, 01:07 AM

^^ Aside from tourism infrastructure especially in the provinces, I still think the Philippine needs to address its lack of accessibility and push for air liberalization. Only one airline services direct flights from Europe to Manila while Thailand and Singapore have become airhubs already in the ASEAN region. We can attract more foreign tourists if we have more direct flights from other countries.

bledzoe

February 15th, 2009, 09:01 AM

Artist’s resort rises off Palawan

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:48:00 02/15/2009

ICONOCLAST and visionary Helena Carratala (the Spanish fashion designer formerly known as Helena Guerrero) is out to make waves again, like she did in the ’70s and early ’80s. She has taken out a 50-year lease on Mangenguey island (the name means “thunderous sound of the waves”) in Culion, off Palawan, to turn it into an artist’s colony.

Helena said it’s her destiny to swim against the current.

“I have proven everyone wrong since the day I was born. Most people thought I was crazy. If I had listened to them, I would not have done anything.”

At the height of her popularity in Manila, Helena lit up the social scene with her theatrical theme parties and her outrageous fashion sense that was striking yet never caricaturish. Fashion-forward—it was as if the term had been coined for her.

Today, at 57, she is still attractive, wearing an all-black sheath that highlights her round, rosette-colored face and sharp Castillian features, framed by a gob of salt-and-pepper curls.

She attributes her sensibilities to her family. Her father, a professor and internationalist, shaped her global outlook. Her mother, a home maker, exposed her to the arts, craft and beauty.

Being traditionalists, they hoped she would be in the academe and lead a conventional family life. Then she met Filipino artist-photographer Xavier “Wahoo” Guerrero in Barcelona, who swept her off her feet as a teen bride, brought her to exotic places and finally settled in Manila.

Fluent in French, she worked at Pierre Cardin’s Manila boutique, as translator and assistant to a then-unknown designer—Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Her own label

In the ’70s, with chutzpah and fecund imagination, she created her own label, Azabache, whose vibrant colors and fresh silhouettes ran contrary to the safe conventions of Manila fashion.

Azabache boutique was way ahead of even the international fashion scene, with its chic clothes and fashion accessories. (She was selling jewel-colored roman sandals even before they were the vogue, had retro fashions even before fashion went into retrospective mode.)

She then launched a black collection at SM, which according to Chinese belief was ominous, but turned out to be a surprise hit. (She used black way before it was the world’s uniform non-color.) As the brand was exported in the Asian region, Helena wanted to conquer the fashion capital of New York.

Naysayers warned her. By then, she had left her marriage and tried her luck in garments.

“I’m gifted with creative talent and great administration,” she said. “I understand how to make money. I did well in 7th Avenue, but I hated every minute of it. I had my own business and worked for others. Helena is not made to be working for others.”

She added: “I made one huge mistake. I could have kept a small operation like Norma Kamali and Betsy Johnson, and have little store in Soho. I went to the big department stores, and that’s what killed me.”

Helena carried her own label, Carratala, which was successful. However, with delayed payments from the stores and lack of financial backing, she quit.

Awakening

The frustration coincided with the death of three designer-friends from AIDS.

“It was an awakening. When young people die, one has to think about how you want to live your life,” she said.

With her culinary skills and talent for interior design and entertainment, she put up a tapas bar and restaurant. She was married to Richard Mander, a general contractor for prestigious projects in New York. Despite the success, Helena and Richard eventually grew weary of the rat race in New York.

“In the US, whatever you do, the concept is that you kill yourself for money because you need a lot to do anything,” she said. “In the end, you may get what you want, but you have no life.”

In 2004, Helena returned to the Philippines to visit her daughter, artist Katya Guerrero, and her son-in-law, photographer At Maculangan, who were first-time parents to Anika. After 20 years of being away, Helena was surprised that her friendships were still intact and that even the Gen X and Y expressed their admiration for her Azabache.

She realized that she was very attached to the Philippines and noted that it had the laidback lifestyle she and her husband were looking for. In the next two years, she explored Palawan and returned to the Calamnianes islands where she discovered Mangenguey.

13-hectare island

The challenge began with the tedious process of acquiring a 50-year lease from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. One of its requirements was producing a book on the island’s flora and fauna.

The 13-hectare island was unpopulated but the reefs were endangered because of the dynamite fishing. With no government support to preserve the island’s beauty, Helena took it upon herself to be “steward” of the island.

For the past three years, she has been building her dream and bringing workers and supplies from all over the country, and setting up the water and energy systems. She insists on calling the artists’ colony by the island’s name, “Mangenguey.”

“Like Azabache (which means “jet black”), people said no one would remember Mangenguey,” says Helena. But visitors will surely not forget how Helena expresses her idiosyncracies through design.

The initial stage of the development is the luxury resort, which is now open for bookings. It has a tropical house with two suites and three cottages by the beach, which can accommodate 12 guests. The design is a fusion of Asian styles with Old World and modern influences.

“The idea is Mangenguey is a resort and also an art and culture community where we can have theaters, performance spaces, a library, working studios and movie screens,” she said. “It will be a place where people commune with other people and hopefully share the philosophic lifestyle.”

Mangenguey used simple materials—recycled wood, concrete, bamboo, nipa, anahaw, broken bricks, shells and local stones—which didn’t leave much carbon footprint.

Helena designed most of the lighting and furniture, which were crafted in Baguio, Cavite and Manila. They were mixed with antiques and restored pieces. Most of the artworks are original, many of which are fashion illustrations by the world-class artist Maning Obregon.

“The idea is to show that true luxury is design, not how much money or Italian marble you can pour,” she said. “Home and furniture designed by an artist is unique.”

Helena imported the craftsmen for the decorative finish. “We brought architects, woodworkers, bamboo workers, masons, electricians—from Ilocos or as far as Mindanao,” she said. “The only thing the islanders know is fishing. Every craftsman that came in took an apprentice from the island. In a few years, the locals can make tables. Same with hotel and restaurant, they have to teach. As we build Mangenguey, we are like a school, training the native population to develop skills.”

The house has solar paneling and solar water heating. Plans are afoot to build wind power for the islands.

Holistic

Guerrero said she does not want to call the development as ecological. “Mangenguey has a holistic view,” she explained. “Conservation to me is balance. We need to strike a balance between preserving the environment and the human spirit through the arts and the humanities. We cannot just save the tigers and not save the poets.”

But poets—and other grossly underpaid artists—don’t have the means to spend a weekend in Mangenguey.

“If the world were properly managed, there should not be any reason the poets can’t be financed,” she said. “If the priorities of society were right and value the works of the poet or philosopher, funding should be provided for as with the tiger.”

Patrons and philanthropists would rather support anti-poverty programs than the arts.

“The world sees the arts as a singular item,” Guerrero said. “I don’t. In the big machinery of the world, we need to work on poverty, of course. But the poor people also need to see beauty. It’s not just feeding the poor, you have to feed the body and the soul of the people.”

She said the Philippines is losing craftsmen. “Ever since I left, many of the embroiderers, Marikina shoemakers and jewelers of Bulacan I had worked with are gone,” she said. “Why? Because the artists are not fulfilled. If art and design don’t work, the crafts are lost. The hands that make them will disappear. In Mangenguey, we are creating products that are not commercial. If we are all doing our part of the deal, the fisherman will not put cyanide on my reefs like they do because they don’t have any other way of feeding their family. That is where Mangenguey has a wider scope.”

“We are like this today because the intelligentsia has been sleeping for a long time and have allowed the merchants to take over the world,” Guerrero said.

She said the development of the island would involve “a lot of money. My husband and I took a large chunk from our retirement to fund the initial stage. Now we are looking for investors.”

Investment

What’s in it for investors?

Guerrero said the development will have 86 residences, 46 cottages for guests, a public area and restaurants.

“You may want to buy shares of stocks of Mangenguey,” she said. “It’s like an investment. The difference is social capitalism. The investors I want are people who not only get the return but also want to contribute to a better world. This isn’t just about money.”

The past three years, Helena has been staying in a shack on the island, which has become a sanctuary. In her diary, she writes, “I hear the silence and see myself.”