Travel and Tourism Industry [Archive] - Page 19

PINOYmeat

July 24th, 2009, 03:35 PM

ibebenta ko lang place ko. :lol:

FOR 1ST QUARTER OF 2009
Cebu now RP’s top tourist destination
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 21:53:00 05/10/2009
Filed Under: Tourism

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo—Cebu has become the country’s top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism.

The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous Boracay Island in tourist arrivals from January to March.

Data from the DOT on tourist arrivals for the first quarter showed that 422,239 tourists went to Cebu, nearly 3 percent higher than the 410,597 tourists who went to the province during the same period last year.

Boracay was second with 158,030 arrivals, followed by Davao City (156,468), Camarines Sur (140,220), Zambales (88,718), and Bohol (71,876).

MORE (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090510-204255/Cebu-now-RPs-top-tourist-destination)

Conde Nast Magazine's Survey
Cebu still 7th best; Mactan resort listed

Cebu has retained its seventh ranking in this year’s list of best island destinations in the world, while a Cebu resort, the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has also made the grade.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine has recently released in New York the results of the 21st annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2008, a listing of the best cities, islands, hotels, transportation and resorts worldwide.

"These awards celebrate the destinations, lodgings, and modes of transportation that manage to exceed our expectations," said Condé Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska.

"The Readers' Choice Awards, are a credit to the worldly expertise of our readers -- passionate travelers for whom no island is too remote, no city too challenging, and no hotel too untested," she said.

Cebu has occupied the seventh spot three times: this year at 70.9 which is two points short of last year’s 72.3 points and 2004’s 72.8 points.

Twice, it has been ranked 8th best island destination: in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005 with 69.5.

CONDE NAST (http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/readerschoice/islands)

Conde Nast rates Plantation Bay as one of the top resorts in Asia

CONDE Nast Traveler, a magazine published in New York, USA has just released the results of its 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2008, listing Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as one of the top Asian resorts.

With a score of 90.0 points, Plantation Bay ranked 16th out of 25 in the Top Asian Resorts Category.

It is the only Philippine resort among the 323 worldwide resorts with winning scores surpassing some resorts in Koh Samui, Phuket, Bali and Langkawi.

Plantation Bay is the highest-rated hotel of any kind, city, or resort in the country.

MORE (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/Cond%C3%A9-nast-rates-plantation-bay-one-top-resorts-asia)

CONDE NAST (http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/readerschoice/resorts)

tonight

July 27th, 2009, 06:01 AM

Tourism expected to pick up in RP next year (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=490430&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

BANGKOK, Thailand – Tourism is expected to pick up in the Philippines next year as the global financial crisis eases and the threat of influenza A(H1N1) moderates, the Philippine Travel Agents Association (PTAA) said.

In an interview, PTAA president Pat Alberto said that they expect tourism to grow by 10 percent to 15 percent in 2010.

Alberto said in 2008, tourism went down by 20 percent and this year, they don’t expect any growth at all.

“It will be flat this year because although we are already recovering, the second quarter was really bad,” she explained.

“People are just not travelling because they want to save.”

For instance, Alberto said now is the best time to travel to Thailand since hotel rates have been cut in half and airlines have been coming out with a lot of promotions.

“No matter how low the prices are, people are still not travelling. April to June was really bad but we hope to recover in the third quarter,” she noted. “The crisis is really affecting the business.”

Earlier, PTAA vice president John Paul Cabalza said domestic tourism will 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.

However, domestic tourism is expected to increase by 15 percent as air carriers cut their fares by as much as 50 percent, the PTAA said.

“Maybe we can experience a little growth if domestic tourism picks up. We see this happening. I think this is the trend,” Cabalza said.

He said air fares have gone down by more than 50 percent. “There are some airlines who offer airfares for as low as P1,500 roundtrip to Palawan or Boracay,” he noted.

He said this encourages people to travel. In the meantime, room rates have gone down by 10 percent.

“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.

The 15-percent increase in domestic tourism will come from group travels such as the Philippine Medical Association, the government sector and the schools.

Cabalza identified November to May as a peak season, while Christmas, Ati-Atihan festivals in January, the Chinese New Year and Holy Week as “super peak” seasons.

OtAkAw

July 28th, 2009, 11:17 AM

^^Otakaw munta ka keni Davao!
So come one and visit Davao!:)

Been there na when I was younger. I barely remember anything. :lol:

Aerin

July 30th, 2009, 02:26 AM

The photo is somehow heavily photoshopped? It looks too good to be real, comparing it with photos I've seen so far of Chocolate Hills. Can you post a bigger photo?

But indeed, Chocolate Hills is a sight to behold. I missed the opportunity of seeing it last January.

I went there last year and what I saw didn't look like this. But then again, I went in broad daylight and when the hills were still green.

_mike

July 31st, 2009, 01:42 PM

Swine flu, crisis couldn’t keep tourists away (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090731-218070/Swine-flu-crisis-couldnt-keep-tourists-away)

MANILA, Philippines—The Influenza A(H1N1) SCARE and the global financial crisis have had little adverse effect on local tourism as close to four million visitors trooped to the country’s tourist destinations in the first half of the year, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said Thursday.

The DoT’s first semester report said the 3.89 million tourists from January to June represented a 16.5-percent improvement over the same period last year.

Of the number, over 808,000 were foreign tourists. They were up from the 760,000 foreigners who visited the Philippines in the first semester of 2008.

The number of domestic tourists so far increased by 20 percent to 2.96 million, the DoT report said.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano in the report said there was a drop in the number of foreign arrivals from certain markets because of the global financial downturn, but the overall picture bucked expectations.

The rise in tourist traffic, he said, could be attributed to the changing lifestyles of Filipinos.

“Likewise, the changing lifestyles and travel patterns of more Filipinos to spend their Holy Week, long weekends, and summer and holiday vacations in the various tourist areas in the country boosted tourist flow,” he said.

“Foreign arrivals also increased by 6 percent in the first half of the year despite a decrease of 6 percent in visitors to East Asia and the Pacific,” he said.

Durano was optimistic the growth would continue the rest of the year.

“As tourism facilities and products continue to expand, the DoT anticipates greater growth in tourist arrivals in key destinations towards the end of 2009,” he said.

The province of Camarines Sur, which is known for its beaches and surfing, was the top gainer. The province received 902,000 local and foreign visitors during the first semester, the DoT report said.

“The provincial government of Camarines Sur’s investment in a wake-boarding tourism product stimulated visitor volume while bolstering demand for more accommodations, tour services and transportation,” the report said.

Cebu was the second most visited destination, with 830,000 tourists.

kiretoce

August 1st, 2009, 04:57 AM

Slum Tourism (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/travel/09heads.html?_r=1)....what do you think? An outrage, or all-the-rage? :colgate:

garzland

August 3rd, 2009, 07:45 AM

Philippine Tourism: Sustaining Growth in a challenging environment (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Philippine_Tourism_Sustaining_Growth_in_a_challenging_environment.shtml)

By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Aug. 3 (PNA) -- Tourist arrivals in the top 16 tourism destinations in the country rose 16.5 percent to close to four million in the first semester of 2009.

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) efforts to maximize opportunities in international markets and encourage greater domestic travel movement provided the impetus to sustain tourism growth in the midst of challenges brought by the global financial crisis and Influenza A(H1N1).

The 16 tourism destinations are Camarines Sur, Cebu, Boracay, Baguio, Davao, Puerto Galera, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Ilocos Norte, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Puerto Princesa, Legaspi, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon.

The feat is attributed to the substantial increase in domestic tourism by 20 percent in the second quarter of 2009, which enhanced the business and investment confidence in the sector in the first half of the year.

The changing lifestyle and travel pattern of more Filipinos and Philippine residents to spend their Holy Week, long weekends and summer/holiday vacation in the various tourist areas of the country also boosted tourist flow.

Foreign arrivals in key destinations also increased by six percent in the first half of the year despite a decrease of six percent in inbound visitors into East Asia and the Pacific.

First and Second Quarters Tourist Volume of 2009 and 2008

Camarines Sur posted a 52 percent and 260 percent hike in both foreign and domestic arrivals, ranking it as the most visited destination during the first semester with 902,202 tourists.

The investment of the provincial government of Camarines Sur in a wake-boarding tourism product stimulated visitor volume while continuing to bolster demand for more accommodation, tour services and transportation.

The influx of tourists in Camarines Sur also facilitated the expansion of infrastructure and development of tourism related products.

The success of Camarines Sur's initiative serves as a model for other local government units to harness their tourism potentials and optimize local resources to create more economic activity.

Cebu is the second most visited tourist destination with 830,599 visitors, claiming 23 percent share of total arrivals.

Cebu continues to be the top destination for foreign tourists with 321,116 in the first semester. The expansion in air access from major tourist markets, including the new charter flights from Incheon, Busan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kaohsiung as well as increase in room supply, aggressive promotion, public and private sector partnership to diversify the tourism products greatly contributed to the hike in visitor volume to Cebu.

Visitor count in Puerto Princesa and Bohol went up by 63 percent and 16 percent, respectively, as diving, ecotourism, birdwatching, adventure and incentive tourism products were jointly launched by the DOT, LGUs and the private sector.

Increased demand also ushered in more community-based tourism products that increased the availability of product offering and livelihood for local residents.

Other most frequently visited destinations included Boracay (383,813); Davao City (330,247); Puerto Galera (215,755); and Ilocos Norte with 99,747 tourist arrivals.

Enhancing Tourist Products

The increased demand encouraged more entrepreneurs to create new products and experiences for visitors.

The Island Banca Cruises in Cebu has attracted visitors with its differently organized and packaged island hopping tour of the marine sanctuaries of Nalusuan and Gilutungan, the pristine white beach of Pandanon and dive sites of Moalboal.

Kultura Filipino in Intramuros gave tourists an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Philippine cultural heritage through local dances, music and cuisine. This product also serves as the highlight of the new city tour program for Manila.

Similarly, the Pasig River Cruise had lured back tourists to visit and appreciate the many sights and attractions of Metro Manila. More than a river cruise, the product provides cultural interaction, culinary treat, historical tour and entertainment.

With increased popularity for adventure tourism, spelunking in the Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar offered visitors with a quaint experience to commune with nature, explore the area’s wonders and promote cultural exchanges.

Cruising along the Golden River of Basey also provided a glimpse of rural and community life amidst the scenery and images of clear waterways surrounded by green vegetation.

The sheer motivation of the municipal government of Danao in Bohol brought a new dimension to adventure tourism and created employment for local people.

The Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) Danao offers an extreme and exhilarating challenge with its 200-meter plunge, one-km slide, caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking and root climbing.

Likewise, the opening of a theme park called Fantasyland in Zamboanga del Norte had boosted tourist arrivals here. The entertainment facility includes interactive rides, shows and activities for foreign and domestic visitors. A 360-room hotel will also be built in the park.

Gauging from the interests of many foreign and domestic visitors to participate in environmental, heritage and livelihood projects, the Hands On Volunteer Vacation Tour Package was launched in Oriental Mindoro, Bohol, Boracay Island, Aklan, Laguna and Batangas.

Trekking, birdwatching, and ecotourism products in Mt. Apo were enriched with new adventure, camping and cultural interaction activities which have drawn more tourists during the summer months.

The 3rd Philippine International Tourism Fair (PITF) in Cebu gave the LGUs and private entrepreneurs a venue to feature these innovative and new tourism products to foreign buyers from the Middle East, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Japan, North America and Canada.

Travel agents from overseas also availed of these latest tourism experiences.

Europe’s biggest long-haul travel group, the Meier’s Weltreisen, had its Far East Live Seminar in Boracay and Manila, participated by 265 officers and member-agents who experienced these new and diverse tourism products, destinations and facilities.

Similarly, 110 top tour wholesalers from Switzerland visited Boracay, Banaue, Bohol, Cebu and El Nido to discover the different products in said destinations.

These have intensified the awareness of available tourism products for the European market.

Pushing Dive Tourism

Based on the survey conducted by the TNS Philippines, the volume of dive tourists in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Batangas grew by 62.8 percent in the first semester this year.

German dive enthusiasts posted 131.9 percent increase while the Koreans dive tourists went up by 104 percent, American (37 percent), Japanese (34 percent), and Chinese (31 percent).

Overall gross receipts from dive tourism in said destinations posted an increase of 52.8 percent to P31 million vis-à-vis P20.2 million in the first half of 2008.

Substantial growth of 82 percent was recorded during the first quarter of 2009. Revenues generated by dive operators in Bohol surged by 195 percent while those in Cebu rose by 69 percent.

At the 17th Marine Diving Fair in Tokyo, the DOT Pavilion attracted more than 20,000 visitors and garnered awards for Best Diving Area, Most Desirable Destination, Best Dive Resort and Favorite Dive Operators for the country and participating dive operators.

The DOT also continued to draw dive tourists in its annual participation in the Golden Dolphin Fair in Moscow which attracted over 23,000 visitors from all the regions of Russia and overseas.

Consolidating Growth for the Second Half of 2009

As tourism facilities and products continue to expand, the DOT anticipates greater growth in tourist arrivals in key destinations towards the end of 2009.

The growing interests among LGUs and private sector to offer innovative tourism experience for visitors will greatly enhance the quality of Philippine tourism products.

DOT foresees that increased investments in accommodation and transportation as well as development of new facilities and destinations will sustain the growth of the sector and position Philippine tourism for the next level of growth spurts as international markets recover from the global economic downturn. (PNA)

jhunix

August 3rd, 2009, 08:45 PM

Deca Wakeboard Park-DAVAO:banana::banana:

Where dafet??

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs137.snc1/5850_1090816674122_1337648009_201966_8281528_n.jpg

Juan Pilgrim

August 3rd, 2009, 09:06 PM

^^Wakeboarding sa CamSur, Luzon at sa Davao, Mindanao...

next sa Leyte, Visayas naman.:banana:

:horse:

in_a_rush

August 4th, 2009, 05:12 AM

How Ace Durano walks the talk – literally

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:09:00 08/03/2009

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano walks the talk—literally.

While promoting Philippine ecotourism and adventure travel to the world market, he also tests products and services by swimming with whale sharks, trekking the highest summit and spelunking. He says one has to be at a certain fitness level to enjoy these exploits.

“To stay fit even if you’re busy is to lead an active lifestyle,” he says.

Even before public office, Durano kept himself in shape by running. Ever since he joined the Cabinet, he’s always climbed the stairs to his office on the fourth floor of the Department of Tourism building.

“I never took the elevator since day one,” he says. When the staffers are out for lunch, he hits the treadmill in his room.

His job keeps him in top condition. In provincial sorties, Durano is prepared for outdoor exercises, clad in jeans and shod in fashionable athletic shoes. He always carries a backpack of fresh clothes.

“I put in some activity like seeing natural attractions,” says Durano. He recalls that after a speaking engagement in Bislig town, Surigao del Sur province, he trekked to Tinuy-an Falls, arguably the country’s most beautiful falls. “I got my exercise for the day.”

One of his peak experiences was hiking to Mt. Apo, North Cotabato province. To celebrate the last year of being in his 30s, he and his family climbed the mountain and reached the summit on his birthday last April 3. It took them two days to reach the top at 10,000 feet above sea level and one day to descend.

The guide advised him to pack thermals to keep him warm in the 6-degree Celsius temperature. Wet tissues came in handy. “After trekking, you go inside the tent and wipe yourself with them. That’s our shower.”

For energy, they packed peanuts, dried fruits, bananas and energy drink to replenish the nutrients. “With water you just pee. Hydration is important,” says Durano.

Along the way, they encountered a chef who prepared carbonara on their first night at the campsite, and steak the second night.

With bedtime at 9 p.m. and wake-up time at 4 a.m., Durano found the pace refreshing. Mountaineers also suggested that he pop a muscle relaxant upon arriving at the camp, and another one before bedtime. “When you wake up the next day, you’re ready for eight hours of hiking,” says Durano.

The descent was more difficult. “Because of the pull of gravity, your muscles are contracting the entire time,” he says. To keep his balance, he learned the technique of walking sideways for better traction. In the end, three days of hiking at eight hours each, his clothes got loose. “That’s just the first 10 pounds of water. You sweat the entire day,” says Durano.

Taking the ‘blunge’

Working on tourism activities in Danao Adventure Park in Bohol, Durano went kayaking, rappelling and zip-lining. A highlight was taking the “blunge,” a combination of bungee jumping and plunging to the other side of the ravine. “You feel like a rock being thrown around,” he says.

In Palawan, Durano would dive and snorkel. In Coron, he climbed the limestone cliffs to explore the hidden lagoons. He went diving to view the wreckage of Japanese gunboats that hid there during World War II.

In Donsol, Sorsogon, Durano, armed with flippers and a diving mask, tried to keep up with whale sharks. “It was more like seeing dinosaurs. You think they are slow, but they’re gliding on water,” he says.

Sohoton cave in Basey, Samar, was worth the 40-minute trek, with all its grandeur.

“That’s my motivation. I want to keep a level of fitness. Going up and down the four floors in DOT and twice a week five-kilometer runs keep me hardy so I can enjoy the country’s natural wonders.”

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 4th, 2009, 12:32 PM

^^Wakeboarding sa CamSur, Luzon at sa Davao, Mindanao...

next sa Leyte, Visayas naman.:banana:

:horse:

uy aba syempre dapat luzviminda tayo! hehehe

nice idea there! :okay:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 4th, 2009, 12:36 PM

TeslaCoil

August 4th, 2009, 06:14 PM

^^ He is the best DoT secretary ever!

crappypants

August 4th, 2009, 06:16 PM

I liked Gordon.

jpdm

August 5th, 2009, 02:15 AM

that's how to be a tourism secretary...! :okay:

Among the few bright spots of the Gloria Arroyo presidency!:cheers:

hakz2007

August 5th, 2009, 11:37 AM

These are great ads...Enjoy!:banana:

Camarines Sur Dream Vacation TV AD

GJEPCToRT1A&feature=related

Camarines Sur Dragon Boat Festival TV Ad

whCHxowDQTA&feature=related

Juan Pilgrim

August 5th, 2009, 02:49 PM

^^ no wonder foreign and local tourists are flocking to Cam Sur!
Maray na Banggi Camarines Sur!!!

:horse:

watcher09

August 5th, 2009, 07:07 PM

When I was a child, Camarines Sur was considered a sleepy province along with most of the Bicol Region. Now, it has a booming tourism industry. Again, along with the rest of the region. The last time I went there was 2003. There was no SM there yet. Congratulations Bicol!:cheers:

Juan Pilgrim

August 5th, 2009, 07:26 PM

^^thanks to the able leadership of the Villafuerte Family.

:horse:

le Reine

August 6th, 2009, 02:33 PM

^^Of L-Rey Villafuerte (son) only. The father and the son are not in good terms. Must be the reason why CamSur is progressing.

Juan Pilgrim

August 6th, 2009, 03:24 PM

^^Thanks for the inside scoop!

Mabuhay ang Camarines Sur sa pamumuno ni Gov. L.R. Villafuerte!!!!

:horse:

watcher09

August 7th, 2009, 07:53 AM

^^Of L-Rey Villafuerte (son) only. The father and the son are not in good terms. Must be the reason why CamSur is progressing.

So, knowledgeable, even in scoops! :lol:

Although, I love Tita Cory, I miss the "Dahil Sa 'Yo" beauty.

RonnieR

August 7th, 2009, 11:52 AM

This is not about Phil. tourism but we know that thousands of Pinoys go to Thailand, one of our favorites.. :) we should be careful lang...I think they prey on "rich western tourists"...not sure though.

Warnings issued about alleged Bangkok airport scam
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=493909&publicationSubCategoryId=200
(philstar.com) Updated August 07, 2009 04:51 PM

BANGKOK (AP) -- Travelers to Thailand have braved a variety of hazards in recent years but foreign governments are now warning about a new and different one: duty-free shopping at the airport.

Several European tourists say they were falsely accused of shoplifting at the Thai capital's main airport and some recount being taken to seedy motels where they were shaken down for thousands of dollars by a shady middleman.

A British couple paid the equivalent of $11,000 to secure their release five days after being accused of stealing a Givenchy wallet that was never found, say police, who along with airport authorities deny any wrongdoing.

The Thai government has vowed a crackdown at Bangkok's scandal-plagued Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has barely recovered from last year's public relations disaster when anti-government protesters shut it for a week and stranded 300,000 visitors.

The airport opened in 2006 and has been dogged by corruption allegations, taxi touts with "broken meters" and baggage thefts — prompting a recent order for luggage handlers to wear uniforms without pockets.

But the allegations of extortion take things to another level.

"We are quite concerned about this," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Vimon Kidchob said Thursday. "The government of Thailand is doing everything we can to ensure the safety of tourists."

It's hardly the image the self-proclaimed "Land of Smiles" wants to project, particularly as Thailand's vital tourism industry faces its worst crisis in years after political instability, the global financial crisis and swine flu scares.

The scandal has spawned lengthy chatter on travel blogs about other scams to watch for in Thailand and a string of overseas travel advisories on the perils of duty-free shopping in Bangkok.

Ireland is warning its nationals to "be extremely careful" when browsing at Suvarnabhumi (pronounced "sue-WANNA-poom").

"We have received reports that innocent shoppers have been the subject of allegations of suspected theft and threatened that their cases will not be heard for several months unless they plead guilty and pay substantial fines," says an Irish government travel advisory. It tells shoppers to keep receipts to avoid "great distress."

The advice was posted after a 41-year-old Irish scientist, who was visiting for an international genetics symposium, was accused of stealing Bobbi Brown eyeliner June 25. The embassy declined to discuss details of her case.

Britain and Denmark have updated their online travel advice to warn that Suvarnabhumi's sprawling duty-free zone has hard-to-detect demarcation lines between shops and patrons should not carry unpaid merchandise between them.

British couple Stephen Ingram, 49, and Xi Lin, 45, technology experts from Cambridge, took the alleged scam public in late June. Their ordeal was pieced together based on accounts from police, airport and embassy officials and an interview the couple gave to British media.

The couple was approached by airport security before boarding a flight to London on April 25 and told that security cameras showed they had taken a Givenchy wallet.

King Power, the company that owns the duty-free store, has posted CCTV footage on its Web site that appears to show Lin putting her hand in her bag while browsing a wallet display. The security guards found nothing, but turned the couple over to police, said Sombat Dechapanichkul, managing director of King Power Duty Free Co.

"We are not aware of what happened next. It was then the job of the police to proceed with the case," said Sombat.

Ingram told The Sunday Times of London that they were questioned at an airport police office and then transferred to a nearby police station where their passports were confiscated and they spent the night in jail. The next morning they were introduced to a translator — a Sri Lankan named Tony — who said he could arrange bail and get their case dropped, warning it could otherwise drag on for months.

Tony took them to a nearby motel, called the Valentine Resort, Ingram said. The couple managed a visit to the British Embassy on April 27 but then returned to the hotel fearing Tony, who had warned they would be watched, Ingram said. They didn't leave Bangkok until May 1.

An investigation found that the couple transferred into Tony's bank account 400,000 baht ($11,800) — half for bail and the other half for Tony's "fees," said police Col. Teeradej Panurak, who oversaw the case.

"Tony came in to translate for us. We can't control what the accused agree to with a translator," said Teeradej. He said the couple was released because there was not enough evidence to press charges.

A visiting British government official recently raised the case with Thai authorities, and the British Embassy was consulting other embassies about the alleged scam, said embassy spokesman Daniel Painter.

Tony resurfaced in June, when a Danish woman was arrested.

Danish Embassy Consul Tove Wihlbrot-Andersen says the woman was accused of stealing an item worth about 1,500 baht ($45) after she unknowingly crossed from one shop to another. Her allegations mirror those made by the British couple: She was taken to a police station, contacted by Tony the translator, released on bail and then "taken to a bad hotel in the vicinity for almost a week," until she reportedly paid Tony 250,000 baht ($7,400) — for an offense that normally results in a 3,000 baht ($90) fine, the consul said.

Newspapers have published a steady stream of outraged letters-to-the-editor that note the Thai police force's reputation for taking bribes and to call for arrests in the airport scam.

One recent letter in The Nation newspaper came from Mike Gilman in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, who lamented the scandal's potential damage: "More nails in the coffin of an already devastated Thai tourism industry."

watcher09

August 7th, 2009, 12:46 PM

_leonell_

August 7th, 2009, 02:03 PM

^^^^^ Well we're not RICH WESTERN people, they know why we're in Thailand......................... and if they will dare try to do so on the Filipinos then they'll just be brought to ASEAN itself............. heavy criticisms from the Westtern Countries would bring their tourism industry down.

watcher09

August 8th, 2009, 01:19 PM

These are great ads...Enjoy!:banana:

Very nice! Very, very beautiful! Thanks for these. This is my first time to see these ads. I'm glad I've said "yes" to my friend from CamSur to visit it next month. My officemate was right. Caramoan is superb.

No wonder, CamSur now is one of the leading destinations in the country.

Muffstar

August 9th, 2009, 09:30 AM

My sister in law has just moved to Cagayan to set up a medical clinic, my wife and I would like to visit her but not sure if it is a safe area for a white fella ?

Any info on this would be appreciated also any nice places to stay and things to do.

Thanks in advance

Sky Harbor

August 9th, 2009, 09:44 AM

^^ Which Cagayan first? Is it Cagayan the province, or Cagayan de Oro City?

Juan Pilgrim

August 9th, 2009, 03:23 PM

Do you know the way to Camarines Sur from MManila??

How are the roads leading to Camarines Sur? Are there enough hotel rooms and restaurants?

:horse:

Sky Harbor

August 9th, 2009, 03:41 PM

watcher09

August 9th, 2009, 04:36 PM

^^ Take the SLEX and then exit at Calamba., then take the Maharlika Highway straight to Bicol. I can say though that the Calamba-Lucena stretch of the Pan-Philippine Highway is actually well-maintained.

Yes! The road from Lucena to Calauag is also good even for city cars.

Straight to Bicol means you have to follow the Pan-Philippine Highway. There are parts that pass through town proper, though, like Tiaong, Candelaria Sariaya, Plaridel, Gumaca and Lopez in Quezon Province. For Lucena, you must take the Diversion Road. This will not pass through the city proper anymore. For other towns and city, Alaminos, San Pablo City, Pagbilao, Atimonan and Calauag, you don't have to enter them for faster travel. There are always road signs in each town to direct you.

I'm not sure of the Bicol roads. The last time I went there, there are parts of my ride which were bumpy.

Search the internet for hotels. I think Naga has lots of it. There is also a resort (local government owned) which offers rooms in the capital - Pili.

manila_eye

August 9th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Do you know the way to Camarines Sur from MManila??

How are the roads leading to Camarines Sur? Are there enough hotel rooms and restaurants?

:horse:

The water sports complex has its own hotel. You can get for as low as P400 a night (I don't know if this is discounted since a friend of mine was the one who paid.) More hotels are coming up.:cheers:

Juan Pilgrim

August 9th, 2009, 07:25 PM

That's good news!

Camarines Sur is really a bright spot in our tourism industry. The government (and I am sure the private sector will follow eventually) should literally "pave the way" in making this place a success by improving all road leading to Cam Sur and supporting tourism related developments like ports, roads, hotels, restaurants, etc by cutting red tape. IMO.

then when this is self suffcient, on to the next bright spot,
and so on and so forth...

:horse:

jhunix

August 9th, 2009, 07:49 PM

Beautiful Caramoan

http://www.caramoanislands.com/imgs/CaramoanSlides/caramoan%20(10).jpg

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http://www.caramoanislands.com/imgs/CaramoanSlides/new/_MG_0357.jpg

:banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 10th, 2009, 03:57 AM

^^
WOW! very very serene caramoan!

watcher09

August 10th, 2009, 06:01 AM

Beautiful! The karsts look like those of Palawan's as well as the beaches. Some angles are reminiscent of Hundred Islands. The tourists look satisfied.

rapuy

August 10th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Beautiful Caramoan
http://www.caramoanislands.com/imgs/600/gota04.jpg

http://www.caramoanislands.com/imgs/CaramoanSlides/caramoan%20(8).jpg

^^
I don't like how they made the cottages in Gota Village. It doesn't blend with the environment. It looks more like a trailer type of housing.

http://www.caramoanislands.com/imgs/CaramoanSlides/new/_MG_0767.jpg
Honongan beach is not as white as it appears on the picture as the beach are only filled with white sand from other islands, you can observed patches of black sand as it erodes. Nonetheless, Caramoan is one of the most exciting Philippine destination today! Can't wait to explore more of it when I return this month.

RonnieR

August 11th, 2009, 10:28 AM

BI loosens visa rules for Chinese tourists
By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 07:42:00 08/03/2009 Filed Under: Tourism, Investments, Foreign affairs & international relations, Immigration

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to loosen its policy on jet-setting Chinese tourists and allow them to enter the country without visas and remain for seven days.

Currently, the only foreign nationals allowed into the Philippines without visas for three weeks are citizens of the nine other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan Sunday said President Arroyo gave him the order to let in Chinese tourists without visas last week before she left for Washington for her meeting with US President Barack Obama.

The new policy, he said, was “in accordance with the government’s program to promote and encourage tourism development in the country.”

Libanan said he had issued a memorandum circular on the new policy to all BI outposts and satellite offices.

“With this new policy, we expect more Chinese businessmen and tourists to visit the Philippines and explore investment opportunities, thus opening up more job opportunities for our countrymen,” he said in a statement.

He said those exempted from the visa requirement are Chinese nationals with valid visas issued by the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada or the European Union.

Floro Balato Jr., BI spokesperson, noted that Chinese who frequently traveled to developed countries like the US and Japan were mostly businessmen who could bring investments into the Philippines.

Balato said the new visa rule was part of the immigration bureau’s efforts “to liberalize its policies on the entry of nationals from fast developing countries like China.”

“(U)nder Libanan’s stewardship, the BI has embarked on various innovative programs aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign investments,” he said.

Among the new programs the BI has implemented is the special visa for employment generation, which allows foreign businessmen to stay in the country indefinitely, provided their companies employ at least 10 Filipino regular workers.

jpdm

August 11th, 2009, 11:03 AM

^^^^This is an good move. :)

But BI and the government should be vigilant especially with economic refugees (illegal immigrants and workers robbing Pinoy with employment and livelihood opportunities) and criminals masquerading as tourists.:bash:

RonnieR

August 11th, 2009, 12:11 PM

The hidden treasures of Dinagat Islands (used to be part of Surigao del Norte).

Campintac Beach Resort - In October 1944, the American troops landed here. I didn't know this until I saw the place.

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The mountains
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jpdm

August 11th, 2009, 12:18 PM

^^^^Nice photos!:cheers:

RonnieR

August 11th, 2009, 12:21 PM

^^ thanks.

amigo32

August 12th, 2009, 12:30 PM

Paradise nga ang Caramoan.

in_a_rush

August 13th, 2009, 09:21 AM

RP-Middle East tourism relations strengthened

By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has appointed the Gulf Reps as the country’s trade and media representatives and coordinators for the Middle East, with continuous efforts to tap this fast-growing, high- spending market segment, among the emerging source markets for tourism expenditures and investments.

Tourism Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano said, “This new development forges stronger tourism links between the Philippines and the Middle East, a niche market whose economic capacity translates to viable investments and spending in our country’s establishments, products, and services.”

“Providing unparalleled destination and product representation throughout the Middle East, utilizing strong relationships with the local travel trade and media partners, Gulf Reps has earned the respect of the trade industry in Asia and in Europe,” Durano added.

Gulf Reps is proud to note its achievements in making their company ‘second home’ to the travel industry’s best and most passionate travel leaders.

Together, their team continues to bring years of knowledge and experience to the field.

On the other hand, Leo Fewtrell, Gulf Reps' Managing Partner, said “We are delighted with this appointment and will be working hard to show our commitment to this beautiful country. Our company considers this a privilege of strong tourism relations, which only results to an additional incentive showcasing the best of the Philippines’ 7,107 islands.”

Fewtrell further stated, “Since our launch, we have nurtured our linkages with the local and international travel trade. We also work with trusted media partners to ensure exponential growth for all of our regional clients.”

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr., said, “The Department is confident that this partnership will indeed boost travel relations between the Philippines and the Middle East.”

Jarque added, “We have seen that Gulf Reps is determinedly changing the way travel destinations and products are represented and ultimately marketed to the community and trade at large.”

DOT Director Benito Bengzon Jr. noted, “In a marketplace containing some of the world’s best-traveled citizens, a higher standard of service and wider range of options is understandably expected.”

Gulf Reps also handles destination representation, market intelligence research, strategic planning, joint trade marketing, and sales missions, among others. (PNA)

DOT hails newly opened UK-RP air pact

By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds the newly amended air pact which allows seven flights per week on a B747 aircraft, accommodating more than 500 passengers, between Manila to points in the United Kingdom (UK) which include London, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead.

DOT Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano, said “We support the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in their move to improve the air agreement between the country and the UK. Identifying these key destinations is a clear indicator of the strength of our market in these regions.”

The European market, tagged as one of the high-spending tourism segments, is targeted for its preference of adventure tourism which includes aquatic activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, board sports, surfing and white water rafting; and land adventures such as mountain biking, rock climbing, cave exploration and trekking, Durano said.

“In addition to aggressive promotion of our products, we are continuously developing new tourism ventures, such as birdwatching, for this major segment,” he added.

On the other hand, Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., said “The air pact amendment is very timely as well, since we have more leisure travelers beginning August when summer season in Europe starts."

In light of the new agreement, Jarque also said, “Some of our domestic airlines have already expressed their desire to open flights in the United Kingdom.”

At present, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has conveyed plans to launch direct flights to UK, according to a source from the CAB.

Part of the agreement is the inclusion of fifth-freedom rights, which means that aircrafts can pick up passengers in a third country before proceeding to its destination.

Since the beginning of the year, CAB has held several air bilateral negotiations with the following destinations Spain, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.(PNA)

RP-Russian firm eyes USD80-M investment to develop Mactan resort

CEBU CITY, Aug. 12 (PNA) –- A Philippine-Russian capital investment company has set its sights on investing USD80 million or roughly P3.8 billion to develop the 36-hectare Coral Reef Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City, boosting Cebu’s hotel room capacity.

Philippine-Russian International Development Enterprise (PRI) wants a partnership with Coral Reef owner Philippine National Bank led by tycoon Lucio Tan.

PRI president Alexander Zusik said the company also plans to build 300 apartments in apartment buildings and 20 villas will also be constructed or a total of 600 guest rooms.

Zusik presented the proposed development during the Philippine-Russian business assembly Forum at the Cebu International Convention Center last week.

Although the PRI is yet to present the final development plans to its partner, Zusik said the company expects to complete the project in two years.

Zusik said the yet to be named hotel will also feature a business center that will cover 8,000 square meters of space and will include office units and conference halls.

He added that PRI will also present the plan to concerned local government units (LGUs).

”We are now starting to coordinate with the owner and to get endorsements from the LGUs,” he said.

But the project is facing a potential roadblock – a pending legal battle involving Coral Reef Hotel between its previous developer and PNB.

PRI is a Philippine-based company founded by Russians, Americans and Filipinos.

It is involved in property development and the implementation and operation of various architectural projects. Its projects are mainly promoted as “tropical vacation” destinations for Russian citizens, according to its company website.

Zusik said PRI is studying the Southeast Asian market and plans to promote its projects in Japan, China and Korea.
PRI also have projects in Camarines Sur and Subic. (PNA)

Muffstar

August 13th, 2009, 01:29 PM

^^ Which Cagayan first? Is it Cagayan the province, or Cagayan de Oro City?

Cagayan de Oro City thank you

manila_eye

August 13th, 2009, 04:21 PM

^^ Yes it is safe for a white fella. The place is in the upper part of Mindanao. So far, no Koreans have been kidnapped or whatsoever so it means safe.

RonnieR

August 14th, 2009, 06:57 AM

Friday, August 14, 2009
http://www.philippineindex.com/sites/gdmwc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114:20-million-medical-and-wellness-center-inagurated-in-subic&catid=46:latest-news http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/aug/14/yehey/metro/20090814met3.html

GMA inaugurates wellness center

http://www.philippineindex.com/sites/gdmwc/images/stories/center1.jpg

President Gloria Arroyo inaugurates today the George Dewey Medical & Wellness Center, the only one of its kind in the Philippines, at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The George Dewey Medical & Wellness Center is a 100-bed tertiary hospital owned and operated by the George Dewey Medical College Inc., a five-year old nursing college. It sits on a 12-hectare facility, perched on top of a hill surrounded by a lush forest.

President Arroyo will lead a group of leaders from Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Guam and the medical community in the opening of the one-stop medical and wellness center.

Located at Villa Amorosa, Upper Cubi, inside the Freeport, the George Dewey Medical & Wellness Center can serve the medical and health needs of the residents from Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, parts of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan Valley, Isabela, La Union, the Ilocos provinces and the Clark Economic Zone.

Some of its services include cardiac surgery; joint and hip replacement; reconstructive surgery; corneal transplant; refractive surgery and multi-focals; dental implants; stem cell rejuvenation; sleep disorder therapy; transplant surgery; laboratory analysis; pain management; and fertility clinic.

The George Dewey Medical & Wellness Center is part of Villa Amorosa, a $30-million medical-tourism project that employs 200 medical staff and health-related workers and would need another 300 for its shopping malls, sports complex, restaurants and condominiums when they open in 2010.

jhunix

August 14th, 2009, 04:01 PM

http://www.kadayawan.com/images/header.jpg

Nahiusang Katawhan Nakigdait sa Kalibutan

One People in Communion with the Earth

fmiw7MxdBE0

KADAYAWAN 09
August 17-23

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2928/2821918180c10397a173b.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/i/2821918180c10397a173b.jpg/)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8356/2799939335492868294co.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/i/2799939335492868294co.jpg/)

:banana::banana:

jhunix

August 14th, 2009, 04:03 PM

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9554/beneaththesea.jpg

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photos by Vinz Valdellon

:cheers::cheers:

jhunix

August 14th, 2009, 04:06 PM

Kadayawan Floral Float Parade

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7183/2832395906de88dcb053o.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/2832395906de88dcb053o.jpg/)

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:banana::banana::banana:

marlowe_cano

August 15th, 2009, 08:44 AM

:cheers::cheers:

naenjoy ang panooring ang mga ito... :rofl:

Muffstar

August 15th, 2009, 02:08 PM

^^ Yes it is safe for a white fella. The place is in the upper part of Mindanao. So far, no Koreans have been kidnapped or whatsoever so it means safe.

Thanks mate !

watcher09

August 15th, 2009, 06:28 PM

Very colorful. Thanks for the pics.

RonnieR

August 16th, 2009, 04:38 AM

In Philippine town, the U.S. airmen are long gone, but the tawdry streets remain

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-08/48545572.jpg
Fields Avenue

Before nearby Clark Air Base shut down, the prostitutes and strip clubs on Angeles City's main drag served U.S. servicemen. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
By John M. Glionna
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-fg-fields-avenue16-2009aug16,0,737136.story

Reporting from Angeles City, Philippines - At a club called Koko Yoko, balding men with bulging bellies sit at an outdoor bar, sipping beers and leering at the young girls who pass on the model's runway gone wrong called Fields Avenue.

Many of the girls weigh barely 90 pounds, their high heels pushing their almost adolescent bodies at perverse angles. There are cross-dressers fooling no one, calling out to men with tattoos, Popeye forearms and gray hair on their backs.

"Lady boy!" they squeal. "Lady boy!"

Some men pass by with girls one-third their age, swinging their hands together like a couple on a first date. Others cavort with three girls at once, the women all clutching their client like daughters competing for Daddy's attention.

Fields Avenue, the main pedestrian drag in Angeles City, is a legacy of the time when this row of run-down bars was the romping ground of restless young American airmen stationed at Clark Air Base.

The U.S. base closed in 1992, and the often-randy airmen have gone with it. But the girls, the sex, the round-the-clock raunchiness remain. Only the customers have changed.

A thriving sex tourism trade attracts foreign customers by the thousands in search of something they cannot find back home: girls young enough to be their granddaughters selling sex for the price of a burger and fries.

Once populated by virile men in their early 20s who started each day with 100 push-ups, the place is now home to older men who need help pushing themselves out of bed in the morning.

Most are bused up from Manila, an hour away, on golf and sex package deals. This is no quasi-innocent boys' night out. Rather, it's a single-minded realm of weary-looking loners on a resolute hunt that smacks of feeding an addiction.

Many are ex-military men reliving former glories, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper wannabes, some gathering at the local American Legion post before embarking into the night.

There is a one-armed man, a retiree with a walker and another dapper gentleman who strolls along in a dress shirt, twirling an umbrella, whistling a private tune.

Many head to the bars with the red-light special called "The Early-Release": Buy your girl 10 drinks and she's yours, no questions asked.

Nobody asks questions here. Nobody gives their name. Credit cards are a joke; who wants to leave behind any economic traces that they ever set foot here?

A young dancer in tight red hip-hugger pants and matching sports bra acknowledges that Fields Avenue may not be pretty, but the money is good. She rolls her eyes at two overweight men who pass by looking like large reptiles dressed in children's clothing.

Sure, the sex is disgusting, she says. But at least it's over quickly.

Outside Koko Yoko, the doorman, a 33-year-old paraplegic, perches on a wheeled wooden pallet. He says his father was an American who once served at Clark, his mother a local girl. He contracted polio when he was 11 and has worked here ever since.

The street, he says, takes care of him. Soon, an idle stripper climbs onto his back, rubbing her crotch into the back of his neck.

Nearby a saggy-faced Australian lights a cigarette. He's been in Angeles City for about a month, his last stop on a sex circuit from Bangkok to Manila after getting laid off from his electrician's job in Sydney.

In Thailand, he says, the girls didn't speak the language. Manila hookers were too streetwise, the bars too spread out.

But this is Easy Street. He can sit atop his bar stool and ogle hundreds of passing girls fresh from the countryside who perfect the tricks of their trade before moving on to The Show in Manila.

RonnieR

August 17th, 2009, 08:15 AM

Durano: Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao can be RP's top tourism destinations
Mike Banos
August 16, 2009
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/114539

The man responsible for the spectacular turnaround of Philippine tourism believes Cagayan de Oro and nearby destinations have the potential to become the country´s top tourism destinations with the scheduled commissioning of the Laguindingan Airport in 2012 as an international entry point as now envisioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications. (DOTC).

"Our fastest growing sector is adventure sports and eco-tourism," said Sec. Joseph Ace Durano during a press conference following the 13th Kumbira Culinary Show and Live Competitions at the Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro Thursday, August 13th. "I think there´s no region in the country today which can match Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao in these niche markets."

After rising 1.5 percent to hit a record 3.14 million tourist arrivals in 2008, the country´s tourism industry grew 10.33 percent to 1.3 million during the first quarter. Growth has been even faster for the first half of the year, with tourist arrivals in the country´s top 16 tourism destination topping 16.5 percent to almost four million for the first semester of 2009 alone, breaking all previous arrival records. This, at a time when the A(H1N1) pandemic and global economic slowdown have adversely affected the global travel industry. In fact, the tourism department earlier cautioned the global economic crisis would likely lead to a contraction in overseas tourism worldwide and forecast tourist arrivals in the Philippines this year would only range from zero to 1.9 percent, "depending on the recovery of key source markets".

DOT records show neither Cagayan de Oro nor any of its satellite destinations in Region 10 are included in the top 16 tourist destinations for the first semester of 2009, which includes Camarines Sur, Cebu, Boracay, Baguio, Davao, Puerto Galera, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Ilocos Norte, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Puerto Princesa, Legaspi, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon.

"When I started as DOT secretary, tourism in the Philippines could not be properly described as Philippine tourism," Durano said. "Entry points for foreign tourists were only through Metro Manila and Cebu. But we are an archipelagic country with destinations north and south, east and west."

Durano said one of the best way to push destinations was to increase access, thus the opening of other destinations to charter flights from from Shanghai, Nanning, Guangzhou and Kunming in China, and Taipei and Kaohsiung from Taiwan. Instead of waiting for further investments to improve the country´s tourism facilities, the DOT focused on attracting tourists from destinations three to six hours from the Philippines.

"Your region can focus on attracting tourists from ASEAN, China, Korea, Australia which are among the fastest growing tourism markets in the world today," Durano noted. The Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area should be an especially favorable market with the recent appointment of Region 10 Tourism Director Catalino Chan III as BIMP-Eaga sub-country coordinator for tourism, he added.

Durano attributed the fare war between domestic carriers and Malacañang´s "Holiday Economics" of long weekends also encouraged local tourists to travel, substantially increasing domestic tourism by 20 percent for the second quarter of 2009. The "zero-air fares" and increased number of domestic flights have also encouraged foreign travelers to connect to other destinations in the country by eliminating overnight stays at their initial destinations and increasing foreign traffic by six percent overall despite a six percent drop in arrivals from East Asia and the Pacific.

The increased demand encouraged more entrepreneurs to create new products and experiences for visitors, Durano noted. Tourism accounted for 6.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2008.

Although Region 10 is not part of the Central Philippines "Tourism Super Region" envisioned to be the premier tourist destination, one of its component provinces, Camiguin, is included. Cagayan de Oro is also smack in the middle of another Super Region, the CyberCorridor, a 600-mile ICT channel running from Baguio City in the North to Zamboanga down south of the archipelago. With access to the CyberCorridor´s $10 Billion high-bandwidth optic fiber back-bone and digital network, Cagayan de Oro and nearby Iligan have been attracting domestic and foreign cyberservice providers such as business process outsourcing (BPO), contact centers, medical and legal transcription, software development, e-learning, e-entertainment and gaming and other back office operations.

Durano said the Laguindingan Airport would be a key component of the region´s drive to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Doroteo A. Reyes II, DOTC Undersecretary for civil aviation, earlier said DOTC is looking at Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan) and four other domestic airports to pick up the slack for the anticipated growth in air passenger traffic, especially from abroad.

"Ang problema lang natin, maski matapos ang airport na ito in 2011, the demand for exchanges of passengers will be very great," Reyes noted following a site inspection of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP) July 3. "The next problem is tourism that´s why right now, the DOTC is in tandem with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to bring about more passengers to this airport."

Comparative data from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) show air passenger traffic through the Cagayan de Oro (Lumbia) Airport growing by a hefty 66% from 544, 936 in 2004 to 902,671 in 2008 despite the same approximate number of flights. This was attributed to the fielding of the Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air which enabled the competing carriers to move more passengers with lesser flights.

For the first quarter of 2009, air passenger traffic at Lumbia increased 32,901 or by 16% over the same period in 2008 to 242,731. The number of flights also increased 188 (+10%) after both PAL and CEB increased flight frequencies to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.

Budget constraints have limited the first phase of the LADP to a 2.1 kilometer runway, though Reyes assured this can accommodate the mid-ranged wide body airliners like the Airbus 320 and A319 which play a key role in Durano´s strategy.

"Once we expand this runway to 2.5 or 3 kilometers we can already accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747 due to the excellent approach from both east and west which will enable big aircraft to maximize the runway," Reyes added.

The Php7.853-billion LADP can handle all-weather and night landing operations with its Instrument Landing System (ILS), VOR/DME, Meteorological Observing System, Precision Approach Lighting System and Precision Approach Path Indicators. Its apron can handle two wide body and three light aircraft at any one time and two air bridges can whisk arriving commercial passengers straight to the terminal building without exposing them to the weather. The terminal building has an annual capacity of 1.2 million passengers while its parking area can accommodate 240 vehicles.

Juan Pilgrim

August 17th, 2009, 03:21 PM

CamSur now top RP tourist spot
Aug 14, 2009 - 8:22:10 PM
By Ed G. Yu

PILI, Camarines Sur, Aug. 15 (PNA) -- Tourist arrivals in Camarines Sur reached 902,202 in the first six months of 2009, making it the most favored tourism destinations in the Philippines, a report of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said here Thursday.

Even Governor LRay Villafuerte himself was taken by surprise by the latest DOT figures. â€œCamSur ranked third most visited destination last year, but we were not expecting to rise to the very top in such a short timeâ€, he said.

The province accounted for some one-fourth of the total tourist arrivals in the key destinations in the country with a robust growth in both foreign and domestic visitors by 52 percent and 260 percent, respectively. The rise in tourist arrivals in CamSur is largely credited Villafuerteâ€™s judicious and timely investments in tourism projects.

At the forefront of the provinceâ€™s main tourist attractions are the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC), which is now a wakeboarding mecca and a center of various water-based sports, and the Gota Village Resort, which is the leading eco-tourism destination in the world.

With this development, CamSur is now the undisputed No. 1 tourist destination in the country outranking Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Boracay, and Puerto Galera.

Villafuerte expressed optimism that CamSur can maintain its top position for the rest of the year through the promotion of more international activities like the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines scheduled at the CWC on August 23, where 500 participants from all over the world are joining the event.

The report also said that tourist arrivals in the leading 16 tourism destinations in the country rose by an average of 16.5 percent reaching up to close to four million this first semester, despite the global economic crunch, the threat of A(H1N1) virus and reduction of some six percent in volume of inbound travel to the Pacific area. (PNA)

http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/CamSur_now_top_RP_tourist_spot_printer.shtml

:horse:

tigidig14

August 17th, 2009, 04:17 PM

filcan

August 17th, 2009, 05:52 PM

in_a_rush

August 17th, 2009, 08:07 PM

^^Am I reading this right?...tourist arrivals in the first half of the year has already reached almost 4 million compared to about 3 million for all of last year?...

you got it wrong man, 4 million tourists arrivals in different destinations in P.I (it includes domestic and international travellers.) yung 3 million last year was the total foreign tourist arrivals..

filcan

August 18th, 2009, 02:31 AM

^^oh I see...

amigo32

August 18th, 2009, 05:39 AM

dinaanan ko to nung sabado nung gabi
sa harap nyan di kami pinapasok kasi nakatsinelas daw ako:lol:
dakusa ba yun, nakatiger yung suot nila
pero nakapasok rin kami, sa iba nga lang at pipitsugin:lol:

nakita mo si Ana?:lol:
ang babaeng ihi lang ang pahinga?:D

RonnieR

August 18th, 2009, 10:10 AM

Potential for Philippine tourism:

‘Spectacular’ rat-eating plant found in Palawan

By Ma. Rosanna Mina, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 08/18/2009 12:47 PM

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_A2GmZY6kvoU/Sdov4sfJhLI/AAAAAAAABIY/1FVGA9i2-ac/Nep+atten.jpg
http://hortlog.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-species-of-nepenthes.html

MANILA – The Philippines is home to another plant that is not found in any other place in the world after botanists discovered a new species that is capable of eating rats and insects in central Palawan.

The huge carnivorous pitcher plant called Nepenthes attenboroughii, said to be the largest meat-eating plant, was discovered at Mount Victoria in the municipality of Narra.

The group of botanists led by Britons Alastair Robinson and Stewart McPherson saw the plant in 2007.

They heard of the new plant species from two Christian missionaries who claimed to have seen the huge pitcher plant in 2000, reported Chris Irvine of the Telegraph.

“The plant produces spectacular traps which catch not only insects, but also rodents,” McPherson told Irvine.

“It is remarkable that it remained undiscovered until the 21st century,” he added.

Only in RP

McPherson and Robinson published a paper on the new pitcher plant species along with Andreas Fleischmann, Volker Heinrich, Elizabeth Gironella and Clemencio Peña.

“A spectacular new species of Nepenthes L.(Nepenthaceae) pitcher plant from central Palawan, Philippines” was published in the Botanical Journal of Linnean Society in February 2009.

According to the journal article, the Philippines is home to 17 Nepenthes species, 16 of which are endemic. This means that they can only be found in the Philippines.

The Philippines is the “third richest region for Nepenthes diversity after Sumatra and Borneo, each with approximately 30 endemic species.”

The botanists described the new Nepenthes species as “immediately distinguishable from other Nepenthes by its great dimensions and trumpet-shaped lower and upper pitchers.”

They also noted that it is the “only member of the genus occurring at high elevation on the mountain.”

Attenborough tribute

The botanists also explained in the article why they named the new plant species Nepenthes attenboroughii.

“The specific epithet, attenboroughii, is a commemorative, genitive noun in apposition taken from the patronym Attenborough,” they said.

They noted that they chose to name the plant after broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough because he is a “keen enthusiast of the genus and a patron of Philippine conservation efforts.”

They also mentioned that Attenborough has “outstanding television documentaries have made the world’s natural history accessible and understandable to millions.”

Attenborough, for his part, said he was “absolutely flattered.”

He told the Telegraph: “This is a remarkable species the largest of its kind. I'm told it can catch rats then eat them with its digestive enzymes. It's certainly capable of that."

Matt Walker of BBC's Earth News reported that the botanists have placed specimens of Nepenthes attenboroughii in the herbarium of Palawan State University.

More discoveries

Meanwhile, it was revealed that other species were found during the botanists’ expedition in Mount Victoria.

According to Earth News, the botanists “came across a striking new species of sundew, a type of sticky trap plant, which they are in the process of formally describing.”

They also spotted “strange pink ferns and blue mushrooms they could not identify.”

They even saw another pitcher plant, Nepenthes deaniana, which is said to have not been visible in the wild for a hundred years.

Three of the botanists are regarded as pitcher plant experts: McPherson, Robinson and Heinrich.

McPherson is from Redfern Natural History Productions in Poole, Dorset, Great Britain. Robinson is formerly from the University of Cambridge while Heinrich is from Bukidnon, Philippines.

Fleischmann, meanwhile, is from Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich (LMU Munich) while Gironella and Peña are from the Palawan State University Biodiversity Center for Research and Conservation.

Photos courtesy of Stewart McPherson, “A spectacular new species of Nepenthes L. (Nepenthaceae) pitcher plant from central Palawan, Philippines” from Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159, 195–202.
as of 08/18/2009 2:40 PM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 18th, 2009, 10:49 AM

^^ nice info there bai @ronnier! i admit, im really amazed with carnivorous pitchers! question, if the philippines is home to 17 species of which 16 are endemic to the country, how many species of this kind are currently recorded all over the world?

RonnieR

August 18th, 2009, 11:02 AM

^^ :) the first time I heard this....it's good that you have an interest on this kind of plant.

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 18th, 2009, 11:07 AM

^^ it sure does! hehe... it really caught my interest bec. its unique from other plant species bec. its the only species that eat meat/flesh. and we are so blessed to have these kinds of species here. :)

just read, although im not quite sure with it, there are at least 450 species of carnivorous plants belonging to 6 botanical families. AMAZING!

Juan Pilgrim

August 18th, 2009, 03:11 PM

‘Spectacular’ rat-eating plant found in Palawan

Good news! Now we can use this instead of DORA RAT KILLER!
Organic pa!

:horse:

mhek

August 18th, 2009, 05:49 PM

MatudNilaBaby

August 18th, 2009, 11:23 PM

shyaman

August 19th, 2009, 10:43 AM

Time Magazine Australia Edition August 24, 2009 issue featured Cubao X as a non-mainstream shopping experience.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/scan0016.jpghttp://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/scan0017.jpg

Cool website too: http://www.cubao-x.com/

bledzoe

August 19th, 2009, 12:55 PM

Power crowd launches tourism center in Bohol (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090818-220928/Power-crowd-launches-tourism-center-in-Bohol)

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-08190443290882.jpg
OFFICIAL opening of the Municipal Tourism Center: Vice Mayor Marilyn Uy, Richard Gomez, Hans Schoof, Bea Zobel Jr., Lucy Torres, Joel Uichico, Mayor Alvin Uy and retail whiz Ben Chan, philanthropist with heart of gold who donated funds to the center.

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-08190434010327.jpg
MONICA Urquijo and her mother, Bea Zobel “Junior”

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-08190433100359.jpg
HANS Schoof, Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa’s owner, with daughter Katrina S.

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-08190439420740.jpg
JOJO Liamson of Bench; Bill Luz, VP of Ayala Foundation; Ben Chan; Miguel Pastor of Bench.

By Maurice Arcache
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:34:00 08/18/2009

Filed Under: Lifestyle & Leisure, Travel & Commuting, Tourism, People

WOMAN OF substance and stature, la simpatica Bea Susana Zobel “Junior” and her constant companion, brilliant businessman Joel Uichico, invited the media and some pals to Bohol for a weekend of extreme sports, fantastic culture tours and the ribbon-snipping of the first Municipal Tourism Center in Baclayon, no less.

Bea has been the patroness and strong force of Baclayon’s tourism growth. She tags Ino Manalo, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila as “the culprit who got me involved with Bohol.” It all started, dahlings, when he invited her over to help save the leaking roof of the old Our Lady of the Assumption Shrine and some ancestral houses from being knocked down.

Being nationalistic like her mom and dad, Bea fell in love with the place. While our group was having dinner at the elegant dining room of the Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa, Joel suggested to develop a dive site in Pamilacan island, off Baclayon. After a meeting with the local officials of Baclayon, they worked on several projects and brainstormed on how to start several super tourist programs so the locals can make a living while preserving the beauty of its marine life.

After a year, the Municipal Tourist Center, gateway to Baclayon, has become a reality. The building was funded by Bea, with the help of Ayala Foundation and the kindness of the genius in the retail world, Ben Chan, chairman of Suyen Corp. and a gentleman who cares, dahlings. The tourist center was designed like a modern Filipino house by talented architect Noel Saratan and Niño Guidaben, while artistic Al Caronan dressed up this much-needed center.

The blessing and turnover rites attracted tons of town folk from Baclayon and other nearby towns. Attendees included popular Mayor Alvin Lim; Bill Luz of Ayala Foundation; and Ben Chan, together with his entourage of dazzling stars like Richard and Lucy Gomez, good-looking John Pratts, vivacious architect Miguel Pastor and super articulate Jojo Liamzon.

In the evening, it was like a town fiesta, headed by Vice Mayor Marilyn Uy and other government hotshots. We watched a fun cultural program at Baluarte’s basketball court, palanggas, with an all-star cast in attendance. It was a screaming affair, more so when they saw their favorite Boholano star and gentleman of all seasons, handsome Cesar Montano, and his gorgeously adorable wife Sunshine Cruz; Representative Edgar Chatto and even First Daughter Luli Arroyo, who came with her husband, witty Luigi Bernas. They are both dedicated divers who have been supporting Joel’s efforts in saving the environment in Baclayon. Luli stayed behind for Joel’s dive guide training program and talk about environmental awareness. The Bernases also went to Bien Unido in northern Bohol to check out a new dive site, palanggas.

We were also taken to a fantastic cultural tour of the gorgeous church, where the old pipe organ and roof had been renovated, thanks to Bea who had gone all out in restoring the town of Dauis and the famous Dauis Church complex, now a National Historical Landmark. Our palangga Ino Manalo also took us to a tour of top resorts in the town.

It was a fantastic feeling seeing the dedication of brilliant cultural lovers Bea and Joel conserve the many awesome ancestral homes, sights in the towns of Baclayon, Dauis and Pamilacan island. The latter Joel hopes would become a haven for diving tourism and underwater photography.

Special thanks to our hotel hosts and owners, Hans Schoof, his wife, stylish Lani, and their adorable daughter, Katrina Schoof, who is Peacock Garden’s resort and spa assistant general manager. They all made our stay unforgettable. Yes, palanggas, a different world awaits you in this hotel in Bohol.

bledzoe

August 21st, 2009, 03:09 AM

cool Embarcadero pics...sarap umuwi ng Bicol. oragon ini...

Ei, Malorie... I agree.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3343489329_07ba75262a_b.jpg
^This was posted by Dx a few months ago...
;39927804']Embarcadero at Night (July 17, 2009)
by M. Patrick Encinareal (http://mpat3k.multiply.com/)

http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/13/IMG-0361.jpg?et=0RDhgQG6s0QAuzgBh70l3Q&nmid=267793013 http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/16/IMG-0618.jpg?et=JrtsJHFLEDMOWL6sKN%2Bgnw&nmid=267793013

http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/5/IMG-0316.jpg?et=pgAa0qj35zljODh3WtdK%2Cg&nmid=267793013 http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/14/IMG-0365.jpg?et=wW%2CPY86cHyBw1%2BNORMXHBQ&nmid=267793013

http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/12/IMG-0354.jpg?et=HIJvepIq8vtwuOOhX%2BCzkw&nmid=267793013 http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/1/photos/64/500x500/15/IMG-0370.jpg?et=ZlDiVcYCE9X83OSKPq3lhw&nmid=267793013

Click here to view more photos (http://mpat3k.multiply.com/photos/album/64/Embarcadero_Night#)

...and early evening.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC09723.jpg
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http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC09680.jpg

c6josh

August 21st, 2009, 05:29 AM

VISIT SIPALAY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

AQGavggqaoo
vjlMHa41QSQ

Juan Pilgrim

August 21st, 2009, 05:55 PM

This is a very interesting development.
I want to see it someday!

Ei, Malorie... I agree.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3343489329_07ba75262a_b.jpg
^This was posted by Dx a few months ago...

:horse:

marlowe_cano

August 21st, 2009, 05:58 PM

Business group to open resort in Tawi-Tawi

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi -- A conglomerate of Filipino and Malaysian businessmen is pouring in an initial investment of P20 million to open up a resort in this town.

Nurben Project Engineer Hadji Benjamin Hamid said the resort will be similar to that in Sipadan, Malaysia but the structures will be a combination of native and western designs.

Hamid said that initially, they are building 65 cottages with complete amenities to include a place for hook and line fishing for the resort guests. It will be built at Pastagan Beach.

The cottages will be for family and single accommodation, said Hamid.

He added that a group of local businessmen has forged a tie up with a business group from Lahad Datu, Malaysia for the realization of the project.

He said the tie up with the Malaysians also covers the tourism aspect to market the resort not only in the country but also abroad.

Hamid said the resort, the construction of which will start early next year, will cater to both domestic and foreign tourists who would travel to this southern frontier.

His group expects a boom in Tawi-Tawi’s tourism industry once the giant airline firms will open a route from and to Tawi-Tawi.

Stakeholders in this province foresee an increase in Tawi-Tawi’s economic activity and tourism following the upgrading and expansion of the Sanga-Sanga Airport.

The upgrading and expansion of the airport could pave the way for the entry of giant airline firms that operate bigger planes.

“We need this (big airport) kind of facility for our economy and tourism industry to move forward,” Hamid said.

Tawi-Tawi comprises of 11 towns and has more than 300 islands and islets within its political jurisdiction. It has pristine beaches that are ideal spots for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Once the resort is completed and operational, Hamid said they will construct an executive housing project that could serve as a retirement village.

The retirement village will be constructed in a two-hectare lot they purchased near the shore of Pastagan Beach, Hamid said.

-Sunstar Zamboanga

In'Shaallah!

c6josh

August 22nd, 2009, 02:13 PM

Avilon Montalban Zoo / Prime Orienteer: Biggest Zoo in the Philippines
MAXYABemrQ4

garzland

August 22nd, 2009, 10:16 PM

Gota Village Resort in Bicol is top ecotourism destination of the world (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Gota_Village_Resort_in_Bicol_is_top_ecotourism_destination_of_the_world.shtml)

By Danny O. Calleja

CARAMOAN, Camarines Sur, Aug. 22 (PNA) – Tourists now flocking to this province for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 competition slated Aug. 23 won’t find the stay complete without setting foot at the Gota Village Resort nestled in a serene coastal ecotourism complex here.

“It is of no doubt, had become a leading destination for tourists coming from France and other European countries after it was adjudged ecotourism destination of the year and included among the 14 best tourism destinations in the world by Top Resa 2008 in Paris,” Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte said here Thursday.

All the about 100 close cottages and villas at the resort have been booked for occupancy since two weeks ago, the governor said.

The Top Resa 2008, now on its 30th year and held for the first time in Paris, was attended among others by travel professionals such as delegates from travel agencies, corporate travel managers and members of the media.

It was the biggest travel and trade show and tourism forum in France with strong influence all over Europe.

Gota Village Resort which is operated by the provincial government of Camarines Sur was among the major presentations of the Philippines’ largest delegation to the event in the past three years, headed by Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

Following that event, Gota Village Resort earned for the Philippines the accolade as “Ecotourism Destination of the Year” in the 2009 edition of Nature, one of France’s biggest travel fairs.

It is nice to note that because of Gota, the Philippines has been increasingly catching the eye and interest of the European tourism market for being the venue for two consecutive years of the ”Koh Lanta,” the French franchise of the reality show serial Survivor, now being aired by Europe’s major broadcast channel TF1 to an audience of over 12 million worldwide, Villafuerte said.

The Koh Lanta was filmed in Palawan last year and at the exotic Matukad islet just offshore of Caramoan Peninsula’s Gota Village Resort where the contestants and a production crew of over 60 stayed for the duration of the shoot earlier this year.

“Even with the prevailing economic crunch, tourism arrivals from France and other European countries who prefer to stay at cozy and exotic hideaways rather than posh hotels, stay longer and spend more have significantly grown since last year and the Philippines, particularly Camarines Sur which has a wealth of such attractions. It has been among the favorite destinations,” he added.

“Camarines Sur is now definitely in a prominent spot of the tourism map of the world and our being adjudged as the most visited province during the first quarter of this year eclipsing all the other top destinations in the country attests to that,” Villafuerte said.

A report of the DOT said the province posted a whopping 902,202 tourists arrivals during the first six months of this year.

The figure earned for the province the distinction as the most-favored tourism destination in the Philippines, eclipsing 16 other fabulous spots including former top rankers Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Boracay and Puerto Galera, the DOT report said.

Tourist arrivals in the country during the first semester reached close to 4 million, a 16.5-percent increase compared with last year’s figure, despite the global economic crunch, the A(H1N1) virus scare and reduction of some six percent in the volume of inbound travel to the Pacific area, the DOT report said.

Camarines Sur accounted for about 25 percent of total tourist arrivals in the country’s key destinations, posting a robust growth in both foreign and domestic visitors by 260 percent, largely credited to Villafuerte’s judicious and timely investments in tourism development, according to the DOT.

The success of these initiatives serves as a model for other local government units (LGUs) to harness their tourism potentials and optimize local resources to create more economic activities, the DOT said.

“The French find our natural diversity an exotic adventure opportunities and unique Latin-Asian culture mix exciting and enthralling,” Villafuerte explained.

Added to the recent recognition of Top Resa and Nature, the international popularity of the province is also attributed to the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC), another special tourism project of Villafuerte considered one of the best cable wakeboard parks in the world.

It is the venue of the Cobra Ironman Philippines 70.3, an international triathlon competition to be participated in by around 500 topnotch triathletes from around the world, Villafuerte said.

Among them are Ironman Hawaii world champion Chris McCormack; European 2006 champion and eight-time New Zealand champion Cameron Brown; Lisa Bentley, the 11-time Ironman champion at the Hawaii World Championship; Tim Marr, another Hawaii world champion; two-time silver medalist in the ITU Duathlon World Championship Lucy Smith; and Bevan Leach, champion ITU World Cup Asian LD Tri Champs (bike record) 2007.

CWC is now considered a wakeboarding mecca and world center for various water-based sports and the province expects some 2,000 tourists coming in for the competition. (PNA)

Juan Pilgrim

August 23rd, 2009, 04:02 AM

^^ noticias like this makes me want to experience CamSur for myself.

:horse:

jpdm

August 23rd, 2009, 04:32 AM

c6josh

August 23rd, 2009, 06:47 AM

^^ noticias like this makes me want to experience CamSur for myself.

:horse:

I visited the Camsur thread and man do they have a lot of fun there, it's definitely the new hub for foreign tourist...very nice for Camsur to invest heavily in tourism now they are enjoying it's benefits.

Juan Pilgrim

August 23rd, 2009, 03:14 PM

^^agree ^^it has to be the right investment in tourism infrastructure and promotion!

:horse:

RonnieR

August 25th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Tourism is alive (thriving) in Pagsanjan, Laguna. My trip to the falls.
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/PagsajanAugust22to232009005.jpg

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Cost is P1,200 per person, inclusive of insurance. The peak is between 8 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm. We made our trip at 10:30 AM so it was so hot....

Tourists were mainly Korean/Japan/Chinese. I met Singaporeans, too.

c6josh

August 25th, 2009, 08:07 AM

pagsanjan falls has been a consistent contributor in the Philippine tourism...this proves that the Philippines is filled with natural wonders that needs to be appreciated.

shyaman

August 25th, 2009, 11:26 AM

RonnieR

August 25th, 2009, 11:45 AM

Shooting the rapids and Pagsanjan Falls was a popular tourist attraction in the 70s and 80s. It's one of the most publicized destination, both in print and video ads. For some reason, it somehow lose its luster in the 90s onwards. Nowadays, you won't see it in any Philippine tourism publicity ad campaign materials.

Maybe it was due to those sex tourism issues before but Pagsanjan's image has changed. It is still in the map for North/East Asian tourists as you can see in the bus loads of tourists who go there everyday.

Travel was smooth in the newly renovated SLEX. It took us 2.5 hours from Manila to Pagsanjan....

Juan Pilgrim

August 25th, 2009, 02:25 PM

Shooting the rapids and Pagsanjan Falls was a popular tourist attraction in the 70s and 80s. It's one of the most publicized destination, both in print and video ads. For some reason, it somehow lose its luster in the 90s onwards. Nowadays, you won't see it in any Philippine tourism publicity ad campaign materials.

Pagsanjan Falls was a victim of both natural and man-made disasters in the late 90s.

The El Niño Natural Phenomenon caused the drought that dried up the Pagsanjan Falls
and pedophiles & sex predators both foreign and local descended on the impoverished
Pagsanjan town and nearby communities to exploit the vulnerable people.

Pagsanjan, I think was once voted the cleanest town in So. Luzon.

:horse:

dancethingy

August 25th, 2009, 04:17 PM

^^ That's a horror story that all municipalities yearning to be tourist destinations in the Philippines must study and learn from. El Nino bad, preservation good. Pedophiles bad, community awareness good.

shyaman

August 25th, 2009, 11:13 PM

Pagsanjan Falls was a victim of both natural and man-made disasters in the late 90s.

The El Niño Natural Phenomenon caused the drought that dried up the Pagsanjan Falls
and pedophiles & sex predators both foreign and local descended on the impoverished
Pagsanjan town and nearby communities to exploit the vulnerable people.

Pagsanjan, I think was once voted the cleanest town in So. Luzon.

:horse:

And it has not recovered since. I mean, it still attracts tourists but not as many as before.

Sex tourism in Pagsanjan was indeed a problem in the 80s. There was even a local movie titled "Boatman" which I think tackled this issue. Haven't seen it though.

I believe the reduced water volume has made the greater impact on drawing tourists. Based on the pictures, the rapids is not that rapid anymore considering that its the rainy season. I've seen videos of old where you can see boats treading the narrow courses of the river very fast that it looks like the boat will disintegrate if it hits one of the huge stones. Don't know if such scenario still exists or if @RonnieR had a similar experience.

RonnieR

August 26th, 2009, 04:46 AM

And it has not recovered since. I mean, it still attracts tourists but not as many as before.

Sex tourism in Pagsanjan was indeed a problem in the 80s. There was even a local movie titled "Boatman" which I think tackled this issue. Haven't seen it though.

I believe the reduced water volume has made the greater impact on drawing tourists. Based on the pictures, the rapids is not that rapid anymore considering that its the rainy season. I've seen videos of old where you can see boats treading the narrow courses of the river very fast that it looks like the boat will disintegrate if it hits one of the huge stones. Don't know if such scenario still exists or if @RonnieR had a similar experience.

Hmm...this is my 2nd time to experience the rapids so I can't compare the 80's or 90's. :)

It is still fast and I didn't post lang the ones with huge stones and those called "skyways" (term used by locals because of those steel bars)....

manila_eye

August 26th, 2009, 05:44 AM

^^ Because of quarrying some water paths had diverted. Yes, the rapids is not as fast as before.

RonnieR

August 26th, 2009, 05:56 PM

Just an insight on Thailand's land policy and their booming tourism industry.

Foreigners 'own 90% of Phuket beach land'
Report says land grab rife in tourist spots

Writer: PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN
Published: 24/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

About 90% of beach land in Phuket is controlled by foreigners through Thai nominees, a leading research body has found.

A similar situation exists in other prime tourism destinations in provinces such as Chiang Mai and Rayong.

Local officials and legal experts have helped clear the way for foreign investors to take control of the country's rice farms and property in resort provinces, according to research on foreign land ownership by the Thailand Research Fund.

TRF called a seminar on the research findings yesterday attended by economics and legal scholars.

There recently has been speculation that foreign businessmen, particularly from the Middle East, were snapping up rice fields in the central plains and elsewhere through proxy local companies.

Transnational business consortiums were said to be holding the land through Thai nominees, which is against the law.

Some farmers are leasing land they previously owned but have since sold to the foreigners' proxy firms, observers said.

Siriporn Sajjanont, from the economics faculty at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University and a member of the research team, said the study showed many kinds of property had been bought by foreigners through Thai nominees.

"About 90% of land along the coastline in Phuket is controlled by foreigners through Thai nominees," she said.

Foreign investment capital was essential for developing Phuket and Samui, as Thais do not have enough money to invest themselves, Ms Siriporn said.

The coastal areas most sought after by foreign investors were Pattaya in Chon Buri, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani, Phuket and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

In Chiang Mai, foreigners had used legal loopholes to exceed the limit on sales of condominium units, Ms Siriporn said.

There was evidence they hold the property through Thai nominees by marrying Thais. In some cases, Thai women were asked to register the foreigners' property in their own names.

The study found similar problems in Rayong involving foreign landholdings through Thai nominees with foreigners marrying Thais.

In some land lease cases, the period of leasehold was unusually long, Ms Siriporn said. The study found that some lease contracts stated the leasehold was "for life".

Land ownership by foreigners had been made possible by their Thai lawyers who had found legal loopholes to clear the way for foreigners to take control, the research found.

Village heads also had acted as land brokers to arrange sales of state land given to local people so they could make a living, the panellists said.

Village heads were close to residents and knew which prime land was available.

Some legal entities had been set up with 51% of shares held by Thais, although those Thais turned out to be mere legal advisers for foreigners and had no power to run the legal entities, Ms Siriporn said.

"We also found the same people had set up many entities," she said.

Some entities' regulations on shareholding structures allowed foreign shareholders more power than Thais in running those entities.

Col Surin Pikulthong, president of the Community Organisations Development Institute, said he had received information that Hmong people in the US had provided financial support for Hmong in Nan province to buy land and grow rice for shipment to the US.

Silaporn Buasai, vice-president of the institute, said she had heard that investors from Taiwan had bought land here for growing oranges to be sold in Taiwan.

Wichian Phuanglamjiak, vice-president of the Thai Rice Growers' Association, said rice farmers held additional information on land grabs by foreign investors.

He said the problem had remained unaddressed for too long and no state agency had taken the matter seriously.

Mr Wichian said farmers were pinning their hopes on the Department of Special Investigation to pursue the matter.

DSI investigator Pakorn Sucheevakul on Saturday said the agency was investigating four Thai companies in Ayutthaya which own rice farms of almost 10,000 rai.

Malee Antasin, 59, a farmer in Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district, said businessmen had bought many plots in her village since 1995.

She said she had felt "besieged" and pressured to sell her rice plot as her land had been enclosed by other plots owned by those investors. She was now taking the matter to court.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/22577/foreigners-own-90-of-phuket-beach-land

Animo

August 26th, 2009, 06:35 PM

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:57:00 08/21/2009

Filed Under: Government, Tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism is setting up business meetings between local tourism industry players and foreign buyers to help boost the country’s tourism revenues amid the recession.

“In effect, the foreign buyers conduct the onsite consumer marketing for us in their respective countries,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said in a statement.

These business meetings will be part of the Philippine Travel Exchange (Phitex) 2009, which the DOT is spearheading through the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp., on Sept. 2-4 at the SMX Convention Center.

Phitex expects to attract at least 183 travel wholesalers and tour operators
from 27 countries and territories, including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Middle East, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States.

Local delegates to the exhibition and conference will be treated to educational seminars on foreign markets, while foreign participants will be given pre-event tours.

The business meetings between the local players and foreign buyers, Durano said, would take place on the second day of the event.

“The business meetings are regarded as the most important part of Phitex. A total of 28 pre-scheduled appointments will be given each delegate for the table-top discussions,” he said.

“But considering the significant number of delegates, additional business appointments may be set ‘unofficially’ during the breaks and various social functions throughout the event,” he added.

He said that through these business meetings, “the Philippine tourism brand gets promoted directly over the counter or at the [point of sale]” to consumers globally, as the foreign buyers themselves were expected to do the promotions for the Philippines in their home countries.

Abigail L. Ho (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090821-221408/DOT-taps-foreign-buyers-to-boost-tourism)

shyaman

August 27th, 2009, 02:00 PM

Just an insight on Thailand's land policy and their booming tourism industry.

Foreigners 'own 90% of Phuket beach land'
Report says land grab rife in tourist spots

I think this is also happening in Boracay. Most of the resorts there are owned by foreign nationals, some are married to Filipinas.

Animo

August 27th, 2009, 06:47 PM

Apart from its role as a pivotal U.S. ally in World War II, most North Americans are largely unaware of the truly unique 7,107 Southeast Asian islands known collectively as the Philippines. History buffs arriving on Philippine shores to visit the American WWII Cemetery and ruins of Corregidor often discover another side of the Philippines - the colorful, artistic qualities of the proud and perseverant Filipino spirit.

Best observed though the Filipino penitent for vibrant color and the ingenuity of designs found in its art galleries, furniture, clothing and handicrafts, the Philippines is a product of cultural fusion with influences from Spain and other parts of Europe as well as a broad spectrum of Asian ethnicities from India to Japan. Elements from North America and the Middle East further round out the Philippines and add to its range of artistic inspiration. Its fashion designers are among as the most innovative and daring in the world, and its artisans are regarded as true pioneers, light years ahead of the global art community.

“We are proud of our varied heritage and the one-of -a-kind artistry our rich history has inspired,” said Annie Cuevas, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism - Los Angeles, noting that “Philippine art imports are among the most highly sought by international collectors, some of whom make regular trips to the Philippines to discover new artists and enjoy bargains on imaginative sculptures and paintings.”

“Our distinct perspective gives us a unique eye when it comes to artistic endeavors,” said Cuevas. “Americans would be surprised to learn how many blockbuster Hollywood productions were directed by Filipinos or actually filmed on location in the Philippines,” she added.

The Philippines has made great fiscal strides in the last two decades and has outpaced many of its neighbors, however, this has not always been the case. Following the country’s break from Spanish colonial rule, certain materials became very scarce and expensive for the average Filipino. This history has taught Filipino people to think outside of the box and to be creative in their construction of furniture, clocks and other ordinary objects, utilizing any materials that are available.

Filipinos may be comparatively well off today, but this ingenuity has remained a strong component in the make-up of the Filipino persona and can be seen in the unique chandeliers of five-star hotels and the quaint hand-made wooden furniture constructed on-premises at some smaller, boutique properties in the country’s more remote island paradises.

Perhaps the best example is the Philippine jeepney (pictured right). Constructed mechanically from Suzuki parts and motors imported from Japan, the exterior of these very common vehicles is comprised of the scraps from former U.S. army jeeps, usually with an extension bridge in the middle for increased passenger capacity. The sight of army vehicles can be off-putting, however, so expressionistic Filipinos decorate their jeepney with vibrant colors inside and out, often with religious messages to acknowledge their devout Catholic piety.

“The jeepney is a great example of how no material goes unused in the Philippines. We’ve even been known to recycle the rubber from our tires,” said Cuevas, referring to a practice where old tires have been cleaned and transformed into lawn and patio furniture in parts of the island of Bohol. “It seems absurd when you think about it, but it’s really quite remarkable when you see it blend with nature in the form of a bird bath complete with vegetative growth. It’s profoundly beautiful, actually.”

The Philippines is home to many of the world’s most noteworthy artisans and fashion designers whose work is prominently displayed and featured across various continents. Many of the artists have utilized various materials and cultural aspects to add a special, unique flavor to their work.

Napoleon Abueva, coined as the “Father of Modern Philippine Culture,” has helped shaped the sculpture scene in the Philippines since the beginning of his career using all types of material including hard wood, adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble, bronze, iron alabaster, coral and brass. Abueva’s masterpieces reside in numerous landmarks across the Philippine region.

Benedicto Cabrera, a well-known painter, was a pionner of the fine arts and had a tremendous influence on many of his peers. Working out of a small studio in the city of Baguio, Cabrera began to use handmade paper as a medium for his work which eventually earned him several major art awards.

Ramon Orlina was born in Manila, and after completing his architectural degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he began to practice architecture, painting, sculpting and drawing. All of his designs were based from his experience as an architect in the region. He eventually began to create sculptures from glass cullets or crystal blocks to express his visual imagery.

Many fashion designers from the region draw on the unique culture and traditions and emulate these aspects into wearable masterpieces. Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, renowned as “The Fashion Czar of Asia,” began his career creating costumes for the world-famous Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. He was the president of the first association of Manila designers and the founder of the fashion-cultural organization known as the Karilagan International. His collections have circled the globe and have graced the fashion pages of top magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazar.

Diane Monique Lhuillier is a Filipino fashion designer based in the U.S. Her mother’s glamorous style and extensive travels were some of her earliest influences. Lhuillier, along with her husband Bugbee, founded Monique Lhuillier in 1996 and launched their first bridal collection. The line was extremely well-received by fashion-savvy brides and celebrities including Britney Spears, Christine Baumgartner (Kevin Costner’s bride), and the former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s youngest daughter.

Lotte Delima Edwards, a Cebuana-bred fashion designer, recently launched a summer collection named after the islands in Cebu - Hilontongan, Olango, and Santa Fe Island - bringing the enchanting and seductive atmosphere of each island to life.

Travelers with artistic inclinations or passions should make a pilgrimage to the Philippines - Asia’s undisputed capital for art, culture and fashion - at least once in their lives. Philippine specialists such as Rajah Tours (800-884-8566; www.rajahtours.com.ph) on the West Coast, as well as New York-based Pacific Asia Leisure (212-661-3270; www.pacificasialeisure.com), Pacific Holidays (800-355-8025; www.pacificholidaysinc.com) and Orient Flexi-Pax Tours (800-545-5540; www.orientflexipax.com) offer complete land/air packages at an amazing value. In fact, one can experience up to seven days in the Philippines for the cost of airfare alone to some Asian cities.

Travelers are encouraged to save some room in their luggage, however, as no visitor to the Philippines leaves without indulging in at least a small amount of shopping - and it’s easy to go overboard as designs are brilliantly unique and the U.S. dollar goes very, very far.

For more information about the Philippines, or to book the vacation of a lifetime, contact one of the Philippine Department of Tourism accredited tour operators listed above, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph, or contact the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles (213-487-4525), San Francisco (415-956-4060), Chicago (312-782-2475) or New York (212-575-7915).

The Philippine Department Of Tourism

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.

The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph, or call the toll-free Philippine travel information hotline at 1-877-PHIL-TRAVEL.

http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/philippines/08-27-2009/exotic-philippine-islands-offer-culture-fashion-intrigue-a-colorful-escape-from-the-ordinary-artisan-culture-makes-visit-to-tropical-archipelago-unique-rewarding

Askal82

August 28th, 2009, 12:54 AM

^^ Where is this place in Laguna where the town is known for its wood works and paper mache industry?

jpdm

August 28th, 2009, 01:06 AM

^^ Where is this place in Laguna where the town is known for its wood works and paper mache industry?

Paete and Pangil, Laguna.:)

jpdm

August 28th, 2009, 01:07 AM

I think this is also happening in Boracay. Most of the resorts there are owned by foreign nationals, some are married to Filipinas.

Agree.

Askal82

August 28th, 2009, 01:24 AM

Paete and Pangil, Laguna.:)

Thanks. I might drop by that place if I go on vacation next year. I heard that their wood arts are real quality material.

filcan

August 28th, 2009, 02:45 AM

Paete and Pangil, Laguna.:)

I'm from Paete, woodcarving capital of the Philippines! My dad used to do some woodcarving too :)

shyaman

August 28th, 2009, 03:13 AM

filcan

August 28th, 2009, 03:24 AM

^^Pretty much the carvers are native to the town. It's a skill that many Paetenians are very proud of. I remember when my dad and I first came to Canada...our first winter here he managed to carve a swan out of snow..very memorable childhood moment. I however don't carve, but I am currently studying graphic design so in a way its etched in my genes. :)

shyaman

August 28th, 2009, 04:39 AM

^^ Artistry sure runs in the blood. :okay:
Why don't you test yourself if you have the skill as well... build a snow sculpture in winter like what your father did. Just be sure that it's not the typical snowman. :D

Planning Democracy

August 28th, 2009, 05:24 AM

Isa lang masasabi ko, Allona Beach in Panglao Island in Bohol is way better than Boracay!!

Sayang di ko marunong mag upload ng pics dito sa SSC. :lol:

And I think Allona has a good chance of being preserved because Bohol Beach Club's property is so big, plus it already has a marine sanctuary in front.

Bohol the best!! :banana:

RonnieR

August 28th, 2009, 06:09 AM

from our Malaysian brother/friend nazrey

Ekran Bhd set to reopen Samal Casino Resort
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Ekran Bhd is set to reopen this year its Samal Casino Resort on the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Davao del Norte in the southern Philippines.

Closed in 2000 following the Asian Financial Crisis, the 1.5 billion-peso tourism complex will be back in full business as confirmed by Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing, executive chairman of Ekran Bhd during a recent bilateral meeting between the Philippines and Malaysia on the revival.

A statement by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) here said the meeting was held on the sidelines of the BIMP-EAGA Roundtable Discussion on the Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) Development.

It was part of the week-long 18th BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials and 14th Signing Ministers meeting and other related events held in Brunei from Aug 5-8.

Ekran Bhd officials also said they are working on the revival of the Davao-Kota Kinabalu air link in partnership with Malaysia Airlines which used to ply the route in the 90s.

The air link was discontinued due to low passenger loads.

“As a result of the meeting, we are putting back on track the Samal Casino Resort. This is an indication of the sound business environment in Mindanao and across borders. There is now an opportunity to reconnect in the south,” said Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on Mindanao and the Philippines Signing Minister for the BIMP-EAGA.

Dureza, along with Samal Mayor Aniano Antalan, Tourism undersecretary Oscar Palabyab and Davao Del Norte Congressman Anton Lagdameo, met with Ekran Bhd officials in Brunei to discuss and agree on the arrangements to facilitate the reopening of the resort.

Ekran Bhd is set to invest an estimated US$15-20 million to reopen the Samal Casino Resort.

Set over 250 hectares, Ekran’s Samal Casino Resort is about 30 minutes by boat from Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City, Mindanao’s premier economic hub.

The resort started operating as a hotel and casino in late 1997 with 300 rooms and a ballroom that could accommodate 3,000 people.

It was one of the large scale investments ushered by an agreement forged between the Philippines and Malaysia in the early 90s under the BIMP-EAGA initiative.

— Bernama

c6josh

August 28th, 2009, 10:25 AM

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2369/masskaranewbanner.jpg

MASSKARA FESTIVAL BACOLOD CITY

DATE | EVENT | VENUE
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9833/image4711.jpg
Sept 2
MassKara Makati
Makati,Metro Manila

Oct 1
Opening Program Bacolod Public Plaza
Festival Sites Opening
Bacolod Public Plaza
Until Oct. 19

Oct 10
Night of the Press Club Star

Oct 15
Search for Ms. MassKara Queen 2009

Oct 16
Street Dancing School Category Araneta St to Plaza
Opening Electric MassKara Tourism Trip, Lacson St

Oct 17
Street Dancing Barangay Category Araneta St to Plaza
Electric MassKara Tourism Trip, Lacson St

Oct 18
Street Dancing Open Category Araneta St to Plaza
Electric MassKara Tourism Trip, Lacson St

Oct 19
Countdown to Charter Day NGC Main Stage

With satellite stages in Lacson St. and Araneta St.

c6josh

August 28th, 2009, 10:39 AM

IMPERIAL PALACE Waterpark Resort & Spa - Mactan Island, Cebu
x18BNDIJZuM&feature

Mr. Sandman

August 28th, 2009, 08:26 PM

^^ Your father has one of those rare talents. Have you inherited the skill? Woodcarving requires inherent talent. It's more difficult than sketching or painting images. Aside from having a photographic memory of every subject's details, the carver should also have the strength, tenderness, patience and meticulousness all at the same to convert his subject into a 3-dimentional masterpiece.

Are all the carvers in Paete natives of the town? If they are, what a concentrated gene pool of carvers the town has.I visited Paete 4 months ago looking for woodcarvings that I could bring back to the USA. What I found was low quality wood (most pieces had awful grain, if any at all) and ordinary craftmanship, it was not worth the drive from Manila.

I was with a friend whose last visit to Paete was over 12 years ago, he made a few remarks to a shopkeeper regarding this and she said that all the good woodcarvers started leaving for jobs abroad years ago and that the wood now comes from outside Laguna and is what's leftover after the better quality wood is exported.

Askal82

August 29th, 2009, 12:45 AM

I visited Paete 4 months ago looking for woodcarvings that I could bring back to the USA. What I found was low quality wood (most pieces had awful grain, if any at all) and ordinary craftmanship, it was not worth the drive from Manila.

I was with a friend whose last visit to Paete was over 12 years ago, he made a few remarks to a shopkeeper regarding this and she said that all the good woodcarvers started leaving for jobs abroad years ago and that the wood now comes from outside Laguna and is what's leftover after the better quality wood is exported.

That's sad. :ohno:

filcan

August 29th, 2009, 04:22 PM

Ex!lE

August 30th, 2009, 10:32 AM

Planning Democracy

August 30th, 2009, 01:51 PM

at maraming european tourist dito na nakatopless lang. hehehe..

Sayang, puro mga gurangers nakita kon dun e, kulubot na hahaha :lol:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 31st, 2009, 10:27 AM

August 31, 2009
Cebu Daily News

CEBU IS 4TH BEST ISLAND IN ASIA
Travel + Leisure magazine releases survey results of its 2009's Worlds Best Awards

Cebu may be second to Camarines Sur in the Philippines' most visited destination, but it is one of the best islands in Asia.

Travel + Leisure magazine recently released the results of its World's Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises in islands and cities all over the world.

Cebu ranked no. 4 among Asian island destinations.

No other Philippine city, island, resort, hotel or airline made it to the listing in other categories.

The awards are based on the American magazine's 14th Readers' Poll survey conducted from mid January to the end of March this year.

"An unprecedented number of new names and places made their debuts on this year's list, sometimes unseating longtime favorites," says Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Nancy Novogrod.

Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points.

It ranked behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93). It is ahead of Ko Samui (79.29).

Respondents were asked to rate the islands based on natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and value.

They had to rate a candidate on a scale of 1 to 5 where "1" means poor and "5" means excellent.

In the magazine survey, Cebu Island was shut out, however, from the coveted list of Top Islands Overall. Bali with a rating of 87.41 was still no. 1.

Phuket in Thailand ranked second last year but failed to land in this year's top ten.

Top Islands Overall

1. Bali (87.41)
2. Galapagos (86.80)
3. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (86.09)
4. Kauai (85.90)
5. Mount Desert Island, Maine (85.87)
6. Maui, Hawaii (85.48)
7. Aeolian Islands, Italy (85.13)
8. Maldives (84.43)
9. Big Island (83.92)
10. Vancouver Island (83.74)

For the past three years, the announcement of the World's Best Awards winners has been preceded by the release of findings from "The Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America, created by Travel + Leisure's parent company American Express Publishing, and Harrison Group, a strategic-marketing research firm.

Novogrod says she was struck by the consistency of the insights of American consumers. "They have a high regard for value and service, brand loyalty and small rewards," she said.

The Best Islands Awards were divided into geographical categories: Continental US and Canada; Hawaii; The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas; Mexico, Central and South America; Europe; Asia; Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The questionnaires were developed by editors of the magazine in association with Harris Interactive, an independent research firm. They were posted in the magazine's website.

Readers were invited to participate and a select group also received invitations by e-mail.

Respondents were screened and responses from any identified travel-industry professionals were eliminated from the final tally.

In the Conde Nast Traveler annual Reader's Choice Survey, Cebu has occupied the seventh spot in the best island destination in Asia/Indian Ocean three times in 2008 at 70.9 which is two points short of 2007's 72.3 points and 2004's 72.8 points.

Twice, it has been ranked 8th best island destination: in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005 with 69.5 in the same magazine survey.

Both Travel + Leisure Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler are American publications based in New York.

junjou_rabbit

August 31st, 2009, 10:29 AM

survivor israel season 3...the one filmed in camarines sur...this is the openinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQvNzvlntvY...

the second one is their promotional video..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBWRBW89ruc

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 31st, 2009, 10:48 AM

^^
where's the vid? :D

icarusrising

August 31st, 2009, 11:27 AM

kenken94

August 31st, 2009, 12:15 PM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

August 31st, 2009, 12:16 PM

^^
syempre baka maunahan mo pa ako! :lol::lol::D

kenken94

August 31st, 2009, 12:24 PM

^^

uunahan talaga sana kitah! hehehe...........:lol:

anyway.............. this is a good new not just for Cebu but for the whole country...............:)

PINOYmeat

August 31st, 2009, 03:27 PM

Juan Pilgrim

August 31st, 2009, 05:22 PM

Mabuhay ang Cebu and all Sugbuanon!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

:applause:

:horse:

c6josh

September 3rd, 2009, 10:46 AM

Palawan underground river lags in int’l online votes
By ELLALYN B. DE VERA
September 2, 2009, 6:17pm
Manila Bulletin

The country’s entry to the Seven New Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan, needs a boost from the international community as the tourist attraction has one of the fewest online votes among the 28 official entries outside their respective countries.

In the fourth week of online voting, the ranking of the 28 official finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign showed that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park is on 23rd spot.

Zurich-based New7Wonders (N7W) Foundation cited that the online ranking this week showed which of the official candidates are appealing to most voters outside the country or countries they are representing.

However, the ranking does not include votes that the finalists have received from their own nations.

“Maximizing international votes is absolutely essential for a finalist to be successful in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign. Remember, this is a truly global campaign on track to get over one billion votes in total,” Tia Viering, head of communications for New7Wonders, said in a press statement.

“Increased awareness encourages international appreciation for these places of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance, so reaching out beyond borders is really crucial for many reasons,” she added.

According to this week’s ranking, the top seven finalists receiving the most international votes are: Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Jeju Island (South Korea), Mud Volcanoes (Azerbaijan), Bu Tinah Shoals (United Arab Emirates), Maldives (Maldives), Milford Sound (New Zealand), and Great Barrier Reef (Papua New Guinea/Australia).

Meanwhile, entries in the bottom seven are the Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines), Iguazu Falls (Brazil/Argentina), Amazon Rainforest (Venezuela/Suriname/Peru/Guyana/French Guiana/Ecuador/Colombia/Brazil/Bolivia), Masurian Lake District (Poland), Halong Bay (Vietnam), and Komodo (Indonesia).

The Palawan subterranean river features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea.

It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers, and is known as the longest passable underground river in the world.

The 28 finalists will advance to the final voting to determine the New Seven Wonders of Nature that will be announced in 2011.

The Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign began in 2007 with more than 440 participating locations from over 220 countries.

RonnieR

September 3rd, 2009, 11:26 AM

PHILIPPINES
TheStar.com | AsiaPacific |
Modern Manila still revels in its roots
JOHN LANDER PHOTOS

http://www.thestar.com/travel/asiapacific/article/689472

For more information on the Philippines: www.wowphilippines.com.

For walking tours of Manila, go to www.oldmanilawalks.com or phone 632 7113823.

Even Filipinos tour Intramuros, the capital's restored settlement area near bustling city centre
Sep 03, 2009 04:30 AM
John Lander
Special to the Star

Manila–Swaying palms along Roxas Blvd. hug the shoreline of Manila Bay. Manileños flock to Baywalk to refresh themselves in the evening breezes, to stroll, jog, fish or take in the bay's renowned sunsets.

Street vendors toting baskets of orchids and peanuts hawk their goods in the waning sun.

Though Manila is one of Asia's largest cities, it is easy to decide where to begin your visit.

Start off at the original Spanish settlement known as Intramuros, literally "inside the walls." Intramuros has been lovingly restored over the years and is once again a place of cobblestone streets, trickling old water fountains and flagstone courtyards.

Surrounded by ancient walls of coral and stone, this is where Manila all began and for centuries Intramuros was the city.

Just wander around or take one of the fun tours organized by local historian Ivan Man Dy. It's interesting that many of the people on Ivan's walks are Filipinos, even Manileños eager to learn more about their city.

Fort Santiago is mostly in ruins. Still, looking out over the parapet it is easy to imagine the great Spanish galleons that plied these waters for two centuries. Just down the street is the nation's oldest standing church, San Agustin, built in 1606. It has survived wars, earthquakes and typhoons.

Once you pass through the enormous carved wood doors, you'll enter this baroque treasure. Admire its frescoed ceilings and gardens, and a glimpse into old Manila. Just across the street, Casa Manila is a maze of courtyards, cafes and a museum – and the quintessence of Old Manila.

Time your visit to Intramuros to coincide with lunch at Restaurant Illustrado, whose paella has received rave reviews. If Spanish or Filipino food isn't for you, head to the Manila Hotel nearby. Once the roost of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Ernest Hemingway and John F. Kennedy, the Manila Hotel is the country's premier lodging and a destination in itself. Several restaurants with plenty of variety will suit any craving.

Stroll through Rizal Park, sometimes still called the Luneta for its original moon shape. It's now a very large rectangle. Located just outside Intramuros, the park was originally established as an open buffer zone to protect the Spanish from occasional insurrections.

Today, it's more than just a park – the statue of Jose Rizal, father of the Philippines, is the marker by which all distances in the Philippines are measured.

To help you wrap your brain around the country's 7,000 islands, there is an enormous bas relief map of the Philippines to get you oriented.

Perhaps you'd prefer some nature at the Chinese or Japanese Garden? Not only does Rizal Park have different gardens but an orchid park as well.

Just nearby the entrance to the Orchidarium is Chess Square – although Filipinos are champ players they're a friendly bunch and typically invite visitors to play a game.

To get a real idea of Filipino exuberance and a quick lesson on the national character, the Children's Lagoon is perfect. The whimsical giant sculptures of fish, hippos and dinosaurs are colourful and nutty.

Manila really comes into its own on the bay, one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Popular bay ferries let visitors take advantage of fabled sunsets, fireworks shows and even dining cruises.

If you can't get enough sea breezes, there are weekend boat excursions out to Corregidor Island at the entrance of Manila Bay.

As a modern Asian city, Manila shines perhaps best at Mall of Asia, called MOA by locals.

Known as the largest mall in Asia, it is also a venue for entertainment, weekend fireworks displays, sunset buskers and even its own marching band that parades around from time to time in case there aren't enough distractions.

Built on reclaimed land overlooking Manila Bay, MOA is so huge it provides a tram to ferry shoppers from building to building.

The mall has a mind-boggling array of choices so it's a good idea to consult MOA's website or info kiosks to locate the shops or restaurants to avoid fatigue, which will kick in somewhere within the mall's 400,000 square metres.

Like its motto says: "No other mall comes close."

John Lander is a Tokyo-based freelance writer.

RonnieR

September 3rd, 2009, 11:41 AM

Mandarin Airlines sets direct flights to Kalibo, Aklan
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
August 28, 2009, 2:35pm

More Taiwanese tourists are expected to visit the Philippines this year as Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines is set to offer direct charter flights from Taichung to Kalibo starting on Oct. 16, one of several new charter flight offerings from Taiwanese carriers.

Antonio I. Basilio, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) managing director and resident representative, said the new flights will benefit the Philippine travel and tourism industry as charter services are proving to be a driver for tourism growth.

Mandarin Airlines is not the only Taiwanese carrier that has introduced direct charter services to the Philippines top holiday destinations.

China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan’s No. 1 carrier, launched charter services to Cebu from Taipei and Kaohsiung last April and July respectively.

This month, CAL launched regular charter services to Kalibo. The carrier flies to Aklan from Taipei every Tuesday and Friday.

“These charter services are expected to bring in thousands of Taiwanese visitors to Boracay, one of the Philippines leading destinations. It’s a win-win for the community and the industry,” said Basilio.

Basilio said MECO in Taiwan is targeting four consumer segments for its tourism offerings: “Double income with no kids households, honeymooners, diving associations, and group tours.

“Although the honeymooners market may not be as big as the other market segments, it remains a potentially lucrative business for our industry suppliers and Taiwan’s destination management companies. This is a low-volume but high-yield market for us,” said Basilio.

MECO Tourism Center Representative Rene Reyes said that Taiwan’s double income no kids households or DINKS is another sub-segment that is driving the travel market.

“DINKS are comprised of young couples, usually between the ages of 30 and 40.They have both the means and the time to take overseas leisure breaks,” said Reyes. Reyes said Taiwan’s vibrant dive travel consumer market is another priority segment for the Philippines..

“There are about 400,000 licensed divers in Taiwan, not to mention the hundreds of other consumers who want to sign up for diving lessons. The Philippines is a good diving destination because of its mild tides. During the last quarter of the year and during the winter months, Taiwanese divers look for alternative diving sites. That’s an opportunity for us since the Philippines offers excellent year-round sites for divers,” said Reyes.

Package group tours remain the Philippines top market segment according to Reyes.

“This segment relies heavily on the quality, price and the popularity of the destination being marketed,” said Reyes. “Fortunately, our industry partners from tour operators and airlines to destination management companies “offer value-for-money products to Taiwan’s holiday travelers,”
said Reyes.
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/218007/mandarin-airline

RonnieR

September 4th, 2009, 05:21 AM

Beautiful....i have not been to this place.. I must see Banaue.
BANAUE, IFUGAO
http://i25.tinypic.com/mwqp0w.jpg
Photo credit: kfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kfa/)

c6josh

September 4th, 2009, 06:44 AM

Beautiful....i have not been to this place.. I must see Banaue.

^^wow, never thought Banaue would be this beautiful...iba talaga ang magagawa nang technology parang na photoshop lang ...galing.:)

RonnieR

September 4th, 2009, 06:46 AM

^^wow, never thought Banaue would be this beautiful...iba talaga ang magagawa nang technology parang na photoshop lang ...galing.:)

it's really beautiful....all my friends (pinoy and foreigners) who have been there confirmed this. I wanna go and see it, too. Nakapunta ka na ba?

c6josh

September 4th, 2009, 07:24 AM

it's really beautiful....all my friends (pinoy and foreigners) who have been there confirmed this. I wanna go and see it, too. Nakapunta ka na ba?

^^not yet...but planning too...:) we have a similar attraction here in Negros Occidental it is found in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto they too have a rice terraces but I think Banaue is much wider.:)

heres a part of Don Salvador Rice Terraces...DSB is also dubbed as the summer capital of Negros Occ.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1719/dsbriceterraces.jpg

c6josh

September 4th, 2009, 07:25 AM

Travel and Tourism

Cebu Pacific Air partners with Hong Kong Disneyland
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 04, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Thanks to a new partnership, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) is the only Philippine carrier to partner with Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) for corporate events.

Now, business executives can fly to Hong Kong on special online packages that will give them the unique experience only Disneyland theme park resorts offer.

CEB VP for passenger sales Edwin Bautista said, “We want to make traveling to Hong Kong Disneyland affordable to Filipinos, thus allowing them to stretch their travel budget through our fun tour packages with HKDL online.”

“Coupled with CEB’s trademark low fare, they can stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or the Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, and benefit from their dynamic corporate packages. At the same time, they get the chance to unwind and have fun at the HKDL theme park,” he added.

Cebu Pacific currently offers companies an overnight package at the Disneyland Hollywood Hotel; a three-day, two-night package with an optional tour of the HKDL; and a four-day, three-night package with overnight stay at the Disney Hollywood Hotel, plus a full-day tour of HKDL as well as other optional tours.

With the Fun Tours packages, a person only needs to spend approximately P15,000, for example, for a round-trip Cebu Pacific Manila-Hong Kong ticket, three-night hotel accommodation, and a one-day HKDL tour.

HKDL VP for sales and travel trade marketing Aliana Ho considers the Philippines as their most important Asian market after greater China, especially because majority of Filipinos travel for pleasure to Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong Disneyland is popular among Filipinos. They associate it with fun, innovation, creativity, and entertainment. Also, HKDL is a good 15-minute land travel from the Hong Kong International Airport and 1.5 hours away from the city proper,” said Ho.

Since Cebu Pacific started flying to Hong Kong in November 2001, the low-fare leader has increased its flight frequency from once to four times daily between Manila and Hong Kong.

It also flies once daily between Cebu and Hong Kong and six times daily between Clark and Hong Kong, while servicing 13 other Asian destinations.

The lowest year-round fare to Hong Kong is P2,299, exclusive of government tax. For the latest promo seat sales and news on Cebu Pacific, check out www.cebupacificair.com.

For group bookings (20 people or more), call (02) 290-5241 or e-mail groupbookings@cebupacificair.com.

HK Disneyland Fun Tours packages are also available on the Cebu Pacific website

RonnieR

September 4th, 2009, 07:51 AM

^^not yet...but planning too...:) we have a similar attraction here in Negros Occidental it is found in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto they too have a rice terraces but I think Banaue is much wider.:)

heres a part of Don Salvador Rice Terraces...DSB is also dubbed as the summer capital of Negros Occ.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1719/dsbriceterraces.jpg

The Don Salvador Rice Terraces is too small compared to Banaue Rice Terraces. You're talking of thousands of hectares here = mountains.

RonnieR

September 4th, 2009, 08:23 AM

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,26025436-5013339,00.html

Come clean in the Philippines
Article from: escape (nice to read from an Australian in Perth)

By Toni Krasicki

September 03, 2009 10:00pm
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6903790,00.jpg
Massage
Lazy daze ... have the stress stripped from your body at the Private Island Retreat.

MY family and friends can't quite understand why I would prefer to spend my big 'Four 0' having colemas and spirulina mocktails to red wine and chocolate.

Nonetheless, after six dusty weeks on the road I have found paradise in Palawan, and I know I am going to love it!

Tranquil and laid-back, the Private Island Retreat nestles unassumingly in a bay of towering karst peaks off the coast of Palawan. It is here, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago in The Philippines, I have chosen to purge away half a lifetime of gastronomical sins and to enter the new year with a clean colon.

The bangka (local outrigger boat), which takes about forty minutes from El Nido, cruises towards Malapacao Island. The extraordinary vista is enough to rival Vietnam's Halong Bay and Thailand's Krabi.

Alex Garland's novel, The Beach, comes to mind. It is difficult not to ponder whether the retreat is really a disguise for a crazy backpacker hangout. Will there be trekking through cannabis fields and leaping into waterfalls en route?

Instead, a handful of chilled-out guests who are mostly beyond backpacker age, the island dogs Monty and Joshua, and the eccentric Australian owner, Leeann greet me.

Unlike the other guests who are on a twenty-one day or longer detoxification program, I decide on the seven day option.

Down a couple of kilos

Surprisingly, the program is not a starvation program. Initially I drink my way through a crate of apples, then later that day am given enough Epsom salts to internally cleanse every man, woman, and child in every neighbouring village.

After my brush with Epsom salts, I am down a couple of kilos. I am ecstatic! I don't particularly need to lose weight, but I am a woman and am happy when I find my belly has taken its own vacation.

The next six days follow a similar routine. At my beachside chair arrives a selection of liquids and supplements taken at ninety minute intervals.

Black concoctions of bentonite clay, charcoal, psyllium husks, apple cider vinegar, kalamansi juice (local citrus fruit) and buko juice (coconut water) are staggered with thick green drinks consisting of spirulina, niacin, and virgin coconut cream.

Supplements of turmeric, cayenne pepper, acidophilus, ginger, clove, and garlic are taken once a day. All, I am assured, are integral in the removal of parasites.

My favourite daily treat has become a serving of the parasite blend. A concoction of fermented vegetables, predominantly sauerkraut, blended in coconut cream and olive oil served in an edible leaf. We are fortunate enough to have a lesson in its preparation with Leeann and local staff.

In the evening we sip watery vegetable broth served in coconut shells, with a side of lightly steamed garlic bulbs. Luckily I only share my bed with a few books!

Steaming hot spa sizzle

The most common motives for coming to the retreat are weight loss and overall well being, but some for thyroid problems, HIV, and lethargy.

Every other day bundles of firewood arrive with a local fisherman, and the furnace is fired up. The spa is steaming hot and we sizzle amongst herbs and secret potions under the stars, ridding the body of toxins.

Living arrangements are simple. I am allotted a cottage named "Life", at the far end of the beach. The view over to Inabuyatan Island either from the deck chair, hammock or mosquito netted bed is superb. The cottage is Swiss Family Robinson-style. Open timber structures, where the ocean breeze can blow in from all directions.

The bathroom is sunken and exposed. Look up to the trees to check for coconut collectors before getting on with ablutions. Showers are cold water, refreshing in the balmy weather.

Every cottage is equipped with a parasite zapper. Apparently when attached to strategic positions on the body it can zap parasites via small electrical pulses. I give it a try, but am not convinced.

There is the option of two self-administered colemas a day that are undertaken in the privacy of your own bathroom.

I am well rehearsed in the art of intestinal flushing, having undergone a similar regime at a retreat in Thailand. A few times I am caught out in a compromising position by service staff but they don't seem to notice my embarrassment.

Leeann encourages us to purify every bodily orifice. Garlic cloves are crammed into southern regions, and clarkia, a viscose fluid the colour of liquorice but not showing any signs of the flavour, sends taste buds screaming.

According to Leeann's knowledge, and the literature available in the mini library, it can take at least three months through diet to rebalance, and flush intestinal parasites.

Everything is self taught

The treatment room is one of my favourite places. It is perched high off the beach with stunning views.

The peaceful energy in the cylindrically shaped room is enough for me to want to roll out a swag and camp there for the duration of my stay.

Included in the program are two Tchi Nei Tshung abdominal massages per day pre colema. I try the lymphatic drainage. It's excellent, however, expensive by Filipino standards.

Best to pre buy a package as it gives you two daily treatments, and is much more cost effective.

I pass a guest on the beach. A therapist scrubs and pummels him then applies a bright orange clay bake. It's the small leaf strategically placed over his privates that has me in a state of giggles.

Expect to spend most of the time in your swimsuit and the sarongs and t-shirts that are handed out upon arrival. You can also get one of the talented staff to sew you a jumpsuit or matching skirt and top from the sarongs!

There is an option to do an early morning yoga and tai chi session, or to kayak around the island.

Leeann admits that she is self taught, so don't expect a class like the one in a professional studio.

Having worked in the fitness industry for almost twenty years, I found it difficult to take.

Instead swim and snorkel with the resident sea life, or take a walk on one of the island trails.

As a special bedtime treat try a delightful fresh ginger poultice. It is wrapped tightly around the torso over the kidneys. Enjoy the warm tingling sensation. If your liver needs a boost, there is one made from turmeric.

There are no alarms on Malapacao. It takes a few days for my body to adjust to the rhythm of island life.

The generator winds down by 9.30pm, and I am lulled to sleep by the lapping of the ocean.

It's my final day. I have survived and managed not to eat my backpack.

My first meal in eight days arrives and it looks like coleslaw without the dressing. To say I am disappointed is an understatement, but once I tuck in, it tastes like heaven.

Vowing to give up sugar and take ginger baths upon my return home, I reluctantly board the bangka.

I remember hearing a personal trainer's lecture onboard a cruiseship once when he said: "Do you know that when John Wayne died of stomach cancer they found twenty eight kilos of toxins in his colon?"

Rest assured that's one thing I don't have to worry about!

RonnieR

September 4th, 2009, 08:53 AM

http://abcnews.go.com/US/WireStory?id=8488110&page=1

Travel Postcard: 48 Hours in Manila
By Michaela Cabrera
September 4, 2009

MANILA (Reuters Life!) - The capital of the Philippines is not the kind of place you fall in love with at first sight: the Spanish colonial-era mega-city is home to around 12 million people, congested, polluted and often chaotic.

But amid the confusion, there is a lot to see. Reuters correspondents with local knowledge provide hints to help visitors make the most out of a short stay in the city.

FRIDAY

6 p.m. - Take a jeepney, the country's iconic mini-bus, to Quiapo Church in downtown Manila to see Catholics attend Friday mass in the thousands. Devotees flock to the church to revere the Black Nazarene, a 400-year-old statue of Christ from Mexico believed to be miraculous. A plaza outside bustles with stalls selling candles, flowers, herbal medicines and potions.

8 p.m. - Start your Friday night at the financial district, Makati. Young professionals hang out at Greenbelt, a leafy outdoor mall with a cinema and a park. M Cafe makes excellent cocktails -- ask for the citrusy Sunset Sake.

9 p.m. - Dine at Sentro restaurant, also in Greenbelt, and order Filipino favorites such as adobo (pork and chicken stew), sinigang (beef in tamarind broth) and crispy pata (pork knuckles).

10 p.m. Take a cab north to the gritty side of town and head to Cubao X, a cul-de-sac of curios shops, art galleries, funky bars and cozy restaurants. Mogwai Bar screens classic Filipino films from the 1940s and 50s, and nearby Black Soup Gallery exhibits cutting edge visual art.

Also, check out the local music scene at 70's Bistro at nearby Anonas Ave., a popular watering hole for artists, activists and journalists. Bands belt out original music and a bit of The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and Sting.

12 a.m. - Woozy from all that drinking? Head to the nearest street vendor and try balut or duck egg, an unusual delicacy which contains a duck embryo, a solid yolk and soupy fluid.

SATURDAY

8 a.m. - For breakfast, try arroz caldo (rice porridge) or the more adventurous dinuguan (stewed pigs' blood) with puto (steamed rice cakes) at Aristocrat restaurant near Malate Church. The Baroque-style church served as a base for British soldiers who launched an assault on Manila in 1762.

9 a.m. - Wander across Luneta Park, where national hero Jose Rizal, a renaissance man whose writings inspired the revolution against Spain, was executed by firing squad. The park also features a gigantic relief map depicting the 7,000 islands of the Philippine archipelago.

10 a.m. - Relive Manila's Spanish colonial past in the cobble-stoned streets of the old walled city, Intramuros. Visit the 400-year-old San Agustin church, a World Heritage site that boasts a fine collection of religious relics. You might chance upon a wedding reception across the street at Casa Manila, a museum depicting a typical Spanish colonial house. Around the corner is Manila Cathedral, which sheltered wounded soldiers in the Spanish-American war. Walking tours by history buff Carlos Celdran are entertaining. (http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/)

11 a.m. - Walk to Fort Santiago, a Spanish garrison where Rizal was imprisoned until his execution. A small museum houses manuscripts of his novels and his medical instruments. His famous poem, Adios Patria Adorada, is translated in several languages. Climb on the ramparts and watch barges cross the Pasig River.

12 p.m. - Ride a horse carriage to the old quarter of Sta. Cruz and for lunch: try the tasty fried chicken of Ramon Lee Panciteria. The pink-walled restaurant with retro upholstery and high ceiling fans dates back to 1929.

1 p.m. - Stroll along Ongpin St. in Chinatown, a bustling commercial hub in Binondo. Snack on hopia (mung bean cake) at Eng Bee Tin Chinese deli, or try the dimsum at Wai Ying Fastfood.

3 p.m. - Shop for native handicrafts at the market under the bridge in the Quiapo area, near the church. Haggle with vendors and beware of pickpockets. A large Muslim community lives in the neighborhood, and the Golden Mosque is worth a visit.

5 p.m. - Cool off at the SM Mall of Asia, a four-hectare maze of shops and restaurants, with a skating rink, bowling alley, science museum, a music hall and an IMAX movie theater.

7 p.m. - Buy seafood at the dampa (wet market) on Macapagal Avenue near SM Mall of Asia, where you can ask restaurants to cook the day's fresh catch any way you want.

9 p.m. - Catch a ballet, play or concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where the award-winning UP Madrigal Singers often perform. If your taste is more risque, head east from the bayside to Club Mwah in Mandaluyong. Their glittery spectacle is Manila's answer to the Moulin Rouge, but with transvestite artists decked in flamboyant costumes.

SUNDAY

7 a.m. - Enjoy breakfast at Jollibee, the country's biggest fastfood chain that outsells McDonald's. They serve traditional Filipino breakfast meals, including tapsilog (salted beef with fried egg and garlic rice) and longsilog (pork sausage with the same combination), as well as sweet spaghetti and hamburgers.

9 a.m. - Head to the mecca of flea markets, Greenhills Shopping Center, lined with stores touting fake designer bags, clothes, knock-off iPods and pirated DVDs. Vendors from the south offer good bargains for pearls.

12 p.m. - If you had a light breakfast, binge on the buffet lunch at Spiral, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza hotel. The scrumptious all-you-can-eat choices include lobster, Angus beef, sushi and lechon (roasted piglet).

2 p.m. - Learn Philippine history through finely-sculpted miniature dioramas at the Ayala Museum. The galleries also show pre-Hispanic gold artifacts and paintings by Philippine art pioneers like Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna.

4 p.m. - Hop in a cab and head to The Fort, a sprawling complex of offices, condos and malls in a former army camp. Soothe those tired muscles with a massage at The Spa on Bonifacio High St., which offers traditional hilot and a range of lush treatments. You can book a private villa, with its own massage beds, steam room and hot tub.

8 p.m. - Chomp on more Filipino dishes at Abe, which specializes on kare kare (ox tail in peanut sauce), binagoongan (pork in shrimp paste) and binukadkad na plapla (butterflied tilapia fish). Then wind down at Cav, a wine bar that dispenses Sauvignon Blancs and Merlots from vending machines.

ruralvillage

September 5th, 2009, 07:06 PM

Chinatown: An adventure (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Chinatown_An_adventure.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Chinatown_An_adventure.shtml)
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Sept. 4 (PNA) -- An intriguing and lively destination, Chinatown proposes a shopping and destination ambiance that is uniquely Filipino-Chinese.

As early as the 10th century, a lively trade had been going on between itinerant merchants coasting along the China Sea and the riverbank dwellers of the Pasig River.

At the northern bank of the river sprang a thicket-and-woods village where a community of Chinese lived peacefully among the Tagalogs when the Spaniards came.

The village was called Binundok, a Tagalog term for hilly terrain, but the Spaniards perpetuating a corruption of its name, referred to it as Isla de Binondo (Isle of Binondo).

During the trading galleon centuries, the mercantile town of Binondo served as the center of the trading post between Asia and the New World, trade that was to sustain a colony for 300 years and spawn enormous fortunes.

Today, with its maze of narrow street, store-houses, bazaars, restaurants and business establishments, Binondo seems hardly changes after centuries as the city’s Chinese borough.

Still bustling with endless commercial activity, this former core of international trade has now become a haven for those in search of authentic oriental cuisine and bargains.

Ongpin, the major artery that cuts through Chinatown’s heartland is an enticing treasure trove of gold-smithery, countless eateries serving Chinese dishes, pastry shops with tempting oriental delicacies and apothecaries selling herbal packets and exotic remedies.

Equally inviting are the intertwining side streets and alleyways along the thoroughfare boasting of an overwhelming array of assorted goods ranging from fresh produce and preserves to oriental ornaments, hardware and furniture shops.

But there is more to Chinatown than mere shopping. There are many good places to see. One of these is the Carriedo Fountain. Nestled at the heart of Plaza Sta. Cruz and Bustos street, this was built to honor “Manila’s greatest benefactor” -- Francisco Carriedo y Peredo, who donated a generous amount for the establishment of the first waterworks system to serve the entire city of Manila.

In recognition to the outstanding efforts and immense commitment of Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson, Manila’s first elected chief executive, the city mounted the Lacson monument in his honor. Dubbed as “Manila’s fightingest mayor,” his administration struggled for a clean, honest and efficient city government.

The Arch of Goodwill ushers in visitors from the Sta. Cruz rim. Standing over Ongpin street, the Arch commemorates the centuries-old relationship between two cultures, Chinese and Filipino.

With interiors ornately outlined in red and gold, the Philippine-Chinese Buddhist Temple is one of the most frequented in the community. A shrine to Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy and Kuan Te Yo, god of businessman, it is visited daily by countless worshippers to light joss sticks, offer food, or simply to seek for guidance from these deities.

Uniquely and interestingly located along Ongpin and Tomas Pinpin streets, this unusually tiny side street chapel is a solid example of syncretism inherent in the Sino-commercial district. This is always dappled with flowers and burning sandalwood incense.

Primarily intended for Parian Chinese converted to Christianity during the colonial period, Sta. Cruz church was constructed in the early 17th century and was considered as one of the oldest churches built outside Intramuros. Heavy bombings during WW II, however, totally destroyed the original church and from its ruins rose the present church.

Once a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture, the original Binondo church was built during the latter part of the 16th century to accommodate the Christian baptized Chinese.

Especially noted for its six-storey octagonal bell tower, the church, now a minor basilica, is the shrine of the first canonized Filipino-Chinese martyr and saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz, who, during his childhood, served as an altar boy. His larger-than-life statue looks out from across the basilica.

A statue standing close by the Binondo church is Filipino-Chinese philanthropist Ramon Ongpin, the first dealer of art supplies in Chinatown. He was the first to wear the barong tagalog, the Filipino national costume. The main street called Ongpin was named after him.

Kaisa Heritage Center houses Bahay Tsinoy, a museum showcasing an impressive heritage exhibit in dioramas tracing the history of the Philippine-Chinese pre-Hispanic times to the colonial period. Rare prints and photographs, porcelain collections are likewise part of the exhibit.

Adding color to the charms of all, are the activities of tenacious vendors in Tutuban Central mall, Divisoria and Arranque market. A medley of clothing boutiques, trinket outlets, RTWs, shoes, bags, and what have you are here.

Haggling is always the name of the game whether you are a seasoned shopper or a mere bargain hunter. (PNA)

ruralvillage

September 7th, 2009, 10:34 PM

A kayak adventure through the Philippines (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=502601&publicationSubCategoryId=87)
(The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=502601&publicationSubCategoryId=87)) Updated September 06, 2009 12:00 AM

Photo is loading...
People behind the Friendship Kayak Project are Randy Su, president of Team Habagat; Toby Martin, expedition manager; Khoo Swee Chiow, Jeannie Suderio from the DOT-PCVC; Jacky Quintos, COO of Primer Group of Companies and Roel Chan, AVP-marketing Primer Group of Companies

MANILA, Philippines - After completing the Adventure Grand Slam — conquering the seven highest summits in each continent — Singaporean adventurer and Guinness World Record holder Khoo Swee Chiow sets his sights on another record. And together with Filipino adventurers Buzzy Budlong of Team Habagat and Arnel Gabutero, they will attempt to be the first to traverse the Philippines by kayak.

The Philippines is a natural playing field for water sports, environment and adventure tourism activities such as kayaking. Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009 which aims to make the country the Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano calls kayaking one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, and it’s one of the country’s nature-based products. “We have natural assets for this ecosport because we are surrounded with different bodies of water like oceans, seas, rivers, marshes, mangroves and 30,000 wonderful coastlines,” said Durano.

It is no wonder that Swee Chiow chose the Philippines as the starting point of his dream journey to kayak around the world. Together with Cebu native, Buzzy Budlong and Davao-born Arnel Gabutero — who faced each other in last year’s Bugsay Kayaking Festival — the team will link the islands of the Philippines through a course that will take them from the south-central regions of Mindanao moving north to Luzon’s most celebrated locales.

“We’re hoping that this becomes the first official kayaking trail in the country,” says Toby Martin, expedition manager. “So we are calling on everyone to lend their support for this historical event either through additional funds for the team, so they can complete the 3, 300 kilometer journey or by paddling with the team in their own kayaks.” Swee Chiow and Buzzy’s expedition started on Aug. 29 and is estimated to reach its destination by November.

The team started paddling at Sarangani in Mindanao. Predominantly a coastal province in the southernmost tip of the Philippines, Sarangani has a 230-kilometer coastline lined with inspiring coves and jaw-dropping rock formations. Afterwards, the team will head to Davao del Norte and then to Davao del Sur.

For the second leg of the kayak expedition, the team will depart from the historical province of Leyte. Witness to many monumental events in history such as the landing of General Douglas McArthur in 1942, it is also home to largely undeveloped white sand beaches along the coasts of Libertad, Capoocan, Leyte and Puro Island. This will be followed by a beach-buffet that begins with Bohol, Cebu, surfing Mecca Siargao and top tourist destination Boracay.

The final stretch is the most difficult one. Who would want to leave an island destination rated by the National Geographic Traveler magazine as the 13th Best Island Destination in the World in 2007 because of its “incredibly beautiful and natural seascapes and landscapes”? And to complete the expedition, the team will traverse the open waters to Pangasinan and finally reach its destination at Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

Recreational Outdoor eXchange! ROX is the biggest outdoor sports and recreation hub in Asia with three levels of outdoor sports recreation gear and equipment. ROX also provides Adventure Tour packages within the Philippines from Hiking, Camping, River Rafting, Kayaking and Eco-Tourism tours like Bird Watching Visit us at Bonifacio High Street, B1 ROX Building, Taguig City, Philippines. For more information, call 856-4639, log on to http://roxphilippines.multiply.com/ or e-mail rox.cs@primergrp.com.

c6josh

September 8th, 2009, 08:12 AM

Boracay among top holiday destinations
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
September 7, 2009, 5:49pm
Manila Bulletin

BORACAY - The popular island paradise of Boracay was voted among the top ten holiday destinations in Asia in a recent Smart Travel Asia online survey.

The "Island of the Gods”, Bali, Indonesia ranked first followed by Thai island of Phuket. The South Indian idyll of Kerala in India came in third while the neon-powered city of Hong Kong is fourth.

Bangkok, Thailand co-ranked with Hoi An, Vietnam in fifth for the best holiday destinations in Asia.

According to Smart Travel Asia, Bali remains a peaceful ritual-minded Hindu enclave in a bustling Muslim country and Phuket for its string of wonderful beaches, fine food, nightlife and special Thai can-do hospitality.

Boracay, off mainland Panay, climbed one position to share the sixth spot with newcomers Goa, India and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Boracay is the top island beach destination in the country with over 400,000 travelers in the first six months this year, data from the Department of Tourism showed.

The island of Palawan and Chiang Mai in Thailand were ranked seventh followed by Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia,) Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Koh Samui, Thailand in ninth while Penang, Malaysia and Rajasthan, India in the tenth spot.

Mandala Spa of Boracay was also ranked 24th for the Best Spa Hotels in Asia, Cebu Pacific ranked fourth for Best Budget Airlines and Philippine Airlines maintained the tenth spot for Best Cabin Service Worldwide.

Smart Travel Asia, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, also voted the best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.

dinabaw

September 8th, 2009, 08:20 AM

Friendship Kayak Team passes through city
Written by: Basa , Mick
Tuesday, 08 September 2009

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8202/front8.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/front8.jpg/)
AT ITS BEST. Sunrise at 5:56 in the morning in Pawikan Sanctuary, Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City yesterday. RENE B. LUMAWAG

PADDLERS of a kayaking team that boasts to traverse across the Philippine Archipelago from Saranggani towards Ilocos Norte stopped by the city yesterday.
Toby Martin, team leader of the Friendship Kayak Expedition said the kayaking “attempts to paddle across the 7,107 islands of the country that would last a hundred days.”
The team started to paddle on August 31 from Saranggani and hopes to finish their adventure in November.
The Friendship Kayak Team is composed of Khoo Swee Chiow, Erwin Glenn Budlong and Arnel Gabutero. Chiow is Singapore’s most accomplished adventurer who has been to North and South Pole and cycled Beijing to Singapore. Budlong runs a resto bar and outdoor shop in Bohol while Gabutero is based in Davao City. All of them are new to kayaking.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of partnership of Singapore and the Philippines, the adventure attempts to highlight the country as an adventure destination.
“People from Singapore think the Philippines is all about Boracay,” Chiow said.
During his way from Sarangani, Chiow said he was amazed by the beautiful landscape of Southern Mindanao
Martin said the Department of Tourism launched Kayak Philippines on September 2 during the Philippine Trade Expo in Manila in their efforts to push kayaking as one of the reason tourists should come to the country.
“The country is an amazing playground for outdoor sporting activities,” Martin said.( with reports by Chan Bin Kan)

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/?p=3437)

PINOYmeat

September 8th, 2009, 02:40 PM

this...

:banana:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/IMG_0034.jpg

and this...

Boracay among top holiday destinations
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
September 7, 2009, 5:49pm
Manila Bulletin

BORACAY - The popular island paradise of Boracay was voted among the top ten holiday destinations in Asia in a recent Smart Travel Asia online survey.

The "Island of the Gods”, Bali, Indonesia ranked first followed by Thai island of Phuket. The South Indian idyll of Kerala in India came in third while the neon-powered city of Hong Kong is fourth.

Bangkok, Thailand co-ranked with Hoi An, Vietnam in fifth for the best holiday destinations in Asia.

Boracay, off mainland Panay, climbed one position to share the sixth spot with newcomers Goa, India and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Boracay is the top island beach destination in the country with over 400,000 travelers in the first six months this year, data from the Department of Tourism showed.

The island of Palawan and Chiang Mai in Thailand were ranked seventh followed by Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia,) Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Koh Samui, Thailand in ninth while Penang, Malaysia and Rajasthan, India in the tenth spot.

Mandala Spa of Boracay was also ranked 24th for the Best Spa Hotels in Asia, Cebu Pacific ranked fourth for Best Budget Airlines and Philippine Airlines maintained the tenth spot for Best Cabin Service Worldwide.

Smart Travel Asia, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, also voted the best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.

plus camsur pa

philippine tourism looks bright!:banana:

Juan Pilgrim

September 8th, 2009, 02:53 PM

PINOYmeat

September 8th, 2009, 03:06 PM

^^ i think the US is a long haul market kasi, the DOT's thrust now, i believe, are the short haul markets muna, that is why most of RP's foreign tourists are from asia din, though the russians are becoming more visible na here in cebu, and i think sa ibang tourist destinations din, may mga russians na.

Juan Pilgrim

September 8th, 2009, 03:20 PM

^^this is not a bad strategy at all.
Sooner or later we have to think BIG. diba?

:horse:

zeos

September 10th, 2009, 02:43 PM

davao, cebu, boracay and other local spots in the country was doing their aggressive tourism campaign to the long haul market for sometime before ace became the dot sec. when ace assumed office at dot, nag shift sila ng market strategy, they went for the short haul market muna, kaya eto may upward trend ang tourism ng bansa. im sure, if given more time, pwedeng pwede na ulit mag long-haul yung campaigns and promos ng dot.

im not 100% sure if this is the real score, im sure there are other issues din. im talking as a plain and ordinary filipino who happens to be interested in tourism lang naman. :cheers:

Ang_Bantayanon

September 10th, 2009, 03:38 PM

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/daleydaly/bntyn4.jpg

Paradise, Santa Fe, Bantayan, Cebu

davaob4now

September 10th, 2009, 04:40 PM

^^this is really great news for the country's tourism industry.

I just hope we can do more because the Philippines is not listed or mentioned
at all as a tourist destination in most major Tour/ Travel Agencies here in the U.S.

We have a lot to offer: Cebu, Boracay, Camarines Sur, Palawan, Davao, Surigao etc..
but we need to promote and advertise these more aggresively.

:horse:

neither here in australia...even some of the aussies dont know the cities and tourist spots of the philippines...

most of the travel agents here always promote thailand, indonesia, malaysia, india, vietnam and cambodia as tourist destinations in asia...
it was really a shock for me cos philippines is composed of more than 7,000 islands but then none of these islands is well known sa mga potential aussie tourists (majority of them)...
the DOT should work hard...

Juan Pilgrim

September 10th, 2009, 06:00 PM

FlashCollider

September 10th, 2009, 10:00 PM

^^... sad since Australia and NZ are not too far away from our islands.

:horse:

But it is far, well at least in NZ. A total of 11 hours of flight to Manila excluding the layover of an average of 4 hours. (Auckland-Sydney-Manila). If you use other transit point i.e HK that will be almost 14-15 hours of flight plus the layover time. I hate flying back home but that's the only thing I hate, I love going back to Las Filipinas.

Juan Pilgrim

September 10th, 2009, 10:28 PM

I will trade with you my 24 hour flight from NYC to MNL if you want.

Unlike you I do not mind flying.
For me my holiday starts the moment I leave my house.
I psych myself to the entertainment and the adventure ahead.:cheers2:

:horse:

FlashCollider

September 10th, 2009, 10:44 PM

^^

Hehehehe, that's a good point, why am I even complaining hahaha. I will be in NY next year for a holiday, hopefully I will finish my uni by then and I have enough leave credits from work, then fly to Mexico to see their own Pyramids.

I wish they will invent soon teleportation. hehehehe

RonnieR

September 11th, 2009, 04:52 AM

Marriott International Announces 21 New Hotels for it’s Asia Pacific Region
WEBWIRE – Thursday, September 10, 2009

• Projects slated in China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines & Cambodia.

Bethesda, MD.- Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) today announced the signing of 21 management contracts for hotels and resorts in its Asia-Pacific Region.

The 21 hotels are scheduled to open through the end of 2013, represent four of the company’s lodging brands and will add nearly 7,000 rooms to Marriott’s previously-announced Asia-Pacific pipeline of 37 hotels and 9,400 rooms now under construction. They are part of the company’s global development pipeline of 110,000 rooms.

When opened, the 58 hotels now under development will add over 16,000 rooms to Marriott’s Asia-Pacific portfolio. This growth will bring the company’s presence in the region to 154 hotels offering 51,500 rooms in 18 countries by the end of 2013, ranking it among the largest international hotel operators in China, India and Thailand with 70, 31 and 26 properties respectively in each country.

In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. portfolio in the region currently consists of 16 hotels and resorts offering approximately 5,000 rooms with nine properties and 1,500 rooms under development. Included are Ritz-Carlton hotels opening in Shanghai-Pudong and Hong Kong-Kowloon next year.

Hotels covered in today’s announcement are:
• Two luxurious JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts-branded properties in Dalian and Sanya, China. They will join nine previously announced JW Marriott hotels under construction, including the recently announced 450-room JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi and the 106-villa JW Marriott Maldives Gaaskoshibee Resort & Spa which opens in fourth quarter of 2010.
• Ten full service, upscale Marriott Hotels & Resorts-branded properties that will be located in China, the Philippines and Thailand and include the 712-room Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Center and the 256-room Manila Airport Marriott opening later this year.
• Two full-service, upscale Renaissance Hotels & Resorts-branded properties in China.
• Seven upper-moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott hotels. These will be located in Cambodia, China and India and include the 254-room Courtyard by Marriott Bangalore and Marriott International’s first hotel in Cambodia.

“We are excited by these spectacular, architecturally interesting additions to our already dynamic Asia-Pacific pipeline especially since this growth is occurring in the context of the difficult global economy and tight credit markets,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging. “Clearly, these new hotels are testament to the recognized power of our brands to deliver results even under challenging conditions and to the success our existing hotels are enjoying in the region.”

Mr. Fuller said that each of Marriott International’s hotels in Asia-Pacific ranks at or near the top of its competitive set in customer preference, guest satisfaction and operating results.

“When developers consider a hotel management company for their asset, they know Marriott will deliver,” he said. “We are confident the portfolio of lodging choices we are developing with our local investors and partners here in Asia will be recognized and appreciated for their cosmopolitan amenities, sophistication, state-of-the-art connectivity, inspiring authenticity and good value—whether at the luxury, upscale or upper-moderate tiers of the travel continuum. We are deeply gratified by the acceptance our various hotel brands are enjoying among Asian travelers and those traveling to Asia-Pacific from afar.”

Mr. Fuller concluded, “We’ve made considerable progress since opening our first hotel in Asia-Pacific just 20 years ago here with the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.”
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=103393

amigo32

September 11th, 2009, 10:24 AM

ang laki nyan at ang ganda, malapit pa sa airport:D (airport hotel nga eh)

Manila-X

September 11th, 2009, 10:49 AM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

September 11th, 2009, 12:24 PM

^^
right! pwede sa CNN, BBC, etc. basta international...thailand is one that doesn't run out of advertisements esp. in these media outfits. :okay:

Manila-X

September 11th, 2009, 12:25 PM

^^
right! pwede sa CNN, BBC, etc. basta international...thailand is one that doesn't run out of advertisements esp. in these media outfits. :okay:

Again, if Cambodia can advertise on BBC and CNN so can The Philippines!

shyaman

September 11th, 2009, 12:41 PM

Espma

September 11th, 2009, 02:52 PM

^^that resort is bloody gorgeous!!! It's not fully operational yet, it does remind you Santorini sans the rocky shore...hehehe

kenken94

September 11th, 2009, 03:47 PM

^^
That is........................................ Awesome!

TeslaCoil

September 11th, 2009, 05:06 PM

Never knew this exists...

Bellaroca Island Resort & Spa, Marinduque (http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com)

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/BellarocaIslandResortandSpa.jpg

I happen to know its existence upon browsing a 2009/10 travel catalogue/magazine of Asian resorts at a book shop earlier today.

It looks like a massive development they have there without so much exposure/promotion.

This resort is very expensive. It really caters to high-end customers. If you have been to Amanpulo, they have almost the same range or prices.

davaob4now

September 11th, 2009, 07:58 PM

Never knew this exists...

Bellaroca Island Resort & Spa, Marinduque (www.bellaroccaresorts.com)

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/BellarocaIslandResortandSpa.jpg

I happen to know its existence upon browsing a 2009/10 travel catalogue/magazine of Asian resorts at a book shop earlier today.

It looks like a massive development they have there without so much exposure/promotion.

sa dami dami ng resorts world class resorts sa pinas, dapat ma advertise ang mga ito internationally...
yes, india, malaysia, cambodia, vietnam, south korea, thailand may mga advertisements..kahit nga sa mga local tv channels dito sa australia nag aadvertise sila...DOT should work hard to convince/invite tourists to visit the phils..and explore the country's wealth of wonders...:D

davaob4now

September 11th, 2009, 08:05 PM

^^... sad since Australia and NZ are not too far away from our islands.

We need to promote the Philippines aggressively as a holiday and tourist destination,
it may cost alot of money but it will be worth it in the long run.
(Advertisements, websites, 800 numbers to call, roadshows etc...)

Another good strategy is to effectively package tours, since we have
so many places to go to, things to do, festivals to experience etc...

let's make it easy for would be visitors to get information about our country,
what we can offer, where to go, and how to get there.

:horse:

you got it right...i always ask my self everytime i pass by these travel agents and every time i watch one of australia's travel/holiday tv program why not feature the philippines, they can go to boracay, chocolate hills, palawan and witness the festivals happening everywhere in the country all year round...they have already explored all of the south east asia, but the philippines...they featured vietnam, cambodia even laos...

**other news:
More tourists to enjoy visa free stay in RP

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Tourists from China now have more reasons to enjoy the Philippines. Adding to basking in the Philippines’ tropical climate, rich culture, colorful history, enchanting traditions and natural wonders, Chinese travelers may now enter the Philippines visa-free. The new policy is applicable to Chinese Nationals with valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, or Schengen visa.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano announced this after the recent issuance by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Memorandum Circular No. MCL-09-006, which states that Chinese nationals who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are now allowed to enter the country without visas and grant an authorized seven-day stay.

“The department recognizes the strong contribution this development does to the continuing programs and marketing activities the country has been actively doing to spur economic growth through tourism,” said Durano.

Durano added, “Cooperation across various sectors in government as well as the support of the private tourism institutions will ensure our collective success in weathering the pressing global economic challenges,” explaining further that “the new policy blends well with the concurrent stimulus packages being launched for different market segments.”

The memorandum as was issued upon the recommendation of the Department of Tourism (DOT), to continue to strengthen the tourism development, consistent with Section 9 (a) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. said, “This welcome change will certainly help the Philippines attract more Chinese tourists to the country who are known to make holiday plans favoring countries with visa-free arrangements.”

Jarque also mentioned that on November this year, the Philippines will host to the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Congress (WCEC), expecting to draw 3,000 Chinese business leaders.

“The DOT is working together with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in this significant event for the Chinese entrepreneurs. Indeed the latest no-visa policy complements this upcoming event,” Jarque added.

“We continue to strengthen our established linkages with Chinese tourism establishments, businesses, and media, through a balance of specialized campaigns and a constant updating of the market”, noted Head for DOT Team China Arlene Alipio.

----------------------------------:)

kenken94

September 12th, 2009, 09:59 AM

Good news sa mga byahero.........
<--------------------------------------------------------------------->
PAL to get new Boeing aircraft
Kristine Jane R. Liu
BusinessWorld
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW091209/content.php?id=041

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) will receive two new Boeing aircraft in November and January under lease deals, executives said Friday, but will postpone the purchase of four more aircraft.

The new aircraft are expected to extend the reach of the Lucio C. Tan-led airline while at the same time cut costs.

The delivery of four planes, meanwhile, has been postponed to 2012 and 2013, officials said, noting that the downgrade of the local aviation sector by the United States two years ago for failing to adhere to international safety standards has yet to be lifted.

Scheduled to be delivered this November would be PAL’s first Boeing 777-300 ER, said to be the most technologically advanced aircraft. A Boeing 777-300 ER can carry 365 passengers to a distance comparable to flying to Los Angeles and back to Manila non-stop without refueling. The second Boeing 777-300ER will be delivered in January.

Richard Miller, PAL’s chief commercial group adviser, said the company has yet to determine the destinations to be serviced by the new plane arriving in November, but said it might go to countries where PAL has existing operations, such as Japan, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong.

"We are currently monitoring the market. These initial aircraft were originally planned to operate in the US [but right now] we are looking at countries where we have existing operations," Mr. Miller told reporters.

The airline had agreed to buy four planes for almost $1 billion under financing from US Export-Import Bank. PAL officials pointed out that the downgrade of the airline industry in 2007 has restricted the addition of more flights.

"We are fortunate that the Philippines is doing [well]; the Asian market tends to hold up pretty well and we are optimistic on our outlook for the [industry]," Mr. Miller said.

"The market is changing quickly and fuel prices tend to tether ... The Boeing 777-300ER is the most sufficient airplane against fuel price volatility [and] is also quite suited for long-distance routes," he said.

Mr. Miller said PAL has been working with the Tourism department to attract more foreign tourists in the country, noting that international travel has been hit badly by the global economic crisis.

"That is the way to overcome the downturn. [We] want to increase our market share ... and we will come up with more budget flights," Mr. Miller said.

Randy J. Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president for marketing, said the strong ties between the Tourism department and the travel industry would fuel the growth of the airline industry.

Mr. Tinseth said travel demand should start stabilizing by 2012. "The Asia Pacific region will also rank as the world’s largest aviation market over the next 20 years, requiring 8,960 new commercial jets valued at $1.1 trillion," he said. "Twenty years from now, more than 40% of the world’s airline traffic will also begin, end or take place within the region."

Boeing expects the Asia Pacific region, which now accounts for more than 8,300 flights and 1.2 million travelers daily, to be the largest air travel market in the world in less than a decade.

Asia Pacific’s travel industry is likewise expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.5% over the next two decades.

"This is clearly a difficult time in the aviation market but we do expect the growing Asia markets to lead the industry to recovery," Mr. Tinseth said, pointing out that strong economic growth in China, India and other emerging Asian nations would contribute to high demand for single-aisle airplanes.

<--------------------------------------------------------------------->

Manila-X

September 13th, 2009, 07:32 AM

you got it right...i always ask my self everytime i pass by these travel agents and every time i watch one of australia's travel/holiday tv program why not feature the philippines, they can go to boracay, chocolate hills, palawan and witness the festivals happening everywhere in the country all year round...they have already explored all of the south east asia, but the philippines...they featured vietnam, cambodia even laos...

In fairness, the country has a fair share number of Australian tourists.

ruralvillage

September 13th, 2009, 07:57 PM

Tawi-Tawi braces for influx of tourists, investors (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=504952&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Edith R. Regalado (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=504952&publicationSubCategoryId=66)) Updated September 14, 2009 12:00 AM

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines — Tawi-Tawi is now bracing for the expected influx of investors as well as tourists with the completion of Sanga-Sanga airport runway extension project seen to spur growth in this southernmost province of the country.

“The new airport would really open Tawi-Tawi to the world, to more opportunities and would bring more development to our place,” Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali said.

Sahali said the improved airport runway would mean the influx of investors and tourists to Tawi-Tawi, considered to have the richest marine life resources in the world.

“Tawi-Tawi would really now be the country’s gateway to Southeast Asia,” Sahali added.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney led the recent turn-over rites of the major Sanga-Sanga airport improvement project that involved extending the existing runway from 1,611 meters to 1,930 meters, and widened to 30 meters.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) put up P100 million of the P192.2-million airport runway extension project while government came up with the remaining P92.2 million as its counterpart fund.

With the extended runway, the Sanga-Sanga airport can accommodate, starting next month bigger planes such as A320 and B737 aircraft.

Sahali said both Philippine Airlines Express and Cebu Pacific have already signified intention to ply the Tawi-Tawi route upon completion of the airport runway improvement project. At present, Tawi-Tawi is served by a daily flight from Zamboanga City on a SEAIR 19-seater aircraft.

Officials of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Sanga-Sanga airport runway improvement is expected to improve air linkages not only with the rest of the country but also with the neighboring areas of East Malaysia, East Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

“These improvements will ensure safer airport operations and higher-capacity air linkages as well as open up more trade, tourism and investment opportunities in the region,” said Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana Sr., chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo), which oversees the implementation of the GEM Program.

“There is great potential in eco-tourism here, especially if air links to neighboring countries are established,” said Abdelnooh Hajirul, president of the Tawi-Tawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Aside from the airport runway extension project, the USAID-GEM project also funded a bridge-road project that directly links for the first time Sanga-Sanga Island —where the airport is located to mainland in Tawi-Tawi island where the capital town of Bongao is located.

marlowe_cano

September 13th, 2009, 08:25 PM

^^
can't wait for its boom soon!:applause:

pau_p1

September 14th, 2009, 05:26 AM

wow that is good for Tawi Tawi.. I just hope that the nearby island of Basilan won't spoil the opportunities for the island.

RonnieR

September 14th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Sleepwalker

September 14th, 2009, 06:09 AM

^^that resort is bloody gorgeous!!! It's not fully operational yet, it does remind you Santorini sans the rocky shore...hehehe

And once this will become operational, this will add another big time attraction where rich tourists can burn their moneys.

Whew! Philippines is really catching up now, maybe not very very fast, but somewhat noticeable... :banana:

I hope i can get already an e-Passport... :)

RonnieR

September 14th, 2009, 07:33 AM

Hike in tourist arrivals noted

Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 08:46:00 09/12/2009 Filed Under: Tourism, Immigration, Statistics

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the global crisis, the number of foreigners who arrived in the country increased by four percent in August compared to the same month last year, according to statistics released by the Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Immigration.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the aggressive marketing approach taken by Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano in marketing the Philippines as world-class tourist destination and the innovative scheme being implemented by the bureau contributed to the increase in foreigner arrivals.

Statistics showed that some 1.32 million foreigners arrived last month, up by 18,141 over the August 2008 arrivals.

From January to August, 3.95 million foreigners arrived, compared to the 3.943 million for the same period last year, according to a press statement of the Bureau of Immigration.

Americans topped the list of arrivals during the eight-month period with 460,514, followed by Koreans with 364, 304.

Also in the top 10 list were Japanese, 220,833; Chinese, 146,361; Australians, 84,967; British, 81,699; Canadians, 75,883; Taiwanese, 57,281; Malaysians, 45,555 and Singaporeans with 41,521.

Libanan lauded Durano for his innovative approach in providing a comprehensive planning framework for the development of tourism, particularly in turning various venues in the provinces into prime tourist destinations.

He said the bureau has continuously wooed foreign visitors through programs like the visa issuance made simple (VIMS), pre-arranged visa upon arrival and the special visa for employment generation (SVEG).

The programs, he said, have made it easier for foreigners to stay in the country and even do business or work here.

“With the success of our team-up with the DOT, we are hopeful that more foreigners will visit the country in the remaining months of 2009,” Libanan added.

Manila-X

September 14th, 2009, 07:51 AM

Hike in tourist arrivals noted

Americans topped the list of arrivals during the eight-month period with 460,514, followed by Koreans with 364, 304.

Also in the top 10 list were Japanese, 220,833; Chinese, 146,361; Australians, 84,967; British, 81,699; Canadians, 75,883; Taiwanese, 57,281; Malaysians, 45,555 and Singaporeans with 41,521.

Does the American statistic include Fil-Ams?

Rall

September 14th, 2009, 09:28 AM

Does the American statistic include Fil-Ams?

I believe so... they're counted as americans if they come with the blue passport.

Manila-X

September 14th, 2009, 09:45 AM

I believe so... they're counted as americans if they come with the blue passport.

Because I didn't see much Americans when I was there. Alot of Fil-Ams though visit the country but honestly, they shouldn't be counted.

Espma

September 14th, 2009, 10:33 AM

^^how would you suggest they do that? Purely counting just the "white americans"? Does that mean you'll categorize the African Americans as "Africans", Hispanic Americans as "South Americans" and other Asian Americans as "Chinese, Japanese, etc"? USA is a huge multicultural country and those Fil-Ams (citizens born or not in the US) are as much of an "American" as the rest of them. Besides I will bet you that a big chunk of the "Australians" who visit the Philippines are of Filipino descent too.

Narnian_King

September 14th, 2009, 12:32 PM

http://weekendhaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/bellaroca4.jpg
http://weekendhaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/bellaroca-rate.jpg

More info: http://weekendhaven.com/2009/04/dream-haven-bellaroca-island-resort-and-spa/

Juan Pilgrim

September 14th, 2009, 03:41 PM

Again, if Cambodia can advertise on BBC and CNN so can The Philippines!

This is true, the Philippines is spending very little to promote the country.
While Thailand for example spends 6 times more than the Philippines to inform
and promote their country to other nations.

So If we can focus on even ONE Philippine tourist destination and saturate
the media with advertisement with infomercial about it I bet you the foreign
tourist will start to take notice and arrive in multitudes.

In fairness, the country has a fair share number of Australian tourists.

If we promote even more, then even more OZs will come. IMHO.

:horse:
______________________
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Visayas, Mindanao at Luzon!

shyaman

September 15th, 2009, 02:44 AM

I was at the Philippine Consulate sometime last year and was able to talk to one of the staff. I asked her why I didn't see as much travel brochures/catalogues of the Philippines at travel agencies, and no print or TV ads either.
Her response: the government did not allocate enough budget for promotional materials and TV/magazine spots.

And then when I was at a popular travel agency one time, I asked if they have a Philippine brochure because I can't find anything in the display racks. She said they get several copies lately and tried to search for it. It was on display alright but it was at the far end of the rack. Worse, it's just a three-fold brochure which when fully extended equates to a single sheet A4 size paper. No wonder I din't notice it. And the pictures in the brochure are not really enticing. They're seem old and the print is not of good quanlity. You'll really feel sorry for it especially if you see magazine type brochures of other Southeast Asian countries from a number of different publications displayed at the racks. Even Papua New Guinea and Cambodia have decent travel catalogues. If they can afford it, why can't the Philippines?

The only time I see print ads of the Philippine tourism in travel magazines here is when they feature a Philippine destination (which is a rarity as well). If no Philippine featurette, no Philippine ad.

Manila-X

September 15th, 2009, 03:00 AM

Again if you advertise, they will come. The Philippines has alot of beautiful attractions and not exposing it to the world is a complete waste.

Manila-X

September 15th, 2009, 03:05 AM

There's a new campaign in promoting The Philippines is a hip way, its called Awesome Philippines. The only thing is they should use foreigners (non-filipinos) for the ad to attract foreign tourists.

2ph3UtEsg_8

This is how Malaysia does it and how its attracts alot of foreign tourists
y-HahCHPX6w

Manila-X

September 15th, 2009, 03:13 AM

This is a more effective ad in promoting The Philippines to international tourists. The fact it used foreigners instead of balikbayans

pU1I1Yt-ink

Fraulein

September 15th, 2009, 09:24 AM

in_a_rush

September 15th, 2009, 12:42 PM

I believe so... they're counted as americans if they come with the blue passport.

hindi naman ata base sa kulay ng passport ang bilangan. kapag papasok ka ng pilipinas may finifill up na form at ilalagay m dun kung tourist ka or resident. i think even fil-ams with blue passports indicate that they are returning residents not as tourist. except na lang kung tingin nila ay tourist sila sa sarili nilang bansa.

davaob4now

September 15th, 2009, 01:20 PM

This is a more effective ad in promoting The Philippines to international tourists. The fact it used foreigners instead of balikbayans

pU1I1Yt-ink

saan to naipalabas at kailan?
i will be glad if makikita koto sa CNN or other international channels..

davaob4now

September 15th, 2009, 01:26 PM

hindi naman ata base sa kulay ng passport ang bilangan. kapag papasok ka ng pilipinas may finifill up na form at ilalagay m dun kung tourist ka or resident. i think even fil-ams with blue passports indicate that they are returning residents not as tourist. except na lang kung tingin nila ay tourist sila sa sarili nilang bansa.

i think what they are trying to say, if filipino ka then na citizen kana sa isang foreign country, your passport will be different hindi kana gagamit ng philippine passport...and your nationality will be changed too...yung form na sinasabi mo, yun yung form na kung saan you will put all your details including your citizenship and your purpose of your visit..and one of the choices is "holiday"...siyempre if citizen kana sa isang foreign ibig sabihin, yun na ang home mo kahit dugong pinoy ka pa rin...so considered tourist ka! kasi dika na filipino citizen eh, considered foreigner kana...unless, may dual citizenship ka ibang story naman yun..:)

filcan

September 16th, 2009, 01:52 AM

There's a new campaign in promoting The Philippines is a hip way, its called Awesome Philippines. The only thing is they should use foreigners (non-filipinos) for the ad to attract foreign tourists.

2ph3UtEsg_8

^^I've seen those ads here in Canada on MTV :banana:

Manila-X

September 16th, 2009, 05:40 AM

saan to naipalabas at kailan?
i will be glad if makikita koto sa CNN or other international channels..

I saw the ad once at one of those 360 view LCD screens at Robinsons Ermita. It would be cool to see them in BBC or CNN

Manila-X

September 16th, 2009, 05:41 AM

^^I've seen those ads here in Canada on MTV :banana:

Its a hip ad aimed at young tourists and to some extent, backpackers. But again, it would have been more effective if there are non-filipinos involved.

Manila-X

September 16th, 2009, 05:43 AM

davaob4now

September 16th, 2009, 11:18 AM

I'm half Filipino carrying a BNO passport. That does mean I'm counted as British?

if your passport isnt a philippine passport, thats means youre not a filipino citizen...you are considered as a tourist..:)

myself is a permanent resident of australia, thus im not yet carrying an australian passport, unless i will become a citizen...so even if i go to the philippines they will still consider me as a "local" one....

I saw the ad once at one of those 360 view LCD screens at Robinsons Ermita. It would be cool to see them in BBC or CNN

ah ok...hope the ad will be aired abroad....

marlowe_cano

September 16th, 2009, 11:35 AM

wow that is good for Tawi Tawi.. I just hope that the nearby island of Basilan won't spoil the opportunities for the island.

I fervently hope and pray for it, too!

shyaman

September 16th, 2009, 11:39 AM

I think what you declare as your nationality in that form you fill up (whatever you call that :D) and submitted to the airport immigration counter, is how they classify tourists. If such is the case, if you are foreign passport holder even if you are a full-blooded Pinoy, then you are considered as a foreign tourist.

In my opinion, due to a huge number of overseas Filipinos carrying non-Philippine passports, the tourist arrival figure is somehow jacked up by this huge number of Pinoys. But still, tourists are tourists, no matter where they originally came from. We should be happy that Filipinos, despite revoking their Filipino citizenship status, are still keen on becoming tourists in their native land. And mind you, most of them spend more while in the Philippines compared to other tourists of non-Filipino descent. Madami kayang kamag-anak na nakabuntot lagi :D.

in_a_rush

September 16th, 2009, 12:25 PM

i think what they are trying to say, if filipino ka then na citizen kana sa isang foreign country, your passport will be different hindi kana gagamit ng philippine passport...and your nationality will be changed too...yung form na sinasabi mo, yun yung form na kung saan you will put all your details including your citizenship and your purpose of your visit..and one of the choices is "holiday"...siyempre if citizen kana sa isang foreign ibig sabihin, yun na ang home mo kahit dugong pinoy ka pa rin...so considered tourist ka! kasi dika na filipino citizen eh, considered foreigner kana...unless, may dual citizenship ka ibang story naman yun..:)

everyone knows that.

depende din siguro sa ilalagay mo sa form. kahit american citizen na ko.. i always indicate in that form na i am a returning resident. bakit naman ako mgpapaka-tourist sa sarili kong bansa.. i think their basis in counting the tourists is based on your purpose of visit. kung holiday/pleasure chineck mo your counted as tourist. regardless on what your citizenship is. they are aware naman kasi na madaming pinoy na holder ng ibang passport. i like to believe na hindi sila counted. i might be wrong though.

dinabaw

September 16th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Davao featured in Mabuhay Magazine

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1282/mabuhaycoversep09byrhon.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7113/89079729.png (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/89079729.png/)

dinabaw

September 16th, 2009, 02:34 PM

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9799/davaosept2009page34.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2541/davaosept2009page5.jpg

Rall

September 16th, 2009, 02:49 PM

Narnian_King

September 16th, 2009, 03:05 PM

^Baka counted din ang libo-libong US Army na pumupunta sa ating bansa.

in_a_rush

September 17th, 2009, 10:38 AM

coming to the Philippines.. when you fill up the immigration documents... citizenship is ask w/ the passport number... I do believe when a pinoy gets citizenship ng ibang bansa... they would refer not to put Pinoy... pinaghirapan nilang maging "foreigner"... and these datas are what the DOT gets...

my 2 sentimos...

the Bureau of Immigration release data about the number of Foreign citizens entering the country. di hamak na mas malaki yung bilang nun compared sa data ng DOT. around 5 million ata. so it means, hindi lahat ng foreign citizen or those who hold a foreign passport is counted as tourist.

i was trying to look for that article pero hindi ko mahanap. anyway here is an article to support my claim.. although nung 2007 pa siya.
it shows na iba yung bilang ng mga "tourists" sa filipino balikbayans who acquired other citizenship.

so i think ang basis talaga ng bilang ng mga tourist ay yung papel na finifill-up natin sa airport. yung purpose of travel.

Tourist arrivals hit 4 million in 9 months
10/25/07
Posted under Tourism, Tourism & Leisure

By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–A total 4,024,067 foreign visitors, mostly tourists, visited the Philippines during the first nine months of year, six percent more than the 3,781,713 visitors who came to the country during the same period last year, the Bureau of Immigration said Wednesday.

“The influx of tourists could be partly attributed to the bureau’s recent reforms such as the lifting of restrictions on the length of stay of foreign visitors in the country,” Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said in a statement.

Libanan explained that unlike before when foreign tourists and businessmen were allowed a maximum stay of one year in the country, they can now extend their stay up to two years and even longer “if the bureau finds that their reasons for doing so are meritorious.”

BI statistics showed that Americans, numbering 466,086, topped the list of foreigners who arrived during the nine-month period up to the end of September. They were followed by Koreans, 330,154; Japanese, 261,823; and Chinese, 136,223.

Also included in the list were Britons, Taiwanese, Australians, Canadians, Singaporeans, and Germans, Libanan said.

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

He added that the continued influx of foreigners should dispel doubts about the government’s ability to attract foreign visitors and investors.

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

Records also showed that more than 1.13 million of the foreigners who arrived were tourists while 431,236 were “balikbayans” or Filipino immigrants who acquired foreign citizenship.

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

Rall

September 17th, 2009, 10:41 AM

^^^^

the Bureau of Immigration release data about the number of Foreign citizens entering the country. di hamak na mas malaki yung bilang nun compared sa data ng DOT. around 5 million ata. so it means, hindi lahat ng foreign citizen or those who hold a foreign passport is counted as tourist.

i was trying to look for that article pero hindi ko mahanap. anyway here is an article to support my claim.. although nung 2007 pa siya.
it shows na iba yung bilang ng mga "tourists" sa filipino balikbayans who acquired other citizenship.

so i think ang basis talaga ng bilang ng mga tourist ay yung papel na finifill-up natin sa airport. yung purpose of travel.

you have a point there:)

in_a_rush

September 17th, 2009, 10:49 AM

^Baka counted din ang libo-libong US Army na pumupunta sa ating bansa.

in relation to my post above. i dont think they are counted. kasi hindi naman holiday/pleasure ang purpose of travel nila e. which i think is the basis of DOT. i also read an article here in SSC na other countries like thailand, malaysia count every foreigners entering their country (even if their purpose is business or to work) as tourist. kaya mataas yung data nila. which is hindi ginagawa ng Pilipinas.

anyway, this is a good news for us kasi alam natin na yung 3.14 million na bilang na yun ay mga turista talaga. :banana::banana::banana:

shyaman

September 17th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Tourist arrivals hit 4 million in 9 months
10/25/07
Posted under Tourism, Tourism & Leisure

By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–A total 4,024,067 foreign visitors, mostly tourists, visited the Philippines during the first nine months of year...

BI statistics showed that Americans, numbering 466,086, topped the list of foreigners who arrived during the nine-month period up to the end of September. They were followed by Koreans, 330,154; Japanese, 261,823; and Chinese, 136,223.

....

Records also showed that more than 1.13 million of the foreigners who arrived were tourists while 431,236 were “balikbayans” or Filipino immigrants who acquired foreign citizenship.

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

Let's do the math :D

Total foreign visitors arrival: 4,024,067

Top 4 foreigners: Americans, Koreans, Japanese, Chinese: 1,194,286 (slightly off with the 1.13M stated in subsequent paragraph)

Balikbayans (Filipinos who acquired foreign citizenship): 431,236

THE REST: 2,398,545 - Who are these foreign visitors? If this figure comprises foreigners other than the Top 4, it equates to around 48,000 people from 50 different countries which is very unlikely.

Is there something wrong with the reported numbers?

Juan Pilgrim

September 17th, 2009, 02:13 PM

^^Yeah! I think the author didn't expect anyone (like you Bong) will actually DO THE MATH! :lol:

Anyway, it still is a positive news! :applause:

:horse:

shyaman

September 17th, 2009, 03:03 PM

^^ On second reading I actually found an answer on the last paragraph of the report JP.

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

^^ That's what comprises the remaining 2,398,545 - NON-TOURISTS.

If we equally divide the 2.4M with these 8 foreign visitor classifications, it's 300,000 arrivals each!

Now these classification adds more to the confusion...

Immigrant visa holders - If these are foreigners who acquired Filipino citizenship, their number will not be that huge. And why are they counted as foreign visitors if they were already Filipino citizens? Alternatively, if these are returning Filipinos who acquired immigrant visas in (or are citizens of) other countries, wouldn't they be considered balikbayans?

Permanent residents - If these are foreigners who acquired Philippine PR status, their number will not be huge enough in my opinion. Alternatively, if these are Filipinos who are PR visa holders in other countries, then they still have Philippine passports and are not foreign visitors.

Expats, investors, retirees, students & those married to Filipinos - Yes, they are indeed foreign visitors. But could their number reach at least 1.5M in 9 months? Maybe.

Returning residents - How does this differ from balikbayans (Filipinos of foreign citizenship) and Filipinos who are permanent residents in other countries? :?

Anyway, it's still nice to read that the figure is rising despite the confusion. I remember a time in the 80s when the Philippines is targeting foreign visitors' arrival to reach the 1 million mark. Now look how big it is now.

Sky Harbor

September 17th, 2009, 03:24 PM

Returning residents - How does this differ from balikbayans (Filipinos of foreign citizenship) and Filipinos who are permanent residents in other countries? :?

A balikbayan is legally defined as a Filipino citizen (or former Filipino citizen, including those who reacquired Filipino citizenship through RA 9225) who resides abroad for over one year and returns to visit the Philippines (or rather, someone who returns for any reason other than residing in the Philippines through any means) for a duration of less than one year. The term excludes OFWs. However, some definitions of the term (like the definition the PTA uses to determine eligibility to pay travel tax) only refer to former Filipino citizens.

In that sense, returning residents are, typically enough, Filipinos who live in the Philippines. :lol:

shyaman

September 17th, 2009, 10:55 PM

^^ Granting that's the right definition of returning residents, then they're definitely not foreign visitors, thus should not be included in the count. :D

amigo32

September 18th, 2009, 03:23 AM

Pero, turista pa rin sila, gastos dito gastos doon ng dolyar:D That's what matters most:D

manila_eye

September 18th, 2009, 05:13 PM

eto good news...

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=8396

bitoy

September 18th, 2009, 06:44 PM

^^ Granting that's the right definition of returning residents, then they're definitely not foreign visitors, thus should not be included in the count. :D

Baka tourists arrivals and departures.... :lol:

doble ang gamit nila sa airport kasi... :nuts:

bledzoe

September 19th, 2009, 03:05 AM

Tourism industry takes centerstage (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090918-225862/Tourism-industry-takes-centerstage)

By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:49:00 09/18/2009

EXPANDING the country’s tourism infrastructure, harnessing opportunities that a strong recreation and retirement industry could bring are topics that take center stage in the upcoming national convention of Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (Creba).

Slated from October 8 to 10, the national convention is considered the biggest gathering of stakeholders in the real estate industry, according to Creba national president Dr. Jaime Cura.

“With our theme for this year, ‘Pinoy Economic Stimuli Amid Global Recession: Mass Housing and World-Class Tourism,’ we wanted this year’s convention to harness the great opportunities in tourism, recreation and retirement, which incidentally, are priority programs of President Macapagal-Arroyo to overcome the effects of the global financial crisis,” Cura explained.

He also announced that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro, who also chairs the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council leads the list of speakers attending the national convention,” said Domingo De Vera, overall convention chair.

Unprecedented initiative

De Vera added that Creba has always been pushing unprecedented initiatives to support government goals so the President and Vice President will be joined by other government officials in the housing and finance sectors as well as private sector leaders and businessmen, and local government sector representatives.

“They will all be there at the Cagayan de Oro City in the province of Misamis Oriental, joining Creba’s delegates from 50 chapters,” De Vera said.

Convention activities will all be held at the Grand Caprice Convention Hall of the Limketkai Center.

Updated

Cura said that during the convention, Creba members as well as industry colleagues would be updated on business trends and concerns as well as expand business and professional linkages.

“We will also discuss the opportunities that await our members with regard to the signing of Republic Act 9593 or The National Tourism Act of 2009, which declares a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthens the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies,” Cura said.

He said the newly signed law would greatly benefit the country considering that the Philippines only have around 3 to 4 million visitors a year, which is too low compared to other Southeast Asian countries that register double digit. In fact, the tiny island nation of Singapore has 9 to 9.5 million visitor arrivals a year.

In this regard, Cura said “Emerging Developments in Philippine Real Estate: Impact on Housing and Tourism; The Tourism Act of 2009: Ensuring Global Competitiveness for Philippine Tourism; and The Philippines: A Second Home for Global Retirees; and Integrated Resorts (Tourism Ecozones) for World-Class Tourism are among the topics in the plenary session.

“Aside from these topics, the convention will also tackle forging policy recommendations and working relationships among government and private sectors for effective economic stimuli through mass housing projects and tourism development projects,” he said.

bledzoe

September 19th, 2009, 03:08 AM

Cebu a favorite destination of Koreans (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20090918-225822/Cebu-a-favorite-destination-of-Koreans)

Cebu Daily News First Posted 13:31:00 09/18/2009 Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure, Tourism

A STEADY flow of Korean tourists coming to Cebu has prompted a Korean company to invest at least P4.5 billion in a resort here that will employ at least 860 Cebuanos.

At least 200,000 Korean couples come to Cebu each year for their honeymoon or vacation, according to Imperial Palace general manager Ritchie Y. Kang.

Koreans comprise at least 50 percent of tourists in Cebu, he said.

“Cebu has become a very popular tourist destinations among Koreans because of the very popular resorts located here like Shangri-La (Mactan Island Resort and Spa) and Plantation Bay (Resort and Spa),” Kang said.

Kang said the planned resort would be marketed to Koreans. “Our target market are Koreans because we know that they like to come to Cebu,” he said.

Jong Hwan Park, president of Phil. BXT Corporation (the holding company of Imperial Palace), said that aside from the sizable Korean market, they also decided to invest in Cebu because of its great infrastructure.

“Cebu has many direct flights from and to Asian countries and even Russia, and it will only take four hours' flight from Korea to Cebu.”

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa is the group's first investment in the Philippines. He added that they also have a business hotel in Korea and Japan.

“We expect more Koreans to come here because Cebu has become a very popular place and the preference of most Koreans because they can speak [a] little English which Cebuanos are very good at [and] so they can communicate better with Filipinos than other Asian people like Japanese or Chinese.”

bledzoe

September 19th, 2009, 03:13 AM

Travel sector on way up, group says (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090918-225889/Travel-sector-on-way-up-group-says)

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:33:00 09/18/2009

Filed Under: Tourism

LOCAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY stakeholders believe the industry has started to break free from the grip of the economic downturn, as overseas travel picks up and local tourism remains strong.

“We are slowly seeing signs the financial crisis is already easing. International travel is again starting to pick up. Domestic travel is now at an all-time high,” former Philippine Travel Agencies Association president Jose Clemente II said in a statement.

He said that to further boost the momentum of the travel sector, the PTAA had renewed its partnership with the Department of Tourism for the staging of the 17th Travel Tour Expo in February 2010.

“We believe the next Travel Tour Expo can come in and provide the needed boost to all the players in the Philippine travel and tourism industry,” he said.

Clemente, also the chair of this year’s Travel Tour Expo, said expectations for this year’s event were quite high, despite the global recession.

He related that the upcoming expo was already 70-percent full in terms of exhibitors, and would likely be expanded to occupy four halls of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, instead of the planned three.

On the part of the DOT, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the Travel Tour Expo was “an effective vehicle to promote the country and its destinations.”

“The Travel Tour Expo is already an institutional event in the country which we will continue to support. There is a need to further develop both the inbound and outbound travel market in the country. To this end, we find the PTAA as an indispensable partner of the government,” he said.

Exhibitors in the 17th Travel Tour Expo will include travel agencies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel shops, international airlines and cruise operators.

It will provide the public a venue to avail themselves of huge discounts on a wide range of products, services, and travel packages.

bledzoe

September 19th, 2009, 03:15 AM

Theme park rising in Tagum (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090918-225810/Theme-park-rising-in-Tagum)

By Frinston Lim
Inquirer Mindanao
First Posted 11:43:00 09/18/2009

Filed Under: Local authorities, Tourism

TAGUM CITY – An eco-tourism park patterned after the Windows of the World theme park in China is being developed in a semi-forested area here by the city government.

Covering 48 hectares, the Windows of the World in the industrial city of Shenzhen is known for its replicas of over a hundred world landmarks.

Cromwell Bonghanoy, city information officer, said the “premier eco-tourism destination” was being built over a 65-hectare area in Barangay (village) San Agustin.

Bonghanoy said clearing operations have already started in at least 10 hectares of the park, which is about five kilometers from the city center.

“The eco-tourism park will feature cable car rides and restaurants overlooking a vast expanse of lush trees,” he said.

Bonghanoy said the idea came following Mayor Rey Uy’s visit to China early this year.

“Being the family-oriented person that he is, Mayor Uy wants to give Tagumeños good places for them to have their recreation,” he said.

Considered a big project, Bonghanoy said the city government expected the San Agustin Eco-Tourism Park to be completed in three to five years.

crappypants

September 19th, 2009, 03:20 AM

make KimCHI plentiful and affordable and you will get hordes of Korean tourists
Koreans usually are loyal to their foods.

shyaman

September 19th, 2009, 03:30 PM

jbkayaker12

September 19th, 2009, 11:26 PM

I visited Flight Centre (Australia's most popular travel agency) earlier today for some inquiries. Before leaving I asked if they have a Philippine travel brochure since they have plentiful magazine type brochures of other Asian destinations displayed on the racks (given out for free if you ask for copies). What I get as an answer proves how promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination lags behind our neighbors: "We seldom get Philippine brochures and if we have it, it's the worst travel brochure we have. It's only a few pages and not very comprehensive. That's why we can't recommend the Philippines whenever people inquires for tour destinations in the southeast Asia region because we have nothing to show them." How depressing. :ohno:

I wish the government can invest more in packaging the Philippines through impressive travel brochures. It will make wonders.

It has been this way for a long time now. Even with Durano at the helm, travel brochures and packages for the Philippines is pretty much non-existent in travel agencies overseas. Even with Filipino owned travel agencies, they have no travel brochures to show their clients wishing to travel to the Philippines just imagine the situation with other travel agencies not having ties to the Philippines. It is worse. Look at the situation at the airport in Manila, you have information booths but lacking in travel materials.

A few years back I've visited the Dept of Tourism MAIN office in Manila hoping to get travel materials for my vacation but sadly all they've given me was photocopies of travel information on my selected destination. Very sad indeed.

RonnieR

September 20th, 2009, 05:26 AM

Inquirer Lifestyle

Believe it or not, RP is Love Central

By Dennis Clemente
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:54:00 09/19/2009

NEW YORK – Are you searching for love? You might find it in the Philippines.

According to Google Insights for Search (www.google.com/insights/search), the Philippines holds the distinction of having “searched for love” more than any other country in the world.

Before you pack your bags and book the next trip to the Philippines, consider that Google can take the word out of context. Peru, for instance, qualifies as the most loving country based on the number of times people there searched for “love” in Spanish, according to a report released by EFE News last March 2009.

This just means it’s possible for other non-speaking countries to search for “love” computationally, if not literally.

Why do Filipinos search for “love” in English? Non-Filipinos should note that English is the medium of instruction in Philippine schools and the form of communication in business.

Filipinos are also just as comfortable with the Filipino language as they are with English. And, if not, there is always “Taglish,” the convenient mixing of the languages.

In searching for “love,” Filipinos also prefer the English word; the Filipino vernacular may just be too much of a paradox. “Mahal,” the Filipino word for “love,” can mean either one of two ironic things: “Love” or “pricey.” Or both, if you are that jaded. In this case, “mahal” exacts both an emotional and financial price.

Then there is “pag-ibig,” another Filipino word for “love” that may be too formal to use, as it is not typically used in conversations. Interestingly enough, the related search results for “pag-ibig” churned out “pag-ibig loan” (love loan), a government-run savings and loan office. How appropriate, don’t you think?

Piqued by this new Google technology, I proceeded with my searches in English, typing “love” and its permutations –
someone currently in that fluttering state (“in love”), someone in recoiled agony (“broken heart”), another in the final throes of disillusionment (“out of love”), still bleeding but with the gumption to croak to that Air Supply song.

The result was the same: The Philippines outranked all other countries for three consecutive months monitored.

Google USA could not be reached for comment.

Social pressure

A recent visitor to the Philippines after being away for more than six years, Menchie Serrano, a 40-something divorced Filipina based in New Jersey, says some things never change.

While some of her single friends in the Philippines don’t feel the need to get married, society persists in insisting they should.

“In the States, I don’t feel the pressure, unlike my female friends in the Philippines, some of whom admit to lowering their standards just to relieve themselves of the pressure of being single,” she observes from her recent visit.

Maya Calica, a Filipino author of two popular published chick literature novels in Asia, “The Breakup Diaries” and “Undercover Taitai,” admits society still thinks a single man or woman is “strange.”

The fear of being stigmatized for being alone is further magnified on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

“I know people who always make sure they have someone special by Valentine’s Day, if not on Christmas Day. These same people refuse to be seen eating alone in a restaurant, or think that traveling solo is mad,” she adds.

Case in point: A total of 6,124 couples who did not want to be alone showed their strength in numbers on Valentine’s Day in 2007. This was when the Philippines held the record for the most number of people simultaneously kissing on Valentine’s Day, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. An earlier record was set in 2004.

Beyond the romantic pursuit of love, though, Filipinos are generally warm people and are endearing recipients of affection from friends, family and, as is usually common in the Philippines, from a wise, respected elder. Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the recently departed global icon of democracy, was affectionately called Tita or Aunt Cory.

Emotional songs

But if the Google Insights results are any indication, the results may need a little more probing. Is it really what Filipinos are craving for? When I typed “the Philippines” in the Insights search, “lyrics” topped the results (from the entire month of May up to press time).

Not really surprising, says Calica. “Filipinos are very emotional, which is why the emotion in our love songs [and] our movies is very superlative.”

The Peruvian news agency reported a similar, interesting result. A total of 325 million searches for “life” and 45 million for “death” were attributed to Coldplay’s then-newly released album “Viva la Vida.” All searches in Peru were in Spanish.

So can we call off the search for “love” now and simply ascribe it to searches for songs? Not yet.

Both Philippine searches for “love” and “lyrics” topped Insights’ charts because they may have symbiotic significance. Stretching this analogy, doesn’t listening to music give birth to love, and vice versa? Isn’t love both misery and happiness?

Revved up by all this, I typed both “misery” and “happiness” in the Insights search. The result: The Philippines outranked all other countries again. But in terms of happiness, the Philippines came in a respectable third.

The misery is everywhere, unfortunately. United Nations figures indicate over 40 percent of the country’s population subsist on about $2 a day. Visitors say they can actually see crippling poverty everywhere (read: shanties) even before their plane lands.

Happy nation

So why are Filipinos happy? According to nationmaster.com, the Philippines is the fourth happiest country in a survey of 50 countries. Nationmaster.com claims to have “data from such sources as the CIA World Factbook, the United Nations and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development.”

With so much love and happiness to spread around, would that be enticing enough for people to visit the country and for the Philippine government to run a tourism ad campaign that espouses its general warmth and hospitality?

“The Philippines loves you like no other country. Book a trip now.” Or something less cheesy than that line.

With the Philippines outranking every other country in my Insights search, is there some relevant word that failed to give us a lift in the top 10? If your mind is as dirty as mine and you’re thinking Al Green, well, it turns out “sex” is not a word that matters to most Filipinos.

So can we take Google Insights seriously?

From the looks of it, these new Google search tools, if they take off, can change what we think of words – and worlds. Imagine a word taking on metaphysical significance, linked to a country’s obsessions, even identity.

Would it make me write differently as a writer, advertising copywriter, screenwriter or, yes, as a Filipino? Hollywood may just base its next disaster movie on, well, love.

Now, if only this love were meant for love for country. But that’s another story.

The author can be reached at dennisclemente@gmail.com.

marlowe_cano

September 20th, 2009, 06:45 AM

^^

:lol:

RonnieR

September 22nd, 2009, 12:32 PM

More OFWs, Chinese tourists vow travel via DMIA at Clark
By FRED M. ROXAS
September 22, 2009, 5:15pm

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Hong Kong and hundreds of tourists from China intending to spend their vacation in the Philippines have vowed to travel through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here.

Some 400 OFWs and officials of at least 50 travel agencies based in Hong Kong pledged their definite plans and support to travel through DMIA during the recent two-day marketing and promotional conferences at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center in Hong Kong conducted by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

“We were surprised by the support of the OFWs,” CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano, who led the CIAC delegation in two-day roadshow in the former crown colony, said.

The DMIA hosts foreign and local carriers that include Air Asia of Malaysia, Tiger Airways of Singapore, South Korea’s Asiana Airlines and local carriers Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s leading domestic carrier, and South East Asian Airlines (Seair).

Aside from Hong Kong, Cebu Pacific also flies four times weekly to Macau and Singapore, twice weekly to Bangkok and thrice weekly to Cebu.

Cebu Pacific Air donated free air tickets and accommodations at Clark for some Hong Kong based OFWs as an indication of its unfailing support to the promotion efforts for the DMIA, its fourth hub in the country. The country’s leading domestic airline has been present in all the CIAC’s roadshow activities in Luzon and has raffled off free roundtrip tickets to ASEAN destinations to promote their flights at the DMIA and the airport.

Zest Air, a new local carrier, also announced that it would start its Clark-HK-Clark route on September 21 while Spirit of Manila Airlines (SOMA) is also expected to start operations from the DMIA soon.

“The expected increase in flights is adding to the popularity of the airport and is boosting its viability as the country’s premier airport which is in line with President Arroyo’s declaration of the DMIA as the country’s next premier international airport and best logistics and services hub in the Asia Pacific Region,” Luciano said.

Luciano also said CIAC will provide shuttle service between DMIA and the transport terminals outside the Clark airport, Angeles City and Mabalacat to provide seamless transport services to passengers arriving through the Clark airport.

Luciano’s meeting with 50 Chinese travel agents, travel media and Hong Kong-based Filipino journalists at the Star Room of the Langham Place Hotel in Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR also resulted in their pledges to support to the recent promotional blitz dubbed “Via DMIA: Rediscover Clark and Subic, Philippines” conducted by CIA officials.

Presentations conducted during the road show were given by tourism stakeholders in the Clark Freeport that include Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism Manager Noemi Garcia, Raul Marcelo of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and former tourism secretary Mina Gabor.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas, in a Stock Estimate of Overseas Filipinos it prepared and issued, noted that there are 130,537 overseas Filipinos in Hong Kong as of December 2007. A National Statistics Office (NSO) survey on overseas Filipinos in 2008 showed a significant portion of the OFWs in Hong Kong are within surrounding area of the DMIA, 14.5 percent of which are from Central Luzon where the DMIA is located and 14 percent are from the National Capital Region (NCR) that can be reached in just about an hour from DMIA.
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/221736/more-ofw

davaob4now

September 23rd, 2009, 12:40 PM

i really like this promotional video of davao city...:)in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Davao Region

2ITmcQuEEfo&feature=related

Davao from Islands to Highlands
DJJey5tbs-0&feature=related

kTfbMWS1YEk&feature=related

ohhh la la! :)

RonnieR

September 24th, 2009, 05:54 AM

World-class entertainment at Resorts World
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 24, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Resorts World at Manila has opened its doors not only to gaming enthusiasts but also to those who enjoy world-class entertainment and performances.

Witness and experience world-renowned performances with Resorts World at Manila’s wide-range of foreign and local performers offering spectacular shows ranging from singing to stunts and acrobatics.

The performances happen at the innovative Bar 360 of Resorts World at Manila, where guests can enjoy cocktails and dishes. Artists were carefully chosen to guarantee one-of-a-kind entertainment.

The line-up of foreign acts include the beautiful Israeli Janet Nisim who depicts the essence of a woman through belly dance. Performing six times a week is Resorts World at Manila’s principal dancer, Dasha Roleva. She has performed in Europe and Asia. Russian dance group, St. Petersburg Sensation offers a cabaret-style show featuring dance, comedy, and theater acts. There’s also Power Duo showcasing gravity-defying acts with their acrobatic moves five times per week.

The Filipino performers, on the other hand, include Viva Pop Girl Group, Eurasia, composed of five ladies, half-Asian, half-European. Treating the crowd with a mix of music and comedy is 101, a group composed of three ladies. From Tina Turner to Aretha Franklin, from Michael Bolton to Justin Timberlake, name it and Sound Authority will deliver. Relax and enjoy the sound of jazz, soul and easy ballads with Prelude’s sophisticated and classy music. But if you’re in the mood to party, Xonary will perform R&B, funk and soul, rock, reggae, and retro music.

Resorts World at Manila is located at Newport Blvd., Newport City, Pasay, Metro Manila (across NAIA Terminal 3).

For details, call 836-6333 or log on to www.rwmanila.com.

kenken94

September 24th, 2009, 04:24 PM

FlashCollider

September 24th, 2009, 09:13 PM

Very true!:banana: Its good being a poor country with many turbulent years having people who are still happy.:) Spread the smile through the world!:)

Napakaganda ng pagkakaayos ng mga English Words. Halatang pinagisipang mabuti.

manila_eye

September 24th, 2009, 10:06 PM

^^ :lol: hindi ko na nga pinansin eh.

kenken94

September 24th, 2009, 11:25 PM

^^
Ano bang meron sa maling Eng.? Naiintindihan nya naman diba?:lol:

Manila-X

September 25th, 2009, 03:55 AM

Very true!:banana: Its good being a poor country with many turbulent years having people who are still happy.:) Spread the smile through the world!:)

Again, The Philippines isn't a poor country ;)

Fraulein

September 25th, 2009, 04:09 AM

Again, The Philippines isn't a poor country ;)

Actually, Philippines is a rich country pretending to be poor. :)

Manila-X

September 25th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Actually, Philippines is a rich country pretending to be poor. :)

It's a middle income country period.

Anyway, Malaysia have their own program on Discovery Channel called Enigmatic Malaysia. Shows like these attract people to visit the country.

The Philippines has one of the best broadcasting networks in Asia. They can produce documentaries like these.

RonnieR

September 25th, 2009, 06:40 AM

^^
Ano bang meron sa maling Eng.? Naiintindihan nya naman diba?:lol:

Just don't write in English if you're not capable of at least correct basic English grammar.

I noticed that you keep on posting that the country is poor and the total debt is 8 trillion pesos! (another thread) Where did you get the figure???

RP is a middle income/developing economy with GDP of US2,000 per capita, GNP is higher than that. Poor countries have GDP per capita of less than $1,000. Go research before you write.

Total Philippine debt is Pesos 4.1 trillion or US$86 Billion. OUt of which, US$56 Billion is foreign debt.

Manila-X

September 25th, 2009, 07:43 AM

Anyway, here are some intros on The Philippines written by various travel publications and internet sites. Does it help attract foreign tourists to the country? What's your opinion?

Lonely Planet
The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travellers because of its location on the ‘wrong’ side of the South China Sea, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it. And because it’s off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of Southeast Asia. First and foremost, the Philippines is a place of natural wonders – a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Below sea level, the Philippines boasts some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, including wreck diving around Coron and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol. Above sea level, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and fascinating reminders of the islands’ history in places such as Samar & Leyte and Vigan. And if you’re after palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, try laidback Sipalay or flat-out party town Boracay.

Sino.net (http://www.sino.net)
The Philippine Islands are a cluster of more than 7000 islands, lying north of the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia. From north to south, the archipelago extends over nearly 1850 kilometers. Philippines is of volcanic origin, it has more than 20 active volcanoes, and regularly experiences earthquakes.

The total land area of the Philippines is about 300,000 square kilometers, and the largest city is the its capital, Manila. The two largest islands are Luzon to the north, and Mindanao to the south, with a host of smaller islands in between, including some unnamed and uninhabited patches of land.

A large part of the terrain is mountainous; the volcanic eruptions in the area have given the Philippines, fertile soils and spectacular landscapes and underwater areas. Unfortunately, deforestation and uninhibited harvesting of both flora and marine life have deprived the Philippines of its once rich and diverse resources.

The predominant ethnic groups on the islands are of Malayan origin, with some Chinese influence. There are also the Mestizos (Filipino-Spanish and Filipino-American) who are evidence of the long Spanish and American occupation of the country. The islands got their name from the Spanish - they named the country Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain. Due to extensive proselytization by the Church during the Spanish era, the Philippines are the only Christian nation in Asia, with over 82% of its population following the Roman Catholic faith. The Filipinos are a very outgoing and friendly people, whose ethos is ruled by 'bayanihan' - a communal spirit which binds them together, and embraces all visitors to their country as well.

Because of its volatile post-independence governance, the Philippine nation has always received bad press - dictatorship, corruption, terrorist attacks and economic problems tend to overshadow its image; the forces of nature do not help either - the Philippines islands are regularly struck by natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, floods, landslides and volcanic eruptions. However, the Philippines are a relatively save and cheap place to visit (if one avoids the trouble prone areas in the south) with long beaches, interesting mountain treks and hikes, and spectacular underwater experiences.

The climate is mostly hot and humid - averaging at about 80 degrees with humidity of 77%. The best season to visit is during the months of November to March - which is the dry season. The months of May to October are very hot and humid.

The fertile lowlands of the islands provide crops of rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples and mangoes. Pork, eggs, beef and an abundant supply of fish are also produced. Industries center around textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining and fishing.

Rough Guides (http://www.roughguides.com)

With more than seven thousand islands, sixty percent of them uninhabited, it's hardly surprising that most tourists visit the Philippines for sand and sea, for secluded tropical islets where you might be the only visitor and for world-class scuba diving among dazzling marine life. This is a diverse country in a small package, where a day's travel will take you from the unearthly tribal villages of the north to the idyllic islands of the Visayas. Landscapes range from sweeping rice plains to jungled peaks, from razor-sharp cliffs enclosing placid lagoons to shining ribbons of sand. If you're ready to explore – and willing to cope with some eccentric infrastructure and a very laidback attitude to time – you're in for a rewarding trip.
The country is broadly divided into three main areas: Luzon, where the frenetic capital Manila is located; the scattered islands of the Visayas; and massive Mindanao. Luzon's two great mountain ranges, the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre, both run north– south and act as natural impediments to travel, with the few roads that do penetrate the mountains in poor condition. Nowhere in the country are there any sweeping motorways or freeways, but the good news is that, as well as a decent domestic plane network, there's an intricate tracery of ferry routes that links the clamorous cities with the most far-flung little islands. Many of these ferries don't run to a tight schedule, and some are badly equipped and poorly maintained, but whichever island you want to visit, there will be a boat that can take you there.

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

September 25th, 2009, 08:49 AM

^^
could be...i guess...perhaps....maybe....:yes::yes:

+ great pictures! :yes::yes:

ruralvillage

September 26th, 2009, 02:28 AM

Great news for Albay tourism! :banana: :banana:

Bicol businessman puts up P1-billion resort in Albay (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508614&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508614&publicationSubCategoryId=66)) Updated September 26, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Misibis Land, Inc., the real estate firm of Bicolano businessman Elizaldy S. Co, is fasttracking the construction of a second phase for the Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa in Cagraray Island, Albay.

In an interview with The STAR, Co said that the upscale 400-hectare Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa, which is still technically on a soft-opening, has gotten such favorable response that plans for a second phase is now being fast-tracked to respond to a growing tourism boom in Albay.

Co said an initial P1 billion had been spent for the construction of the first phase of the 38-room resort managed by the HSAI Raintree management group, the same group handling the Discovery Suites in Ortigas and Tagaytay and the Discovery Shores Boracay owned by the Tiu family.

According to Co, Misibis Resorts has been fully booked up to January next year when a big formal opening is scheduled.

Construction for a four to five-tower, two to three-floor, 80-room condotel has been fast-tracked to the summer of 2010 for completion by 2011.

The additional 80 rooms would bring the total rooms of Misibis Resort to 118.

Another P1 billion, has been budgeted for the expansion, Co said, adding that financing would come from a combination of banks loans, sale of some condominium units and even a possible joint venture partnership with interested European and Hong Kong investors who have expressed interest in the real estate project.

The popularity of the resort is such that President Arroyo is holding a Cabinet meeting in the resort next week, Co said.

He said Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, brought more than 30 international tourism attaches last week to view Misibis Resort which they ranked similar to Shangrila Boracay.

The Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa is only one of the various projects that Co is undertaking to put the Bicol region on the economic map.

filcan

September 26th, 2009, 03:09 AM

The Philippines has one of the best broadcasting networks in Asia. They can produce documentaries like these.

^^Which one would that be? :|

BangkokBaby

September 26th, 2009, 07:00 AM

Askal82

September 26th, 2009, 06:36 PM

BangkokBaby

September 27th, 2009, 01:47 PM

^^ Don't get me wrong but its not a good idea to generalize the people's perception just because there's a bad apple among us. Browse through our threads and you'll see a lot more people from this forum who went to your country and appreciate its beauty. Just go visit Philippines and see for yourself. Ask the locals from this thread and they will gladly assist you in getting your way around.

Filipinos are simply conservative in promoting the country's tourism because many of us wanted to preserve the natural wonders of the interesting areas in the country deemed as tourist worthy and preferred development that is tightly monitored and under control.

However, the country still needs a viable transportation infrastructure such as airports in large and medium-sized cities to facilitate doing business within.

Thanks for your response. Appreciate it. No, no, I don't generalize at all. I'm sorry if my last message suggests that. As you might be able to tell, English is not my mother tongue. :):)

I know a few Filipinos and I actually like them alot. They are our good tenants at the apt building I work for. They are sooooo nice, and I work for a high-rent apartment in BKK's CBD. Now, can you see what I'm exposed to when it comes to your country?

RonnieR

September 28th, 2009, 12:35 AM

Ronnie, I am visiting this forum 'cause visiting the Phillipinnes (sp?) one day has always been a dream for me. I have been to many countries already and it would be a shame if I never got to see your beautiful country. I'm truly surprised, not in a good way, to see my country on this thread :):)

Hi, my purpose of posting that article is due to the seemingly potential problem that our tourist areas would have...just a precaution but not to put a bad light on BKK. In fact, I've been to your city 6 times....

Cheers.

ruralvillage

September 28th, 2009, 01:27 AM

Internal tourism stirs up growth in countryside (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions.html)
Written by Claudeth Mocon / Correspondent
Sunday, 27 September 2009 19:59

CEBU City*—In a bid to sustain the growth of the tourism sector, the government has gone back to the grassroots of the industry, promoting internal tourism, particularly in the provinces, the countryside and the rural areas.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas), welcomed the move of the government, saying that community tourism has empowered rural folk and stirred up growth in the countryside.

Joseph said many community-tourism projects have succeeded despite lack of financial resources, basic infrastructure and managerial skills.

In many cases, he said, local tourism has prospered in far-flung areas started with meager capital and infrastructure, but with abundance of will, creativity and enthusiasm among the residents.

Joseph cited the case of barangay Lamac, Pinamungajan town in southwestern Cebu here, which is a secluded mountain valley, but is now the address of what many have described as “hidden paradise.”

It was hidden, he explained, because the barrio had no road, no electricity and no potable-water supply. Few outsiders, even people from nearby towns, visited the area, even if it had “natural wonders,” like its seven caves, a lagoon for watersports and a lake with a balmy clime for rafting and fishing.

But the residents, mostly farmers, realized they have a jewel of a place, and they volunteered to build on rotation basis a road that would open their barrio to the outside world, Joseph said.

He said the residents organized themselves in 1970 into what was later called the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC), which further transformed the road made of gravel into concrete, making a trip to Cebu City just a two-hour ride.

LMPC thought big and built the P30-million Hidden Valley Resort, which can accommodate 400 guests at a time. Local businessmen, school officials, students, balikbayan and foreign tourists, like 500 Koreans, have visited the resort, Joseph said.

As a result, Lamac, with a population of 5,000, now has a church, health center, elementary and secondary schools, post office, bakery, water system and drug store, plus the concrete road through which the farmers can sell their products, he said.

Joseph also cited the case of the Olango group of islands off Mactan island, which is between Cebu and Bohol. Olango is now being developed into an ecotourism center, with a 50-room, 100-bed facility, classrooms, a scuba-diving center, an electronic library, an observation tower, mangrove walkways, a spa and a wellness center.

Before that, Olango was a scattered series of sleeping fishing villages plagued by poverty, hunger and diseases that forced many fishermen to go into cyanide and dynamite fishing and was lacking potable water, electricity, toilet facilities, health services and livelihood opportunities, he said.

This was so, Joseph said, until the villagers put their fate in their own hands, banded together, and launched a bird-and-seascape project in March 1998 with Suba as the host community, he said.

Joseph said the residents took opportunity of Olango being a wildlife sanctuary and created a bird-watching package for ecotourists designed so that big capital was not needed because the tour was on as-is and what-you-see-is-what-you-get basis. Scuba diving, boating and handicraft making were added to the package.

The freshness of this market approach was what tourists found cute, enhancing the richness of the tour experience, the travel-industry leader said. The rest is history, as they say, because news about Olango even by only word of mouth traveled fast.

In these two examples, he said, the residents became stakeholders as they themselves became tourism workers, earning livelihood from their different roles in the package.

There are many areas that can be developed into community tourism sites, like the spawning ground of sea turtles and wildlife sanctuaries, Joseph said.

This is the reason, he said, that Naitas is helping spread the culture of tourism in the country so that villagers become more aware of their arts, history, heritage, scenic spots, that can be developed as jump-off point for tour packages.

cHemon

September 28th, 2009, 02:14 AM

Hi, my purpose of posting that article is due to the seemingly potential problem that our tourist areas would have...just a precaution but not to put a bad light on BKK. In fact, I've been to your city 6 times....

Cheers.

I still remember what you have done in the past, what you said about my country and what you said in my Visitor Messages.

RonnieR

September 28th, 2009, 11:08 AM

I still remember what you have done in the past, what you said about my country and what you said in my Visitor Messages.

If you live in the past, you won't get anywhere. Let's move on....Read again.

Belle Corp, SM reach deal on P14-billion gaming project
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated September 28, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Leisure developer and gaming firm Belle Corp. has struck a deal with the SM Group to take charge of the gaming component of a project within the Bagong Nayong Entertainment City that will require an investment of around P14 billion.

The SM Group is one of the major investors in the 120-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila Bay Entertainment City, which is envisioned to become the country’s biggest tourism development and the government’s biggest job-generating project ever.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Belle said its board has approved a proposal to acquire from SM Commercial Properties Inc. the entire outstanding capital stock of Premium Leisure and Amusement Inc. (PLAI), a member of a consortium of companies which was granted a provisional license by the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to develop a world-class entertainment and gaming hub along Manila Bay.

The acquisition will be done through a share swap, subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.

Under the plan, Belle will be issuing 2.7 billion common shares in exchange for 100-percent ownership of PLAI.

“The final terms of the share swap, however, will be set forth in a memorandum of agreement to be executed by the parties,” Belle said.

With the acquisition, Belle will now be handling the gaming operations of the project such as the setting up of a casino and other gaming facilities while the SM Group will be providing the entertainment facilities which include hotels, a sports arena, museum, and an oceanarium.

The SM-Belle project is estimated to cost at least $1 billion. Included in the new entertainment complex is the already-developed section spanning about 300 hectares that contains the sprawling Mall of Asia complex.

Belle is open to partnering with foreign and local entities to help develop a reclaimed land along Manila Bay into a mini-Las Vegas.

“These arrangements shall be subject to Pagcor’s supervision in accordance with the terms of the provincial license,”

The Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City will house an integrated resort with a world-class theme park, casinos, residential areas, shopping malls, fine dining restaurants, and other leisure activities.

When completed, it is expected to boost tourist arrivals in the country to over three million annually, generate 450,000 new jobs and dramatically increase government earnings.

Aside from the SM group, other investors in the multi-billion dollar project are Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group and Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan.

AGI has forged a joint venture with international cruise operator Star Cruises Ltd., an affiliate of the Genting Group, to build an integrated tourism zone on a 40-hectare property in the reclamation area.

The project will host an array of leisure and entertainment facilities, including a theme park, theaters, amusement and cultural centers, retail and gaming centers and hotels.

viva la raza

September 30th, 2009, 11:01 AM

Ronnie, I am visiting this forum 'cause visiting the Phillipinnes (sp?) one day has always been a dream for me. I have been to many countries already and it would be a shame if I never got to see your beautiful country. I'm truly surprised, not in a good way, to see my country on this thread :):)

^^
If it's quoted from a reputable source word for word, I don't see any reason why you should be 'truly surprised, not in a good way'. I think the purpose was to share in this thread what's happening in our neighboring countries. I believe its relevant. When you visit the Philippines, don't forget to drop by Cebu. SSC-Cebu will be more than glad to show you around.

garzland

September 30th, 2009, 11:41 AM

Some tourism-related projects to be built in Camarines Sur

Filipino Pearl Island Boutique Hotel and Spa (Sabitang Laya, Caramoan)
http://www.pri.com.ph/g_boutiquehotel/pl_images/8.jpg

http://www.pri.com.ph/g_boutiquehotel/pl_images/14.jpg

^^found these renderings on their website (www.pri.com.ph)

Filipino Coral Reviere
http://www.pri.com.ph/g_village/pl_images/26.jpg

http://www.pri.com.ph/g_village/pl_images/4.jpg

the site:
http://www.pri.com.ph/g_village/pl_images/23.jpg

filcan

September 30th, 2009, 02:11 PM

^^Beautiful projects :cheers:

juniordiscovery

October 1st, 2009, 12:06 AM

If you live in the past, you won't get anywhere. Let's move on....Read again.

Belle Corp, SM reach deal on P14-billion gaming project
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated September 28, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Leisure developer and gaming firm Belle Corp. has struck a deal with the SM Group to take charge of the gaming component of a project within the Bagong Nayong Entertainment City that will require an investment of around P14 billion.

The SM Group is one of the major investors in the 120-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila Bay Entertainment City, which is envisioned to become the country’s biggest tourism development and the government’s biggest job-generating project ever.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Belle said its board has approved a proposal to acquire from SM Commercial Properties Inc. the entire outstanding capital stock of Premium Leisure and Amusement Inc. (PLAI), a member of a consortium of companies which was granted a provisional license by the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to develop a world-class entertainment and gaming hub along Manila Bay.

The acquisition will be done through a share swap, subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.

Under the plan, Belle will be issuing 2.7 billion common shares in exchange for 100-percent ownership of PLAI.

“The final terms of the share swap, however, will be set forth in a memorandum of agreement to be executed by the parties,” Belle said.

With the acquisition, Belle will now be handling the gaming operations of the project such as the setting up of a casino and other gaming facilities while the SM Group will be providing the entertainment facilities which include hotels, a sports arena, museum, and an oceanarium.

The SM-Belle project is estimated to cost at least $1 billion. Included in the new entertainment complex is the already-developed section spanning about 300 hectares that contains the sprawling Mall of Asia complex.

Belle is open to partnering with foreign and local entities to help develop a reclaimed land along Manila Bay into a mini-Las Vegas.

“These arrangements shall be subject to Pagcor’s supervision in accordance with the terms of the provincial license,”

The Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City will house an integrated resort with a world-class theme park, casinos, residential areas, shopping malls, fine dining restaurants, and other leisure activities.

When completed, it is expected to boost tourist arrivals in the country to over three million annually, generate 450,000 new jobs and dramatically increase government earnings.

Aside from the SM group, other investors in the multi-billion dollar project are Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group and Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan.

AGI has forged a joint venture with international cruise operator Star Cruises Ltd., an affiliate of the Genting Group, to build an integrated tourism zone on a 40-hectare property in the reclamation area.

The project will host an array of leisure and entertainment facilities, including a theme park, theaters, amusement and cultural centers, retail and gaming centers and hotels.

Good news! :)