Travel and Tourism Industry - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 20

RonnieR

October 10th, 2009, 02:04 PM

Viewing the Philippines in a Different Light
Posted by Scott Allford on Oct 7th, 2009
Filed Under: Walkabout Pinas

Tourism Philippines Walkabout Pinas ColumnistIf you live outside of the Philippines and you watch or read the news you may feel very justified in believing that the Philippines is a very dangerous country. Savaged by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and terrorist attacks. You may also be assured in your belief that it is a poor country with images of children picking through garbage, slums, and corruption scandals broadcast in most international news reports. I am not going to deny that these things are true, however, they are not all that the country contains. Not every person in the Philippines is poor, a terrorist, or a victim of terror. In fact other countries around the world suffer from these same problems yet they do not become iconic images of those nations.
The common view of the Philippines

A few months ago I was at a roof-top birthday party in Makati filled with socialites and expats. Whilst there I was introduced to a German ‘journalist’, and my friend asked him why the Philippines is portrayed in such a negative light in the foreign media. His response was in two parts; Firstly because in his experience he could not sell stories about the Philippines in Germany if they were not about poverty, violence, or corruption. Secondly, he said that because there is so much poverty, violence, and corruption there is nothing else to report on. After saying this he sipped his glass of red wine and was whisked away into a group of Filipino socialites.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/scott3.jpg
Philippines Makati
Makati City. No slums or garbage dumps here.
Photo by Scott M.Allford

Perhaps the red wine was ‘poor’ in taste, or the fact that that particular roof-top was one of the few in Makati which doesn’t have a swimming pool made him focus on the poverty in the Philippines, or maybe the sounds of merrymaking were ‘violent’ on his ears. I think that it was none of these things. Germany, a developed country, has slums. But if the focus can be moved away from the poverty in the developed countries and put on some islands way out in the Pacific Ocean, then people in developed countries can feel a little bit better.

I remember growing up in Australia, taking garbage out to the dump after cleaning up the garden. I would see Aboriginals picking through the garbage for food. Yet that has never been an iconic image of Australia. I went to ‘water villages’ in Malaysia and Brunei and thought how similar they look to slums in Manila. Yet ‘water villages’ are tourist attractions and the slums here are not. I lived in South Korea a few hundred kilometres away from the DMZ, with jets and helicopters flying overhead all the time it felt like a war zone. In the spring I would have 40 tanks facing in the direction of my apartment. Yet South Korea is generally not viewed or branded as a dangerous country. And South Korea has slums too. Perhaps the time will come when people outside the Philippines will come to realise that the branded image of the Philippines portrayed in the media is only a small piece of the full picture of this country.
A Different View

Since the Philippines was settled by people 30,000 years ago this country has blossomed into a mix of over 180 indigenous ethnic groups, over half of which also represent unique linguistic groups. This array of cultures, languages, and cultural artifacts cannot be matched by most nations of the world. From the Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Visayans to the Binukid, Moros, Ati, Igorot, and the T’boli, just to name a few. These cultures are rich, strong and proud and in most cases the people that make up these cultures are very friendly and welcoming to outsiders. On a trip to Sagada I was welcomed into a very warm and friendly Kankanaey family. They showed us around Sagada and told us stories of Kankanaey cultural practices. They even taught me how to wear a traditional bahag (a hand-loomed loin cloth or G-string).

Neighbouring Sagada is Ifugao, with vast rice terraces that shape the mountains of the region. The oldest rice terraces are 6,000 years old, which is 1,000 years older than the oldest pyramid in Egypt. If put end to end the rice terraces dwarf the Great Wall of China and the rice terraces were not made by using slave labor like most other ancient wonders of the world.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/ifugao-rice-terrace2.jpg
Philippines, Ifugao Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces. Also known as the 8th Wonder of the World
Photo by Ecogarden

The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. But they are not alone. The Philippines have numerous UNESCO world heritage sites including the Baroque churches of San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo. There is also the beautiful and historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Furthermore, there are the natural UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/scott5.jpg
Philippines Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
Photo by ididj0emama

Lastly the Philippines consists of 7,107 beautiful islands. These islands contain remote beaches and amazing rock formations as well as other natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the perfectly conical Mt. Mayon volcano or the stunning Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palwan. But also on these islands is a range of biodiversity not seen in most other places on the planet. In Romblon, Sibuyan Island is known as the Galapagos of Asia as it contains such a diverse range of species which can be found nowhere else on the planet. If you get off these islands and dive into the cool blue-turquoise waters of the Philippines, you may also see some of the richest biodiversity in the world’s seas. The Verde Island Passage has been named as the ‘centre of the centre’ of marine biodiversity in the world. It has over 300 species of corals as well as vast numbers of fish that you will not find anywhere else.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/scott4.jpg
Philippines Tubbataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef
Photo by Raymond

With all that this country has to offer I am baffled as to why it has been branded in such a negative way by the International media. However, I think that more and more people are starting to discover that there is a different side to the Philippines to the one they have been bombarded with for the past few decades. Those who come to the Philippines to seek out the beauty of this country will not be disappointed. However, first time travellers to the Philippines should beware, just like me and many other foreigners, this amazing country may compel you to stay quite a bit longer than you initially planned.
http://tourism-philippines.com/viewing-the-philippines-in-a-different-light/

filcan

October 11th, 2009, 01:31 AM

^^Great find @RonnieR...great read...i agree with it %100 :)

MatudNilaBaby

October 11th, 2009, 02:48 AM

State of calamity hurts tourism
By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.
October 9, 2009, 4:41pm
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/223938/

CEBU CITY – The government’s decision to place the entire country under a state of calamity is hurting the tourism industry because tourists backed out from their scheduled travels here, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) said during their annual meeting on Thursday night.

During the meeting in Cebu City, NAITAS members claimed a number of Russian and Japanese tourists have cancelled their reservations following the pronouncement that placed the entire country under a state of calamity due to the flooding that hit parts of Luzon and Metro Manila.

Other tourists are also calling in to inquire if it is still safe to travel to the Philippines as international media carried news of flooding in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon, said NAITAS Chairman Emeritus Robert Lim Joseph.

“The tourism industry is still hurting following the declaration of the state of calamity. The flooding is limited only to some areas in Luzon and not the entire country,” said Joseph, adding that the declaration of the state of calamity should have been selective because not the entire country was flooded.

NAITAS has more than 1,200 members nationwide and is considered the largest organization of travel agencies in the Philippines.

Malacañang plans to extend its declaration of a state of calamity to one year but the move was met with criticisms. Senator Manuel Villar Jr. said the move is “too drastic” and “over-reacting.”

Villar earlier said the proposal has to be evaluated further because some areas affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng are already recovering.

“There has to be a balance and a consensus. At this early, business groups are already wary about the idea; they should be consulted to see how it will affect them,” said Villar.

The Makati Business Club, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, the Federation of Philippine Industries and other business groups have expressed alarm over the planned extension of the state of calamity status, he said.

Villar said the move could create more problems for the country such as job losses and supply shortage. Other business groups also fear that it could lead to a declaration of a state of emergency and the exercise of police powers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism will make sure that the Tourism Act of 2009 will have its smooth implementation even with the changing administration likely after the 2010 national elections.

DoT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said that after 45 years of waiting for a good tourism law, they will not let the change of administration affect the implementation of the new set of tourism policies.

why is the whole country declared a state of calamity when the flooding and landslides were mostly in metro manila and the northern luzon province. down south was less affected by the typhoon and business and government continued. such a pronouncement only indicates that if manila is flooded the whole country is paralyzed which is damn bulshit.

RonnieR

October 11th, 2009, 12:58 PM

^^

The state of calamity was lifted in Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon remains due to the rescue, relief efforts in Northern Phils.

The gov't explained that it needed to issue that declaration to prevent the traders in Luzon to divert their products to Visayas and Mindanao. During state of calamity, price controls of basic commodities is in effect.

I also don't agree with the declaration. It's good that they lifted it.

RonnieR

October 11th, 2009, 01:00 PM

Quirks and luxury at Philippine island

When I last visited Boracay about two decades ago, the beach was lined with wooden huts and makeshift eateries. Lights on the Philippine...

By Yvette Ferreol

Bloomberg News
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2010019900_trphilippines11.html?syndication=rss

Unless you're traveling by seaworthy yacht, the way to Boracay is by air to Manila, then a connecting flight via domestic carriers and a boat ride from one of two small nearby landing strips.

More information

www.boracayisland.org/

When I last visited Boracay about two decades ago, the beach was lined with wooden huts and makeshift eateries. Lights on the Philippine island were powered by generators that constantly broke down. Flush toilets were rare. But the extra-fine powdery sand and low-cost accommodations appealed to budget travelers.

Since then much has changed on this island 200 miles south of Manila.

While you can still find a $10 room, there are more than a hundred high-end resorts, all the way up to two-bedroom suites with Jacuzzis at the Discovery Shores Resort for about 29,100 pesos ($600), where butlers welcome you with foot massages.

My family and I were with a wedding party booked at the Two Seasons resort, named for the country's weather patterns of wet and dry. We had flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and bathrooms with picture windows looking out on fenced gardens. A koi pond and swimming pool stretched the length of the hotel. Rooms start at 6,000 pesos (about $150) a night.

Boracay seems to be actively courting the wedding market. Big tents were planted on the beach for receptions at several resorts nearby, each with a buffet and a DJ blasting such nuptial favorites as "YMCA" and "Dancing Queen" after sunset. A fire dancer performed with flaming batons in a circle of fire he'd lit on the sand.

After our own reception, we strolled along the shore to a more downscale, crowded part of the beach lined with bars and restaurants offering happy-hour discounts and platters of fresh seafood.

Our passage among burger joints, sushi bars, creperies and a huddle of shops called D'Mall was suddenly arrested by a group of tiny smiling people, some no higher than my elbow. They waved and cajoled us into having a drink at the aptly named Hobbit House they were hawking for.

Its Web site boasts of "the smallest waiters in the world," while its menu features 100 international beers. . Indoors it's dark and loud, with a few strings of Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling and votive candles in brown-paper bags on the wooden tables. We snacked in the outside area under a coconut palm as full-size singers on a stage inside rendered ancient hits by Elton John and Billy Joel. Next stop was the much noisier Cocomangas Shooters Bar, where young tourists trade their liver for the chance of surviving the "Still Standing After 15" shots of weird-colored booze and getting their name added to the bar's roster of fame.

On the way back to our hotel, we managed to avoid getting a tattoo, a hair-braiding or a cheap massage from the dozens of self-employed vendors that prey on travelers along the beach.

After a morning swim the next day, lunch involved flagging down what locals call a "tricycle" — a motorcycle taxi with a sidecar — to take us to the "talipapa," or wet market. The noisy bazaar is where locals shop for staples and where my mother haggled with fishmongers. Our purchases were then whisked away by servers from the open-air eatery next door. Within minutes, we were seated at a banquet of grilled calamari, steamed shellfish and deep-fried fish, with side dishes of sliced green mangoes.

RonnieR

October 12th, 2009, 05:26 AM

Genting, Megaworld put up hotel, cruise line training unit

By Daxim Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:35:00 10/11/2009

Filed Under: Tourism, Hotels & accommodation

MALAYSIA’S GENTING BERHAD PLANS to hire more Filipinos for its hotel and cruise ship businesses in anticipation of an uptick in tourism, as the effects of the global economic crises ebb, Philippine-based officials of the leisure giant said.

In anticipation of this, the group launched last week a school aimed at spotting and training local talents for eventual employment in Genting’s local and international operations, including its seagoing Star Cruises resort fleet.

The school, called the Genting-Star Tourism Academy (GSTA), has the capability to train as many as 450 leisure industry workers in a single three-month program.

“That number can be doubled once we start operating on two shifts,” GSTA assistant vice president Paul Sanpawichu told reporters during a briefing over the weekend. He said demand for Filipino talent within the Genting group remained substantial even amid the economic downturn.

Launched last week, the school is based in Genting’s local office in Pasay City within the 7.8-hectare Newport City project of real estate firm Megaworld Corp., fronting Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“What we will do here is provide students with the skills necessary to work in Genting’s hotels and cruise ships,” Sanpawichu said.

The school differentiates itself from other locally established hotel and restaurant management courses since it is able to provide immediate employment to qualified students upon graduation, he stressed.

On top of the huge demand for seagoing staff in Genting’s Star Cruises unit, other Genting resorts in the region, including its soon-to-be-opened gaming compex in Singapore, may also source their staffing requirements from the school’s pool, he said.

GSTA officials declined to reveal the amount of investments the group infused into the school, noting that “investments continue to be made,” and assuring that the Genting group is “committed to a long-term relationship” with the Philippines.

The group’s commitment is, in part, made necessary by its large staffing needs for its resort fleet, as well as that of its other cruise liner subsidiary, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

According to Sanpawichu, about 1,000 service personnel man each of Star Cruises’ four oceangoing resorts, with about 50 percent of them being Filipino nationals.

He noted that the firm had an average turnover rate of 40 percent every four years which, combined with the needs of NCL and Genting’s various hotels, could translate to a big employment opportunity for Filipino workers in the service sector.

GSTA is the brainchild of Genting’s Star Cruises unit and Megaworld’s parent firm, Alliance Global Group Inc., which is one of the country’s largest corporations with interests in the food and beverage business, quick-service restaurants and real estate development.

Dreamtofly

October 12th, 2009, 11:27 AM

World's best places to visit
Having travelled right around the world, Robin Esrock homes in on his favourite places

By Robin Esrock Published: 23:43 October 9, 2009
El Nido, the Philippines Image Credit: Robin Esrock Image 1 of 9 123456789 Bondi Beach, Sydney

Of Australia's many beaches, I choose Bondi. You just wouldn't expect this kind of perfect, semicircular bay framing bright-blue waters in the middle of such a major urban centre.

The lifeguards look no less than celebrities (there's even a TV series called Bondi Rescue about them) and you can't help but wonder why, with one of the world's highest ultraviolet levels, the place hardly has any umbrellas.

But when you see the crowds gathered on Bondi Beach, you realise Australians really do have it good.

Dhermi, Albania

Greece and Croatia have both achieved fame for the wonders of the Adriatic Sea, which is so brilliantly turquoise that you might think you're swimming in mineral water.

Little-known and far off the beaten track, Albania also shares the benefits of the Adriatic. I chose the village of Dhermi because, unlike Croatia and Greece, there were hardly any people on the polished pebble beach in mid-summer, the place was spectacularly cheap and had the added factor of being marked with abandoned bomb shelters.

Also, to be honest, it's pretty cool to say you have been to Albania.

Long Beach, Western Canada

No powdery sand and no clear, warm water. The 12 miles of Long Beach on Vancouver Island makes it to my list on the wings of the huge bald eagles that soar above the adjacent coastal rainforest.

Two thirds the size of England and with a population of just over one million, Vancouver Island offers pristine Canadian wilderness. And Long Beach is one of the best places to experience it.

Surrounded by forest, walking on the beach, you'll encounter giant starfish, glowing sea anemones and perhaps a seal or two. In the comfort of luxurious inns, you can watch storms blowing in from the Pacific, giving rise to a new category of ecotourism: storm-watching!

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has the reputation of being one of the best beach cities in the world. While walking around the Copacabana is a must for visitors, the real magic is on the other side of the bay — in Ipanema.

Be warned, though: Locals love crowded beaches and just finding a clear spot of sand on a hot, sunny day is a battle. On days like these, seeing the beauty of the city and its people is a joy and you'll be left wondering if anybody actually works in the city.

El Nido, the Philippines

Known as the country's last ecological frontier, Palawan is made up of hundreds of islands, with pristine beaches and turquoise water of the shade you see only in calendars.

The El Nido Resort doesn't include the beach but does have boats that can drop you off at a private island for a day — with water sports, great food and friendly staff to ensure an unforgettable experience in relaxation. No wonder El Nido inspired the book The Beach, even though it (and the movie) was set in Thailand.

Goa, India

The former Portuguese colony of Goa is blessed with long expanses of beach — some developed, with hotels and resorts, and some not.

Red cliffs erode into the turbulent seas but given the proximity of rural villages, I didn't choose Goa for the clarity or colour of its waters. Instead, what I recall are the long walks at night, under the open skies and with warm wind rustling through the coconut trees.

I remember encountering stray cows and friendly fishermen in Arambol. The beaches are more than natural beauty — they exude an unforgettable ambience.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
On both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica is renowned for its protected jungles and stunning wildlife, both of which spill on to this gorgeous strip of beach inside the Manuel Antonio National Park, an area free from commercial development.

The water is warm and clear and you can catch sight of the famous birds and sloths of the region. However, watch out for monkeys, as the cheeky creatures may make off with your bags.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia
The southern beaches of Sihanoukville have powdery-white beaches: Check. Crystal-clear water: Check. Rustic inns that cost less than you can imagine: Check. Relaxing massages on the beach for Dh30 an hour: Check.

Robed monks walking along the beach: Check. I could have gone to Phi Phi or to so many of the other famous Thai beaches. But Sihanoukville has the atmosphere and sights of Thailand before the age of package tours and the sense that you've discovered something magical that is yet to fall prey to neon signs and sunburnt Scandinavians.

Iles des Pins, New Caledonia

You really don't have to look far in the South Pacific to find incredible beaches. I choose Iles des Pins, or The Island of Pines, which sits off the mainland of New Caledonia.

Governed by Paris, this French protectorate combines the joys of France with island life. The sand on the Iles des Pins beach is so fine you could be walking on talcum powder, squeaking between your toes as you stare at the calmest, clearest water you have ever seen.

It is not a place you can get to easily but it's worth the trouble.

Robin Esrock is the co-host of the Nat Geo Adventure series, Word Travels. You can read about his adventures at www.robinesrock.com

RonnieR

October 13th, 2009, 07:40 AM

The Russians are coming

TAKIN' CARE OF BUSINESS By Babe Romualdez (The Philippine Star) Updated October 13, 2009 12:00 AM

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Marketing director Rose Libongco had just come back from Moscow where she took part in promoting hotel Sofitel and the Philippines at Russia’s biggest and most prestigious tourism fair for the winter market. The number of Russian tourists coming to the Philippines is expected to double this year especially with the 21-day visa-free arrangement given to Russian passport holders.

Naturally, one of the favorite hotels not only among Russian tourists is Sofitel and for so many reasons. For one, the five star luxury hotel offers a unique resort setting that is still conveniently located within the city. The hotel was pretty much run down a couple of years ago but now it has been restored to its luxury 5-star hotel category. Credit undoubtedly goes to Sofitel general manager Bernd Schneider who has done a fantastic job with the changes he instituted, with renovations reportedly costing around P2 billion. Virtually everything about the hotel – from the rooms, the service, the staff and the view from the garden pool area has been receiving earnest praise from guests.

The flagship restaurant Spiral has become one of the favorite dining places for both locals and tourists. In fact, it is always filled whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner because of the delectable international dishes offered in the buffet stations – which is why those who have dined at the Spiral restaurant keep coming back. A lot of events are also held now at the hotel due to it spacious function rooms equipped with the latest equipment and technology including wi-fi. It even has a huge tent overlooking the sea which can fit up to 2,000 participants for outdoor events.

Obviously, Sofitel has one of the best locations due to its accessibility from the international airport, and is just a few minutes away from the SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It’s really no surprise therefore why the former Westin Philippine Plaza has become a top choice for tourists and most especially for Russians – that’s why they keep coming back.

juniordiscovery

October 13th, 2009, 04:19 PM

antz88

October 14th, 2009, 01:18 PM

I aggree with RonnieR above.
Let's just focus on the positives.
The negatives will always be there ....

Like this video I did ...

i love bohol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9S7eySSAfc)

RonnieR

October 15th, 2009, 07:12 AM

Visa free entry for Chinese convention visitors
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/3978-visa-free-entry-for-chinese-convention-visitors

Thursday, 15 October 2009 00:00
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OPEN NOTEBOOK
By Random Jottings

IN a first ever initiative by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), foreign businessmen who will be attending next month’s international convention of Chinese traders in Manila have been assured of hassle-free entry into the country as the BI will be issuing landed visas to the delegates and designate special express counters that will process them upon their arrival at the airports.

According to Atty. Edgardo Mendoza, chief of the Immigration Regulation Division, special counters will be established at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other airports prior to the holding of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) in Manila on November 19 to 22.

Mendoza said the scheme was finalized under a memorandum of agreement that Immigration Commissioner Nonoy Libanan and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) President Alfonso Uy recently signed.

In signing the memorandum, Libanan said it is but fitting to give international delegates the hospitality the Philippines is known for. The Immigration chief added that the bureau will give hand-outs to delegates who might be interested in acquiring the bureau’s special visa for employment generation (SVEG).

“The federation is a strong trade organization that is helping the government in promoting investments in the Philippines, so we might have a lot of potential investors who are willing to invest in our country,” Libanan stressed.

The FFCCCII will be hosting the four-day gathering which will be held at the SMX Convention Center beside the SM Mall of Asia in Parañaque City.

Mendoza added that the BI will be setting up help desks at the convention venue to extend visa assistance to the delegates and their families should they decide to extend their stay in the Philippines.

Libanan reportedly decided to relax the visa rules for the delegates in support of the programs of Tourist
Secretary Joseph Durano and Trade Secretary Peter Favila in an effort to attract more Chinese visitors into the country and showcase the Philippines as an attractive and potential tourist and investment destination.

Under existing rules, Chinese passport holders may stay here for seven days without visas provided that they have valid visas from the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and Schengen.

Those who do not have such visas have to apply for visas to enter the Philippines in any of the country’s embassies and consulates abroad.

The WCEC is an important event for Chinese entrepreneurs around the world as it serves as a venue for economic cooperation and exchanges as well as for establishing an economic network linking Chinese businessmen worldwide.

The biennial event always attracts thousands of Chinese and other foreign business leaders from all over the world and President Gloria Arroyo has been invited to speak at the convention.

The last time that the WCEC was held was in September 2007 when Japan hosted the gathering in Kobe and Osaka.

ruralvillage

October 16th, 2009, 03:30 AM

Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global bullish on new tourism unit (http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW101609/content.php?id=042)
Business World (http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW101609/content.php?id=042)

ANDREW L. TAN-led Alliance Global Group, Inc. is optimistic its newly formed tourism unit Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. will grow as big as its property business.

Alliance Global pledged to spend around $1.6 billion for the development of tourism-related projects in the next couple of years, saying its goal is to become the biggest player in the industry.

"Overtime [or within the next five years or even shorter], Travellers International will be as big as Megaworld Corp. in terms of its contribution to Alliance Global," Kingson U. Sian, Alliance Global president, told reporters at the sidelines of the company’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday.

The holding firm operates under four units — property firm Megaworld Corp., Emperador Distillers, Inc. (the maker of brandies Emperador and Generoso), quick-service restaurant Golden Archers Development Corp. (which holds the local franchise for McDonald’s) and tourism arm Travellers International.

Megaworld corners around 40% of Alliance Global’s consolidated revenues but Mr. Sian said Travellers should be able to duplicate this. Contributions from the tourism unit, he said, will be reflected starting the fourth quarter.

Last year, Travellers International received the first provisional license issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to participate in its ambitious Entertainment City Manila project, a fully integrated tourism resort complex at the Manila Bay reclamation area.

The company plans to develop 40 hectares of the land and will put up casinos and hotels, among other projects.

Alliance Global has also entered into a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Star Cruises Ltd. to develop the Resorts World Manila project within the 25-hectare Newport City across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

"We want to be the largest player in the tourism industry which means that we have to own the largest number of hotel rooms. The Philippines will be Asia’s next tourism powerhouse because of its proximity to the Asian market," Mr. Sian said.

He said the company plans to open 5,000 hotel rooms and invest as much as $1.55 billion in the next couple of years. The partnership with Star Cruises, Mr. Sian said, will be helpful as this will attract and bring in more tourists through the distribution network of the foreign company.

"The middle-class market is strong and a lot of them are traveling. We want the country to be one of their choice destinations," he said.

Mr. Sian said the recently opened Resort World would serve as the "gateway" for Philippine tourism and would be a "game changer" in Southeast Asia because of its nature as an integrated tourism development boasting of retail, commercial, residential, and entertainment services.

"We are very bullish about the tourism industry in Asia and there is no reason why the country cannot be a major player in the industry," he said.

Alliance Global closed the first half with net income of P3.4 billion, up by 29% year on year.

Mr. Sian said he expects to close the year with better profits than last year despite recent calamities because of their "minimal impact." — Kristine Jane R. Liu

shyaman

October 16th, 2009, 10:13 AM

After last issue's feature article of Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival, GET LOST! magazine again put the Philippines in the limelight, gracing the front and back cover of the magazine.

Front cover
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Cover-front.jpg

Back cover
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Cover-back.jpg

Get Lost! is an Australian travel magazine published quarterly, with high quality glossy print and features the 'not so common' and unique travel destinations. For Philippine destinations having been featured on 2 successive issues is a very rare opportunity to showcase what the country has to offer to the Australian market.

This issue's Philippine feature is the Donsol whale shark experience. The magazine ranked it as #1 in its Top Five Trips, the editor and staff's pick of the best trips that they can find for the quarterly issue.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butnading-8.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butnading-9.jpg

For getting to the #1 spot, Get Lost! organised a 10-day adventure of the whale shark encounter and island hopping...

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-6.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butnading-7.jpg

Now here's the full 5-page article...

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-1.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-2.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-3.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-4.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Butanding-5.jpg

RonnieR

October 16th, 2009, 10:19 AM

^^How's the circulation of that magazine? :cheers:

shyaman

October 16th, 2009, 10:26 AM

^^ Probably circulated in Australia only coz I don't see any price list on the cover for other countries. But I'm not sure if it's sold overseas as well.

filcan

October 17th, 2009, 12:15 AM

If its an Australian Magazine I wonder why the pricing is in USD?

shyaman

October 17th, 2009, 01:27 AM

^^ Maybe because they also target people overseas who may happen to read or hear about the adventure and book for it online, hence the US$ price will be more universal. Note that the price does not include air transport to and from Australia thus those joining the adventure will not necessarily be coming from Australia.

viva la raza

October 17th, 2009, 02:27 AM

There must be good promotional efforts for Philippine tourism being done in Russia lately. We have a steady arrival of them here in Cebu the past three months. Kuwaitis too.they are just complaining because of the scarcity of authentic Halal restaurants and they have no place to worship too.

Sky Harbor

October 17th, 2009, 04:46 PM

^^ Manila and other Philippine cities, as I've said before, can seriously use more mosques. For a country with a substantial Muslim minority, we sure have a lack of mosques.

juniordiscovery

October 17th, 2009, 09:09 PM

Juan Pilgrim

October 17th, 2009, 10:39 PM

^^ Yes we really have to promote the Philippines!
People outside the Philippines do not really know where the Philippines is located and what we can offer them!

The little that others know about our country is usually the negative image of poverty, corruption and insurgency.

Kaya let us welcome the Muslims and the Russians, and everyone else who wants to visit.

:horse:

bartstrife99

October 18th, 2009, 04:54 AM

Everyone is Welcome except Terrorist :lol:

BioScientist

October 18th, 2009, 07:38 AM

Hi everyone here. I'm visiting Vietnam this coming December. I have heard and seen different beaches in the Philippine which are quite astonishing! When In Vietnam I was thinking of flying for a few day trip to Palawan (amazing photos). Can anyone here give me some tips on where to go and place to see? I'm mostly interested in a ultra nice beaches. Not interested in overprice resorts. As Palawan is so big, I think there should be plenty of places that offer beautiful beaches that is not overrun by tourists. If you have other place that you think offer as much or more than Palawan, feel free to recommend those as well.

BTW, if this is the incorrect forum for this question, please feel free to move it.

Thank you

Bosnyboy

October 19th, 2009, 06:33 AM

Hi Bio scientist, nice to hear you're interested in coming to the phils for a visit. ts very true palawan has so many nice beaches. You can start your journey by goin to puerto princesa city, the capital of the province. You can use it as your jumping point to the different areas of the province. I thing the underground river (one of the new 7 wonders of the world) is neart the city. You can also visit el nido and lagen island. If you need more info you can vist the palawan thread in this forum. People there can give you more info and tips. Have Fun. Btw you can also visit other areas of the phils. I would recommend camarines sur province. You can visit caramoan beach (fave site of survivor series from around the world) from camarines sur, you can visit legaspi and be awed by the majestic mayon volcano(the world's most perfect cone, also one of the most active).

Narnian_King

October 19th, 2009, 12:09 PM

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs231.snc1/7818_102756876407975_100000209886777_78514_711991_n.jpg
sa NY

Sky Harbor

October 19th, 2009, 05:54 PM

^^ That's the Philippine Center, home to the Philippine Consulate-General in New York.

NOVO ECIJANO

October 19th, 2009, 08:18 PM

di ba malapit ba sa rockefeller center ang phil embassy sa new york?

Juan Pilgrim

October 19th, 2009, 10:20 PM

^^ Yes and it is along 5th Avenue.

It is situated in a Tourist Mecca but we have not utilized its huge potential of promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination in their show window. All you will see are some capiz christmas lanterns (parols), an old TV showing old WOW Philippines commercials and faded posters.

I have brought this issue to Cecile Rebong, our Con Gen in NY but nothing has changed.

:horse:

icarusrising

October 20th, 2009, 02:06 PM

juniordiscovery

October 22nd, 2009, 10:10 PM

DOT and MTV: a partnership in perfect harmony

MANILA, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- Fun, exciting and intensely musical - these are words that can easily be used to describe both the Philippines and MTV.

"We have so much in common," stated Bill Roedy, Chairman and CEO of MTVN International, when he remarked on the partnership between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and MTV.

Tourism Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano agreed, saying that "Music is as part of the Philippines as our cultural heritage, there is just a perfect fit between MTV and the Philippines."

This collaboration marks the first time that the media giant has joined forces with a country to promote its tourism industry and it exemplifies the innovative direction that the DOT has taken to reach out to younger generations of world travelers.

The resulting campaign anchored on the global DOT website, AwesomePhilippines.com which represents a perfect synergy of the youthfulness of MTV and the unique charms of the Philippines.

As Roedy puts it, "Our audience is young and vibrant and that's exactly what the Philippines is."

On the other hand, Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr. also said, “The partnership has been a massive hit, specially with online marketing that is now a key platform for the travel industry.”

The campaign taps at least 55 million people in 11 markets through the MTV global network, propelling the Awesome Philippines website through the digital stratosphere with 1 billion impressions and 1 million page views as well as giving rise to groundbreaking promotions like the Awesome Experience search vignettes, Awesome Remixer, Maverick sites, MTV Revelations island on Second Life, and the recent music video sensation, Take U to the Philippines by Apl.de.ap.

DOT and MTV's partnership only seems to grow stronger as it plays out, bringing more exciting ways to promote the Philippines at every turn. It certainly sounds like a perfect fit. (PNA)

source: http://positivenewsmedia.com

janaldense

October 23rd, 2009, 03:54 AM

Cruising through Mactan
C'EST CEBU By Honey Jarque Loop Updated May 07, 2009 12:00 AM

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5906/lif1i.jpg
Tourism Secretary Ace Duran with Island Cruises’ Jay Aldeguer

The island of Mactan, Cebu, is famous for its beaches and with summer here, it beckons city dwellers back to nature and frolic in the sun, sand and sea. Island Banca Cuises (IBC) offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy hopping around the islands of Mactan in a convenient and comfortable fashion.

To formally launch its maiden voyage, Jay Aldeguer, the dynamic entrepreneur who certainly revolutionized souvenir shopping by breaking into the traditional hold of small cottage industry retailers, invited an intimate group of friends to experience first hand what Island Banca Cruises has to offer.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and Romanian Romania Valeriu Gheorghe were guests of honor. They were joined by Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale and former Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Robert Go. Amenities and services awaited guests as they boarded the carefully thought-out name of the largest banca called Butandin. Attendants in signature orange T-shirts welcomed guests with fresh towels and cold beverages.

Ultra comfortable beanbags were strategically placed on the wide deck equipped with iPod docks and is Wi-Fi capable.

The Island Banca Cruises offers a variety of tour packages that include captivating island destinations such as the marine sanctuaries of Nalusuan and Gilutungan that are abundant in marine life with a wide variety of corals and colorful reef dwellers.

The pristine white beach of Pandanon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling or simply enjoy the inviting crystal clear water. Special trips can be arranged. They have sunset cruises within whispering waves and gentle breezes that showcase culinary treats expertly prepared by some of Cebu’s well known chefs. A candle-lit dinner for two can likewise be set.

Other options include barbeque picnics that can be had on board or on a sandbar. Snorkeling, scuba diving, fish feeding adventure in the shallows of the island , sea kayaking and dolphin watching are exhilarating experiences in the waters of Cebu.

Of interest to divers is the dive safari on one of the best dive spots in the Visayas. Moalboal is a popular destination while Pescador Island is one of the favorites because of its sheer variety of fish. It draws large barracudas, resident white tip sharks, sea turtles, snappers, sweet lips and many more.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=464945&publicationSubCategoryId=81

huh? is this for real?

WOW! i and my family have been cruising on the island cruises lately
their ships are average-sized and its more casual and relaxed than the usual cruise ships around

janaldense

October 23rd, 2009, 04:03 AM

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1558/pbcondenastpr.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/pbcondenastpr.jpg/) http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/pbcondenastpr.jpg/1/w650.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img27/pbcondenastpr.jpg/1/)

Condé Nast Traveler, the most prestigious travel magazine in the world, 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. Pan Pacific Manila garnered 89.2 points, Makati Shangri-la 87.2 points and Peninsula Manila 83.5 points.

All candidates for the Readers’ Choice Awards were rated per criterion on a five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair and poor. All the resorts were rated on activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.
32,633 readers participated in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2008. Condé Nast Traveler focuses on luxury travel and reviews of high-priced hotels, products and services. To have the readers of this prestigious magazine choose Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as one of the top resorts in Asia acknowledges the creativity and excellence of Filipinos, Plantation Bay being wholly Filipino owned and managed.

No wonder Cebu is the Philippine's premier tourist destination

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8490/plantationbay.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/i/plantationbay.jpg/) http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/plantationbay.jpg/1/w580.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img132/plantationbay.jpg/1/)

To those people who havent visited plantation bay, all the water u see on the photo is a POOL. A pool with real white sand beneath. yes, a sand-pool...

janaldense

October 23rd, 2009, 04:20 AM

Cebu is 4th best island in Asia for 2009

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu ranked no. 4 among Asian island destinations, according to Travel + Leisure magazine, which recently rleased 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.

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).

Respondents were asked to rate the islands based on natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurant 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 rankings include: Bali (87.41), Galapagos (86.80), Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia (86.09), Kauai (85.90), Mount Desert Island in Maine (85.87), Maui in Hawaii (85.48), Aeolian Islands in Italy (85.13), Maldives (84.43), Big Island (83.92), and 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 and Central and South America; Europe; Asia; and 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 Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ 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 Condé Nast Traveler are American publications based in New York.

‘Much to be proud of

Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said the award proves that Cebu Island has a lot to be proud of.

“That's good news. It really speaks well of the destination and has erased doubts among travelers. It is a very good development,” Alburo told Cebu Daily News.

He said Travel + Leisure, based in New York, was a “prestigious” American publication.

Alburo said Cebu gets a share of 500,000 international tourists in a year while the number of local tourists exceeds more than 500,000 a year.

“Cebu has all the ingredients for an ideal destination,” he said.

He cited the island's accessibility with an international airport, natural attractions such as diving and beaches, Asia's oldest school, the Philippine's oldest road and other numerous heritage sites and the hospitality of the people, making it one of the best destinations in Asia.

Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Mario Amores said “tremendous” efforts were poured by officials into tourism development.

He said the presence of an international airport and world-class resorts were a big plus, aside from the business appeal.

“Without a business-friendly environment, these resorts would not be investing here. They look for assurance of returns on their investment and that the environment factors are stable.”

Lapu-Lapu first lady Paz Radaza, co-chairperson of the City Tourism Committee, said the recognition would encourage more cooperation between the public and private sector.

“With this recognition, it will encourage both the private and the public sector to work hard to give tourists the best amenities at par with the world standards. The recognition will make every Cebuano proud,” Radaza added.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7088/shangrilamactanislandae.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/i/shangrilamactanislandae.jpg/) http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/shangrilamactanislandae.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img132/shangrilamactanislandae.jpg/1/)

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4508/exteriorf1.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/i/exteriorf1.jpg/) http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/exteriorf1.jpg/1/w500.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img196/exteriorf1.jpg/1/)

bledzoe

October 24th, 2009, 04:31 PM

way to go Cebu!

ruralvillage

October 25th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Tourism industry vibrant despite 'Ondoy,' 'Pepeng' devastation (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=517651&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Mayen Jamaylin (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=517651&publicationSubCategoryId=63)) Updated October 26, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Local tourism remains vibrant despite the devastation caused by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” because only one of the country’s top 15 tourist destinations sustained damage, the Department of Tourism reported yesterday.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said tourism facilities in Baguio City suffered only “minimal damage.” The influx of tourists slowed down because of damaged roads.

“Even the affected destination, Baguio, bore minimal damage to its tourism facilities. Tourism slowdown in that area was due to rerouting and impassable roads which have been cleared as operations had been underway right after Pepeng left,” Durano said.

He said the industry is resilient despite the storms that battered Metro Manila and Northern Luzon because most hotels and tourism facilities were spared.

Several groups of international tour operators have already started arriving in the country to view new destinations.

Last week, a group of German tour and travel operators checked the new hotels and resorts in Bicol, Bohol, Boracay, Marinduque, and Palawan in preparation for the coming winter holiday.

Eighty percent of income generated from the German market comes from the travel and tours group Deutscher ReiseVerband (DRV), one of the largest travel groups worldwide.

“Germans always land as the top travelers in the world. They take their vacations seriously, planning early and researching their destinations well. And DRV happens to be one of the most influential travel groups worldwide,” added Durano.

Over the weekend, delegates of four Chinese government tourism units arrived to promote a mutual cooperation on tourism development between China and the Philippines.

These are the China National Tourism Administration, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Sheijang Provincial Tourism Bureau, and Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau.

Capital Tours (CT), a Russian firm with a network of 7,000 travel agencies from Russia and neighboring Commonwealth of Independent States, has also expressed interest in expanding the Philippines’ tourism portfolio in the Russian market.

“Russians are eager to spend the long winter at your country’s tropical islands,” said CT General Director Inna Beltyukova.

In November, the DOT is expecting a visit from more than 100 French tour operators and travel agents from tour groups Jet Tours, Vacances Transat, Asia Voyages and Visiteurs en Asie.

RonnieR

October 26th, 2009, 04:50 AM

^^ I'm also positive with our tourism.

bagumbayani

October 26th, 2009, 05:00 AM

RonnieR

October 26th, 2009, 05:29 AM

India’s Taj Group mulls tourism projects in RP
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
October 25, 2009, 2:40pm

India’s Taj Group of Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, is exploring at investing in the country on its own or in joint venture with local investors.

Samie Lim, chairman of the tourism committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Taj Group is currently in the country to look at the opportunities in the hospitality sector.

According to Lim, top executives of Taj Group are looking at bringing its “Ginger” Hotel brand into the country.

“But, I think we should be the one who should be actively courting them to come in,” Lim said.

Lim said there are several brands under the Taj Group but it is looking at the “Ginger” brand as the most likely the company would introduce into the country.

The Taj Group has been known for their luxury brands but not so much in the Philippines, where it has no presence yet.

Operating the Taj Hotels is the Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), one of South Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels.

In 2004, however, IHCL has launched the “Smart Basics” concept that offers simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity and affordability. The concept was first introduced in Bangalore and was called indiOne and later across India under a new name “Ginger Hotels.”

Now, IHCL is ready to launch its concept to the world.

The Ginger hotels are built around a unique concept that provides facilities to meet the key needs of today's traveller, at surprisingly affordable rates.

They have created a new category in the domestic hospitality landscape, while giving a major fillip to Indian tourism and other ancillary industries.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/226351/india-s-taj-group-mulls-tourism-projects-rp

juniordiscovery

October 26th, 2009, 05:37 AM

viva la raza

October 26th, 2009, 05:42 AM

PINOYmeat

October 26th, 2009, 01:17 PM

^^ thats for the travel+leisure mag. heres the latest naman from conde nast...

CEBU MAINTAINS 7TH ISLAND RANK
Condé Nast poll: Plantation Bay still one of Asia’s best resorts
By Boboi Costas, Contributor

For the third straight year, Cebu has retained its seventh ranking in the list of best island destinations in the world, while a Cebu resort, the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has also maintained its ranking in the prestigious list.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine has recently released the results of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2009, a listing of the best cities, islands, hotels, transportation and resorts worldwide.

“The big news is that, undaunted by tough times, our readers are still way out in front, discovering the coolest experiences, electing the top performers for every kind of service—and reaffirming an enduring passion for travel. Look no further for the most stimulating global stimulus package you could hope for,” the magazine says.

At 72.6 points, this is Cebu’s ranking for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last five years. Cebu got 70.9 in 2008; 72.3 in 2007 and 72.8 in 2004.

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

Rounding up this year’s top ten island destinations in the Asia/Indian Ocean group are: Maldives (87.5), Bali (84), Phuket (79.9), Seychelles (76.7), Koh Samui (75.3), Mauritius (74.1), Langkawi (69.8), Borneo (65.4), and Lamu (63.6).

This year, Cebu, along with Maldives, Bali, Phuket, Langkawi and Borneo, maintained their rankings, while Mauritius slid down. Seychelles and Koh Samui each earned one notch higher. Lamu, a new entrant, edged out Lombok at tenth place last year.

Borneo maintained its 9th ranking since it joined the list last year.

On the same survey, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, an 11.4 hectare resort in Mactan has maintained its position at 16th place with 88.5, lower by 5 points in last year’s score. The resort surpassed some resorts in Bali, Cambodia and Phuket; trailing behind resorts in Langkawi and Maldives in the resorts category. It is the only Philippine resort included in the 25 Top Resorts in Asia.

Every year since 1988, a select sample of Condé Nast Traveler readers have taken the Readers' Choice Survey. This year, the questionnaire was available to all readers through a secure web site. The final tabulations of 25,008 responses this year were done by Mediamark Research, Inc., of New York City.

The annual Readers' Choice Awards is derived from the Readers' Choice Survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences in the U.S.

Each candidate was rated, criterion by criterion, on a five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair and poor. Criterion scores, which represent the percentage of respondents rating a candidate excellent or very good, were averaged to determine the final scores.

In the islands category, candidates were rated in the following: activities, atmosphere/ambiance, beaches, friendliness, lodging, restaurants and scenery. Resorts were rated on activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

The island destinations were grouped into Caribbean and Atlantic; Pacific, Asia and Indian Ocean; North America and Europe. Top cities were grouped into Asia, U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East; the Americas, and Australia and the Pacific.

A separate list, The World’s Top 100, ranks hotels, resorts, and cruise lines that achieved near perfection, with no score below 92.6.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, a camp resort in Chiang Rai, along the Thai-Burmese border, clinched the top spot with 98.9.

No resort or hotel from the Philippines made it to this year’s list.

Four Manila-based hotels however made it to the Top 100 Hotels in Asia. They are Makati Shangri-La (no. 57, with 87.3), Pan Pacific (no. 64, with 86.6), The Peninsula Manila (no. 72, with 85.7) and new entrant Edsa Shangri-La (no. 87, with 83.6).

They were rated based on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

Cebu City was shut out from the top Asian cities category which lists Ubud (82.5), Bangkok (82.2), Hong Kong (81.3), Chiang Mai (80.9), Kyoto (80.2), Singapore (79.6), Shanghai (75.9), Jaipur (74.2), Tokyo (72.9), and Hanoi (69) in the top ten. They were rated on atmosphere/ambience, culture/sites, friendliness, lodging, restaurants and shopping.

Last August, Cebu was also named 4th best island in Asia by another New York-based magazine Travel + Leisure, when it released its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises islands and cities all over the world. Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points, and trailed behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93). The same magazine survey shut out Cebu from the coveted list of Top Islands Overall.

Condé Nast Traveler is an American magazine published by Condé Nast Publications which specializes in luxury travel and reviews of high-priced hotels, products, and services. In 2008, it was named one of the top 10 magazines in the U.S. by both Adweek and Advertising Age.

A UK edition, Condé Nast Traveller, uses the British spelling for the title. The format and content are very similar to the U.S. edition.

HERE (http://www.cdn.ph/photostore/news_details.php?id=4051)

kenken94

October 26th, 2009, 01:46 PM

^^
Now those are bigtime awards......... all in one year, Cebu has achieved many major International awards.

ruralvillage

October 26th, 2009, 10:08 PM

Tata eyes RP hotel business (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2009/october/26/business1.isx&d=/2009/october/26)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2009/october/26/business1.isx&d=/2009/october/26)
by Elaine Ramos Alanguilan

Ginger Hotels, a member of India’s largest conglomerate Tata Group, is exploring possible investment opportunities in the Philippines, especially in the budget hotel segment.

Samie Lim, chairman of Biztour 5 project of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told reporters the group had signified a keen interest to invest in the Philippines.

“We should be the one actively courting them to come in,” said Lim, adding it would be the first-ever venture of the group outside of India. He said Ginger Hotels was the most affordable brand within the group.

The Indian Hotels Co., or IHCL, a member of the Tata Group., designed and developed the Ginger Hotels concept. The first of the smart basics hotel, called indiOne, was launched in Bangalore.

The hotels were later launched with a new name—Ginger Hotels—in sync with the fresh, simple yet stylish and warm world of smart basics.

Roots Corp. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of IHCL, operates the Ginger Hotels brand.

IHCL also operates Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, one of South Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels. The company, incorporated in 1902 by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, opened India’s first luxury hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, in Mumbai in 1903.

Ginger Hotels builds and operates hotel around a unique concept that provides facilities to meet the key needs of today’s traveler at affordable rates.

It has created a new category in the Indian hospitality landscape, while giving a major boost to Indian tourism and other ancillary industries. Ginger Hotels aims to provide a superior product offering and consistent experience to travelers.

Launched in June 2004, the smart basics hotel concept created a revolution in the world of Indian hospitality. A GenNext category of hotels, they signify simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity and affordability.

ruralvillage

October 26th, 2009, 10:09 PM

Durano says new tourism rules out before end of ’09 (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2009/october/26/business6.isx&d=/2009/october/26)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2009/october/26/business6.isx&d=/2009/october/26)
by Roderick T. dela Cruz

The Tourism Department hopes to complete within the month the implementing rules and regulations of the Tourism Act of 2009, which declares a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development.

“We hope to complete it in October, publish it in the first week of November, and have its implementation by the third week of November,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Durano said an important provision in the Tourism Act, or Republic Act 9593, was the formation of Tourism Congress, which will be composed of representatives from accredited enterprises and former government officials involved in the industry to serve as the private sector consultative body to assist in the development, implementation and coordination of the policy.

The law also sought to strengthen the Tourism Department and attached agencies, including Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. and the Duty Free Philippines, said Durano.

It will also establish “tourism enterprise zones” in strategic areas, including Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Laguna, Cavite, Boracay, Palawan and Iloilo, to attract foreign investors and tourists into the country.

Meanwhile, Durano said despite the impact of the recent typhoons, the tourism industry remained a bright sector in the economy. “Even the affected destination, Baguio, bore minimal damages to its tourism facilities. Tourism slowdown in that area was due to rerouting and impassable roads which have been cleared as operations had been underway right after Pepeng left,” Durano said.

He said the industry remained resilient with hotels and tourism facilities unscathed, and several groups of international tour operators arriving in the country.

juniordiscovery

October 27th, 2009, 03:07 AM

juniordiscovery

October 27th, 2009, 03:35 AM

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Department of Finance has endorsed the granting anew of tax exemptions for travelers within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) in the next three years.

Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, presidential adviser for Mindanao, said the proposed measure to boost tourism and investment in the sub-economic grouping is awaiting the approval of Malacañang.

"The position of DOF on the travel tax exemption certainly augurs well with our continuing efforts to revitalize the Bimp-Eaga initiative," Dureza, who is also the Philippine signing minister to the Bimp-Eaga, said last week.

"By reducing the cost of traveling within the sub-region, this effort will help enhance connectivity and accessibility of Eaga focus areas as well as facilitate freer movement of people and services," he added.

Last month, Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves, in a memorandum issued to the Office of the President, said the Philippine government may extend the privilege of travel tax exemption to passengers departing from Mindanao and Palawan to any destination within the Bimp-Eaga until September 2012.

Teves recommended that the Philippine government extend the travel tax exemption under the principle of reciprocity, in which the three other countries comprising the Eaga sub-region extend the same privilege to passengers bound for Bimp-Eaga destinations.

The Finance secretary stressed that the measure would be beneficial to the "growth area concept," which promotes cooperation among the Bimp countries and for the promotion of tourism and investment in the sub-region.

The exemption from payment of travel tax amounting to about P1,620 started in 1995 as a policy modification initiative of the government in support of Bimp-Eaga.

The exemption had undergone renewal of extensions during past administrations. On August 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also extended travel tax exemption, which then expired last September 2008.

The exemption from the payment of travel tax for the promotion of tourism and investment in the Bimp-Eaga region has been granted in the last 14 years (1995-2008).

Of the 450,645 passengers granted travel tax exemptions through the scheme, the majority numbering 365,669 passengers was connected with the BIMP-Eaga, government data showed.

Enjoying the travel tax exemption were Filipinos and Philippine resident aliens leaving Mindanao for Bimp destinations, either as tourists or for business-related trips.

Undersecretary Virgilio L. Leyretana, Sr., chairperson of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), said the travel tax exemption should be extended especially now that the Zamboanga-Sandakan air link has been revived.

Recently, Zest Air launched its Zamboanga-Sandakan flight. Using a 56-seater MA 60 modern ark aircraft, Zest Air will ply the route on a thrice a week schedule, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"Since travel tax exemption was granted by the government, traveling from Mindanao and Palawan to any area in Bimp-EAGA has been very encouraging, creating an impact in the growth of tourism, trade and investments in the sub-region," Leyretana said.

source: sunstar.com.ph

sandwindstars

October 27th, 2009, 07:02 AM

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.

Actually, GDP is best translated into PPP. Philippines has about 3x the monetary GDP per capita. Debt to GDP ratio is a better way of looking at the financial health of the country. The Philippines' debt to GDP ratio is around 30% or less, much lower since People Power (around 50%+). Finally, debt servicing for the Philippines is down around 17%, or .17 centavos to 1Peso, much lower than after People Power. And yes, in terms of debt, the Philippines is ahead of the US. Where I think the country is poor is in income distribution.

As Fraulein pointed out, the Philippines is rich but pretends to be poor.

Dreamtofly

October 27th, 2009, 07:45 AM

Hundred and thousand percent agree that Philippines is a rich country ransack and sucked by corrupt as what we say balyinang mga politician.

Look at the beautiful skyscraper in the country?

Miss manage is the term i believe.

Dreamtofly

October 27th, 2009, 08:24 AM

rapuy

October 27th, 2009, 10:18 AM

RP tourism competitiveness slips five notches

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:09:00 10/26/2009

THE Philippines should beef up its travel and tourism-related facilities as well as create a single, recognizable global brand if it wants to regain its footing and climb up the global tourism competitiveness ladder.

In a presentation before industry stakeholders yesterday, Uwe Sturmann, private sector promotion project manager for German cooperation agency GTZ, said the country had to do something to arrest the drop in its ranking in the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

The country last year occupied the 81st spot among the more than 130 countries included in the study. This year, the country fell five notches to No. 86.

“The Philippines has to improve the quality of its tourism. People who come to the Philippines also visit other countries, and their tendency is to compare. They often say hotels and resorts in the Philippines are relatively more expensive, but the facilities are not that good,” he related.

“There has to be quality standards in place to force (hotel and resort owners) to upgrade their facilities. Whatever star rating they have should match the quality of their facilities. There really should be stricter standards,” he added.

Instead of tasking local government units and government agencies, such as the Department of Tourism, with monitoring hotels and resorts nationwide, he proposed the commissioning of a third-party assessor that would ensure that strict standards would be followed.

“People who offer poor or mediocre service shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it,” he said.

Apart from implementing stricter standards, he said the country should step up its marketing efforts, to communicate to the world what the Philippines has to offer.

“The Philippines needs a single corporate identity, a consistent brand that will be recognized worldwide, like Malaysia’s ‘Truly Asia’ campaign. I know Malaysia poured a lot of money into that and the DOT doesn’t have that big a budget. For this, the government can tap the private sector for funds. A 1-2-percent tourism tax on room rates can also help,” he said.

RonnieR

October 27th, 2009, 10:45 AM

Sky Harbor

October 27th, 2009, 02:41 PM

“The Philippines needs a single corporate identity, a consistent brand that will be recognized worldwide, like Malaysia’s ‘Truly Asia’ campaign. I know Malaysia poured a lot of money into that and the DOT doesn’t have that big a budget. For this, the government can tap the private sector for funds. A 1-2-percent tourism tax on room rates can also help,” he said.

Well, we do have a single corporate identity: WOW Philippines.

sandwindstars

October 27th, 2009, 09:01 PM

Well, we do have a single corporate identity: WOW Philippines.

Yes. It's an excellent brand. And it has worked. I read that article elsewhere and the only thing I found relevant and very important is a quality assurance program.

juniordiscovery

October 30th, 2009, 09:57 PM

DOT welcomes Costa Classica’s maiden call

MANILA, Oct. 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently welcomed Costa Classica, a 14-storey, 53,000 gross-tonnage ship which brought 1,300 guests to Manila.

From Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, the maiden call also coincided with the company’s affirmation to commit regular calls in the city’s port, making it the first cruise ship liner to make the pledge.

“Cruise tourists represent a valuable segment of our arrivals, comprising the high-spending, silver markets from Europe, US and Asia. And with Costa Classica being twice the size of Costa Allegra, it means more tourists and more jobs for our people,” Tourism Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano said.

Durano further cited that Costa Cruises has committed to a total of 14 visits of Costa Classica, bringing 21,000 guests to the country this year.

Sales and Marketing Director of Costa Cruises Pacific Asia Operations, Dario Rustico said, “Costa Classica has been sailing in Asia for about six months, and we are excited to be able to add this popular Asian city to her itineraries.”

As the cruise industry continues to grow in Asia, Costa Cruises will be sending a newer ship – Costa Romantica – to Manila.

Costa Romantica, with the same gross-tonnage as Costa Classica, will be in Asia to replace Costa Allegra from April 2010.

“We expect to bring more tourists to Manila with the combined lower berth capacity of the three ships, Costa Allegra, Costa Classica and Costa Romantica, generating tremendous economic benefits to the city, from now till November 2010,” Rustico added.

The Philippines has also been praised by guests for having the warmest arrival reception from among the ship’s destinations.

“As the ship arrives at our pier, we greet guests with spectacular cultural performances. There is also a festive atmosphere with various stalls offering handicrafts, delicacies and other home-made products on the wharf,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr.," Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.

Touted as a ‘romantic ship,’ Costa Classica holds an astonishing number of sculpture, original painting, hangings, murals, and crafts. It has 10 decks, two swimming pools and two theaters.(PNA)

source:http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_welcomes_Costa_Classica_s_maiden_call.shtml

Porknight

October 31st, 2009, 06:48 PM

I'm glad that our government and some filipino noted that after all we have a beautiful country and foreigners might want to visit it .
I just don't agree with the government on the way they want to attract tourists ..

Make super mega casinos may attract some people with some gambling problem or super rich people , but they won't really come back when somewhere else a new casino will be built and knowing that our competitors with more money and more foreigners willing to invest there because their money according to some credit agency are more safe there than the Philippines .

I think we should try more on what we have that are unique especially here in Asia. Our history , the nature our heritage...

Funny enough some Americans from CNN came here to report some bad news about our country (as always) but see what they found instead.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2009/10/27/bs.phillipines.story.cnn
Damn I never be so angry to see such marvelous piece of art left alone like that.
Last time was in Manila when i saw the state of the metropolitan theater. 3 months ago.

ruralvillage

October 31st, 2009, 09:55 PM

At the heart of the Coral Triangle (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/4954-at-the-heart-of-the-coral-triangle)
Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/4954-at-the-heart-of-the-coral-triangle)
Saturday, 31 October 2009 00:00

Mangenguey is an exquisite and remote 13-hectare virgin island comparable in natural beauty to the best in the world. Located at the center of the Coral Triangle in the Calamianes Archipelago in Northern Palawan in the Philippines, it is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity zones. This area is blessed with over 43 bird species, monitor lizards, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and an abundance of other natural wonders: magnificent century-old cliffs, caves, ancient dwarf hardwood forests, wild orchids, and pristine white sand beaches.

Mangenguey is also the home of visionary Spanish designer Helena Carratalà Mander and her New Yorker husband Master Builder Richard Mander. Since 2005, they have designed and built the very first buildings of what Helena believes to be their ultimate masterpiece: an international island destination for people looking for an exciting journey where they can be intrigued, entertained, as well as enlightened; a place for people who want to experience nature and the arts, engage in exchange of ideas, and contribute to a higher cause while enjoying the luxuries of a first class destination.

Mangenguey is now run as an island private estate that embodies Carratalà’s unique and exquisite taste, selectivity, and standards, making it all the more exclusive and precious. Her original style runs trough everything in the island from architecture and décor, to cuisine and service. Mangenguey is the perfect destination for people looking for a new and exciting experience. The food is simple, fresh, and wonderfully exotic with an international flavor. Guests sit together for meals at the beautiful long dining table with a set menu of Catalan and Filipino fusion designed by Helena and served by a butler. Service is friendly and attentive. (Private meals can be served by request. Meals with specific dietary needs can also be provided with advance notice).

Mangenguey is the perfect retreat to commune with nature and recharge. As Helena wrote in her journal
“I go to hear the silence and see myself.” Guests can swim and snorkel in the reef, bird watch, or trek through the forest. You may read a book with sea front views from your veranda, play pool with your friends, or watch the sunset while sipping champagne and listening to Maria Callas! The more adventurous can dive in the World War II Japanese ship wrecks in Coron Bay or in the many beautiful reefs in the area.

Gourmet picnics complete with butler service can be arranged: our banka will bring you to exotic location, whether an uninhabited islands or historical little towns. For details, visit www.mangenguey.com.

janaldense

November 2nd, 2009, 11:41 AM

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/854/genphoto3hiresp.jpg
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=517989&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Dancers welcome the cruise ship Costa Classica which docks at Pier 13 in Manila South Harbor. The ship brought in hundreds of tourists to the country. Jonjon Vicencio

hmm....YES, were happy about this news but

UNFORTUNATELY

MS Costa Classica is one of Costa Cruises' old ships

I have read this line in a cruise book:

OLDER SHIPS ARE SENT TO VARIOUS LOWER MARKET ITINERARIES AND NEW SHIPS ARE SENT TO UPPER-SCALE CRUISE MARKETS.

We must AIM to catch the high-end cruise lines such as the

CELEBRITY CRUISES http://www.celebritycruises.com
CUNARD http://www.cunard.com
ROYAL CARIBBERAN http://www.royalcaribbean.com

and for everyone's info

YES, Costa Classica is a 14-deck ship BUT its just the same as the size of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars of Sulpicio Lines.

WHY COSTA CLASSICA IS AN OLD SHIP? TRY TO LOOK AT THESE SHIPS

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4733/costaclassica.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/i/costaclassica.jpg/) http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/costaclassica.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img297/costaclassica.jpg/1/)
^ Costa Classica

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3963/costafortuna.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/costafortuna.jpg/) http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/costafortuna.jpg/1/w720.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img513/costafortuna.jpg/1/)
^ Costa Fortuna (NEW!!)

anakngpasig

November 2nd, 2009, 01:55 PM

^^
it's a good start. all
tourists are welcome.

higen

November 2nd, 2009, 06:17 PM

hmm....YES, were happy about this news but

UNFORTUNATELY

MS Costa Classica is one of Costa Cruises' old ships

I have read this line in a cruise book:

OLDER SHIPS ARE SENT TO VARIOUS LOWER MARKET ITINERARIES AND NEW SHIPS ARE SENT TO UPPER-SCALE CRUISE MARKETS.

We must AIM to catch the high-end cruise lines such as the

CELEBRITY CRUISES
CUNARD
ROYAL CARIBBERAN
and for everyone's info

YES, Costa Classica is a 14-deck ship BUT its just the same as the size of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars of Sulpicio Lines.

^^I'd like to think of this as an opportunity rather than an unfortunate set back.

^^
it's a good start. all
tourists are welcome.

^^Agreed...If the tourists spread the word about their experiences then the rest will come. When it comes to tourism, nothing beats advertisement through word of mouth.

crappypants

November 2nd, 2009, 07:11 PM

if they stayed in manila, i'm afraid it will be bad advertisement and word of mouth specially lim's Manila.

higen

November 2nd, 2009, 07:49 PM

if they stayed in manila, i'm afraid it will be bad advertisement and word of mouth specially lim's Manila.

^^Ageed, it cuts both ways...however its not hard to have a good time in MMla if you have a guide showing you where to go.

kenken94

November 3rd, 2009, 05:30 AM

we're a growing market........... that's what they should know..........

sophiemariano

November 3rd, 2009, 10:01 AM

Thoughts???

The Tourism Act of 2009: A Closer Look
Katherine Marcelo-Roldan | Research & Consultancy
Posted: June 15, 2009
Full article: http://www.inspire.com.ph/ra-kmr-061509.html

Last May 12, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act (RA) No. 9593, the country’s Tourism Act of 2009. This act, declares "a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthens the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy, and appropriates funds therefore."

The numbers are telling it all, according to the Department of Tourism, the country’s tourist arrivals was 3.14 million in 2008 as compared to our regional counterparts which accommodated 22 million (Malaysia), 14.53 million (Thailand), and 10.11 million (Singapore) tourists. The country lags behind most of its neighbors and as such this Act would be a big boost to the country’s tourism endeavors.

This national tourism policy would create employment for Filipinos affected by the global financial crisis. Workers can enter training programs that would fit them for jobs required in the tourism industry. Currently, tourism enterprises utilize some four million in direct and indirect employment. It also provides livelihood opportunities to farmers, fishermen, factory workers and other suppliers of food, goods, equipment and services.

In addition, two government agencies were created by this act – the Tourism Development Estate Zone Authority (TEZA) and the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB). The TPB would have adequate funding for the country’s promotion as a tourist destination. It also aims to create a favorable image of the Philippines within the international community, thereby strengthening the country’s attraction as a tourism destination and eventually paving the way for other benefits that may result from a positive global view of the country.

On the other hand, TEZA would identify areas for development that can potentially be tourist destinations or defined as Tourism Economic Zones (TEZ).The TEZ is any geographic area that is capable of being defined into one contiguous territory; it has historical and cultural significance, environmental beauty, or existing or potential integrated leisure facilities within its bounds or within reasonable distances from it.

Below are the mandate of the Tourism Enterprise Zone Authorityand its implications:

Mandate

Effect

+

-

Transformation of the Philippine Tourism Authority into the Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority

* Defining historical site and other tourist destinations as a Tourism Enterprise Zone

* Opportunities for the creation of support services and structures for these sites such as ( hotels, lodges, wellness facilities , restaurants etc

* Potentially create problems ( traffic congestions, waste treatment, degradation of facilities) if not properly master planned and all stakeholders have been consulted and provided their inputs

* TEZA is vested with the general powers of a corporation. It can enter into contracts; contract loans; execute mortgage; construct, own, lease, and operate infrastructure facilities; etc.

* Flexibility in dealing with private enterprises(local and foreign) thereby infusing fresh investments to the industry.

* Open to irregularities, as these transactions might not be dealt transparently.
* Issues on foreign ownerships

* Can exercise “domain and police power, including,the power to recommend the removal of structures which may be considered nuisances per se or which impede or impair the enjoyment of historical, cultural and natural endowments.”

* Can help ensure that all structures erected in that area can viably help one another and complement each other’s services.

* Enterprises might be subjected to excessive power/pressure that would lead to corruption if safety measures are not in place..

* Provision for incentives.

* Incentives for businesses inside the tourist zones would have income tax holidays, tax and customs duties exemption on importations, and tax credits. Non-fiscal incentives include the right to repatriate the entire proceeds of the investment and earnings.

* Guidelines should be put in place for firms to qualify for these incentives as these are abused if not regularly monitored.

Some of the areas identified by the Tourism act as tourism enterprise zones and are mostly situated in metropolitan cities with an abundant source of tourist related areas. These are areas such as:

* Cavite–historical site such as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine – Kawit and Battle of Imus, and the famous Taal Volcano in Tagaytay
* Laguna–natural attractions such as Mt Makiling, Pagsanjan Falls and hot andcold spring and historical site such as the Rizal National Shrine.
* Boracay –pristine white sand
* Iloilo–Guimaras Island, historical churches such as St. Thomas of Villanova, San Juaquin, Sta. Barbara and St. Catherine of Alexandria of Leon and local delicacies
* Palawan–natural attractions such as the Underground River and Tubbataha Reef
* Cebu – beaches in theislands of Bantayan, Malapascua, Camotes and Mactan
* Bohol – natural attractions such as the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Panglao Island and the smallest monkey, Philippine Tarsier.
* Davao – known as the“Fruit Basket of the Philippines”, with natural resources such as the Samal Island, Mount Apo, and the home of the world’s largest eagle, Monkey-Eating Eagle or Philippine Eagle

For the next few months expect a lot of activity in these areas, as investors would be exploring investment opportunities that would be in line with the government’s direction.

The investment requirement for developing a typical leisure project range from PHP 300 million to PHP500 million with a payback period of 4-7 years. With this huge investment, it is still advised that investors study the areas, meaning they have to do their homework and understand the market in that zone both for the demand and supply side. It is better to spend for a little planning cost rather than having to burn their full investment.

In the end, what is important is that majority of the stakeholders (internal and external) benefit from RA 9593. And hopefully this will trickle down to its intended beneficiaries.

For comments/suggestions, send an email to kmroldan@inspire.com.ph

sophiemariano

November 3rd, 2009, 10:03 AM

The Tourism Act of 2009: A Closer Look
Katherine Marcelo-Roldan | Research & Consultancy
Posted: June 15, 2009
Full article: http://www.inspire.com.ph/ra-kmr-061509.html

Last May 12, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act (RA) No. 9593, the country’s Tourism Act of 2009. This act, declares "a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthens the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy, and appropriates funds therefore."

The numbers are telling it all, according to the Department of Tourism, the country’s tourist arrivals was 3.14 million in 2008 as compared to our regional counterparts which accommodated 22 million (Malaysia), 14.53 million (Thailand), and 10.11 million (Singapore) tourists. The country lags behind most of its neighbors and as such this Act would be a big boost to the country’s tourism endeavors.

This national tourism policy would create employment for Filipinos affected by the global financial crisis. Workers can enter training programs that would fit them for jobs required in the tourism industry. Currently, tourism enterprises utilize some four million in direct and indirect employment. It also provides livelihood opportunities to farmers, fishermen, factory workers and other suppliers of food, goods, equipment and services.

In addition, two government agencies were created by this act – the Tourism Development Estate Zone Authority (TEZA) and the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB). The TPB would have adequate funding for the country’s promotion as a tourist destination. It also aims to create a favorable image of the Philippines within the international community, thereby strengthening the country’s attraction as a tourism destination and eventually paving the way for other benefits that may result from a positive global view of the country.

On the other hand, TEZA would identify areas for development that can potentially be tourist destinations or defined as Tourism Economic Zones (TEZ).The TEZ is any geographic area that is capable of being defined into one contiguous territory; it has historical and cultural significance, environmental beauty, or existing or potential integrated leisure facilities within its bounds or within reasonable distances from it.

Below are the mandate of the Tourism Enterprise Zone Authorityand its implications:

Mandate

Effect

+

-

Transformation of the Philippine Tourism Authority into the Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority

* Defining historical site and other tourist destinations as a Tourism Enterprise Zone

* Opportunities for the creation of support services and structures for these sites such as ( hotels, lodges, wellness facilities , restaurants etc

* Potentially create problems ( traffic congestions, waste treatment, degradation of facilities) if not properly master planned and all stakeholders have been consulted and provided their inputs

* TEZA is vested with the general powers of a corporation. It can enter into contracts; contract loans; execute mortgage; construct, own, lease, and operate infrastructure facilities; etc.

* Flexibility in dealing with private enterprises(local and foreign) thereby infusing fresh investments to the industry.

* Open to irregularities, as these transactions might not be dealt transparently.
* Issues on foreign ownerships

* Can exercise “domain and police power, including,the power to recommend the removal of structures which may be considered nuisances per se or which impede or impair the enjoyment of historical, cultural and natural endowments.”

* Can help ensure that all structures erected in that area can viably help one another and complement each other’s services.

* Enterprises might be subjected to excessive power/pressure that would lead to corruption if safety measures are not in place..

* Provision for incentives.

* Incentives for businesses inside the tourist zones would have income tax holidays, tax and customs duties exemption on importations, and tax credits. Non-fiscal incentives include the right to repatriate the entire proceeds of the investment and earnings.

* Guidelines should be put in place for firms to qualify for these incentives as these are abused if not regularly monitored.

Some of the areas identified by the Tourism act as tourism enterprise zones and are mostly situated in metropolitan cities with an abundant source of tourist related areas. These are areas such as:

* Cavite–historical site such as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine – Kawit and Battle of Imus, and the famous Taal Volcano in Tagaytay
* Laguna–natural attractions such as Mt Makiling, Pagsanjan Falls and hot andcold spring and historical site such as the Rizal National Shrine.
* Boracay –pristine white sand
* Iloilo–Guimaras Island, historical churches such as St. Thomas of Villanova, San Juaquin, Sta. Barbara and St. Catherine of Alexandria of Leon and local delicacies
* Palawan–natural attractions such as the Underground River and Tubbataha Reef
* Cebu – beaches in theislands of Bantayan, Malapascua, Camotes and Mactan
* Bohol – natural attractions such as the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Panglao Island and the smallest monkey, Philippine Tarsier.
* Davao – known as the“Fruit Basket of the Philippines”, with natural resources such as the Samal Island, Mount Apo, and the home of the world’s largest eagle, Monkey-Eating Eagle or Philippine Eagle

For the next few months expect a lot of activity in these areas, as investors would be exploring investment opportunities that would be in line with the government’s direction.

The investment requirement for developing a typical leisure project range from PHP 300 million to PHP500 million with a payback period of 4-7 years. With this huge investment, it is still advised that investors study the areas, meaning they have to do their homework and understand the market in that zone both for the demand and supply side. It is better to spend for a little planning cost rather than having to burn their full investment.

In the end, what is important is that majority of the stakeholders (internal and external) benefit from RA 9593. And hopefully this will trickle down to its intended beneficiaries.

For comments/suggestions, send an email to kmroldan@inspire.com.ph

higen

November 3rd, 2009, 10:36 AM

we're a growing market........... that's what they should know..........

^^What exactly about a growing market do you suppose we should be showing to them tourists?

Manila-X

November 4th, 2009, 04:06 AM

^^What exactly about a growing market do you suppose we should be showing to them tourists?

If there is one thing The Philippines should show its natural wonders.

eflex

November 4th, 2009, 07:27 AM

higen

November 4th, 2009, 08:14 AM

If there is one thing The Philippines should show its natural wonders.

^^But of course...I definitely agree...However the question I asked was directed to a previous statement that was vague...
the statement was "we're a growing market........... that's what they should know"...Im not sure what the poster was trying to imply...was the poster implying that "we are a growing market so they should not expect a lot from our tourism?

watcher09

November 4th, 2009, 12:18 PM

FlashCollider

November 4th, 2009, 08:24 PM

^^But of course...I definitely agree...However the question I asked was directed to a previous statement that was vague...
the statement was "we're a growing market........... that's what they should know"...Im not sure what the poster was trying to imply...was the poster implying that "we are a growing market so they should not expect a lot from our tourism?

Higen wag ka ng umasa ng maayos na sagot kay Kenken94, try reading some of his post at sasakit ang ulo mo sa pagintindi.

Animo

November 5th, 2009, 02:52 AM

BOTTOMLINE
By MICHAEL ALAN HAMLIN
November 3, 2009, 2:51pm (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227655/the-kindle-works)

Teacher and travel writer Scott Allford recently asked in an article posted on Tourism Philippines why international media portray the Philippines in such a dim perspective, when it has attributes that easily rival those of its more popularly branded competitors such as Australia, Malaysia, and even tiny but oil-rich Brunei. As I’ve suggested regularly in recent weeks, there are two reasons the Philippines gets lousy press.

The first is reality. While the Philippines has all the wonderful attractions Mr. Allford describes – world-class business districts, historical attractions including ancient Spanish forts and churches, and stunning beaches and other natural beauty – it is much poorer than its rivals and has consistently failed to make substantial inroads into alleviating poverty and raising per capita income. Media justifiably ask why that is so when so much of the rest of the region has done a significantly better – if not perfect – job raising the standard of living for the majority of their peoples.

Second, is perception; or rather, the failure to manage perception of the Philippines’ positive attributes. For specific examples, I hope you recall my recent columns, “The Ultimate Goal,” last week; and “Managing Perception” a week earlier. The bottom line is what we don’t broadcast, we can’t expect our audience to remember. The Philippines is not managing its brand image; instead, its brand image is being managed by media because media are the only ones communicating effectively.

There are other reasons why the Philippines is not well understood internationally and is not considered a tier-one tourism destination or an attractive business investment opportunity – except for the business process outsourcing (BPO) and semiconductor industries. For example, the Philippines is hard to get to compared to its competitors because air travel is monopolized by Philippine Airlines. Bureaucratic red tape and rampant corruption contribute in a big way to negative perception as well.

Despite these hurdles to better brand perception for the Philippines, occasionally good things happen by surprise. The biggest surprises are the BPO and semiconductor industries. The semiconductor industry – which along with electronics accounts for about two thirds of exports – has prospered in the Philippines mostly because of the availability of a talented, comparatively low-cost work force and honest supervision by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The sheen has worn off the Philippines for the industry in recent years, however, as a result of high, uncompetitive power rates, persistent hijacking of shipments bound for ports, and pressure from the Department of Finance to “rationalize” investment incentives.

The BPO industry – the Philippines most efficient generator of high-paying jobs – thrives today because another government-supported monopoly was dismantled during the administration of former president Joseph Estrada: Telecoms. While the availability of talented, English-speaking young people with an affinity for western culture accounts for the Philippines popularity among BPO investors, the BPO industry was enabled when competition was introduced to the telecom industry, and with it, technology innovation.

If you can’t succeed by design, success by mistake or happenstance is totally acceptable in my view. In fact, governments for the most part can’t see the future. Governments can contribute to a prosperous future nevertheless when they create and sustain conditions that allow the private sector to capitalize on opportunity. Often, good things happen when government simply stays out of the way.

About a week ago, a small but significant experience began for me that illustrates this phenomenon. Earlier, Amazon announced that its eBook reader, the Kindle, would soon be available internationally. When I received a promotional e-mail from Amazon a week ago last Monday announcing that the Kindle is now available for the Philippines, I was hugely excited. I immediately went to the website, and within minutes had become the proud owner of a new Kindle.

When you purchase products on Amazon these days, you make a deposit for customs duties and taxes, which makes the shipment by DHL seamless to your doorstep. The Kindle arrived within four days, pre-programmed with my account information and with free 3G wireless connectivity. I don’t know which telecom firm supplies the connectivity, but it works like a dream. Minutes after I had opened the package, I had purchased my first eBook, a book on social media marketing, wirelessly.

I love the Kindle, and the way it works. The wireless connection, branded Whisper, is reliable. Books open in a snap, the ink-based technology used to “print” each page is supremely satisfying, and the functionality – bookmarks, search, jotting notes – does what it is supposed to do. But most of all I love the Kindle because it works as well here as anywhere else in the world – which is the way all things should be – despite a retail monopoly, high connectivity rates in the Philippines, and a hopelessly corrupt customs bureaucracy.

Despite all this, the Kindle works.

(Michael Alan Hamlin is the managing director of TeamAsia and a Manila-based author. His latest book is High Visibility: Transforming Your Personal and Professional Brand. Write him at mahamlin@teamasia.com.).

Copyright © 2009 Michael Alan Hamlin. All Rights Reserved.

ruralvillage

November 6th, 2009, 10:14 PM

National Geographic names RP one of best new travel destinations in the world (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521076&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521076&publicationSubCategoryId=63)) Updated November 07, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The National Geographic Magazine had named the Philippines as “One of 25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World in 2010” and the country’s ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity were cited as key reasons to visit the archipelago.

The magazine said in its November 2009 Adventure issue that the Philippines has “as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet,” adding that travel organizations have “finally gotten wise.”

National Geographic presented the “25 brand new adventures, all of them just right for right now.” The list is directed at “travelers who want their dollars to do more – for others, for the planet and for themselves.”

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa said the inclusion of the Philippines in the list shows the global community is “taking note of the natural and cultural wonders in the country as well as the efforts to protect and preserve them.”

According to the article, Wilderness Travel is organizing a trip to the Philippines in May 2010 which will “lead clients high into the 5,000-foot Cordillera Central then deep into the world’s most biodiverse marine environment.”

Wilderness Travel members are mostly travelers who got reviews of tourist spots from other members that include naturalists, authors, ecologists, archeologists, art historians, teachers and mountaineers.

The 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3,300.

The group’s website www.wildernesstravel. com described the Philippines as a country, which boasts of breathtaking hiking routes through ancient rice terraces and scenic mountain landscapes, cultural encounters with the Ifugao people, and world-class snorkeling in the “Coral Triangle.”

Wilderness Travel said the Philippine journey explores “the emerald world” of the Ifugao tribe who have transformed the precipitous mountainsides of their homeland into steeply contoured rice terraces, complete with 2,000-year-old indigenous irrigation system.

The trip will take travelers to Cabilao Island in the Visayas to view stunning coral reefs that are part of the famed “Coral Triangle,” the world’s greatest concentration of marine biodiversity.

The Philippines has been promoting its cultural and natural wonders as preferred travel destinations for global tourists. The Philippine embassy in Washington works closely with the National Geographic in raising awareness on the importance of sustainable development and ecological
protection.

President Arroyo spoke at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington last August and appealed for international support for preserving, promoting and protecting biodiversity in the Coral Triangle.

janaldense

November 7th, 2009, 06:11 AM

^^^ :dance:

wow! now thats a good news!

janaldense

November 7th, 2009, 06:22 AM

If cruise line companies will mark the Philippines as one of their world cruise itinerary,

Manila (though its our capital) should not be the only port of call in RP

Yes...Manila has innumerable historic sites and other attractions like the walled city but we must showcase destinations which are truly beyond the usuals...

There are a lot to see in the Philippines. The country is blessed with a beautiful environment and skilful people whose talented hands created some of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banaue Rice Terraces; The well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; The Baroque-style Philippine World Heritage site churches: the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

The smallest active volcano in the world Taal Volcano in Batangas; the volcano with the most perfect cone, Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay; the unique land formation that is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Marvel at the endemic Philippine fauna: Tamaraw, Tarsier, Phillipine Eagle.

UNESCO have included six places and four Catholic churches in the Philippines in the list of world heritage sites. (Two of which landed on the top ten list for the New Seven Wonders of the World).
The list includes the historic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion also in Ilocos Sur; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha National Marine Park both in Palawan; Banawe or Ifugao Rice Terraces in Ifugao; Apo Reef National Park and Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park both in Mindoro; Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo; San Agustin Church in Manila and Church of San Agustin in Ilocos Norte.

^^ through that itineraries, we can be "MARKED as a tourist hotspot"
because they're one of a kind..... truly world class

city tours, museum tours, mall hoppings?
^^^^ OLD SCHOOL ^^^^^^^^

Sky Harbor

November 7th, 2009, 06:44 AM

higen

November 7th, 2009, 07:17 AM

Higen wag ka ng umasa ng maayos na sagot kay Kenken94, try reading some of his post at sasakit ang ulo mo sa pagintindi.

^^Pansin ko nga eh...haaay...

ruralvillage

November 7th, 2009, 08:13 PM

Mactan resort is one of the world’s best (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228479/mactan-resort-one-world-s-best)
By MALOU M. MOZO
November 7, 2009, 8:45pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228479/mactan-resort-one-world-s-best)

MACTAN, CEBU – Cebu’s already upbeat tourism industry is expected to get a further boost following the recent recognition of a resort-hotel in Mactan Island as the top 16th resort destination in Asia.

For the second consecutive time, Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards cited Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as the only five-star Filipino resort in the prestigious, New York-published magazine’s Annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2009.
Conde Nast Traveler is focused on upscale, luxury travel and reviews top-of-the-line hotels and travel-related products and services.

“The recognition is a challenge for us in terms of sustaining international standards. The award is just an icing on the cake. It is always our practice to adhere to quality service and good management,” said Plantation Bay Resort and Spa General Manager, Efren Belarmino.

He added, “This reinforces our credibility as a lifestyle resort. This also shows we can cater to the most discriminating guests.”

In a related interview Saturday, Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Special Concerns Phineas Alburo lauded Plantation Bay for again making it to the elite Conde Nast award, adding that the award is expected to draw more tourists to Cebu.
“When you get such a prestigious award, you open a window for tourists, especially those from the high-end market, to visit Cebu. They will not only see the resort but get to visit the rest of Cebu and the Philippines. It spreads from thereon,” Alburo said.

Plantation Bay, which has just gone through a major renovation project for its 256 rooms, cited the Conde Nast report which showed that as of 2008, the resort has maintained its 16th spot out of 25 Top Asian Resorts with a score of 88.5. It is the highest-rated property in the Philippines, surpassing the four Manila-based hotels listed in the Top 100 Hotels in Asia.

Plantation Bay also ranked higher than some luxury resorts belonging to international chains, such as the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Hawaii (85.9) and the Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche, France (84.4).

It is the only Philippine resort among the 330 worldwide resorts with winning scores surpassing some resorts in Thailand and Indonesia like Koh Samui, Phuket, Bali and Langkawi, a release from Plantation Bay read.

For it to qualify in the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, a property must reach a certain minimum number of responses.

A resort’s score represents the percentage of respondents who rated the property excellent or very good on specific criteria: Activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

In 2008, three of Plantation Bay’s restaurant also made it to Philippine Tatlers’ Best Restaurants for 2008.

ruralvillage

November 7th, 2009, 08:22 PM

The jewel that is Negros Oriental (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228482/the-jewel-negros-oriental)
By CZARINA NICOLE O. ONG
November 7, 2009, 8:48pm
A breathtaking view awaits tourists on the way to Twin Lakes. (Photo by Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228482/the-jewel-negros-oriental)

What looks like a dwarf’s boot in the more than 7,100 islands of the Philippines is actually Negros Oriental which forms part of Negros Island, the fourth largest in the Philippines. Legend has it that the boot-shaped island was once part of Mindanao, and, like a shoe that’s worn off, it was cut off from the region either by continental drift or the rising waters at the end of the ice age.

Negros Oriental is the south-eastern half of the island of Negros with Negros Occidental comprising the western half. A chain of rugged mountains separates them. Negros Oriental faces Cebu to the east across the Tañon Strait and Siquijor to the south-east while Sulu Sea borders it to the south.

The capital of Negros Oriental is Dumaguete City, which Dr. Jose P. Rizal called the “City of Gentle People”. On the invitation of Negros Oriental Governor Emilio C. Macias II and the Provincial Tourism Office, this writer recently had the pleasure of experiencing how gentle Dumagueteños are.

Groove to the beat of Buglasan

For tourists visiting the province on the third week of October, it’s a must to visit Dumaguete City and watch the local dance, make merriment, and celebrate their province’s many cultures and beliefs in a festival called Buglasan.

The raw energy is palpable as dancers swirl in their ruffled skirts and lift their gold-painted baskets. Other dancers garbed in bat or monkey suits and with painted faces appear more gruesome. The younger ones are dressed in jewel-tone elfish costumes, with huge, pointed ears attached to them. As they dance, they smile and for those with roles to carry out such as the angel and devil, their faces look serious as they dance to the beat, mimicking the moves of those locked in battle.

Alternately sweating under the heat of the sun and getting wet because of the rain, Dumagueteños again invaded the streets of Dumaguete City this year to witness this grand celebration called the Buglasan.

Dubbed as the Festival of Festivals of Negros Oriental, the Buglasan Festival first started in 1981 when the province needed a group to represent it in Former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos’ Folk Arts Festival. The word “Buglasan” actually came from the word “Buglas,” which is described as “tall, Napier-like reeds.” These reeds filled up an entire island of Negros, thus, people from nearby islands began calling the place Buglas.

“Buglasan is a cultural and economic activity of the province of Negros Oriental that unifies the Local Government Units in preserving its cultural heritage and present with pride its products and tourist destinations,” explains Mariant Escaño-Villegas, Director General Board Member of Buglasan.

Negros Oriental is comprised of 20 municipalities and five cities. During the Festival of Festivals Showdown, the different cities and municipalities compete with each other in terms of choreography, costumes, and props.

The Libod-Sayaw of Bindoy was created to promote the rich traditions of the municipality. The opening of their dance had young girls offering the public with bodbod, a special delicacy made of sticky sweet rice. Their dance showed the arduous preparation involved in the creation of the bodbod, but instead of sporting pained expressions on their faces, the dancers were all aglow, as if showing just how proud they are of their product.

The municipality of Jimalalud is known for its strong Hambabalud trees. Their Hambabalud Festival pays tribute to Mother Nature, to thank her for protecting their municipality from floods and typhoons. They have even built majestic trees as props and created an image of their patron saint, Sto. Niño.

Canlaon City, on the other hand, is noted because of the Kanlaon Volcano. Legend has it that the volcano sprouted from the graves of two tragic characters: Warrior Kan and Princess Laon. The king and queen of Canlaon City reenacted the sad fate of the lovers, and touched the hearts of the crowd when a dying Kan tried to reach his princess Laon who died in battle.

One of the more intriguing municipalities is Mabinay, which is known as the “Cave Town” of Negros. Because of its caves and animals, Mabinay has the potential to create interesting props, and this year, it did not disappoint with its make-believe caves that appeared life-like and haunting.

Not the Last Resort

Dauin is popular for being the province’s “Resort Town.” But before this, the people of Dauin did not appreciate their town’s natural wonders. Instead, they cut off their trees and blamed her for every bad thing that happened to them. They later regretted cutting down the trees for floods came and destroyed their crops and killed their people. But a visit from a galawin, or an elf, taught them to love nature and replant the trees they chopped down.

A must visit in Dauin is the Bahura Beach Resort and Spa which prides itself in having a wide range of outdoor activities. Resort Manager Ronnie Sta. Ana said the rooms in the resort are defined by the powerful color of red which is a welcome contrast to the serene colors of the sea. Bahura has meticulously preserved its corals and reefs, and just a few meters away from shore, these corals and reefs are already within reach. It’s best to watch out for sea turtles and a variety of small fishes. Moreover, when the morning sun hits the clear waters at Bahura, the vibrancy of sea life truly comes alive.

Though fairly new, Atmosphere Resort, which is owned by British couple Matthew and Gabrielle Holder, is already one of the town’s more impressive resorts. Prices here might be a bit steep, but the resort makes up for it with luxurious accommodations and exceptional facilities.

Divers with a taste for the good life will appreciate what the resort describes as their “dive center, designed by divers for divers.” They also offer daily diving trips to Apo Island and all of Dauin’s marine sanctuary. After a tiring day of exploring the sea, divers can enjoy lying in hammocks strategically placed outside resort rooms or in beds covered in Egyptian cotton linen.

Bring Home the Art

It’s almost impossible to visit the province without buying anything for Negros Oriental is home to beautiful handicrafts and interesting wares. At the Sidlakang Negros Village, several booths were set up representing the cities and municipalities of the province.

Nearby island Siquijor has one of the more interesting booths. Known for its mystical practices, the people of Siquijor are sworn by most to create the most effective kulams and anting-antings. The booth sells bracelets worth Php 15.00 that are known to block “usog.” Wooden crosses known to ward off evil spirits and protect the bearer are sold for Php 500.00. Moreover, the booth also has something for lovesick individuals—spray-on gayuma, which makes people feel a kinship with the bearer.

Naturally, the booth of Bindoy offers their bodbod, which could be served at their restaurant or taken home. They also sell hot chocolate tablets which would go well with the delicacy. Bais sells danggit, while Sibulan has dried fruits.

Aside from the booths at Sidlakang Negros Village, a must-visit is Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (NOAH). The exteriors of NOAH is reminiscent of Snow White’s house in the classic Disney fairy tale, and inside the place lies exquisitely crafted wooden furniture, stone carvings, as well as an assortment of knick-knacks, ranging from jewelry to jewelry cases.

Negros Oriental has long made a niche as a tourist destination in the country, what with its luxurious resorts and picturesque mountains and lakes. But to know its history and appreciate its culture would further elevate one’s experience in the province.

Discovering Iloilo City (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228493/discovering-iloilo-city)
November 7, 2009, 8:55pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228493/discovering-iloilo-city)

Grilled lobsters and crabs are favorites at the Breakthrough restaurant.

As a first-time visitor to Iloilo City, my knowledge about the place is practically zero except for the fact that chicken inasal and batchoy are delicious food that supposedly came from that place. So when the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation Inc. invited the media for a 3-day familiarization tour of the city, I was raring to go, eager to discover what Iloilo is all about.

Iloilo is about food

Iloilo as I would come to discover is really about food. The Lingoes love to eat, nay they live to eat. For them eating is a way of life. Unlike in Manila where we often wolf down our meals to get on with our other activities, in Iloilo, meals are relished and seen as a social event among family and friends — a time to catch up on each other’s lives over servings of binnacle and nasal. During our lunches and dinners, we (writers from Manila) would already be getting our desserts while our Lingo friends seemed to be just getting warmed up. Our tour guide Eugene Tamerlane shares how it is in their house during weekend lunches — they would linger on the dining table way after lunch sharing stories, that before they realize it, they’d already be having marina, then later after that supper. He adds that in Iloilo they rarely use the sala to entertain guests, instead they just whisk them off into the dining room for a sumptuous meal or maybe a marina of sumac dipped in muscovite and home-made hot chocolate (made from tableau or cocoa tablets and endlessly stirred with a batgirl).

Another thing that makes Lingo cuisine different from other places like Manila became more evident on our third meal. I just realized none of our gracious hosts served us anything that’s fried, only broiled, steamed or grilled. Yes, the Lingoes love their food grilled. While grilling is something we do at home during special occasions, in Iloilo they grill on a daily basis. The grill, whether it’s a Hibachi or just an old chicken wire on top of rocks, is an integral part of the Lingo dirty kitchen. From fish to clams to the ubiquitous chicken inasal that can be found in restaurants on every block, the Ilonggos like them smoked and browned to perfection. Speaking of which, the Ilonggos are crazy about chicken too — more than pork or beef. Stands to reason that while in Manila Andok’s Lechon is but a small kiosk selling take-aways, in Iloilo it’s a huge semi open restaurant that’s always packed with people come dinner time. And not to mention that Mang Inasal, now easily the most popular and biggest grilled chicken restaurant chain in the country originated from Iloilo.

Other original Ilonggo specialties that have gained national popularity are pansit molo from the district of Molo and La Paz batchoy from the district of La Paz. Try Deco’s version of batchoy together with puto for a truly satisfying merienda. While there, you can also get your pasalubong from their store next door where you can choose from a wide array of Ilonggo pastries and delicacies.

For authentic chicken inasal, try Tatoy’s Manukan where they use only native chicken and is one of the more popular restaurants frequented by politicians and celebrities. Just a few meters away is Breakthrough which specializes in seafood specialties such as lobsters, blue crabs and various clams and shellfish that are mostly found in this region. It is situated along the beach so you’ll be dining amidst the sounds of the waves and the scent of the sea breeze, enhancing your tropical dining experience.

If fine dining is more your taste, visit Al Dente restaurant at the Sarabia Hotel for their boneless take on chicken inasal and the hearty Binakol (chicken soup with coconut meat and water) served inside a fresh coconut. On the cheap end, there is a small fast food restaurant called Roberto’s that is famous for its halo-halo and jumbo “King” siopao that is one of Iloilo’s best kept secrets.

They know how to have a good time

If you think Iloilo has nothing to offer like Manila by way of nightlife, you’d be surprised. Though the Ilonggos appear to be simpler and more conservative than the Manila folks, it does not mean that they don’t know how to have a good time.

Head over to Smallville, their smaller version of Eastwood City to sample the food and entertainment provided by the different restaurants and bars that make up this hip and happening complex. From dining, to disco, to videoke or live bands, you only need to walk around to find the place that’s up your alley. The place is crawling with families, students, and employees every night and closes later on weekends.

There is no Starbucks here, but they have their own Iloilo - based Coffeebreak which is not only cheaper but has the ambiance and taste that will give the franchised coffee shops a run for their money. Coffebreak along with the other restaurants in the same area are the brainchild of restaurateur whiz Johnny Que who is also behind Waffle Time which started in Iloilo and is now 423 outlets strong all over the Philippines.

Iloilo is more urban than you think

Iloilo City is a fast - growing metropolis fueled by the increasing number of Business Processing and Outsourcing (BPOs)/ call centers that have set up shop in the city. As the province’s educational hub, with 13 colleges and universities, Iloilo becomes an ideal investment site for skills-required and English-proficient job employments. Though Iloilo City may not have the high-rise buildings of Makati, it is not that far behind in terms of infrastructures, facilities, and standards of living either. In some aspects Iloilo is even better off. Iloilo City seems to have lesser traffic, wider streets, lesser potholes and garbage and a cleaner waterway. I did not find any shanties or squatters within the city either. With better infrastructures and a new coal - powered plant set for completion in 2010, Iloilo is poised to attract even more investors and visitors.

A jump-off point to Guimaras

With a modern airport in Sta. Barbara and the city being strategically located, Iloilo stands as a gateway and jump-off point to other tourist destinations. Just 15 minutes from the Iloilo wharf by boat is the island of Guimaras, known for its export quality mangoes, pristine beaches and scenic landscapes. Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia is the more popular resort known for its white sand and clear water ideal for swimming and other water activities. When in Guimaras be sure to drop by the Trappist Monastery where you can ask for the monks’ blessing and you can get dried mangos, jams, jellies made from fruits they grow and harvest themselves.

Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage

Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage can be best gleaned from the old churches, mansions, and buildings that are evidence of the city’s once glorious past of being the textile capital of the Philippines more than a century ago. Architecture students will have a field day studying the old buildings along Calle Real that retained the various design standards of the time: art deco, Spanish, European, etc. Nelly’s garden in Jaro is one of the finest examples of residential mansions owned by the most prominent families of the province. The mansion’s facade looks like it was cut out of a postcard and looks even better when lit up for Christmas. Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church are not only magnificent structures, with Jaro having its Belfry separate and across the street and Molo with its Neo-Gothic style, but they are also unique because Jaro Cathedral only houses male saint sculptures while Molo as its counterpart only has female saints.

While Iloilo is no longer known for weaving, there are still some locals who keep the tradition and art of the loom alive. One such place where you can buy quality sinamays or hablots is in a heritage house in Arevalo where you can find shawls and placemats made from the finest jusi or pinya fibers.

My first Iloilo City experience was a journey of discovery. I look forward to going back to experience the Dinagyang Festival in January as three days are not enough time to really know Iloilo… and there’s a lot more to discover.

ruralvillage

November 7th, 2009, 08:25 PM

From Shore to Shore: An island-hopping adventure in Caramoan Peninsula (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228477/from-shore-shore)
By MA. GLAIZA LEE
November 7, 2009, 8:30pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228477/from-shore-shore)

Blame it on the novels and bedtime stories about pirates and buccaneers seeking adventure in the high seas and laying claim on deserted islands. These stories egged me into exploring the vastness of the ocean and satisfying my wanderlust. And on the invitation of Eagle Creek, I packed my gears and went on to explore the Caramoan Peninsula.

Journey to an Island Paradise

Located northeast of Camarines Sur, the hilly Caramoan Peninsula is characterized by deep gorges and rough, rocky terrain. It has a National Park which features limestone formations, caves, sandy beaches, an islet lake, and a subterranean river.

Armed with our durable and water-repellant Eagle Creek luggage, my companions and I endured the 10-hour bus ride to Naga City, the starting point of our journey. Let’s face it, a journey that entails long arduous travel is a real deal breaker. But for us adventurous folks, the long travel is an adventure in itself as it adds pizzazz to the holistic experience.

From the Naga City Central Terminal located near the San Francisco Church, we headed to Sabang port. From Sabang Port, we took a small commercial boat that ferries passengers to Guijalo-Caramoan Port. It took two hours to get from one port to another.

To while away the time, we convened at the boat deck to look at the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean and the stunning Mayon Volcano. Being at the sea gave us a sense of serenity that transcended the exhausting hustle and bustle of modern life. It was quite surreal to stare at the infinite ocean in the horizon. Yet, we knew that the sea is treacherous. Even with the advent of modern technology, the sea still offers challenges beyond anything that humans can predict or control.

We arrived at the Guijalo Port and headed to the Gota Village Resort. The quaint resort has several cabanas which were originally built to house the production crew of Koh-Lanta, the French edition of reality show Survivor. Each cabana was constructed using fresh-cut pine wood. Although the cabana is quite small, the space is utilized wisely, making it cozy and inviting.

The resort has a modest sandy shore but it has strong and consistent waves. It could have been a good surfing spot if not for the rocky bottom. The shore faces the Pacific Ocean with amazing rock formations on both sides. There’s a stairway leading to a flat terrain where one can see a 180-degree panoramic view of the islands.

At the Paniman Beach, there are several family-owned rest houses and homestays. Here, the locals dish up delicious native delicacies, mostly seafood or whatever the catch of the day is. This gives city folks like us a glimpse of life in the islands.

An Adventure like no Other

Two coves away from Gota is the Hunongan Cove. Its white sandy shore is ideal for camping and Frisbee-throwing. Across Hunongan is the Cagbalingad Island, an even smaller cove. Both islands are partly hidden from view by the adjacent islands and surrounded by towering limestone cliffs which serve as natural barriers protecting the islands from high winds and strong waves. The water on this part is always so calm with just passive riffles.

Since ours was an adventure trip, we really took the meaning of the word to heart and decided to swim from Hunongan to Cagbalingad. We didn’t sign up for this. But what the heck, it was a challenge we couldn’t forego.

Armed with just life vests and what adequate swimming skills we have, we started to swim ashore. Looking at the stretch of water between the two islands, it seemed really close. But believe me, the 1.2 kilometers stretch felt like forever. I kept on swimming, but I couldn’t seem to reach the shore. The boat which was following us halted several times just to keep up with my sluggishness.

After more or less an hour, we reached the Hunongan shore. I’m not a strong swimmer, but I endured it. It made me feel like a winner in a triathlon event.

Our adventure didn’t stop there. On Matukad Island whose shore is covered by white puka shells and coral over powdery pink sands, we rock climbed the limestone cliff to see the enigmatic lagoon where a huge milkfish resides.

Local tales have it that there used to be a pair of milkfish in the lagoon. But a camper harpooned one and ate it. Soon after, the camper's two children died. Since then, nobody attempted to catch the lonely bangus.

Climbing the cliff wasn’t easy. The edges were rough and jagged that it could graze the arms and legs and cause cuts and abrasion. A misstep would mean a really, really bad fall.

Other islands to explore are: Pitogo Bay which is not your usual beach because instead of powdery sand, the shore is lined with piles of smooth-edged stones; Lahos Island, dubbed as the Paradise Island, characterized by two almost identical limestone formations cut in the middle by a long and uninterrupted sandbar; Lahuy and Sabitang Laya Islands, both are known for their endless stretch of white beach and large rock formations; and Tinago Bay, which as the name indicates is literally hidden from the sea by the limestone formations that enclose the cove.

Aside from the happy mixture of sun, sand, and sea, the isolation and laid-back lifestyle in Caramoan contributed to an unforgettable adventure. The Caramoan trip definitely taught us to live life to the fullest, find an adventure and taste its forbidden fruits. Indeed, you will never be the same as you sail into the horizon and experience the temperament of the vast sea.

dinabaw

November 9th, 2009, 02:40 PM

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7113/89079729.png

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9799/davaosept2009page34.jpg

skyphire

November 9th, 2009, 02:50 PM

kevinb

November 9th, 2009, 03:29 PM

^^ The only thing there is that out of all the ports in the Philippines, how many can support cruise ships? I can only probably think of major ports like Manila, Batangas, Tabaco, Davao, Cebu and Zamboanga.

True. Only very few of our ports can handle cruise ships. And not much of them are scenic or have high-end tourists facilities. A huge number of our ports only cater to cargo ships. :(

Sky Harbor

November 9th, 2009, 03:32 PM

^^ And ro-ro vessels.

national guard

November 10th, 2009, 09:22 PM

RP among National Geographic’s 25 travel destinations
By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:16:00 11/10/2009

Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Tourism

MANILA, Philippine—The Philippines has been named by National Geographic as one of the “25 best new travel destinations in the world for 2010,” according to the Philippine embassy in Washington.

In its November Adventure issue, the US publication cited the country's “ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity” as key reasons to visit the country.

The Washington, DC-based magazine described the Philippines as “harboring as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet.”

It described the Philippines and the 24 other destinations as “just right for right now” for "travelers who want their dollars to do more – for others, for the planet and for themselves.”

Among the magazine’s other must-see places were Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Iceland, Ireland, Kenya, Laos, Nepal, Peru, Slovakia, and Sri Lanka.

Willy Gaa, Philippine ambassador to the US, said the inclusion of the country on the list “shows the global community is taking note of the natural and cultural wonders in the Philippines, as well as efforts to protect and preserve them.”

Last month, National Geographic-Traveler magazine named the Ifugao Rice Terraces as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime: Greatest Destinations in the World.”

It described the rice terraces in the Cordillera Administrative Region, declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, as “masterpieces of agrarian art” and “natural poetry.”

Other “destinations of distinction and character” on the list are the South Pacific island of Aitutaki, Switzerland's Mt. Rigi, the Yap outer islands in Micronesia, the Balkan country of Montenegro, the Gobi desert in Mongolia, Bwindi forest in Uganda, and the little-known islands of Lord Howe in Australia and Fernando de Noronha in Brazil, among others.

According to Gaa, the American tourist firm Wilderness Travel is organizing a trip to the Philippines next May which will “lead clients high into the 4,000-foot Cordillera... then deep into the world's most diverse marine environment.”

The travel group is a “company of and for travelers whose members are mostly repeat travelers or referrals from past members. Its members include naturalists, ecologists, archaeologists, writers, art teachers, historians, and mountaineers.

Wilderness Travel's 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3,300 (about P153,800).

On its website—www.wildernesstravel.com—the Philippines is described as a country which boasts “breathtaking hikes, ancient rice terraces and other scenic mountain landscapes, cultural encounters with Ifugao people and world-class snorkeling in the country's coral triangle.”

The Philippine journey “explores the emerald world of the Ifugao hilltribe people, steeped in ancient tradition and who have transformed the precipitous mountainsides of their homeland into steeply-contoured rice terraces, complete with ingenious irrigation systems dating back 2,000 years.”

“The trip then takes travelers to Cabilao island in the Visayas to view stunning reefs that are part of the famed Coral Triangle, the world's greatest concentration of marine dioversity,” said Wilderness Travel.

The Philippine embassy has been working with National Geographic in “raising awaress on the importance of sustainable development and ecological protection,” according to the diplomatic mission's website.

janaldense

November 11th, 2009, 11:35 AM

True. Only very few of our ports can handle cruise ships. And not much of them are scenic or have high-end tourists facilities. A huge number of our ports only cater to cargo ships. :(

Cruise Ships has CRUISE TENDERS

Tenders are life-boat like vessels which are used to accommodate excursionists to reach their destinations if the port's water level is too shallow to handle biggger ships. They are ALWAYS attached on the boat deck. Tenders are very common to cruises on the Caribbean and the Galapagos. Cruise ships usually anchors on the middle of the sea if their port of call is too shallow to have them docked.

Tenders can be used in Philippine ports of call such as Boracay Island, Mactan and other "islandic" places.

We dont actually need upscale cruise ports....

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4558/cruisecunardqueenmaryii.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/cruisecunardqueenmaryii.jpg/) http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/cruisecunardqueenmaryii.jpg/1/w440.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img23/cruisecunardqueenmaryii.jpg/1/)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/796/tenderreturningtotheque.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/tenderreturningtotheque.jpg/) http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/tenderreturningtotheque.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img23/tenderreturningtotheque.jpg/1/)

janaldense

November 11th, 2009, 11:52 AM

Conde Nast Traveler
^ World's Most Prestigious Travel Magazine

TOP RESORTS in ASIA 2009

1.Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand, 98.9

2.Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan, 97.2

3.Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan , Bali, 96.5

4. Wildflower Hall, Shimla, India, 95.2

5.Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia, 95.1

6.Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand, 93.5

7.Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay , Bali, 92.3

8.The Chedi, Chiang Mai, 92.2

9.Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand, 91.7

10.JW Marriott Phuket Resort , Thailand, 91.4

11.Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand, 90.1

12.Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An, Vietnam, 90

13.The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia, 89.8

14. Amanpuri, Phuket, 89.5

15.Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives, 89.4

16. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Cebu, Philippines, 88.5

17.Banyan Tree Phuket , Thailand, 87.9

18. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, Cambodia, 87.7

19.The Oberoi, Bali, 86.9

20. Soneva Gili by Six Senses , Maldives, 86.5

21.Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa, Nha Trang, Vietnam, 86.3

22. Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa, Hoi An, Vietnam, 84.6

22.Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali, 84.6

24. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives, 83.8

25.Sheraton Pattaya Resort, Thailand, 83.3

ITS THE ONLY NON-CHAIN RESORT IN ASIA TO HAVE AN AWARD

janaldense

November 11th, 2009, 11:54 AM

ASIA'S TOP HOTELS 2009
Conde Nast Traveler

1.
Oberoi Udaivilas, Rajasthan, 97.2
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
2.
Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, 96.8
see the Tokyo travel guide ›
3.
The Peninsula, Hong Kong, 96.5
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
4.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, 96
view slideshow › | see the India travel guide ›
5.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, 95.7
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
6.
The Peninsula, Bangkok, 95.2
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
7.
Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, 95
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
8.
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, 94.9
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
9.
Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street, Beijing, 94.5
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
10.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, 93.8
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
11.
Westin Bund Center, Shanghai, 93.6
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
12.
Taj Lake Palace, Rajasthan, 93.2
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
12.
Park Hyatt Tokyo, Tokyo, 93.2
view slideshow › | see the Tokyo travel guide ›
14.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 92.9
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
15.
The Peninsula, Beijing, 92.8
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
16.
Devi Garh, Rajasthan, 92.4
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
17.
Raffles Beijing, Beijing, 92.4
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
18.
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 92
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
19.
InterContinental Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 91.8
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
20.
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, 91.7
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
21.
Raffles Hotel, Singapore, 91.7
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
22.
Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, 91.6
view slideshow › | see the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide ›
23.
St. Regis, Shanghai, 91.6
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
24.
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, Chiang Mai, 91.4
view slideshow › | see the Chiang Mai travel guide ›
25.
Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore, 91.2
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
26.
Amandari, Bali, 91
view slideshow › | see the Bali travel guide ›
27.
The Langham, Hong Kong, 90.8
see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
28.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, 90.5
view slideshow › | see the Angkor Wat travel guide ›
29.
Amankila, Bali, 90.3
view slideshow › | see the Bali travel guide ›
30.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, 90.3
view slideshow › | see the Tokyo travel guide ›
31.
Grand Hyatt, Tokyo, 90.2
view slideshow › | see the Tokyo travel guide ›
32.
The Sukhothai, Bangkok, 90.1
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
33.
Langham Place, Hong Kong, 89.9
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
34.
Four Seasons Hotel at Marunouchi, Tokyo, 89.8
view slideshow › | see the Tokyo travel guide ›
35.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit , Bangkok, 89.8
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
36.
Regent Beijing, Beijing, 89.5
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
36.
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi, 89.5
view slideshow › | see the Hanoi travel guide ›
36.
Conrad Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 89.5
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
39.
Amansara, Siem Reap, 89.4
view slideshow › | see the Angkor Wat travel guide ›
40.
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, 89.3
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
41.
St. Regis, Beijing, 89.1
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
42.
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok, 89
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
43.
Grand Hyatt, Shanghai, 88.9
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
43.
JW Marriott Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, Shanghai, 88.9
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
45.
Park Hyatt, Beijing, 88.8
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
46.
JW Marriott, Hong Kong, 88.7
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
47.
The Imperial, New Delhi, 88.5
view slideshow › | see the Delhi travel guide ›
47.
Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 88.5
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
49.
Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore, 88.4
view slideshow › | see the India travel guide ›
50.
Grand Hyatt, Beijing, 88.1
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
50.
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, 88.1
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
52.
Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, 88
view slideshow › | see the Delhi travel guide ›
52.
Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong, 88
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
54.
Four Seasons Hotel, Shanghai, 87.7
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
55.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang, 87.6
view slideshow › | see the Laos travel guide ›
55.
Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore, 87.6
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
57.
Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, 87.3
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
57.
Makati Shangri-La, Manila, 87.3
view slideshow ›
59.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, 87
view slideshow › | see the Malaysia travel guide ›
59.
Grand Hyatt, Singapore, 87
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
61.
Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, 86.8
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
62.
Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap, 86.7
view slideshow › | see the Angkor Wat travel guide ›
62.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaipur, 86.7
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
64.
JW Marriott, Bangkok, 86.6
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
64.
Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong, 86.6
view slideshow › | see the Hong Kong travel guide ›
<B>64.
Pan Pacific Manila, Manila, 86.6<B>
67.
Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur, 86.5
see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
68.
China World Hotel, Beijing, 86.3
see the Beijing travel guide ›
68.
Fullerton Hotel, Singapore, 86.3
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
70.
Taj Exotica, Goa, 86.1
view slideshow › | see the Goa travel guide ›
71.
New Otani, Osaka, 86
view slideshow › | see the Japan travel guide ›
72.
The Peninsula, Manila, 85.7
73.
Le Royal Méridien Shanghai, Shanghai, 85.5
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
74.
Westin Beijing Financial Street, Beijing, 85.4
view slideshow › | see the Beijing travel guide ›
74.
Taj Coromandel, Chennai, 85.4
see the India travel guide ›
74.
Hilton Osaka, Osaka, 85.4
see the Japan travel guide ›
77.
Hilton Chongqing, Chongqing, 85.3
see the China travel guide ›
77.
Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai, 85.3
view slideshow › | see the Shanghai travel guide ›
79.
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, 85.2
view slideshow › | see the Singapore travel guide ›
80.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok, 85
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
80.
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, Beijing, 85
see the Beijing travel guide ›
82.
InterContinental Maurya, New Delhi, 84.8
see the Delhi travel guide ›
83.
InterContinental Bangkok, Bangkok, 84.4
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
84.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur, 84.2
see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
85.
Conrad Bangkok, Bangkok, 84.1
view slideshow › | see the Bangkok travel guide ›
86.
Westin Chosun Seoul, Seoul, 83.9
87.
Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, 83.6
88.
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, 83.5
view slideshow › | see the Malaysia travel guide ›
88.
JW Marriott, Mumbai, 83.5
view slideshow › | see the Mumbai travel guide ›
88.
Rambagh Palace , Jaipur, 83.5
view slideshow › | see the Rajasthan travel guide ›
91.
Beijing Marriott, Beijing, 83.4
see the Beijing travel guide ›
91.
Hilton Hanoi Opera, Hanoi, 83.4
view slideshow › | see the Hanoi travel guide ›
93.
Imperial Hotel, Osaka, 83.3
see the Japan travel guide ›
93.
Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, 83.3
view slideshow › | see the Japan travel guide ›
95.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Bangkok, 83.2
see the Bangkok travel guide ›
95.
Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, Beijing, 83.2
see the Beijing travel guide ›
95.
Hotel Seiyo Ginza , Tokyo, 83.2
view slideshow › | see the Tokyo travel guide ›
98.
Conrad Centennial Singapore, Singapore, 83.1
see the Singapore travel guide ›
99.
Westin Tokyo, Tokyo, 82.9
see the Tokyo travel guide ›
100.
Fisherman's Cove, Chennai, 82.7
see the India travel guide ›

watcher09

November 11th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Why are the Philippine hotels highlighted except for Pan Pacific Manila?

Porknight

November 11th, 2009, 05:02 PM

janaldense

November 13th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Why are the Philippine hotels highlighted except for Pan Pacific Manila?

sorry...i havent noticed Pan-Manila.. its #68 i think

aseania

November 13th, 2009, 08:09 PM

Conde Nast Traveler
^ World's Most Prestigious Travel Magazine

TOP RESORTS in ASIA 2009

13.The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia, 89.8

16. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Cebu, Philippines, 88.5

ITS THE ONLY NON-CHAIN RESORT IN ASIA TO HAVE AN AWARD

The Datai is also 'non-chain'...;)

ruralvillage

November 14th, 2009, 02:09 AM

El Nido: Wild Asia Responsible Tourism advocate (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521232&publicationSubCategoryId=87)
RENDEZVOUS By Christine S. Dayrit (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521232&publicationSubCategoryId=87)) Updated November 08, 2009 12:00 AM

The poet John Keats was right: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” But how can we continue to appreciate nature’s priceless fare if tomorrow it is no longer there?

Being a global nomad for the last decade, I have attempted to comb the planet for the most scintillating destinations wherein nature’s pristine landscape has remained preserved despite such luxurious developments. My most recent sojourns — from island hopping in the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles to helicopter escapades over molten lava terrains and paragliding over the effervescent waterfalls in Reunion Island in East Africa — epitomize the kind of tourism that will certainly withstand the test of time. When man seriously takes care of his environment, it reciprocates his magnanimity.

Recently, I have become a keen advocate and supporter of Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Program that includes an annual awards event that goes beyond glitzy dinners and pats on the back. The event is one of the most important regional efforts to inspire change in the travel industry and destination.

It is with pride and honor that I congratulate El Nido Resorts — both Lagen and Miniloc — for winning the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award last Oct. 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award means that El Nido has maintained its standing as the country’s greenest resort. Located in the Protected Area of Northern Palawan, Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort bested Six Senses’ Soneva Fushi in Maldives and Nikoi Island in Indonesia in the Midsize to Small Accommodation Operators category. Winners were short-listed from a pool of resort operators that used Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism assessment tool, and were then further evaluated by an on-site visit from the organization’s team members. El Nido Resorts environment manager Mariglo Laririt was present to accept the award.

Wild Asia, the Malaysia-based social enterprise behind the award, judged El Nido Resorts’ practices that aim to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring that it meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation.

Among El Nido Resorts’ diverse sustainable practices are its waste management system, which utilizes Sewage Treatment Plants to recycle wastewater and Materials Recovery Facility for proper segregation of wastes.

The Deluxe Seaview Rooms at Miniloc Island Resort, which were opened last year, were specifically designed to run on solar power. Solar panels have also been installed at the resorts’ beach clubs to lessen fossil fuel consumption.

Its commitment to the development of the local community is reflected in its various training programs and employment opportunities for locals, as well as by patronizing local produce.

For over 20 years now, El Nido Resorts has been operating with minimal negative impact on the environment. Both El Nido Resorts and Wild Asia aim to promote the best practices of sustainable tourism and support the creation of more sustainable destinations in Asia.

Last year, El Nido Resorts was also a Wild Asia finalist under the Luxury and Boutique Resorts category. Aside from the recent Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award, El Nido Resorts has also been feted by other award-giving bodies like its recognition as the only Philippine property to have made it to the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Green List 2006 and Island magazine’s Blue List 2007. The honorees were chosen based on their environmental preservation efforts, involvement with local communities and the quality of guest experience. El Nido was also awarded the Green Hotel Recognition Award from the Association of South East Asian Nations for taking the lead role in protecting the area’s greatest assets — its coral reef and marine and forest habitats — by helping secure government protection, collaborating on scientific studies, and planning low-impact development and activities. Every staff member of El Nido, from gardener to dive guide, has taken classes in ecology, geology and history.

During our recent stay at El Nido, our group was well informed of our responsibilities in being good stewards of nature. The resorts’ staff members reminded us of our role in protecting the paradisiacal island — and how else to protect Mother Earth.

My youngest sister Yvonne and her winsome daughter Carin spent an exhilarating weekend exploring El Nido’s charm. In Miniloc, Carin frolicked in the azure waters dotted with eclectic tropical fish. Right off the pier, mother and daughter ecstatically snorkeled as they swam with groupers, sergeant majors, parrotfish, fusiliers and more. After sunset, they retreated to their luxurious water villa with a stunning sea view. They also checked out the marine sports center with its complete diving and snorkeling facilities, as well as kayaks, windsurfing equipment, and aquabikes. The cuisine of the restaurants in El Nido is simply divine, what with only the best chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts as one of their consultants.

Yvonne adventurously explored the more than 20 dive sites — comparable to the Blue Corner, Turtle Cove and Big Drop Off in Palau, Micronesia — all easily accessible from the resorts. The dive sites range from gradual slopes to drop-offs, wall dives to flat reefs.

Unforgettable, too, for Yvonne and Carin, while in the middle of island hopping, was the story told by our guide about a 100-year-old pawikan (green sea turtle) that died recently due to plastic ingestion. The pawikan mistook a transparent plastic bag for a jellyfish, its staple food. The helpless pawikan was unable to digest the plastic bag. That instant pollutant caused the death of a creature that had been in existence for about a century.

On the other hand, my best friend Bum Tenorio and his younger brother Rod explored Lagen Island — set in a lush forest with a magnificent view of the bay and the El Nido sunset. The sprawling grounds cover more than four hectares. Lagen has water cottages built on stilts, beachfront cottages, forest rooms and suites. It also has a spa offering aromatherapy massages
and treatments. At the back of the forest rooms is the garden chapel perfect for meditation or church services on weekends. It is also the site of romantic weddings and classical concerts. We all took a mangrove tour at the break of dawn and spotted wild ducks and egrets flying from their nests in the early morning mist.

Each time we marvel at nature’s treasure, remember it isn’t only there to bring us pleasure. If we care for Mother Earth as we ought to, just like a diamond, it can certainly last forever.

* * *

For more information about El Nido Resorts call (632) 894-5644 or fax (632) 810-3620. You can also log on to www.elnidoresorts.com) Island Transvoyager Inc. is El Nido Resorts’ official airline. Call 851-5674; mobile 0917-8853104; or e-mail csu@itiair.com for more details.

lochinvar

November 14th, 2009, 12:53 PM

I hope there will be a cruise just for the Philippines visiting noted places around the country. I am sure there is a market for that. Aside from the burgeoning middle class in the country, there are millions of Filipinos scattered around the world that are now financially able to make that cruise. Some potential stopover: Vigan, Hundred Islands, Corregidor, Puerto Galera, Legaspi (Mayon Volcano), Boracay, Palawan (Underground River), Bohol (Chocolate Hills & Tarsier), Iligan (Maria Cristina Falls), Zamboanga. The cruise ship is already a hotel, so no need for those 5 rated hotels.

filcan

November 14th, 2009, 04:51 PM

El Nido: Wild Asia Responsible Tourism advocate (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521232&publicationSubCategoryId=87)

^^Speaking of El Nido Resorts...

A Canadian travel show recently aired an episode featuring the Philippines. I've been trying to find some video to share of the episode but...fail. Anyways here's some of what the hosts had to say about Pinas:

BEHIND THE SCENES - THE PHILIPPINES: A Taste of Paradise

http://www.oln.ca/admin/uploads/Image/philippines.jpg

El Nido was absolutely spectacular, although once more , it felt like we were sabotaged by off-season weather. To do a show like ours, on a budget like ours, off season means we can afford to get to where we need to go, and also get into the places we’d like to go (a place like the El Nido Resort gets booked up pretty fast in high season). In the show, there’s a fraction of a second shot of me swimming into a cave. We had parked the boat alongside it, the water was crystal blue, and it seemed like the thing to do, you know, swim into the cave. Later, a guide tells me, “in fifteen years, you’re the first person I’ve ever seen do that. Legend has it an big anaconda lives in that cave.” Proving, once and for all, ignorance is bliss, and it also makes people do stupid things in retrospect.

Since my bum ear keeps me out from under the water, I had originally planned to go rock climbing amongst those fantastic limestone islands. Rain and rock climbing mix like pitbulls and kindergartens, so we had to scramble for a replacement story. Compared to other shows on adventure travels, I knew my first time scuba diving wouldn’t be very impressive in terms of what you, the viewer, might see beneath the surface. But my reaction, and the pure thrill of doing something I’ve always wanted to do, would be as real as it gets. Being real has held me in good stead these past few years. After all, if I was actually a gung-ho thrillseeking adrenaline junkie, what fun would that be? Half of the time I’m scared to death, the other half I just reassure myself that people don’t get hurt too often filming television. Oh, wait... On the other hand, Julia can eat all the balut she wants. She seriously did chase me around the hotel with that fertilized egg in her hand. You have to be a serious nut to eat that. Swimming with anacondas is like playing with puppies in comparison.

For someone who spends a lot of time in planes, I make a concerted effort not to think about plane crashes. This is not easy when flying through a tropical rainstorm. Rain was pouring in through the windows, and we were bouncing around like lottery balls, the propellers making that growling sound you hear in war movies just before a big explosion. I’ve got to think that the more I fly, the more I increase the chances of going down in a fiery ball, but statistically, it’s more dangerous to drive your car. Did you know more people get killed every year from bee stings than shark attacks? Fear exists in nature, and irrational fear is human nature. So here you have someone who’s been set on fire and bungee jumped off TV Towers and hiked erupting volcanoes but show me a plane in a storm or an exotic egg delicacy and I’m wrapped up in the corner hubbing for mercy.

I can’t believe it took me this long to get to the Philippines, and it’s truly a place I want to return to. I doubt I’ll be as lucky to find myself at somewhere as nice as the El Nido resort again, but that’s OK, I’ll take what I can get.

oln.ca (http://www.oln.ca/otherinfo.php?id=9&infoid=20#eps3)

marlowe_cano

November 14th, 2009, 05:33 PM

sandwindstars

November 15th, 2009, 05:01 PM

^^Speaking of El Nido Resorts...

A Canadian travel show recently aired an episode featuring the Philippines. I've been trying to find some video to share of the episode but...fail. Anyways here's some of what the hosts had to say about Pinas:

BEHIND THE SCENES - THE PHILIPPINES: A Taste of Paradise

http://www.oln.ca/admin/uploads/Image/philippines.jpg

El Nido was absolutely spectacular, although once more , it felt like we were sabotaged by off-season weather. To do a show like ours, on a budget like ours, off season means we can afford to get to where we need to go, and also get into the places we’d like to go (a place like the El Nido Resort gets booked up pretty fast in high season). In the show, there’s a fraction of a second shot of me swimming into a cave. We had parked the boat alongside it, the water was crystal blue, and it seemed like the thing to do, you know, swim into the cave. Later, a guide tells me, “in fifteen years, you’re the first person I’ve ever seen do that. Legend has it an big anaconda lives in that cave.” Proving, once and for all, ignorance is bliss, and it also makes people do stupid things in retrospect.

Since my bum ear keeps me out from under the water, I had originally planned to go rock climbing amongst those fantastic limestone islands. Rain and rock climbing mix like pitbulls and kindergartens, so we had to scramble for a replacement story. Compared to other shows on adventure travels, I knew my first time scuba diving wouldn’t be very impressive in terms of what you, the viewer, might see beneath the surface. But my reaction, and the pure thrill of doing something I’ve always wanted to do, would be as real as it gets. Being real has held me in good stead these past few years. After all, if I was actually a gung-ho thrillseeking adrenaline junkie, what fun would that be? Half of the time I’m scared to death, the other half I just reassure myself that people don’t get hurt too often filming television. Oh, wait... On the other hand, Julia can eat all the balut she wants. She seriously did chase me around the hotel with that fertilized egg in her hand. You have to be a serious nut to eat that. Swimming with anacondas is like playing with puppies in comparison.

For someone who spends a lot of time in planes, I make a concerted effort not to think about plane crashes. This is not easy when flying through a tropical rainstorm. Rain was pouring in through the windows, and we were bouncing around like lottery balls, the propellers making that growling sound you hear in war movies just before a big explosion. I’ve got to think that the more I fly, the more I increase the chances of going down in a fiery ball, but statistically, it’s more dangerous to drive your car. Did you know more people get killed every year from bee stings than shark attacks? Fear exists in nature, and irrational fear is human nature. So here you have someone who’s been set on fire and bungee jumped off TV Towers and hiked erupting volcanoes but show me a plane in a storm or an exotic egg delicacy and I’m wrapped up in the corner hubbing for mercy.

I can’t believe it took me this long to get to the Philippines, and it’s truly a place I want to return to. I doubt I’ll be as lucky to find myself at somewhere as nice as the El Nido resort again, but that’s OK, I’ll take what I can get.

oln.ca (http://www.oln.ca/otherinfo.php?id=9&infoid=20#eps3)

Robin Esrock and Julia Diamond are rocking. They've got good insights to wherever they travel. They don't overdo their shows, and have excellent sense of humour. Robin says he will come back to the Philippines.

Mr. Sandman

November 16th, 2009, 08:01 AM

^^Speaking of El Nido Resorts...

A Canadian travel show recently aired an episode featuring the Philippines. I've been trying to find some video to share of the episode but...fail.Here's a short clip:

<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wRVt_jTgwNs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wRVt_jTgwNs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>

national guard

November 16th, 2009, 12:51 PM

Tourism sees a brighter year ahead
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- The year 2010 is a better year for the tourism sector because of new opportunities and innovations.

This was contained in the World Travel Market (WTM) Global Trends Report which was released by Euromonitor International, a market research group based in the United Kingdom.

WTM suggested proactive measures to reverse the slump to continue recovery.

Supporting this report is the latest edition of the United Nations (UN) WTO World Tourism Barometer, which indicated that ‘the rate of decline has eased from Jan. to Aug. of 2009,’ and stated that a ‘moderate growth can be expected’ for the following year.

To tie-in with one of the world’s largest gatherings of travel industry leaders, the WTM in London, the reports estimate that global travel bookings will pick up steadily in 2010 after ‘a challenging year,’ dotted with a change in the travel landscape in light of the global scenario.

DOT Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano noted, “Throughout the global crunch, Philippine tourism remained optimistic and adaptive to the challenges. Being a key driver for economic growth in the country, the tourism industry continues to carry a positive outlook. In spite of the difficulties, the sector continued to be strong because the over-all focus is on opportunities instead of the threats.”

The Global Trends Report shed light on the current developments and issues affecting the sector. It mentioned, “Governments have been responsive; implementing tourism stimulus packages to varying degrees of success,” an important factor which Durano acknowledged.

“The support of our partners and other tourism stakeholders has played a vital role in maintaining the vibrant travel activities within and to the country. The DOT truly credits them for the united effort they have shown in boosting domestic tourism,” he added.

The Report said further that while the recession cast a grim shadow a global scale, consumers also responded well by focusing on ‘life’s small luxuries’ – apparent with spas and nature travel, which, according to Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., is one of the country’s key strengths.

Jarque said, “Filipino creativity in times of adversity truly shines as we see more diversified packages that promote nature-based, low-cost, and low-impact travels around the country, in the midst of these trying times.”

“The Philippines’ inclusion in National Geographic’s elite list of 25 Best New Trips for 2010 is good news we can bank on,” Jarque added.

Meanwhile, the UNWTO Travel Barometer indicated that results for the first eight months of 2009 show that international tourist arrivals declined in all world regions. However, “Asia and the Pacific showed ‘the clearest signs of improvement with growth already positive.”

According to the UNWTO’s initial forecast for 2010, “International tourist arrivals are likely to witness a moderate recovery next year, with one to three percent growth. This outlook reflects the gradual improvement of international tourism figures in recent months, as well as the better-than-expected economic indicators in some major source markets.”

The report also stated that, “Asia will show the strongest rebound, while Europe and the Americas will probably take longer to recover.” (PNA)
DCT/LBV

Philippines News Agency (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&nid=6&rid=241809)

ruralvillage

November 17th, 2009, 01:05 AM

Embracing adventure in Caramoan (http://www.bworldonline.com/weekender/content.php?id=1378)
Business World (http://www.bworldonline.com/weekender/content.php?id=1378)

BLANK ITINERARIES, an anything-goes attitude, plus the willingness to do the damnedest things are the hallmarks of "adventure travel," a category that hits the sweet spot between planned expeditions to the North Pole and leisurely vacations that come with little umbrella drinks.

Caramoan offers much for intrepid travellers including the chance to scale the limestone face on Matukad island and awesome views whether you’re on a cliff or on Gota beach. -- <i>Photos by Adolf Lopez</i>
Caramoan offers much for intrepid travellers including the chance to scale the limestone face on Matukad island and awesome views whether you’re on a cliff or on Gota beach. -- Photos by Adolf Lopez

Put another way, adventure travel is knowing where you’re going without exactly being sure how you’re going to get there (by plane, by foot, or by donkey -- it doesn’t matter).

Eagle Creek, a brand of travel luggage sold at ROX, has embraced this philosophy espoused by backpackers in designing products that are both rugged and practical. Hence the brand carries, among other things, backpacks that have an "off-road" wheeled option, duffels with multiple handles, and gear bags that are the lightest in their class.

Another innovation comes in the form of packing solutions dubbed "Pack-It," which are zippered mesh "cubes" of different sizes made-to-fit their luggage. Rolled up shirts, pants and underwear can be organized into separate cubes, making it easier to locate a specific item without messing everything else up.

To field test their products, Eagle Creek invited a group of journalists to Caramoan in Camarines Sur, a town located on the tip of a peninsula that juts into the Maqueda Channel on the north and east, and Lagonoy Gulf on the south.

Geologically speaking, the most striking features in Caramoan are its vertical limestone cliffs, jagged outcroppings comparable to those in Palawan, which are said to have been formed over 140 million years.

We arrived at the recently renovated Gota Village Resort -- a complex of palochina cabanas a few meters off the beach itself -- after around 12 hours of travel that included a bus ride from Manila to Naga, a van ride to Camsur Watersports Complex (where some of us were able to sneak in a few kneeboarding attempts around the cable park), another transfer to Nato Port where we took the fast craft to Caramoan Port, and finally, another van ride to Gota.

The plan, we were told, was that there was no plan. Everything was freewheeling: we could join the activities if we wanted to, or lounge on the white sandy shore of Gota and enjoy a view framed by dark crags.

Caramoan lends itself to this kind of "whatever" stance because it has much to offer.

The "Adventure Menu Board" at the resort includes snorkeling, kayaking, spelunking, mountain biking, rock climbing, firefly-watching, and a host of other things.

If the outdoors isn’t your cup of tea, you can borrow DVDs from the customer service cabanas and hole up in your air-conditioned room.

Gota Village Resort offers a family package of three days and two nights, inclusive of board, meals, and transfers for P7,500/person for a family of four.

This includes an island-hopping tour that will bring guests to five of the scenic spots in the peninsula’s vicinity. Additional whole-day activities on the Adventure Menu Board range anywhere from P500 to P2,000.

Fully accepting the anything goes attitude of Eagle Creek, we found ourselves climbing a 200-meter limestone face on Matukad island, one of the many surrounding the peninsula, without any ropes in order to see a solitary bangus (milkfish) swimming in the lagoon on the other side.

Legend has it that a fisherman speared its mate and, as punishment, the fisherman’s two children died.

The climb is daunting because a misstep could mean a painful fall on the characteristic sharp edges of karst topography, one that could end with you having a perforated ass or worse. Despite our untested bouldering skills, the climb proceeded without any mishaps or injuries -- shredded rubber slippers, bruises, and abrasions aside.

Swept up by the spirit of adventure, we then decided that we would swim 1.2 kilometers in order to cross from Cagbalinad beach to Honongan beach. Somewhere halfway, you might find yourself asking why you’re doing this when there’s a boat right beside you. And the answer is, well, why not?

This kind of experience is precisely the point of adventure travel, said Eagle Creek brand manager Guia Abad, who came up with the idea of swimming across in the first place.

Not satisfied, we decided to do a bit of exploring through the mangrove area that connects Paniman island to Gota beach, and were pleasantly surprised to chance upon the structures erected for the eighth season of Survivor France, which was shot entirely in Caramoan.

Tired, sated and finally convinced that we had played the role of "adventure traveler" to the hilt, we spent our last day at Gota beach stretched out on the sand, reading books and listening to music.

Anything goes -- whether it’s risking life and limb to see a magical bangus or snoring under the sun.

(For inquiries about Caramoan tourism packages, call the Camsur Provincial Tourism Office at 54-4773172/4775252 or 0919-336-6760; e-mail camsurtourism@gmail.com; or visit www.gotavillage.com or www.caramoanislands.com.)

RonnieR

November 17th, 2009, 11:35 AM

RP pushes tourism growth at World Travel Expo

by Patrick Camara Ropeta, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, London | 11/17/2009 1:40 PM

LONDON - The Philippines joined hundreds of exhibitors at the World Travel Market show in London, as part of an ongoing long-term strategy to boost tourism into the country.

Together with the Philippine travel industry, the Department of Tourism presented the country to a global audience of travel professionals who are looking for business opportunities.

“This is the premier business-to-business event in the tourism calendar. They allow people from the travel industry to meet their counterparts from different parts of the world to stimulate and create business between markets and destinations,” explained Domingo Enerio III, Tourism Attache at the Philippine Department of Tourism in Britain.

He continued: “Those who are present in these kinds of events usually reap the rewards and get the business for themselves.”

The annual event, held at ExCel Exhibition Centre in the Royal Docks, is among the biggest events in the travel industry, attracting thousands of participants from all over the world including tourism boards, hotels, tour operators, entrepreneurs, airlines and specialist publications.

Destination: Philippines
The Department of Tourism was joined by a host of service providers from the Philippine travel sector, including El Nido Resorts, One World Travel Express, Raja Tours Philippines, Filtravel and Manila Hotel, who were all searching for business opportunities with international clients.

“We have high expectations from this event. We’ve been around the world attending shows, and it’s our first time to really tap into the UK and European market,” said Isabel Garcia from Boracay Regency Beach Resort, who attended the expo for the first time.

She added that these events have the potential to attract new interests: “This is the best channel to invite all Europeans to go to the Philippines and to go to Boracay as their next destination. It plays a big factor in improving sales, production and tourism.”

A number of special guests also made an appearance to support the Philippines, including Mindoro Oriental 1st District Representative, Rodolfo Valencia, and Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Antonio Lagdameo.

“The story of the Philippines is a great one. It’s a very different place, even within the whole of Southeast Asia. There is something very special about the Philippines, and I think the presentation of the Department of Tourism is first rate,” observed Paul Diamond, former British Ambassador to the Philippines, and current chairman of Friends of Philippines.

He also commented on what the country has to offer, having experienced it for himself during his residency between 2002 and 2005: “It’s the most fabulous destination for any tourists from anywhere in the world, no doubt about that. It’s the friendship of the people that comes at the top of anybody’s list. The natural environment is also fantastic, and there are a variety of things to do as you travel around the country.”

Issues and challenges
Like most countries, however, tourism in the Philippines has its own challenges. One of the main issues faced by the local industry is “under-perception.” As Diamond explains: “I used to say that the Philippines is the best kept secret in Asia, but I don’t want it to be a secret. It should be recognized by many more people that it is the most amazing destination for a holiday for people of all ages and all groups.”

Another “key issue” is the lack of direct flights from Europe. The decision of Philippine Airlines to terminate its European operations in 1998 has left a hole in the market which has “hounded” Philippine tourism ever since. Though flights with stopovers are available, the absence of a national flag carrier with a direct route to the country has had a noticeable impact.

Furthermore, the global economy is experiencing a major downturn, which has led to a general reduction of demand for traveling, as consumer spending power decreased worldwide. There is also the matter of global warming, which has its own consequences for international travel.

Resilient
Despite various difficult circumstances, the Department of Tourism believes that Philippine tourism has been consistently improving in the last few years.

“We’re a resilient people. We have people who continue to fight the odds, and we have a very friendly character, and good nature that is very welcoming to tourists,” said Tourism Attache Enerio.

He also explained their strategy in promoting the country amid economic woes: “I think we were able to withstand [the downturn] and have remained resilient to the impact of the global recession. We are able to continue to put our best foot forward so that as soon as the recession lifts, we are in the right position and the right place to reintroduce the Philippines [as a traveling destination] to a renewed economy.”

As for the "access" problem, he revealed that “Philippine tourism from Europe has steadily gained momentum despite the absence of a national carrier”.

He admitted that the Philippines can “probably double or triple” the speed of growth if it had direct flights from a national carrier, “because of the support that we can expect from such an airline.”

Former British Ambassador Diamond commends the tourism board for doing a “great job” in their campaign strategy: “I think the Department of Tourism has been doing a great job for several years. The strategy is right - it’s to focus first of all on the general attractions of the country, and second to look at the various segments of the market where the Philippines has a very particular appeal.”

Results
The Department of Tourism has been participating in the event for the last 10 years. The department is “pleased” and “satisfied” with this year’s outcome. The travel market expo allowed them to continue their efforts in promoting the Philippines on a global platform, while at the same time addressing any issues that may arise from travelers and professional clients.

Delegates from the Philippine travel sector also had the opportunity to make contacts, close deals, get publicity and open communications with the international community. Many resorts managed to be included in international tour programs, while others were selected to be featured in specialist publications like Luxury Spas.

The World Travel Market is one of largest gatherings of travel professionals from around the globe. Celebrating its 30th year, it provides an international platform on which tourism boards and service providers could forge business relationships and create opportunities for each other. It is also an open forum where travel professionals could address issues affecting the industry, including sustainability, technological developments, economic conditions, trends, emerging markets, and the environment.
as of 11/17/2009 1:40 PM

habagatcentral1

November 19th, 2009, 07:00 PM

An invite to all:
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/3489/wvtainvitation2.jpg

jpdm

November 20th, 2009, 02:01 AM

^^^^This summer, we might be going to Cebu, Bohol (Central Visayas) and Boracay (Western Visayas)instead of Thailand. A support to our local tourism industry.:):cheers:

dancethingy

November 20th, 2009, 02:55 PM

^^ If you have time, you should stop by Guimaras, it's the most beautiful and peaceful place.

manila_eye

November 20th, 2009, 04:08 PM

^^The last time I was there about 10 years ago puro basura ang beachfront (near the cross) facing Ilo-ilo. I don't know kung nalinis na nila that it was really bad.

dancethingy

November 21st, 2009, 06:36 AM

^^ I didn't see anything of that sort when i was there in 2007. Hopefully they did clean it up.

habagatcentral1

November 21st, 2009, 06:46 AM

^^The last time I was there about 10 years ago puro basura ang beachfront (near the cross) facing Ilo-ilo. I don't know kung nalinis na nila that it was really bad.

^^ I didn't see anything of that sort when i was there in 2007. Hopefully they did clean it up.

In the first place, the calibre beaches are not those facing in Iloilo, but those on far flung areas like Buenavista, Nueva Valencia (Alubihod is the most accessible and well known among the locals when it comes to cream-white beaches in Nueva Valencia), and San Lorenzo-Sibunag area.

Those facing at ILO (Jordan and Buenavista ports per se) are not really for bathing...Pero thank God for creating a strait instead of a bay in this part of the country, the water does not get stagnant.

You might be pertaining to this area:
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/8/photos/54/600x600/8/P1130093.JPG?et=JY8U78VbYNLXjlD51O3iIQ&nmid=41649141
It might be like this but take note, dugongs and pawikans are occasional visitors at this area.

Just to give you a glimpse:
wjytYsq3g3s

And regarding the oil spill of Guimaras, it didn't affected all coastline of Guimaras as most Manila media have broadcast.

julzandrew

November 21st, 2009, 07:55 AM

WOW nice Iloilo

ruralvillage

November 21st, 2009, 10:17 PM

RP tourism: All set for greater heights through chartered flights (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230493/rp-tourism-all-set-greater-heights-through-chartered-flights)
By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA
November 21, 2009, 11:17am
A busy RP pavilion at the TITF 2009.
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230493/rp-tourism-all-set-greater-heights-through-chartered-flights)

Often described as a traveler’s personal version of business-class flights, charter flights reap a significant advantage when it comes to mass tourism. With the perks associated with this type of traveling, more and more tourists are opting to book charter flights as opposed to commercial flights. Also, a high number of chartered flights to a certain country depict a significant growth in tourism.

Aiming to attract more tourists and strengthen existing tourism relations particularly on chartered flights from Taiwan to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has recently conducted presentations in three big cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei, in Taiwan.

The presentations and meetings with various airline officials and tourism leaders in Taiwan were led by Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Ireneo Reyes, Taiwan Tourism Representative; Sonia Garcia, Director of DoT-Region 10, and Ma. Rica Bueno, Head of Team Asia Pacific.

Mandarin Airlines recently started the Taichung – Kalibo charter flight mid-October of this year, while China Airlines is continuing its Boracay charter service which opened in May 2008.

A possible re-opening of the Taipei – Cebu charter flight was likewise brought to the table with China Airlines through its Vice President James Yu.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) also announced the newest addition to the various charter flights from Taipei to Kalibo. According to Sindy Lin, PAL Country Manager in Taiwan, “The PAL Taipei-Kalibo charter will start on December 9, 2009 using A320 aircraft with a seating capacity of 150.”

“Ease of travel is integral to tourism activity. With continued and additional charter flights, our most popular beach destinations can expect increased arrivals for the coming year ahead,” noted Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Jarque expressed DoT’s gratitude for the continuing support of both airlines in providing direct charter service to Kalibo, the gateway to Boracay Island. “The Philippines remains an acknowledged tropical destination for our white-sand beaches. Moreover, our tourism facilities are ready to accommodate numerous travelers who are looking for that unique island getaway.”

Alongside the promotional efforts was the Philippines’ active participation in the Taipei International Travel Fair (TITF) held at the Taipei World Trade Center which highlighted Davao as a premier nature and adventure destination.

“Davao has the best of both worlds. For nature lovers who want to experience mountain trekking and afterwards enjoy the waters, this is truly the place for them,” shared Jarque.

The 63-sq. m. Philippine pavilion at the TITF provided a very good venue for Philippine sellers & partner agents to promote various tour programs. The booth adopted a beach wedding theme to promote the country as a beach wedding and honeymoon destination. Tour operators, hotel and resort representatives from Manila, Boracay and Davao joined the Philippine delegation.

For her part, Bueno said this year’s TITF attracted a bigger delegation from the Philippines. The participation of 17 tourism establishments from the private sector made the Philippine booth even stronger in promoting the country to Taiwanese tourists.
Six local travel agents from Taiwan also joined the Philippine booth; namely A Team Travel Services; Fu Hsia Travel services; Wonderful Tours; Castle Tours; and De-Wey Study Abroad ESL Program.

“Both the Philippine private sector and the local agents reported good business deals for the country for 2010. Participants were able to get a total of 221 confirmed bookings for group tours and more than 800 queries were registered during the three - day fair,” Bueno added.
Boracay tops the list of favorite destination among the Taiwanese consumers followed by Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Manila. They also showed interest in dive sites, golf and English language programs.

Manila-X

November 25th, 2009, 08:09 AM

Maguindanao, 2 others not part of ‘tourist circuit’—DoT
By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:41:00 11/25/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism is coordinating with travel media and tour operators in informing potential tourists to Mindanao that Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City are not part of the “main tourist circuit” in the region, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said Wednesday.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a state of emergency in these areas Tuesday, a day after over 40 people were massacred in Maguindanao in what was apparently an election-related incident.

"We really appreciated that the state of emergency was specified in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City. Itong mga lugar na ito ay di [These areas are not] part ng [of the] main tourist circuit in Mindanao which includes Camiguin, Siargao, Davao and Cagayan de Oro," said Durano in an interview with INQUIRER.net on the side of the Philippine Tourism Congress at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

"Ang trabaho namin ngayon [Our work now] is to inform and coordinate with the travel media and tour operators that these areas are not part of our tourism circuit and our tourism circuits are stable, safe, and enjoyable," added Durano.

Durano described the massacre incident in Mindanao as an "isolated incident" although he recognized that this was not the first time that there was chaos in Mindanao.

"We make sure that there is a normal traffic of tourists in our tourist circuits in Mindanao. Hindi naman talaga kasama sa tourism circuit ang Central Mindanao [Central Mindanao is not really part of the tourism circuit]," said Durano.

In her speech before the tourism congress, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo praised the growth of the Philippines tourism industry, attributing this to the partnership of the private sector and the government.

"The biggest number of tourists comes from our neighboring Asian countries with Koreans, topping the list for several years. Also, there is a 500 percent growth of tourists since 2001 from China," said Arroyo.

"This tourism congress is not only the first compliance in the new tourism act but also to celebrate P555 billion of infrastructure investments in tourism," said Arroyo.

The Tourism Congress, a private sector consultative body, is tasked to assist the DoT in development, implementation, and coordination of tourism policies.

This year, RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 was enacted to boost the tourism industry in the country, which can generate investment, foreign exchange, and employment.

ruralvillage

November 25th, 2009, 11:28 PM

GMA cites gains in tourism industry (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526844&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
(The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526844&publicationSubCategoryId=63)) Updated November 26, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - It could be an indication that she would step down next year.

In what seemed like an “exit” report, President Arroyo yesterday reported the gains of the tourism industry under her presidency, saying the country posted an unprecedented P555 billion in tourism investments and three million tourism jobs since 2001.

“Some $500-million investments were poured in for the construction of this tourism (NewPort) complex alone, aside from the $1.5 billion for building of other tourism and transport facilities,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Speaking before the Tourism Congress, Mrs. Arroyo noted that under her administration, at least five new airports were built.

New hotels were also constructed and many roads going to various tourist destinations were fixed.

The airline industry was likewise liberalized, paving the way for more flights to accommodate the increasing number of travelers to various tourism destinations.

Mrs. Arroyo credited the private sector for their support and investments for the establishments of more resorts, airports and other tourism-related infrastructure.

“I thank the private sector for their participation and hard work to bring the tourism industry to where is today,” Mrs. Arroyo said. – Mayen Jaymalin

Fraulein

November 26th, 2009, 07:04 AM

x12y12

November 26th, 2009, 08:10 AM

Tourism

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Philippine Tourism Congress opens

MANILA, Nov. 25 (PNA) –- The Philippine Tourism Congress (PTC) opened on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel at Newport City with no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the guest of honor.

The President was introduced by Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano who convenes the Congress.

The President said the tourism investments by the private sector from 2004 to the half of 2009 was P555-billion.

After the President departs, Durano opens the nomination for the selection of presiding officer of the Congress.

Nominated was former secretary Mina Gabor while her secretary was Rose Libongco of Sofitel.

Gabor requested for inputs on the proposed agenda of the congress such as the presentation and discussion of the proposed constitution and by-laws, adoption of the constitution and by-laws, election of the interim board, and the schedule of the next congress.

The task force and other officials of the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies will render support and advice to the proceeding of the congress. (PNA)

Espma

November 26th, 2009, 10:29 AM

LINK: http://www.examiner.com/x-10429-Chicago-Adventure-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d25-Philippine-rice-terrace-visit-shows-Maguindanao-massacre-atypical-of-the-Philippines

Philippine rice terrace visit shows Maguindanao massacre atypical of the Philippines
November 25, 6:57
PMChicago Adventure Travel Examiner
By: Ted Nelson

The Maguindanao massacre has sent chills throughout the world as the gruesome news unfolds as the body count now has risen to over 50 including at least 12 journalists. When events like this happen in a country the media does its job and reports it because it is of interest and of course news worthy. However, this intense press coverage on an event like this gives a country a bad name especially to those unfamiliar with the people and the country.

Often times this negative image and tarnish that follow with these reports are legitimate and warranted. In this case I do not think it is. In a previous article I explained the unique geography of the Philippines, which is an archipelago consisting of three major island groups. What happens in one area is not necessarily attributable to another since these island groups are separated by large bodies of water which isolates one area from contact with the other except by plane or ferry.

This event occurred in an area notorious for lawlessness, kidnappings, and political violence. The U.S. State Department had a warning on its website on September 17 of this year for this area for lawlessness, kidnappings, and political violence, and it has had one for this area for years for lawlessness, kidnappings, and violence. It will probably have a warning on their website for this area ten years from now for lawlessness, kidnappings and political violence. Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are the only area in the Philippines currently under a travel warning.

When news like this comes around I feel it is my duty as the Adventure Travel Examiner to offset the bad with the good to help restore some sort of balance. A short memoir follows of my time in the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces in Luzon, which is the largest island in the Philippines and far removed from the area of the massacre to remind or introduce adventure travelers to the normal type of experience they might encounter if they ignore the media horror show and travel to Luzon or the Visayas, which are the areas outside the travel warning.

One day in Batad

I arrived in Batad in the early morning after a two mile hike after the road ended where I was dropped off by my cyclo driver. I was absolutely exhausted and hungry after taking an all night bus trip from Baguio. As I entered the village the first building I came across was a guesthouse overlooking the splendid rice terraces. The Philippine proprietress was serving some sort of egg dish to the customers at the guesthouse. She told me to sit and have some food. I did as was ordered and wolfed down the tasty omelet. It was a good selling technique and I paid the 100 pesos or approximately $2.00 fee for staying there the night. While eating the friendly owner gave me the scoop on what to see in the area. There were the rice terraces to explore and just below the village was a trail to a waterfall. That sounded right up my alley, so with a plan in place I took a much needed nap.

Waterfall

I took off for the village and rice terraces as soon as I awoke. There were plenty of guides offering their services, but I decided I wanted to explore on my own. There was no main trail down to the rice terraces as many pathways went this way and that through this small Philippine village. I found myself in a few dead ends in people’s yards and front porches. A couple of times this was embarrassing as I practically walked right into people hanging out in their homes. Instead of being outraged at my intrusion the people smiled and pointed me to the right way and a couple of times even offered to accompany me as a guide. I smiled and thanked them and apologized and continued on my way. Once I got out of the village I entered the rice terraces and they were amazing. There were narrow stone walls between the terraces and I felt like a trapeze artist balancing on these narrow stone corridors, but it seemed like there was always a convenient stepping stone when I needed the extra balance.

After exiting the terraces I found a trail that descended down the mountainside into a valley. The familiar sound of a raging river could soon be heard, which was exciting. In my previous travels in Thailand and Vietnam I learned to never know what to expect when hearing promotions for a waterfall. I saw some incredible torrents cascading down cliffs and I saw some drops of water peter pattering off a dry cliff into a pool and everything in between when directed to a waterfall. The cascade of water made this one sound promising.

I continued down into the valley and the trail then met the river and around the bend was a beautiful waterfall which dropped forty feet into a deep dark pool. I was a sweaty mess after the hour walk in the high humidity. I jumped into the pool and it was pure bliss.

There was a group of other Philippine trekkers by the waterfall and they were just about to turn around back to the village. One of them named Antoinette greeted me with a smile and said she was happy I was here and welcomed me to her country. She asked which guesthouse I was in and she invited me to a bonfire party with her friends. She told me she would meet me at the guesthouse at 8pm.

After finishing my dip it was getting late so I hightailed back to my guesthouse before dark. Sean from Scotland had arrived while I was on my trek and we talked and shared some travel stories over a few beers and watched the sun set over the incredible rice terraces and the Cordillera Mountains. I told Sean about the get together and soon enough Antoinette had come to pick me up for the bonfire and welcomed Sean to the soiree as well.

At the bonfire was Antoinette and her friends, me, Sean, a couple of Australian girls staying at the guesthouse too, and two Philippine brothers named Romel and Romeo. Rice wine was offered and both Sean and I were immediately given a glass full of this sweet concoction. The two brothers had a guitar and were entertaining the group. They were both really talented and switched off playing two songs each. They had a real affinity for Bob Marley, but also played some songs that one would not expect in the middle of nowhere in the Philippines. The one that really surprised me was that Romel played “Handy Man” by James Taylor.

I had mentioned to Sean that I played a little guitar and during one of the breaks in songs Sean told this to the group. Romeo immediately handed me the guitar. After not playing much for a couple of months it was a little bit of a struggle, but I held my own and soon I was in the two song rotation with Romel and Romeo.

Soon the rice wine was all consumed, we were out of wood, and I think all played every song in our repertoire. At least I know I had. These were all sad signs that the party was over, but it was a night I will never forget. With all the bad news coming out of the Philippines I wanted to counter it in my small space on the web with a positive story about a great and beautiful country and people.

Ted Nelson was recently named one of the top 101 Adventure Travel twitterers on twitter. http://abroadening.com/161

Manila-X

November 26th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Thats the best thing DOT can do at the moment is to make people aware about the Philippines and that what happened in Mindanao is not the whole perspective of the country.

ruralvillage

November 28th, 2009, 10:25 PM

Kayak 'n' roll (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527666&publicationSubCategoryId=87)
By Joy Angelica Subido (The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527666&publicationSubCategoryId=87)) Updated November 29, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - It really is possible to see the entire Philippines by traversing the sea. Our ancestors did it. They sailed into the Philippines on boats called balangay before settling in the various islands. But without doubt, sailing is a test of skill, mettle and a bit of luck. It is fraught with danger because swift currents can push you towards perilous open seas, or strong winds may force you inland and dash your craft on shoreline rocks. Thus, to kayak throughout the Philippines takes considerable navigational skills, physical strength, adequate “sea sense” and an adventurous spirit.

Filipino explorer and outdoorsman Buzzy Budlong of Cebu and Singapore adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow have all of that. Setting out from Saranggani in Mindanao last Aug. 31, they were scheduled to reach Pagudpod in Ilocos Norte by Nov. 25.

“The team-up is called the Friendship Kayak Expedition Team to commemorate 40 years of Philippines-Singapore relations, and its main goal is to promote this as a serious sport,” says Swee Chiow. “Kayaking in the Philippines is limited mostly to resort kayaking. We are trying to breach the mental barriers of both foreigners and locals so that they see this not just as a leisure activity, but as a viable sport. The terrain really lends itself to the activity.”

The idea for the adventure was hatched last year when Swee Chiow visited the Philippines as a motivational speaker. As an accomplished adventurer, he climbed Mount Everest twice, has been to the North and South Poles, and climbed seven other summits besides. He has cycled from Singapore to Beijing and swum across the Malacca Strait. This latest adventure is a result of a newfound passion for kayaking.

The sea craft are 19-foot touring kayaks. By paddling at least 10 kilometers a day, Buzzy and Swee Chiow expect to log 3,000 kilometers at the end of the tour. “It’s a good way to see the country,” says Buzzy. “We’re hoping to set a pan-Philippines kayaking trail.” He identifies Cebu and Bohol as hotbeds of tour kayaking, but rues that the sport is not gaining popularity as fast as it should, saying, “There are endless possibilities for kayaking as a serious sport in the Philippines since we are an archipelagic country.”

Swee Chiow notes that kayaking gives visitors a unique perspective to the country and its people. “Two things stand out,” he says. “These are the beauty of the islands and the hospitality of the people. There is so much potential to develop tourism through kayaking.” Apart from sights not seen by the average tourist, the paddlers recall sincere gestures of extraordinary goodwill from simple folk. When their support boats were delayed, for example, villagers from fishing villages insisted on lending them dry shirts so that they could change their drenched clothing. And this being the Philippines, the hospitality also meant a surfeit of shared feasts. “This expedition has been aptly called the Friendship Kayak because the friendship shown by the people of this land is remarkable. It is what made it possible for us to come this far,” continues Swee Chiow. “We owe it to them to finish this undertaking.”

Expedition manager Toby Martin reveals that to embark on the project wasn’t easy, and financial constraints were a factor from the start. However an outpouring of support came from the Department of Tourism, local government units and provincial officials, private individuals, and companies like Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX). “The name Friendship Kayak has become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Toby. “The project started out with a lean budget, and although individuals and companies have given support, it cannot be helped that finances are constantly being depleted.” So far, some setbacks encountered by the team include the difficulties resulting from typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, being caught in the middle of a freak storm in Mindanao, kayaks capsizing and equipment being swept away by strong waves. Buzzy and Swee Chiow were at times incommunicado due to lost cell phone signals, and a support boat almost went under because of a punctured hull. Still, the team and its support group manage to go on.

The recent Manila leg of the Friendship Kayak marked the 2,203rd kilometer stop. At this point, there is no doubt that this is a remarkable team of sailors with outstanding fortitude. “Every time I embark on an adventure such as this one, I learn some new skills in order to tackle the challenges ahead,” says Swee Chiow. “But I am also re-learning and reapplying some principles again and again. Among these are faith, courage, determination, friendship and hope.”

* * *

To see photographs and videos, and to learn how you can support the Friendship Kayak Expedition, visit www.friendshipkayak.com. ROX, the biggest outdoor sports and recreation hub in Asia provides adventure packages within the Philippines. Visit them at Bonifacio High Stree,B1 ROX Building Taguig City, or call 856-4639. Or log on to http://roxphilippines.multiply.com.

naughtycalboy

November 29th, 2009, 12:00 AM

Funny enough some Americans from CNN came here to report some bad news about our country (as always) but see what they found instead.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2009/10/27/bs.phillipines.story.cnn
Damn I never be so angry to see such marvelous piece of art left alone like that.
Last time was in Manila when i saw the state of the metropolitan theater. 3 months ago.

saan church yan?

naughtycalboy

November 29th, 2009, 12:11 AM

RonnieR

December 3rd, 2009, 10:33 AM

New RP-Russia air pact to boost tourism, trade

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:07:00 12/03/2009

Filed Under: Air Transport, Tourism, Trade (general)

MANILA, Philippines -- The volume of tourists from Russia and the country’s level of trading with the eastern European country are expected to rise, following the recently approved agreement further liberalizing air travel rights between the Philippines and the former Soviet state.

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Carmelo Arcilla said local officials and foreign counterparts signed a fresh aviation deal to free up more Philippine airspace to make way for planes from Russia, and vice versa.

“[We agreed on] multiple designations for flights per week and points in the Philippines and Russia,” he said via text message following the negotiations in Moscow held on Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

He said civil aviation authorities from both countries agreed to grant 5th freedom air rights to still undetermined points in both countries. This allows Philippine carriers to fly to Russia, pick passengers up from there and fly again to another destination where the passengers deplane.

This goes the same for Russian airlines.

This right is seen as key for local carriers to use Russia as a gateway to Europe, given the country’s geographical proximity to countries like Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, among others.

The new deal goes on top of a similar one agreed upon by Philippine and Russian officials around this time in 2008.

Under the previous deal, the Philippines was given the chance to pick three points in Russia, while the Russian contingent would do the same for the Philippines.

Designated carriers for each country would be allowed to fly as often as they would want to the three predetermined points in both countries.

But like the 2008 accord, no definite number of flights was agreed upon, noting that the demand from airlines to service the route would be the primary consideration.

“[The number of flights will] now depend on aviation authorities in both countries,” Arcilla said.

Members of the Philippine air panel included representatives from the CAB, Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation and Communications and airport managers from different points in the Philippines.

Since the start of the year, the local officials have struck similar deals with Singapore, Brunei, Australia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

The liberalization of the Philippines’ air policy is part of the administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan from 2004 to 2010.

The government is banking on the liberalization of air transport to pave the way for the entry of more tourists and increased trade flows between the Philippines and the rest of the world.

Manila-X

December 3rd, 2009, 10:35 AM

janaldense

December 4th, 2009, 12:26 PM

^ Bohol is trully amazing..its the most beautiful place in the Philippines I've ever visited

tigidig14

December 4th, 2009, 01:15 PM

feel ko parang mayaman at modern pa pinas sa russa eh :D
as long na pro-promote ang pnas to the rest of the world, tama yan!

sandwindstars

December 5th, 2009, 12:03 AM

feel ko parang mayaman at modern pa pinas sa russa eh :D
as long na pro-promote ang pnas to the rest of the world, tama yan!

True. In many ways, Philippines seems to be more progressive than Russia. I worked there in 2006, and went as far as central Russia. There are many things the Philippines is doing better. The change from communism to free market capitalism hit many people. But I think for Filipinos travelling overseas, Russia is a must see.

TheAvenger

December 6th, 2009, 09:41 AM

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/philippines.jpg

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Wind Turbines - Ilocos Norte

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/7_mayon_volcano_albay.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/8_batanes_island.jpg

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http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/9_pearl_farm_samal_island_davao.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/10_tinuyan_falls_surigao_del_sur.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/11_hundred_islands_national_park_pa.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/13_panglao_island_bohol.jpg

http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af16/cecilia_fello/14_pagudpod_beach_ilocos_norte.jpg

Manila-X

December 7th, 2009, 06:03 AM

True. In many ways, Philippines seems to be more progressive than Russia. I worked there in 2006, and went as far as central Russia. There are many things the Philippines is doing better. The change from communism to free market capitalism hit many people. But I think for Filipinos travelling overseas, Russia is a must see.

To be honest, between Russia and The Philippines, the former is more progressive. In fact Russia has the potential to beat China as an upcoming superpower.

But for The Philippines, the economy is going up not down :)

sandwindstars

December 7th, 2009, 06:25 AM

To be honest, between Russia and The Philippines, the former is more progressive. In fact Russia has the potential to beat China as an upcoming superpower.

But for The Philippines, the economy is going up not down :)

To be honest and having worked in Russia ((worked in Eastern Europe 5 times, and China 2x times), the Philippines on the ground level seems to be doing better, vibrant, a stronger middle class (not in monetary terms but in purchasing power). The Philippines will not be a superpower economically, nor militarily but the Philippines seems to be holding up well, inspite of the corruption, the politicians, the inequitable distribution of wealth which are same probs as in Russia (China, non EU ex Soviet states.) The prob is that most Filipinos think the grass is always greener on the other side.

dancethingy

December 7th, 2009, 11:04 AM

^^ That's one of my Favorite quotes. Having lived in so many places i hear a lot Filipinos say, "masmaganda sa ____," they always overlook the negatives so a wholesome perspective of that other country that's masmaganda is often missing.

Manila-X

December 8th, 2009, 04:20 AM

To be honest and having worked in Russia ((worked in Eastern Europe 5 times, and China 2x times), the Philippines on the ground level seems to be doing better, vibrant, a stronger middle class (not in monetary terms but in purchasing power). The Philippines will not be a superpower economically, nor militarily but the Philippines seems to be holding up well, inspite of the corruption, the politicians, the inequitable distribution of wealth which are same probs as in Russia (China, non EU ex Soviet states.) The prob is that most Filipinos think the grass is always greener on the other side.

In fact the problem of corruption in Russia is much worst than The Philippines but its not that publicized. The Philippines ranked 139 out of 181 countries in The Corruption Perception Index while Russia ranked 146.

But Russia has some really neat infrastructure and developments happening.

Anyway, my view in The Philippines is still optimistic. As for tourism, the country needs a really good advertising campaign that can exceed that of Malaysia and Thailand.

RonnieR

December 8th, 2009, 05:18 AM

RP bags 2 AsiaSpa Awards in Hong Kong
Posted on December 6th, 2009 under Beauty of the Philippines
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/the_farm.jpg
The Farm

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/the_farm4.jpg
Mandala

The Farm, the country’s own holistic healing and wellness centre in San Benito, Barangay Tipakan, Batangas, was named “Spa Cuisine of the Year,” while Mandala Spa and Villas in Boracay took home the “Spa Treatment of the Year” award for its “Hilot trilogy”, at the recently concluded 2009 AsiaSpa Awards held at Armani Bar, Hong Kong.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano acknowledged the awards, “These recognitions are continued testimony to the excellence of our Philippine spas. The winners and all nominees serve as an inspiration to the entire tourism industry.”

Presented by AsiaSpa magazine, the region’s most recognized spa and wellness publication, AsiaSpa Awards gave out commendations in 27 categories, including spa personalities, resorts, associations and products that set the benchmarks in the region. The winners were voted on by 28 independent judges.
The Farm

According to Eduardo Jarque Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, “More than offering a personal journey to wellness through therapeutic treatments and healthful cuisine, our spas celebrate the Philippines as a must-go destination for personal care and relaxation.”

“We are very proud to support the best businesses in the industry and to give them the recognition they deserve,” said Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media, publisher of AsiaSpa magazine.

Other Philippine nominations include Tirta Spa Boracay, Spa Association of the Philippines, Sanctuario Spa Manila, and CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Boracay. The country was also nominated for Asian Spa Capital of the Year.
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9523

jpdm

December 8th, 2009, 02:27 PM

Juan Pilgrim

December 8th, 2009, 02:39 PM

[B][SIZE="5"]RP bags 2 AsiaSpa Awards in Hong Kong

The Farm, the country’s own holistic healing and wellness centre in San Benito, Barangay Tipakan, Batangas, was named “Spa Cuisine of the Year,” while Mandala Spa and Villas in Boracay took home the “Spa Treatment of the Year” award for its “Hilot trilogy”, at the recently concluded 2009 AsiaSpa Awards held at Armani Bar, Hong Kong.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9523

Good job! Creative packaging and labeling will help our Tourism/Wellness Industry.

:horse:

RonnieR

December 9th, 2009, 10:05 AM

I thought Pinoys taxi drivers are the worst.

Malaysian cabbies worse problem than dirty

Agence France-Presse First Posted 14:22:00 12/09/2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—A top minister slammed Malaysia's taxi drivers Wednesday, saying they were more of a problem for the tourism industry than the nation's notoriously filthy toilets.

"The complaints by tourists about the taxi drivers' behavior are more than toilets now, so in that context the taxi drivers are worse than dirty toilets," cabinet minister Nazri Aziz said.

"People are complaining about the taxi drivers overcharging, being impolite, and not using their meters, forcing the tourists to bargain with them," he told AFP.

"This is the third-world taxi driver mentality. Even in China now, taxi drivers can no longer (haggle), they just have to take the passengers, no questions asked.

"It's not that all taxi drivers behave like that, it's just a small group of them but that is already giving Malaysia a bad name," said Nazri, who is minister in the prime minister's department.

Complaints about taxis are common the world over, but it has become a hot topic in Malaysia where frustrations are vented on blog sites and in letters to newspapers.

In a survey by the local magazine The Expat last year, some 200 foreigners from 30 countries rated Malaysia the worst among 23 countries in terms of taxi quality, courtesy, availability, and expertise.

The respondents lashed the fleet as "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists—rude bullies and extortionists."

Retro

December 9th, 2009, 10:42 AM

^^ I thought they already discipline their Malaysian cabby driver. Hindi rin pala na solve. Actually sa bansa nila there are 3 types of cabbie driver. Meron Malay-Indian, Malay-Chinese at Malay-Muslim.

Most of the time I stay away from their Chinese cabbie driver kasi sila yun madalas ayaw gumamit ng meter at mahilig sa kontrata. Yun Malay-Muslim cabbie driver naman pag-nalaman hindi ka local madalas e-long trip yun byahe or di naman mabilis ang metro. Yun mas ok na cabbie driver ay Malay-Indian kasi mas matino at marunong mag-ingles.

Para safe yun ride ninyo sa bansa nila you order yun premium-taxi sa hotel. May additional service charge siya ng kaunti kaysa yun ordinaring metered taxi. Meron din silang coupon taxi that you pay prepaid usually sa shopping mall mo makita yun ganoon cabby.

Important din kausapin ninyo yun cabby driver while nasa trip kayo siyempre english dapat ang salitaan. Kung pwede nga e-kwento ninyo may kamag-anak kayo naga taga mindanao kasi one way or another pang-iwas yun para hindi kayo lukuhin, thinking hindi kayo katalo :lol:

RonnieR

December 9th, 2009, 11:10 AM

lex_99

December 9th, 2009, 07:15 PM

I also had a bad experience with their taxi. We paid the driver for the whole day trip as suggested by the owner of the hotel where we stayed. But yung supposedly last trip na namin from Chinatown to Pekeliling station di na sumipot yung taxi. Manloloko talaga!

Manila-X

December 10th, 2009, 04:24 AM

higen

December 10th, 2009, 08:30 PM

RonnieR

December 11th, 2009, 05:46 AM

DoT intensifies RP tourism in ASEAN
New Market Reps appointed
December 5, 2009, 3:19pm

The Department of Tourism (DoT) intensifies the Philippines’ presence in ASEAN countries through expanding marketing functions in identified source markets and in appointing new local market representatives to Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

“The decision to select marketing representatives is in line with the department’s thrust to focus on the growth markets in the ASEAN region and strengthen the image of the Philippines in these countries as a holiday destination,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

The department believes this strategy has proven cost effective and successful following the same move undertaken by DoT in Russia, Hong Kong, South China and India. After a strict and extensive selection process, the department has chosen competent individuals as new marketing representatives.

Taking on the important role of promoting the Philippines as a preferred travel destination to Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam are Charles Leong, Managing Director of Pacific Leisure Marketing for Singapore; Melissa Ong of Borneo Tours for Malaysia; and Miriam Melgar, Business Development Director of communications firm DraftFCB Vietnam.

Charles Leong had over 40 years of sales, marketing and management experience and spent the last 35 years in the travel and tourism industry. As the Senior Director Tourism Business at the Singapore Tourism Board’s head office, Leong had extensive experience overseeing inward and outward tourism investments, lifestyle and manpower development.

For the Malaysian market, a former Chief Executive Officer of a respected travel agency will represent the country to the Malaysian market. Melissa Ong had broad experience in travel and tourism in Malaysia for 13 years, and was instrumental in opening charter flights to Subic by Air Asia from 2001-2004 and led several promotional campaigns with travel trade and commercial partners.

DraftFCB in Vietnam has been active in providing public relations, strategic planning, marketing, and creative development services for 15 years. Miriam Melgar is one of the company’s senior members and is bent in promoting the Philippines to their target market.

DoT is seeing the highly progressive economy of Vietnam tapping affluent travelers to visit the cosmopolitan cities of Manila and Cebu.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/232615/dot-intensifies-rp-tourism-asean

David-80

December 11th, 2009, 06:48 AM

ruralvillage

December 12th, 2009, 08:46 PM

Guimaras aims to enhance its agri-tourism potential (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233748/guimaras-aims-enhance-its-agritourism-potential)
December 12, 2009, 6:35pm
Manila bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233748/guimaras-aims-enhance-its-agritourism-potential)

ILOILO CITY (PNA) – The Local Government Support Program–Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) is now working hand-in-hand with the provincial government of Guimaras to further enhance the agri-tourism potential of the province.

Guimaras, according to its provincial tourism officer Angeles Gabinete, is a recipient of a P10 million support for their community-based rural tourism (CBRT) projects that will be developed in about 10 months.

The end goal is to raise community awareness on environmental management and protection, cultural preservation and promotion and economic empowerment.

It kicked off with awareness on tourism appreciation, tourism mapping that covers villages and municipalities, project planning, and implementation.

Gabinete said they have identified at least 36 CBRTs but to date, 11 are already matured or those that have been capacitated, trained on project management and operation, financial management and structure and policies.

Six of the 11, she said, received funds from the LGSP-LED.
The projects are situated in the municipalities of Jordan, Nueva Valencia and Buenavista which include a marine rescue center, weaving, among others.

“These projects really contributed much to poverty alleviation and poverty reduction of local government units (LGUs),” she said.

Gabinete further added that the province is also being assisted by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI).

She said that they are looking forward to really place the province in the tourism map because it now has a direction and clear framework contained in their provincial physical framework plan integrated with their tourism master plan.

“For 30 years, Guimaras envisions to become an agri-tourism destination in Western Visayas,” she said. “We have kicked off with community/barangay-based community tourism awareness and appreciation because of that direction and clear framework,” she said.

Tourism awareness at the local level or those in villages, schools, transport sector and other tourism industry organization is already about 40 percent, she said.

At the international level, Gabinete disclosed that Guimaras is the only province that was invited to present about the CBRT during the recent Asia Pacific Economic Promotions in Malaysia.

Guimaras Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava also talked about the province in several international gatherings held in Cambodia, Spain, China and other Asian countries.

ruralvillage

December 13th, 2009, 10:23 PM

A slice of paradise (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233794/a-slice-paradise)
By EUGENE Y. SANTOS
December 12, 2009, 7:57pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233794/a-slice-paradise)

There’s a saying that goes that one should work hard but play harder. And in these days, the toxic effect of working hard definitely deserves a panacea of playing harder through rejuvenating leisurely activities.

Weekends are usually the time when work ceases to be a part of one’s itinerary, as replaced by one’s wanderlust to live a life of luxurious easy pleasures even if it’s just for an occasional time. Weekends are also great for catching up on much-needed sleep, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging one’s whims to invigorate the spirit.

Some people shop till they drop while others simply choose to leave the urban jungle—temporarily—and go to a place where nature’s best play whimsically with the best of the modern world. People who fall on the latter go to places such as the Pico de Loro Cove: A patch of land that spans 37.5 hectares featuring a well-planned landscape with splendid views of the mountain and sea.

The cove is part of Hamilo Coast, a sprawling 5,800-hectare property in Nasugbu, Batangas that is slated for further development not only as a residential area but also as a premier destination for weekenders looking for a place to unwind that is not too far away from Manila. By land, it usually takes one to three hours of travel to get there. But SM Land, Hamilo Coast’s proprietor, has disclosed that a sea ferry service will be available around 2010 as an alternative travel medium. It covers 13 island coves bursting with life as lush greenery and aquatic wonders abound in the area, a priority that SM wants to maintain as it merges development with environment-friendly practices.

Although one has yet to see the beauty of Hamilo Coast as a whole wonder, some people are already flocking to spend weekends at the Pico de Loro Cove Beach & Country Club.

A vacationer’s perspective

Selected members of the press were recently treated to a whole day familiarization tour of the beach club. Part of the agenda for us was to get a glimpse of the discoveries that await a weary traveler once he sets foot into the area.

Upon arrival, a well-manicured landscape soothes the eyes. As you walk, you notice the serpentine sea wall made from quarried rocks sourced from the area, as installed along the beachfront, the purpose of which transcends simple architectural means. Aside from giving the beachfront a seemingly bigger view, design consultant Frank Borja said: “In case of high waves coming in, the sea wall will serve as a barrier to lessen the impact on the landscaped lawn.”

The sea wall also delineates the activities that one can do—whether one is in the mood for an active set of activities or just wishes to be passive and laze the day away. The passive side of the area has open grassy spaces where you can read a book, be a social observer, sunbathe, or even admire the beach-friendly flora that brings more color to the surroundings. Proceed further—with your feet stomping, feeling the scrubbing sensation brought upon by the almost-powdery sand on the seashore—and be mesmerized with the sea water as it glistens under the sun’s magnificent rays. Should there be a need for adrenaline rush, then you may swim to your heart’s content or ask your friends to play beach volleyball. A short distance away is the club proper, an Australian-inspired venue where interiors were done by prolific interior designer Manny Samson and where one can see some pieces of furniture done by the world famous Kenneth Cobonpue.

There are magnificent swimming pools that give swimmers a great view of the beach landscape. It is safe to assume that some even indulge themselves with a good massage al fresco. An outdoor massage area takes therapy into a more exhilarating experience as you can hear the rustling of the trees and the relaxing sound of the waves as masseuses do their magic. Hungry? Sun Coral Café serves international cuisine and even offers weekend buffets. Other activities such as bird-watching, wind-surfing, mountain-trekking, cove-hopping are also offered.

For members only

What may be potentially saddening, perhaps, is that you cannot just go to Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and immediately barge in for a quick weekend getaway. That is a privilege reserved for those who avail of membership rights and/or owners of the residential units being built in Pico de Loro. Aside from the condominium units for residential purposes, the upcoming hotel will only accommodate members. But just like in any situation, all hope is not lost as members and homeowners may bring in a select number of non-members as long as it complies with the management’s rules and standards. Those bitten by the travel bug still have hope as SM Land still has some plans to make Hamilo Coast flexible enough to fit the different needs of those who seek a vacation of their own. And as for those who can afford such, we can only guess for the meantime that investing in Pico de Loro definitely comes as a bargain compared to buying a private island in the Bahamas.

***

For more information please visit www.picodeloro.com or www.hamilocoast.com

jpdm

December 14th, 2009, 03:01 AM

Hyatt Regency sold; to reopen as hotel-casino

Written by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror
Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:48
Business Mirror

BUSINESSMAN and singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan has sold the once-famous Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manila to the Sunwest Group of young Bicolano businessman Elizaldy Co. Sunwest owns the luxury resort Misibis Bay Raintree in Cagraray Island, Albay.

The hotel is scheduled to reopen by April 2010, as Midas Hotel and Casino, to be managed by Genesis Hotels and Resorts, a hotel-management firm headed by Miguel Cerqueda, former general manager of The Manila Hotel.

Chan told the BusinessMirror he sold the hotel because “I was offered a good price so I decided to let go of it and focus on my sugar business.” Chan’s family, which hails from Iloilo, has long been in the sugar business. He is president of Biscom Inc. and A. Chan Sugar Corp., a sugar mill and exporter, respectively.

He is putting up a refinery in Biscom, “to be finished in April next year.” Biscom, formerly known as the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Co., is the second-largest sugar mill in Negros Occidental. “The sugar refinery which I’m building will enhance the value of the Binalbagan-Isabela district sugar crop and help our many planters.”

Chan declined to reveal the price tag on the 265-room hotel, whose shares are owned by his holding firm Hotel Enterprises of the Philippines Inc. (Hepi). He said it was the shares of Hepi which were sold to Sunwest. The sale was consummated “in the first week of October [2009].”

“We have set aside an amount in Hepi’s account to cover retirement pay of those employees who have not come to claim them. As for the contingent liabilities of the pending [labor] cases, Biscom will honor those and will hold Sunwest free and harmless,” the businessman stressed.

In a separate interview, Cerqueda said the hotel property is currently being renovated. Rooms will be reduced to 236, an entire floor giving way to the casino and other amenities for casino guests. While he declined to reveal the cost of the renovation, industry sources estimate that at P3 million per room, the renovation will cost at least P708 million.

“We are renovating inside-out. It will definitely be a five-star hotel with five-star luxury, no question about it. The fact that we have a casino will be a helping hand to the occupancy of the hotel,” he said. Interiors are being done by reputable interior designer Ivy Almario.

Meanwhile, Chan said that although he entertained some thoughts of reopening the hotel in the future, “I’m happy I sold the hotel at a fairly good price, considering the stiff competition ahead with over 80 hotels that have cropped up in Metro Manila. But with the casino operations of Sunwest, they have a big edge over the others, so I wish them well.”

Chan’s family bought the hotel, already managed by Hyatt, for “just a little over P300 million” in 1988 from the Government Service Insurance System. The hotel was once one of the premier hotels by the Manila Bay, and one of the hottest go-to places in Manila because of its Calesa Bar and Tempura Misono restaurant.

“The truth is, we had a very good relationship with Hyatt over the nearly 20 years that we owned the property. We were consistently profitable.” Confronted with several labor- union cases against the managers and owners, however, Hyatt decided not to renew the management contract with Chan. Other hotel-management groups were hesitant to take over because of the pending labor cases. So Chan was forced to close down the hotel in January 2007.

Hepi paid most of the retirement compensation of its employees, who numbered about 270 at the hotel’s peak.

“While waiting for the cases to be decided on or resolved, several interested parties approached me, wanting to buy the hotel, but it was not until middle of 2008 when I decided to send feelers out that the property was for sale,” Chan recalled.

He said as many as 10 companies were interested in buying the hotel. “But I’m happy to give it to a local operator [Sunwest].” Aside from Misibis Bay Raintree and Hotel St. Ellis, Sunwest also owns Hotel Venezia, another business hotel in Legazpi and The Embarcadero, a retail, hotel and leisure project anchored on an information and communications technology center, and patterned after the Fishermen’s Wharf in San Francisco.

kevinb

December 15th, 2009, 04:47 AM

Philippine tourist arrivals grow by a fifth in third quarter (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179343/philippine-tourist-arrivals-grow-by-a-fifth-in-third-quarter)
12/14/2009 | 06:56 PM

| | More Share Tourist arrivals went up by nearly a fifth in the third quarter, as a result of new tourist destinations and increased flight frequencies from Manila and other islands in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as from Cebu.

Tourist arrivals to the country’s top tourist destinations rose by 17% to 5.2 million, the Tourism department said on Monday.

Cebu regained its lead as the most visited destination with 1.24 million visitors, a growth rate of 1.8% from a year earlier.

Tourist influx to Camarines Sur remained robust as domestic visitors more than doubled, while foreign arrivals rose by almost a third for an overall growth of 124.6% or 1.23 million tourists.

Meanwhile, despite the lean season in the third quarter, tourist arrivals to Boracay Island rose by 5.3%, with domestic visitors increasing by a tenth to more than half a million.

Bohol posted a 21% growth in foreign arrivals and 10% increase in domestic visitors. Its tourist volume accounted for 4.3% of the total traffic to major destinations in the third quarter.

The North East Asian market accounted for the bulk of the total foreign tourists at 59%, while Chinese and Taiwanese tourists had a 23% and 16% shares, respectively.

Arrivals to Puerto Princesa City rose by 18% with foreign tourists growing faster at 23% compared with the local tourist visitor volume, which went up by 17%. — GMANews.TV

Good job Cebu and CamSur! :banana:

Rall

December 15th, 2009, 05:40 AM

will this be a tourism contender?

Mindanao 1st wakeboard park to open in Davao soon (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/mindanao-1st-wakeboard-park-open-davao-soon)
Monday, December 14, 2009
By Carlo P. Mallo

MINDANAO's first wakeboard park is now undergoing finishing touches and will open its gates soon, following the approval of its move for reclassification by the City Council.

JJ Atencio, 8990 Housing Development Corporation president, told Sun.Star Davao that they are now testing the cables of the sports facility.

Dubbed as Deca Wakeboard Park, the multimillion-project is the first of its kind outside Luzon.

DECA WAKEBOARDING PARK

"There are no more impediments to the project, and we hope to open really soon," Atencio said.

A couple of months ago, a hullabaloo was raised following the revelation the City Council has not yet approved the reclassification of the property being developed by 8990 into a wakeboard park.

The area is classified as residential.

"But the local government unit took it upon themselves for an approval to come in quickly. We showed them what our objective is and they saw that it is good for the city," Atencio said. "The project will definitely be a big boost to local and foreign tourists."

To coincide with the opening of the sports and recreational facility, a group of Korean investors are also putting up a Korean wakeboard school for the influx of Korean tourists who will try the sport.

"The revenues that will be generated by this project will also help the city," Atencio said. "It is what the Vice Mayor and our councilors saw in the project that they immediately passed the reclassification."

The Deca Wakeboard Park is complemented by the Deca Homes Resort and Residences, a residential project that aims to build a resort community at an affordable price.

. Deca Wakeboard Park on SSC . (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=947248)

zeos

December 15th, 2009, 10:06 AM

Good job Cebu and CamSur! :banana:

kaya wala talagang matatawag na undisputed eh. kung undisputed eh hindi sana nag fufluctuate. its between cebu and camsur, no one among the two can be called the UNDISPUTED top tourism destination.

dessertfox

December 15th, 2009, 10:07 AM

RonnieR

December 15th, 2009, 10:39 AM

^^ they are not targetting the Indonesian market? because I know, many of my friends visited Manila and some more even want to continue their medical study in The Philippines....

we even have this tourist package, Christmas package Hongkong tour via Manila on our travel agents.

cheers

Yes, Indonesia is a big market and it's a good package also to link Manila and Hong Kong since the latter is close to Manila.

I've seen some Indonesians who are studying at AIM. :) I had a Indonesian friend who went to Cebu to play in casino and he won more than his travel expenses (air fare, hotel, etc.). He said, he wanted to go back to Cebu.

Hyatt Regency sold; to reopen as hotel-casino

Written by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror
Sunday, 13 December 2009 20:48
Business Mirror

BUSINESSMAN and singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan has sold the once-famous Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manila to the Sunwest Group of young Bicolano businessman Elizaldy Co. Sunwest owns the luxury resort Misibis Bay Raintree in Cagraray Island, Albay.

The hotel is scheduled to reopen by April 2010, as Midas Hotel and Casino, to be managed by Genesis Hotels and Resorts, a hotel-management firm headed by Miguel Cerqueda, former general manager of The Manila Hotel.

Another hotel casino....how many casinos now in the country? The last time I counted, 16 including the newly opened Resorts World Manila.

ruralvillage

December 15th, 2009, 11:44 PM

Central Visayas DOT boss vows to make region major tourist hub (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19754-central-visayas-dot-boss-vows-to-make-region-major-tourist-hub.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/19754-central-visayas-dot-boss-vows-to-make-region-major-tourist-hub.html)
Written by Willy Rodolfo III / Reporter
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 19:26

THE incoming director of the tourism office in Central Visayas said she will beef up the region’s presence in the large-scale conventions and diving markets in an effort to bring in more tourists to the country’s best-selling tourism destination.

Maria Rica Bueno, who will replace outgoing director Patria Aurora Roa of the Department of Tourism (DOT) office here, said the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental have what it takes to challenge the regional leaders in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) business like Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

“The region has the products to meet the demands of all markets including specific needs of many segments,” Bueno said. She also highlighted every strong public and private-sector partnership in the region as a key advantage in helping get the region up above the competition. She said the Mice market brings huge advantages as they bring in large numbers, take up many rooms and the tourists go to many activities and do not necessarily just stay by the beach.

Central Visayas remains the top-tourist draw of the country, but the visitors mainly stay on the already- established beach resorts, especially in Mactan Island or Bohol and then take the well-known guided tours. Bueno said it is time for the region to offer its many other attractions like diving, which should draw long-haul and long-term staying tourists.

Unlike the traditional tourists, she said divers go to the rural areas and stay in more modest accommodations, spreading the advantages of tourism to more people.

Bueno is a 15-year veteran of the department and is currently sitting as the head of the Asia-Pacific team of the department’s tourism planning and promotions. She will take over the regional office next month.

Roa served the regional office of the DOT for 16 years and has been credited to helping make Central Visayas a tourism juggernaut in the Asian region. She said Bueno is not at all new to the stakeholders in the region as well as its markets, having been involved in the planning and marketing of Central Visayas in Asia Pacific.

Central Visayas posted 2.1 million tourist arrivals in 2008, with almost a 10-percent jump from the previous year. This made the region the best-selling tourism destination in the country.

Juan Pilgrim

December 16th, 2009, 06:34 AM

^^With Cebu alone we have attracted more tourists this year than last year
despite of a global financial debacle!

:horse:

bledzoe

December 16th, 2009, 10:07 AM

breathtaking views...

;48557933']In the Philippines, only three resort hotels are members of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (http://www.facebook.com/smallluxuryhotelsoftheworld):

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs188.snc1/6292_127673733114_120294918114_3193589_4981799_n.jpg

Discovery Shores Boracay, Aklan
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs168.snc1/6292_136123638114_120294918114_3319675_7185135_n.jpg

Misibis Bay Raintree, Albay
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs168.snc1/6292_136123643114_120294918114_3319676_5255159_n.jpg

Eskaya Beach Resort, Bohol
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs168.snc1/6292_136123648114_120294918114_3319677_1660864_n.jpg

bledzoe

December 16th, 2009, 10:31 AM

keem em coming...

Biscuit magnate plans more hotels and resorts after Oakwood (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2009/september/15/business5.isx&d=2009/september/15)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2009/september/15/business5.isx&d=2009/september/15)
by Roderick T. dela Cruz

Quantuvis Resources Corp., a leisure property developer owned by the family of biscuit magnate Jacinto Ng, plans to build more hotels and resorts, after successfully launching Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas Center last week.

“We have a land bank of 150 hectares in Metro Manila and the provinces, which we plan to develop for the leisure and hospitality industry,” said Jacinto Ng Jr., director of Quantuvis.

Ng said these include several hectares of property in the Ortigas commercial business district, which he said, had better growth potential than Makati in terms of property development.

Quantuvis has tapped global serviced apartment provider Oakwood to manage a 223-unit Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas, Pasig occupying 28 floors of the P3-billion 41-story Joy~Nostalg Center Manila.

The building is the first high-rise development of Quantuvis, which will focus on the tourism industry, said Ng.

Oakwood Premiere is the latest hotel to open this year, joining large properties such as the 616-room Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa in Cebu, the 217-room Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa in Boracay, the 82-room Discovery Bay Misibis in Albay, and the expansion of Amanpulo resort in Palawan.

More hotel projects are set for completion within the year, including Radisson Hotel in Cebu (400 rooms), Manila Ocean Park H2O Hotel (120 rooms), the Picasso Serviced Residences (136 rooms), Newport Marriott Hotel (342 rooms) and Maxims Hotel (178 rooms) in Metro Manila.

Alfred Reyes, chief operating officer of Quantuvis, said the company aimed to become the leading brand in the hospitality industry.

in_a_rush

December 16th, 2009, 10:50 PM

ccupancy rates of luxury hotels rise :banana::banana::banana:
by Roderick T. dela Cruz

The best luxury hotels in the country are enjoying higher occupancy rates than the more affordable accommodation facilities during the Christmas season.

“I am afraid we are full for Christmas and New Year,” the reservation desk of Friday’s Boracay Hotel said, when asked whether they have available rooms for the holidays.

The 40-room Friday’s Boracay, one of the most expensive resorts on the island, offers a room for P12,000 a night, although it has a two-night package of P47,500, inclusive of round-trip tickets from Manila, boat and land transfer, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rate is higher by P6,000 than the low season fee.

Boracay, which is emerging as a favorite destination for foreign and local tourists during the holidays, has three peak seasons: Christmas and New Year (Dec. 25 to Jan. 9), Chinese New Year (Feb. 13 to 20), and Holy Week.

Rooms, however, are still available on the island at more affordable resorts such as the 285-room Boracay Regency. For a deluxe room, a couple can stay at Boracay Regency for P3,824 a night, according to the hotel’s front desk.

In Metro Manila, the 699-room Makati Shangri-La Hotel is enjoying nearly full occupancy rates this month despite higher rates, compared with other deluxe hotels.

The reservation desk of the country’s largest hotel offers a nightly rate of P9,563 for weeknight and close to P8,000 on weekends during the Christmas season. “We have a high occupancy rate this month,” she confirmed.

These rates apply only to local residents, with foreign tourists and balikbayans paying much higher rates. The hotel in its Web site offers a price of at least P12,000 for a nightly stay in its guestroom.

Other hotels in Metro Manila have launched promo packages to lure guests for the holidays. Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas offers a promo rate of P10,750 for a three-night stay, with breakfast for two, during the period Dec. 1 to Feb. 1 (except Dec. 31).

Guests are expected to pay at least P7,000 for a one-night stay outside the package.

Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, the newest serviced apartment and hotel in Ortigas, offers a weekend getaway rate that was half its usual rates.

For a two-night stay for the weekend, guests can stay at Oakwood’s 41-sq. m. studio room for only P7,975, without breakfast. All the units in the hotel are equipped with kitchen.

The rate is about P9,000 for a two-night stay for the weekend at one-bedroom superior suite, with living room and kitchen.

RonnieR

December 17th, 2009, 05:20 AM

Tourist arrivals from Taiwan to rise 5%
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
December 16, 2009, 4:26pm

Arrivals of Taiwanese tourists into the Philippines are expected to improve by 5 percent next year to 112,000 from 106,000 in 2009 encouraged by the opening of the gaming facilities in the Newport City and new products that the Philippine travel industry will be offering.

This was bared by Philippine tourism attaché Ireneo H. Reyes of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to visiting Filipino journalists noting that the Taiwanese travel market is starting to recover from the impact of the global financial crisis and the AH1N1 virus.

The October period, however, suffered a substantial 31 percent drop because of the typhoons that hit the Philippines.

Reyes said that while Taiwanese outbound travel to the Philippines dropped by 14.4 percent in the January-October period this year over the same period last year, but the decline is expected to be tempered as the November-December period comes in.

Arrivals of Taiwanese tourists in the November-December period is expected to post between 5 to 6 percent increase over the same period last year.

He said there are talks with the operator of the Star Cruises, which is owned by the Alliance Global Inc. to promote tourism in the Philippines by possibly including Manila as one of their stops. Star Cruises make stops also in Kaoshiung and Keelung and could possibly bring in tourists also to Manila by calling in the Manila port.

“The Newport City is a welcome development as it offers new tourist attraction with its Resorts World, a gaming facility located in Pasay City.

According to Reyes, discussions are being undertaken with the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to help in the promotion.

Reyes admitted that the Ampatuan massacre, which made world headlines including Taipei, has affected the Philippine image but the $70 million bank robbery in Kaoshiung has overshadowed the Philippine story.

Reyes said that in partnership with Taiwanese travel agencies and airlines, there would be new products.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234330/tourist-arrivals-taiwan-rise-5

dessertfox

December 17th, 2009, 07:48 PM

DANGEROUS BEAUTY

http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp78/kambys/mayon_photo.jpg

Mayon spews lava, ashes

Salceda orders evacuation of 30,000 folk as alert level 3 is raised over Mayon

December 14, 2009, 11:41pm MANILA (Reuters) – Officials ordered the evacuation yesterday of thousands of people living near the most active volcano in the country, warning of a possible eruption within a week.

Mayon volcano, known for its near-perfect cone shape in Albay, has been spewing lava and ashes that reached a height of about 100 metres (330 feet) on Monday, chief volcanologist Renato Solidum said.

Alex Baloloy, senior science research analyst at the Phivolcs Mayon Observatory in Daraga, Albay, told GMA 7 that the volcanic activity recorded in the volcano's parameters, particularly the rolling of incandescent materials or lava trickles, could eventually lead to hazardous magmatic eruption.

“The volcano is showing increased activity and we deem it necessary to raise the alert,” Solidum told Reuters, saying “incandescent material” had been rapidly moving up to the crater and streaking down Mayon's southeastern slope.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said he had ordered the evacuation of about 20,000-30,000 people living within the 6-8 km (4-5 mile) danger zone around the volcano.

“We'll start evacuating the people to safer areas tomorrow (Tuesday),” Salceda told reporters, requesting assistance from soldiers and police to move people from no-go zones to temporary shelter areas.

Salceda also told local disaster coordinating councils to directly advise the population in the danger zone to have their evacuation kits ready and wait for an advisory to be issued any time from Monday night to Tuesday.

Salceda likewise ordered the Joint Task Force Mayon to pre-position its vehicles for a possible evacuation of 30,000 residents.

Phivolcs had earlier said that there had been an increase in the current activity of Mayon Volcano since June 2009.

The Philippines lies on the “Ring of Fire”, a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanoes in the country, having erupted more than 50 times in the last four centuries.

The most destructive eruption came in February 1841 when lava flows buried a town and killed 1,200 people.

The last time Mayon erupted was in 2006.

SOURCE: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234094/mayon-spews-lava-ashes

This is What I Mean by the Danger of It's Beautiful Mayon Volcano. This is a big draw for Adventure Tourist. Maybe majority of those Tourist are foreigners.

Restive Mayon a tourist draw

By AARON B. RECUENCODecember 17, 2009, 5:40pm

Local and foreign tourists have started flocking to Albay to take a glimpse of the glowing lava flow from rumbling Mayon Volcano, while police and military personnel were told to seal off danger zones from tourists and hardheaded residents who have been evacuated but who continuously try to return to their homes.

The additional troops were on top of the teams of soldiers and policemen who were tasked to conduct mandatory evacuation of the remaining 3,000 families, numbering approximately 20,000 persons, living within the six-kilometer and eight-kilometer permanent and extended danger zones, said Senior Supt. William Macavinta, Albay provincial police director.

Macavinta said they are also conducting dialogues with residents who refuse to vacate their homes, convincing them that it is safer in evacuation centers.

“Our target is for a zero-casualty in case of any major eruption. The instruction from Governor (Joey) Salceda is that there should be no human activity within the danger zones; we will implement it,” said Macavinta in a phone interview.

He said they were forced to make some security adjustments after they received reports that some of those who have been evacuated were returning to their homes within the danger zones.

When security forces confronted them, Macavinta said the residents reasoned out that eruption is not yet imminent and that they still have time to go back to earn some money from their farms.

“We understand them because it is indeed harvest time for their vegetables, that’s why our local officials here are initiating dialogues to explain to them the danger of going back,” he said.

“What we want to point out is that their lives are more valuable than their harvests. The forced evacuation is for their safety and we are optimistic that they would listen,” he added.

While they have not received reports of intrusion into the danger zones from local and foreign tourists, Macavinta said the deployment of troops in critical areas is important to ensure that no one gets near the restive Mayon.

He advised tourists to stay in safer grounds while taking pictures of the crater glow and lava flow from Mayon Volcano which started over the weekend, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to hoist alert level 3 for the active volcano on Monday.

Macavinta explained that it is in the southeast portion of the volcano where lava flow is highly visible. It is also in that area where mandatory evacuation is being effected.

Among the areas in the southeast portion are villages in the towns of Camalig, Daraga and Sto. Domingo and in Legazpi City.

Aside from the danger zones, policemen and soldiers were also dispatched to secure the 21 evacuation centers identified so far by local disaster officials.

“We have enough personnel but I believe other units from other provinces are ready to augment our forces once a major eruption occurs,” said Macavinta.

Officials estimate that there are nearly 10,000 families, more or less 50,000 persons, who have to be forcibly evacuated from the southeast portion of the volcano which experts said are the areas where lava and other volcanic materials would fall in case of a major eruption.

As of 9 a.m. Thursday, a total of 6,993 families or 32,442 individuals have already been relocated, with local authorities expecting to finish the mandatory evacuation either today or tomorrow.

The Makati City government, meanwhile, is readying relief assistance to its sister localities in Albay.

Mayor Jejomar Binay has asked the city’s Social Welfare Department to prepare relief goods for delivery to evacuation centers in Daraga and Sto. Domingo as he ordered the city’s disaster response and rescue units to be on standby for rescue and retrieval operations in the province.

The mayor also called on other local government units and private individuals to follow Makati’s example, saying affected residents in Albay need all the help they could get even before Mayon erupts.

“Makati will be ready to provide help needed in Albay. These events seem to serve as a reminder to all of us what the holiday season is about—reaching out and helping one another. With all of us working together, we will be able to survive any challenge,” he said.

More than 20,000 evacuees would likely spend their Christmas and New Year holidays away from their homes as authorities predicted Mayon’s eruption to take months.

“There are only a few days left until Christmas. We will do all that we can to help bring cheer to our brothers and sisters in Albay,” Binay added. (With a report from Kris Bayos)

SOURCE:http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234527/restive-mayon-a-tourist-draw

rustyboi

December 18th, 2009, 04:16 AM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20news/Tourism3Q2009.jpg

Rall

December 18th, 2009, 11:46 AM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20news/Tourism3Q2009.jpg

WOW Camarines...
thats a huge jump..
nice going...:banana::banana::banana:

dancethingy

December 18th, 2009, 12:35 PM

^^ How cute of Binay to milk political points out of this volcanic event. It'd be cuter if he were dropped on the crater of Mayon, just kidding.

Anywho, Mayon looks majestic, just very sad this all had to happen so close to Christmas and New Year.

kevinb

December 18th, 2009, 12:41 PM

http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/photo_album/main.php?cmd=image&var1=Site+Photos%2FCWC_LABEL.jpg&var2=0_85_cwc_large.png_RD

http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/photo_album/main.php?cmd=image&var1=Site+Photos%2F_MG_0651.jpg&var2=0_85_cwc_large.png_RD

http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/photo_album/main.php?cmd=image&var1=Site+Photos%2F_MG_0813.jpg&var2=0_85_cwc_large.png_RD

http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/photo_album/main.php?cmd=image&var1=Site+Photos%2F_MG_0823.jpg&var2=0_85_cwc_large.png_RD

http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/photo_album/main.php?cmd=image&var1=Site+Photos%2F_MG_0778.jpg&var2=0_85_cwc_large.png_RD

CamSur Watersports Complex

shyaman

December 18th, 2009, 01:52 PM

^^ Wow! Never thought it is that expansive!

kevinb

December 19th, 2009, 03:43 AM

^^ I thought it won't reach that area actually until Gov Lray added more and more features to the original wake park. Added features were the Winch Park, the Lago del Rey, the CamSur Skate Park and the cabanas and cabin containers. On the works is said to be Asia's longest bike trail - the CamSur Bike Park.:D

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 19th, 2009, 08:45 AM

WOW! that's a cool park! :cool::cool:

WawaY[625]

December 19th, 2009, 09:16 AM

Para safe yun ride ninyo sa bansa nila you order yun premium-taxi sa hotel. May additional service charge siya ng kaunti kaysa yun ordinaring metered taxi. Meron din silang coupon taxi that you pay prepaid usually sa shopping mall mo makita yun ganoon cabby.

Important din kausapin ninyo yun cabby driver while nasa trip kayo siyempre english dapat ang salitaan. Kung pwede nga e-kwento ninyo may kamag-anak kayo naga taga mindanao kasi one way or another pang-iwas yun para hindi kayo lukuhin, thinking hindi kayo katalo :lol:

such an insensitive statement ..grow up...

Thats the best thing DOT can do at the moment is to make people aware about the Philippines and that what happened in Mindanao is not the whole perspective of the country.

or rather what happened in Maguindanao is not the whole perspective of the entire island of Mindanao.

nakaka dissapoint ang mentalidad ng ibang di taga Mindanao as to kung ano kalalim ang alam nila sa bansang pilipinas :ohno:

I thought Pinoys taxi drivers are the worst.

Malaysian cabbies worse problem than dirty

Agence France-Presse First Posted 14:22:00 12/09/2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—A top minister slammed Malaysia's taxi drivers Wednesday, saying they were more of a problem for the tourism industry than the nation's notoriously filthy toilets.
.....

nope...ok naman ang cab drivers namin sa Mindanao...baka sa Metro Manila pa..

oh and between Metro Manila and KL, sa Metro Manila taxi driver ako na dismaya..

so no..dont generalize Pinoy cab drivers as one type..ibang level ang taxi drivers sa Metro Manila :cheers:

eflex

December 20th, 2009, 05:09 AM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20news/Tourism3Q2009.jpg

:cheers:

kalbongdad

December 20th, 2009, 04:31 PM

ganun kagaling ang batang governon dyan.....fresh ideas ang na inject nya sa local govt nila...

Sleepwalker

December 20th, 2009, 06:14 PM

ganun kagaling ang batang governon dyan.....fresh ideas ang na inject nya sa local govt nila...

With CamSur's big leap in tourism, i am a bit convince that we badly need new generations of politicians... :)

kalbongdad

December 21st, 2009, 07:28 AM

With CamSur's big leap in tourism, i am a bit convince that we badly need new generations of politicians... :)

amen....new inputs....na magbabago on how things are being done....at fresh ideas....that will leapfrog the philippines to a first world country in jsut a generaion...

zeos

December 21st, 2009, 07:54 AM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20news/Tourism3Q2009.jpg

good job for davao, no bias :), the 3% growth is great considering na it is always associated with whats happening in some parts of mindanao. kung may conscious effort lang sana yung karamihan na whats happening in basilan, maguindanao, etc etc is a different story from the real situation sa davao, im sure mas mataas pa sana yung growth rate.

boracay and davao has a narrow margin, pati growth rate, 3% and 5%

kalbongdad

December 21st, 2009, 11:48 AM

good job for davao, no bias :), the 3% growth is great considering na it is always associated with whats happening in some parts of mindanao. kung may conscious effort lang sana yung karamihan na whats happening in basilan, maguindanao, etc etc is a different story from the real situation sa davao, im sure mas mataas pa sana yung growth rate.

boracay and davao has a narrow margin, pati growth rate, 3% and 5%

well as to baguio....talagang pumangit na ang baguio ngayon...sa dami ng iskwater at basura kung saan saan....the local leaders does not seem to know the jewel that they have in their hands....

sdblackshade

December 21st, 2009, 03:24 PM

Congrats sa CamSur! Sana tuluy-tuloy lang ang developments sa tourism.

filcan

December 22nd, 2009, 01:06 AM

CamSur Watersports Park, perfect example of the expression: "If you build it, they will come." :cool:

kalbongdad

December 22nd, 2009, 04:21 AM

CamSur Watersports Park, perfect example of the expression: "If you build it, they will come." :cool:

korekek.....:lol:

naughtycalboy

December 23rd, 2009, 07:16 AM

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20news/Tourism3Q2009.jpg

anong meron sa camsur at ang daming tourists?

marlowe_cano

December 23rd, 2009, 07:32 AM

With CamSur's big leap in tourism, i am a bit convince that we badly need new generations of politicians... :)

sali ako sa kilusang yan! :okay:

marlowe_cano

December 23rd, 2009, 07:34 AM

CamSur Watersports Park, perfect example of the expression: "If you build it, they will come." :cool:

:okay:

amigo32

December 23rd, 2009, 07:52 AM

Man-made lang ba yung parang lake sa Camsur kung saan nakalagay ang wake-boarding?

wynngd

December 23rd, 2009, 08:07 AM

^^Yes Sir!

wynngd

December 23rd, 2009, 08:09 AM

anong meron sa camsur at ang daming tourists?

Nagtutulungan kasi ang lahat ng politicians at tao sa lugar na un to promote CamSur as one of the best tourist spot in the country...

hakz2007

December 23rd, 2009, 08:35 AM

from Naga City and Camarines Sur Province Thread 21

Visit CamSur NOw....

Caramoan Pics
by Milica Scepanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1014797051)
(of Survivor Serbia:Caramoan)

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942676424_1014797051_732035_5354338_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942716425_1014797051_732036_5339971_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942756426_1014797051_732037_788266_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)
In this photo: Marina Erdeljan (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000245116912)

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942796427_1014797051_732038_1767879_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)
In this photo: Marina Erdeljan (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000245116912), Anja Jeremic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1042353632), Jovana Gogic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=669567748), Jelena Sijan (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703099281), Milica Scepanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1014797051)

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942876429_1014797051_732040_2842882_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)
In this photo: Irena Vender (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=746900455)

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228942956431_1014797051_732042_3502352_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228943116435_1014797051_732046_2271928_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=732036&id=1014797051)
In this photo: Ana Scepanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=678139191), Aleksandra Gajic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1109460880), Marina Erdeljan (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000245116912), Milica Scepanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1014797051), Irena Vender (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=746900455)

Caramoan
by Vladimir Milovanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=670344322)

from his facebook photo album "Philipines iz oka mi ispao"

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553524322_670344322_2479424_4207265_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150553459322_670344322_2479423_2420420_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150554099322_670344322_2479440_1673440_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150554149322_670344322_2479441_5824743_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150554194322_670344322_2479442_2067264_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150554454322_670344322_2479448_4146614_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150554504322_670344322_2479452_1921785_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150555594322_670344322_2479481_3862085_n.jpg

Caramoan
by Vladimir Milovanovic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=670344322)

Vladimir is the visual screenwriter of Survivor Serbia:Caramoan.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553559322_670344322_2479425_32971_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553629322_670344322_2479426_6151266_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2479427&id=670344322)

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553664322_670344322_2479427_2236517_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150553674322_670344322_2479428_2770258_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs215.snc1/8223_150553709322_670344322_2479429_558925_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553774322_670344322_2479431_7043306_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs235.snc1/8223_150553829322_670344322_2479433_5725613_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs202.snc1/6925_1228943916455_1014797051_732066_6125957_n.jpg

Caramoan
by Darko Paunicic (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=591829755)

Darko is also a staff of Survivor Serbia

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153849244755_591829755_2515798_6922997_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153839549755_591829755_2515681_1402544_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153831784755_591829755_2515634_6077784_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7331_153833424755_591829755_2515638_4960476_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7331_153849229755_591829755_2515796_3447609_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7331_153847744755_591829755_2515788_7365008_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153842889755_591829755_2515706_1170207_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153842884755_591829755_2515705_5090138_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs226.snc1/7331_153849249755_591829755_2515799_739761_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7331_153849234755_591829755_2515797_8166741_n.jpg

johnmizer

December 23rd, 2009, 10:04 AM

nice^^^

hakz2007

December 23rd, 2009, 11:54 AM

nice^^^

here's more:

Hot Serbian Babes in Caramoan (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1042353632)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204598908764_1042353632_655897_5566892_n.jpghttp://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6534_1204596068693_1042353632_655890_423463_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6534_1204596108694_1042353632_655891_1589459_n.jpghttp://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204595948690_1042353632_655888_5793729_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6534_1204600148795_1042353632_655898_6833796_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204598828762_1042353632_655895_105788_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204598788761_1042353632_655894_1611736_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204598868763_1042353632_655896_920187_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6534_1204595988691_1042353632_655889_4399813_n.jpg

PINOYmeat

December 23rd, 2009, 12:05 PM

^^parang nilagnat ako...:cheers:

hakz2007

December 23rd, 2009, 12:11 PM

^^parang nilagnat ako...:cheers:

:lol::lol::lol:...konting paligo lang yan bai.....

amigo32

December 23rd, 2009, 01:02 PM

olalalala:D

bukid

December 23rd, 2009, 01:38 PM

^^ pre, asan ba yung olalalala? yung naka-puti? yuuucck!

:D

amigo32

December 23rd, 2009, 02:01 PM

^^ pre, asan ba yung olalalala? yung naka-puti? yuuucck!

:D

pre yung babae:D:lol:

bukid

December 23rd, 2009, 02:11 PM

^^ :D ah yung babae pala... oo nga naman ohlalala nga. :okay:;):D

hakz2007

December 24th, 2009, 03:44 AM

^^ pre, asan ba yung olalalala? yung naka-puti? yuuucck!

:Dpre yung babae:D:lol:^^ :D ah yung babae pala... oo nga naman ohlalala nga. :okay:;):Dolalalala:D

:lol::lol::lol:

johnmizer

December 24th, 2009, 04:31 AM

^ano yan, pagkatapos nila mag shooting ng episode? we want more

hakz2007

December 24th, 2009, 04:47 AM

^ano yan, pagkatapos nila mag shooting ng episode? we want more

actually sila yata yung crew and staff ng Survivor Serbia.

metrosuburban

December 24th, 2009, 07:39 AM

well as to baguio....talagang pumangit na ang baguio ngayon...sa dami ng iskwater at basura kung saan saan....the local leaders does not seem to know the jewel that they have in their hands....

Baguio is really ugly!!! CJH area lang ang malinis dun, and the BCC..

hakz2007

December 24th, 2009, 07:55 AM

from Naga and Iriga Cities and Camarines Sur Province Thread

In Caramoan
by Bojan Đurišić (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1222080962)

He is a cinematographer, camera operator and photographer. He works as a crew of the Survivor Serbia series.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs186.snc3/19343_1322498222164_1222080962_1809955_4507242_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs277.snc1/10432_1270620045242_1222080962_1667828_4576904_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13540_1310101432252_1222080962_1780411_1510000_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13540_1310101472253_1222080962_1780412_2094023_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13540_1310101512254_1222080962_1780413_1271056_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13540_1310101552255_1222080962_1780414_5804747_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13540_1310101592256_1222080962_1780415_7771215_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13540_1310102472278_1222080962_1780416_3270443_n.jpg

wino

December 25th, 2009, 01:37 AM

Baguio is really ugly!!! CJH area lang ang malinis dun, and the BCC..

oonga ang dumi dumi pa ng palengke sobrang baho..
infrastracture there is simply horrible..

johnmizer

December 25th, 2009, 09:41 AM

so, is survivor scripted =D

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 26th, 2009, 05:20 AM

^^parang nilagnat ako...:cheers:

korekl! ice bag nga dyan! :D

hakz2007

December 26th, 2009, 05:36 AM

korekl! ice bag nga dyan! :D

nice one there, bai.:cheers:

hakz2007

December 26th, 2009, 05:38 AM

Exotic in Caramoan (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=134308&id=703099281)

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_139752044281_703099281_3347127_1886843_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6490_139752054281_703099281_3347128_6889757_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_139754469281_703099281_3347145_4920362_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_139764194281_703099281_3347201_6271459_n.jpghttp://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_139764204281_703099281_3347202_5725350_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs255.snc1/10234_166629404281_703099281_3685243_8248329_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs259.snc1/10630_173988349281_703099281_3759972_7926743_n.jpg

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 26th, 2009, 09:12 AM

^^
napapakanta tuloy ako ng fire burnin'! :naughty::naughty:

hakz2007

December 26th, 2009, 09:14 AM

^^sa LOndon Olympics yung flame na lang....

bluers_butuan

December 26th, 2009, 05:39 PM

ang sosyal naman ng nasa pic. saan ba yan?

hakz2007

December 27th, 2009, 06:41 AM

^^sa Gota Beach, sa Caramoan. Crew siya ng Survivor Serbia nagshooting dun.

ruralvillage

December 27th, 2009, 06:54 AM

Holiday getaway revealed: Caramoan (http://manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/8462-holiday-getaway-revealed-caramoan)
Manila Times (http://manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/8462-holiday-getaway-revealed-caramoan)
Saturday, 26 December 2009 00:00

Located at Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region, Caramoan possesses a captivating spirit and a raw beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. Its breathtaking appeal has captured the hearts, not only Filipino vacationers, but also foreign travellers who continue to marvel at the island’s awe-inspiring splendour.

Proof of this was when Caramoan was chosen as venue for the French version of the worldwide hit Survivor. Caramoan is now dubbed as the Survivor Island’s destination of choice with countries like Israel, Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey shooting year-around this 2009.

Caramoan is a cluster of islands isolated from the rest of CamSur. It is a bastion of serenity with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful sunsets, ancient caves and bountiful marine life.

Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte recalls, “ When I first assumed office in 2004, I was appalled that such a beautiful island with so much untapped potential is one of the poorest in the country. It’s truly one of the Philippines’ hidden gems. I knew that we had to do something to change Caramoan’s destiny—from being backward to what it is now, a dream destination for film and television producers.”

This is not to say Caramoan is strictly for the extreme sports and adventure lovers because it actually gives “island hopping” a new meaning. Villafuerte describes, “We have of course the great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorklers and scuba divers to experience the diverse marine life. Others can trek and search for the lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs and explore the caves. We also have other activities such as camping, mountain biking, spe-lunking and more.”

Villafuerte spearheaded the launch of the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC), the biggest and most prestigious cable wake-boarding complex in the world. Landing CamSur in the international map, the world-class facilities of CWC has been recognized as the mecca of wakeboarding as it has hosted two of the World Wakeboarding Championships, only typically held in countries like Australia, France and the US.

Governor Villafuerte hatched the idea of a photo exhibit with fellow wake boarder and top photographer Jun de Leon.

Caramoan X6 features works by to photographers Sara Black, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Paolo Pineda, Mark Nicdao, Jake Versoza and de Leon himself.

“As a photographer, whenever I go to a place, I always observe how the light there falls and how that affects the color of everything. Caramoan has its own color palette and I enjoyed tremendously photographing that in its simplicity . . . the color in the little things. For me, it’s such a sincere joy to appreciate something as miraculous as color,” said Black.

Bitagcol, exclaimed, “Everywhere I go I make it a point to discover its beauty, life, and soul. And I saw all of this in Caramoan.”

Pineda revealed, “We rode the chopper going to Caramoan from CamSur, and seeing it from that vantage point was just surreal. I wanted to capture the island like a classic painting . . . timeless.”

Versoza noted, “I wanted to document the daily lives of the people there because they thrive off nature’s bounty both in land and sea.” How do you capture warmth on film? He answers,” I was there during a strong typhoon but found peace hanging out with the locals. That’s warmth.”

Nicdao described his inspiration: “It’s the emotion and feeling of the place. It’s a rollercoaster ride. Caramoan has the balance of things you need when you’re on vacation mode. It has a bit of everything you want.”

De Leon said, “Photographs capture a precise moment in a still image. How you take the subject the second you click on your shutter will not be the same the second after. There are numerous moments to be captured in such a breathtaking island.”

Caramoan X6 is currently on display at Greenbelt 5 Mall, Makati City. A coffee table book has also been produced showcasing the photos featured in the exhibit.

ruralvillage

December 27th, 2009, 07:09 AM

:banana: :banana:

Philippine resorts among world’s best green places (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091226-244051/Philippine-resorts-among-worlds-best-green-places)
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091226-244051/Philippine-resorts-among-worlds-best-green-places)
First Posted 16:33:00 12/26/2009

MANILA, Philippines – In a flurry of international recognition for the Philippines, two prestigious publications, CNN Traveller and Asia Spa, add three more accolades to the country.

The latest online and print edition of CNN Traveller showcases The Farm at San Benito in Batangas as one of the world’s best green places to stay.

The wellness and health resort set amid 48 hectares of coconut palm forest, lagoons and gardens in Lipa City makes it to CNN Traveller’s list of Six Best Environmentally Friendly Hotels in the world.

It is listed number four after Kenya’s Borana Ranch, Belize’s Chaa Creek, and Australia’s Daintree Ecolodge and Spa, followed by Ecuador’s Huaoroni Lodge and Switzerland’s Whitepod.

The magazine, which focuses on conservation, the environment, and local customs is distributed in CNN partner hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, on intercontinental flights of Lufthansa and British Airways as well as on the newsstand in the United Kingdom.

CNN Traveller

CNN Traveller defines the Batangas resort’s traditional Philippine designs of “rice barns and leaf-roofed houses” as environmental friendly.

It cites its use of locally reared produce in its application of a holistic wellness philosophy. It has its own organic plantation that produces much of its vegan food and spa ingredients.

It credits The Farm with employing and training a significant proportion of local staff from surrounding towns.

Before the CNN Traveller feature, there was the prestigious Baccarat Award given by Asia Spa magazine.

Asia Spa

In an evening dominated by big hotel names last November 12 in Hong Kong, the Philippines garnered two of 27 awards voted on by 28 independent judges as best in the region.

Mandala Spa & Villas in Boracay won the Spa Treatment of the Year for its “Hilot Trilogy” employing an indigenous Filipino healing technique in an innovative way.

The Farm at San Benito in Batangas was voted Spa Cuisine of the Year – for the second time (the first was in 2006) – for its organic and vegan gourmet rendition of traditional Philippine dishes, such as lomi, halo-halo and lumpia.

hakz2007

December 27th, 2009, 07:10 AM

great news! Thanks to Gov. L-Ray for making CamSur a worldwide household name.

hakz2007

December 27th, 2009, 07:52 AM

CARAMOAN X 6 ] Just imagine an Andok's by the beachfront (http://theswankstyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/caramoan-x6-jun-de-leon-gathers-five.html)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/4181454676_f6f42473d5_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4181454676/)

Jun de Leon captures the early morning of Caramoan Island, inspired and reminiscent of a Juvenal Sanso. “Photographs capture a precise moment in a still image. How you take the subject the second you click on your shutter will not be the same the second after. There are numerous moments to be captured in such a breathtaking island.”

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UqIat8sOucw/SyTkuN2ylcI/AAAAAAAAAOc/AHkA8hejM58/s400/caramoan.gif (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UqIat8sOucw/SyTkuN2ylcI/AAAAAAAAAOc/AHkA8hejM58/s1600-h/caramoan.gif)

As long as they preserve its beauty, and not turn it into Boracay, we're all for promoting Caramoan as the next big destination. Jun de Leon, together with Camsur poster boy L-Ray Villafuerte, recently gathered five of the country's most prominent young photographers to capture their own visions of this prized island. The works will be on exhibit beginning this Thursday at Greenbelt 5. Left photo (from left): Jake Versoza, Paolo Pineda, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Jun de Leon, Sara Black and Mark Nicdao.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/4181455586_9380a47b99_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4181455586/)

Jake Versoza uses blacks, grays, and whites in his docu-photo treatment. “I wanted to document the daily lives of the people there because they thrive off nature’s bounty both in land and sea.” How do you capture warmth on film? He answers,” I was there during a strong typhoon but found peace hanging out with the locals. That’s warmth.”

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4181455240_87a686a8d8_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4181455240/)

“As a photographer, whenever I go to a place, I always observe how the light there falls and how that affects the color of everything," says Sara Black. Caramoan has its own color palette and I enjoyed tremendously photographing that in its simplicity… the color in the little things. For me, it’s such a sincere joy to appreciate something as miraculous as color.”

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4180691731_7397bfc7cb_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4180691731/)

“It’s the emotion and feeling of the place. It’s a rollercoaster ride. Caramoan has the balance of things you need when you’re on vacation mode. It has a bit of everything you want.” A natural portraitist, Mark Nicdao captures smiles, gleeful eyes, and innocence in his photographs.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4180691243_4f7f83f8c1_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4180691243/)

Jo Ann Bitagcol, on the other hand, captures everyday scenes in the island. “Everywhere I go I make it a point to discover its beauty, life, and soul. And I saw all of this in Caramoan,” she says.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4180690759_4b276c3a66_o.gif (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36403993@N02/4180690759/)
“We rode the chopper going to Caramoan from CamSur," says Paolo Pineda, and seeing it from that vantage point was just surreal. I wanted to capture the island like a classic painting… timeless.”

kalbongdad

December 28th, 2009, 04:17 AM

the best way to go there is now na hindi pa masyadong mahal.....pag naging bukambibig yan....sigurado.....hanggang ceiling ang presyo.

amigo32

December 28th, 2009, 04:32 AM

the best way to go there is now na hindi pa masyadong mahal.....pag naging bukambibig yan....sigurado.....hanggang ceiling ang presyo.

puntahan na natin ngayon:D nag iisip pa namn ako ngayon saan ko gagamitin ang free round trip ticket na libre bigay ng PAL:D

hakz2007

December 28th, 2009, 07:03 AM

Survivor Serbia:Caramoan (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=103046&id=533128505)

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252703505_533128505_2463718_4160389_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252713505_533128505_2463719_8195404_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5980_114252698505_533128505_2463717_7500610_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5980_114252728505_533128505_2463722_7757055_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5980_114252733505_533128505_2463723_3458237_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252738505_533128505_2463724_8016774_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252743505_533128505_2463725_1531352_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252753505_533128505_2463726_4140875_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5980_114252763505_533128505_2463728_2957842_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5980_114252768505_533128505_2463729_6231281_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5980_114252778505_533128505_2463730_4149717_n.jpg

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 28th, 2009, 08:34 AM

Exotic in Caramoan (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=134308&id=703099281)

makapunta nga sa Serbia! :naughty""naughty"

wino

December 28th, 2009, 08:43 AM

^^ ayan, serbia na ang napromote for tourism...
LOL

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

December 28th, 2009, 08:58 AM

kalbongdad

December 28th, 2009, 02:10 PM

^^
hahaha...oo nga bro! balang araw gusto ko mapuntahan yang lugar na yan! and daming magaganda! hay naku po! type ko talaga yang mga eastern european beauties! :naughty::crazy::crazy:

kaya hindi na ako magtaka kung bakit duon gumagala ang mga bampira! :lol::lol:

type mo pala ang mga bihirang maligo ha.....:lol:...yung tipong spray lang ng spray ng pabango....at may bulbol ang mga kilikili.....man pag nakita mo ang mga europeans....pleasing to the eyes but not pleasing to the mouth...

jhunix

December 31st, 2009, 06:51 AM

stolen from deca facebook:

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs071.snc3/13844_203052065727_634855727_3590749_6710114_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs051.snc3/13844_203051985727_634855727_3590738_1868803_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs051.snc3/13844_203052080727_634855727_3590752_5576380_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs106.snc3/15359_1160417094089_1337648009_356323_2394158_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs106.snc3/15359_1160416894084_1337648009_356322_7399236_n.jpg

Deca Wakeboarding!

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/479/4221475589ab97226ecab.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/4221475589ab97226ecab.jpg/)

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/2010/4221470893715748c7fdb.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/4221470893715748c7fdb.jpg/)

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8239/422222970231ffbaa2d2b.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/422222970231ffbaa2d2b.jpg/)

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4430/4221463015b22bcbefc0b.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/4221463015b22bcbefc0b.jpg/)

purphony (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunacruz/)

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

in_a_rush

December 31st, 2009, 07:55 PM

:banana:
BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- Three million tourists from abroad will have visited the country by the end of the year.

In a press briefing here, Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Payabyab said there could have been a lot more but for the global recession that is just beginning to wane.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who presided over her last Cabinet meeting for the year in this country’s summer capital, had been given the same information earlier.

According to Payabyab, the Department of Tourism (DOT) originally targeted five million foreign tourists. The lower projection, he explained, was due “to the contraction of outbound tourist traffic in our usual market, particularly Japan and Korea.

“The increased arrivals from China and Taiwan have enabled the country to make up for the loss,” he said.

He acknowledged that the severe typhoons had a negative effect, on the tourism industry.

“Baguio City, for instance, lost over 2,000 domestic tourists since it had to forego hosting the Advertising Congress because of the floodings and landslides,” he said.

He pointed out that most foreign tourists plan their visit months in advance. Thus, he added, the Maguindanao massacre in November could not have stopped those who had already booked their flights.

“But it may have discouraged those who were still planning their vacations,” he said.

He congratulated the media for the positive role they play in the tourism industry. From their reports, he said, foreign tourists learn where these violent incidents occur, and they are able to avoid these places.

He said that DoT keeps assuring visitors that the country’s popular destinations remain safe.

Also, Payabyab said, domestic tourism received a boost from the so-called holiday economics. He explained that the President always cluster holidays, and that enables workers to plan their vacations around the long weekends.

Among domestics tourists, Cebu City is the most visited destination, with Camarines Sur coming in second. In fact, the Bicol province was number one, with over one million local tourists recorded in the first nine months.

The third most favored destination is Baguio City and the rest of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Other favorites are Bohol and Palawan, which both achieved double digit growth in domestic tourism. (PNA)

120 Russian tourists to visit RP for the New Year
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA)-- At least 120 Russian tourists are set to arrive in the country on the first week of 2010, celebrating the Russian Orthodox Christmas and New Year in the Philippines.

The group will arrive in Cebu on Monday, Jan. 4, via a chartered flight from Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

Tourism Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano is pleased to welcome the New Year with the bulk arrival of Russian tourists.

“Our efforts in the Russian market continue to bear fruit despite challenges in the global travel market,” Durano said.

Magellan, one of Russia’s biggest tour operators, has been bringing Russian tourists to Cebu and Boracay for nine consecutive years, making it an annual charter to the country.

It is the first Russian tour operator to organize chartered flights to these islands. The Russian tourists will be staying from Jan. 4-17, 2010.

The group’s ground handler is Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc.

This is the third Russian charter arrival for the Russian Christmas season.

Last Dec. 27, two charter flights from Russia’s eastern regions arrived in the country, one landing in Manila bearing 87 passengers from Kamchatka, and the other landing in Cebu carrying 100 passengers from Vladivostok.(PNA)

San Vicente Airport to boost tourism industry in Northern Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Dec. 31 (PNA) – Palawan first district House Rep. Antonio C. Alvarez is optimistic that once the construction of the P600-million San Vicente Airport is completed, it will spruce up eco-tourism opportunities in northern Palawan, where some of the best tourist places in Palawan are located. finished by May next year. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to personally inaugurate the airport.

Alvarez said the airport will also provide San Vicente the opportunity to receive interested investors who might be able to help develop its various tourism potentials.

“Although busy na next year dahil sa election, hopefully, the President will be here as she promised to personally inaugurate all her projects included in her state of the nation address (SONA),” he said, adding the people of San Vicente are already awaiting the completion of the project with excitement.

The San Vicente Airport is 1,960 kilometers long and 60 meters wide, including its shoulders. Started in the first quarter of 2007, it is expected to spur the local economy, not only in San Vicente but also in other nearby municipalities in northern Palawan.

Classified as a first class municipality, the town boasts of 82,080.09 hectares of forest, and 22 islands and islets within its municipal boundaries.

It boasts white sand beaches, one of them is “Long Island Beach”, thriving coral reefs, magnificent waterfalls, mangroves and a collection of endemic flora.

Perry Tan, the town’s municipal tourism officer (MTO), said that San Vicente’s tourism industry is growing, making it one of the places where it is a wonderful experience to visit and profitable to invest.

From January to September 2009, a total of 3,129 domestic and overseas travelers visited San Vicente. Broken down, they are as follows: Asean 80; East Asia 100; South Asia 44; Middle East 115; America 377; South America 55; Europe 851; Northern Europe 539 Southern Europe 178; Australian 174; Africans 58; overseas travelers 164 and domestic travelers 394.

Tan disclosed that several investors have signified interest to put businesses in their town. One of the takers is the developer of Club Agutaya in Long Beach.

“So far, marami ang investor pero isang resort pa lang ang under construction sa Long Beach,” he said.

Alvarez said that accelerating the tourism industry is important to the people of San Vicente because it can open opportunities for them and upgrade their standard of living. (PNA)

in_a_rush

December 31st, 2009, 07:58 PM

Tourism: One of RP’s major dollar earners
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) – Tourism is one of the Philippine’s brightest options to bail out from its financial straightjacket. It has always been a potential and it has now become one of Southeast Asia’s major dollar earners.

There are a lot of things positively going for Philippine tourism. For one, tourism becomes Filipinos who are natural tourism assets themselves. They are warm and hospitable and are largely at home with English, the world’s language of business.

Their being largely Christians also gives them instant affinity with Christians from the United States and the Europeans, the country’s traditional markets.

The Philippines is never short of natural attractions, which are among the best. Centuries of foreign rule has enriched its history and culture, which are now reflected in a wealth of historical sites and cultural festivals.

Some of the major tourism destinations which receive more foreign visitors as well as those that show great potentials have designated as priority areas the government has programmed for more in intensive promotion and infrastructure development.

The tourism destinations are mostly found in Clark-Subic, Metro Manila-Tagaytay, the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cebu-Bohol-Siargao, Northern Palawan, Boracay and Davao.

Tourism Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano said the plan to fast track the promotion of the different areas has earlier identified in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s 10-point “legacy agenda.”

The country’s identified target tourist markets are Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore for the short haul and North America, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France for the long haul.

This year, DOT targeted three million tourists arrivals. This figure is projected to double to five million by 2010. The five million tourist arrivals will translate into more revenues for the country.

”Assuming each visitors spends at least US$ 1,000 here, then that’s as much as the $ 6 billion to $ 8 billion in overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances that have been propping up the economy for years,” Durano said.

Tourist arrivals rose to 3.98 percent to 2,607,118 in January to October from 2,507,738 in the same period last year. North America (comprising of Canada, Mexico and the USA) remain as the top visitors of the country followed by Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan.

Figures from the United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO) stated that in 2020, arrivals is forecast to rise to 1.6 billion from 843 million in 2006.

In the Asia Pacific region, tourism is forecast to rise to 397 million in 2020 from 167 in 2006. A 7.3 percent annual growth rate in intra-regional traffic is projected by the year 2020.

The ASEAN region has also strong growth prospects. Arrivals are forecast to increase to 136 million by 2020 while the growth in intra-regional traffic will rise to about 7.7 percent by the year 2020.

The beaches and the dive sites of Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Palawan an Boracay are frequented by Koreans and Japanese.

Laoag and Vigan are favorite destinations of the Taiwanese because of its proximity to Taipei and the availability of direct flights between Kaoshiung and Taipei and Laoag International Airport, aside from the various natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Mainland Chinese, on the other hand, prefer entertainment centers like casinos and world-class business and investment facilities and opportunities being offered by Manila, Tagaytay, Clark and Subic.

Cebu City, known as the “Queen City of the South”, is the springboard of tourism in the Visayas, and area’s center of business and trade. One of the major attractions is the cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 14, 1521.

The 1,268 haystack mounds, popularly known as the Chocolate Hills, are the main attractions of Bohol. Also of special interest is the Tarsier, the smallest primate found only in the province.

Siargao, on the northeastern Mindanao is Asia’s “surfers’ paradise.” Located there is the so-called “Cloud Nine” which is the best known surfing break. Siargao enjoys the world reputation of being on the “Top Surfing Waves.”

Metro Manila is the gateway to the “magical islands” of the Philippines. It combines the rhythmic cadence of the horse-drawn calesas with the pulsating beat of dazzling nightlife, high-tension discos, bards, restaurant and 24-hour diners.

Palawan is known as the Philippines’ last frontier. It has perfect spots for swimming, scuba diving and other water sports. El Nido beach is still the loveliest place where to commune with unspoiled nature’s beauty.

Boracay remains the favorite and number one tourist destination in the country. It seemingly endless stretch of fine white sand beaches, clear blue waters and serenity are alluring characteristics of the island that attract many visitors from all over the world.

When in Laoag, don’t forget to visit the old churches and the preserved heritage houses in the Ilocos and relive the ambiance of the 18th century.

While in Ilocos, visitors may also feel the heat of the sand dunes of Calayab, the “Sahara Desert of the North” and marvel over the beauty of Lake Paoay, visit the see the torture chambers in Sarat and Bacara as well as the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Pagudpud.

Davao is the biggest city in the world in terms of size. Its beauty and wealth is partly vested in its vast greenery and mountain ranges and virgin forests, fertile valleys and coastal planes.

While the DOT will begin the task of promoting these destinations, other departments will complement the effort by providing necessary infrastructures to make the tourist sites more accessible and pleasantly convenient.(PNA)

bledzoe

January 1st, 2010, 05:37 AM

Got this from one of Boracay youtube videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hho-1VtcUoA

Braullio70 (2 months ago)

"It"s a beautiful Philippine Island. The beach is awesome. The water is warm and clear. I was there for a week after NEW YEAR 2009. But, I was pretty dissapointed that the Island doesn't have any thrash can around. It's so sad to see people throwing their thrash everywhere. Empty bottles, plastic bags, styrofoam cups etc. which end up in the water. What do you expect to see in the Island after 2 years? A beach of garbage??"

I hope authorities would take action...

hakz2007

January 1st, 2010, 05:43 AM

ruralvillage

January 2nd, 2010, 03:19 AM

The Russians are coming, Tourism officials say (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2010/january/1/news2.isx&d=/2010/january/1)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2010/january/1/news2.isx&d=/2010/january/1)
by Roderick T. dela Cruz

Russian tourists are coming to the Philippines in droves to escape the harsh winter in their home country and celebrate a warmer Christmas here, according to the Tourism Department.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said a group of 120 Russians will arrive in the Philippines in the first week of this month to celebrate the Russian Orthodox Christmas and New Year here.

The group arrives in Cebu on Jan. 4 on a chartered flight from Krasnoyarsk, Russia. They will be staying here for two weeks, or until Jan. 17.

“Our efforts in the Russian market continue to bear fruit despite challenges in the global travel market,” Durano said.

The Tourism Department said Magellan, one of Russia’s largest tour operators, had been bringing Russian tourists to Cebu and Boracay for nine consecutive years, making it an annual charter to the country.

Durano said the arrival of the Russian group on Jan. 4 would be the third Russian charter arrival for the Christmas season.

On Dec. 27, two chartered flights from Russia’s eastern regions arrived in the country, one landing in Manila with 87 passengers from Kamchatka, and the other landing in Cebu with 100 passengers from Vladivostok.

To facilitate the transportation of the growing number of Russian tourists, TransAero, Russia’s second largest airline, will launch daily chartered flights on a Boeing 747 to Cebu from Moscow beginning November 2010.

The planned chartered flights follow the amendment of the 1992 RP-Russia Air Services to give all Russian carriers unlimited flight frequencies from any three points in Russia to points in the Philippines.

Those points include Manila, Clark, and another destination such as Cebu, Davao or Iloilo and vice-versa.

Under the old 1992 deal, the Philippines and a designated Russian air carrier had only one flight a week on the Manila-Moscow route.

The air pact, which was set to facilitate and intensify two-way tourism, trade and investment and cultural exchanges through the opening of direct flights between the Philippines and Russia, was signed Dec. 1.

Durano said familiarization tours and travel trade missions had paid off in terms of more business from the Russian market.

“With the long winter coming, we expect more tourists trooping to our tropical beaches,’’ said Eduardo Jarque Jr., undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions.

“And we also see a rise in leisure destinations as more than 80 percent of Russians come from the high-end market.”

hakz2007

January 2nd, 2010, 05:13 AM

^^Whoa, that would be great!

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

January 2nd, 2010, 11:01 AM

hehe...talagang love na love ni magellan ang cebu! kahit dito pa sya binawian ng buhay, babalik at babalik pa rin sya sa cebu! :lol::lol::D:D

bledzoe

January 2nd, 2010, 11:20 AM

Sharp rebound seen in tourism this year (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100101-245033/Sharp-rebound-seen-in-tourism-this-year)

By Daxim Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:04:00 01/01/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, Economy and Business and Finance

TOURIST arrivals in the country's top destinations will likely improve this year as travelers shake off the aftereffects of the global travel slump and take up the country’s increased room capacity, according to the Department of Tourism.

At the same time, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said that his department no longer counts tourist arrivals for the entire Philippines, but instead focuses on arrivals to specific destinations—a nod to the decline in overall numbers that continues to afflict the country.

“We should be able to top [an increase of] 15 percent [this] year,” he said in an interview. “This target is very doable.”

Durano pointed out that the travel industry was beginning to recover from the slump it experienced starting early 2009 as the global crisis forced potential tourists to rethink their travel plans.

He said the uptrend had become evident as early as the third quarter of 2009 when domestic travel rose by 20 percent, while foreign arrivals rose by 3 percent.

“We experienced this despite the downturn in most travel markets,” he said. “Even the 3-percent increase in foreign arrivals already exceeded the World Tourism Organization’s expectations, since it was expecting that inbound traffic to the Asia-Pacific region would be in negative territory.”

Durano credited the “resilience” of the tourism industry to the investments made by the government and its private sector partners to gain the attention of tourists worldwide long before the onset of the crisis.

“And we are continuing with our investments and our presence in major markets worldwide,” he said.

In addition, the local tourism industry has also invested heavily in capacity—specifically in new rooms—in 2009.

According to the tourism chief, as many as 2,000 new hotel rooms were opened in major resort destinations nationwide.

The investment in these new rooms will start paying off this year as they are made available to travel agents, he said, adding that it usually takes six months for new room capacity to be completely absorbed by the market.

For 2009, Durano said he expects tourist traffic to major destinations to register a 15-percent increase once the data is completed,

“Inbound was not as strong [in 2009],” he said. “But we see it stronger this year.”

He explained that tourism authorities now try to manage traveler traffic on a “per destination” basis instead of the old tack of counting the entire country as a single destination.

“When travelers come to the Philippines, they don’t come to the Philippines per se,” he said. “They come to Boracay or Cebu or Bohol. Not the Philippines.”

With this shift in methodology, Durano said that his department counted a total of 8 million tourists, both local and foreign, to the country’s destinations in last year.

“Given all this, the market will definitely be a lot better in 2010,” he said.

bledzoe

January 2nd, 2010, 11:21 AM

Tourism prospects bright in W. Visayas (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100101-245043/Tourism-prospects-bright-in-W-Visayas)

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:21:00 01/01/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, Government

BRIGHTER prospects await the economy of Western Visayas this new year, according to government officials.

Prospects for the tourism industry in the region would be bright in 2010, said tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta.

Trompeta said tourism in the region would still be led by tourist arrivals on Boracay Island but other destinations would also benefit from the continued increase in both local and domestic tourists.

Tourist arrivals in Boracay already grew by 2.8 percent as of November, excluding the expected boost in arrivals during December. The number of tourists increased from 670,000 to around 700,000 in Boracay and around two million for Western Visayas, Trompeta said.

He said more tourists were expected in the next one and a half years after the visit of more than 300 tour operators from Russia, France, Switzerland and other European countries.

Tourist drawers

The region’s festivals, which are traditional tourist drawers like the Ati-Atihan in Aklan and Dinagyang in Iloilo, were also expected to bring in more guests.

“We do not have a problem with visitors. What limits us is the shortage of hotel rooms,” Trompeta said.

The investments of business processing outsourcing (BPO) firms will also boost the economy of Western Visayas as the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod have been included in the next wave of top cities for BPO and information technology investments, according to Dominic Abad, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry.

He said more investors have expressed interest in putting BPO sites in the region, which have also prompted local businessmen to invest in buildings and office space.

Faith, resilience

On the other hand, Ilonggos remained resilient and drew on their faith and unwavering hope amid a year struck by the global economic crisis and among the worst tragedies to hit the country.

Hundreds of Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were among those repatriated early last year after the expected impact of the economic crisis hit their foreign employers.

With the loss of income and debts still to pay, the workers had to undergo training for alternative livelihood including putting up their own backyard or household businesses.

Amid the tragedies and problems, there were also small but meaningful victories and acts of hope and inspiration that brightens prospects.

Filipino World War II veterans have finally been given recognition and compensation for their sacrifices during the war, which they have struggled for in decades.

Terror victim

United Nations volunteer Jossie Garbo-Esto, a native of New Washington town in Aklan, was hailed a hero after she died along with four others in a suicide attack by Taliban bomber in the Afghan capital of Kabul in October.

A public school teacher, Esto left her family in 2004 to work in the UN as an election coordinator in Liberia, East Timor and Nepal before she was assigned with seven other eight Filipino UN volunteers in Afghanistan.

The Archdiocese of Jaro also opened the diocesan process for the canonization of Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion whom Ilonggos hope would be the country’s first woman and Ilonggo saint.

The business sector remains optimistic for opportunities in the coming year even if it struggles with reduced exports, higher production costs and sluggish demand.

Maria Lea Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club, said there has been increasing interest by investors in Iloilo and Western Visayas especially with the putting up of new power plants.

More call centers are expected to come in with Transcom, one of Europe’s largest BPO firms, going on full operations in Iloilo this year. The firm is expected to hire from 1,000 to 2,000 employees.

Lara said they expect the May 10 elections to pump prime the economy especially businesses engaged in printing, food, travel and paper products.

Tourism, one of the strongest points of the Visayas, is also expected to sustain its robust growth and bring in revenues and generate jobs.

bledzoe

January 2nd, 2010, 11:50 AM

Work on P1-B Boracay water, sewage plan starts Jan. 1 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20091229-244552/Work-on-P1-B-Boracay-water-sewage-plan-starts-Jan-1)

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:57:00 12/29/2009

Filed Under: Water Supply, Tourism

WORK on a project to give Boracay potable water and efficient sewerage will start on Jan. 1, according to the company that won the contract for the project.

In a press release, the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC), said it will start work on an improved water supply and sewerage system for the island resort on New Year’s Day.

BIWC is 80 percent owned by Manila Water Co. (Manila Water) and 20 percent by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

The release said BIWC will spend an initial P250 million to upgrade the PTA’s two water pumping stations and lay 8.5 kilometers of pipes to make clean water available to Boracay residents and tourists 24 hours a day.

There are currently 3,500 water connections, 700 of which are owned by commercial establishments, in Boracay.

The BIWC has a 25-year contract, renewable for another 25 years, to operate Boracay’s waterworks and sewerage systems.

The release quoted Melvin John M. Tan, chief operating officer of BIWC, as saying BIWC’s parent company, Manila Water, will adhere to its “very environment-conscious” policies in carrying out the project.

“We came here to continue maintaining and developing the environment on the island,” the release quoted Tan as saying.

It also quoted Reynaldo de la Rosa, director of the Boracay-based Eminent Persons Group, as saying the P1 billion project would improve Boracay’s sewage system and stop pollution on the island.

Waters off Boracay were recently contaminated with fecal coliform, which is generated by human wastes.

De la Rosa, the release said, will invest an initial P60 million to increase the capacity of Boracay’s sewage treatment plant.

hakz2007

January 4th, 2010, 06:26 AM

Massive Influx of Tourists (http://camsur.com/CamSur-News/latest-news/)

http://camsur.com/images/stories/CamSurNews/massive%20influx%20of%20tourists.jpg

More tourists pour in at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) during the holidays to have a taste of the CamSur experience. Bottom photo shows a pack of foreign and local extreme sports buffs, waiting for their turn to have a shot at the best cable wake park in the world at CWC. Middle photo shows more tourists swarming the queue at ticket counters for passes to world-class rides, while top photo shows some laid back vacationers opting to work on their tan under the CamSur sun.

Gov. LRay Villafuerte's relentless tourism drive in CamSur has resulted in the steady inflow of tourists to the province and its significant surge during holidays is expected to bolster and spur the headway that CamSur has gained in Philippine tourism today.

RonnieR

January 4th, 2010, 06:54 AM

^^ cool CAmsur.

kalbongdad

January 4th, 2010, 11:19 AM

agree...

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

January 4th, 2010, 11:34 AM

im so proud of CamSur! :banana:

kalbongdad

January 4th, 2010, 01:40 PM

MatudNilaBaby

January 4th, 2010, 09:26 PM

hahaha....tingnan mo nga naman ang buhay....we were made to believe by the americans that the russians are evil....and the americans are the good guys.....how things change....:)

the american are still the good guys through and through. the evils of russia and china are waning down due to america's world influence on making their governments more democratic and see the prosperity of their countries soar.

Manila-X

January 5th, 2010, 03:44 AM

kalbongdad

January 5th, 2010, 05:43 AM

the american are still the good guys through and through. the evils of russia and china are waning down due to america's world influence on making their governments more democratic and see the prosperity of their countries soar.

rah rah boy ka pala ng mga kano....:lol: i did not say that they're not good guys anymore...what am saying is napaniwala tayo ng mga kano na ang mga kalaban nila ay mga kalaban din natin....nde naman totot yun....ang kalaban nila iba sa kalaban natin...

MatudNilaBaby

January 5th, 2010, 05:54 AM

rah rah boy ka pala ng mga kano....:lol: i did not say that they're not good guys anymore...what am saying is napaniwala tayo ng mga kano na ang mga kalaban nila ay mga kalaban din natin....nde naman totot yun....ang kalaban nila iba sa kalaban natin...

youre still thinking in the past:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno: that the enemies of the americans are the enemies of the philippines. things have changed or as they call reforms in russia "peristroika". presidents carter, reagan, bush,clinton, bush,obama have a big influence in russia and china's change of government policies. and theyre reaping the benefits of it. more countries are trading with them like the philippines.

hakz2007

January 5th, 2010, 06:42 AM

^^ cool CAmsur.

agree...

im so proud of CamSur! :banana:

thanks, :okay:

Wow Caramoan
by manacs (http://www.panoramio.com/user/545527?with_photo_id=11370154)

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2145/26447356.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3348/81468007.jpg

kalbongdad

January 5th, 2010, 08:57 AM

youre still thinking in the past:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno: that the enemies of the americans are the enemies of the philippines. things have changed or as they call reforms in russia "peristroika". presidents carter, reagan, bush,clinton, bush,obama have a big influence in russia and china's change of government policies. and theyre reaping the benefits of it. more countries are trading with them like the philippines.

oi @sabinila....paki basa mo ulit ang post ko mukhang nde mo naintindihan...

kalbongdad

January 5th, 2010, 08:58 AM

pwede kayang bilhin ang isla na yun...para may masabi lang ako that i own a whole island in the pinas...:lol:

akosijamir

January 5th, 2010, 08:12 PM

Come South, Cam Sur!

3873634

akosijamir

January 5th, 2010, 08:17 PM

What's On a Weekend here in CamSur! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlStooMJCzY)

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<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PPjYC1mbOXM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PPjYC1mbOXM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>

hakz2007

January 8th, 2010, 11:10 AM

Tourism Act’s implementing rules backed by private sector (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=6&sid=&nid=6&rid=251240)
By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- Contrary to objections raised by a certain organization, members of the tourism private sector have expressed full support for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9593 (RA 9593), otherwise known as the Tourism Act, paving the way for the establishment of the Tourism Congress.

The initial step in the implementation of RA 9593, the first-ever Tourism Congress was convened, comprising of representatives of the tourism sector.

This development highlighted the important working relationship between the Philippine government and private tourism institutions and allied enterprises.

The set-up truly provided for a greater representation of tourism stakeholders in the country, and a more active involvement in the country’s promotional efforts.

“We feel more stable with the creation of the Tourism Congress, provided for in the Act. This sense of security is from the assurance that private sector players now have a say in the direction of tourism in our country,” said Angel Bognot, President of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Association, Inc. (NAITAS).

Regarding the Act’s implementing rules, Bognot stressed, “Tourism Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano and the DOT Task Force complied with the mandates of the law to the best way they could. All the procedures were followed; others who are airing complaints might have other motives.”

Mina Gabor, former tourism secretary who was elected presiding officer for the first session of the Tourism Congress, also backed the IRR, including the next steps taken after its promulgation.

“I was part of the consultative meetings in drafting the set of rules and guidelines, and further on in crafting the body’s constitution and by-laws,” Gabor said.

“The Task Force tasked to craft the IRR had done extensive consultations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which resulted to an encompassing perspective of the industry,” Gabor emphasized.

Acknowledging that the IRR is an essential tool for the Tourism Act to be carried out smoothly, Ma. Paz Alberto, President of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), said, “We trust the members of the Task Force, with their 40-year and 20-year track records, who have painstakingly done their part in making sure that everything was covered.”

Critics also claimed that the IRR ‘created so many divisions with overlapping and duplicating functions.’

Contrary to this, participants of the Tourism Congress are convinced that the new set-up provided by the new tourism law, needed a specific organizational flow, which was integral in determining key roles and responsibilities.

“At this stage, where everything is a work-in-progress, certain issues are perhaps ‘birth pains’ we all need to undergo. However, we must remember that being proactive plays a big part. We should stick to pushing the industry forward, not pulling it down,” Alberto noted.

The Congress convened for the second time on Dec. 16, 2009, and is scheduled to meet again by the end of January to submit their nominations for the DOT’s attached agencies; namely, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC).

Charlie Uy, President of the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and elected President of the Tourism Congress, said, “[With the Tourism Act in place] it is very historical that the private sector is given a very significant role in shaping the future of the industry. What we need now is to work together for the betterment of tourism in the country.”(PNA)

ruralvillage

January 10th, 2010, 12:50 AM

Spend the long weekends traveling around RP (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/237674/spend-long-weekends-traveling-around-rp)
By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA
January 9, 2010, 4:44pm
Manila bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/237674/spend-long-weekends-traveling-around-rp)

Employees dragging their feet back to work, students yawning endlessly, traffic again. That was what greeted everybody last January 4, the day the long holiday vacation ended.

But wait, don’t despair. Malacañang has declared the regular and special working holidays for 2010 as stated on RA 9492 and Proclamation 1841.

Although long weekends are usually celebrated with a long night of partying on Saturday, nursing a hangover on Sunday and sleeping the whole day on Monday, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano urges the public to spend their holidays traveling around the country and help contribute to the local economy.

Aside from the country’s eight anchor spots - Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio, and Manila, the DoT is also actively promoting unexplored sites to benefit the communities in remote areas. These alternative spots are readily available and highly accessible for tourists who prefer to immerse themselves into the local life, home-grown leisure, and stay in accommodations such as home stays and inns.

“We enjoin people to visit tucked-away destinations as well for economic gains to trickle down to the grassroots level,” Durano explained.

In the past year, the DOT has launched some alternative sites like the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Leyte and the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol. Citing other examples of undiscovered spots, Durano noted that while the beaches of Boracay and Palawan are still top-drawers, Camiguin, Leyte, Mindoro, Occidental and Oriental Negros, Siquijor, Quezon also have pristine waters and stunning coastlines. On the other hand, nature-lovers may head off to Bataan, Batanes, Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Marinduque, and Romblon, while heritage hunters may seek the old historical charm of Bacolod and Iloilo, aside from Ilocos.

Tourists who plan to troop to the cities of Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao have a range of options laid out for them as well. “On top of shopping, food trips, night-time entertainment and theme park activities, we have huge theater performances and concerts lined up for the year,” said DoT Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr.’

The DoT has also been relentlessly supporting adventure activities such as plunges, zip line rides, wakeboarding, skim boarding, kayaking and cylotourism among others. The young-at-heart on the other hand may try other activities, as the country caters to a broad spectrum of different preferences of travelers.

Schedule of regular and special holidays for 2010:

February 20–22 (Saturday–Monday): February 22 - EDSA Anniversary
April 1–4 (Thursday–Sunday): April 1 - Holy Thursday, April 2 - Good Friday
April 9–11 (Friday–Sunday): April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan
May 1–3 (Saturday–Monday): May 1 - Labor Day moved to May 3
June 12–14 (Saturday–Monday): June 12 - Independence Day moved to June 14
August 21–23 (Saturday–Monday): August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day moved to August 23
August 28–30 (Saturday–Monday): August 29 - National Heroes Day moved to August 30
October 30–November 1 (Saturday–Monday): November 1 - All Saints Day
November 27–29 (Saturday–Monday): November 30 – Bonifacio Day moved to November 29
December 24–27 (Friday–Monday): December 24 - Non-Working Holiday; December 25 - Christmas Day; December 30 -Rizal Day moved to December 27
December 31–January 2 (Friday–Sunday): December 31 - Non-Working Holiday; January 1 - New Year’s Day; December 30 - Rizal Day moved to December 27