LAKE
Visit And Captivate At The Idyllic Oriental Negros



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Lake Balanan
Siaton, Negros Oriental

Lake Balanan is a freshwater lake found deep in the mountains of Barangay Sandulot in Siaton. The lake is bounded by mountain ranges and fed by three streams. In the 1920’s a tectonic earthquake shook the island. The quake triggered a landslide that created a natural dam. The dam, called Sampong (meaning "to close"), blocked the waters of Balanan River to produce the lake. This ultimately resulted in the formation of a figure eight shaped water reservoir.

The facilities of Lake Balanan include a tree house, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a room for lounging. Activities would be fishing, kayaking, boat riding, and hiking along the cemented pathways around the lake to enjoy the magnificent views and the fresh mountain breeze. During the weekends, families often come to have picnics in one of their cottages and to swim in the newly built pool.

Today, the Lake and the forests around it are being managed by the Bureau of Forest Development as a Watershed Area. There has been a proposal to protect the area as a Game Refuge and Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the large population of bats and other wildlife.



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photos by:
alner_s, ejsabandal, revenui, ocean's72, winstontv, merdj, topplokk, aldin lapinig, xianel amrei, dvalencia_ph, 135 bum, igafx, highlights.photo







Click Here to View the Different Tourist Spots of Negros Oriental
Visit and Captivate At The Idyllic Oriental Negros (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=980898)

^^ I LOVE IT!!!!!!

WOW!

WOWWWWWWWW........ Proudly

Our country is super gorgeous. Love it.

Shanghai Airlines flies to Cebu


By Irene R. Sino-Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:48:00 04/07/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, Air Transport, Economy and Business and Finance


CEBU CITY—Cebu’s tourism industry got another boost as Shanghai Airlines started Wednesday its twice-weekly chartered flights from Shanghai to Cebu.

The Department of Tourism said in a statement that the new series of flights from Shanghai Airlines, which would be using a 160-seater Boeing 737, would mean an additional 9,000 incoming tourists.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano also considered China as one of the country’s key source markets for inbound tourists.

Durano said that the DOT initiated talks with Shanghai-based travel operators a few years ago and its efforts continue to bear fruit.

“We anticipate a more vibrant tourism market growth in this region, with Chinese businessmen looking at investment opportunities as well,” he added.

Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the department’s sustained partnerships with travel wholesalers in Shanghai have helped promote consumer awareness.

"We see that our goal to attract more Shanghainese tourists visiting our country for their summer breaks and autumn holidays is now becoming a reality,” Jarque said.

He also noted that the entry of the Shanghai Airlines’ chartered flights had been made possible even though the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been undertaking an expansion project.

Maria Rica Bueno, director of DOT, said the upgrading of the airport has not resulted in problems and did not hamper flights.

The DOT also said that the charter group would be visiting popular destinations in Cebu and Bohol.

The main itinerary of the charter groups would include heritage and cultural tours, nature-based activities and water sports.

Cebu was the country’s top destination in 2009 with tourist arrivals reaching 1.61 million.

Korea remained the top tourism market for Cebu, representing about 29 percent of Cebu’s foreign tourists.

However, Chinese tourists have grown by 70 percent because of more charter flights to Cebu from Shanghai and Guangzhou.

^^ Good News!

CMRCA Helps To Establish New Climbing Area In The Philippines
http://gator473.hostgator.com/~onsight/images/photos/galleries/climbing_blog_gota_island_bolting_feb_2010/gota_island_bolting_february_2010-11.jpg

In February, CMRCA team members Josh Morris and Noppadon Uppakham (Taw) were invited to assist in the development of a new climbing area in The Philippines. Josh and Taw joined with American climber and mountain bike trail developer Cuatro Hundley to rebolt existing routes and add a handful of new routes. The team was invited by the energetic and proactive governor of Camsur Province, Governor L Ray Villafuerte. The governor has worked tirelessly over the past six years to help bring his province out of poverty and into the forfront of tourism in the Philippines. The governor sees the potential for Camsur to become one of Asia's best developed adventure getaways.

"The Gov," as he is kindly known by his dedicated followers is committed to establishing Gota Island in Camsur as one of the best developed climbing areas in Asia. He is committed to supplying titanium bolts and using the best Hilti glue, learning from the lessons learned by Thailand's history of bolting challenges. All of the routes in Camsur are currently bolted with titanium glue ins and with Hilti RE-500 glue. It is rare to find a politician with such broad and sweeping vision and The Gov's commitment to high safety standards are an example to the rest of Asia.

Over a period of 14 days, CMRCA provided bolt installation training and assistance in developing a long term sustainable development plan for climbing based tourism. We look forward to visitng Gota Island again soon for more bolting and to begin exploration of the untapped potential for stunning cave exploration.

Special thanks to all of the boys from Gota Island who were so integral in helping us!

http://www.thailandclimbing.com/images/photos/galleries/climbing_blog_gota_island_bolting_feb_2010/gota_island_bolting_february_2010-01.jpg

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CMRCA Helps To Establish New Climbing Area In The Philippines

More photos of their visit in Caramoan

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Source (http://www.thailandclimbing.com/climbing-adventures/cmrca-helps-to-establish-new-climbing-area-in-the-philippines)

More Photos of CMRCA Helps To Establish New Climbing Area In The Philippines

http://www.thailandclimbing.com/images/photos/galleries/climbing_blog_gota_island_bolting_feb_2010/gota_island_bolting_february_2010-15.jpg

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Source (http://www.thailandclimbing.com/climbing-adventures/cmrca-helps-to-establish-new-climbing-area-in-the-philippines)

Guys, we have a site dedicated for tourism? where you can find the location and sample images of the beach and etc.

if not, i will create a new one call "philippinesdestination.com" something like that, but any suggestion will be highly appreciated.

Thanks

7,104 Philippine islands to go (http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091212/TRAVEL/912109991/1087/LIFE)
Last Updated: December 11. 2009 9:14PM UAE / December 11. 2009 5:14PM GMT


Concerns about safety and the Philippines’ geographical isolation means the country is frequently overlooked by travellers. Rosemary Behan explores Manila, Cebu and Boracay, three of the archipelago’s principal destinations

It’s Wednesday night in Cebu and the Basilica Santo Niño is packed. From every corner worshippers come, filling aisles and doorways, corridors and courtyards, straining to catch a glimpse of the hymns flashing on an electronic board like karaoke lyrics in a nightclub. There are no prayer books here and it’s standing room only.

If the dress is casual – men and women in T-shirts, shorts and jeans, children held aloft on shoulders – the mood is soft and serious but tinged with electricity. It’s warmer than Ireland, less sombre than Rome. In a chapel to the left of the altar is the subject of all the excitement: a small statue of the Infant Jesus, given to the queen of the Visayas after the islands’ so-called baptism in the 1500s.

The church is beautiful, despite being destroyed three times by fire – and the outdoor candle section, with its cobblestone floor and balustrading, as evocative as any in Europe.

Still, this midweek mass is apparently tame compared to other occasions. “Fridays are the most crowded,” says my guide, Val Lorenzo. Then, thousands fill both the basilica and the small replica of St Peter’s Square beside it. The Feast of Santo Niño, celebrated every third Sunday in January, ensures that by the end of October, “most hotels are fully booked.”

I was impressed by the vast improvement in and around the St. Nino Basilica and the Magellan's Cross shrine. The area is now clean and secure. At first I thought I was inside a historic church in Andalucia- the patio and sacristy adjacent to the church is a relaxing oasis. Well done Cebu.

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Lists/Events/Attachments/336/WOW%20Tour%20Guide%20Contest.JPG

WOW Tour Guide Contest

The "WOW Tour Guide" contest is a 8-month promotional campaign which aims to discover tourism champions around the Philippines. The participants should be at least 18 years old, second year college level, with good communications skills. Participants will be required to submit a 5-minute tour guiding video to be uploaded online. They will also have to showcase their competence and passion in conducting a tour in their native destination of origin. The participants will then be shortlisted to TOP 30 then to the Best of 10 then down to only three (3) major winners.

For more information, click: http://www.islandsphilippines.net

Source (http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/EventsList.aspx?eventCode=WTG04192010)

Wow Sulu!:banana:

Quezon Beach in Sulu

Quezon Beach is one of the famous beach in Sulu. It is located in Patikul Sulu, a nearby town of Jolo town. As maej said "The Quezon Beach Resort has really fine white powder-like sand, and better than Boracay! They also take pride of “Paradise Island” (not anything like the Paradise Island in Samal Island, Davao) where you can camp out at night." For me it is realy better than Boracay now a days. Quezon Beach is approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Jolo town.

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According to Gio Sabio "Somebody once told me that the best beach in the Philippines is not Boracay but a certain Quezon Beach in Patikul, Jolo. As an avid fanatic of Boracay, I was skeptical about his claim ... until I recently got the chance to actually set foot in the fabled Quezon Beach. True enough, it's definitely a notch greater than Boracay in terms of fine sand, clear waters, and magnitude of the beach area. To top it off, it's far from being commercialized. It is probably the best beach in the Philippines!"

http://lh4.ggpht.com/juhsahir2008/SIB4DcMyKPI/AAAAAAAAAHo/4VolVOnoiRo/q3_thumb8.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/juhsahir2008/SIB4ForUa4I/AAAAAAAAAH8/fAAaAmTQsqU/q4_thumb23.jpg

Source (http://jolo-sulu.blogspot.com/)

Wow! Ganda naman ng beach sa Sulu. Sayang nga lang dahil sa bad rep. Sana makarating ako diyan.

DOT: EU ban on RP carriers triggers tour cancellations
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has urged the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to work out a speedy resolution to the European Union’s (EU) ban on Philippine carriers which has already triggered an alarming number of tour cancellations from Europe.

Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said, “Major European travel operators from Germany, the UK and France have regretfully informed us of their booking cancellations. The entire industry is affected as European arrivals account for a significant percentage of our target in the first quarter. In January 2010, air arrivals from European countries already posted an 11-percent growth.”

Canceled tour groups included bookings from April to August, with operators awaiting further changes in the country’s status regarding the EU ban.

The EU included the Philippines in its 13th updated list of countries with carriers banned from EU airspace, as a precautionary decision based on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (USFAA) downgrading of the country’s safety rating to Category 2 and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (Icao) concerns on aviation safety regulators.

According to the DOT, January 2010 air arrivals from the United Kingdom totaled 7,837 for an 18-percent increase, followed by Germany 5,161 (0.6 percent); France 2,537 (11.9 percent);

Sweden 2,048 (15 percent); the Netherlands 1,579 (12.4 percent); Denmark 1,401 (3.5 percent); Austria 1,249 (17 percent); Spain 912 (8.7 percent); and Belgium 763 (25 percent).

“The longer we remain on the blacklist the harder it would be for us to recover from these significant losses. If we resolve this matter by the second quarter we can expect a positive recovery in the third and fourth quarters with the strong demand for our destinations,” added Durano.

While Philippine carriers have not been servicing EU member-states since 1999, the EU’s recent prohibition prompted travel insurance companies in Europe to advise travel operators that tour packages to the Philippines, which include domestic air travel, will not be allowed travel-insurance coverage.

Tour operators, in turn, had to cancel bookings with the difficulty in selling travel packages to the country which include interisland travel by air.

A major French travel operator expressed, “It’s a very sad day for us. All our blood, sweat and tears in building up the European market in your country are all down the drain.”

In a statement released by CAAP, Director General Alfonso Cusi said, “Even if RP [the Philippines] is listed by the EU, it doesn’t mean that Philippine aircrafts are unsafe. It’s a matter of adopting to the internationally accepted audit procedures.”

Cusi added that in his meeting with the EU Safety Aviation Committee in Brussels, the group has agreed to conduct a reinspection this May.

Durano said, “More aggressive efforts are needed as further delaying action will impinge on our other markets.”

PAL, CEB: We’re safe

Meanwhile, local carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have maintained the safety of their aircraft, citing the EU’s feedback on their efforts to respond with measures on operations and ready submission to the upcoming assessment.

Philippine Airlines stated, “Safety remains the bedrock of our operations.”

Cebu Pacific said, “We continue to maintain the highest safety standards in all areas of operations.”

Both airlines expressed confidence that the EU will lift the ban after the scheduled appraisal in May this year.http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23926:dot-eu-ban-on-rp-carriers-triggers-tour-cancellations&catid=33:economy&Itemid=60

DOT: EU ban on RP carriers triggers tour cancellations
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23926:dot-eu-ban-on-rp-carriers-triggers-tour-cancellations&catid=33:economy&Itemid=60

caap dont need a general to run its operation. it needs the younger minds who can comply with what the us and eu regulation want and not just comply with a pinoy standard way of managing a world class airport. they think that theyre up to the task because caap is manned by a general.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Wow Sulu!:banana:

parang nakatago lang ang mga abu sayyaf dun sa mga puno ah. :lol:

salamat sa mga abu sayyaf at napanatili ang natural na kagandahan nito.

^ Di ito na-exploit dahil sa kanila........... :D

parang nakatago lang ang mga abu sayyaf dun sa mga puno ah. :lol:

salamat sa mga abu sayyaf at napanatili ang natural na kagandahan nito.

ilipat ang abu sa Boracay:D

meron ngang malaysian forumer asking me about quezon beach in sulu and i was like, "what the hell are you talking about?" :lol:

totoo pala.

^^
unmatched beauty of the Philippines,a paradise indeed.

nagkakagulo nga sa Thailand... talo naman tayo dahil sa EU ban. Cancelled ang mga bookings sa bansa natin at atras lahat ang mga bansang Germany, France, Spain, etc. :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

Guys, we have a site dedicated for tourism? where you can find the location and sample images of the beach and etc.

if not, i will create a new one call "philippinesdestination.com" something like that, but any suggestion will be highly appreciated.

Thanks

You can create also in SSC international thread Cityscape And Skyline Photos
we have already the MANILA...WOW why not create a thread for entire Philippines and name it PHILIPPINES...WOW.

nagkakagulo nga sa Thailand... talo naman tayo dahil sa EU ban. Cancelled ang mga bookings sa bansa natin at atras lahat ang mga bansang Germany, France, Spain, etc. :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

They should show Foreigners happily snorkeling, spelunking, eating balut and the like on the ads as well... It also fosters the image of Philippines as a safe and hassle-free destination.

Yung mga masasama, itagalog na lang natin para di maintindihan :D

They should show Foreigners happily snorkeling, spelunking, eating balut and the like on the ads as well... It also fosters the image of Philippines as a safe and hassle-free destination.

Yung mga masasama, itagalog na lang natin para di maintindihan :D

kaso parang clueless ang gobyerno kung ano ang dapat gawin... naku sayang talaga.

Simple answer my friend. Wala silang ma corupt sa tourism. Maliit lang ang kutong dyan.

You can create also in SSC international thread Cityscape And Skyline Photos
we have already the MANILA...WOW why not create a thread for entire Philippines and name it PHILIPPINES...WOW.

I want to create a site dedicated for tourism, The site will have it's own section like, Boracay, Palawan underground rever and etc, inside that section, it have it's pictures / images dedicated for it's section (e.g Baracay") the Ability to view the image in SlideShow mode, Tell a friend link and register member can upload pictures in it's section. The said site will host the picture & can handle millions of pictures.

I don't want to create a site that will depend on Free Image Hosting because if there is no activity or after a month the Free image host will delete your picture because of inactivity.

I visited some site but the site is not organize.

I want to create a site dedicated for tourism, The site will have it's own section like, Boracay, Palawan underground rever and etc, inside that section, it have it's pictures / images dedicated for it's section (e.g Baracay") the Ability to view the image in SlideShow mode, Tell a friend link and register member can upload pictures in it's section. The said site will host the picture & can handle millions of pictures.

I don't want to create a site that will depend on Free Image Hosting because if there is no activity or after a month the Free image host will delete your picture because of inactivity.

I visited some site but the site is not organize.

Go ahead man. The more people who writes and talks about the country in a more positive way the better for us! :) Good luck!

Just got back from Ifugao, will post some of the photos later. :)

You can create also in SSC international thread Cityscape And Skyline Photos
we have already the MANILA...WOW why not create a thread for entire Philippines and name it PHILIPPINES...WOW.

I created a thread "WONDERS OF THE PHILIPPINES! (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=878700)" in SSC Travel and Geography Section...showcasing tourism in our country. :cheers:

Go ahead man. The more people who writes and talks about the country in a more positive way the better for us! :) Good luck!

Just got back from Ifugao, will post some of the photos later. :)

it will be done this coming may 2010 because i'm busy right now in designing our Wireless Network, there is also a beach in our place but not yet develop.

if you want to be an administrator / Contributor of my upcoming site (tourism) please let me know. Hosting fee and Server administratin will be done by me so you don't have to worry about running the site.

we can also create Monthly Magazine (digital version) featuring the hottest beach in town. Thanks

This is our Wireless Network and will be build This Coming July 2010, we can't wait for the development in our area because it's a Rural Area where no telecommunication infratracture in place. This Project are location in Bon-ot Big Matnog Sorsogon.

http://i41.tinypic.com/23vf5e8.jpg
For a large image, pls click the link below. Thanks
http://www.dumpedimages.com/public/186/Bon-ot%20wireless%20Network.jpg

BAY
Visit And Captivate At The Idyllic Oriental Negros


[CENTER]http://www.kookoosnest.com.ph/images/harbor.jpg


so nice. :cheers:

it will be done this coming may 2010 because i'm busy right now in designing our Wireless Network, there is also a beach in our place but not yet develop.

if you want to be an administrator / Contributor of my upcoming site (tourism) please let me know. Hosting fee and Server administratin will be done by me so you don't have to worry about running the site.

we can also create Monthly Magazine (digital version) featuring the hottest beach in town. Thanks

This is our Wireless Network and will be build This Coming July 2010, we can't wait for the development in our area because it's a Rural Area where no telecommunication infratracture in place. This Project are location in Bon-ot Big Matnog Sorsogon.

http://i41.tinypic.com/23vf5e8.jpg
For a large image, pls click the link below. Thanks
http://www.dumpedimages.com/public/186/Bon-ot%20wireless%20Network.jpg

No problem man... a little bit busy myself. :)

guys, pls help about the domain name, maybe i can register the domain tomorrow. Thanks

my propose domain:

PhilippinesShore.info
ManilaResort.info
PhilippinesWonder.info

Thanks in advance.

Be a Wow Tour Guide and Win P 300,000!
Posted on April 9th, 2010 under Beauty of the Philippines
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=11038

www.IslandsPhilippines.Net, a cutting edge Philippine Travel Portal that endeavors to be a powerful digital channel in boosting the growth of the tourism industry, will officially launch a national online and on-ground tourism campaign to find a one-of-a kind WOW Tour Guides.

WOW Tour Guide is a seven-month nationwide tourism rally to search for the best destination guides from around the Philippines with a kick-off event at the SM Mall of Asia on April 22, 2010.

The competition with a cash prize of P 300,000 is open to all interested parties aged 18-38 who want to represent a Philippine destination, the campaign aims to ignite the sense of nationalism among the youth sector and to answer the tourism industry’s need for destination guides. This is also a great chance for everyone to introduce less explored destinations to the rest of the Philippines and the world through creative tour guiding videos that will be uploaded on www.IslandsPhilippines.Net.

Interested participants need to undergo a pre-screening process at the Department of Tourism Auditorium on April 19 and 20 and must complete the FREE Tour Guiding Seminar to be facilitated by the Department of Tourism at the SM Mall of Asia on April 22-25.

Qualified parties may then submit a 5-minute tour guiding video featuring their destination to be uploaded on www.IslandsPhilippines.Net. Entries will be trimmed down to TOP 30 through an online poll and on-ground judging by representatives from both private and government sectors.

A WOW Tour Guide Caravan, in partnership with SM Supermalls, will take place in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to bring the campaign to different destinations in the country. The event will feature a video booth where interested participants may shoot their tour guiding entry, and computer stations where guests may log on to www.IslandsPhilippines.Net to vote for their favorite tour guides.

The WOW Tour Guide Caravan will be in SM Baguio on May 21-23, SM Naga on June 11-13, SM Cebu on June 25-27, SM Iloilo on July 9-11, SM Bacolod on July 23-25, SM Davao on August 6-8 and SM Cagayan de Oro on August 20-22.

A Gala Night Dinner for the awarding ceremony will take place on November 27, 2010 in Manila. The top three tour guides will receive the following cash prizes: P300,000 for the Grand Prize Winner, P150,000 for the 1st runner up and P50,000 for the second runner up. The finalists will also receive a prize from the Department of Tourism for an extensive Tour Guide Training, public speaking training from the Executive Toastmasters Club and other exciting prizes from sponsors.

Stand up and be proud of your heritage. Be a WOW Tour Guide now! For the complete mechanics and for other activities and schedules, log on to www.IslandsPhilippines.Net/wowtourguide.

guys, pls help about the domain name, maybe i can register the domain tomorrow. Thanks

my propose domain:

PhilippinesShore.info
ManilaResort.info
PhilippinesWonder.info

Thanks in advance.


I'd go with the last one... I think.

^^ i prefer the last one too...

guys, pls help about the domain name, maybe i can register the domain tomorrow. Thanks

my propose domain:

PhilippinesShore.info
ManilaResort.info
PhilippinesWonder.info

Thanks in advance.

I like the PhilippinesWonder.info :)

does domain sound interesting but my vote goes to "PhilippinesWonder.info" why, because "Wonder" make you think about something that you never see when heard the word "Wonder", that's my point guys and i will love to read your reason too.

PhilippinesShore.info
PhilippinesWonder.info

Thanks

duplicate post. sorry

So this is me at the Batad Rice Terraces last weekend. ;)


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs374.snc3/24006_414859231281_530586281_5676197_4954626_n.jpg

So this is me at the Batad Rice Terraces last weekend. ;)


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs374.snc3/24006_414859231281_530586281_5676197_4954626_n.jpg

di pa ako naka punta dyan. magandang akyatin hehehe

di pa ako naka punta dyan. magandang akyatin hehehe

Gym ka ng 1 month. Stairmaster hehe. we were trekking for 7 hours from the Saddle to the huts on the terraces to the waterfalls and back to our sleeping place which was the oldest Igorot hut in Batad, :)

I am heading possibly to Baler, Aurora next weekend naman. :) Pahinga this weekend. sakit pa ng paa ko sa kakatrek nung weekend.

I am heading possibly to Baler, Aurora next weekend naman. :) Pahinga this weekend. sakit pa ng paa ko sa kakatrek nung weekend.

ayos ah, anyway, don't forget to take picture in Baler (damihan mo na) so we can put fresh picture in PhilippinesWonder.info


thanks and take care on your adventure.

ayos ah, anyway, don't forget to take picture in Baler (damihan mo na) so we can put fresh picture in PhilippinesWonder.info


thanks and take care on your adventure.

No prob. you can also check out the travel site where I write. Link below. I post some of my travel photos on the fanpage on Facebook. Of you are going to use the photos, please properly credit lang. Thanks, :)

My trip to Hundred Islands and Bolinao, Pangasinan last year:

HY3MYfkkbGk

My trip to Hundred Islands and Bolinao, Pangasinan last year:

HY3MYfkkbGk

tol, i notice you have a lot of Tourism Signature, you own this that site?

pa help ako tol mag promote ng philippineswonder.info, I try ko i-up yan bukas.

Thanks

tol, i notice you have a lot of Tourism Signature, you own this that site?

pa help ako tol mag promote ng philippineswonder.info, I try ko i-up yan bukas.

Thanks

Nope I don't the main site - though I am the main writer. I am the admin of the FB and Twitter account however and a mod for the ASEAN site,

The best way for you to start your site is to travel and then take heaps of photos, videos and then write about it as extensively as you can. :)

Nope I don't the main site - though I am the main writer. I am the admin of the FB and Twitter account however and a mod for the ASEAN site,

The best way for you to start your site is to travel and then take heaps of photos, videos and then write about it as extensively as you can. :)

OK, maybe later i can visit does tourist spot but right now i don't have much time because i have full time work, additionally we're going to build our wireless network this coming july 2010.

OK, maybe later i can visit does tourist spot but right now i don't have much time because i have full time work, additionally we're going to build our wireless network this coming july 2010.

Excellent, you just try starting on talking about the places you have been, That is always a good start. :)

Excellent, you just try starting on talking about the places you have been, That is always a good start. :)

I have also my own Digital Imaging Printing & Digital Camera (PRO) which part of my plan to Support our WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) in our area somewhere in bicol because when our Wireless network start its operation, we don't have much client that will connect to our network so i setup a Digital Imaging Printing to cover some bandwidth and electric bill of our Wireless network.

This beach is not yet develop.
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/3941867-Subic_beach_Matnog-Matnog.jpg
Subic Beach, Calitaan matnog Sorsogon

Subic beach in Calitaan island and Tikling Island; Matnog’s Pride
http://i44.tinypic.com/r9ju3r.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/10d75ok.jpg

White fine sands, red corals, and cool blue waters: if there was a place that is worth coming back for it’s definitely the islands in Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines.

It was last summer when our family, together with my aunt’s friends, went island hoping. For them it was their second time around the place, but for me and my siblings it was definitely the first. Who would have wondered that I, the girl who can’t even swim and has the Titanic picture inside the head, would enjoy the experience?

The Philippines is known as an archipelago with a promise for beauty and hospitality. For all the islands and wonderful sights to see, a one whole month of vacation seems not enough to enjoy the wonders that the country wishes to exude. There are still those who are considered “yet to be discovered”, and if there is one such place (make that two), Subic Beach and Tikling beach in Matnog are definitely on the list.

Subic Beach of Calitaan Island is best known for its seclusion from the world giving nothing but clear cool waters, white sandy (take note the fineness of the sands) beaches, and cool shades from the trees facing the beach itself. It was like going to Boracay without the actors and actresses and the foreigners and the bars walking on the shore. The white sands were fine enough that my auntie and I enjoyed ourselves exfoliating our skins by rubbing the fine grain on our arms and legs. It was like a day at the spa only better—without the closure of the walls and nothing but trees to your back and water upfront. It was hot summer day and the cool clear waters were a great treat. After spending 4 hours at Subic beach, my uncle called to the boatman to bring us to Tikling Island.

Tikling Island was nearby. The boat ride only took more than 5 minutes before we came to the Island’s shores. This island is a titled freehold property. Coconut trees are planted haphazardly that the counts must have been 4000 or so. Caretakers of the land also watch over the copra production. They say that Island’s best features are best seen during mornings. Unfortunately we came there around afternoons but the scene was still grand.

The drive from Sorsogon to Matnog took around 2 hour tops. That means careful driving and enjoying the scenes along the way. However the drive isn’t enough. As we settled in another friend’s place in Matnog, we walked on foot towards the shore line where a boat was waiting. The boat can lift 15 people at most, and has a rental fee of around 2,000php. Take note that the rental covers the whole trip to the waters and islands. Please note that the boat is actually owned by my uncle’s friend, which means that the cost was already discounted (and I have no idea how much is that).

The clear and clean paraiso look of Subic is definitely something to enjoy. Especially the late afternoon look of the other islands. The best sight for such is in Tikling Island. It’s almost the same as Subic. Unfortunately they say that the place’s beauty is seen best during the day rather than the afternoons. What were best about the place though were the shells which were loitered around the shore line.

It was late in the evening when we came home. The trip home was cool enough that sleeping seems like a great idea. But as sleeps accompanied me during my trip back to Sorsogon, I can’t help but think back on whole experience at the beach. It was then that I promised my self –I’ll definitely go back there.

Summary: The Philippine archipelago keeps many beautiful places to enjoy—both hidden and known. Matnog in Sorsogon keeps such places. Background check reveals two islands which are definitely paradise at its best.

source: http://matadortravel.com/travel-blog/philippines/jayne-shaw/subic-beach-in-calitaan-island-and-tikling-island-matnog-s-pride#comment-26926

^^ Ive heard of these beaches Big and Little Subic. Dint have time to go to Matnog last month tho.

Aliwan Fiesta 2010

http://aliwanfiesta.com.ph/images/stories/articles/buyogan_festival_abuyog_leyte.jpg

Grand Parade is on April 24, 2010 from MOA to Star City Complex (Aliw Theater)

Festival Streetdance Competition
It is in dance that Filipinos are particularly eloquent. Just as easily as they party, Pinoys find an excuse to dance -- for fitness and leisure. . .to entertain visitors. . .to give thanks. . .or as a social valve for relationships. At the Aliwan Fiesta, dance in its myriad forms takes centerstage, as interpreted in the festival context by contingents from various regions all over the country. Filipinos turn to dance as folk expression. For geographically-isolated inhabitants of the island nation, traditional dances provide a medium of

entertainment. Physical theater of which residents are quite fond, integrate dance forms with dramatic presentations. The more complex spectator dances which require special training and skills in footwor, manual dexterity, and even acrobatrics, provide the thrills to many festive celerbrations.

One of the oldest manifestations of worship, dance rituals were also used to counteract forces that caused illness or bad luck. Other communal needs are also fullfilled by dance rituals e.g. gearing for battle, courtship and marriage, invoking the spirits of nature, etc.

The Aliwan Fiesta Streetdance Competition showcases how the different communities have historically used dance iin their daily lives Gestures, movement patterns, costumes, jewelry, and musical instrumentation all reveal the regional culture and historical backgrounds. . .their aesthetic roots and even the ecology of their surroundings..


PREVIOUS WINNERS:

2009 Buyogan Festival (Abuyog, Leyte)

2008 Lumad Basakanon (Sinulog, Cebu) * elevated to Hall of Fame

2007 Lumad Basakanon (Sinulog, Cebu)

2006 Lumad Basakanon (Sinulog, Cebu)

2005 Pintados de Passi (Iloilo)

2004 Tribu Atub-Atub (Dinagyang, Iloilo)

2003 Tribung Halad (Cotabato)

Pamaskong Aliwan 2003 Tribung Halad (Cotabato)




2010 ALIWAN FIESTA STREETDANCE COMPETITION GUIDELINES:


1. Concept or theme for performance, costume and props must depict the culture, values and tradition of the region or locality represented;

2. The composition of the contingent must be within the MINIMUM OF SIXTY (60) and a MAXIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED (100) DANCERS and a MAXIMUM OF SIXTY (60) MUSICIANS.

3. Assembly time for all parade participants (dancers, floats, and Reyna candidates) is 12 noon at the concert grounds behind SMX COnvention Center, Mall of Asia Complex.

4. Parade will start at 3 p.m. traversing Diokno Boulevard behind the SM Mall of Asia, toward Seaside Boulevard, exiting into Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, crossing to Jalandoni Street at the CCP Complex, turning into Sotto Street and ending in front of the Aliw Theater.


5. There will be two (2) judging areas: behind Mall of Asia, and in front of Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex. The judging stage at MOA is to the right as the participants enter the judging area, while judging stage at the CCP Complex is to the left.

6. Performance in each of the two judging areas shall be limited to FIVE (5) MINUTES excluding the entrance and exit. The five (5) minutes starts as soon as the participants of a contingent are properly set up in front of the judging stage and ends as soon as the first participant leaves the judging area.

7. For every five (5) seconds in excess of the allowable time, a penalty of one (1) point shall be deducted from the total score of all the judges in a particular judging area where the excess time was incurred.

8. Parade dance steps of participants should be continuous all throughout the parade route. Parameters for performance space in both areas shall be provided to each contingent through an official diagram


9. The use of flammable materials such as pyrotechnics as part of the performance is strictly prohibited. Props used in the parade or in the performance should not exceed 14 ft. in height. Contingents are prohibited from performing dance movements that unduly endanger the safety of dancers, especially children.

10. Criteria for Judging:

THEME / CONCEPT 35%
thematic interpretation
relevance
true representation of regional culture and traditioninclusive musical nuances



CHOREOGRAPHY 20%
creativity and artistry of movement patterns
formation
smooth transitions
appropriateness of movement



PERFORMANCE 20%
Execution
Mastery and coordination
Synchronicity and precision
Energy
Projection



COSTUME 15%
color combination

design
style
appropriate use

PROPS 10%
artistry
design
effective use
relevance to performance and concept



TOTAL 100%



11. Winners of the Dance Competition will receive the following cash prizes:
1st Prize P 1,000,000.00
2nd Prize P500,000.00
3rd Prize P250,000.00
7 Runners-up P50,000.00 each


12. All major prize winners are obliged, as a condition precedent, to present their winning choreography during the Awarding Ceremonies.

13. The Aliwan Fiesta Organizers will provide each contingent with a fixed amount to cover transportation and meals for the duration of the festival.

14. Upon registration, each contingent should indicate the name of person(s) authorized to receive: (a) Meals, Transportation and Accommodation Allowance , as well as (b) the Prize Each contingent should also indicate the name and Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the payee in case the delegation wins.

15. Participation will be by invitation only, limited to a maximum of two (2) per province and on a first-come-first-serve basis based upon receipt of complete registration form by the Aliwan Secretariat c/o Ms. Eloi P. Baltazar. Registration can be sent through fax at (02) 832-6120.

16. Registration is deemed complete upon submission of background description for the Dance, which shall be final and not subject to change.

17. The decision of the judges shall be final and unappealable.

18. A contingent that wins the championship for three consecutive years or on five non-consecutive years shall automatically be elevated to the Hall of Fame, and may not compete for two years.

Another of my shots over the weekend:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs376.snc3/24068_379609929063_86996579063_3972220_4928451_n.jpg

PhilippinesWonder.info will be up later on today.

Thanks

Another of my shots over the weekend:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs376.snc3/24068_379609929063_86996579063_3972220_4928451_n.jpgHHmm... where in the north have you been?

HHmm... where in the north have you been?

In Ifugao just this weekend. ;)

So how's the rice terraces?

So how's the rice terraces?

It was okay. In Batad, some of the rice terraces are suffering from the effects of the drought, same with Banawe...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs376.snc3/24068_379612819063_86996579063_3972330_3754974_n.jpg

This is my shot of Batad. They really need rain up there..

Buti ka pa. You get to travel a lot. Work related ba o leisure trip lang? Regarding the rice terraces... maganda ba talaga? i mean mapapa WOW ka ba as in kagaya sa Mayon?

Buti ka pa. You get to travel a lot. Work related ba o leisure trip lang? Regarding the rice terraces... maganda ba talaga? i mean mapapa WOW ka ba as in kagaya sa Mayon?

Pictures can never do justice to the Rice Terraces up in the Cordilleras. Adter 2 hours hike from the saddle to the info center, the moment we caught a glimpse of the terraces - me and my friend exclaimed - HOLY SH*T!!! Ang ganda!


I travel for leisure mostly. :) And then I write and take pictures. :)

dwloa_lMOCo

RP travel tours ‘repackaged’ for European tourists (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100414-264215/RP-travel-tours-repackaged-for-European-tourists)
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:30:00 04/14/2010

“Our tour operators are bringing out buses and vans. Land transfers from one destination to another may take longer but our operators are prepared to make the trip enjoyable and worthwhile,” DoT Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone Tuesday.

European tourists heading for Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, and Camarines Sur would have to travel by land and ferry, Jarque said.

“Some would have to travel by land to their destinations, but even if their journey would take longer, they are assured of an enjoyable trip and convenience,” he added.

Jarque said European tourists could also be booked on international airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Silk Air, Qatar Airways, and Malaysian Airlines that have routes to Philippine destinations such as Cebu and Boracay.

On March 30, the European Commission (EC) placed the Philippine aviation community on a “watch list” and imposed a ban on all Philippine-registered air carriers flying in and out of the European Union (EU).

One side effect of the ban was that tourists from EU countries would not be able to get travel insurance when traveling on any Philippine carrier for inter-island travel.

Jarque said there were already cancellations—many had been booked by Philippine travel agencies during the last International Tourism Bourse travel fair held in Berlin in early March, as well as in the World Travel Market in London last year.

He noted that the insurance companies would not even cover European tourists taking Philippine carriers certified by the International Standards Organization.

Jarque said the DoT was pinning its hopes on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for the speedy lifting of the ban so that the volume of foreign travelers would not be affected.

“[Tourism] Secretary Joseph Durano said if we are able to fix the situation on the second quarter, we could pick up in the third and the fourth quarters when tourist arrival is high,” he added.

BAY
Visit And Captivate At The Idyllic Oriental Negros


http://www.kookoosnest.com.ph/images/harbor.jpg

TAMBOBO BAY
Siaton, Negros Oriental

Tambobo Bay is a favorite achorage of yachts from different part of the world. This exotic naval hideaway nestled in the town of Siaton, south of Dumaguete City and just a distance away from the world famous diving site Apo Island. It was said to be considered as a naval base by the Americans had the late Congressman Lamberto Macias (father of incumbent governor) had not opposed it. The Americans would have made Tambobo bay into what is now Subic Bay development long before the full development of the American naval base in the north. Though Macias was still right in his foresight in preserving the pristine ambience of this natural paradise.


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1263/848948411_e9fe7162e3.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/1573604802_d194102bd6.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1573604780_9e27b7a821.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/8676318_f40f8bed40.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/370118150_cf9d9eb426.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/1450958189_9664090994.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/297763336_e8f916c6f3.jpg


photos by:
revenui, melvinbadon, norsteves



Click Here to View the Different Tourist Spots of Negros Oriental
Visit and Captivate At The Idyllic Oriental Negros (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=980898)


Parang di sa pinas... :)

Parang di sa pinas... :)

Mali. sabihin mo- Ang ganda ng Pinas. ;)

Pictures can never do justice to the Rice Terraces up in the Cordilleras. Adter 2 hours hike from the saddle to the info center, the moment we caught a glimpse of the terraces - me and my friend exclaimed - HOLY SH*T!!! Ang ganda!


I travel for leisure mostly. :) And then I write and take pictures. :)

Balik na ako. May kuryente na. Pero wala pa ring tubig.

Anyway... dream ko kasi makita yung mga terraces. Yung Mayon nagawa ko nang puntahan. Gusto ko ring pumunta sa Batanes...

Mostly kasi yung travel ko, sa abroad lagi. Lalo na nang nauso yung mga budget airlines na yan. Add mo pa na sakay lang ako ng jeep eh nasa DMIA na ako. And yung company kasi namin may travel incentive.

I have been to Japan and China and mostly ASEAN nations. Yung US naman well nandun si tatay at si nanay at si ate at si kuya. Pero hindi ako interesado. At least for the moment.

Pero gusto ko talaga makita yung buong Pilipinas. Hopefully before 30 or 32ako marami na akong narating. This coming May may plan akong magpunta sa Vigan at sa Paoay sa Ilocos Norte.

Would you believe hindi ko pa nararating ang Cebu? :lol:

Balik na ako. May kuryente na. Pero wala pa ring tubig.

Anyway... dream ko kasi makita yung mga terraces. Yung Mayon nagawa ko nang puntahan. Gusto ko ring pumunta sa Batanes...

Mostly kasi yung travel ko, sa abroad lagi. Lalo na nang nauso yung mga budget airlines na yan. Add mo pa na sakay lang ako ng jeep eh nasa DMIA na ako. And yung company kasi namin may travel incentive.

I have been to Japan and China and mostly ASEAN nations. Yung US naman well nandun si tatay at si nanay at si ate at si kuya. Pero hindi ako interesado. At least for the moment.

Pero gusto ko talaga makita yung buong Pilipinas. Hopefully before 30 or 32ako marami na akong narating. This coming May may plan akong magpunta sa Vigan at sa Paoay sa Ilocos Norte.

Would you believe hindi ko pa nararating ang Cebu? :lol:

That's a good plan. I think now more than ever with Filipino Pride going, masmagandang bragging right na naikot mo na ang Pinas kesa sa ibang bansa. :)

I was meant to go to the US after I left the uni, pero tinanggihan ko. I dont want to. US is in my bottom list of places to visit.

Taga Pampanga ka pala. :) Sarap ang pagkaing Kapampangan. I think we have relatives in Pampanga as well. :) Daming historical sites din jan kagaya ng train station... Cebu has a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches, great food and some culture. Mura pa ang eat all you can around sa Fuente Osmeña, hehehe

done registering PhilippinesWonder.info domain. this will be up after a few hours.

Please hep promote this PhilippinesWonder.info

Thank you very much.

@Nanflexal

GET LOST! TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Get Lost Magazine (www.getlostmag.com), an Australian-based Travel Magazine has found a new favorite place to feature on their recent issue #22.
I specially liked the honest revelation of the Publisher/Managing Director Justin Jamieson that he has been accused of favouring certain destinations in the past while overlooking some places simply because he didn't know much about them (a good example is of course the Philippines!)

Front Cover (With Philippines as main country of FOCUS)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineFrontCover-Issue2-1.jpg

Back Cover (Philippine Tourism Authority in Australia's Advertisement of the Philippines)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineBackCover-Issue23.jpg

http://www.getlostmag.com/#/article/135

Read the complete publisher's note below which appeared in page 7 of the magazine:

ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF PUBLISHING GET LOST! IS ALL THE EYE-OPENING and inspiring trips, people and places I get to read about everyday. In the past, I've been accused of favouring certain destinations when talking travel. And I've overlooked places simply because I didn't know much about them. But get lost! has really broadened my horizons and continues to do so.

A recent trip to the Philippines to swim with the quite newly discovered whale sharks has left me wide-eyed and wanting more. The Philippines has not previously featured high on my travel radar. I feel like a fool for it now, though. Since returning, I have not stopped raving about island hopping, remote villages, live volcanoes and the extraordinary whale sharks. I have at least half a dozen holiday ideas just in the Philippines. The only problem is finding the time!

And that is the essence of get lost!, we know you can't see everything, but if we can open our eyes to some unique holiday ideas, then we've done our job. This issue does just that. We take a look at Cartagena, the untouched Lesotho, New Year's Eve in Hogmanay, the whale sharks of course, and plenty more.

In fact, we're so excited by the whale sharks, we're even taking a get lost! escape there in April 2010.

There really is nothing like getting lost.

Signed

Justin Jamieson
PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR

great review is good publicity.

Yung US naman well nandun si tatay at si nanay at si ate at si kuya. Pero hindi ako interesado. At least for the moment.


I was meant to go to the US after I left the uni, pero tinanggihan ko. I dont want to. US is in my bottom list of places to visit.


Seriously? May I asky why? It's just hard to believe. War-ravaged countries would be at the bottom of my list of places to visit, but the US?? It doesn't make sense.

Seriously? May I asky why? It's just hard to believe. War-ravaged countries would be at the bottom of my list of places to visit, but the US?? It doesn't make sense.

There are other far more interesting countries to visit than the US. Even HK is on the bottom of my list because everyone goes there. This is the age of discovery in travel - finding places previously not been featured on a lot of travel magazines and tv shows. Why would I want to go where everyone is going? It doesn't make sense to go to the usual places especially when transport are far easier now than ever before.

My travel plans for the next 5-10 years:

1. Bhutan
2. Mongolia
3. Sri Lanka
4. Uzbekistan
5. Croatia
6. Argentina
7. East Timor
8. Micronesia
9. Jordan
10. Tanzania
11, Kenya
12. Lesotho
13. Madagascar
14. Maldives
15, Kiribati/Vanuatu


Re: article up on Get Lost magazine - great efforts by the the DOT in Australia. They should sponsor more journalists to the Philippines.

^^

I would like to see the 5 central asian countries.

1. Kazakhstan
2. Tajikistan
3. Kyrgyzstan
4. Uzbekistan
5. Turkmenistan

I want to go to these places:

1 - Erehwon
2 - Shangri-La
3 - Utopia
4 - Heaven

But again, I want to visit Batanes, of all the places. Although I've heard it's more expensive there compared to going to Hongkong even?

I want to go to these places:

1 - Erehwon
2 - Shangri-La
3 - Utopia
4 - Heaven

But again, I want to visit Batanes, of all the places. Although I've heard it's more expensive there compared to going to Hongkong even?

Shangri-la is somewhere in Central Asia. Heaven well, ayoko pang mamatay.

I was in Batanes last year. Very beautiful. If you want, you can check the photos on the photo albums of the Facebook Fan Page I managed (click mo yung link sa signature ko).

Fare is about 14K RT (Manila to Basco) + tours and accommodation, mahirap magcommute dun kasi kakaunti lang ang jeep (nag iisa lang actually sa Sabtang).

http://tourism-philippines.com/batanes

That's my travel guide on Batanes.

There are other far more interesting countries to visit than the US. Even HK is on the bottom of my list because everyone goes there. This is the age of discovery in travel - finding places previously not been featured on a lot of travel magazines and tv shows. Why would I want to go where everyone is going? It doesn't make sense to go to the usual places especially when transport are far easier now than ever before.

My travel plans for the next 5-10 years:

1. Bhutan
2. Mongolia
3. Sri Lanka
4. Uzbekistan
5. Croatia
6. Argentina
7. East Timor
8. Micronesia
9. Jordan
10. Tanzania
11, Kenya
12. Lesotho
13. Madagascar
14. Maldives
15, Kiribati/Vanuatu


Re: article up on Get Lost magazine - great efforts by the the DOT in Australia. They should sponsor more journalists to the Philippines.




Please define "far more interesting".

This reminds of the time I was still in high school, trying to figure out which university to attend. I wanted a place where I wouldn't run into anybody from high school. Eventually I found a university that I thought fit that criteria, but to my surprise, a lot of people that I knew ended up going there too (good thing I decided to apply to another university instead). Moral of the story: maybe everyone is thinking along the same lines too, to travel to places they think are still off the beaten path, but in reality aren't (or at least not anymore). I would say Croatia and Argentina are popular destinations (I read an article from a travel specialist encouraging people to go to Argentina - the cheaper version of Italy; and I remember my coworker and I were discussing travelling to Argentina not long ago). Jordan had its share of tourists too last time I went (probably even more now with Petra on the list of 7 new wonders). Perhaps the trick is to find places that are still off the beaten path, within countries that aren't. At least this is what I try to do.

In any case, I can't afford to be discriminating--otherwise I would have missed out on seeing Mona Lisa in Louvre, wandering around the monastery of Mont St Michel on the coast of France in the middle of a stormy night, walking/crawling along the Great Wall and many more...

PS. You're in a message board about skyscrapers but you're not interested in seeing Hong Kong, a city w/ a very impressive skyline? For shame! :D

I want to go to these places:

1 - Erehwon
2 - Shangri-La
3 - Utopia
4 - Heaven

But again, I want to visit Batanes, of all the places. Although I've heard it's more expensive there compared to going to Hongkong even?

:D

You forgot Eden (perhaps minus the snake).

Please define "far more interesting".

This reminds of the time I was still in high school, trying to figure out which university to attend. I wanted a place where I wouldn't run into anybody from high school. Eventually I found a university that I thought fit that criteria, but to my surprise, a lot of people that I knew ended up going there too (good thing I decided to apply to another university instead). Moral of the story: maybe everyone is thinking along the same lines too, to travel to places they think are still off the beaten path, but in reality aren't (or at least not anymore). I would say Croatia and Argentina are popular destinations (I read an article from a travel specialist encouraging people to go to Argentina - the cheaper version of Italy; and I remember my coworker and I were discussing travelling to Argentina not long ago). Jordan had its share of tourists too last time I went (probably even more now with Petra on the list of 7 new wonders). Perhaps the trick is to find places that are still off the beaten path, within countries that aren't. At least this is what I try to do.

In any case, I can't afford to be discriminating--otherwise I would have missed out on seeing Mona Lisa in Louvre, wandering around the monastery of Mont St Michel on the coast of France in the middle of a stormy night, walking/crawling along the Great Wall and many more...

PS. You're in a message board about skyscrapers but you're not interested in seeing Hong Kong, a city w/ a very impressive skyline? For shame! :D


I want to go where not a lot of people usually goes. In the Philippines, HK and US score as top destinations. I live in a city, so seeing more skyscrapers are of no interest for me. I don't like crowds either. I forgot to include Tibet on that list btw and Hokkaido (in Winter) and Okinawa in Japan. The list is my personal preference.

^^

I would like to see the 5 central asian countries.

1. Kazakhstan
2. Tajikistan
3. Kyrgyzstan
4. Uzbekistan
5. Turkmenistan

For me, I want to follow the route of Silk Road...And I want to visit Air Force One club. :)

For me, I want to follow the route of Silk Road...And I want to visit Air Force One club. :)

I think there is a tour following the Silk Road all the way to Europe.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineBackCover-Issue23.jpg



Which island is this? Might need to grab this issue @ Borders. Hopefully they mentioned it in the article.

I have been to Japan and China and mostly ASEAN nations. Yung US naman well nandun si tatay at si nanay at si ate at si kuya. Pero hindi ako interesado. At least for the moment.

Pero gusto ko talaga makita yung buong Pilipinas. Hopefully before 30 or 32ako marami na akong narating. This coming May may plan akong magpunta sa Vigan at sa Paoay sa Ilocos Norte.

Would you believe hindi ko pa nararating ang Cebu? :lol:

I'm planning to go to the US last quarter this year. Pero sa totoo lang, di talaga ako ganun ka atat pumunta ng US. Nakadalawang US visa na ako (non-immigrant). Could it be that we just take it for granted bec. we have visas? Ang ibang Pinoy nga nag TNT....

You should visit Cebu - they have everything there at your convenience - nightlife, shopping, world class beaches near the city, honest taxi drivers at abundant pa ang taxis anywhere and anytime of the day, affordable hotels, nice malls and the people are generally nice.

GET LOST! TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Get Lost Magazine (www.getlostmag.com), an Australian-based Travel Magazine has found a new favorite place to feature on their recent issue #22.
I specially liked the honest revelation of the Publisher/Managing Director Justin Jamieson that he has been accused of favouring certain destinations in the past while overlooking some places simply because he didn't know much about them (a good example is of course the Philippines!)

Front Cover (With Philippines as main country of FOCUS)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineFrontCover-Issue2-1.jpg

Read the complete publisher's note below which appeared in page 7 of the magazine:

A recent trip to the Philippines to swim with the quite newly discovered whale sharks has left me wide-eyed and wanting more. The Philippines has not previously featured high on my travel radar. I feel like a fool for it now, though. Since returning, I have not stopped raving about island hopping, remote villages, live volcanoes and the extraordinary whale sharks. I have at least half a dozen holiday ideas just in the Philippines. The only problem is finding the time!



Nice....I hope that we have more marketing campaign in international TV networks and the web.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineBackCover-Issue23.jpg



Which island is this? Might need to grab this issue @ Borders. Hopefully they mentioned it in the article.

From the looks of it, my guess is that it is most likely one of the islands in Coron, Palawan..

That's a good plan. I think now more than ever with Filipino Pride going, masmagandang bragging right na naikot mo na ang Pinas kesa sa ibang bansa. :)

I was meant to go to the US after I left the uni, pero tinanggihan ko. I dont want to. US is in my bottom list of places to visit.


Bottom of the list talaga ang US? :) Consider Hawaii - you'll love it there.

done registering PhilippinesWonder.info domain. this will be up after a few hours.

Please hep promote this PhilippinesWonder.info

Thank you very much.

@Nanflexal

Thanks sa update.

GET LOST! TRAVEL MAGAZINE

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineFrontCover-Issue2-1.jpg


FYI lang. The front cover is courtesy from an SSC-Cebu forumer. AFAIR, it's @Slemarken. :okay:

The photo was taken somewhere in southern Cebu.

^^ That's great. Was he acknowledged by the magazine?

^^That one, I don't know...hehehe

Bottom of the list talaga ang US? :) Consider Hawaii - you'll love it there.


According to rumors, the sand on Waikiki Beach were shipped in from Australia - that's what I heard from some Aussies.

Pag matanda na ako siguro, punta ako sa US.

I want to go where not a lot of people usually goes. In the Philippines, HK and US score as top destinations. I live in a city, so seeing more skyscrapers are of no interest for me. I don't like crowds either. I forgot to include Tibet on that list btw and Hokkaido (in Winter) and Okinawa in Japan. The list is my personal preference.

The US does have a lot to offer (beaches, deserts, snow, large national parks, historic towns, etc) and it's a big country, so you can always find places that are not crowded. I just think that you are doing yourself a disservice by discounting the US just because it's a popular place. New York is a great city--even I who was initially skeptical of its virtues fell in love with it. You can always head out of the city if it's too crowded for you and go, say, to the Finger Lakes region-it's a very scenic drive over there.

Well, from my perspective, Japan is a popular destination (as a matter of fact, I was talking to a coworker earlier who is planning to go there next month, and I also have an acquaintance who is there right now, travelling the country). In every city that we went to there was always a tourist information center--except perhaps in Kawagoe. We went there, somehow having gotten the impression that the city was tourist-free, but when we arrive, the place was bustling with tourists. Hokkaido in winter has the snow and the ice festival, so it should also be popular with tourists. Personally I would recommend going to Hakone during autumn to catch the leaves as they change colors and perhaps even see the venerable Mt. Fuji.

By the way, are you familiar with the site TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/)? If not, I would urge you to check it out and join, and perhaps be one of the destination experts for Philippines.

PS. I would still like to know your definition of "far more interesting".



Bottom of the list talaga ang US? :) Consider Hawaii - you'll love it there.


I don't think the beaches are as good as the ones in the Philippines, but still, Hawaii is a great place to go to.

The US does have a lot to offer (beaches, deserts, snow, large national parks, historic towns, etc) and it's a big country, so you can always find places that are not crowded. I just think that you are doing yourself a disservice by discounting the US just because it's a popular place. New York is a great city--even I who was initially skeptical of its virtues fell in love with it. You can always head out of the city if it's too crowded for you and go, say, to the Finger Lakes region-it's a very scenic drive over there.

Well, from my perspective, Japan is a popular destination (as a matter of fact, I was talking to a coworker earlier who is planning to go there next month, and I also have an acquaintance who is there right now, travelling the country). In every city that we went to there was always a tourist information center--except perhaps in Kawagoe. We went there, somehow having gotten the impression that the city was tourist-free, but when we arrive, the place was bustling with tourists. Hokkaido in winter has the snow and the ice festival, so it should also be popular with tourists. Personally I would recommend going to Hakone during autumn to catch the leaves as they change colors and perhaps even see the venerable Mt. Fuji.

By the way, are you familiar with the site TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/)? If not, I would urge you to check it out and join, and perhaps be one of the destination experts for Philippines.

PS. I would still like to know your definition of "far more interesting".





I don't think the beaches are as good as the ones in the Philippines, but still, Hawaii is a great place to go to.


Beaches lang marami tyo nyan, we have a longer coastline than the United States. As for deserts, Id rather go to Australia, Mongolia (Gobi), and the Kalahari Desert. Snow? I'd rather go to the south of Argentina or to the Scandinavian countries or even the mountain peaks of NZ (sayang almost melted na ang snow sa Kilimanjaro). National Parks, mas marami sa Oz and other parts of Africa. Meron din tayo nyan at largely unexplored pa. Historic towns - one word: VIGAN. UNESCO World Heritage Town. As for trip advisor, I do check it once in a while when I travel abroad- I have contributed a couple of reviews myself over there.

Japan is a popular destination, except Okinawa for their weaving and Hokkaido (Id like to see the cranes dance during winter). Far more interesting for me is something that is totally unexpected- great culture, great sceneries, interesting stories. I dont want to go to a place which reminds me of another place where i have been.

Sorry, US just doesn't cut it for me, like I said, personal preference yan. Kung happy ka sa US, good for you, hindi ko naman pinipilit ang sarili kong opinion on anyone. Everyone is entitled to theirs diba, why drag our conversation? So can we move on now? :)

Maybe when I am am older I'd like to visit Alaska as my family runs a little business there. Hopefully by that time, my uncle's plane is still working. ;)

http://www.mygohotels.com/images/mast-head.jpg (http://gohotels.ph/)

not sure if this has already been posted and discussed here.
passed by edsa boni and saw this building beside Robinson's Pioneer.
probably Cebu Pacific's budget hotel like Air Asia's Tune Hotels.

http://www.mygohotels.com/images/gallery/DSC_4179.jpg

check their website, gohotels.ph (http://gohotels.ph)

Beaches lang marami tyo nyan, we have a longer coastline than the United States. As for deserts, Id rather go to Australia, Mongolia (Gobi), and the Kalahari Desert. Snow? I'd rather go to the south of Argentina or to the Scandinavian countries or even the mountain peaks of NZ (sayang almost melted na ang snow sa Kilimanjaro). National Parks, mas marami sa Oz and other parts of Africa. Meron din tayo nyan at largely unexplored pa. Historic towns - one word: VIGAN. UNESCO World Heritage Town. As for trip advisor, I do check it once in a while when I travel abroad- I have contributed a couple of reviews myself over there.

Japan is a popular destination, except Okinawa for their weaving and Hokkaido (Id like to see the cranes dance during winter). Far more interesting for me is something that is totally unexpected- great culture, great sceneries, interesting stories. I dont want to go to a place which reminds me of another place where i have been.

Sorry, US just doesn't cut it for me, like I said, personal preference yan. Kung happy ka sa US, good for you, hindi ko naman pinipilit ang sarili kong opinion on anyone. Everyone is entitled to theirs diba, why drag our conversation? So can we move on now? :)

Maybe when I am am older I'd like to visit Alaska as my family runs a little business there. Hopefully by that time, my uncle's plane is still working. ;)

Ah, but the amazing thing is that the US has them all, and much more :)

Fine, it all boils down to personal preference, but I was hoping for more objectivity on your part, especially since I have come to regard your posts here as highly informative and useful. This is not about being happy, but rather, about being fair. I don't usually act as a cheerleader for the US, I think (and I'll happily concede that Japan is a better country) but to disparage the country for no other reason than many Filipinos like to go there strikes me as unfair and odd.

I know when I was doing my research on Japan I saw a lot of questions on Hokkaido and Okinawa (hasn't everyone heard of Okinawa? You know, from the Karate Kid movies) in TripAdvisor, and the guidebooks I've seen do cover both places (extensively in some), so that's why I've assumed that they are popular. Like I said, the trendy thing now is to go to places people think are not touristy.

Ok, moving on....

^^ Sa Pilipinas kasi, pag local traveler ka, you feel there's something new when you visit the province. You're caught in between with the local tongues, the local customs, and the like, and that's what good about it. There's adventure kumbaga.

Ah, but the amazing thing is that the US has them all, and much more :)

Fine, it all boils down to personal preference, but I was hoping for more objectivity on your part, especially since I have come to regard your posts here as highly informative and useful. This is not about being happy, but rather, about being fair. I don't usually act as a cheerleader for the US, I think (and I'll happily concede that Japan is a better country) but to disparage the country for no other reason than many Filipinos like to go there strikes me as unfair and odd.

I know when I was doing my research on Japan I saw a lot of questions on Hokkaido and Okinawa (hasn't everyone heard of Okinawa? You know, from the Karate Kid movies) in TripAdvisor, and the guidebooks I've seen do cover both places (extensively in some), so that's why I've assumed that they are popular. Like I said, the trendy thing now is to go to places people think are not touristy.

Ok, moving on....


Yeah, correction lang ha, I dint disparage the US, I only said that it is not interesting enough for me and it is on the bottom list of my travel plans. To disparage the country is to say some other stuff. So from that, I don't think I am being unfair - US is just not something that I consider to visit in the near future.

Kilala ang Okinawa, but not alot can go there. Too expensive, I've checked flights from within Asia to Okinawa and it is almost as expensive as going to Europe. I want to see their weaving industry - kakaiba ang mga Kimono nila dun. as for Karate Kid, I dint know it was in Okinawa.. More the reason to go then . LOL. Sa Karate Kid ang kantang Eye of the Tiger right? Tamang tama- pag natuloy ako papapicture ako na ala Karate Kid ang pose. :D

Yeah, correction lang ha, I dint disparage the US, I only said that it is not interesting enough for me and it is on the bottom list of my travel plans. To disparage the country is to say some other stuff. So from that, I don't think I am being unfair - US is just not something that I consider to visit in the near future.

Kilala ang Okinawa, but not alot can go there. Too expensive, I've checked flights from within Asia to Okinawa and it is almost as expensive as going to Europe. I want to see their weaving industry - kakaiba ang mga Kimono nila dun. as for Karate Kid, I dint know it was in Okinawa.. More the reason to go then . LOL. Sa Karate Kid ang kantang Eye of the Tiger right? Tamang tama- pag natuloy ako papapicture ako na ala Karate Kid ang pose. :D

Iba yung Eye of the Tiger, it's a Gary Busey Film.

Glory of Love yun. OT....

Iba yung Eye of the Tiger, it's a Gary Busey Film.

Glory of Love yun. OT....

Ah hehehehe. Sorry tagal ko nang hindi nakikita ang Karate Kid eh. Moving on... :)

GET LOST! TRAVEL MAGAZINE

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Get%20Lost%20Magazine%20Issue%2022/GetLostMagazineFrontCover-Issue2-1.jpg


I've got a copy of that magazine and posted the same front & back covers including all the pages of the feature article way back October last year. :D

From the archives...
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435396&page=239


FYI lang. The front cover is courtesy from an SSC-Cebu forumer. AFAIR, it's @Slemarken. :okay:

The photo was taken somewhere in southern Cebu.

^^ That's great. Was he acknowledged by the magazine?

^^That one, I don't know...hehehe

The magazine acknowledged the front cover's photographer to be Lorens Gibb Laphid. So it's Gibb indeed. :okay:

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

The latest issue of Get Lost again features the Philippines, but not in the front cover though this time. The 5-page feature article is titled "RIDING ON CLOUD 9" which is about surfing in Siargao.

I'll scan it later and post it here. :D

Ngayon na, scan mo na:D

^^ Na-pressure naman ako sa yo migs. :D
Heto na...



http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/240001.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/240002.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/240003.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/240004.jpg

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http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/240006.jpg

Wanderlust Magazine

I hope this one is not posted yet :)

Wanderlust is a UK-based Travel Magazine. The December 2009/January 2010 issue featured the Philippines as the country to go for vacation on January 2010. Although the word "Philippines" is not printed on the front cover, the wordings that says "Asia's Best Kept Secret -> 7,107 Perfect islands and barely a tourist in sight" gave us a give-away clue that they are referring to our beautiful country, "The Philippines"

I scanned the complete article below for sharing to our members.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00000.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00001.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00002.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00003.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00004.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00005.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00006.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00007.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00008.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00009.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00010.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00011.jpg

From Wunderlust mag.

Immigration on-board for Garuda Indonesia passengers
European travellers to Indonesia can now avoid the passport control queues
30/03/2010

On-board immigration saves time in
line
Travellers flying to Indonesia will soon have the option of avoiding long queues for immigration on arrival by having their documents processed on-board.


In a new initiative by Indonesia’s national carrier Garuda Indonesia, ‘Immigration on-Board’ will be introduced on the new Amsterdam-Dubai-Jakarta route starting 2 June 2010.


Passengers will be able to buy ‘visa on arrival’ vouchers at Garuda Indonesia check-in counters in Amsterdam or Dubai and then have their passports checked by immigration officers during the flight. The company believe it could save travellers up to two hours during peak times.


First introduced on the Tokyo-Denpasar-Jakarta route in February 2010, Garuda Indonesia decided to extend the service when it became clear that it was popular with passengers.

Galing ng Idea. Sana gawin din ng pinas:banana::banana::banana:

^^thanks for the effort! nice..

Iba yung Eye of the Tiger, it's a Gary Busey Film.

Glory of Love yun. OT....

Ah hehehehe. Sorry tagal ko nang hindi nakikita ang Karate Kid eh. Moving on... :)

karate kid soundtract also includes "THE MOMENT OF TRUTH".

more pic pls. Thanks

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e9/reymund_navarro/Wanderlust%20Magazine/CCF16042010_00008.jpg


Thanks for the scans.



Sana gumawa na rin ng ibang tagline ang Pilipinas sa mga ads. Catchy like Incredible India, Amazing Thailand, etc.

Pwedeng "Colorful Philippines". Medyo napa-girl ako bigla ah :lol:

You can take "colorful" in different ways. Pweding literal, showcasing the jeepney, the marine life, the fiestas. Or pwede "Colorful people", dahil masayahin, festive, ang mga Pilipino.

Plus, napansin ko rin sa mga ads na makulay ang print ng "Philippines".

^^ I think the Philippines' tourism campaign tagline "WOW Philippines" is catchy enough for me.

In some print ads, WOW is defined as "Wealth of Wonders".

Some time in the 80's, tourism print ads promoting both the Philippines and Philippine Airlines has a catch phrase "Everything's right here in the Philippines". :)

sana iwasan na nilang magpalabas ng mga tourism ads na may mga mukha ng governors at mayors ng lugar (at mukha ni Ace). kaya siguro walang turistang pumupunta dahil natu-turnoff sa mga itsura nila.
:lol:

^^ I think the Philippines' tourism campaign tagline "WOW Philippines" is catchy enough for me.

In some print ads, WOW is defined as "Wealth of Wonders".

Some time in the 80's, tourism print ads promoting both the Philippines and Philippine Airlines has a catch phrase "Everything's right here in the Philippines". :)

noted.

i will use this tag line "WOW Philippines", "pilipinas" in my own site http://www.philippineswonder.info

sana mag magpost pa kayo ng mga picture about tourist spot in the philippines mga 800x600.

thanks

New Ilocos hotel hopes to cash in on rising tourist inflows

By Cristina Arzadon
Inquirer Northern Luzon
First Posted 19:53:00 04/17/2010

LAOAG CITY—THREE YEARS AGO, the more than 3,000-square-meter lot in the middle of farmlands here was only meant as a shelter for farm animals and a spot for golfers to perfect their swings.

But this sprawling property just across from the Malacañang of the North has been transformed into a complex that has easily become Ilocos Norte’s newest icon of grandeur yet keeping its old-world charm.

The Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHCC), which opened late March, aims to cash in on the growing tourism industry. It lies along a traditional tourist path in Barangay Balacad.

Across the Paoay Lake and near a world-class golf course, the facility serves as a halfway stop between the religious heritage Paoay Church and the Malacañang of the North, which continues to attract hundreds of visitors.

The hotel is the answer to Ilocos Norte’s much-vaunted image as a premier tourist destination and growth center in the North, according to Milagros Gonzales, tourism provincial chief.

It sits next to a golf course and shooting range, and features a chapel for private weddings, a sprawling garden for outdoor events, a swimming pool, a hotel function room and in-room massage services.

“We hope to catch more tourists to Ilocos Norte this time. Our existing hotels were not just enough to accommodate all,” she says.

Managed by Paramount Hotels and Facilities Management Co. Inc., the INHCC has 100 hotel rooms, 24 dormitory rooms, a restaurant and a modern convention center that can sit up to 1,200 people.

The hotel’s first clients would have been a big group of campus journalists who wanted to hold a three-day Luzon-wide press conference in Ilocos Norte in early February. Management, however, begged off from housing the event because it did not want to offer rushed services.

The provincial government started investing in the property under then Gov. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to capitalize on the rising tourism business. It took years to complete the structure because developers wanted all things to be perfect, for, after all, it is the local government’s first and biggest business venture.

Gov. Michael Keon says he got the commitment of owners of Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino, another Ilocos icon, that they would not compete against the facility.

“Fort Ilocandia Hotel would provide complementary support for the Ilocos Hotel. The [Fort Ilocandia] owners gave us their word,” he says.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/8611435.stm

BBC World News Fast Track feature on the CPDRC dancing inmates.

Guys, if you own or caretaker of some Tourist spot / Beach and want to be feature in http://www.philippineswonder.info please send me your articles and images to nanflexal@gmail.com or text me at 0929-1485857. this is free service so you don't to worry about the payment and beside this is one the many way to promote your beach.

Example of SpotLight:
http://i44.tinypic.com/1emk48.jpg

Thanks
Alex

China airs confidence in RP’s aviation service
By MADEL R. SABATER
April 17, 2010, 9:50pm

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that the presence of China’s national air carrier, Air China, demonstrates China’s confidence in the Philippines’ aviation facilities.

Chinese Embassy Counselor Wu Zhengping, in his message during the appreciation dinner in celebration of the inaugural launch of Air China’s first direct flight between Beijing and Manila, said, “I think the presence of Air China demonstrates confidence in the aviation facility of the Philippines.”

“China has always viewed the Philippines as a good neighbor, good friend, and a reliable partner. In recent years, bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two countries developed [further],” he noted.

It was recalled that Chinese tourists in the Philippines was pegged at 220,000, which is a 37-percent increase from 2008. There had been 160,000 Chinese tourists who flocked the country in 2008.

Most Chinese tourists travel by family and the highest number of Chinese tourists is from the middle-age group. Chinese are the fourth largest and fastest-growing source of tourists in the Philippines. On the other hand, there were 750,000 Filipinos who visited China in 2009, making the Philippines China’s seventh largest source of tourists.

“The Philippines is a unique country with more than 90 million warm, hospitable people, and a continuously growing economy,” Wu said. “Needless to say, Air China is in the Philippines at the right time… It can contribute to even stronger economic and cultural ties as well as deepen friendship between our people.”

Air China flies three times a week from Beijing: every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, departing from the Beijing Capital Airport at 8 p.m. and arriving at 12:55 a.m. the next day while its flight from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, arriving in Beijing at 11:10 a.m. using Boeing 737 -800.

Air China’s inaugural flight was on March 29, 2010 and is the 10th direct route operated by Air China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (FTA). China’s FTA with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines entered into force on January 1, 2010.

“The reason we chose Manila as the new destination is that Manila is the capital and the largest city of the Philippines, as well as the economic, cultural and communications center, a city with abundant tourism resources,” Air China said in a statement.

“Beijing is a modern city with profound cultural deposit. With famous places of interest, Beijing is attracting more and more tourists from home and abroad. The opening of the Beijing – Manila route will boost exchanges between our two nations, contribute to the communication of economy, trade, and culture between our two countries, and strengthen the friendship between our people,” it added
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/253234/china-air

Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC)
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9035/dsc01329.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8039/dsc01330nw.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4489/dsc01328ws.jpg

Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC)
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9035/dsc01329.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8039/dsc01330nw.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4489/dsc01328ws.jpg




more pic.

^^ I think the Philippines' tourism campaign tagline "WOW Philippines" is catchy enough for me.

In some print ads, WOW is defined as "Wealth of Wonders".

. :)

I also like the "Wow" ad but in some places in Asia, people say "Waah" which is close to Wow, but they refer to negative thing.

Sweet And Spicy Tours
Tue, 2010-04-20 04:34 — editor

http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/04/20/sweet-and-spicy-tours

By Lakshman Ratnapala - Emeritus President & CEO of PATA

Culinary culture has been a major aspect of the tourism promotions of the West for decades, from Paris and Rome to New York and San Francisco. That culture is now being promoted vigorously in Asia from Beijing and Hong Kong to Manila and Bangkok.

Other destinations such as Taipei, Singapore and Mumbai are hot on their heels. As cuisine is a matter of intensely personal taste -- some say personal adventure -- there are no winners and losers in the competition among various destinations seeking to attract tourists in search of culinary discovery. All are winners.

However, while the traditional culinary capitals of the world still draw the major portion of this segment of international travelers, the up-and-coming culinary destinations compete hard and fast -- some even "inventing" new dishes flaunting the inheritance of culinary cultures from both East and West.

Culinary traditions are important elements of culture and history. Cuisine and the technology of its production show how people cope with food sources, vegetation, climate and the numerous other aspects of their environment. As tourism and heritage conservation become important to community pride and to their livelihood, culinary history becomes a point of reference to social planning and well being.

The Philippines with its 7,000 islands of tropical beauty is one of the best kept culinary secrets in the world of tourism. Now, the Department of Tourism is taking the story of its multifaceted culinary heritage to the world. Philippine culinary vignettes and period recipes from as far back as the 1500s are presented in a coffee table publication titled The Governor-General's Kitchen. Complementing the publication comes a package of 13 "Kulinarya Food Trips" offered by the Philippine travel industry.

"The Governor-General lives like a king and his grand receptions are the glory of Manila" wrote an American journalist, in a preview of Philippine life during the Spanish and American colonial occupations when 112 Spaniards and 11 American governors-general ruled over the islands from 1569. Close to 400 years, the governor-general's table represented the epitome of Western cuisine and culture on the archipelago. It was the inspiration for countless recipes and a social etiquette that evolved singular to the hospitable, festival-loving Philippine people.

The Governor-General's Kitchen shares stories of how insular cooks, with nothing but simple clay stoves and pots produced everything from galantines forced with locally grown capers to pináis -- boiled banana-leaf pillows filled with delicately flavored banak fish. Having learned to distill spirits, the island-rum became world famous. As the beehive oven found its following, native bakers turned out feathery hojaldres cookies and towering croquembouche sometimes filled with pineapple and cream.

How the people of the Philippines transformed tropical ingredients into delicious meals and splendid edible fancies is a tribute to culinary creativity. The Governor General's Kitchen attempts to show how it all happened, over the centuries.

Showcased in the banquet of 13 "Kulinarya Food Trips" marketed by the Philippines travel industry is an array of distinctive regional dishes created with local ingredients with their very special flavors. They also reflect the influence of the various foreign cultures that impacted the Philippines for half a millennium.

For instance, the Ilocondia Culinary Tour introduces the visitor to cooking that is as exclusive as the region's heritage churches and historic villages. The Pampanga Kulinarya Tour takes one to the "Food Capital of the Philippines", the center for desserts and pastries. Bicol Kulinarya is a chili hot tour of the Bicol region where hot chili peppers rule the dinner table.

The Iloilo Kulinarya traces the roots of southern culinary specialties with visits to ancestral houses. Other culinary tours transport the visitor to exotic places such as Cebu, "Queen City of the South" famous for mangoes and Davao City, home to the "heavenly" durian fruit. Finally there is a tour of Bohol’s “Chocolate Hills", which regrettably cannot be eaten. Instead one has to go for peanut kisses!

- Asian Tribune -

Resort to rise in Mindoro

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:17:00 04/19/2010

For years, Mindoro Oriental Tourism has been synonymous with dive spot Puerto Galera. This year, a public-private partnership, with its planned P300-million resort in Pola town, aims to change that.

Ibayo Island Resort Corp. has partnered with the municipal government of Pola to put up the Polakay Island and Adventure Resort on Kabilang Ibayo Island, also known as Polakay Island.

The project, which broke ground last April 13, is a full eco-tourism resort development, which will include a clubhouse, large infinity pool, parks and gardens.

The 65-hectare resort will be targeted at both local and foreign tourists who would like to try adventure activities such as mountain hikes and rock climbs.

According to Ibayo Island Resort president Roderick Ongcarrenceja, the resort should be finished in three years’ time.

The first phase of the development will have hotels, villas and clustered cottages with 132 rooms for close to 300 guests.

“Polakay Island and Adventure Resort is envisioned to be an eco-tourism resort highlighting the natural wonders of Kabilang Ibayo Island, including its rich bio-diversity,” Ongcarrenceja said.

Futuristic underwater resort to be built off Palawan

By Daxim Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:25:00 04/05/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Imagine an underwater hotel room with a panoramic view of tropical fish swimming over large coral reefs, manta rays gliding in the water and turtles chasing after tiny squids.

Science fiction? Not if businessman Paul Moñozca can help it.

Moñozca, a Singapore-based financier who heads a group of international investors, plans to start a futuristic underwater resort off the island of Palawan as part of an aggressive venture into the ecotourism business.

The project, dubbed “Last Frontier Resort,” is expected to bring in a total of $1 billion in investments spread over a 10-year period—an average of $100 million a year which, its proponents hope, will help create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the Palawan.

Moñozca—known for his advocacies of helping improve the overseas remittance business, acquiring stakes in the US professional basketball league and junior circuit stock car racing teams—is the main driver of the project.

His Monaco-based philanthropic fund, dubbed “Spirit,” plays a lead role in the development of marine habitats and ocean protection initiatives.

The Last Frontier Resort will be built with submarine technology. When completed, the proposed underwater habitat will be the biggest in the world.

The project has been in the planning stage since last year, and its proponents have identified a group of islands in the Calamianes cluster as the site for development.

The site is owned by businessman and resort developer Steve Tajanlangit. It is made up of a group of seven islands in close proximity to each other, and another group of seven islands outside the main cluster.

The resulting 14-island project will be the largest of its kind in the world.

Sea spiders

The first phase calls for semi-submersible units called “Sea Spiders,” which will be built by a US firm that specializes on submarines, to serve as observation decks. Each sea spider can accommodate 30 tourists.

To rival similar projects such as the underwater resorts of Dubai, Fiji and the Caribbean, the second phase calls for a 100-room underwater hotel in partnership with a high-end boutique hotel brand spread over the cluster of seven islands.

Suite-size rooms will have a 270-degree view of the ocean underwater with 20-to 40-meter visibility. These rooms will be connected by underwater corridors. A further 85 rooms will be built on another cluster of seven islands.

Quake-free zone

Project proponents chose the pristine islands of Palawan because of its recent standing as a quake-free zone and its clear and cove-protected waters.

One of the site’s islands sits adjacent to the Calauit Nature Reserve. The islands nearby are ideal jump-off points for scuba diving.

“The blue print encompasses a strict adherence to protect the environment and the biodiversity of Palawan,” the group said in a statement.

“Groups of scientists from the Philippines and around the globe are part of the project’s protective strategy especially focused on its long stretches of coral reefs which have previously encountered illegal dynamite and cyanide fishing,” it added.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines serves as financial adviser to the project, which developers expect to be completed by 2013.

^^

http://images.inquirer.net/media/newsinfo/inquirerheadlines/nation/images/pic-04050426550934.jpg

great for Philippine Tourism :)

^^

http://images.inquirer.net/media/newsinfo/inquirerheadlines/nation/images/pic-04050426550934.jpg

great for Philippine Tourism :)

Nice! I guess this will be the first in RP... :cheers:

^^There was also a news that J. King of Cebu will make an underwater restaurant in Panglao, Bohol... :cheers:

Wow Philippines talaga! Local investors are now investing in almost all sector. Agriculture and fishery na lang talagang kulang na kulang sa pansin... :)

^^There was also a news that J. King of Cebu will make an underwater restaurant in Panglao, Bohol... :cheers:

Wow Philippines talaga! Local investors are now investing in almost all sector. Agriculture and fishery na lang talagang kulang na kulang sa pansin... :)

mahimo nang sinabaw imong adobo or paksiw imong inasal didto sa underwater restaurant. joke2x lang bai ha:lol::lol::lol:

maganda yung jingle ng "wow philippines" campaign ng dot. kahit puro "ah-a-a-a-aha-a-a" ay malakas ang dating tapos moving pa yung melody.:banana:

HN6yaYKkLzM

cDKnKi7b4VU&NR=1

:lol::lol::lol:

9BJ_hbj306M&NR=1

this video really made my day. thank god i was born a filipino.

F7nRoE5lq1E&feature=related

this video really made my day. thank god i was born a filipino.

F7nRoE5lq1E&feature=related

its too exaggerated typical of pinoy attitude that mine is better than yours:ohno::ohno::ohno:

why cant we just be true to ourselves and you see the real beauty in the philippines

its too exaggerated typical of pinoy attitude that mine is better than yours:ohno::ohno::ohno:

why cant we just be true to ourselves and you see the real beauty in the philippines

What do you mean an exaggeration? Pakilinaw lang po. This is a Tourism Ad, obviously. And what do you mean by "just be true to ourselves". Saan nagkamali ang ad, and ano ang pinagkaiba nito sa ibang tourism ads ng ibang bansa? Ano dapat ang tamang gawin sa inyong pananaw?

I am curious.

I think Matudnila was referring to the "thank God I was born a Filipino" remark... not quite sure though.

I think Matudnila was referring to the "thank God I was born a Filipino" remark... not quite sure though.

I don't see anything wrong with that remark as well.

I think Matudnila was referring to the "thank God I was born a Filipino" remark... not quite sure though.

hello wake up. did god really create pilipins more special than others. what kind of gods do you have? and that is not an exaggeration. we dont even know if there is a god or not. nabilang nang ad na yan sa false advertising.

hello wake up. did god really create pilipins more special than others. what kind of gods do you have? and that is not an exaggeration. we dont even know if there is a god or not. nabilang nang ad na yan sa false advertising.

Oh. That. Wow. That is an ad. Wow. Nitpicking much?

guys, can you use the personal messages to settle your differences...

Guys,if want to see more Tourist spot in our country please visit site http://www.philippineswonder.info thanks

hello wake up. did god really create pilipins more special than others. what kind of gods do you have? and that is not an exaggeration. we dont even know if there is a god or not. nabilang nang ad na yan sa false advertising.

Oh wow napasama pa ako... hindi nya nakuha ang ibig kong sabihin. Pero never mind! Try to backread and you will know why.

Di ba sabi mo exaggerated yung "Thank God I was born a Filipino" remark? And I actually agree with your point that other places got the same natural wonders as well just like the Philippines.

Pero for someone like you who doubt the existence of a SUPREME BEING... ay ewan. Bahala ka na.

Oh wow napasama pa ako... hindi nya nakuha ang ibig kong sabihin. Pero never mind! Try to backread and you will know why.

Di ba sabi mo exaggerated yung "Thank God I was born a Filipino" remark? And I actually agree with your point that other places got the same natural wonders as well just like the Philippines.

Pero for someone like you who doubt the existence of a SUPREME BEING... ay ewan. Bahala ka na.

I am an agnostic, I still find his remarks unnerving.

i liked the ads, save for the spoilers dito sa thread. sana ndi na lang nag react.

maganda namn ang ad ahh:D

parang nagkwento lang na maraming gods ang Pinas eh:D

i liked the ads, save for the spoilers dito sa thread. sana ndi na lang nag react.

I liked the ads too. Iba kasi puro armchair commentators lang.

is it really a bad thing to "thank god for being born a filipino?" that is my personal opinion and not even the president nor the pope can stop me from voicing out "how proud i am to be born a filipino."


:cheers:

ala bang new ads.. luma na yan eh...

is it really a bad thing to "thank god for being born a filipino?" that is my personal opinion and not even the president nor the pope can stop me from voicing out "how proud i am to be born a filipino."


:cheers:

Tama. At Mabuhay ka kabayan!:cheers::cheers:

hello wake up. did god really create pilipins more special than others. what kind of gods do you have? and that is not an exaggeration. we dont even know if there is a god or not. nabilang nang ad na yan sa false advertising.

^^ i am sorry.. tawa ako ng tawa dito.. haha... :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:

nothing exaggerated in the ad imho. seriously, its marketing.

oo nga:D

eh tingnan mo ibang ad ng ibang bansa, mas malala:D

oo nga:D

eh tingnan mo ibang ad ng ibang bansa, mas malala:D

Korek! Kagaya nung sa Korea. LOL. Biglang nagka-white sand beach sila. LOL. Isa pa yang Truly Asia. :D

^^ i am sorry.. tawa ako ng tawa dito.. haha... :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:

nothing exaggerated in the ad imho. seriously, its marketing.


Kaya nga ng mabasa ko ang comment, bigla akong napatumbling. Isang malaking - TOINKS! :lol::lol:

Fireflies glow for tourists


By Redempto Anda
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 23:05:00 04/21/2010

Filed Under: Philippines - Regions, Tourism, Ecotourism


BETTER THAN SEX!” BLURTS ANTONIO NUmar, a city slicker from Baguio, as he limbered out of a rickety fishing boat that took him on a moonless night’s firefly watching tour through the Iwahig River, not too far south from Palawan’s main hub of Puerto Princesa City.

Numar’s experience with the glowing insects must have been so exhilarating that many people rate it very high in their personal list of “cool” things.

And taking note of the rather staid nightlife along the downtown avenue of the booming tourist haven, the mangrove-strewn banks of the Iwahig might as well just be its veritable red light district, if ever there’s a need to have one.

Still the comparison may not exactly be far off, since scientists explain that fireflies display their bioluminescence for one sole purpose—to attract a mate for the night.

The riverbanks must be the busiest pickup joint in town, just that the customers are all aglow.

The Iwahig firefly watching tour, run not by any private tourism entrepreneur but by a cooperative of residents, has become such a hit not merely due to the unique experience it offers to people like Numar but, more importantly, in how the whole package has been set up.

Youths act as capable tour guides and members of the entire community pool their resources to make it work and earn profit for everyone while helping protect a vital river ecosystem.

This latest addition to the many things that Palawan offers to tourists has immediately caught attention in less than a year of continuous operation. Recently, the Department of Tourism announced its nomination of the Iwahig Firely Tour to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Gold Awards 2010 to represent the country in competition with other unique natural attractions around Asia.

Firefly city

The fireflies of the Iwahig are so abundant that they literally light up mangroves and other trees along the banks.

In a 45-minute paddle-boat excursion at night through the river’s inner sanctum, one is at first awed by the sheer abundance of bioluminescent planktons as the boat, loaded at max by just three guests, slices through the surface of brackish water like wading through silver.

“Everything in this river is as it was since our parents started living nearby. It is not disturbed and this is why the fireflies have not left and the river is as rich as it has always been,” Marlon Dioquino, a boatman and tour guide, said.

From the embarkation area, it doesn’t take long before the boat and its passengers come upon rows and rows of trees adorned with tiny lighted specks.

The guides make it a point to explain the relationship between these nocturnal insects and the river, particularly to stress the point that the presence of the fireflies indicates a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

Interesting notes are to be made on the interpretations done by the guides, trained by biologists and experts. The fireflies, they explain, dwell in fact at the lowest bottom of the food chain, as fodder to spiders and other bigger insects, and as favorite meals of frogs and bats.

But there are so many of them and they just kept on multiplying to perform their selfless role to serve themselves banquet-style to any other insect, fish or mammals.

“Once the fireflies are gone, the river will start to wither, as will the animals move somewhere else,” Dr. Gerry Ortega, project manager of Bayan ni Juan, said.

The ABS-CBN group has donated most of the startup capital needed by the project and facilitated the software needs of the community, from tour guide training to bookkeeping.

Undisturbed

Most of the Iwahig River, which opens up to Honda Bay in the Sulu Sea side of the island province, is part of the barbed-wire-less open penal complex, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Facility, which hosts about 2,000 low-security offenders.

Manuel Socrates, an employee at the facility and at the same time president of the Iwahig Community Tourism Association, explains that the area that now hosts a steady flow of tourists, especially on weekend nights, used to be “no man’s land.”

Some prisoners who have escaped had used this river in order to reach the open sea.

“There were also disturbing trends of wanton nipa-gathering that they were starting to disturb the wildlife living in the surroundings,” Socrates said.

It took Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and ABS-CBN honcho Gina Lopez, through the Bayan ni Juan program, to convince the Bureau of Corrections to allow the community to manage a portion of the river and set up an ecotourism project.

Socrates said it was Hagedorn who pulled strings with the Department of Justice.

Lopez met with the owners of one of the city’s biggest hotels which had at one point already got permission from the prison administration to run a firefly watching tour package.

Ecotourism model

The DOT’s nomination into the Pata 2010 search, according to Ortega, was triggered by the success their project has had in organizing the tour as an “ecotourism model.”

“This is where the real concept of ecotourism comes alive. Here, you have a community that directly benefits from their surroundings and they are encouraged to protect it not just as a means of livelihood but also as a source of local pride,” Ortega said.

The Pata Gold Awards 2010 is an annual search organized by industry players to recognize exceptional achievement in six broad categories affecting travel and tourism industry—marketing, campaign, environment, heritage and culture, education and training, marketing media and travel journalism.

The Iwahig Firefly Tour also makes a good case of sound business management by a community with little knowledge on business planning, conducting feasibility studies or scaling up. In one operation, it has gone from pink to blue, making money for its members and sending their children to school.

All of the guides, who are at the same time either high school or college students, do not anymore rely on their parents for financial support, according to Socrates.

Since ABS-CBN provided a P200,000 grant to the group so it could build a waiting shed and employ six boats to run the tours, the cooperative has already begun to fend for its own, buying new equipment and planning new and bigger ideas, such as a floating restaurant for tourists.

“The growth of this project is so fast it is amazing it is all community-driven,” Ortega said

A spa treatment equals a new tree

By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:22:00 04/24/2010

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN, Philippines—Accommodating the millions of tourists who come to the Philippines’ most popular tourist destination takes a lot out of this island famous the world over for its postcard-perfect, three-kilometer long powdery white beach.

There are serious concerns over the proper disposal of human and commercial waste left behind by the visitors who flock to the island and nagging fears that the island has opened its fragile ecosystem to too much development that has come in too soon.

And there is also the basic issue of getting enough clean water to the island that generates millions of pesos in tourism revenue every year.

Fortunately for the locals and visitors who flock to Boracay, award-winning Mandala Spa & Villas has put together its TREEtment Project that concretizes its pledge to plant a tree for every spa treatment and every night booked at one of the country’s most popular destination spas.

For Mandala, the TREEtment Project is one more way to ensure that the island will always have the water that it needs since it targets the Nabaoy Watershed in mainland Aklan—Boracay’s primary source of water.

Since it was launched in July 2009, Mandala and its partners and green-minded volunteers have planted 5,000 seedlings of fruit-bearing and endemic trees at the reservoir. And Mandala has hired full-time caretakers to improve the chances of these seedlings growing into mature trees so vital to the watershed.

This year, the target is to double the number of trees planted at the reservoir to 10,000, says Mandala Sales and Marketing Manager Abegale Clariño.

It is on the way to achieving that target with the 3,000 seedlings planted last Feb. 28 in partnership with the Boracay Island Water Co. of the Ayala group with about another 3,000 seedlings scheduled to be planted on April 28 in celebration of Earth Day.

“We should take care of the island from which we have benefited so much,” says Clariño, “It is just right to give back because the environment here is very fragile and we depend so much on it for our operations.”

And it is not just the watershed that directly benefits from the TREEtment Project, says Clariño, as it gives its guests one more reason to get a well-deserved massage or treatment or stay at one of its pricey villas, encouraging them to take as much care of the environment as they do their own minds and bodies.

According to Dieter Schrottmann, Mandala Director who conceptualized the initiative, the TREEtment Project was inspired by the belief that “wellness is a way of life that is intractably connected to the health of our planet.”

Mandala started its journey to become a “green” spa as early as 2001 when it overhauled its waste management policies to keep the trash its throws away to the barest minimum.

Mandala only uses natural products in its treatments, such as its Hilot Trilogy awarded the Spa Treatment of the Year in 2009’s Asia Spa Awards, and it recycles its water.

These endeavors admittedly make Mandala’s operations more expensive to keep going, but it is a price that its guests and clients are apparently willing to pay since they do go back for more treatments.

“As a leader in the world of wellness and spa, we are doing our share in healing the planet and creating a better world for all through our TREEtment Project and our community outreach programs,” adds Schrottmann in a statement.

Mandala obviously cannot do its projects alone but it is heartened that it does not lack for volunteers to help plant the seedlings all over the Nabaoy Watershed, like the Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Boracay Foundation Inc., Boracay Chamber of Commerce local government officials, Boracay and Aklan residents, its guests and regular visitors to Boracay and employees from other resorts and hotels like upscale Discovery Shores.

Clariño attributes the encouraging support to the TREEtment Project to the growing awareness that people and companies should take serious steps so that there would still be a Boracay Island left for the next generation to visit and be justifiably proud of.

its not the gods that created the Philippine islands. the gods created the islands, then the spaniards discovered it and named the rest of the surrounding islands as part of the the king philip islands. or philippines.

if not for the spaniards the rest of the islands would have been a part of a different country.

^^^^

di ko magets logic mo.

for all people who believes that there is a supreme being above, like myself, we believe that god created everything... even the spaniards that discovered these pacific islands that were collectively named philippines to honor their king. nadiscover lang nila ang pilipinas at hindi sila ang gumawa ng pilipinas. yung pangalan sila ang nagbigay pero di ibig sabihin sila ang gumawa ng mga beach, bundok, at kung anu ano pa.

^^^^

di ko magets logic mo.

for all people who believes that there is a supreme being above, like myself, we believe that god created everything... even the spaniards that discovered these pacific islands that were collectively named philippines to honor their king. nadiscover lang nila ang pilipinas at hindi sila ang gumawa ng pilipinas. yung pangalan sila ang nagbigay pero di ibig sabihin sila ang gumawa ng mga beach, bundok, at kung anu ano pa.

yep but we have to thank the spaniards. If not for them, the rest of the Philippines would have been another country or part of malaysia, taiwan, or even china.

^^ yes, there will be no country named Philippines if it weren't for the Spaniards.

we could have been like the Carribean.. different small island countries.

^^ yes, there will be no country named Philippines if it weren't for the Spaniards.

we could have been like the Carribean.. different small island countries.

Hehehe, for sure may Republic of Cebu, Negros, Davao yan. :D


Pero anyway, napaka off topic na kayo. Hindi it ito discussion about any godsm, this discussion is about tourism.

That tourism ad was great. Yung may ayaw, problema nya yan. From a marketing standpoint, it is an effective ad period. Shove your "false advertising" up your nose. Yung mga may ayaw - if you think you can do better then do something better rather than nitpick.

Agree na tayo?

Edge Davao
The Economy
Samal beaches doing brisk business
Monday, 26 April 2010
Lovely A Carillo


If there is one attraction that has brought the world’s attention to the Davao region, that would be the region’s clean and pristine beaches, particularly those found in the Island Garden City of Samal. It is not surprising that the island’s numerous beach resorts are doing brisk business these days.

“There is actually no need for Dabawenyos to get out of Mindanao because we have a lot of summer destinations here,” Department of Tourism 11 regional director Sonia Garcia said. “The reason why we continue to keep coming up with various events for our destinations like Samal Island is for people, not only from other parts of Mindanao but also elsewhere, to get to know more about these destinations,” she added.

Attractive beaches dot Samal Island’s 301.3- square kilometer area populated by only 90,291 residents as of the 2007 census from the 82,000 in the year 2000. At that rate, it must be about 95,000 by now, thanks to the islands fast development which has attracted thousands more people to make it their home, not the least being hordes of expatriates and retirees from foreign countries who have elected to stay permanently.

Samal Island has about 40 resorts, each one thriving as more and more tourists, local and from outside the country, a testament to its attractions, as noted by Regional Tourism Council secretary Araceli Ayuste.

Garcia said Samal Island plays an important role in promoting the region’s tourism industry. With the now famous phrase “From the Island to the Highland” both Samal Island and Mt. Apo are expected to continue luring tourists to the region.

The thrust of the private sector, with the support of DOT, is to make the expatriates on the island comfortable and happy in their new-found home.
“We want the expatriates to help us promote Samal Island to their respective home countries,” Ayuste said.

Several activities are in line to keep the Samal Island spirit very festive during summer. On top of this is the “Fun in the Sun” program which was launched last Tuesday. Another grand event, the Caracoles Festival which will be held during the last Saturday of April, is expected to bring in more domestic and foreign tourists.

The beach resort owners on the island have their own marketing and promotional schemes to entice visitors to their resorts. The following are some of the affordable resorts the island offers by way of fun in the sun!

BlueJaz

This is one world-class resort which boasts of its white sand and clear blue waters. BlueJaz is perhaps the only resort on the island which offers a gigantic slide for P90, free small water slides for children, free use of their swimming pool, free open cottages by the beach and reasonably-priced but high quality cottages for overnight stay. Owner Jazmin Middleton said they are constantly trying to improve their service and the products they offer to keep the resort very competitive. A day’s tour will cost a visitor only P90.

Paradise Island

This affordable resort nearest the mainland is accessible in a matter of minutes by motorboat a dn has always been active when it comes to promotional events. While the entrance fee has remained very affordable for the masa, but the cottages are priced a bit steeply. Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort has always offered various forms of entertainment for visitors. Aside from the regular Weekly Fitness in Paradise which is in coordination with the Metro Lifestyle Fitness Center & Spa, the resort has also held the annual Easter Festival for whole families.

Camp Holiday Resort And Recreation Area

This new resort is near the barge landing area and for an entrance fee of only P50 for both adults and children. It is one of the most affordable destinations on the island. Huts rental costs P150, while there are Bahay Kubos with bathrooms for bigger groups for only P2,000. The resort offers camping grounds, waterslides, beach, playground and a restaurant.

Costa Marina

This is one of the barest but still comfortable beaches on the island. Development in the area has been kept at a minimum which appeals to those who love to commune with Mother Nature Entrance fee is only P120 for adults and children for day tour, or P220 overnight. Cottage rates range from P2,500 to P5,000, depending on capacity. Among the amenities are table tennis, darts, billiard and volleyball, which will cost one from P35 to P100 per hour.

Isla Reta

This resort is actually located on Talicud Island behind Samal Island. It offers one of the most affordable rates at only P75 per head for adults on a day tour; P150 (adult) and P75 (kids) overnight stay. The good news is that they offer discounts for kids from 4 up to 10 years old. Kids below three years old are free of charge.

There are actually more beach resorts in Samal Island than we can enumerate. Visiting all these resorts during the summer can be a challenge for sun worshippers. But then again, wouldn’t that be really the ultimate fun in the sun?

Travel agencies to lose more with EU ban on local airlines
MANILA, April 26 (PNA) –- Travel operators claimed that are experiencing revenue losses since the European Union banned local airlines to fly directly to Europe.

Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) president Maria Paz Alberto said that their members that also offer inbound travel services have suffered a drop in their bookings as European travelers have become wary of coming to the country since the announcement of the blacklisting.

“The ban on local airlines by European authorities is another major blow to the operations of travel agencies who are also currently battling online promos by airlines and hotels,” Alberto said.

“President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her last few weeks in office, can do so much for the travel industry by ensuring the quick lifting of the European Union ban. We want to help the Department of Tourism achieve its targeted 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals. We hope Malacañang will do its part.”

Although, technically, no Philippine carrier flies directly to Europe, the backlash of the blacklisting is that it effectively meant the issuance of negative travel advisories on the Philippines and the non-issuance of travel insurance for those going to the country.

It also meant that inter-island tours which are a normal part of the package being offered by travel agencies with inbound services were also cancelled by tourists coming from Europe as it involve the use of domestic airlines.

Alberto said the issuance of the blacklisting happened at a time when they were starting to receive strong demands from European markets.

“We have been getting a lot of inquiries and bookings from Germany, France, and Russia. Europe is such a big market that we are only now slowly penetrating,” Alberto said.

According to Alberto, at least 10 percent of the revenues of travel agencies with inbound services were lost since the imposition of the blacklisting.

The PTAA has more than 400 member travel agencies with close to half of them offering inbound services.

Meanwhile, Alberto said the recent disruption of flights to Europe due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland again showed the importance of booking with a travel agency.

Passengers that were affected had to wait in line for hours as the airline ticket offices do not have the manpower to attend to the thousands of passengers that were stranded.

“Had they gone through a travel agency, they would have avoided all the chaos and confusion that came with the cancellation of their flights,” Alberto said.

Alberto estimated that more than 10,000 Europe-bound passengers were stranded in the country since the imposition of the flight ban due to the volcanic eruption.

She also said that some regular clients of local travel agencies who did not follow their advice and instead booked their flights, hotels, and cruise tours to Europe online last week did not received any refund when their flights were cancelled or delayed.

Since last year, the PTAA has been battling with online airline webfares. It has also gone on an aggressive educational campaign on the importance of involving travel agencies in travel plans.

The PTAA said that booking through travel agencies can eliminate unnecessary travel inconveniences and problems.(PNA)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=6&sid=&nid=6&rid=271981

Edge Davao
The Economy
Samal beaches doing brisk business
Monday, 26 April 2010
Lovely A Carillo


If there is one attraction that has brought the world’s attention to the Davao region, that would be the region’s clean and pristine beaches, particularly those found in the Island Garden City of Samal. It is not surprising that the island’s numerous beach resorts are doing brisk business these days.

“There is actually no need for Dabawenyos to get out of Mindanao because we have a lot of summer destinations here,” Department of Tourism 11 regional director Sonia Garcia said. “The reason why we continue to keep coming up with various events for our destinations like Samal Island is for people, not only from other parts of Mindanao but also elsewhere, to get to know more about these destinations,” she added.

Attractive beaches dot Samal Island’s 301.3- square kilometer area populated by only 90,291 residents as of the 2007 census from the 82,000 in the year 2000. At that rate, it must be about 95,000 by now, thanks to the islands fast development which has attracted thousands more people to make it their home, not the least being hordes of expatriates and retirees from foreign countries who have elected to stay permanently.

Samal Island has about 40 resorts, each one thriving as more and more tourists, local and from outside the country, a testament to its attractions, as noted by Regional Tourism Council secretary Araceli Ayuste.

Garcia said Samal Island plays an important role in promoting the region’s tourism industry. With the now famous phrase “From the Island to the Highland” both Samal Island and Mt. Apo are expected to continue luring tourists to the region.

The thrust of the private sector, with the support of DOT, is to make the expatriates on the island comfortable and happy in their new-found home.
“We want the expatriates to help us promote Samal Island to their respective home countries,” Ayuste said.

Several activities are in line to keep the Samal Island spirit very festive during summer. On top of this is the “Fun in the Sun” program which was launched last Tuesday. Another grand event, the Caracoles Festival which will be held during the last Saturday of April, is expected to bring in more domestic and foreign tourists.

The beach resort owners on the island have their own marketing and promotional schemes to entice visitors to their resorts. The following are some of the affordable resorts the island offers by way of fun in the sun!

BlueJaz

This is one world-class resort which boasts of its white sand and clear blue waters. BlueJaz is perhaps the only resort on the island which offers a gigantic slide for P90, free small water slides for children, free use of their swimming pool, free open cottages by the beach and reasonably-priced but high quality cottages for overnight stay. Owner Jazmin Middleton said they are constantly trying to improve their service and the products they offer to keep the resort very competitive. A day’s tour will cost a visitor only P90.

Paradise Island

This affordable resort nearest the mainland is accessible in a matter of minutes by motorboat a dn has always been active when it comes to promotional events. While the entrance fee has remained very affordable for the masa, but the cottages are priced a bit steeply. Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort has always offered various forms of entertainment for visitors. Aside from the regular Weekly Fitness in Paradise which is in coordination with the Metro Lifestyle Fitness Center & Spa, the resort has also held the annual Easter Festival for whole families.

Camp Holiday Resort And Recreation Area

This new resort is near the barge landing area and for an entrance fee of only P50 for both adults and children. It is one of the most affordable destinations on the island. Huts rental costs P150, while there are Bahay Kubos with bathrooms for bigger groups for only P2,000. The resort offers camping grounds, waterslides, beach, playground and a restaurant.

Costa Marina

This is one of the barest but still comfortable beaches on the island. Development in the area has been kept at a minimum which appeals to those who love to commune with Mother Nature Entrance fee is only P120 for adults and children for day tour, or P220 overnight. Cottage rates range from P2,500 to P5,000, depending on capacity. Among the amenities are table tennis, darts, billiard and volleyball, which will cost one from P35 to P100 per hour.

Isla Reta

This resort is actually located on Talicud Island behind Samal Island. It offers one of the most affordable rates at only P75 per head for adults on a day tour; P150 (adult) and P75 (kids) overnight stay. The good news is that they offer discounts for kids from 4 up to 10 years old. Kids below three years old are free of charge.

There are actually more beach resorts in Samal Island than we can enumerate. Visiting all these resorts during the summer can be a challenge for sun worshippers. But then again, wouldn’t that be really the ultimate fun in the sun?

good news indeed.

Ayala Land taking over El Nido resorts

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:28:00 04/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Ayala Land Inc. is taking over a controlling stake in the company that owns and operates the upscale El Nido Resorts in Lagen and Miniloc Islands in Northern Palawan, marking its expansion into the country's promising tourism business.

ALI disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday that it would foray into the development of "responsible" tourism destinations in Northern Palawan by taking a 60-percent stake in Asian Conservation Co., which owns the El Nido Resorts, through its subsidiaries under the Ten Knots Group

zf8wJri6ljc

Pagpasensyahan na po ang maling wrong grammar.:lol:

Mt. Diwalwal gold rush site tapped
as Davao’s new tourist spot
Mindanao Daily Mirror
April 27, 2010


MT. DIWALWAL, Compostela Valley (PNA) — This famous gold rush site in the mountainous district of Mt. Diwalwal (also known as Mt. Diwata) is now being considered seriously as a prime tourist spot in Compostela Valley province.

Christine Dompor, senior tourism operations officer of Compostela Valley’s provincial tourism services, said Mt. Diwalwal will be part of the attractions under their Bulawan Tourism Junction project—a tourism information center to be set up by the province.

“We’re working out the details on how we can do this at Compostela Valley considering the attraction of Mt. Diwalwal gold rush site to many visitors coming to Davao” Dompor said.

Alma Uy, Davao Regional Tourism Council (DRTC) chairperson, said the Bulawan Tourism Junction project is one of the three tourism junction projects being developed by the tourism industry cluster team which she also heads under the Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (DICCEP).

Uy said along with Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur province is also developing its own attractions in Sta. Cruz under the Sta. Cruz Tourism Junction project.

Davao City, on the other hand, is also developing its own Baganihan Tourism Junction project with its own travel attractions at Marilog near the Bukidnon border while Davao del Norte province is packaging its major attractions in Samal Island.

“We like to see the sustainability of these tourism projects that will benefit the people themselves who are residing in these areas.” Uy said.

The DRTC and the tourism industry cluster team winded up recently their regional tourism forum and tourism trade fair at the Gaisano Mall in Davao City which drew the attention of hundreds of shoppers as well as forum participants.

Pushing the idea of Mt. Diwalwal as one of the country’s top tourist spots is George Tagawa, a former top executive of Apex Mining and presently operating as an independent small miner in the gold rush area.

“We saw with our own eyes how the Australians developed their former gold rush area into one of their country’s top tourist attractions,” Tagawa said, recalling his recent study mission with an industry group to Australia.

Visitors and tourists, according to Tagawa, pay an entrance fee to enter the gold rush area and visit old mining tunnels that were part of Australia’s mining history.

“Our own tourism industry can also take advantage of Mt. Diwalwal as an exciting destination for travelers and visitors,” Tagawa told a recent DICCEP review meeting with officials of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Various projects of the tourism industry cluster team are funded by JICA under the DICCEP, a joint project of JICA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with full support by the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office, private sector, local government units and the academe.

a mix of good and bad news from manila standard today (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2010/april/26/business1.isx&d=2010/april/26)


Tourism losses hit $250m
by Jeremiah F. de Guzman


The local tourism industry has incurred $200 million to $250 million in opportunity losses because of canceled tours from Europe, after the blacklisting of Philippine carriers by the European Union, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said.

Durano told the Manila Standard that travel agencies were having difficulties marketing Philippine tourist spots, especially if tour packages include domestic air travel.

He said European agencies had also declined to provide insurance benefits in travel packages in the Philippines, especially those that involve air travel.

Tourist destinations like Boracay and Palawan have become less popular because they have no international airports and only local carriers banned by EU are landing in these spots, Durano said.

He added that Cebu, where Mactan International Airport is located, has now become a more popular gateway than other local destinations through sea travel.

The blacklisting of local carriers in European airspace resulted in the cancellation of tours from the continent and limited the activities of European tourists still interested in the country, Durano said.

The Tourism Department earlier expressed alarm over a number of European tour cancellations after the blacklisting.

“Major European travel operators from Germany, UK and France have regretfully informed us their booking cancellations,” Durano earlier said.
The department has urged the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to work out measures to lift the restriction on local carriers, saying local tourism would suffer losses if tour cancellations continued.

Data show that arrivals from European countries grew 11 percent year-on-year in January. UK tourists topped European arrivals in January with 7,837, up 18 percent on year, followed by Germany with 5,161, 0.6 percent; France 2,537, 11.9 percent; Sweden, 2,048, 15 percent; and Netherlands, 1,579, 12.4 percent. Arrivals from Denmark rose 3.5 percent to 1,401; Austria, 1,249, 17 percent; Spain, 912, 8.7 percent; and Belgium, 763, 25 percent.
Last month, the Philippines, along with Sudan, was included in the 13th update of the EU’s list of airlines prohibited in the community due to “safety deficiencies” of the country’s aviation system.

its too exaggerated typical of pinoy attitude that mine is better than yours:ohno::ohno::ohno:

why cant we just be true to ourselves and you see the real beauty in the philippines

I think you are reading way too much between the line there my friend. Surely, any country or citizen would have the attitude "I love my own" and use it to showcase themselves into tourism. I don't think it is meant to tell everybody else that the Philippines is better than others. I don't think there is an exageration to it, but then again, a little exagerration and white lies isn't necessarily bad. I dont think it would sound good if the ads would stay "come to the Philippines our country is beautiful and it comes with a twist , we are the most corrupt and non law abiding citizens in the world" I dont think that would take off nicely on any viewers. LMAO:lol::lol::lol:

there is only to be blame. the Air Transformation Unit because they not doing their job. but it comes to corruption they are very very active hehehe. wtf

I am not sure why the tourism industry is losing over european visitors when there is no Philippine carriers flying to and from europe directly in recent years. Are they playing the blame game? They can still reach the Philippines via other international carriers. I'm sure the tourist would still find a way to get to Boracay, Cebu has its own direct connection from our neighboring asian countries like HK.

here's Bantayan Island

http://virginbeachresortcebu.com/s/cc_images/cache_1194197704.png?t=1268084326

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/images/SantaFeBeachClub.jpg

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/43489/2251890840102172752S500x500Q85.jpg

http://www.wayfaring.info/images/bantayan_island.jpg

New luxe resort lures tourists to north Luzon

By Anne A. Jambora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DateFirst Posted 22:05:00 04/25/2010



PHOTO:http://images.inquirer.net/media/lifestyle/images/pic-04241006300508.jpg

PHOTO:http://images.inquirer.net/media/lifestyle/images/pic-04241006310609.jpg

PHOTO:http://images.inquirer.net/media/lifestyle/images/pic-04241006320365.jpg

Inspired by a Greek island, this is the latest getaway destination
PERCHED ON A 100-FT-HIGH CLIFF facing the South China Sea is a postcard-pretty white resort hotel with blue windows and doors. Its Grecian architecture inspired by the island of Santorini, Greece, the only five-star hotel north of the Philippines is meant to be a fantasy destination far away, quite literally, from the chaos of urban living.

Located at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union, Thunderbird Resorts has a striking blue dome—its design highlight—that houses its reception area. Beyond it is a veranda where the Santorini Lounge, a bar, and the Mediterranean-theme Olives Restaurant are located. Both offer a scenic view of the ocean.

A concrete staircase winds along the cliff. At the grounds below are an infinity pool for adults and a separate children’s pool. A half-submerged mini bar near the center of the pool serves refreshments to guests. Beside the pool area is a basketball court, and beyond it, a private boulevard that stretches toward the Beach Club.

With a hillside veranda, outdoor spa, lounge area and boardwalk, the Beach Club is a favorite destination of families and friends. Guests can go snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or opt to do jetski and banana-boat riding. The beach starts off a little rocky though, since the hotel is by a rocky cliff.

Thunderbird Resorts has only 36 luxury suites on a sprawling 65-hectare property to ensure the privacy of its guests. All air-conditioned suites have a porch overlooking the ocean, flatscreen cable TV, DVD player, iPod dock, satellite speakers and a mini bar. Larger suites have jacuzzis. Wi-Fi is free.

Big player

Operating for four years now, the resort aims to become one of the big players in the local tourism industry. By donating funds to the reconstruction and expansion of the San Fernando airport, the hotel also partnered with SEAir, the first airline to bring in guests to the province of La Union.

“[Taking the plane] is more convenient. SEAir is the only airline that flies to peculiar tourist destinations in the country and they’ve been doing it successfully. We believe they already know their market, so we rely greatly on them to bring in their expertise in the business,” said Thunderbird Resorts COO Fabio Moretti, an Italian.

Launching its inaugural flight on April 14, SEAir’s 13-seater flies to San Fernando, La Union, thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Moretti predicts that, in six months to one year, SEAir will be flying in their bigger planes into the region.

Even with the six-hour roadtrip from Manila, accommodations in the hotel are almost always full, especially on weekends. With SEAir now flying to the province, advanced booking of two or more weeks is recommended.

One of the resort’s latest attractions is the newly opened nine-hole golf course, sand-capped according to the specifications of the US Golf Association. Located at the highest point of Poro, it offers a panoramic view of the cliffs. Guests have been staying over just to play a good game of golf, said Moretti. The resort is already planning to expand to a full 18-hole course.

Natural environment

The property is designed around its natural environment. The old trees have been kept where they’ve always stood, and more trees are being grown. This is part of the company’s commitment to help preserve the environment. (Another advocacy is marine life preservation.)

Within the property is the Fiesta Casino, open 24 hours a day. Nearby is the Vegas Café, which offers Asian cuisine, and the Cabana Bar, with live band music provided by local and Manila-based artists.

The resort also offers city tours, not just to San Fernando but also to Baguio—a mere hour-and-a-half away. Yoga and other relaxation classes are available, and a gym is on the pipeline.

Its spectacular views have made the resort one of the north’s favorite wedding destinations.

Call (072)888-7777 or e-mail pororeservations@thunderbird-asia.com for more info.

here's Bantayan Island

http://virginbeachresortcebu.com/s/cc_images/cache_1194197704.png?t=1268084326

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/images/SantaFeBeachClub.jpg

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/43489/2251890840102172752S500x500Q85.jpg

http://www.wayfaring.info/images/bantayan_island.jpg

WOW! i missed going to Bantayan! ;););)

Where is Bantayan?

Where is Bantayan?

It's in North Cebu.

Green and gorgeous hotel
CITY SENSE By Paulo Alcazaren (The Philippine Star) Updated April 24, 2010 12:00 AM

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Marriott Hotel Manila is set in the heart of Resorts World Complex in Megaworld’s Newport City.

Last Thursday was Earth Day. With the realities of climate change today, we now must strive to minimize our impact on the environment. For us to be able to sustain and improve our increasing urban lives, we should consciously rethink what we do, where and how we live, work and play.

In terms of play, or leisure, one of the ways to minimize your carbon footprint is to travel less. That’s what my family and I did last Easter. We eschewed any long or short motor trek north or south of the city for a leisure option just down the street from where we live.

Twink and I packed the kids in the car for a short jump to the end of C-5 across to the Resorts World Complex in Megaworld’s Newport City. Just adjacent to NAIA III, the enclave is being developed in the template of the developer’s super-successful Eastwood enclave down the other side of C-5.

At the heart of the complex is the 342-room Marriott Hotel Manila, set in the heart of this new entertainment and gaming complex. This is where we checked in for a few days during Holy Week. I thought the proximity to the airport was going to be a problem, but with the hotel’s double-glazed windows, I hardly heard any planes. Even outside in the swimming pool and several gardens, I did not hear a single plane in the three days we were there. It must be the orientation of the hotel deep inside the enclave.

The hotel, and most importantly its amenities, are also oriented away from the airport and overlook its best-kept secret — a wonderful green panorama of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course and the skylines of Bonifacio Global City and the Makati CBD just beyond it. It is amazing to find such a view and such an angle of the metropolis that belies its reputation of being blighted and gray. The hotel’s viewpoint must be the one of the few green views left.

What is also right about the Marriott is that it is a few steps from the gaming halls of Resorts World and for those more inclined towards shopping, the hotel, in fact, is just minutes from Bonifacio High Street and Market! Market! to the east as well as the Mall of Asia.

The hotel and the complex are beginning to become a favorite destination for out-of-towners along with balikbayans. They head straight from the airport, which is all of two minutes away. In fact, there is an hourly shuttle between the complex and the airport.

After settling in, we acquainted ourselves with the hotel’s offerings. Staying on the eighth floor we had all-day access to the executive lounge on the same floor. Here they offer breakfast in the morning and cocktails at dusk. Being on the top floor, the green views of Bonifacio and Makati are even more appreciated. The kids, however, appreciated the nooks, free Wi-Fi, board games and all-day snacks and drinks. Weekday business guests will appreciate the same things. The rooms themselves were not bad, either, with 40-inch flat-panel IPTVs with remote Jack Pack plug-and-play systems.

The first place we all visited, though, was the pool. I always rate hotel’s family-friendliness by its swimming pool. This one passes with flying colors. The changing rooms and toilets are nearby and spacious. The pool bar is just steps away and behind it is the gym, with picture windows overlooking the pool. Twink was able to keep an eye on the boys as they swam (and I escaped to check out the hotel’s other features, which include a five-star spa called Quan and F&B outlets on the ground floor.

We enjoyed the food at Marriott Café with its extensive international buffet. Our favorite was the oriental section and the roast duck. Our second favorite was seafood, while our sons enjoyed the pizza and pasta, as well as the well-stocked dessert spread (try the old-style bread pudding with ice cream on top). We also enjoyed the juicy steaks at Cru Steakhouse. Twink and I loved the steaks, but the boys, not being steak lovers, devoured really good grilled beef burgers).

Being Holy Week, it was convenient that there is a church nearby, actually right in the same compound — The Shrine of St. Therese. We were surprised at the size of the shrine and the fact that it is fully air-conditioned! There were many who did their visita iglesia there that Good Friday. We found out later that the church and its proximity to the hotel were starting to make both a popular wedding destination. The generous parking of the complex also adds to the attraction; with the ballroom and events accommodation at the Marriott, the complex is proving to be a choice location for conferences, functions and celebrations.

Our stay in the hotel was comfortable. The staff was attentive and friendly, especially to the kids. It’s not often you find such warm treatment. We ended our stay with a sumptuous Champagne brunch, which is a weekly offering even past Easter. Free-flowing champagne with free-flowing food is just the way to end a great weekend without having to suffer a long journey home.

So do your bit this summer. Travel less; enjoy more. At options like the Marriott Manila, urbanites can get a green getaway without hours lost in travel, great fuel savings, and a less guilty conscience about the environment.

* * *

i hope with these new hotels in the Philippines more and more jetsetters will come to the country.

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Feature
Goin' bananas over Banana Beach
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
By Ben O. Tesiorna



IMAGINE a resort within a 760-hectare banana plantation replete with a 60-hectare forest, amenities comparable to resorts in Bali and a service de luxe that is truly Filipino. That is the experience at the newest resort in the Davao Gulf, which is now being developed by the Tuason family in the vast Hijo Estate in Madaum, Tagum City.

Aptly called the Banana Beach, this latest attraction in the middle of a banana plantation in the province of Davao del Norte, the number one producer of bananas in the country, has more to offer than any other resort in the region, if not the country.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

For only P500 day package, visitors can partake of the restaurant's ala carte or set menus and a variety of thirst quenchers and signature desserts. The same goes for Tagum residents and senior citizens who are given a 20 percent discount.

While the day package can be used solely for food and beverages, it is but wise for guests and patrons not to bring in food and drinks.

Aside from its beautiful beach with volcanic sand comparable to Boracay in terms of fineness, only differing in color, Banana Beach also has a forest where wild boars, snakes, monitor lizards and monkeys abound. The developers are also planning to erect canopy bridges that would connect the huge trees to each other so that visitors could safely watch from atop as the wild animals go about unhampered below.

Another way of enjoying the forest is through its Twilight Safari which starts at 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Guests stay at the edge of the forest and wait for the animals to come out and forage. Children can ride on the back of the pickup truck for a better view of the animals when they appear.

It was learned that kuya Kim Atienza and the Matanglawin staff recently visited Banana Beach and went looking for king cobras or commonly called as "banakon" in the forest. They failed to find one, but nevertheless Atienza's team had a great time at the resort and featured the resort's forest in one of their episodes.

John Irene P. del Campo, executive assistant to Twin Rivers Leisure Group Inc. chairman and president, said that for the adventurous ones they offer a safari inside the forest by way of a touring cab.

Aside from the forest, visitors can also go on an educational tour of the banana plantation and get acquainted with the entire process from harvesting to packing.

Banana Beach has several "casitas" for those who want to stay overnight. It resembles a bahay kubo but is very open like a cabana. One or two mattresses are provided along with a mosquito net for protection.

If you want privacy, there are wooden blinds that can be unrolled. Also, there is a common bathroom and comfort room for men and women. They also have cheaper cottages for those who are on a tight budget.

For those who want a taste of luxury and utmost privacy, the Tuason's resort house called Lanikai is also available. Lanikai is a Hawaiian word which means "heaven by the sea." It is a two-storey house with plantation-style elegance. The owners have renovated it into a guest house with eight air-conditioned rooms.

Daily room rate is P6,000 (for two persons with an additional P700 for every extra bed) with free breakfast. A minimum of three rooms is required for one booking so as to afford guests with exclusivity.

Banana Beach also offers but what else, a banana boat ride. A speedboat is also available for those who want to go waterskiing or island hopping. The resort is also good for skim boarding as it boasts a 4.5 kilometer shoreline.

They also have a water trampoline placed several meters from the shoreline -- a short kayak ride away. It works much like a backyard trampoline except when you fall, you fall into the wonderful waters of the Davao Gulf.

The resort also has "The Spot." "The Spot" has a pavilion that overlooks ponds and mangroves, and the Madaum River, perfect for weddings, debuts and private parties. Fishing rods are available in the huts along the ponds where you can fish and catch your meal.

Banana beach provides various delicacies that are unique. For drinks they have the Banana Daiquiri, a rhum-based banana drink. For desserts they have the Monkey Tail, frozen banana dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with sweet candies and five flavors of banana ice cream.

And lastly, the resort has also its own Banana Dance that would surely make visitors feel more fun and at ease.

Management has ambitious plans for this newly-opened resort and all are geared to the satisfaction of their customers. They will soon be putting up a swimming pool for those who prefer a fresh water plunge.

Rosanna Tuason-Fores said their property has been for years, Davao's best kept secret. Soon enough it will no longer be a secret but a destination

^^ do you have photos of Banana Beach?

Belle mulls P7.3-billion resort in Tanauan
By JAMES A. LOYOLA
April 29, 2010, 2:59pm

Belle Corporation, the high-end leisure developer of the SM group, is investing P7.33 billion for the development of the Tagaytay Highlands-Tourism Economic Zone in Tanauan City, Batangas.

The firm said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Thursday that this investment will elevate the exclusive Tagaytay Highlands complex into the category of mega resorts.

The project will welcome an additional 272-hectare master-planned integrated resort complex to the existing Tagaytay Highlands. With this move to increase Belle’s landholdings, the complex will now be equaled in size by only a few international and exclusive developments.

Belle said the acquisition of this new property provides Tagaytay Highlands with a unique opportunity to tie its existing developments with natural attractions and cultural aspects of the place and its environs.

“This way, its very discriminating target market will be provided a variety of amenities that are authentic, exotic, engaging and stimulating and are only available on-site the rugged terrain, the forests and the ecological habitats, and the historic Taal Volcano,” the firm said.

The tourism eco-zone will feature tourist facilities and activities for nature adventure and sports and recreation such as a 9-hole golf course and water sports facilities, high-end hotel, healthtels, wellness clinics, retirement villages, farm lots, non-exclusive resorts, clubhouse, primary housing, community trading and tourist centers, and educational facilities.

Belle said the eco-zone will be a low density development with the built-up area to be limited to no more than 25 percent of the land and keep up with the current cluster-type development strategy of the existing exclusive complex.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/255174/belle-mulls-p73billion-resort-tanauan

RP bags popular Scuba Diving magazine awards
Posted on April 26th, 2010 under Beauty of the Philippines
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=11281

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/krakelibrakfiskar.jpg

The Philippines swept top honors in the 2010 Top 100 Readers’ Choice Survey conducted by Scuba Diving magazine, a widely circulated dive magazine in North America.

The country won in the Pacific region as the best macro-life dive destination and obtained second place in the category for value for diving dollar, third for diving for advanced divers, diving for beginners and wreck diving, and second place for overall dive destination next to the Galapagos, a group of volcanic islands off the west coast of South America.

More than 5,000 readers from all over the globe ranked the world’s best diving destinations in the following categories: overall rating of the destination, wreck diving, big animals, shore diving, macro life, value for your diving dollar, diving for advanced divers, marine life, visibility, health of marine environment, wall diving, snorkeling, diving for beginners, underwater photography and overall rating of the diving.

Readers of the magazine favored the Philippines as it satisfies both beginners and advanced divers – a variety of dive sites and facilities, an unbelievable abundance of marine life, having the most affordable and exciting dive packages in the world and extremely helpful English speaking Filipinos.

With 11,250 miles of shoreline and 10,546 square miles of coral reefs, the archipelagic wonder lies at the tip of the Coral Triangle – an area with the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters on Earth.

Our treasure trove of 7,107 islands is definitely a virtual paradise of infinite subaquatic and subterranean possibilities ––– pristine reefs, huge pelagic fishes and a menagerie of distinct marine life, World War II ship wrecks and undiscovered treasures, vibrant soft and hard coral formations, exhilarating activities such as wall diving, underwater photography and deep diving.

Sought-after destinations such as Anilao, Puerto Galera, Palawan, Busuanga, Malapascua, Balicasag and Pamilacan are just some of the popular dive sites favored by international dive enthusiasts.

Dive tour operators have started to expand their Philippine dive programs as seen in various brochures and catalogues. The country’s dive resorts have likewise evolved — offering a variety of dive facilities from rustic setting to luxurious resorts.

^^ WOW CONGRATS PHILIPPINES!

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4534768634_7fbef5ae60.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4534181791_fc195ba66d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4534859282_ebfa06deac.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4534869236_defdf3edcc.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4534872960_33a0a90b3f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4183357202_272dcd0d0c.jpg
peaceful Nagsasa

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4182598779_91aa582abd.jpg
parang birch tree

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4182614819_ddf28c615e.jpg
Nagsasa Beach

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4182619687_2deecf55e9.jpg
clear and cold water at Nagsasa

PM me if you like to see my DIY blog with details, pictures, rates and contact number of boatman. :)

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=399973&page=2

Please post more images so i can add it to http://www.philippineswonder.info


Salamat

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=399973&page=2

nice pics......galing...parang ang tranquil ng lugar.....it seemed like you had the place to yourselves....

maganda yung jingle ng "wow philippines" campaign ng dot. kahit puro "ah-a-a-a-aha-a-a" ay malakas ang dating tapos moving pa yung melody.:banana:

ei i like the tune as well, sino me copy ng jingle or saan pwede idownload?

Philippines: More than the usual vids are marvelous! :)

godbye mga puti
bute nalang wala ngmag kokomplain tulad ni clare daynes

More Arab tourists :cheers: good for the economy. :)

Philippines receives 2010 new Frontiers awards
http://www.ameinfo.com/231493.html

Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East's premier travel and tourism event running this week in Dubai, UAE - declared the Philippines as the recipient of its New Frontiers Award 2010, a scheme recognising destinations that make an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Asian country received the award ahead of fellow nominees, Australia and Italy, for its tourism and recovery efforts in the wake of September's devastating typhoon Ketsana, which poured more than a month's worth of monsoon rain onto the country in just a few days. The aftermath saw immeasurable damage to the area and left many dead or homeless.

To help get the country back on its feet, the National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines put in place a $145m (P6.48bn) project aimed at rehabilitating infrastructure damaged by the typhoon. In addition, the Philippines Department of Tourism also implemented a multi-faceted campaign to lure tourists back to the country, which also saw it endorse 28 new tourism projects worth $821m (P36.3bn), with estimated employment capacity of 15,567 once operational.

Picking up the award on behalf of the Philippine Department of Tourism was Benito C. Bengzon Jr, Philippine Assistant Secretary and Head of Middle East Team, who said: "This award pays testament to the strength and resiliency of the Filipino people to move forward in the wake of the destructive typhoon. It pays recognition to the valiant efforts exerted by the Philippine government and its various stakeholders in reinvigorating our tourism industry; it shows what is possible with a little resolve and determination.

"As the premier travel and tourism event in the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market provides an excellent venue for the Philippines to continue to promote its tourist attractions to the Middle East. More tourists coming to the Philippines means more opportunities for our people. With livelihood, recovery is expected to be accelerated.

"We will continue to maintain a strong presence in the region and position the Philippines as an attractive, interesting, value for money and relatively new destination for the Middle East market."

Through the awards scheme, the Philippines receive $10,000 of free exhibition space at Arabian Travel Market 2011 to further the development of an essential component of its economy.

The New Frontiers Awards, which is in its fifth year, is voted for by industry experts and professionals including global travel and tourism associations as well as members of the public. Through a newly-introduced system for 2010, the New Frontiers Awards' top-10 finalists were selected by voters online.

Speaking at the award presentation, Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said:

"It is without question that the last 12 months have been tough for the industry as a whole. However for some, it has been a truly testing time. The courage, determination and vision displayed by the Philippines has been remarkable and its recovery efforts in the face of such a catastrophe should serve as an inspiration to us all."



Arabian Travel Market 2010, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, opens tomorrow (Tuesday) with more than 2,100 exhibitors and stand-sharers representing a record 72 countries, including more than 60 new-to-market representatives, making it one of the most important editions in its 17-year history.

The show is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.

^^
:okay::okay::okay:

Thank You ATM! :master::master::master:

ganda naman ng news nayan.

I'm new here. I just want to share some of the pictures I took of Nagsasa Cove in Zambales. I can't really describe the place. It's beyond spectacular.

These are taken from a digital camera.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/DSCI0102.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5863.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/DSCI0109.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/DSCI0152.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/DSCI0138.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5793.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5825.jpg

More Nagsasa pics.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5792.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5791.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5966.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5970.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5967.jpg

More.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7434.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7437.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7482.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7507.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7518.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_7540.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/DSCI0102.jpg

guys, ilagay ko sa http://www.philippineswonder.info ang mga Nagsasa pictures nyo. ty



thanks

^^ Ang ganda naman nyan!!! :master:

^^Yeah, it looks like in a foreign country.....

^^ Ang ganda naman nyan!!! :master:

^^Yeah, it looks like in a foreign country.....

It looks like one of those Alaskan landscape (http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/scenic-wilderness-landscape-tutka-bay-lodge-homer-alaska-7060-pictures.htm).

More Nagsasa pics.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n42/razzp_pcmall/Nagsasa%20Cove/IMG_5792.jpg




^^ agree! kulang na lang ay polar caps...

Two major events set to promote bird conservation
Written by: Robin , Alisa
Thursday, 06 May 2010

TWO major events are scheduled in the city this year to promote environmental awareness.
The first is Philippine Eagle Week on June 4-13 with the theme “Sa Agila May Pag-asa Laban sa Pagbabago ng Klima” under Presidential Proclamation No. 79.
“We plan to emphasize that Philippine Eagle conservation is a solution to the pressing issue of climate change,” said Tatit Quiblat, communications officer of the foundation.
“By protecting eagle habitats of at least 7,000 hectares each, we are protecting and rehabilitating forests,” Quiblat explained at a press conference yesterday at the Marco Polo Hotel.
However, Quiblat was disappointed to say that the Philippine Eagle Week was only celebrated in Davao City.
“The Philippine eagle is a national symbol. Sana lahat nagcecelebrate nito.”
[B]But Quiblat took comfort in the fact that at least Davao City had a “sense of responsibility to promote the Philippine Eagle.”
Meanwhile, scheduled on a later date is a bigger event endorsed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism.

The First Asian Bird Fair, in line with the 6th Philippine Bird Festival, is set to showcase the different bird festivals of different countries in Asia.
Quiblat was proud to say that Davao City is the prime host of the first ever Asian Bird Fair to be held on September 24-26.
“There is actually a wealth of bird species in Davao,” said Quiblat. “There is a lot of potential here,” she added.
Though still starting, the event aims to promote eco-tourism “through birdwatching and promotion of natural and cultural heritage of host cities.” Quiblat added that 200 international delegates from Asia and Europe are joining this major event.
The First Asian Bird Fair also aims to position the Philippines as a birdwatching destination in the globe.
Among the organizers of this event are the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Wild Bird Society of Taipei, the Malaysian Nature Society and the Nature Society of Singapore.

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=8378)

TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice for 2010 picks Boracay as one of the Top 10 Beach & Sun Destinations in the World!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations-p3256

^^Near the bottom but thats okay! :okay:

^^ it was pretty good actually.

Number 1 in Asia and number 9 in the world! :D

CONGRATULATIONS PHILIPPINES! AGAIN!! :D

Great for Boracay, Aklan!

But don't forget El Nido, Palawan.
It is in the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice for 2010 TOP 10 in Asia.


:horse:

Greypilgrim, thanks for sharing your pics...the place looks magnificent sayang lang kalbo ba yang mga bukid gaganda pa sana yan kung madami tanim...how to go to that place by the way?

It should actually be no. 1, boracay, if it's taken care of and preserved

They should plant trees on them mountains!

^^I suggest pine trees!



:horse:

yikes, wala ng puno...

I suggest rice. foreign tourists like that more.

Greypilgrim, thanks for sharing your pics...the place looks magnificent sayang lang kalbo ba yang mga bukid gaganda pa sana yan kung madami tanim...how to go to that place by the way?

I don't think it needs human intervention just to beautify it. It's beautiful as it is. Hindi naman lahat ng bundok eh dapat carpeted ng evergreen forests to be beautiful as long as natural naman pagka kalbo nito. We should accept the fact that our country is blessed with different kinds of sceneries. They're all beautiful in their own special way. Pumapangit pag tayo nagdidikta kung ano ang maganda. Hayaan na lang natin ang nature magdikta kung ano gusto nya. Hwag na tayo mangialam. What we need to do is to preserve it's beauty.

Nagsasa and it's neighboring coves Anawangin and Talisayin look different before the Pinatubo eruption. That eruption drastically changed the landscape on this part of Zambales.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3774/lakesebulakecopyk.jpg

An Eco-tourism adventure couldn't be more exciting and inspiring upon visiting Lake Sebu (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2008/07/exploring-hidden-garden-of-lake-sebu.html) in South Cotabato.http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2008/07/exploring-hidden-garden-of-lake-sebu.html

yikes, wala ng puno...

I suggest rice. foreign tourists like that more.

Again hayaan na lang natin si mother nature mag decide kung anong tanim gusto nya dyan. Hehe. I think because of the Pinatubo eruption mahihirapan mabuhay yung usual broadleaf trees na meron tayo lalo naman rice.. Yung pine like trees nga ang nabubuhay sa area na yan like Agoho trees. Mostly sa beach front sila.

There are lots of places in our country with rice plantations. The rice terraces are there. Why do we have to alter an environment that is beautiful in it's own right just to please the tourists whose taste changes through time?

Greypilgrim, thanks for sharing your pics...the place looks magnificent sayang lang kalbo ba yang mga bukid gaganda pa sana yan kung madami tanim...how to go to that place by the way?

Hi. You can ride a San Antonio bound bus in Olongapo. In San Antonio town proper there are tricycles that go to Pundaquit. There you can rent a bangka.

ALI invests P2 billion in El Nido:cheers:
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated May 10, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is investing around P2 billion in the Ten Knots Group, which owns and operates the world-class El Nido Resorts, located at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan.

ALI investor relations officer Alfie Reyes, said the P2 billion will cover the property giant’s acquisition of a 60-percent interest in a new company to be set up in joint venture with the Ten Knots Group and the development of new “responsible tourism destinations” in Palawan.

Reyes said ALI and Ten Knots Group are currently evaluating their options and are scouting for other locations that could be developed into eco-friendly vacation spots.

For one, the group is looking at a “high-end” El Nido resort in Pangulasian Island, which is targeted to open by mid-2011.

The investment in Ten Knots Group is seen to fortify ALI’s presence in resort and leisure development and help boost the country’s tourism industry, which has been lagging behind its neighbors due to a lack of infrastructure.

Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines rose nearly eight percent in the first quarter of the year, with one fifth of it coming from South Korea followed by the United States and Japan.

The Ten Knots Group, through Asian Conservation Co. (ACC) was declared winner of the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award in 2009 and was one of 15 Favorite Green HOtels recognized by Travel Leisure magazine in 2007.

ALI forayed into the resort and leisure segment with Anvaya Cove, a premiere residential enclave and resort in Morong, Bataan, that is also active in marine conservation in the area. This was followed by a similar development called Amara in Cebu.

El Nido is about 420 kilometers southwest of Manila, is the most luxurious exclusive resort in the area.

Bent on further making a big presence in the tourism industry, ALI is expanding its first leisure project, the 323-hectare Anvaya Cove to launch more developments within the area.

Camiguin one of RP’s top major tourist destinations
Posted on May 10th, 2010 under Beauty of the Philippines

Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao is among the top major tourist destinations in the country, frequented by local and foreign tourists.

Data gathered from January to March this year from the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Northern Mindanao showed that at least 45,233 domestic and foreign tourists visited Camiguin Island for the first quarter of 2010 which is 21 percent more than last year’s 37,766 tourists.

Of the number, 43,298 tourists were domestic or from the different areas in the country while 1,935 tourists were foreigners.

“This will surely be higher by the end of the year,” said Northern Mindanao DoT Regional director Catalino Chan.

“Because of its varied ecosystem, Camiguin’s uniqueness lies in its varied terrain, pristine natural environment and rustic setting which tourists want to personally visit,” he said.

Chan said Camiguin is one of the Philippines’s most beautiful islands – a virtual paradise – as the island allows visitors to experience a sample of untouched beauty in its entirety and locked in the eternal embrace of the sea.

Camiguin Island is also known to be the island “Born of Fire”. It has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes, Chan said.

As a natural paradise, the island of Camiguin is perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. This exquisite island province of varied ecosystem stirs the imagination and baffles the mind.

Camiguin boasts of kilometers of untouched coastlines with swaying coconut trees dotted with hot and cold springs, Chan added.

He further said fine beaches offer sun-filled days of relaxation and the clear blue water, enchanting marine life and coral reefs beckon diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

“You can also discover and explore unknown trails and caves, delight in the spray of majestic waterfalls, or simply be taken in by the panorama of fields and seas when you reach this beautiful island,” said Chan.
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=11415

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Business
Japan, Canada lifts travel ban to Davao
Thursday, May 13, 2010
By Carlo P. Mallo



DAVAO City is no longer included in the travel advisories issued by at least two embassies on its citizens planning to travel to Mindanao.

Travel advisories issued by Japan now explicitly say that while travel to Mindanao is still strictly discouraged, it recommends to visit the center.

In Mindanao, aside from Davao, the city of Cagayan de Oro is exempted by the Japanese Embassy from their travel advisory as well.

The Canadian Embassy, for its part, states that it "advises against all travel to the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Saranggani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat (excluding the urban areas of Davao City)."

The said move was strongly welcomed by the business sector as it will boost the city's investment portfolio.

"This is what we have been asking for a long time already. We all know that the so called 'dangerous areas' of Mindanao are nowhere near Davao City," Domingo Duerme, Mindanao vice president of Philippine Airlines, said during Wednesday's Club 888 forum at the Marco Polo Davao.

The local business chamber, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated, (DCCCI) wrote several correspondences to the various embassies.

Dabawenyos have long criticized the travel advisories issued by the various embassies that encompass the entire Mindanao even if the conflict is limited to a specific area only.

Davao City is widely known as one of the most peaceful and orderly urban centers in the Philippines, but is marred with the generalizations that the entire Mindanao is a conflict area.

Other travel advisories issued by various embassies still generalize Mindanao as a conflict area, without any exemption.

PTAA woos Iraq, Saudi tourists
MANILA, May 13 (PNA) -- The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) today said it has found two middle Eastern countries as a possible replacement for the lost of the European tourism market due to the ban imposed by the European Union (EU) on all local airlines.

Fresh from the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai it attended, PTAA president Maria Paz Alberto said the PTAA had received firm commitments from two Middle Eastern countries to have their nationals look at the Philippines as a prime tourist destination.

“Our counterpart travel agencies in Saudi Arabia and Iran believe there is a lot of potential in Philippine tourism. We are now working the details on how we can jointly cooperate. This is a big market with a lot of opportunities,” Alberto said.

Alberto said the Saudis and Iranians were interested on island hopping tours, shopping, the Manila nightlife, and having their nationals enroll in the various educational institutions in the country.

Alberto said the association would request the Philippine government to ease the visa restrictions for individuals coming from the two countries as she described a typical Middle Eastern tourist as a high-end individual with big spending capacity.

“They do not pose any security threat to the country. They will be coming here looking to spend. This will be good for the country’s economy,” Alberto said.

Aside from arranging their trip to the country, Alberto said the PTAA member travel agencies will also offer the option of booking the Saudis and Iranians to possible trips to other South East Asian countries.

“We can package the Philippines to them as part of an ASEAN tour. In this scenario, a travel agency becomes more viable if it can offer inbound and outbound services,” Alberto said.

Alberto said the Middle East market would be a suitable replacement to the Europeans who have cancelled plans to travel to the country.

The EU ban on local airlines has resulted on at least a 10 percent decline in revenues of PTAA member travel agencies with inbound services.

The PTAA has more than 400 member travel agencies with close to half of them offering inbound services.(PNA)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=275551

Robinsons Land opens budget hotel

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:19:00 05/13/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Property developer Robinsons Land Corp. unveiled on Tuesday its 223-room Gohotels.ph in Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong City, the first in its planned chain of nationwide budget hotels.

It offers decent no-frills rooms to tourists and business travelers for as low as P388 to as high as P3,000 per night based on an online booking system similar to that used by affiliate Cebu Pacific.

The hotel expects to generate the bulk of its business from online booking, where the rates get cheaper the earlier the clients book, Gohotels.ph general manager Elizabeth Gregorio said in a briefing during the press launch of the budget hotel.

Walk-in clients can get rooms depending on the prevailing online rate at the time of check-in.

“We aim to be the best value hotel chain in the Philippines,” Gregorio said.

Two floors of the six-story Gohotel building in Mandaluyong house well-designed and brightly lit 18-square-meter hotel rooms with private bathrooms, LCD televisions, chiropractic and fiberfill pillows, quality beds and free Wifi Internet.

One floor of the building is earmarked for commercial space that can boost prospective recurring earnings. But as it offers only basic lodging amenities, there is no function room or restaurant.

“We recognize that in the Philippines, a lot of people have been traveling. We also recognize that in the country, there’s a very strong travel market not just for tourism but for business (lodging), too,” Gregorio said.

Other amenities such as breakfast, parking and toiletries are offered as add-ons and are not included in the room rate.

The next Gohotels will rise in Tacloban and Palawan but they will be smaller than the Mandaluyong hotel.

“We’re looking for more locations,” Gregorio said.

Gohotel Mandaluyong will be opened to the public on May 19. Doris C. Dumlao

Off to Iloilo and Aklan tomorrow for a quick getaway. :) Back Monday night. Ciao all! :)

Cebu Pacific promotes Mindanao travel with seat sale
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunstar Davao


CEBU Pacific (CEB) is promoting off-peak travel to Mindanao with its trademark low fares.

Its special Southern Philippines seat sale as low as P799 started Friday until May 16, for travel on July 1 to September 30, 2010.

For the "Go Lite" seat sale fare of P799, passengers from Cebu can travel to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Siargao, Surigao and Zamboanga, and vice versa. The same goes for those traveling from Davao to Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, those coming from Manila can avail of the "Go Lite" seat sale fare of P1,499. This is for flights to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz, Surigao, Zamboanga and Pagadian, and vice versa.

Those with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.

"We are happy to give this opportunity to every Juan to visit tourist attractions such as Cagayan de Oro, Siargao and Davao, to visit family and friends, and to pursue business travel," said CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.

"We encourage everyone to book early through this seat sale, and check out weekday travel dates to better avail of the promo seats," she added.

For bookings and flight details, go to www.cebupacificair.com, call (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888, or visit the nearest travel agents. Those without credit cards can still book online and pay via partner banks such as Banco de Oro, Metrobank or Robinsons Savings Bank, among others.

A high quality low-cost carrier, CEB flies to 33 domestic and 14 international destinations. Aside from Davao, CEB also operates from its hubs in Cebu, Clark and Manila, using the youngest aircraft fleet in the country.

Renowned int’l diver promotes RP dive spots in US travel fair
May 15, 2010, 9:35pm
Manila Bulletin

Internationally published photojournalist, author, lecturer, environmentalist, and a Women Divers Hall of Famer Lynn Funkhouser represented the Philippines in the Chicago Tribune Travel & Adventure Show. Her seminar entitled “The Philippines—Simply the Best!” gave the audience a glimpse of some of the above-land and underwater attractions in the Philippines.

According to Funkhouser, “My favorite place in the whole world is the Philippines. I’ve been able to dive at over 250 of the 7,107 islands, and RP has the richest species diversification.”

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “We are honored to have an esteemed diver promoting our pristine underwater sites through her words and astonishing images. Indeed, the country has made waves in the global diving industry.”

The renowned underwater photographer said that her favorite dive sites are Anilao, Apo Reef, and Tubbataha Reef.

Her photos have been published in major publications, notably in “Time,” “Newsweek,” “National Geographic,” “Action Asia,” and “International Wildlife.” She also has exhibited her work in many galleries.

The Chicago Tribune Travel & Adventure Show held at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois is the leading consumer adventure travel show in the United States which showcases the best travel and adventure destinations in the world.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) led the Philippine delegation in the travel event which included top tourism stakeholders. The DoT booth and materials highlighted some of the unique activities available in the country, making the Philippines a crowd-favorite during the show. Aside from being a beach haven, the group offered countless activities for adventure travelers of every kind—from kayaking to white-water rafting, from wakeboarding to sky diving, and from scuba diving to bird watching.

Cultural presentations from different countries at the Global Beats Stage were also a major sensation in the event. Sulyap, a local cultural dance group composed of children and young teens, showcased the Philippines’ rich and colorful culture and history through native Filipino dances.

Wow CamSur!

Manopot River
Ilawod, Caramoan


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Gota Village Nightshots
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Tayak Beach
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Manlawi Island
by Oliver Bautista (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliverbautista/)

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Nice video

PHILIPPINE MEDICAL TOURISM "THE HEART OF ASIA"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1r4BKduUf4

Damn beautiful places...

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Business
Arroyo names Duerme to Tieza board
Monday, May 17, 2010



DAVAO City may now have its fair share in tourism promotion as one of the leaders of the city's tourism sector now sits as a member of the board of directors of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza).

Formerly called as the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the Tieza will focus more on providing support to the establishment of cultural, economic, and environmentally sustainable tourism enterprise zones that will attract more investors.

While the PTA was only focused on pioneering, developing, and improving tourism destinations, Tieza takes it a step further by ensuring that effective management of tourism enterprise zones and the active participation of the private sector in their renewed bid for an aggressive take on the development of the country's tourism sector.

Domingo Duerme, Philippine Airline's vice president for Mindanao operations, was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be one of the members of the Board of Directors of Tieza, representing the Air, Sea, and Land Tourism Transport Services Sector.

Other members of the board includes Carlos Honorio Estepa Jr., for the Tourism Estate Development and Management Services; Vivian Otaza for Travel and Tours Enterprise sector; Lucas Nunag for Accommodation Enterprise sector; and Catherine Turvill for Medical Tourism.

Government agencies representatives in the board is composed of Victor Domingo, Public Works and Highways secretary; Jesus Dureza, Mindanao Development Authority chief; Cynthia Carrion, undersecretary for the Philippine Tourism Promotion Board; Austere Panadero, undersecretary for the Interior and Local Government; and Demetrio Ignacio, Undersecretary for Public Works and Highways. (CPM)

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Business
Davao soon to be Asia bird watchers' paradise
Monday, May 17, 2010



AFTER offering its beaches, mountain resorts, golf courses and eco-adventure destinations, Davao Region is now offering a new tourism destination that may be unrivaled by any of its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

To be launched in September, Davao City and its neighboring Davao provinces will launch the 1st Asian Bird Fair later this year, as they prepare themselves to be the bird watchers' paradise of Asia.


With an avian specie count of over 500 migratory and endemic birds, Southern Mindanao may have just discovered a new tourism potential.

Being the first of its kind to be staged in Davao, this early, several bird watching societies from as far as Europe have already expressed interest in taking part in the bird fair.

"We are prepared for over 6,000 participants that will be composed primarily of students as we want the fair to be a venue for educating the young and the community on how important it is to care for the environment," Michael Lu, president of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, said.

"Especially with the young who equate seeing a bird with 'tirador'. It shouldn't be like that," he added.

While the main focus of the 1st Asian Bird Fair is for the protection of the under threat avian species in the country, it also aims to promote the country as a bird watchers' haven.

At present, there are more than 500 bird species counted in the country, 186 of which are endemic to the Philippines and 56 are categorized as threatened.

Bird watching societies continue to grow as a hobby and recreation in more developed countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Korea, and most of Europe. (CPM)


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on May 18, 2010.

^^ I would love to see the Philippine eagle in the wild!! :D
i'm also guessing it's most abundant in the Davao region?

OFWs can lead in domestic tourism
By Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas
INQUIRER.net First Posted 09:42:00 05/17/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino overseas workers could constitute a significant part of the booming domestic tourism that has been given a big boost by improved infrastructures in the Philippine countryside.

There must be a more concerted effort to sell the Philippines as a tourism delight to our very own OFWs. This article is meant to do just that.

Square meter by square meter, there are many more attractions for foreign tourists in the Philippines than in our neighboring countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. With more than 7,100 islands, there is an almost infinite number of sites for scuba diving, surfing, beach combing, bird watching, "finding Nemo," cliff hanging, dolphin sighting, jet skiing, etc., etc. Probably Indonesia, with 14,000 islands, is the only archipelago that can surpass the number of these tourist attractions.

Then, why are we so behind countries like Thailand and Malaysia in the number of foreign tourists that we attract every year? The main explanation I can give is the very same for our high poverty rate. We have criminally neglected countryside infrastructures, especially farm to market roads. Our beautiful sites have been hidden, except to a few local tourists, from the world because they are totally inaccessible. A glaring proof of this is that even our so-called "jewel," Boracay, is so difficult to reach.

Fortunately, in the last ten years or so, there has been a significant improvement in infrastructures in the countryside, the most notable of which is the so-called Philippine nautical highway. There are more and more destinations that are accessible to both foreign and domestic tourists, e.g. Coron in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol, Camarines Sur, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Camiguin, etc. There was a noticeable increase in domestic tourism in crisis-ridden 2009 that compensated for the smaller number of foreign tourists who visited the country. Domestic tourists are literally blazing the trail in discovering what I call the hidden paradises.

Well, let me tell you about one of them, the town of Bani in Western Pangasinan. I recently visited this small town of 45,000 individuals and could not believe what I saw. Name any tourist attraction found in other places of the Philippines and Bani has it: beaches with fine sand; corals (which can be seen even without goggles); scuba diving sites; dolphins; tuna; migratory and indigenous birds (Bani has been included among the major sites for bird-watching); caves; water falls; mountains for trekking and biking; abundant sea food; lush mangrove forest which is a marine protected area; and a version of Calvary Hill with 1,000-step "Via Crucis" leading to a gigantic Cross. As in all Philippine villages, Bani's most important assets are its ever-smiling and hospitable people.

I venture to predict that this hidden paradise will not remain hidden for too long. Thanks to improved infrastructures, it is being slowly discovered by domestic tourists. In 2008, for example, some 8,000 Catholic devotees trooped to the Pilgrimage Site on Tuesday of Holy Week as an act of penance and to enjoy the serene atmosphere that is very conducive to prayer. Thanks to a very dynamic mayor, who spends all his waking hours thinking of and implementing programs to improve the welfare of his constituents, Bani is surely going to be one of the greenest municipalities in the country. It already was awarded the prestigious Galing Pook prize from the Office of the President for its trailblazing program of coastal resource management. In the next three years, this small municipality will have three sources of sustainable energy: wind power, biomass, and a small dam for irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Part of the vision of Mayor Marcelo Navarro Jr. (a former PNP General) is to transform Bani also into an educational center. It is the first municipality to take advantage of the University of the Philippines' Open University system. There are plans to put up a fisheries version of the Family Farm School system in which the children of small fishermen will be trained in more productive methods of fishing. The fishermen of Bani are especially lucky because, through a housing program of the local government, they are being relocated from their present dwellings which are precariously situated along the shore, to a higher area where a hundred Gawad Kalinga-type houses designed by famous Green Architect Miguel Guerrero III will constitute an Ecology Village that can become another tourist attraction of the municipality.

I do not exaggerate when I dream with Mayor Navarro and the other local leaders that in the next ten years, Bani can be a combination of Boracay, Anilao, and Punta Fuego in the amenities that it can provide to both domestic and foreign tourists. I won't be surprised if some selected foreigners will choose this municipality to spend their retirement years, as is already happening in places like Dumaguete and Camarines Sur. Together with my colleagues at the University of Asia and the Pacific, we will help Mayor Navarro and his community attract more attention from the foreign and domestic investment communities so that private capital can be poured into this hidden paradise. When that happens, Bani will not remain hidden for too long.

I hope that some of the OFW who read this will decide to bring their families and friends to a hidden paradise like Bani. It is a four-hour car ride from Manila going through NLEX and SCTEX, heading towards Camiling, Tarlac and Alaminos, Pangasinan where there are lodging and bed-and-breakfast facilities. Filipinos should be the first ones to benefit from the attractions of nature, culture and hospitable people of the Philippines.

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Lifestyle
Bluewaters: Far from madding crowd
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
By Henrylito D. Tacio



IF COMPARED with other islands in the Philippines, there is absolutely nothing like Samal Island.

Actually, an archipelago consisting of nine islands that stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares, Samal is a splendor island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, and mangroves.

As it has numerous lush gardens and landscape of coconut palms and fruit-bearing trees, it is aptly called as Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). The name "Samal" was named after the Islamic tribal group or Isamal from Jolo and Basilan who migrated to the island.

Samal is a second class city. This simply means it does not have a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants. But if you are looking for serene place that is peaceful and quiet, then Samal is it! But the thing is, you won't get it unless you have actually experience it for yourself.

Tired of the hassles of city life, the stress of your work, the fast tick of the clock, and the noise of the vehicles, then go straight to the Bluewaters Beach Resort. Here, you can relax, have peace of mind, and be with nature.

But before going there, you must have a reservation first. "Our policy is strictly no booking, no entry," explained Ramon Crisostomo. "We want to know who our guests and visitors are. In addition, we don't want the place to be crowded so much so that we cannot attend to their needs."

Ramon is the resort's consultant and the husband of Dr. Evelyn Crisostomo, who managed the resort. Evelyn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Mercado, who own the more than a hectare tranquil resort.

The beach line is only 150 meters but it has an infinity pool that faces Davao City. It has also two other swimming pools for children and some adults.

Instead of using fresh water, the pools are filled with sea water. So, even during low-tide, guests and visitors can still swim in salty water.

On a given day, the resort can only accommodate about 150-300 people. "If they are composed of different groups, 100-150 would be our point of reckoning. If it is exclusive, 300 would be the limit," says Ramon.

The management will turn down other visitors if there are already beyond the capacity of the resort. "In fact, we don't allow walk-in visitors here," Ramon said.

The resort started its operation in 1999 - but only to friends and relatives.

"They served as our barometers and critics," Ramon said. "We asked them what changes we needed to do and if there were other amenities we missed."

Finally, in 2000, the resort was opened to the public. "Most of those who come here are excursionists from Davao City and nearby towns like Panabo, Tagum, Digos, and those from Compostela Valley," Ramon says.

Lately, the resort has visitors coming from the Visayas and Luzon. "They are actually coming to Davao since they knew the city is peaceful," Ramon explained. "After touring the city, they wanted to go the beach. They were surprised to know that Samal Island is just five to 10 minutes away from Davao."

To think of, Bluewaters is not doing an advertisement in local dailies and other forms of media. "We solely rely on the word of mouth," Ramon said. "We are hoping that those who come to our resort will tell others about us."

How Bluewaters got its name is an interesting story in itself. When the Mercados came to the place for the first time, it was a sunny day. As they looked at the waters hit by the rays of the sun, they saw crystal blue waters. So, when they were looking for a name of the resort, the couple remembered that event.

For those who want to stay at Bluewaters, there are several rooms available.

For P4,000, eight8 people can stay at the air-conditioned garden rooms. A non-aircon dormitory, which can accommodate six persons, is only P2,500. A family non-aircon room that is good for four is P1,800, while air-con apartelle is P1,800 for two persons. Extra person is P300 each. Check in time is 2 p.m. and check out is 12 noon.

Like most resorts, Bluewaters also accept day tour. Entrance fee is P150 per person. Picnic hut, good for 10-15 visitors, is P300 while a picnic tent is P500 as it can accommodate 16-20 persons. If there are only two or four of you, you can get a table for P150. Day tour starts at 7 am up to 4:30 pm, as it is the time of the last trip of the resort boat going to Davao.

Weddings, birthday parties, and meetings can also be done at Bluewaters. Its Grand Pavilion (with stage and a capacity of 150 persons) can be rented at P4,500 each day. Although Club House is only enough for 80 persons, it is air-conditioned and can be rented at P4,500 daily. The use of Small Pavilion per day is only P2,500 but can hold only 30 persons.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice. In addition, any type of liquor and beverages are prohibited except for water. Guests and visitors are not allowed to bring tents, pets, and electrical appliances. "We want the atmosphere of the resort to be peaceful and quiet," Ramon says.

From the resort, guests and visitors can also visit the island's two waterfalls. One of the most famous and scenic is the Hagimit Falls with its rustling, spectacular displays of falling water. These amazing falls have natural swimming pools, unique rock formations with a rich variety of vegetation that grows along the river banks.

A few kilometers away from the resort is the Monfort Bat Cave, whose bats colony was certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest colony of fruit bats in the world with a population ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 million as of 2006.

How do you get to Bluewaters? If you are from Manila or Cebu, you can fly to Davao International Airport. When in Davao, go to the boarding area located at the Davao Boat Club in Lizada Drive, Lanang. You have to go through the Pearl Farm jetty in catching the boat going to the resort. Travel time is only seven minutes.

For inquiries and reservation, please contact the resort at these numbers: (082) 303-2618 or 304-6975. Its fax number: (082) 225-4009.


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on May 20, 2010.

^^ I would love to see the Philippine eagle in the wild!! :D
i'm also guessing it's most abundant in the Davao region?

They are known to have a good size of population in the mountains of Mindanao including Mt. Apo in Davao and so it was a no brainer that a bird hatching facility called Philippine Eagle Centre has been set up in the city if only to prevent further extinction of this species. Yes, if you happen to visit Davao, the Philippine Eagle Centre in Calinan District of the city hosts this facility and is in fact one of the city's major tourist draws.

Here's the website: Philippine Eagle Centre (http://www.philippineeagle.org/index?pageval=thepecenter)

^^ Awesome! someday i'll visit the place. :D

SM group to open upscale Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/21/2010 1:42 AM | Updated as of 05/21/2010 1:42 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Expecting a boom in the tourism business, the hotel arm of Henry Sy-led SM Investments Corp. will open an upscale hotel in Cebu by the second half of the year.

“Wholly owned subsidiary SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. is scheduled to open its premier project in the Visayas, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, by the second half of this year,” the company told the local bourse in a disclosure yesterday.

“It will be positioned as the city’s leading international upper upscale hotel,” said SM Investments, the holding firm of the mall, retail and banking businesses of the Sy family.

The 400-room Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu will be Carlson Hotels’ first Radisson Blu hotel in the Asia Pacific. Carlson Hotels is a global hotel company with more than 1,060 locations in 77 countries.

The hotel will have 10 function rooms; two ballrooms, one of which will be a 1,000-square-meter pillar-less main ballroom; a spa and fitness center; a lobby lounge; an all-day dining restaurant; and a swimming pool.

The new hotel is aiming to attract both business and leisure travelers in Cebu City.

“The upcoming opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu further enhances SM’s range of tourism products and services,” Elizabeth T. Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., said in the statement.

“It is also our timely response to the country’s growing demand for first-rate accommodations for tourists and business travellers,” she added.

Radisson Blu Hotel will be located at Cebu City’s North Reclamation Area, near the city’s international port, and SM City Cebu.

Last year, Cebu attracted more than 1.6 million foreign and domestic travelers.

Shares in SM Investments, whose profits grew by 14% in the first quarter to P4.8 billion, shed P2.50 on Thursday to close at P392.50 apiece.

:okay:

RP wins Beijing tourism award (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/191483/rp-wins-beijing-tourism-award)
05/21/2010 | 11:54 AM
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The Philippines won a gold award in service quality at the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) Fair in Beijing last April 29.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the award mentioned its excellent performance in meeting the needs of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines.

"Because of the promotional work we are continuously doing in China, more and more Chinese tourists are visiting the Philippines,"
Philippine Ambassador Francisco Benedicto said on the DFA website. (www.dfa.gov.ph).

Receiving the award was Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab from Prof. Wolfgang Georg Alt, director of the Germany-based China Outbound Tourism Research Institute during the COTTM.

"The award was in recognition of the various projects and accomplishments of the Philippine Department of Tourism in China in
2009 in meeting the needs of Chinese outbound tourists," Benedicto said.

It was the second major award received by the Philippines in tourism promotion in China this year.

Earlier, the Philippines was awarded the "2009 Best Destination Promotion" award by the prestigious China Travel Agent Magazine, a monthly Chinese language publication catering to the tourism and travel industry in China, in recognition for its extensive tourism promotional activities in China.

Accompanying Palabyab at the COTTM were Tourism Attaché Jazmin Esguerra and representatives of Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, El Nido Resorts, Direction Travel, El Sol Tours, Marco Vincent Dive Center, Manila Hotel, Manila Diamond Hotel, Jeron Travel, and Legend Hotels Palawan. — LBG, GMANews.TV

^^:applause::okay:

Summer with Sun Cruises' Corregidor zip line
(The Philippine Star) Updated May 22, 2010 12:00 AM
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Corregidor is fast becoming a nature and adventure destination with activities such as running, like last December’s Conquer Corregidor race, triathlons, trail hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, tunnel exploration, and water sports like sailing and kayaking.
| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Adventure lovers and history buffs alike have something exciting to look forward to in historic Corregidor Island with the opening of its newest tourist attraction — the zip line.

Stretching from Corregidor Inn to the South Beach, the 40-foot-high, 300-meter-long free-fall cable ride is operated by Sun Cruises Inc., the leading lifestyle and leisure service provider on the island. The new attraction is named “The ROCKet Zip Line,” after Corregidor’s moniker, “The Rock” and the rocket-like speed of the zip line ride.

Consisting of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline, a zip line enables a user, propelled by gravity, to traverse the length of the inclined cable by holding on to the freely moving pulley.

“With this new development, tourists and adventurers alike now have more reasons to go to Corregidor. The zip line, which is designed for first-timers, will hopefully get people initiated to the activity,” enthuses Sun Cruises Inc. general manager Roland Portes.

He adds that in addition to being a historical treasure, the firm is promoting the island as a nature and adventure destination with activities such as triathlons, trail hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, tunnel exploration, and water sports like sailing and kayaking.

One of the island’s popular adventure activities is the Lateral Tour of the Malinta Tunnel, which explores the hidden tunnels the World War II-era headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth government. Escorted by Corregidor’s trained tour guides, guests are transported to wartime experience as they listen to hair-raising stories and enter the hidden nooks and crevices of Malinta.

Situated at the mouth of Manila Bay between Cavite and Bataan, Corregidor is a three-mile-long tadpole-shaped island which can be reached by a one-hour Sun Cruises fast craft ride from the CCP Complex Ferry Terminal.

Maintained and managed by Corregidor Foundation Inc., the island evokes an old-world charm ideal for themed events, wedding receptions, and fashion pictorials.

It is also an emerging venue for corporate activities, team-building activities, outdoor sports and special events.

Built by the Spaniards as a naval checkpoint, it served as the country’s last bastion of defense against the Japanese Army in 1942. Retaken by the Allied Forces in 1945, it is the most preserved World War II memorial in the world.

Sun Cruises offers daily guided tours at P1,999 adults and P1,118 children, inclusive of roundtrip ferry transfer and buffet lunch. It also has overnight packages for a total island experience. Special student group rates apply to educational field trips.

Bookings and payments can be made online through www.corregidorphilippines.com. For details, call 527-5555 or 834-6857 to 58 or e-mail corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph.

I was in Subic last weekend.....truly, a beautiful place and tourist friendly :) :)

The sub-signs are in Chinese and Japanese or Korean?
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1010136.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1010138.jpg

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Subic
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http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations-cBeachSun-g2


TRAVELERS' CHOICE® DESTINATIONS 2010 brought to you by TripAdvisor
Top 10 Beach & Sun Destinations in Asia
1. Boracay, Philippines
Boracay



At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you—you'll have several excellent beaches to choose from. Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world. « less

* Tirta Spa
* Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach)
* Boracay Butterfly Garden
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Tirta Spa, Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach), Boracay Butterfly Garden
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa
* Romance

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa, Romance

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117 Hotels | 45 B&Bs

2. Maldives


Want to make your co-workers insanely jealous? Just casually drop "I’m vacationing in the Maldives this year" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Or better yet, go there without mentioning it to anyone—then send them a "Wish you were here!" postcard. « less
Want to make your co-workers insanely jealous? Just casually drop "I’m vacationing in the Maldives this year" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Or better yet, go there without mentioning it to anyone—then send them a "Wish you were here!" postcard.
Don't miss

* Sun Island beach
* Veligandu Island beach
* Banana Reef
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Sun Island beach, Veligandu Island beach, Banana Reef
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa
* Romance
* Top 25 in Asia

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa, Romance, Top 25 in Asia

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162 Hotels | 3 B&Bs
3Ko Lanta, Thailand
See more photos

3. Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is a gorgeous island where you'll be certain to find an uncrowded beach. Located in the Krabi Province, one of the southern provinces of Thailand, Ko Lanta offers fantastic scuba diving with exotic marine life and grand coral reefs. The sunsets, too, are legendary—watch one over a glass of wine with someone you love. « less
Ko Lanta is a gorgeous island where you'll be certain to find an uncrowded beach. Located in the Krabi Province, one of the southern provinces of Thailand, Ko Lanta offers fantastic scuba diving with exotic marine life and grand coral reefs. The sunsets, too, are legendary—watch one over a glass of wine with someone you love.
Don't miss

* Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours
* Lanta Klong Nin Beach
* Kantiang Bay
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours, Lanta Klong Nin Beach, Kantiang Bay
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa
* Romance

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa, Romance

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66 Hotels | 20 B&Bs

4. Khao Lak, Thailand
View from the lobby See more photos

Just 80 km north of Phuket, Khao Lak was essentially erased by the 2004 tsunami. But the town, and the tourist industry it relies on, has rebounded. It remains quieter than other coastal destinations, offering secluded beaches, tranquil nights and family-oriented activities. You want full moon parties and besotted nights? You’re out of luck. But if you’re looking for unparalleled scuba diving in the Similan Islands, you’ve hit the jackpot. « less
Just 80 km north of Phuket, Khao Lak was essentially erased by the 2004 tsunami. But the town, and the tourist industry it relies on, has rebounded. It remains quieter than other coastal destinations, offering secluded beaches, tranquil nights and family-oriented activities. You want full moon parties and besotted nights? You’re out of luck. But if you’re looking for unparalleled scuba diving in the Similan Islands, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Don't miss

* Koh Kho Khao Island
* Khao Sok National Park
* Similan Islands
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Koh Kho Khao Island, Khao Sok National Park, Similan Islands

Plan your trip to Khao Lak
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39 Hotels | 7 B&Bs

5. Ko Phangan, Thailand


We're guessing they don't have a werewolf problem in Ko Phangan, because every month on the full moon, thousands of people take part in the Full Moon Party's all-night festivities, including music on the beach. By day, you'll find a lovely island with coconut trees and plenty of sandy white beaches. If you're a diver, visit Sailrock for a spectacular wall dive. « less
We're guessing they don't have a werewolf problem in Ko Phangan, because every month on the full moon, thousands of people take part in the Full Moon Party's all-night festivities, including music on the beach. By day, you'll find a lovely island with coconut trees and plenty of sandy white beaches. If you're a diver, visit Sailrock for a spectacular wall dive.
Don't miss

* Thong Nai Pan Noi
* Salad Beach
* H2O Scuba
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Thong Nai Pan Noi, Salad Beach, H2O Scuba

Plan your trip to Ko Phangan
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65 Hotels | 19 B&Bs

6. Koh Samui, Thailand


You’re on a gorgeous island off the coast of Thailand—it doesn’t get much better than this. Spend the day on a lively, popular beach, or explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park’s secluded lagoons. Looking for romance? Choose a luxurious five-star resort, a simple, secluded bungalow or pretty much anything in between. « less
You’re on a gorgeous island off the coast of Thailand—it doesn’t get much better than this. Spend the day on a lively, popular beach, or explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park’s secluded lagoons. Looking for romance? Choose a luxurious five-star resort, a simple, secluded bungalow or pretty much anything in between.
Don't miss

* Silver Beach
* Chaweng Beach
* Lamai Beach
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Silver Beach, Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa
* Romance

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa, Romance

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275 Hotels | 57 B&Bs | 58 Vacation Rentals

7. Miyakojima, Japan


The island of Miyako-jima is home to beautiful beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkeling. When you’re sun-spent, migrate to the Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden to marvel at over 1,500 species of exotic tropical plants. Toast your travel companions with Japanese shochu while you nibble on specialty soba noodles.
Don't miss

* Yonaha Maehama Beach
* Sunayama Beach
* Nagamahama Beach Coast
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Yonaha Maehama Beach, Sunayama Beach, Nagamahama Beach Coast
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa
* Top 25 in Asia

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa, Top 25 in Asia

Plan your trip to Miyakojima
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19 Hotels

8. El Nido, Philippines
looks like a scene from The Lord of the Rings - Big Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan See more photos

Why settle for a beachfront hotel when you can stay right over the ocean in a cottage on stilts? And why settle for any old dive site when you can snorkel in an orchid-walled lagoon? El Nido is known as the Philippines' last frontier, and if you're looking for magnificent beaches in an unspoiled setting, it's a perfect place for you to vacation. « less
Why settle for a beachfront hotel when you can stay right over the ocean in a cottage on stilts? And why settle for any old dive site when you can snorkel in an orchid-walled lagoon? El Nido is known as the Philippines' last frontier, and if you're looking for magnificent beaches in an unspoiled setting, it's a perfect place for you to vacation.
Don't miss

* Palawan Divers
* Island Hopping Tours
* Balay Tubay Bistro asta Galeri
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Palawan Divers, Island Hopping Tours, Balay Tubay Bistro asta Galeri
Also a winner in…

* Outdoor & Adventure

Also a winner in: Outdoor & Adventure

Plan your trip to El Nido
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6 Hotels | 6 B&Bs

9. Ishigaki, Japan
川平湾のグラスボート See more photos

The water around Ishigaki is pure blue, with white sandy beaches to soothe your senses. But don't just stand on the beach and stare. Travelers recommend a ride in a glass-bottomed boat to gaze at the coral reefs and tropical fish from above. « less
The water around Ishigaki is pure blue, with white sandy beaches to soothe your senses. But don't just stand on the beach and stare. Travelers recommend a ride in a glass-bottomed boat to gaze at the coral reefs and tropical fish from above.
Don't miss

* Kabira Bay
* Yonehara Beach
* Sukuji Bathing Beach
* See all attractions

Don't miss: Kabira Bay, Yonehara Beach, Sukuji Bathing Beach
Also a winner in…

* Relaxation & Spa

Also a winner in: Relaxation & Spa

Plan your trip to Ishigaki
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29 Hotels | 1 B&B
10Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Fishing boats - North end of island See more photos

Soak up the sun and some Vietnamese culture on Phu Quoc Island, where white sands and tropical waters entice beachgoers from all over the globe. Snorkeling, scuba... more »
Soak up the sun and some Vietnamese culture on Phu Quoc Island, where white sands and tropical waters entice beachgoers from all over the globe. Snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are the most popular water sports here, though jet-skiing, wind sailing and squid fishing—yes, squid fishing—are also at your vacationing fingertips. Check out the early-morning Duong Dong Market for an authentic local experience. « less
Soak up the sun and some Vietnamese culture on Phu Quoc Island, where white sands and tropical waters entice beachgoers from all over the globe. Snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are the most popular water sports here, though jet-skiing, wind sailing and squid fishing—yes, squid fishing—are also at your vacationing fingertips. Check out the early-morning Duong Dong Market for an authentic local experience.

10. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

I was in Subic last weekend.....truly, a beautiful place and tourist friendly :) :)

The sub-signs are in Chinese and Japanese or Korean?
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1010136.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1010138.jpg





Chinese

Palawan - Philippines' Last Frontier

Images Credit to vogriphach of ClubSnap Singapore

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4578670238_ff1c3d628d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4578036329_329530a2de.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4578672060_1bf4af65a4.jpg

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4588549056_8f86db55fb.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4590936430_24f22f0098.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4590937926_9b71b52c84.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4590938862_33a1e5b22b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4590941182_3f186d7382.jpg

Chinese

It shows that the author of that article published in Philippine Star made a grave mistake when Ms. Torrevillas claimed that sub-signs are in Korean.

Anyway...


Cebu to host major international tourism meet
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/mb/20100524/tph-cebu-to-host-major-international-tou-584a460.html
Manila Bulletin - Monday, May 24

CEBU CITY - At least 100 foreign stakeholders in the international tourism industry and 60 more of their local counterparts will converge in Cebu this week for the 39th Skal Asian Congress, a meeting tha aims to promote cooperation and understanding among travel and tourism clubs.

Top tourism and travel players from around the Asia Pacific region has chosen Cebu to host the 2010 Asian Skal Congress, a major annual international gathering of industry stakeholders.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano commended Skal Club Cebu for hosting the Congress that will run from May 27 to 30 and will provide a framework for cooperation and understanding among clubs and facilitate collaboration among its members.

Skal National Committee President Dr. Robert Lim Joseph said at least 100 foreign members from the different Asia Pacific countries, including a representative from the United States, and 60 local members will arrive at the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa on May 26.

Hembler Mendoza, Vice-President, Skal Club of Cebu, said attending the Congress will further provide an understanding of the international scope of SKAL and experience the richness that various cultures shall bring into the event, not to mention the sense of camaraderie that members are sure to share as being part of one tourism-oriented club.

Joseph earlier said he and Skal Cebu President Charles Lim successfully bidded for the hosting of the important travel and tourism event during the organization's meeting in Koh Samui, Thailand last year.

"Our bid started early last year and I gave assurances of an all out support to Skal Cebu should we win the 2010 hosting. And we did," Joseph said.

Joseph also recognized the efforts of Tourism Secretary Durano and Undersecretary Edu Jarque, especially in terms of giving financial support for the successful bidding of the Skal Congress. The vote was unanimous for all Asian Skal Club presidents.

Skal is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members, comprised of global tourism industry's managers and executives, regularly hold local, national, regional and international meetings to discuss and pursue topics of common interest.

The first Skal Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following an educational tour by these managers of Scandinavia. The idea of international goodwill and friendship grew an in 1934, the "Association Internationale des Skål Clubs" was formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first President, who is considered the "Father of Skål."

Skal International today has approximately 22,000 members in 500 Clubs throughout 90 nations. Most activities occur at the local level, moving up through National Committees, under the umbrella of Skål International, headquartered at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain.

150 athletes from Asia join Subic kayak marathon

By Anne A. Jambora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DateFirst Posted 22:05:00 05/25/2010

THE PHILIPPINE KAyaking Series holds its 2010 event at the exclusive Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club and Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 29-30. Dubbed the “Canon Powershot Kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay!,” the kayak marathon will have 150 athletes from Asia.

The elite participants have signed up for the two-leg marathon, a 25-km race from Anvaya Cove to Subic Bay and back again. Estimated time to complete the first leg is two to two-and-a-half hours. There is also a 5-km race for the novice, from the Boardwalk to the airport and back.

Paddler Ranessa Santos, Anvaya Cove recreation and activity manager who will join the marathon, said they hope to promote kayaking locally as a sport, similar to wakeboarding or surfing or even running.

In the Philippines, she said, kayaking is perceived by many as a leisure activity enjoyed only by vacationers or tourists.

Kayak Philippines’ president Val Camara agrees. He said the Philippine Kayaking Series aims to professionalize the sport by creating a rating system for the athletes. “Local kayaking has already evolved from leisurely and recreational to distance and channel-crossing sports. We just need to push awareness of the sport,” he said.

Activities

A kayaking clinic teaching the basic skills will be held at the Boardwalk. The SBMA, with the Department of Tourism Region 3, will present an Aeta cultural show that aims to promote the country as one of the premier destinations for kayaking in Asia.

The end of the race will culminate with the Anvaya Cove Barrio Fiesta, featuring Filipino dances, music, fire dance and local cuisine.

Highlight of the second day is a photo safari sponsored by Canon Phils., with two Canon underwater cameras as prizes. There will also be a kayaking ecotour starting off at Anvaya Cove, with mangrove planting. From there, it goes to a fishing village in Sabang. An environmental presentation on saving the coral reefs and sea turtles (pawikan) will also be held. In the afternoon, there will be an Aeta survival demo before the kayaking ecotour group heads back to Anvaya.

Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club is a 320-ha leisure development by Ayala Land. The Canon Powershot Kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay! is the first of three events for 2010 of the Philippine Kayaking Series.

Prizes include trophies, medals and cash, Canon underwater cameras, airline tickets from Cebu Pacific, magazine subscriptions, David’s Salon gift certificates, Mojo slippers, Red Bull gift packs, overnight accommodations at Subic International Hotel and Caylabne Bay Resort, outdoor items from R.O.X. and Primer Group, and windsurfing lessons.

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/wellness/wellness/view/20100525-271843/150-athletes-from-Asia-join-Subic-kayak-marathon

Guess where?

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10175576.jpg
by mabut of panoramio

wow that's beautiful... is that somewhere in El Nido?

wild guess.. BATANGAS??

Guess where?

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10175576.jpg
by mabut of panoramio

Its in the Philippines! lol :master:



But where exactly is that, Palawan?

It shows that the author of that article published in Philippine Star made a grave mistake when Ms. Torrevillas claimed that sub-signs are in Korean.

Anyway...


Yep, I am very sure that it is not hangeul. LOL. Oh well, I guess the writer thought they all look the same. :D

Guess where?

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10175576.jpg
by mabut of panoramio

Caramoan?

Worldwide Quality of Living 2010 Survey

GMANews.TV - 21 minutes ago


With a disturbing rise in crimes, pollution, and traffic Metro Manila isn't such a nice place to live, according to a global survey on quality of life.

Of 221 cities sampled in its 2010 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey released Wednesday, business solutions consultant Mercer said Manila placed 128th on a score of 69.9 from 70.9 in the 2009 survey.

The 221 cities were ranked against New York as the base city with an index score of 100.

Key cities of Southeast Asia "saw little change in quality of living index scores this year," Mercer said. "But some cities, including Manila, continue to be affected by low levels of internal stability, traffic congestion, and air pollution."

Manila failed to significantly improve its living conditions among the 221 cities where foreigners live, the Mercer study – conducted from September to November last year – found.

Neighboring Singapore ranked 28th in the survey, because of its growing importance as a financial hub and wider range of international schools and housing for expatriates.

While Hong Kong slid by a notch to 71st, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok climbed to 74th and 118th, respectively.

Still, Manila stayed ahead of neighbors Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Phnom Penh.

Vienna, Zurich, Geneva, Vancouver and Auckland made it to the top slots, but Mercer named Baghdad, Bangui, N'Djamena, Khartoum and Tbilisi as the worst cities to live in.

"As the world economy becomes more globalized, cities in many emerging markets, such as the Middle East or Asia, have seen a significant influx of foreign companies and their expatriate employees in recent years," Mercer said in the notes to the survey.

"Despite the economic downturn and companies' efforts to contain costs, quality of living and hardship premiums remain important means of compensating expatriates for differences in living conditions," said Slagin Parakatil, Marcer’s senior researcher.

Mercer also released a list that ranked cities with the best ecological resources in living standards based on water availability and drinkability, waste removal, quality of sewage systems, air pollution, and traffic congestion.

In the ranking of 221, Manila placed 172nd on a score of 62.8. There was no comparative index for 2009.

On top of the list were Calgary, Honolulu, Ottawa, Helsinki and Wellington. At the bottom were Port-au-Prince, Dhaka, Baku, Kolkata and Antananarivo.

New York-based Mercer creates the quality of living index — measured in terms of political stability, economic conditions, socio-cultural environment, health and sanitation, education, transportation, recreation, consumer goods, housing and climate — to help governments and multinational companies compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments. ―Jesse Edep/VS, GMANews.TV
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20100526/tph-crimes-pollution-traffic-hound-livin-d6cd5cf.html

Worldwide Quality of Living 2010 Survey

GMANews.TV - 21 minutes ago



Still, Manila stayed ahead of neighbors Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Phnom Penh.




sige rub it in... huhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu..

sige rub it in... huhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu..

Hala..bilis naging loyal sa Hanoi ah. Hahaha.:lol:

Worldwide Quality of Living 2010 Survey

GMANews.TV - 21 minutes ago


With a disturbing rise in crimes, pollution, and traffic Metro Manila isn't such a nice place to live, according to a global survey on quality of life.

Of 221 cities sampled in its 2010 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey released Wednesday, business solutions consultant Mercer said Manila placed 128th on a score of 69.9 from 70.9 in the 2009 survey.

The 221 cities were ranked against New York as the base city with an index score of 100.

Key cities of Southeast Asia "saw little change in quality of living index scores this year," Mercer said. "But some cities, including Manila, continue to be affected by low levels of internal stability, traffic congestion, and air pollution."

Manila failed to significantly improve its living conditions among the 221 cities where foreigners live, the Mercer study – conducted from September to November last year – found.

Neighboring Singapore ranked 28th in the survey, because of its growing importance as a financial hub and wider range of international schools and housing for expatriates.

While Hong Kong slid by a notch to 71st, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok climbed to 74th and 118th, respectively.

Still, Manila stayed ahead of neighbors Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Phnom Penh.

Vienna, Zurich, Geneva, Vancouver and Auckland made it to the top slots, but Mercer named Baghdad, Bangui, N'Djamena, Khartoum and Tbilisi as the worst cities to live in.

"As the world economy becomes more globalized, cities in many emerging markets, such as the Middle East or Asia, have seen a significant influx of foreign companies and their expatriate employees in recent years," Mercer said in the notes to the survey.

"Despite the economic downturn and companies' efforts to contain costs, quality of living and hardship premiums remain important means of compensating expatriates for differences in living conditions," said Slagin Parakatil, Marcer’s senior researcher.

Mercer also released a list that ranked cities with the best ecological resources in living standards based on water availability and drinkability, waste removal, quality of sewage systems, air pollution, and traffic congestion.

In the ranking of 221, Manila placed 172nd on a score of 62.8. There was no comparative index for 2009.

On top of the list were Calgary, Honolulu, Ottawa, Helsinki and Wellington. At the bottom were Port-au-Prince, Dhaka, Baku, Kolkata and Antananarivo.

New York-based Mercer creates the quality of living index — measured in terms of political stability, economic conditions, socio-cultural environment, health and sanitation, education, transportation, recreation, consumer goods, housing and climate — to help governments and multinational companies compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments. ―Jesse Edep/VS, GMANews.TV
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20100526/tph-crimes-pollution-traffic-hound-livin-d6cd5cf.html

Obviously local leaders don't pay attention to this otherwise they would have done things even slowly to show improvement. Public transit can help ease the pollution a serious prob in Manila; cleaning up its neighborhoods, the river, can add quality of life not only for the foreigners but for its residents. It seems no one is doing anything. I was just there and find it same as in the past. And the elections created a lot of trash, with all the posters. Have mercy politicians.

My favourite city in Europe, Vienna is #1. It has been my #1 for over a decade. Vancouver my favourite city in Canada, once lived there is #4. My city is #16.

Bangkok turmoil seen to benefit RP tourism

Hotels suffer low occupancy
By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:39:00 05/26/2010

MORE tourists may come to the Philippines as travelers stay away from their usual vacation favorite Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

With tensions in Bangkok still running high, travelers who would have gone to the Thai capital are likely to benefit other countries in the region, including the Philippines, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said.

“There’s really been a decline in tourist arrivals to Bangkok. In fact, hotels there have closed down temporarily due to occupancy rates of as low as 15 percent,” CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said in an interview.

“The possible effect of that is that the spillover of tourists will benefit the Philippines and some other regional destinations,” he said.

About three million tourists visited the Philippines last year, the tourism department earlier said. This was lower than the administration’s target of having five million tourists for the year.

Local attractions that drew more tourists included Cebu City, Camarines Sur, Baguio City, Bohol and Palawan.

Despite the potential gains that Thailand’s troubles may bring to the Philippines, Arcilla warned that serious reforms needed to be done to ensure that the local economy would reap the full benefits that local tourism could deliver.

“Thailand usually has an ability to bounce back from situations like this,” he said, adding that the new government should focus more on improving infrastructure, which could be more effective than aggressive promotion campaigns in attracting tourists.

Compared to the Philippines, the state of Thailand’s infrastructure is much better, making Bangkok and other cities in that country much friendlier to tourists. For instance, the quality and cost of electricity in other countries is much lower than it is in the Philippines.

Electricity in the Philippines is the second most expensive in Asia, making hotel rooms more expensive, Arcilla said.

The Philippines has also fallen behind countries like Singapore, where tourists not only benefit from better infrastructure but also enjoy newly built tourist attractions.

“They’re very aggressive in terms of becoming a tourism hub in the region,” Arcilla said, noting that new theme parks – including a Universal Studios – were just completed and were expected to draw more tourists to Singapore.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100526-272247/Bangkok-turmoil-seen-to-benefit-RP-tourism

Hala..bilis naging loyal sa Hanoi ah. Hahaha.:lol:

Hinde no. Kaya nga eh, alam ko na mas maganda ang quality of living dyan sa Manila kesa dito, huhuhuhuhuhuhu.. kakamiss ang 7-11 dyan. basta.



Bangkok turmoil seen to benefit RP tourism

Hotels suffer low occupancy
By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:39:00 05/26/2010

MORE tourists may come to the Philippines as travelers stay away from their usual vacation favorite Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

With tensions in Bangkok still running high, travelers who would have gone to the Thai capital are likely to benefit other countries in the region, including the Philippines, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said.

“There’s really been a decline in tourist arrivals to Bangkok. In fact, hotels there have closed down temporarily due to occupancy rates of as low as 15 percent,” CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said in an interview.

“The possible effect of that is that the spillover of tourists will benefit the Philippines and some other regional destinations,” he said.

About three million tourists visited the Philippines last year, the tourism department earlier said. This was lower than the administration’s target of having five million tourists for the year.

Local attractions that drew more tourists included Cebu City, Camarines Sur, Baguio City, Bohol and Palawan.

Despite the potential gains that Thailand’s troubles may bring to the Philippines, Arcilla warned that serious reforms needed to be done to ensure that the local economy would reap the full benefits that local tourism could deliver.

“Thailand usually has an ability to bounce back from situations like this,” he said, adding that the new government should focus more on improving infrastructure, which could be more effective than aggressive promotion campaigns in attracting tourists.

Compared to the Philippines, the state of Thailand’s infrastructure is much better, making Bangkok and other cities in that country much friendlier to tourists. For instance, the quality and cost of electricity in other countries is much lower than it is in the Philippines.

Electricity in the Philippines is the second most expensive in Asia, making hotel rooms more expensive, Arcilla said.

The Philippines has also fallen behind countries like Singapore, where tourists not only benefit from better infrastructure but also enjoy newly built tourist attractions.

“They’re very aggressive in terms of becoming a tourism hub in the region,” Arcilla said, noting that new theme parks – including a Universal Studios – were just completed and were expected to draw more tourists to Singapore.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100526-272247/Bangkok-turmoil-seen-to-benefit-RP-tourism

I think there is no real spillover effect. That's not what happened during the SARS/Bird flu outbreak.. dami ng pagkakataon na hindi naman natake advantage.

But yeah, hotel room rates should come down, and then, build all the necessary infra para mas mafacilitate ang tourism. Having said that, kelangan din natin ng more informed tour guides and more tourism promotion materials.

Guess where?

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10175576.jpg
by mabut of panoramio

i think EL NIDO IN palawan???

Hinde no. Kaya nga eh, alam ko na mas maganda ang quality of living dyan sa Manila kesa dito, huhuhuhuhuhuhu.. kakamiss ang 7-11 dyan. basta.





Things that we take for granted dito and we miss those things while in VN:
convenience stores including sari-sari stores, MRT/LRT, free media (proliferation of internet cafes with no restrictions at all, the hard hitting commentators), availability of European, Asian and American restaurants - everywhere here, at ang dami pa.

I know you'll get over the temporary set back in few weeks....

Being more than just an expat in the Philippines
By John Bessey (philstar.com) Updated May 20, 2010 12:00 PM

I’ve lived in a number of places. I’m originally from the UK, relocated to New Zealand during my teenage years, and lived briefly in Australia. I have to say though that living here in the Philippines these past six-plus months has been an amazing experience.

You actually don’t realize how modern and developed the city is, and how wonderful the people are, until you get here. It’s a big plus to be living in a country that has a vibrant expat and local community.

My Microsoft family has done a great job of making me, my wife and kids feel welcome here. They really made sure that we had an easy transition. During the welcome thrown by the Microsoft Employee Club, we received simple yet helpful tokens, from a restaurant guide to local magazines — perfect presents for newcomers who want to know more about the country.

Our first few days in the Philippines were particularly memorable. A few days after we arrived, Typhoon “Ondoy” hit the country and we were obviously nervous about this. I was supposed to have a week off before starting work, but I had to come in as soon as possible because we had colleagues who needed help. The Microsoft Philippines family came together during this incident and it was one of my first glimpses of Filipino culture, the so-called “bayanihan” spirit at work, and it also gave me an understanding of how my family and I will fit in this new country.

We love living here. I would say that it’s because of the weather, the food, and the welcome we received. What I love most about the Philippines is how much my family loves the Philippines. We’ve taken trips to Legaspi, Donsol, Cebu and Tagaytay a number of times already. We’re enjoying the mixture of delicious food, vibrant city, great schooling and the ability to go and take breaks to enjoy ourselves. Of course, everyone you meet is ready to recommend the next place you should go to, and we welcome that as well.

Microsoft is a great company to work for wherever you are in the world, but Microsoft Philippines is a really unique place. It’s unlike any other Microsoft business I’ve been in. It still feels like the Microsoft I knew when I was still in New Zealand — when I’m in the building or in a meeting with our partners and customers, because we’re all speaking the Microsoft language, but it’s also very different at the same time.

It’s uniquely energetic, and I’m now with the most passionate group of people I’ve worked with in my life. Even in the dullest moments, there’ll be some great humor. Someone breaks into song. These things don’t typically happen, and these are things that make me truly enjoy working here.

Another aspect that I really like is the sense of community that is very strong in the nature of the Filipino. Filipinos love building communities. They like to belong, to communicate, and to be involved. Whether it’s us being together socially as a Microsoft team, or spending time with our partners or attending a community event, people always come willingly. Our Windows 7 launch was one good example of this — we had 17,000 people on our Facebook page, and a number of them even came to our office to celebrate the launch.

Moreover, Filipinos like to please. I’ve observed that once we understand the issue, our team is very keen to make sure they satisfy and get to the right place with our customers. It’s not just out of a sense of duty, where you feel like you have to — it’s definitely a want-to. The impact is refreshing and it’s got me to be more passionate about pursuing our goals not just for Microsoft, but for the Philippines too.

When we think about the Microsoft business here, we think about the areas that we really want to focus on for our organization and the Philippines to be successful:

One is really all about nation-building. It’s our ability to have a dramatic impact in areas like education and workforce development. More than just providing access to technology, it’s about finding ways to leverage technology and the resources we have to improve the quality of education in the country and really ensure that our graduates have the skills needed to either make a difference in the workforce or to become entrepreneurs. The main reason I took this job is the great opportunity, unlike in other developed countries, to have significant impact in the country with our programs.

Another goal is to help grow the local software industry so it can be a bigger contributor to the local economy. We have a significant number of partners and ISVs in the country and we want them to be successful. Our dream is to see our Filipino developers creating software and applications that can be used widely around the world. In fact, we are bringing our cloud offerings to local market for Filipino organizations to leverage. We want to make sure that the Philippines is at the forefront of what’s happening in cloud computing. We’re sitting on the cusp of a massive industry revolution. Every piece of technology that Microsoft is working on is built with the cloud in mind and that brings significant opportunity to the Philippines.

We are also really focused on delighting our customers and partners. It’s providing people with the technology that can positively impact their lives and help them realize their potential. It’s making sure that we are enabling Filipino organizations to grow their business and become more efficient and effective through our technology.

Microsoft Philippines is a pretty cool place to work in. I’m thankful to be in a position where I have the opportunity to make a relevant impact not just to the business, but to the larger community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Bessey is the managing director of Microsoft Philippines.