^^then? lol

^^It means there are Cebuanos who support this project.

^^yup? Cebuano Leaders are supporting this project. Nasa article naman.... :dunno:

^^yup? Cebuano Leaders are supporting this project. Nasa article naman.... :dunno:

I knew it.....I just want to emphasize that Cebu leaders are for this project...only a few in SSC who don't like this mega project :)

Here's another one to enjoy Manila....try the cruise
http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/img/new_promo/Bay%20cruise%20teaser%20%20landscape.jpg
http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/

^^At least several SSC Cebu members are agsinst this project. SSC Cebu pa din sila, aight?

^^ I am supportive of all mega projects wherever they are located. That's my conviction.

^^Iba iba naman talaga opinion natin sa mga bagay bagay. For me, IMO I see it that it is more beneficial if it will be built in Sorsogon. And being a person who supports environment preservation, I don't want that part of our ecosystem to be disturbed... I hope you understand :)

^^ All mega projects have environmental impact including San Juanico Bridge. If gov't will always listen to bleeding hearts like you, we won't have geothermal and oil explorations to speak of. You're contradicting yourself by being proud of SRP which was opposed by activists for environmental reasons. Same thing with LRT/MRT. Thank God people like Paul Villarente don't call the shots in national infra otherwise Metro Manila will be in total gridlock.

^^Yup, they all have environmental impact. So? dagdagan pa natin ang impact? SRP is different, before naging SRP yan hindi environment friendly yang coastal area na tinabunan ng SRP, puro basura ang coastline. FYI lang din, I'm part of the BRT advocacy campaign with Sir Paul kaya malabong malabo na maging pro MRT/LRT ako...:)

I don't understand, people in the south are complaining that most of the projects are concentrated in the capital...now, this is the opportunity for Cebu to get a big chunk but you don't support it.
Oo nga. First, they're dissing the LRT. Now they're saying they don't need the Cebu-Bohol bridge when Cebu forumers used to discuss how nice it would be to link the Visayas by bridges. Now they're demanding Manila to improve their airport. Baka mamaya nyan lagyan kayo ng Manila dyan ng mala-NAIA T3 na terminal tapos tanggihan nyo naman. What do you people really want? :wallbash:

^^Yup, they all have environmental impact. So? dagdagan pa natin ang impact? SRP is different, before naging SRP yan hindi environment friendly yang coastal area na tinabunan ng SRP, puro basura ang coastline. FYI lang din, I'm part of the BRT advocacy campaign with Sir Paul kaya malabong malabo na maging pro MRT/LRT ako...:)
Kung ganito ang reasoning mo, harangin mo na rin ang ibang infra wish list nyo gaya ng trasaxial highway para di madagdagan ang environmental impact. Huwag nyo na ring hangarin na matulad sa Hong Kong at Singapore ang Cebu dahil kung mas maraming gusali, dadami din ang tao at ang polusyon. :)

^^Hindi ibig sabihin na gusto namin ng share, gusto na din namin lahat ng klase ng infra itatayo sa Cebu. Gusto din namin ng limitation. Yan kase naiisip nyo e, kesho guusto namin ng share, sa Cebu nalang lahat ibuhos. Ofcourse kasali na din yung ibang mga provinces sa gusto namin na share.

Same question, galit kayo sa amin dahil para sa inyo gahaman kami, diba? So ba't ngayon gusto nyo na din na sa amin lahat mapunta?

Iniisip ko lang yung environment, kahit ano ano na ang sinasabi mo. :ohno:

Oo nga. First, they're dissing the LRT. Now they're saying they don't need the Cebu-Bohol bridge when Cebu forumers used to discuss how nice it would be to link the Visayas by bridges. Now they're demanding Manila to improve their airport. Baka mamaya nyan lagyan kayo ng Manila dyan ng mala-NAIA T3 na terminal tapos tanggihan nyo naman. What do you people really want? :wallbash:

Let me make things clear. Since when did we ask Manila to improve our airport? To PNoy perhaps and to the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

And unlike the Cebu-Bohol bridge, the modernization, expansion and renovation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport is SO MUCH feasible. We have been accepting more and more new direct flights from other countries. The airport existed since the 90's and it is just now that it'll see a major improvement on it's facilities. Remember, MCIA is probably the most not aesthetically and technologically improved airport among the MAIN INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS like NAIA and DMIA.

It's just high time for MCIA to have a face lift to be able to fare up with it's counterparts.

Kung ganito ang reasoning mo, harangin mo na rin ang ibang infra wish list nyo gaya ng trasaxial highway para di madagdagan ang environmental impact. Huwag nyo na ring hangarin na matulad sa Hong Kong at Singapore ang Cebu dahil kung mas maraming gusali, dadami din ang tao at ang polusyon. :)

may tama ka...:banana: :nuts::nuts: :lol:

Gusto din naaming bumalik sa maka lumang panahon, mind you :yes:

Let me make things clear. Since when did we ask Manila to improve our airport? To PNoy perhaps and to the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

And unlike the Cebu-Bohol bridge, the modernization, expansion and renovation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport is SO MUCH feasible. We have been accepting more and more new direct flights from other countries. The airport existed since the 90's and it is just now that it'll see a major improvement on it's facilities. Remember, MCIA is probably the most not aesthetically and technologically improved airport among the MAIN INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS like NAIA and DMIA.

It's just high time for MCIA to have a face lift to be able to fare up with it's counterparts.


I think mas maganda ang MCIA kesa sa DMIA. Maliit nga lang ang MCIA. Malaki lang ang NAIA.

Anyway, I'd vote for MCIA expansion and facelift and increase those regional flights!

I think mas maganda ang MCIA kesa sa DMIA. Maliit nga lang ang MCIA. Malaki lang ang NAIA.

Anyway, I'd vote for MCIA expansion and facelift and increase those regional flights!

Vote on this. Extend the wings (takeover that military apron besides the country has no air force to speak of), build two level roadway, improve the inside, have airport express into different parts of town, the ferry port etc. Cebu has better brand recognition in Europe, parts of Asia, expats than Manila. It is a natural gateway to the Visayas.

Here: :)
Matnog to Northern Samar. The yellow or the blue. Depending din sa FS, about sa depth ng dagat sa lugar.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/73/sorsogongoogle8.jpg

Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1251/surigaogoogle2.jpg

Very nice. Thanks again.:) BTW I prefer the yellow one. Very straightforward. Not sure what engineering marvels they need to do in order to get this done.

^^Iba iba naman talaga opinion natin sa mga bagay bagay. For me, IMO I see it that it is more beneficial if it will be built in Sorsogon. And being a person who supports environment preservation, I don't want that part of our ecosystem to be disturbed... I hope you understand :)

I'm with you on the highlighted text. Cebu and Bohol are more developed than Sorsogon. Maybe a shot in the arm for Sorsogon will work wonders for the betterment of the region and especially trade between Samar/Leyte and Luzon (Bicol in particular).

Oo nga. First, they're dissing the LRT. Now they're saying they don't need the Cebu-Bohol bridge when Cebu forumers used to discuss how nice it would be to link the Visayas by bridges. Now they're demanding Manila to improve their airport. Baka mamaya nyan lagyan kayo ng Manila dyan ng mala-NAIA T3 na terminal tapos tanggihan nyo naman. What do you people really want? :wallbash:

Ano bang pinagsasabe mo??.. Ginawa mo pang Visayas vs Manila project allocations debate to. :bash:

There is no need for this bridge, period!

Let me make things clear. Since when did we ask Manila to improve our airport? To PNoy perhaps and to the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

And unlike the Cebu-Bohol bridge, the modernization, expansion and renovation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport is SO MUCH feasible. We have been accepting more and more new direct flights from other countries. The airport existed since the 90's and it is just now that it'll see a major improvement on it's facilities. Remember, MCIA is probably the most not aesthetically and technologically improved airport among the MAIN INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS like NAIA and DMIA.

It's just high time for MCIA to have a face lift to be able to fare up with it's counterparts.

I don’t think he was referring to MANILA CITY but MANILA as the National Government. This is the norm every time someone refers to a particular National Government, i.e. Canberra, Wellington, KL, Bangkok, Washington DC. Just so we're clear I don't want this statement of mine to be use with Manila VS Cebu Childish Game again I am just making a point and I love Cebu and have nothing against with the People or the Place itself.

Seriously what's wrong with having that bridge between Cebu and Bohol? Environmental impact? In what sense? I dare anyone here who is against the bridge because of so called environmental impact to stop using ELECTRICITY, because most of our Power plants use Fossil Fuel.

There are other ways to build this bridge with minimal environmental impact. To think that we can build anything without Environmental Impact is tantamount to admitting ignorance. Example, if you are building your house and use concrete then you have environmental impact because of the things used to produce cement. All we can do is to minimize the effect to our environment due to our activities. I am pretty much sure that there are geniuses out there that can build this bridge with minimal environmental impact.

OT: I for one would love to see an expanded and renovated MCIA.

^^Sino ba ang dapat pag sabihan? Ang nag simula ng game og ang pangalawa na sumagot lang ng nag simula. Sa puntog ito pa lang, your point is already invalid and such an ignorant dahil hindi mo alam kung sino ang dapat unang pag sabihan.:ohno:


I say environmental impact pero kung maitatayo man hindi ibig sabihin na buong environment ng buong mundo ay masisira na. Kung mag back read ka I was stating na may iba pang MAS priority kesa sa project na to like for me the Sorsogon Samar link. And FYI, this thread is not a DARE game!... Galit yata sila dahit lang sa several of us don't like that bridge to be built muna. lol

-dp-

I don’t think he was referring to MANILA CITY but MANILA as the National Government. This is the norm every time someone refers to a particular National Government, i.e. Canberra, Wellington, KL, Bangkok, Washington DC. Just so we're clear I don't want this statement of mine to be use with Manila VS Cebu Childish Game again I am just making a point and I love Cebu and have nothing against with the People or the Place itself.

Seriously what's wrong with having that bridge between Cebu and Bohol? Environmental impact? In what sense? I dare anyone here who is against the bridge because of so called environmental impact to stop using ELECTRICITY, because most of our Power plants use Fossil Fuel.

There are other ways to build this bridge with minimal environmental impact. To think that we can build anything without Environmental Impact is tantamount to admitting ignorance. Example, if you are building your house and use concrete then you have environmental impact because of the things used to produce cement. All we can do is to minimize the effect to our environment due to our activities. I am pretty much sure that there are geniuses out there that can build this bridge with minimal environmental impact.

OT: I for one would love to see an expanded and renovated MCIA.

if mactan island is the jumping point for the cebu-bohol friendship bridge, the bridge traffic can add to the already congested mactan I and II bridges. before this bridge is feasible, mactan island has to be connected to mainland cebu via cebu city, mandaue, consolacion and talisay city by at least 2 or more bridges on the lapu-lapu city and cordova town. right now mactan I and II are just linking lapulapu and mandaue city only.

ang priority nang mga cebuanos karon is the expansion of mcia so that it can be used as the gateway to the visayas and mindanao for both domestic and international travelers (which may bypass naia), fast tract implementation of brt with a railway system lrt/mrt/monorail, construction of circumferential and transaxial hiways throughout the island and metro cebu area so that the entire province is linked directly to the metro.

President PNoy, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge. Isama mo na rin ang Cebu LRT.

ayon sa nabasa ko, hindi sang ayon si Pnoy sa Cebu Bohol bridge sa ngayon and as of now he is in favor of BRT.:okay:

Cebu needs infra developments and we chose those that are practical para yung sobra pwede pang gamitin sa ibang priorities like school buildings or sa ibang provinces. Most Cebuanos use their money sa mga bagay na mas nakakatipid.

Very nice. Thanks again.:) BTW I prefer the yellow one. Very straightforward. Not sure what engineering marvels they need to do in order to get this done.


Please take note of the Google rendering of that sea portion where the overlay (bridge) line is (18.07 kms, that is). It's colored "light blue" which indicate a rather deep water! That will possibly necessitate deep-water pile driving just to secure the span supports which I think is a hell-of-a-job!

^^Sino ba ang dapat pag sabihan? Ang nag simula ng game og ang pangalawa na sumagot lang ng nag simula. Sa puntog ito pa lang, your point is already invalid and such an ignorant dahil hindi mo alam kung sino ang dapat unang pag sabihan.:ohno:

I say environmental impact pero kung maitatayo man hindi ibig sabihin na buong environment ng buong mundo ay masisira na. Kung mag back read ka I was stating na may iba pang MAS priority kesa sa project na to like for me the Sorsogon Samar link. And FYI, this thread is not a DARE game!... Galit yata sila dahit lang sa several of us don't like that bridge to be built muna. lol

Ikaw ang mukhang galit hindi ako. Read my post again, try it like 10 times. I did clarify my observation and put it in a context so as not to generalize nor specify someone.

btw, OT na to. Kung gusto niyo maitayo yang bridge na yan, sa Bridge thread na po yan don sa Transpo and Infra sub forum mag discuss nyan...

Don't you think connecting the islands of Bohol and Cebu through bridges and Environmental Impact have direct relationship to Travel and Tourism. That is why we are talking about the expansion of MCIA here.

You seemed to be advertising the thing you are accusing me of and you are doing a good job at it.

if mactan island is the jumping point for the cebu-bohol friendship bridge, the bridge traffic can add to the already congested mactan I and II bridges. before this bridge is feasible, mactan island has to be connected to mainland cebu via cebu city, mandaue, consolacion and talisay city by at least 2 or more bridges on the lapu-lapu city and cordova town. right now mactan I and II are just linking lapulapu and mandaue city only.

ang priority nang mga cebuanos karon is the expansion of mcia so that it can be used as the gateway to the visayas and mindanao for both domestic and international travelers (which may bypass naia), fast tract implementation of brt with a railway system lrt/mrt/monorail, construction of circumferential and transaxial hiways throughout the island and metro cebu area so that the entire province is linked directly to the metro.


Agree. It will be more economical to expand MCIA first since it has good ROI rate. Then later they can do a comprehensive study of building the bridge to see if it is feasible and economical in the long run.

President PNoy, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge. Isama mo na rin ang Cebu LRT.

kinsa duna video clip atong the longest bridge in russia nga mora ug gi siezure?

Ikaw ang mukhang galit hindi ako. Read my post again, try it like 10 times. I did clarify my observation and put it in a context so as not to generalize nor specify someone.



Don't you think connecting the islands of Bohol and Cebu through bridges and Environmental Impact have direct relationship to Travel and Tourism. That is why we are talking about the expansion of MCIA here.

You seemed to be advertising the thing you are accusing me of and you are doing a good job at it.




Agree. It will be more economical to expand MCIA first since it has good ROI rate. Then later they can do a comprehensive study of building the bridge to see if it is feasible and economical in the long run.

outch, sakit sa tenga bro, naninigaw ka yata eh:hahaha:

yeah, agree din ako na mcia muna, the bridge as of now is not yet feasible financial :okay:

Cebu needs infra developments and we chose those that are practical para yung sobra pwede pang gamitin sa ibang priorities like school buildings or sa ibang provinces. Most Cebuanos use their money sa mga bagay na mas nakakatipid.
I get your point bay. :) What's your stand on the multi-billion transaxial highway then? Does it need to be built?

Oo nga. First, they're dissing the LRT. Now they're saying they don't need the Cebu-Bohol bridge when Cebu forumers used to discuss how nice it would be to link the Visayas by bridges. Now they're demanding Manila to improve their airport. Baka mamaya nyan lagyan kayo ng Manila dyan ng mala-NAIA T3 na terminal tapos tanggihan nyo naman. What do you people really want? :wallbash:

bat ba ang init-init ng ulo mo sa amin dito sa SSC? parang na-iimagine ko sa'yo, pag may nagpopost dito from SSC-Cebu, umiinit yung ulo mo, panay taas ng kilay mo! ano bang ginawa namin sayo para isipin mong iba sa amin dito ay bleeding hearts, na hindi mo lubos maintindihan kung bakit most of us here opposed that mega project! tanong ko lang din sayo? gaano mo ba kabisado ang Cebu? gaano mo ba ka-MAHAL ang Cebu? hindi porket sinabi naming lahat ng mega projects napupunta sa Metro Manila eh gusto na rin naming lahat na lang din ng mega projects ibubuhos sa Cebu! hindi porket nagrereklamo na kami, pababayaan na lang namin na maraming maapektuhan kasi nga hiniling namin at ginusto naming magkaroon ng mga bigating proyekto na kadalasan sa Manila lang makikita! hindi naman kami bobo dito para hindi magisip kung anong makakabuti sa Cebu at Bohol! hindi rin naman kami bobo para ipagwalang bahala yung mga bagay na maapektuhan. hindi naman kami bobo para tanggapin lang ng walang pagdadalawang isip ang mga proyekto kasi nga MEGA PROJECT ito na hiniling namin sa MANILA! sa amin lang, kung MEGA PROJECT din lang naman ang ibibigay ng Manila sa amin, make sure din naman na it answers also MEGA concerns especially that this project affects the rich seas of the Visayas which environmentalists says is MEGA diverse and MEGA rich!

and I just would like to clarify, the illustration which sir @slerz gave to us here is just his own perspective of the said friendship bridge. mayroon din akong nakikitang iba pang perspectives na hindi katulad sa ibinigay nya. there was even a perspective that directly starts at SRP all the way down to Tagbilaran! for me, that part of the sea is where you could find the world's ONLY double barrier reef!!! Now, only a Cebuano could feel and realize that from where he lives, the richness of his seas lives as well! I don't expect you to feel the same nor would you acknowledge it!

and don't try to compare your san juanico from this proposed bridge. at kung nagiisip ka rin lang ng tama, your San Juanico doesn't span many miles of rich marine ecosystems just like what they're dreaming for Cebu and Bohol. I dunno, but I do believe the seas between Cebu and Bohol and even Cebu and Negros are far more richer than the seas surrounding San Juanico so that you people there won't have any problems building that bridge! same goes with Mandaue and Mactan, do you expect that channel to breed a MEGA diverse marine ecosystem to not build those two bridges? magisip ka nga! WAG KA RING OA! :bash::bash::bash:

Oo nga. First, they're dissing the LRT. Now they're saying they don't need the Cebu-Bohol bridge when Cebu forumers used to discuss how nice it would be to link the Visayas by bridges. Now they're demanding Manila to improve their airport. Baka mamaya nyan lagyan kayo ng Manila dyan ng mala-NAIA T3 na terminal tapos tanggihan nyo naman. What do you people really want? :wallbash:

Cebu businessmen know better why they proposed that bridge. :) During typhoon or bad weather, people can still go to Bohol and vice-versa using the bridge.

Here's another example of a beautiful bridge in Indonesia. It connects Surabaya (2nd largest city of Indonesia) to Madura. It's 5.4 km long.
http://cabr-pe.com/admin/uploadpic/20071029181920522.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suramadu_Bridge

ayon sa nabasa ko, hindi sang ayon si Pnoy sa Cebu Bohol bridge sa ngayon and as of now he is in favor of BRT.:okay:

Cebu needs infra developments and we chose those that are practical para yung sobra pwede pang gamitin sa ibang priorities like school buildings or sa ibang provinces. Most Cebuanos use their money sa mga bagay na mas nakakatipid.

I think ang sinabi ni pinoy, very ambitious daw ang project na Cebu-Bohol bridge kaya hindi muna niya pagtutuunan ng pansin, pero kung kinakailangan, susuriin muna ito at hihingi ng tulong sa private sector kaya hindi naman sa talagang hindi sang ayon. Tama ka, supportive siya sa BRT.

Cebu businessmen know better why they proposed that bridge. :)

eh kung maitatayo man nila, what else we can do but support what they think is the best for Cebu.

Btw, if Cebu businessmen knows what is the best for Cebu doesn't mean we cannot present and express our ideas anymore at mali na dahil lang they know about the best for Cebu but imo not the whole thing about Cebu. They knows best about Cebu's business but IMO knows less about preserving environment.

Nasa kanya kanyang experties lang naman yan e pero one thing for sure, walang tao na expert sa lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito:)

the point of contention here is the location of the bridge it is kasi lahat ng mga perspectives nakikita ko, would greatly affect the fragile marine ecosystem of both provinces. most of us here don't want that bridge placed along rich fishing grounds and marine sanctuaries because it destroys the natural enviroment of the place. sige, payag na ako basta maghanap sila ng ibang rota na hindi maapektuhan ang mga ipinagmamalaking likas na yamang dagat between Cebu and Bohol.

what im also thinking is the shipping industry. for sure the industry would be greatly affected.

I know that Cebu has two beautiful bridges:

Marcelo Fernan bridge - 1.2 km.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Marcelo_Fernan_Bridge.jpg/800px-Marcelo_Fernan_Bridge.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Fernan_Bridge

Mactan - Mandaue Bridge - less than 1 km.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Mactan-Mandaue_Bridge.jpg/800px-Mactan-Mandaue_Bridge.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mactan-Mandaue_Bridge.jpg

Isn't it great to see another bridge from Cebu to Bohol - a 19 km. long?

I get your point bay. :) What's your stand on the multi-billion transaxial highway then? Does it need to be built?

Yes, bai. Personally, i see it very practical since it is not only about roads, but it also includes irrigation and wind turbine generators. Now between that Bohol-Cebu bridges and this transaxial highway, the latter is much favorable as an investment and as an infrastructure.

I guess, you know how to distinguish which proposals or projects that are economically viable and which are not. Mactan-Cebu Airport, transaxial highway, BRT, circumferential roads and irrigation systems....these are the kind of projects that I think, far more important than building Bohol-Cebu bridge.

As they say, it is better to eat the fruit when it is already ripe... :)

eh kung maitatayo man nila, what else we can do but support what they think is the best for Cebu.

Btw, if Cebu businessmen knows what is the best for Cebu doesn't mean we cannot present and express our ideas anymore at mali na dahil lang they know about the best for Cebu but imo not the whole thing about Cebu. They knows best about Cebu's business but IMO knows less about preserving environment.

Nasa kanya kanyang experties lang naman yan e pero one thing for sure, walang tao na expert sa lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito:)

oo nga. anong magagawa namin kung itatayo talaga. ordinaryong sugbuanon lang kami. sino ba naman kami para pakinggan ng mga taong namamahala! basta ang importante sa amin, maibahagi sa inyo ang mga punto rin namin kung bakit hindi kami sangayon sa MEGA PROJECT na yan. pero hindi ibig sabihin na porket hindi kami sangayon, may mga taong hinuhusgahan na kami. anyways, I already clarified myself that the ONLY way I would support this project is that if it would be placed somewhere else. ;)

I know that Cebu has two beautiful bridges: Marcelo Fernan bridge - 1.2 km.
Mactan - Mandaue Bridge - less than 1 km.
Isn't it great to see another bridge from Cebu to Bohol - a 19 km. long?
http://cabr-pe.com/admin/uploadpic/20071029181920522.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suramadu_Bridge
OOH YEAH. BRING IT ON! :banana:

bat ba ang init-init ng ulo mo sa amin dito sa SSC? parang na-iimagine ko sa'yo, pag may nagpopost dito from SSC-Cebu, umiinit yung ulo mo, panay taas ng kilay mo! ano bang ginawa namin sayo para isipin mong iba sa amin dito ay bleeding hearts, na hindi mo lubos maintindihan kung bakit most of us here opposed that mega project! tanong ko lang din sayo? gaano mo ba kabisado ang Cebu? gaano mo ba ka-MAHAL ang Cebu? hindi porket sinabi naming lahat ng mega projects napupunta sa Metro Manila eh gusto na rin naming lahat na lang din ng mega projects ibubuhos sa Cebu! hindi porket nagrereklamo na kami, pababayaan na lang namin na maraming maapektuhan kasi nga hiniling namin at ginusto naming magkaroon ng mga bigating proyekto na kadalasan sa Manila lang makikita! hindi naman kami bobo dito para hindi magisip kung anong makakabuti sa Cebu at Bohol! hindi rin naman kami bobo para ipagwalang bahala yung mga bagay na maapektuhan. hindi naman kami bobo para tanggapin lang ng walang pagdadalawang isip ang mga proyekto kasi nga MEGA PROJECT ito na hiniling namin sa MANILA! sa amin lang, kung MEGA PROJECT din lang naman ang ibibigay ng Manila sa amin, make sure din naman na it answers also MEGA concerns especially that this project affects the rich seas of the Visayas which environmentalists says is MEGA diverse and MEGA rich!

and I just would like to clarify, the illustration which sir @slerz gave to us here is just his own perspective of the said friendship bridge. mayroon din akong nakikitang iba pang perspectives na hindi katulad sa ibinigay nya. there was even a perspective that directly starts at SRP all the way down to Tagbilaran! for me, that part of the sea is where you could find the world's ONLY double barrier reef!!! Now, only a Cebuano could feel and realize that from where he lives, the richness of his seas lives as well! I don't expect you to feel the same nor would you acknowledge it!

and don't try to compare your san juanico from this proposed bridge. at kung nagiisip ka rin lang ng tama, your San Juanico doesn't span many miles of rich marine ecosystems just like what they're dreaming for Cebu and Bohol. I dunno, but I do believe the seas between Cebu and Bohol and even Cebu and Negros are far more richer than the seas surrounding San Juanico so that you people there won't have any problems building that bridge! same goes with Mandaue and Mactan, do you expect that channel to breed a MEGA diverse marine ecosystem to not build those two bridges? magisip ka nga! WAG KA RING OA! :bash::bash::bash:
You people just don't realize how lucky you are. :ohno: How I wish that bridge is built between Matnog & N. Samar para land trip na lang kami all the way to Luzon. How I wish yung proposed LRT nyo gawin na lang rail project dito sa amin sa Region 8 para madali nang mapuntahan ang Samar.

By the way, parang ikaw dyan ang mas mainit ang ulo. Chilax lang dong, we're just discussing things here.

I think this is turning into a road infrastructure discussions folks. Althought the bridge being discussed about has some relevance in tourism, we veering away for what the thread or discussion is intended.

@bai slermarken and @flash... I read you guy's post earlier and I think there was a little bit of misunderstanding. They were both very constuctive but I noticed that the two of you did not actually meet eye to eye, I dont think Flash was telling you off or critisizing you or anybody else. Sometimes, messages in writing can be misinterpreted because we didn't hear how the words are expressed truely, i mean, no real expressions and such. Just thought I'd mention this.

I think this is turning into a road infrastructure discussions folks. Althought the bridge being discussed about has some relevance in tourism, we veering away for what the thread or discussion is intended.

.

A bit of deviation but the intention is about travel and tourism since the bridge would connect the two important tourist destinations of the country....Cebu and Bohol.

You people just don't realize how lucky you are. :ohno: How I wish that bridge is built between Matnog & N. Samar para land trip na lang kami all the way to Luzon. How I wish yung proposed LRT nyo gawin na lang rail project dito sa amin sa Region 8 para madali nang mapuntahan ang Samar.

By the way, parang ikaw dyan ang mas mainit ang ulo. Chilax lang dong, we're just discussing things here.

I understand your sentiment, bai. Pero sabi nga nang kasabihan - "Kung maigsi ang kumot, dapat matuto kang mamaluktot. At kung mahaba-haba na, pwede ka nang uunat-unat".

Maigsi pa ang kumot natin ngayon, so we have to be careful and wise with our investments... :) Lisod kaayo nang project nga pinugos. Ang resulta ana, kay half-baked.

You people just don't realize how lucky you are. :ohno: How I wish that bridge is built between Matnog & N. Samar para land trip na lang kami all the way to Luzon. How I wish yung proposed LRT nyo gawin na lang rail project dito sa amin sa Region 8 para madali nang mapuntahan ang Samar.

By the way, parang ikaw dyan ang mas mainit ang ulo. Chilax lang dong, we're just discussing things here.

so, you better start asking your congressmen there to build those things! bat kami pa ang trinitripan mo ng mga mapanghusgang remarks! if you really want those things, tell it to your congressmen and not judge us just because you believe your place cant have one! wag mong isali ang Cebu sa mga balak mo!

^^ Doesn't it occur to you that I would love Cebu to have that bridge and LRT? And since you're talking about cost benefit analysis, mas bagay sa Cebu ang mga ganitong mega projects. Gets nimo dong?

^^ Doesn't it occur to you that I would love Cebu to have that bridge and LRT? And since you're talking about cost benefit analysis, mas bagay sa Cebu ang mga ganitong mega projects. Gets nimo dong?

but you dont have the right to make sarcastic and judgemental remarks against us just because we have different opinions and that our place is more viable and yours is NOT!

I understand your sentiment, bai. Pero sabi nga nang kasabihan - "Kung maigsi ang kumot, dapat matuto kang mamaluktot. At kung mahaba-haba na, pwede ka nang uunat-unat".

Maigsi pa ang kumot natin ngayon, so we have to be careful and wise with our investments... :) Lisod kaayo nang project nga pinugos. Ang resulta ana, kay half-baked.

If our thinking is always like that, we would not have SCTEX, TPLEX, MRT/LRT, new airports....the plan for high speed rail, monorail, and other big ticket projects. I suggest we should be forward looking...

^^ TAMA! TUMPAK!

but you dont have the right to make sarcastic and judgemental remarks against us just because we have different opinions and that our place is more viable and yours is NOT!
That's beside the point.

That's beside the point.

no! sometimes that's the point! you getting out of line makes you disrespectful and insensitive!

Can't you people just get along? You are all Filipinos!

If our thinking is always like that, we would not have SCTEX, TPLEX, MRT/LRT, new airports....the plan for high speed rail, monorail, and other big ticket projects. I suggest we should be forward looking...

That is why, we welcome the proposal of BRT, transaxial highway(we are so itching to have this one), tunnel connecting Mactan and Cebu and expansion of Mactan-Cebu Airport. No. Don't misunderstand me as Cebu-centric.

I also welcome the Panglao Airport. If Bohol has the plan to put expressways or BRT or LRT, then so be it.

It's very ironic to see this very long bridge, the first of it's kind in Philippines, and yet both Bohol and Cebu do not even have decent expressways... :)

but you dont have the right to make sarcastic and judgemental remarks against us just because we have different opinions and that our place is more viable and yours is NOT!
Ayun naman pala, inamin mo rin na viable ang bridge at LRT. :D Ano pang pinagpuputok ng butsi mo?

Excuse me lang bay @sleep, please enlighten me. The Cebu-Mactan tunnel (underwater bridge) is viable but the Cebu-Bohol bridge is not? :nuts:

Excuse me lang bay @sleep, please enlighten me. The Cebu-Mactan tunnel (underwater bridge) is viable but the Cebu-Bohol bridge is not? :nuts:

Yes. The span difference between the two is obviously very big. Not mentioning that Bohol-Cebu bridge will affect some marine ecosystems.

There are still a lot of things Bohol and Cebu need other than this friendship bridge.

Ayun naman pala, inamin mo rin na viable ang bridge at LRT. :D Ano pang pinagpuputok ng butsi mo?

^^
bitaw dong! suya lang ka kay among lugar viable pero dili lang mi ganahan kay pilian man mi ug ang imong lugar dili pero tanan ampay kaayo nimo! :hilarious

^^ Translation: Inggit ka lang kasi mas viable ang lugar namin pero ayaw lang namin kasi mapili kami at ang lugar mo hindi (viable) kaya gusto mo lahat (ng projects).

Look who's sounding judgmental now. :bash:

That is why, we welcome the proposal of BRT, transaxial highway(we are so itching to have this one), tunnel connecting Mactan and Cebu and expansion of Mactan-Cebu Airport. No. Don't misunderstand me as Cebu-centric.

I also welcome the Panglao Airport. If Bohol has the plan to put expressways or BRT or LRT, then so be it.

It's very ironic to see this very long bridge, the first of it's kind in Philippines, and yet both Bohol and Cebu do not even have decent expressways... :)

Let's just support this bridge. Please don't think of Cebu only like you want the Cebu - Mactan sea tunnel, but think of Bohol, and the country as well. The economic benefits of this bridge.

^^ Translation: Inggit ka lang kasi mas viable ang lugar namin pero ayaw lang namin kasi mapili kami at ang lugar mo hindi (viable).

Look who's sounding judgmental now. :bash:


hahahaha :hilarious thanks for the translation but missed out something! but anyways payts na kana! :lol:

at least you get to experience how its like to be judged! diba! :lol:

hahahaha :hilarious thanks for the translation! :lol:

at least you get to experience how its like to be judged! diba! :lol:

^^ Translation: Inggit ka lang kasi mas viable ang lugar namin pero ayaw lang namin kasi mapili kami at ang lugar mo hindi (viable).

Look who's sounding judgmental now. :bash:

I guess both of you had prior misunderstanding and it now reflects here.....

Ay naku, here we go again. The "us" versus "them" argument. Minsan nakakasawa na magdiscuss ng isang probinsya dito, kasi whatever comment others will post will always be taken as an offense, tapos maghahanap ng kakampi at mangunguyog pa. There are over 70 other provinces in the Philippines, let us talk about the tourism opportunities na lang ng ibang probinsya.

You are a great guy Sleepwalker, thanks for trying to balance things here. :)

Wanch, time to clean up this thread before another all out war happens. Pretty please? Thanks! Talagang nakakasawa na.



Anyway.....


I have heard that there is a Bird Convention in Davao, any details on this?

Let's just support this bridge. Please don't think of Cebu only like you want the Cebu - Mactan sea tunnel, but think of Bohol, and the country as well. The economic benefits of this bridge.

Seems you misunderstood me Sir. That is why, i put "do not misunderstand me".

Yes, i just speak of the projects for Cebu. Because I am from Cebu and I am only aware about Cebu's. Bohol may have projects too and am totally supportive for them too.

Which one will have bigger economic impact on both provinces. Having this bridge for Php20 billion? Or having each Php10 billion to make a better irrigation system, better highways, sufficient power supply, bridges/tunnels (for Mactan and Cebu/for Tagbilaran and Panglao).

Questioning the viability of the projects is also a way of supporting our country, IMHO. :)

Anyway, in the end, it's our officials' call. But i hope, if they will implement this bridge, they'll do it carefully. We do love our dolphins... :)

hahahaha :hilarious thanks for the translation but missed out something! but anyways payts na kana! :lol:

at least you get to experience how its like to be judged! diba! :lol:
Whatever... :drool:

^^ :hilarious:puke:

http://www.birdwatch.ph/images/siteassets/headerphoto44.jpg

Asian Bird Fair to take place September 24 and 25, 2010 (http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=603:asian-bird-fair-to-take-place-september-24-and-25-2010&catid=65:acb-news&Itemid=92)


DAVAO City will be the venue of the first ever Asian Bird Fair to take place September 24 and 25, 2010.

Six national bird watching groups from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China and the Philippines will join forces to organize this year's affair centered on the Philippine Eagle. Major activities include birdwatching trip to Philippine Eagle habitats as well as habitats of migratory birds, and scientific lectures by international authorities. This year's hosts are the Wild Bird Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

http://www.birdwatch.ph/images/gallery/eleganttit2.jpg

More info can be obtained from http://www.birdwatch.ph/index.html

Lawrence M. Liao

^^It's just befitting to have this event in Davao. It is the home to our magnificient monkey-eating eagle. And Davao deserves the right to tell the success story on how we prevented our Eagle from becoming extinct... :)

^^It's just befitting to have this event in Davao. It is the home to our magnificient monkey-eating eagle. And Davao deserves the right to tell the success story on how we prevented our Eagle from becoming extinct... :)

Truth to tell, there are Philippine eagles all over the country as well. I actually saw one in Zambales last year. In the wild. I think birdwatching is a great ecotourism initiative. There are many birdwatching sites all over the country- Candaba, Pampanga; Bataan; Olango Island, Cebu;and many others, even Metro Manila! :)

I went birdwatching once in Bataan. Ang galing talaga, and you can see the community effort to preserve nature...

^^Well, Davao has successfully protected our eagles... :cheers:

^^
bitaw dong! suya lang ka kay among lugar viable pero dili lang mi ganahan kay pilian man mi ug ang imong lugar dili pero tanan ampay kaayo nimo! :hilarious

Exactly! Cebuanos will have no right to impose on what projects to do in Ormoc and vice versa! To each his own, that is! Ug motuwad mo, tuwad lang mo sa inyo, basta dili lang mo mamugos ug ingon unsa maoy angay diri sa among Cebu!
(Translation: "If you wanted to turn over your body, go ahead and bend over in your place, just don't you force us to accept what you think is good for our beloved Cebu!" - sakto ba?)

^^ And you are?

^^Well, Davao has successfully protected our eagles... :cheers:

I agree.. I wanted to visit the Philippine Eagle Centre in Los Banos pero nagsara na sila..

I guess both of you had prior misunderstanding and it now reflects here.....

You know, I agree with you somehow. I think ormoc's intention was good, but it's just the way he express his personal opinion. I don't think our Cebuano brothers should react all too negatively because he was not really bashing Cebu, he was infact jealous that there is a plan like that for Cebu and Bohol. My only thing with Ormoc is to somehow accept what the Cebuanos are saying because they do know what is good for themselves. Even Pnoy administration recognized that it is infact a very ambitious project and the filipino people can't really afford it yet FOR THE TIME BEING. I think that should be respected.

I understand what the Cebuanos are saying, it's not a bad thing, it's actually a concern not just for Cebuanos but all the filipino people( if we stop and think for a minute) because it would have to come from tax payers money if the government is unable to come up with a budget to pay the builders and compensate the investors. That is fair and square, let's just leave it at that. I do happen to agree with the Cebuanos on this issue because it is something we can't really afford at this time. It is a dream project, but if it will cost our arms and legs to have this project, we should just wait until the appropriate time for it. Meanwhile, a project that is equally as beneficial and is needed to be prioritized, should be acted on first.

@ormocanon and @mainstream, tanong lang, gusto niyong ma ban?

@mwg, thanks.:)

Exactly! Cebuanos will have no right to impose on what projects to do in Ormoc and vice versa! To each his own, that is! Ug motuwad mo, tuwad lang mo sa inyo, basta dili lang mo mamugos ug ingon unsa maoy angay diri sa among Cebu!
(Translation: "If you wanted to turn over your body, go ahead and bend over in your place, just don't you force us to accept what you think is good for our beloved Cebu!" - sakto ba?)

true!

@slemarken: i don't care. its up to them.

^^ok, wag mong sisihin ang sarili mo kumg mangyari man yun. Ok?

Anyway, let's continue posting news about Philippine tourism...

Ay naku, here we go again. The "us" versus "them" argument. Minsan nakakasawa na magdiscuss ng isang probinsya dito, kasi whatever comment others will post will always be taken as an offense, tapos maghahanap ng kakampi at mangunguyog pa. There are over 70 other provinces in the Philippines, let us talk about the tourism opportunities na lang ng ibang probinsya.

You are a great guy Sleepwalker, thanks for trying to balance things here. :)

Wanch, time to clean up this thread before another all out war happens. Pretty please? Thanks! Talagang nakakasawa na.



Anyway.....


I have heard that there is a Bird Convention in Davao, any details on this?

I can do that but I have no control in this section. I'm a HK mod not a Phil one.

I can do that but I have no control in this section. I'm a HK mod not a Phil one.

Oh... Kiretoce maybe? Or Hakz?? hello??? These unnecessary Phils/Manila/(insert province here) vs. Cebu arguments are getting old.

Thanks to mwg12a, Sleepwalker and Wanch for being voices of reason here. :cheers:

Now can we go back to regular programming? Anyone who has figures of tourist arrivals by countries of origin?

^^yup, as I've said don na nga lang pag usapan ang bridge na yan sa transpo.

Anyway, mainit lang talaga ang issue coz this proj is big. Another topic naman, wag nalang yung bridge:)

Oh... Kiretoce maybe? Or Hakz?? hello??? These unnecessary Phils/Manila/(insert province here) vs. Cebu arguments are getting old.

Thanks to mwg12a, Sleepwalker and Wanch for being voices of reason here. :cheers:

Now can we go back to regular programming? Anyone who has figures of tourist arrivals by countries of origin?
di naman, pinag aaway mo ang buong Pilipinas at Cebu e.:lol:
rephrase:
These unnecessary Phils/Manila/(insert province here)/Cebu vs (any city)

nagkataon lang na Cebu ang pinag usapan ngayon :okay:

^^yup, as I've said don na nga lang pag usapan ang bridge na yan sa transpo.

Anyway, mainit lang talaga ang issue coz this proj is big. Another topic naman, wag nalang yung bridge:)



^^ Ganoon ba yan, pag malaking project mas malakas ang sapakan?? :rofl: Biro lang ha huwag ninyo akong sapakin sabay sabay baka magalit ang alter ego ko at maging Increadible Hulk na bumbay ako, sige kayo, sumasakay sa magic carpet and indian version na incredicle hulk :lol: Tapos hindi na kayo makakautang ng 5-6 , at mawawalaan pa kayo ng payong at kulambo, kayo din ang lalamokin he he

yeah xxxrainxxx, I am also intersted to find out the figures of tourist arrival from other countries. I am sure the HK tourist will be down for a little while, I am sure they would still come back in the future once things settled down. I would be worried if the Korean and Japanese tourist arrival is down because they comprise the bigger part of the tourism industry. It seems like, everywhere you go, you'd see Korean tourist here and there, from Manila Cebu to Davao. The government should really insure safety by giving these tourists or their country our utmost assurance for their well being while they are vacationing into the country. Which means, complete overhaul of PNP and SWAT teams, and reassess their training strategies even if it means to send some of them overseas for proper trainig so they can train the Philippine police on their return.

^^ Meron ka na bang tourism figures bai (Slemarken)? I hope meron pang tourism brochures ang embassy dito sa Hanoi, kasi magdadala ako dun sa Siem Reap, mangmumudmod ako sa mga shops na mayari ay Pinoy. hehe

Funny how discussions here can spiral down so quickly into turf war :). These forums were originally meant for serious discussions on skyscrapers and what a change it has been since (sigh). If we can't have mature discussions here, what else is there to talk about? There are other forums out there for nonsensical conversations and let us spare our tirades in the neighborhoods where we live.

Oh... Kiretoce maybe? Or Hakz?? hello??? These unnecessary Phils/Manila/(insert province here) vs. Cebu arguments are getting old.

Thanks to mwg12a, Sleepwalker and Wanch for being voices of reason here. :cheers:

Now can we go back to regular programming? Anyone who has figures of tourist arrivals by countries of origin?

Guys, you're all Filipinos. Instead of trying to outdo each others' province, think about how you can compete with countries like Indonesia, Vietnam who have already overtaken the country in terms of tourism arrivals. Even far off countries in Africa are already seeing the potential of tourism which is why they are heavily advertising in CNN, BBC and other international networks. The DOT has its own budget to promote the country, even PAL promotes all the tourist spots by way of its calendars, websites, TV and radio ads (if there still are), and even you who are bloggers do so. Every province has its own little place under the tourism sun. So let's work together to cross-promote each other's tourist spots.

^^ Meron ka na bang tourism figures bai (Slemarken)? I hope meron pang tourism brochures ang embassy dito sa Hanoi, kasi magdadala ako dun sa Siem Reap, mangmumudmod ako sa mga shops na mayari ay Pinoy. hehe

Hmmm...these are what I use (http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/TourismResearch.aspx), although figures are only for the first five months of 2010. The DOT website is quite slow to update stats on a monthly basis. I'm sure you've seen these already sometime in the past...

^^even CAMBODIA is also becoming a tourist hotspot coz of its world famous Anchor Wat. Always featured in NatGeo and TLC.

^^ Meron ka na bang tourism figures bai (Slemarken)? I hope meron pang tourism brochures ang embassy dito sa Hanoi, kasi magdadala ako dun sa Siem Reap, mangmumudmod ako sa mga shops na mayari ay Pinoy. hehe

Slerz lang po itawag mo sakin, SLE of SLEmarken,hehe.

Di ko pa na search yung 2010. Yung 2009 na figures pa lang. Parang na post ko yun sa recent pages dito.

Truth to tell, there are Philippine eagles all over the country as well. I actually saw one in Zambales last year. In the wild. I think birdwatching is a great ecotourism initiative. There are many birdwatching sites all over the country- Candaba, Pampanga; Bataan; Olango Island, Cebu;and many others, even Metro Manila! :)

I went birdwatching once in Bataan. Ang galing talaga, and you can see the community effort to preserve nature...

The one in Candaba is also good.

^^even CAMBODIA is also becoming a tourist hotspot coz of its world famous Anchor Wat. Always featured in NatGeo and TLC.



Slerz lang po itawag mo sakin, SLE of SLEmarken,hehe.

Di ko pa na search yung 2010. Yung 2009 na figures pa lang. Parang na post ko yun sa recent pages dito.

It is more than Angkor Wat. There are also the killing fields. Cambodia has a very dark history especially during the 1970s.

But again, Angkor Wat is a true marvel it is worth seeing.

As for The Philippines, the country has its natural marvels as well and they are worth promoting internationally.

^^yup, nakaka iyak yung story of that killing field lalo na yung sa may bandang puno na nilagyan ng malalakas na speakers para di marinig yung mga kawawang biktima at yung mga maraming dig outs ng mga mass graves... In the end, of this new generation of Cambodia, Cambodians always say that they are very proud to be Cambodians... The Anchor Wat is the biggest place of worship around the worl. How luck they are they have that treasure that is the symbol of this growing nation.:)

President PNoy, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge, pls. make the Cebu-Bohol bridge. Isama mo na rin ang Cebu LRT.

I noticed you are always against on what we think is right for our island...pasuya og bugal bugal man nang imo dong! ayawg pataka, hindi ibig sabihin na dahil malaking project ito at makakatanggap na kami nang malaking parte from the national, tatalon talon na kaagad kami, hindi kami mga ignorante and we weigh things first before agreeing with it...for now there is no problem traveling from Cebu to bohol and the shipping industry connecting both islands is vibrant and satisfactory. Plus the environmental factors, that should be considered...... There are other things that need more attention for now...MCIA needs a major facelift and expansion because of the growing international arrivals, BRT, widening of major roads in metro cebu because we are becoming more congested, proper urban planning and decent mass housing for the poor.. thats what we need! oki?...so that if these things will be done we wont follow the footsteps and mistakes of Metro Manila.. :):cheers:

Kayaks away!

Written by Benjamin Layug
Wednesday, 22 September 2010 11:09

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2010/September2010/09232010/life01.jpg

Nowadays, the recreational sport of kayaking is popular among thrill-seeking individuals, as well as families, out for relaxation in the seas, rivers and lakes that surround or are enclosed by our country’s 7,100 islands.

This environment-friendly sport is not new to me as I have explored, using kayaks, the Marabut Islands in Samar (with my son Jandy) and crossed over to Malipano Island in Pearl Farm Resort, Davao (with the whole family). It’s small wonder then that I accepted an invitation to cover the first leg of Philippine Kayaking Series (where the BusinessMirror is a media sponsor) held on May 29 and 30 at the exclusive Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club (a 320-hectare leisure development by Ayala Land in Morong, Bataan) and Subic Bay Freeport Zone. I again brought along, as kayak partner, my son Jandy. Dubbed the “Canon Powershot Kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay!,” this kayak marathon, organized by Val Camara (Philippine Kayaking Association president) and wife Didi, played host to 150 elite athletes, including coorganizer Kayakasia Singapore’s Cher Huey and his 10-man delegation. Aside from organizing major kayaking events and adventure packages and pushing awareness of the sport, Val and Didi are pioneers in the manufacture of polyethylene sit-on kayaks in the country. According to Val, the Philippine Kayaking Series aims to professionalize kayaking (from being leisurely and recreational activity enjoyed only by vacationers or tourists, it has now evolved to a distance and channel-crossing sport) by creating a rating system for the athletes.

After a four-hour trip (via Nlex and Sctex), we arrived at the Subic boardwalk in time for the arrival of 40 advanced-class kayakers who took off for the 25-kilometer first leg (estimated time of completion was two to two-and-a-half hours) from Anvaya Cove. Once all kayakers were in, lunch was served. Later, an Aeta group, led by Tata Kasoy, did a native-dance number and a jungle-survival training demo (including how to start a fire, make cooking utensils, cooking food, etc.) using the versatile bamboo. Next on the agenda was a kayaking clinic (teaching the basic skills) hosted by Val, and the novice race, done in two heats, for first-timer kayakers (including car-racing driver Gaby de la Merced) on tandem sit-on sea kayaks. Jandy and I joined the second heat which included Fr. Stephen Olario, a 46-year-old priest from Cagayan de Oro. The novice race was won, with a time of nine minutes and 33 seconds, by Alfie Argana (a beauty-and-wellness spa manager from Cagayan de Oro City) and her 10-year-old son Lance. Second were Karem Miranda and Neil de la Merced (brother of Gaby), followed by the pair of Kate Edrosolam and Patrick Hong. As expected, we finished last. Well, good guys finish last.

After this, the second 25-kilometer leg, from Subic Bay back to Anvaya Cove, was on its way. To meet them, we drove all the way to Anvaya Cove. First in was the duo of Romeo Castro and Alexis Atutubo (clocking an impressive time of 3:48:35), followed by Edward de Vera and Raven Qua, while in third were Ranessa Santos (Anvaya Cove activity manager) and Mark Broncales (Anvaya lifeguard). Cher Huey (who arrived an hour late for the race due to an oversubscribed plane booking) and his Filipino partner still managed to place a respectable seventh (with a time of 4:37:14). The day’s culminating activity was the Anvaya Cove Barrio Fiesta, which featured a dinner buffet of local cuisine and Filipino dances and music. This was followed by the awarding of prizes, emceed by Lito Cinco, for the top three finishers, which included Canon underwater cameras, airline tickets from Cebu Pacific, Red Bull gift packs, outdoor items from ROX and the Primer Group, David’s Salon gift certificates, Mojos sandals, magazine subscriptions from Action Asia, and overnight accommodations at Subic Bay International Hotel (where we stayed overnight) and Caylabne Bay Resort. Later, five locals did some brave kayaking, in the moonlight, over Subic Bay.

The next day was the ecotour, which featured more kayaking, this time leisurely. Again, with Jandy, we kayaked all the way to SBMA Mangrove Beach, making landfall ingloriously, though, as a freak wave capsized our kayak. Our mangrove tree-planting here did not push through as the low tide marooned all participants on the beach.

Too tired to kayak, we were, instead towed by motorboat to barangay Sabang (a favored hatching area of sea turtles, or pawikan) in Morong, where the local fishing community feted our group with homemade galunggong cuisine. Later, an environmental presentation by Ka Resty, who heads the local association of fishermen, on saving the coral reefs and sea turtles highlighted the conservation program being undertaken by nongovernment organizations in Sabang.

In Photo: The novice race gets under way.


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/1587-kayaks-away

The Other Side of the Mountain

A weekend getaway where the water kisses the sky
By ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ
September 22, 2010, 10:13am


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/pl_0.jpg

Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp hosts a variety of activities, especially horseback riding. (Photo by JEFFREY LOZANO)

Who doesn’t want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life? A lot of times we just want to crawl into a hole and pull the hole in after us, if only it were possible. A more enjoyable solution would be a few days away in some secluded place, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The only trouble with that is that we have become so used to all our creature comforts that the serenity and beauty of nature simply can’t be enough for us now.

Last week, I got an invitation from a friend to go to a resort in Batangas. But who wants to go swimming on a rainy season? I don’t mind going out of town on a weekend but to travel for two hours just to take a plunge into a swimming pool, I’d rather stay home and curl up in front of my TV. Then I heard magic words ‘waterfalls, giant mudslide, trekking!’ I finally said yes to the invitation.

In nature’s arms

Plying the new route going to Tagaytay City, it took us less than two hours to reach Laurel, Batangas where diverse fun and nature escapades await us. But before reaching the town of Laurel, we enjoyed the magnificent view of Taal Volcano.

Then, we arrived at the Amansinaya Mountain Resorts, a 342-hectare resort that flaunts an outdoor adventure that is sure to catch your breath. Amansinaya Mountain Resorts offers a magical escape amidst a backdrop of mountains and lush forests. The resort is a perfect symmetry of water and land and is sure to attract people who are looking forward to a refreshing getaway.

According to its president Ma. Charina Garcia, “Amansinaya is the name of a goddess which guards the seas, taking the legend and making it real, its beauty and magnificence form the legend that is Amansinaya. We envision Amansinaya to become the center of water attraction and nature adventure on this side of the country and the queen of all resorts atop the mountains among nature’s arms. It offers a unique resort setting that offers never-before-seen water activities that both young and young-at-heart will enjoy.”

Amansinaya is not just a resort for splashing and sun bathing. If you are up to adventure, you will surely be entertained by the resort’s challenging and fear-defying outdoor facilities! If you are trying to get the old college gang together or planning a family reunion, or you want to infuse your company with new life - with a breath of fresh air, you don’t have to go so far to enjoy your bonding moments with your loved ones.

One of the highlights of Amansinaya is its 700 square meter pool surrounded by a wide array of exciting activities, a variety of fun play equipment, games, and inflatables. The many water games can be played with the whole family or big groups.

Some of the water activities that everyone can enjoy are cold potato, water limbo, musical sprinkler, water balloon volley, water brigade, bucket brigade, fabulous frozen feet, and water war. With giant trampoline, paddle boats, water roller, water ball, giant basketball, animal play, giant frog slide, and water basketball it’s not only the kids that will fall in love with the water activities in Amansinaya, but everyone in the family!

Adventure Camp

And for those who are looking for more fruitful adventure, the guests can try the Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp, which is in the vicinity of Amansinaya Mountain Resorts. It features a series of carefully-designed obstacle courses that are interactive in which, families/groups directly address the issues of leadership, teamwork, communication, outside-the-box thinking, diversity, risk, commitment, and much more — all in a safe, contained environment and all in a relatively brief time span. And you won’t believe how many activities you and your team can enjoy like the Sumo Challenge, Gladiator Challenge, Jordan Ladder, Takeshi’s Wall, Tarzan Swing, Chicken Walk, Mud Slide, Wall Climbing, and Zip line. As the challenges progress, each will learn to explore risk, identify leadership qualities, learn the value of communication, problem solving, and coaching. Each type of challenge is intended to highlight a certain value, such as the Takeshi’s Wall for unity.
“Perhaps better than any other corporate event, adventure team building improves communication problems, strengthens leadership skills, and helps with problem-solving, decision-making; this kind of teambuilding is perfect to strengthen ties between employee-employee-employer relationship towards acheiving a common end for the company,” Garcia added.

Garcia also stressed that Pugad Lawin can offer a change of pace to your team, get them out of the office, and teach them new skills through a variety of different means. “Our facilities let you break away from traditional four-walled team buildings and seminars to motivate your employees to face the maze of the corporate world. Reinforce positive outlook from your team. Build your cofidence and be the person that you should be-- facing challenges whether the ropes are loose or tight,” she beamed.

Meanwhile, complementing Amansinaya’s water adventure and Pugad Lawin’s spine-thrilling activities is the varied lodging facilities From petite cabanas that can accommodate at least six persons to large cabanas that can hold 40 people, Amansinaya also boasts of its luxurious Casatels for families and groups and even couples who wish to prolong their stay for more enjoyable and intimate moments with your loved ones.

“The Casatel is the first in the industry,” Garcia explained with pride and excitement in articulating the Casatel product while adding, “A Casatel is a condotel according to available definitions. It is distinct in its physical attributes -- not too big but it is intimately sized. Only eight units to a building, it provides the luxurious-first class hotel/ condo living while enjoying the natural backdrop of the great outdoors and everything that is laid back and priceless right at the comforts of your own dream vacation home.”

“The Casatel’s uniqueness lies in the fact that only few units are knitted closely to provide that desired level of intimacy,” Garcia added.

Glorious food!

And to complete everyone’s itinerary for a rewarding and fulfilling trip is a stop to a delightful restaurant that will suffice your discriminating taste buds. Amansinaya Montain Resorts features Patio Filipino, the home of best adobo in the country.

“You don’t have to go outside the resort if you want to enjoy delectable dishes. This is one thing that we want to be known for – foodie hub,” Garcia said adding, “Patio Filipino serves signature dishes like bukoron (turon made from fresh buko), and of course the different versions of adobo. Aside from its delectable dishes, Patio Filipino is also the best place to hold intimate gatherings. With a seating capacity of 100 inside the restaurant, tables and chairs can be set up in near the swimming pool and bahay kubos. The guests will be awed with the magnificent view of Ambon-ambon falls and fall in love again with the romantic ambience that Patio Filipino promises.”

What more should you ask for? Pack your bags and experience the spectacular water activities in Amansinaya or give yourself the adrenaline rush at Pugad Lawin then after enjoying everything treat yourself with mouthwatering dishes at Patio Filipino.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278357/the-other-side-mountain

Traveling A-Z: Davao Oriental

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
September 22, 2010, 10:16am

Davao Oriental, the copra (dried coconut meat) producer capital of the Philippines, borders Compostela Valley to the west, and Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to the north. It is the easternmost province of the country with Pusan Point as the easternmost location. The Philippine Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean, faces Davao Oriental to the east. Part of the province lies on an unnamed peninsula that encloses the Davao Gulf to the west.

The province is composed of 11 towns, with Mati as its capital. The ten others are Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Governor Generoso, Lupon, Manay, San Isidro, and Tarragona.

History

In July 1, 1967, under Republic Act 4867, Davao was divided into three provinces. Davao Oriental was created as a separate and independent province along with Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte. Compostela Valley was created as the fourth province of Davao on March 8, 1998.

Fast facts:

The inhabitants of the province are a mixture of natives and immigrants from other provinces throughout the country that brought different forms of religion. Mandaya is the most dominant tribe while the native dialect is Dabaweño. Other natives are Mansaka, Manobo, and Kalagan. Tagalog, Visayan, and English languages are generally used by the populace.

Land Area: 5,164 square kilometers

Points of Interest:

Aliwagwag Falls – About 25 kilometers away from the town of Cateel, the falls is one of the tallest and most unique waterfalls in the country. It is way off the tourist map and is known mostly to locals and intrepid adventurers; it is not even listed in international travel guide books.

Caraga Church – This is one of the oldest churches in Mindanao, located in Cateel. It houses the 1802 church bell brought by the friars from Spain. In front of the church is the municipal hall.

Sleeping Dinosaur – A natural attraction visible upon passing the eight-kilometer winding road of Badas going to Mati from Davao City.

Pujada Island – A 156-hectare island located at the entrance of Pujada Bay in barangay Lawigan, Mati. It is surrounded by white sandy beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Pujada Bay – It is considered as one of the richest bays in the South East Asia as it is home to 15,700 species of sea creatures. Sea cow (dugong), hammerhead shark, blue whale, manta ray, and different kinds of turtles are just among the many sea animals that can be found in the bay. Scuba diving is also experienced here.

Waniban Island – A four-hectare island located at barangay Tamisan, Mati. It is ideal for picnic, swimming, and sunbathing because of its white sand.

Oak Island – This very small island of white sand is only visible during low tide and disappears during high tide. Not far from the Pujada Island.

Dahican Beach – Its beach is characterized by white sand and often times strong wind making it ideal for wind and board surfing. It is approximately a 15-minute ride from the heart of Mati and accessible by any means of land transport.

Philippine Eagle Sanctuary – This covers 7,000 hectares of tropical forest within the Barangay Cabuaya and Luban in Mati. The nesting tree is at the heart of the sanctuary in an old growth forest in Mount Malantao.

Buso Hot Springs – It is located amidst the forest of barangay Buso in Mati. The hot mineral water can really provide invigorating and revitalizing effect to one’s tired body after a hard day’s work.

Mayo Beach – It has deep blue lagoon and cold spring water. The place has cottages ideal for picnic and small gatherings. The wind coming from the ocean could soothes one's tired mind and body.

Bonsai Forest – This grandiose nature view is located upon reaching the top of Mount Hamiguitan at San Isidro, some 32 kilometers away from Mati. A nine to 10-hour walk is needed to reach the top of Mount Hamiguitan.

How to get there:

The province is accessible by land and sea transportation. Davao City serves as the entry point. Mati, where most of the tourist attractions are located, is 165 kilometers from the Davao International Airport – a leisurely three-hour ride.

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/278358

No more junkets for DOT friends

By Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:32:00 09/23/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, Travel & Commuting, Marketing

MANILA, Philippines—There will be no more free trips for non-government personnel from the Department of Tourism, according to the Commission on Audit after it was revealed that the DOT had spent more than P123 million in “excessive and unnecessary” foreign and local travel in 2009.

These expenses were incurred for the travel of congressional employees; two spouses of government officials; tour operators; local and foreign media; and the host, director and two contestants of the defunct noontime show “Wowowee,” a COA report stated.

The travel expenses were broken down as follows: P119.746 million for familiarization tour programs for foreign and local invitees; P3.033 million for employees of Congress; and P1.109 million for non-government employees.

The P1.109 million went to two business class tickets to San Francisco of the TV host and the director of “Wowowee”; round trip tickets for two “Wowowee” contestants from Texas; air tickets for two spouses of government officials for a trip to Japan, Switzerland and Israel; and the airfare of a Filipino youth participant in the World Youth Choir in Belgium.

No names

The report did not name the individuals who received the free trips. But the main host of “Wowowee,” Willie Revillame, reportedly used to be a DOT endorser.

“The stated persons are not government employees and therefore their travel expenses are not covered by the provision of EO 248, as amended, thus, expenses incurred and paid for by the government are irregular and unconscionable,” the COA said.

EO 248 contains the rules and regulations governing the allowances for official local and foreign travels of government personnel.

While it said it understood that the DOT needed to use its funds to promote tourism, the tourism department is not allowed to pay for the travel expenses of non-DOT employees, the COA said.

‘Barest minimum’

The DOT could also have saved scarce government resources if it had limited to the “barest minimum” the attendance of congressional officials and employees in international fairs and events, the audit body said.

According to the COA report, the DOT was allotted P3 million through a congressional insertion in the budget. The money was to fund the travel of the congressional Office of the Legislative Liaison Services to international tourism fairs.

The reason given for the congressional employees’ trips was to help them have a “profound knowledge and in-depth understanding” of the DOT’s operations, particularly in relation to funds that the DOT requests for international events.

It was also found that there were events where more than two congressional representatives attended, hence the additional expense.

The bulk of the questioned travel expenses amounting to P119.746 million was used for international travel and familiarization tour programs for foreign travel agents, tour operators, dive operators, media personnel, airline crew, sports enthusiasts and local media.

Fam tours

The travel and familiarization tour programs, which are inclusive of airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and incidental expenses, are part of the DOT’s marketing strategy to invite foreign travel operators and local and foreign media so they can experience the best of Philippine tourism.

No more junkets for DOT friends

By Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:32:00 09/23/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, Travel & Commuting, Marketing

MANILA, Philippines—There will be no more free trips for non-government personnel from the Department of Tourism, according to the Commission on Audit after it was revealed that the DOT had spent more than P123 million in “excessive and unnecessary” foreign and local travel in 2009.

These expenses were incurred for the travel of congressional employees; two spouses of government officials; tour operators; local and foreign media; and the host, director and two contestants of the defunct noontime show “Wowowee,” a COA report stated.

The travel expenses were broken down as follows: P119.746 million for familiarization tour programs for foreign and local invitees; P3.033 million for employees of Congress; and P1.109 million for non-government employees.

The P1.109 million went to two business class tickets to San Francisco of the TV host and the director of “Wowowee”; round trip tickets for two “Wowowee” contestants from Texas; air tickets for two spouses of government officials for a trip to Japan, Switzerland and Israel; and the airfare of a Filipino youth participant in the World Youth Choir in Belgium.

No names

The report did not name the individuals who received the free trips. But the main host of “Wowowee,” Willie Revillame, reportedly used to be a DOT endorser.

“The stated persons are not government employees and therefore their travel expenses are not covered by the provision of EO 248, as amended, thus, expenses incurred and paid for by the government are irregular and unconscionable,” the COA said.

EO 248 contains the rules and regulations governing the allowances for official local and foreign travels of government personnel.

While it said it understood that the DOT needed to use its funds to promote tourism, the tourism department is not allowed to pay for the travel expenses of non-DOT employees, the COA said.

‘Barest minimum’

The DOT could also have saved scarce government resources if it had limited to the “barest minimum” the attendance of congressional officials and employees in international fairs and events, the audit body said.

According to the COA report, the DOT was allotted P3 million through a congressional insertion in the budget. The money was to fund the travel of the congressional Office of the Legislative Liaison Services to international tourism fairs.

The reason given for the congressional employees’ trips was to help them have a “profound knowledge and in-depth understanding” of the DOT’s operations, particularly in relation to funds that the DOT requests for international events.

It was also found that there were events where more than two congressional representatives attended, hence the additional expense.

The bulk of the questioned travel expenses amounting to P119.746 million was used for international travel and familiarization tour programs for foreign travel agents, tour operators, dive operators, media personnel, airline crew, sports enthusiasts and local media.

Fam tours

The travel and familiarization tour programs, which are inclusive of airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and incidental expenses, are part of the DOT’s marketing strategy to invite foreign travel operators and local and foreign media so they can experience the best of Philippine tourism.

The fam tours are standard for any resort, hotel or country wishing to get more visitors from a targeted market. They just have to be more prudent as to who to invite, not just any Tom, Dick & Harry from abroad. In the past fam tours included almost all expenses except pocket money, although that has changed over the years. However I am wondering why the DOT still has to pay for the bulk of this when in fact the resorts and hotels themselves can take care of the accommodation, plus the airlines (whether PR, 5J, 2P, etc.) can offer the flights as FOC/interline discounts.

Why pay for the tickets of the Wowowee people especially the contestants? They were traveling abroad, not within the Philippines. ABS-CBN should have paid for these. Who are they trying to sell to? Wowowee's market are Filipinos...Filipinos will come home to the Philippines, if given a chance...no need to market to them anymore.

Also, the real junket are for the two spouses of gov't. officials (they should pay from their own pockets) and the staff of congressmen. Even if there were insertions of P3 million from congress, look at the flimsy reason given in the highlighted text above...the budgets should be for people who directly attended MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), not congressional employees who will just "study" the DOT's marketing strategy.

Cebu joins tourism forum in Vietnam

by Mila C. Espina

The recently held East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum in Tinh Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam on Sept. 13 to 17, brought about renewed cooperation in tourism and academe for twelve members: Cebu, Philippines; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Gangwon, Korea; Jilin, China; Primorsky, Russia; Quang Ninh, Vietnam; Sarawak, Malaysia; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; Yogyagarta, Indoneisa; Luang Prabang, Laos; and Siam Riep, Cambodia. This yearly event showcases the East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum exhibits, the Governors’ committee meetings/presscons and joint declaration of cooperation, the academic sessions and cultural fellowships and tours.

The Cebu Province was headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Agnes Magpale; the academic by this writer; tourism staff by Grace Paulino;the media and protocol by Ronald, Minerva and Ressel.

The Joint declaration/bilateral meetings yielded so many ‘firsts’ in Cebu as it hosts the 2011 East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum in September, 2011. The unanimous approval was ably handled by Gov. Garcia: The 2010 Tourism, Trade and Investment Forum And Expo; the holding of the first everEast Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum Arts and Cultural Festival; and more enriching academic thrusts.One Cebu chairman Enrison Benedicto gave an overview of the One Cebu Expo. In the standing committee meetings, Agnes Magpale was able to draw out initial plans for flights/ cruise programs which was re-iterated in the bilateral matching led by Governor Gwen. The academic sessions had resolutions to expand the East Asian Inter-regional Tourism Forum Web site/info; develop faculty/student/industry/government academic, community and cultural programs; develop an assistance program for victims of global warming among its members; and focus on research and human resource development and language programs.

Indeed , it will be a busy 2011 for Cebu.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2010/september/23/lifestyle2.isx&d=2010/september/23

Zambales poised to become Luzon’s skimboarding capital

Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
Thursday, 23 September 2010 11:41

IBA, Zambales—With its windswept beaches facing the China Sea, accessible location and excellent resort facilities, there’s no reason why Zambales cannot become Luzon’s skimboarding capital.

As water sports enthusiasts who frequent Zambales’s shores find out, the province is one of the best venues for skimboarding and other extreme outdoor sports.

“Zambales is different. You have nice waves here, wide shorelines for water sports, and beaches with cottages and restaurants,” said Arlene Nonato, coordinator of the Alon group of skimboarding enthusiasts from Luzon and Visayas. “Then, of course, Zambales is easily accessed from almost all points in Luzon, making it an ideal center for water sports.”

Nonato said Alon members, who number more than 200, have been around the country for skimboarding and surfing competitions.

“Zambales is really one of the best,” she said.

Teej Servande, who designs and manufactures skimboards under the Saint Joe label, said he frequents Zambales beaches to test his boards and found that local beaches are “outstanding” in terms of wave-generation and degree of difficulty.

At one time, Servande settled at San Antonio town here, where he developed his first board designs, before moving out to Manila to market his products and review for the engineering board.

“Waves here are not as big as those in Leyte [his hometown], which faces the Pacific Ocean. But they can also become challenging, especially during the typhoon season,” Servande said.

His picks among the sites in Zambales include what local surfers call the “Magic Left” in San Antonio town; Crystal Beach in barangay La Paz, San Narciso; Kila Bot’s Resort at Sitio Liw-liwa, San Felipe town; and Beach ni Chabeng at the “Korokan” area in Iba.

Servande also said that the natural beauty of beaches and campsites in the province, like Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, is another factor drawing skim-boarders from Manila and other areas.

Servande and Nonato were in Iba recently for the “Zamba Attack!” skimboarding competition organized by the Zambales Skimboarders (ZaSki) group at the Sand Valley Resort.

Around 50 skimboarders attended the two-day event that was sponsored in part by Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. [Ebdane has listed tourism as a major thrust of his administration.] Organizers said that number already translates to a “good showing,” considering that the sports is relatively new in the country.

Nonato and Servande added that with more support from the Zambales tourism industry and the provincial government, the local skimboarding circuit could grow faster and, in turn, attract more tourists to the province.

In the recent competition here, visitor-participants dominated the class A category while locals shone in class B, as well as the “Wahine” category for women.

The winners in Class A were: Roderick “Brando” Espada of Tanauan, Leyte, who was crowned champion; Daniel Espada, also of Tanauan, first runner-up; Roderick “Manoy” Bazar, Eastern Samar, second runner-up; and Rioben Vivero, of Tanauan, third runner-up.

In Class B, the champion was Jack Rosete of Iba, Zambales. He was followed by Servande of Quezon City, first runner-up; Ted Villanueva, Iba, second runner-up; and Ranier Cortez, Botolan, Zambales, third runner-up.

The Wahine class, meanwhile, was ruled by Monica Lacuesta of Olongapo City, with Haycee Lyn Ola of Castillejos, Zambales emerging as first runner-up; Nonato of Makati City, second runner-up; and Tonette Bombase of Quezon City, third runner up.

The “Zamba Attack” festival also included a longboarding competition. The winners were: Class A—Mark Ryan Aguilar, champion; Alvin Dumaguen, first runner-up; and Reg Cebu, second runner-up. Class B—Adrian Javier, champion; Kim Uy, first runner-up; and Patrick Uy, second runner-up.


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/1642-zambales-poised-to-become-luzons-skimboarding-capital

Major event in Subic
http://www.abload.de/img/parachutingphunfestivamugh.jpg

Parachuting Phun Phestival in Subic
More than 300 skydivers from all over the world will be joining the first ever mass skydiving event in the country this November to introduce the Subic Bay Freeport as a skydiving destination in the Philippines.
Dubbed as the 1st Philippine Parachuting Phun Phestival, the world-class skydiving event will run from November 8 to 20 and will involve “chuters” from the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Philippines, among others.
The event is being organized by Sheldon Rice, a Canadian national who serves as operations manager of Adrenoline Island Adventures, located at the Treasure Island Resort Resort on Baloy Beach, in partnership with Exotic Sky Adventures from Europe.
“We will bring in about 300 to 400 skydivers from all over the world to the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) to skydive for about eight or twelve days to promote skydiving as another tourist attraction in the country,” Rice said.
Aside from skydiving, the organizers are also lining up tours to some tourist attractions in the free port, including Zoobic Safari and Treetop Adventure Park.
Festival participants are also expected to engage in other adventure sports here like horseback riding, scuba diving, kite boarding, jet skiing, wake boarding, parasailing and more.
http://www.philippinesboard.com/forum/subic-bay-events/996-parachuting-phun-phestival-subic.html

I wanna post this again :) It appears in today's issue of Philippine Star.
http://www.philstar.com/
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3845/natphotohires.jpg
The Puerto Princesa Underground River has surged anew in the global New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign, besting 27 other places for the top spot in the latest rankings. The good news prompted Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn to call for more online and text votes for the natural wonder. The contest ends on Nov. 11, 2011. VAL RODRIGUEZ

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http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1000327.jpg

^^ Thanks for the photos and news guys!

I think we here in SSC should unite for the New 7 Natural Wonders campaign ng Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. :)

yup to keep it on top of the list... lapit na ang December.. lapit na nila ideliberate ang 7 new wonders...

yup to keep it on top of the list... lapit na ang December.. lapit na nila ideliberate ang 7 new wonders...

Kailangan major push natin yan.


Tweet, invite your FB friends, etc. Sa mga may ari ng internet cafe, irequest sana ang mga customers.

Kailangan major push natin yan.


Tweet, invite your FB friends, etc. Sa mga may ari ng internet cafe, irequest sana ang mga customers.

yup to keep it on top of the list... lapit na ang December.. lapit na nila ideliberate ang 7 new wonders...

Yung 7 New Wonders ba would be for a specific period of time? after x no. of years, will they do another on line voting?

SM to open Radisson Blu hotel in Cebu
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 09/23/2010 2:25 PM | Updated as of 09/23/2010 3:30 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Bullish on the prospects of the tourism sector and the economy, SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) will open a luxury hotel in Cebu later this month.

In a statement, SMIC said it is scheduled to open the 400-room Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu on September 27.

The hotel will be the first managed by global hospitality and travel firm Carlson in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Although the hotel's completion was put on hold during the nineties due to the prevailing business climate then, we never lost our vision of one day opening its doors to welcome guests from all over the world," said Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. and daughter of the country's mall magnate, Henry Sy.

The upscale Radisson Blu Hotel is 11 kilometers away from the Mactan International Airport.

It is situated right beside SM City Cebu, the largest and leading shopping mall complex in Visayas.

A strong business synergy is expected between the 2 establishments as SM City Cebu attracts close to 120,000 customers daily.

The Radisson Blu Hotel boasts of 2 spacious and contemporary ballrooms, and 10 multi-purpose meeting rooms.

"The opening of the first Radisson Blu Hotel in Asia Pacific is a major milestone. More hotels that are under development and in operation in the region will also become Radisson Blu hotels as we deploy the brand globally," said Jean-Marc Busato, managing director of Carlson Hotels in Asia Pacific.

Butuan Set to Develop Tourist Site

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
September 24, 2010, 8:29pm

BUTUAN CITY — The Caraga Region has already made it into the world’s road map for tourist destinations due to its surfing and fishing haven, including its mangrove plantations and caves and fine and white sand beaches on Surigao Island.

As this developed, city officials here are now eyeing to introduce another tourist destination that is expected to attract both foreign and local tourists – by developing the scenic “Tagulahi waterfalls” that is some 14 kilometers away from this city.

Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) member Jaime M. Cembrano Jr., also chairman of the city’s SP Committee on Tourism, is now proposing for an allocation of a P2 million budget for the development of the area.

Cembrano is also strongly proposing to have a good road network going to “Tagulahi water falls,” construction of other structures in the area and construct a bridge at Purok 5 in Barangay Antongalon that will connect this city to the said waterfalls.

“We have to develop this falls, into two – one for the adult and the other for the children, where everybody can feel the breeze of fresh water from the mountains,” said Cembrano.

“Tagulahi waterfalls” is located at the foot of Mount Diwata range, connecting the highest Mount Ilong-Ilong in the northeastern part of the region.

“I know that when tourists reach this scenic-environment perimeter of Tagulahi water falls, they will appreciate the area,” added Cembrano.

Aside from developing the falls, Cembrano is also eyeing to develop the Agusan River – the biggest and longest river in Mindanao.

A cruise along the river will reveal so much of this city’s history, culture, art and people.

As a tribute to the patroness of the Agusan River – Señora Sta. Ana – the Abayan Festival was born which is a daylong celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession along the river, added Cembrano, who also chairs the Committee on Good Government on Human Settlements and Land Use.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278887/butuan-set-develop-tourist-site

LGU set to Develop "Tagulahi Water Falls" as Tourist Destination in Caraga Region

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
September 24, 2010, 5:05pm

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Caraga region is now in the world’s road map for tourist destination due to its surfing and fishing haven including islands mangrove plantations and caves and fine and white sand beaches in Surigao. The officials of the city government of Butuan is now eyeing another tourists spot that will attract tourists, both foreign and domestic by developing the environment-scenic “Tagulahi water falls”.

Approximately, "Tagulahi water falls" is almost 14 kilometers away, south at this region’s capital city.

Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) member Atty. Jaime M. Cembrano, Jr., also chairman of the city’s SP Committee on Tourism, is now proposing for a Php 2 million budget for the development of the area.

City Councilor Cembrano is strongly proposing to have a good road network going to “Tagulahi water falls”, construction of other structures in the area and construct a bridge at Purok 5 in Barangay Antongalon that will connect to the said water falls.

“We have to develop this falls, into two – one for the adult and the other for the children, where everybody can feel the breeze of fresh water from the mountains,” said Councilor Cembrano.

“Tagulahi water walls” is located at the foot of the Mount Diwata range, connecting the highest Mount Ilong-Ilong in the northeastern part of the region.

“I know that when tourists reached this scenic-environment perimeter of Tagulahi water falls, they will appreciate the area,” added Councilor Cembrano.

Aside from developing Tagulahi falls, the city’s SP Tourism chair is also eyeing to develop the Agusan river.

Agusan river is the biggest and longest river in Mindanao. A cruise along the river barangays reveal so much of Butuan`s history, culture, art and people. As a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival was born which is a daylong celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan river, further added City Councilor Cembrano, who also chaired the Committee on Good Government Committee on Human Settlements and Land Use.

In another tourism development, big number of tourists, both foreign and domestic flocked at the internationally known “Cloud 9” at Gen. Luna in Siargao Island Surigao del Norte province as the 16th world’s international surfing kicked of Friday.

All beach resorts in this so called “paradise island” in Northeastern Mindanao are fully booked.

Australian Deputy Ambassador Andrew Byrne was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of 16th Siargao International Surfing Cup. He was accompanied by Minister Councelor Titon Mitra of the Australian Embassy in Manila, said Surigao del Norte solon Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte).

Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas said that close to 100 world-class and rated surfers registered in the weeklong international competition.

The event is part of the month-long festivity in the island dubbed as the 1st Siargao Surfing Festival with its theme: "Kabibo 2010."

Aside from the world surfing cup, other activities also commence which include : The 1st Gov. Sol Matugas Open Beach Volleyball Challenge, Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, Best Municipal Booth, Kabibo Hip-hop Dance Competition, Photo-shoot Competition and Nightly Yugyugan Open Party at the town’s boulevard sponsored by San Miguel Beer.

With all these series of activities, Gov. Matugas is hopeful that the local tourism industry cannot only bring prestige but most importantly, create jobs to the locals and hopefully achieve quality life and at the same time help boost the economy of the province.

Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Matugas and 2nd District Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr., Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, LMP President Sheila Mae Orquina-Cebedo and around 20 mayors of the province are fully supportive of the international surfing activity.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278797/lgu-set-develop-tagulahi-water-falls-tourist-destination-caraga-region

Australian Officials Open Php 44-M Prov'l Road Projects in Siargao Island

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
September 25, 2010, 7:33pm

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – Tourists, both foreign and domestic and island residents continue to feel the scenic-beauty and atmosphere of economic development as Australian officials on Saturday opened the Php 44 million provincial road projects in this so called “paradise island” of Surigao del Norte province in Northeastern part of Mindanao.

Australian officials led by Australian Deputy Ambassador Andrew Byrne and Minister Councelor Tito Mitra of the Australian Embassy in Manila spearheaded the ground breaking ceremony of the road projects at two barangays of General Luna town leading to other island resorts .

During the ground breaking ceremony, the Australian officials were also accompanied by provincial and island municipal officials led by Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) and Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd district), Gov. Sol F. Matugas, General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon and Del Carmen Mayor Junior Coro.

The Php 44 million road construction project is part of the 5-year Php 250 million Australian grant for the province of Surigao del Norte’s Road Improvement Project (RIP), said Rep. Matugas.

The ground works of the Barangay 5-Catangnan road (Php 14-M) and Sta. Monica road (Php 30-M), Libertad, both of this island province will immediately commence to hit the target timeline of completion, Rep. Matugas said.

“This is really a big help by the Australian government. Also, a big boost to our growing tourism industry in this island,” said Rep. Matugas.

He also said the Australian assistance will also add economic livelihood to island village folks, increase local revenues and employment.

In their separate messages during the ground breaking ceremony, the Surigao del Norte solon, provincial and municipal officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian grant to the province of Surigao del Norte, especially this island’s tourism destination in the country.

Meanwhile, in that same visit of the Australian officials in this island, Ambassador Byrne, also unvield the Php 2.6 million high school building at Barangay Consuelo here.

The high school building that set to rise at Barangay Consuelo is also funded by the Australian government under the Support 2 Philippine Education Reform (SPHERE) project, said Rep. Matugas.

He added the school building is equipped with chairs and comfort rooms.

Officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) was elated of the educational assistance by the Australian government.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278979/australian-officials-open-php-44m-provl-road-projects-siargao-island

Zamboanga City gears up for Hermosa Festival 2010

(The Philippine Star) Updated September 26, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines – Zamboanga City gears up for a full-blast celebration of Hermosa Festival 2010 in October to mark the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar, patroness of Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City.

With the theme “Celebracion en grande, Adelante, Zamboanga (Grand celebration, forward Zamboanga),” the city’s grandest festival highlights its unique blend of multi-cultural heritage.

It is an all encompassing and complete festival that culminates on the 12th day of October, the feast day of Nuestra Señora de La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s most revered patroness.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said WOW Zamboanga, a showcase of the best of the best of the city’s 98 barangays, will be held nightly at the Paseo del Mar seaside promenade from 6 p.m. onwards from Oct. 1 to 8; a trade fair and exhibit on Oct. 1-15 at the Plaza Pershing; and an art exhibit featuring Zamboangueño talents on Oct. 1-31 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.

Other events include the 27th Chabacano Song Festival; a dance sport competition year 8; the Wow Sardinas, Lifestyle Zamboanga; the Mascota competition; the Mayor Celso Lobregat Golf Tournament Year 6; Regatta de Zamboanga; floral float parade; street dance competition and the main program on Oct. 11 with Tourism Secretary Albert Lim as guest of honor.

Lobregat said he is inviting Filipinos to visit Zamboanga City during the Hermosa Festival. “Please come witness and take part in the celebration, visit the booths, hang out in the parks, watch the shows and presentations,” Lobregat said.

“But amid the fun and excitement, the parties and the merriment, let us find time to reflect and thank the Lord Almighty and Nuestra Señora de La Virgen del Pilar for the many blessings and for the guidance and protection all through the years,” he said.

“These different events intend to give honor, pay our homage and extend our gratitude for the benevolence and generosity of Our Lady,” Lobregat added.

Spicing up the celebration are the different events sponsored by private groups and individuals that include the Sarah Geronimo concert on Oct. 1 at the Summit Center, Miss Zamboanga Pageant, Little Miss Universe-2010 competition, Open Motocross exhibition and competition, Night Market at the La Vista del Mar on Oct. 5-9 and many more.

Meanwhile, former Western Mindanao regional tourism director Ric San Juan announced that this year’s Hermosa Festival will include activities specially dedicated to the Zamboangueño balikbayans, overseas workers and returning “compoblanos” from other cities and provinces nationwide.

San Juan, who is now the coordinator of the Vamos a Zamboanga group, said these are the Fiesta Zamboangueño Balikbayan Night, a project of Rep. Beng Climaco-Salazar, on Oct. 9 at the Rigodon Ballroom of Hacienda de Palmeras, and the Vamos a Zambofreeport discovery tour of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority on Oct. 10.

Hermosa Festival 2010 will not only be sizzling with fun-filled gimmicks this year but will also be marked as “D-day” for two exciting add-ons: the completion of the improvement phase of the city’s most popular attraction, the Paseo del Mar, and the opening of the newest pasalubong center, the Plaza del Pilar.

Angara, Raintree partner to boost tourism in Aurora

Written by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to BusinessMirror
Sunday, 26 September 2010 09:38


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2010/September2010/09272010/regions01.jpg


THE province of Aurora promises to be the next go-to travel destination with the establishment of two new resorts: one for high-end tourists, and the other, a mid-priced hotel to cater to the average middle-income travelers.

In an interview with select reporters, Sen. Edgardo Angara, who hails from the province, said these resorts will be built on land his family owns and will be managed by Raintree Partners Inc.

Raintree president Annabella Wiesniewski said: “We want to open Aurora as the newest exciting tourist destination in the country. It is paradise, undiscovered.” The province sits on the northeastern portion of Luzon and faces the Pacific Ocean.

The first establishment is an 88-room hotel that will be located on a three-hectare property in the capital of Baler.

“It’s ready to break ground,” she said, and will be designed by architect Ed Calma, which promises a modern aesthetic but “will incorporate organic materials that are native to Baler,” such as local wood and stones, and its unique flora. The hotel is projected to be completed by June 2012.

It has a 150-meter beachfront on Sabang beach and will be geared primarily for local travelers. The Angara family already has a beach resort there called Bahia de Baler.

“It will be moderately priced, about P4,000 per night, and will be geared for domestic tourists. The provinces around Aurora are mostly land-locked so Sabang is the nearest beach for them. We have to make [the hotel] reasonable, but still very nice. Government offices and corporations around there can hold their meetings, conferences and seminars there,” said Wiesniewski. A 300-seat ballroom will also be built on the property where functions like conferences and wedding receptions can be held.

The second resort will be 20 minutes away from Baler central on a 100-hectare property located at the private Dikasalarin cove. On it will rise “60 rooms or villas of SLH [small luxury hotels] quality,” she added, ranging from about 50 square meters (sqm) to 200 sqm.

“It’s like Monterey [California]. You drive along the coastline, and you see a very big cove,” she said. The beach is off-white but as fine as the sand of Boracay and with clear waters, she said, so it’s ideal for lounging about and swimming.

The villas, she said, “will be modern with glass, set against the mountains,” taking advantage of the picturesque view of the land- and seascapes. It will also feature a wellness center with a world-class spa. Those who are staying in the Sabang resort, she added, will be given the privilege of taking a day tour in the Dikasalarin property and enjoy its facilities and scenery.

Adjacent to the luxury resort, Angara donated a 10-hectare property, where an artist’s village is currently under construction. “This will give an opportunity for artists to just be away and indulge in their passions. We’ll take care of them, they won’t have to worry about [food and accommodations],” the senator said. The village will also feature an amphitheater where the artists can show off their works or perform.

“We’ve already been able to solicit the assistance of several well-known Filipino artists here and abroad to build individual cottages where the visiting artists can stay,” he added.

Angara cited the many activities that could be pursued in Aurora such as hiking, diving, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching and surfing.

“Baler was the first to introduce surfing in the country with its swells reaching 10 to 12 feet,” he said. A portion of the film Apocalypse Now where soldiers were catching waves was filmed at Charlie’s Point in Baler. A number of international bird societies also have been tracking migrating birds that summer in Baler.

“We have natural beauty - every 10 km. spectacular waterfalls—we have abundant water sources, we have streams, rivers, clean seas that’s why we nice dive sites there. We have a rich supply of marine life—Blue marlin, tuna, Spanish mackerel.” He stressed that travelers are safe in Aurora, being “the first province that was declared insurgency-free.”

Baler is also rich in history, he said, because it is where the infamous “Siege of Baler” happened. Fifty-seven Spanish soldiers held out at a local church for a year against Filipino troops, not knowing the Spanish-American War had already ended. The story was actually made the basis for the local film Baler, which was said to have helped boost travel arrivals in the province, as it showcased the local tourist spots. The event is also commemorated every year on June 30 during the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

Asked why he decided to collaborate with Raintree, Angara said, “We hear they’re the top in the business [of hospitality management].”

Raintree currently manages the Discovery properties of the Tiu family in Ortigas, Tagaytay and Boracay Island, and opened Albay to high-end travelers when it initially managed Misibis Bay Resort in Cagraray Island. (It terminated its contract with the resort’s owner, the Sunwest Group, in March.)

Although travel time from Manila to Baler currently takes about five hours—“it’s just like going to Baguio”—Angara said the completion of the SCTEx until Aurora will cut travel time by about 1.5-2 hours.

The proposed 60-km. four-lane expressway will start from La Paz, Tarlac and pass through Nueva Ecija, and traversing a scenic route to Baler.

“So it’s going to be such a beautiful drive like going from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe,” Wiesniewski said. Construction on the Tarlac-Aurora portion of the SCTEx is scheduled to start next year, Angara noted, and will be completed in time for the resorts’ opening.

Wiesniewski added that Raintree is already talking with major carriers Philippine Airlines, Southeast Asian Airlines and Cebu Pacific so they could explore the possibility of flying to Baler, once the resorts are completed.

There are two main airports in Aurora—one is the Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport in Baler with a 1,100 meter-runway, where Seair used to fly a twice-weekly route. Another airport with a 2-km runway is currently being constructed in the municipality of Casiguran, which will be able to accommodate larger jet aircraft and will turn into an international airport.

Currently, a provincial bus line connects Manila to Baler, passing through the Sierra Madre mountain range.

In Photo: Dikasalarin cove


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/1726-angara-raintree-partner-to-boost-tourism-in-aurora

Australian Officials Open Php 44-M Prov'l Road Projects in Siargao Island

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
September 25, 2010, 7:33pm

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – Tourists, both foreign and domestic and island residents continue to feel the scenic-beauty and atmosphere of economic development as Australian officials on Saturday opened the Php 44 million provincial road projects in this so called “paradise island” of Surigao del Norte province in Northeastern part of Mindanao.


commendable...:cheers:

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100915-292400/13-of-tourism-budget-to-go-to-promotions
IN AFTERMATH OF GRANDSTAND TRAGEDY
1/3 of tourism budget to go to promotions
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net First Posted 11:10:00 09/15/2010 Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure, Tourism, State Budget & Taxes, Grandstand Hostage, Philippines - Metro
http://images.inquirer.net/media/globalnation/articles/images/pic-09151121430114.jpg
The Philippines tries to lure foreign tourists back to its beautiful islands.


MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DoT) will pour one-third of its 2011 budget in promotions, to help boost foreign visitor numbers amid sagging figures following the August 23 hostage fiasco that killed eight Hong Kong tourists.

Appearing before the hearing of the appropriations committee on Tuesday, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said P476 million will be allotted for international tourism promotion to attract tourists all over the world.

The department has proposed P1.5 billion for 2011 to cover the budget of the office of the secretary (P1.3 billion), Intramuros Administration (P32 million), National Parks Development Committee (P115 million), and Philippine Tourism Promotions Boards (P65 million).

“We are going for quality tourism because we have to protect our environment…We will spend money where we can get the best results,” Lim told the committee.

Stepping up its marketing strategy to draw in more tourists is a main focus of a new National Tourism Development Plan, which Lim said his office will launch soon.

But to make the country attractive to tourists, Lim said that a number of work has to be taken such upgrading of airport facilities, development of infrastructure, access to communication, and liberalizing access to the country through the open skies policy.

He said the government will start by rehabilitating the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1, which handles most international flights.

“By November 15, you will see a different NAIA 1,” he added.

The P476-million international tourism promotional budget will focus on tourists from the Asia Pacific and the United States and Canada.

The department has allotted P87 million for tourist promotion for Asia Pacific, which includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Australia. For US and Canada, it will spend P86 million; Korea, P64 million; Japan, P43 million; Europe, P38 million; China, P23 million; Middle East, P15 million; India, P12 million, and other promotion, P8 million. It will also spend P100 million for promotions using new media.

Not expecting the Hong Kong market to come back to the country immediately following the hostage-taking fiasco, Lim said his department is tapping tourists from other countries such as Russia, Korea, India, and the Middle East.

He said the country lost some P40 million due to the August 23 incident based on the 3,360 cancellation of hotel bookings in Regions 1, 4, 6, and 7.

“But the damage is much less than we were expecting,” Lim said, refuting reports that there were about 1,000 cancellations of bookings from European tourists.

Despite this, he said he is confident the country will achieve its target of 10-percent increase in tourist arrivals this year.

By the end of the year, he said he expects some 3.3 million visitors would have entered the country. For next year, the department targets 3.6 million tourists and 325,000 in jobs generated. By the end of the President’s term in 2016, Lim said the administration hopes to have drawn in six million tourists and generated some 665,000 new jobs.

Chinese continue to flock to RP

by Vito Barcelo

CHINESE citizens topped the list of foreigners who have been issued permanent resident visas by the Bureau of Immigration, indicating Filipino-Chinese relations remains strong, the agency says.

Records from the bureau’s alien registration division showed that 59,906 Chinese citizens accounted for the bulk of the 183,804 aliens who were issued permanent visas or I-Cards this year.

“An estimated 50 percent of these Chinese live within Metro Manila, with the rest in the other major cities,” said Danilo Almeda, head of alien registration.

“They are practically everywhere.”

Most of the Chinese living in the Philippines are active in civic organizations involved in education, health care, public safety, social welfare and public charity. Many work in Manila’s Chinatown district based on their work permit records, and at least 10 percent of all of them are students.

Immigration says the Chinese residents here do not participate in politics, but they have turned to civic organizations as their primary means of contributing to the welfare of the Chinese-Filipino community and Philippine society.

Koreans and Americans ranked second and third, respectively, in the bureau’s list of registered aliens, followed by Indians and Japanese.

Almeda attributed the large increase in the number of registered aliens to the efforts of the bureau and local business organizations to encourage foreigners to visit, do business and study in the Philippines.

He says the continuing increase in the number of expatriates here proves that the Philippines remains a favored destination for foreign businessmen and executives.

There were 27,116 South Koreans, 24,209 Americans, 22,935 Indians, and 8,723 Japanese who have been given immigrant visas as of Sept. 16 this year.

Almeda says 49,137 expatriates accounted for the bulk of the I-Card holders, while 31,921 Philippine-born foreigners and 18,228 foreign students ranked second and third, respectively.

The government earned P2 billion from the fees paid by the I-Card applicants.

A total of 89,327 foreigners are holders of permanent resident or immigrant visas, while 84,890 others are considered non-immigrants.

A foreigner who registers with the bureau after being a granted a visa is issued an I-Card as proof of his lawful residence status in the country. The I-Card replaced the paper-based alien certificate of registration that the bureau had previously been issuing to registered aliens.


http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=/2010/september/27/news3.isx&d=2010/september/27

^^Who needs invasion if they can breed us out...:sly:

any thing stirring at the dot?.....mukhang walang sinabi talaga ang bagong head ng dot ngayon comparing the guy to ace durano ano? hmmmm

any thing stirring at the dot?.....mukhang walang sinabi talaga ang bagong head ng dot ngayon comparing the guy to ace durano ano? hmmmm

Maaga pa para husgahan si Sec. Lim...ang napansin ko lang, approachable at friendly ang personality ni Durano. I saw this guy at Bonifacio High Street at maraming nag hi sa kanya, todo smile naman siya.

Si Sec. Lim - serious ang dating. I don't know, parang on TV, he rarely smiles.

Maaga pa para husgahan si Sec. Lim...ang napansin ko lang, approachable at friendly ang personality ni Durano. I saw this guy at Bonifacio High Street at maraming nag hi sa kanya, todo smile naman siya.

Si Sec. Lim - serious ang dating. I don't know, parang on TV, he rarely smiles.

Agree. Durano has a nice smile, so it makes him a good poster boy for Philippine Tourism. Bertie Lim has the business experience, and probably will make more impact on the grassroots level instead of all the publicity which the DOT does not even have the budget for.

Just because somebody is personable or a movie/TV star doesn't automatically mean that he/she is the best person to head the DOT...case in point...Boy Abunda.

Just like PNoy is less than 3 months on the job, so is Bertie Lim. Let's give him a few more months to prove himself despite having one of the lowest budgets for government departments. Maybe the PPP model will work here...

Pacete: Cultural Heritage Tour

By Ver F. Pacete

As I See It

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

SEPTEMBER is Tourism Month. The Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occidental (Atono) has prepared a tour package where we blend drama, amusement, weird ideas, religious belief, culture shock and food tasting. Our tourist attractions are just there but we are offering a new game plan, a new twist and a new flavor for Negros which somehow will allow old timers to develop cephalalgia. Just the same, first timers will enjoy obfuscations of oracular utterances. Hey, what are those?

This familiar tour has been repaptized, "Finding What Is Best In Negros Culture, Heritage ang Sugar". We can start our tour at the historic Capitol Lagoon. We want you to know the love story of two carabaos. In the process you will find out that tilapias love pizza. You will further know that the Silaynon governor who had capitol as his obra maestra nearly became the president of the Republic of the Philippines. You will hear from us that Fort San Juan was the stronghold of the Spaniards but later on it became a cage for those who championed the cross for Christianity. Salve Maria!

La Consolacion College is not only best for Architecture and Tourism. Unearth what took place during its golden era. And, how many of you know Plaza 6 de Noviemdre in Bacolod? It was like Jerecho when trumpets sounded. When was that? Go beyond the secret. Dissect what lies beneath the Bishop's House. Ah, to you right is San Sebastian Cathedral. Marvel at the art of forced labor. Was your grandfather there during the breaking of the egg? In the heart of Bacolod, ask the question- "What is the genesis of Bacolod?" Your tour guide will become an instant prophet!

Enter Talisay. Identify the great houses that sugar built. Roll over to the first class luxury houses. Find out for your self the confusion over our heroes which enlarged the mole of former Pres. Gloria. Who is Tana Dikang? Get inside the kitchen of her house and listen to the pig story. Savor the sweet lanzones of Barangay Concepion. Can you recall the legend of lanzones? Hop like the Minuluan dancers. Focus at their pelvic gyrations. Hope to see the goat's horn there. We are not kidding! Pay attention to this. It's the Dos Marias Story, a kilig-to-the-bone urban legend.

Enter the Paris of Negros -- Silay. Meet the chimney of the maquina vapor de horno economico. Know the Legend of Sugar. It's the historia de un amor of Katam-is, Kaaslom and Kaaplod. Our tour guide will confuse you with his discombobulating circumlocutions. Pass Sitio Maninihon. "Sweet lovers, sweet potters." What's the story behind? And now, the mansions of Silay! Bring back the golden days of sugarbarons. Only in Silay! Fall into a maze with gustatory delights... lumpia and more, high-chin lifestyle, religiosity and feudalism.

Visit museum of your choice - Balay Negrense (know what's behind romance), Mon Hofeliña's House. By discovering Mon you will know Mon's juicy secrets. He is a man who lives with his art and by knowing his art you will appreciate what Mon lives for. Mon is specific, precise, and accurate. And, there's Jalandoni House, winner of Provincal Tourism Excellence Award. Be there to be there. Meet Jorge Po. He is a houseguide with several expressions and dispositions. Genuflect in the front of the tabernacle inside San Diego Pro-Cathedral, the only pro cathedral outside Metro Manila. Our guide will give you lecture on liturgical arts.

Have lunch at the Fisherman's Village in Balaring -- gambas, stuffed squid, grilled bangus, fisn kinilaw, sweet and sour St. Peter's fisn, sizzling sisig and pregnant talaba. Have a 600-meter walk at the bamboo bridge. See Guimaras sky at the end of the canopy by climbing the bamboo tower. If you are lucky you will be a witness in the mating of the fin lizards.

Zoom to Manapla. Visit the Chapel of Cartwheels constructed under the supervision of Msgr. Guillermo Gaston. See Christ in the person of a hacienda worker. What you see around are what could be found in the chapel. This is Creation. Our tour guide will explain what the Bible says. Don't leave Manapla without eating puto, or buying fresh fruits at the highway fruit stand. Make a left turn to Victorias Milling Company. Meet the psychedelic Christ at St. Joseph the Worker Church. Discover reality. Unfold mystery behind the controversy. No option! Breathe fresh air at VMC Golf and Country Club.

Retrace your path back to Silay. Catch up with the best delicacies of El Ideal -- apple pie, buko pie, lumpia, best delicacies, or blow your horn at the gate of Emma Lacson for her pili square (the favorite of VP Jojo Binay) and assorted Lacson pastries. View sunset at the Ruins in Talisay. The romantic landscape will take you to a land of make-believe. Have you dinner there and fill your heart with delight.

You see... this is one tour where we overfeed you with life. We would appreciate your comments at your earliest convenience. Join the tour and art with us. Show action and passion.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on September 28, 2010.

:cheers:

China, HK tourists coming back, says DoT exec

BORACAY ISLAND – The tourists from China and Hong Kong were coming back to the country slowly a month after the bloody hostage-taking incident in Manila, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Simeon Marfori II, DoT undersecretary for tourism services and regional offices, said the tourist destinations affected by the travel advisory issued by Hong Kong advising its residents against going to the country were expected to recover soon after the release of the findings and recommendations of the Incident and Investigation Review Committee (IIRC).

“The recovery has started. There are reports of less cancellations and in fact new businesses coming in,” Marfori told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the sidelines of the Visayas Media Forum held here over the weekend.

Marfori said the release of the investigation report was among the measures that would help hasten the normalization of travel from China and Hong Kong to the Philippines.

Hong Kong issued a “black alert” to its residents against traveling to the country after eight Hong Kong tourists died on August 23 in a botched police rescue and assault on the bus seized by slain hostage-taker dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

China and Hong Kong ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among the major tourist markets of the Philippines next to Korea, the US and Japan, says the DoT.

From January to April, 59,993 tourists from China came to the Philippines or 5.2 percent of the total foreign tourists from the country’s major tourism markets, while 47,715 visitors from Hong Kong visited the country or 4.14 percent.

Edwin Trompeta, tourism director in Western Visayas, said the tourism industry lost at least P100 million in canceled reservations and opportunity cost due to the hostage-taking incident. But Trompeta said the incident has not affected the number of visitors from the other countries.

Marfori said that while the DoT has been exerting efforts to bring back the tourists from China and Hong Kong, marketing was not the problem at this time.

“The problem [lies] in the perception of [China] and HK about our governance. What we do with the [IIRC] report is what we should work on ... to maintain our credibility and improve the perception of the Chinese and HK residents,” he said.

Marfori said this would involve acting on the recommendations of the report.

Henry Chusuey, BFI chair and owner of the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, said individual tourists from China and Hong Kong were going to Boracay but group tours have yet to resume.

Boracay is among the tourist destinations affected by the cancellation of reservations after the hostage-taking incident.

“We expect the groups to come again by the middle of November, Chusuey told the Inquirer on Sunday.

The DoT is targeting 3.327 million tourists this year and 3.593 million next year. It would soon launch a new tourism brand for the country that will involve advertising campaigns, use of online social networking sites and focusing on new markets like China, India, Russia and the Middle East, Marfori said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100927-294639/China-HK-tourists-coming-back-says-DoT-exec

How can we protect the marine life from KOREANS?


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:ohno:

Kontiki, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines

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Kayangan Lake from Above, Coron, Palawan by Irwin Santos

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Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur by Juvaline Mana-ay Dionisio - The falls is approximately 55 metres (180 ft) high, touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an is a white water curtain that flows in three levels. It is one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Its colorful picture was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine

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Up to the Steps of the Caves of Callao by Alford Ronduen
Brgy. Parabba and Brgy. Quibal, Peñablanca, Cagayan

Alford Ronduen shares his adventures and amazing pictures when he went up into the Caves of Callao. A 30-minute drive from Tuguegarao City will lead you to the Municipality of Penablanca where the seven chambers of Callao Caves are located. It has natural lights from its sink hole openings. It is near the Pinacanauan River, the longest, widest and most powerful river in the Philippines and one of the largest tributaries of the Cagayan River. Crossing the river by boat or by driving directly to the cave entrance leads you to the opening of the cave. We usually descend from cave openings in most of our spelunkings but with the caves of Callao, one must ascend its 186 steps (others say. it's 187). The caves were named after the birds who used to dwell and fly in the area called the Kallaw bird. But due to hunting, their number dwindled.

Between its first and second chambers, the cave has a natural cathedral which was turned into a chapel by its local people. Archeologists are still discovering other chambers. In 2007, archaeologists from the University of the Philippines Diliman led by Professor Armand Mijares has just discovered a 67,000-year-old human bone inside the cave (which predates the 47,000-year-old Tabon Man fossils from Palawan) in a discovery they claim proves the area was settled by man 20,000 years earlier than previously thought and could be the earliest fossil evidence of humans in Southeast Asia. The UP team of archealogist found six additional bones with cut marks but no tools have been found last April and May 2009.

Cebu tourism players counter DOT chief's pronouncement
By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman) Updated September 29, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0)

CEBU, Philippines – Despite Cebu's resilience to the overall movement of the economy, Cebu tourism stakeholders have countered the earlier pronouncement made by DOT secretary Alberto Lim that Cebu can stand on its own, stressing that "any private sector needs government support."

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) chairperson for committee on tourism Milagros Espina said that the national government should not make Cebu as the least of its priorities in terms of developmental projects and promotions.

"Any private sector endeavor needs the support of the government especially tourism. There are concerns like budget, infrastructure, services and facilities that the government must address. After all Cebu is a top contributor to the national economy," Espina said.

Espina further said that although the private sector in Cebu is dynamic and has a full grasp of its role in sustaining the leadership of Cebu as the number one tourism destination in the Philippines, it still has to anchor its programs with the government.

Tourism advocate Jay Aldeguer said if Cebu will be left alone, it cannot achieve its purpose of even sustaining its top position in the tourism industry. Government should also sincerely express its interest to help and support any programs that will be initiated by the Cebu private sector.

"Cebuanos will commit to make Cebu as a world-class product-but we need your help," Aldeguer said.

The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas-Cebu) chairperson Jenny Franco said that DOT should have already announced the appointment of regional director, so that the private sector can already start its partnership with the DOT regional office here.

Cebu being the center for tourism in the Philippines should showcase the best of the best in the country. The appointment of a regional director, after former DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa retired from her 17 years of service in the Central Visayas tourism office, should be one of the DOT head office's top priority.

According Franco, the industry stakeholders hope that Lim will be able to appoint a competent head for the regional office.

In an interview with Lim on the appointment of new regional director in DOT here, he said that applications for the post are still being reviewed and studied. But, he expressed confidence that the DOT-7 officer-in-charge Rowena Montecillo is capable of leading the regional office, considering her experience in the industry. (FREEMAN)

How can we protect the marine life from KOREANS?


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:ohno:

Kontiki, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines

Asa ka pa. Mga bastos talaga ang mga yan. Too bad, baka kuyugin na naman ako ng mga makaKorea dito sa SSC. 2 nights ago, I was at the spa sa hotel sa Siem Reap and there were Koreans who were really rude to the Cambodian staff. Mura ng mura. Ang bastos.

Traveling A–Z: Laguna

By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga
September 29, 2010, 2:43pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Laguna.jpg

Mount Makiling in Los Baños (www.mysupernaturalstories.com)

Popularly known as the proud birthplace of Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, the province of Laguna, which is brimming with natural wonders and cultural caches, is so much more than that. Just 30 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila, Laguna offers exciting and affordable options for leisure and travel activities for friends and families looking for some time off.

Since ancient times, Laguna has always been a fertile and verdant garden blessed with nature’s bounty: waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, and other fluvial charms that would capture the heart of every visitor. Nestled in the shadows of mystical mountains, Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw, the province is a sanctuary for nature lovers.

Laguna is also a window to a rich centuries-old heritage evident in its Spanish colonial architecture and churches. Within its borders are historical and religious attractions along with interesting museums and picturesque towns and houses.

For gastronomic travelers, one shouldn’t miss Laguna’s world famous buko pie. Memento collectors are sure to unearth a wealth of delightful wooden carved items from Paete and woven mats and delicately embroidered fabrics from Lumbao.

Getting around Laguna is easy with its generally well-developed road network. For those traveling without tour groups, commuting between towns is easy, as there are many jeepneys, tricycles, and buses plying the main roads connecting town centers to one another. So whether you are a history junkie, a nature-lover, or a traveling gourmand, Laguna has something fascinating in store for you.

Fast facts

Local Dialect: Tagalog

Festival: Bangkero Festival in Pagsanjan, Anilag Festival in Sta. Cruz

Points of Interests:

• Mt. Makiling – an extinct volcano 1,090 meters above sea-level, Mt. Makiling is the center for biodiversity and conservation in Laguna. Located in Los Baños, Laguna, this legendary mountain is home to over 2,000 species of flora and fauna.

• Pagsanjan Falls – Shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan Falls is a thrilling and scenic boat ride as seasoned bankeros expertly maneuver a narrow banca through 14 twisted rapids down to the falls.

• Barong Embroidery in Lumban – This town has kept the time-honored tradition of creating intricate and detailed embroidery on native textiles to fashion out the barong Tagalog.

• Wood carving and paper mache of Paete and Pakil – Communities of artisans demonstrate woodwork artistry practiced since the Spanish times where wood sculptures, religious images, as well as paper mache items are always treasure finds.

• Rizal Shrine in Calamba – The ancestral home and birthplace of the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, the house standing now is a replica of the original house that was burned down and rebuilt in 1950.
How to get there:

Laguna is a two hour drive via the South Luzon Expressway. Take the Susana Heights, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao or Calamba exits or via the Manila East Road, through the towns of Antipolo and Tanay in Rizal Province.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/279630/traveling-a-z-laguna

The Beguiling Tuna Festival

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
September 29, 2010, 2:38pm

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Tuna float (photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

Tucked in the mouth of the Sarangani Bay on the southern edge of Mindanao, General Santos City used to be a backward fishing port before foreign buyers discovered the high quality and quantity of the tuna catch in the 1970s. A 20-year boom followed, with major canneries and export markets to Europe and the United States established.

“What makes General Santos unique is that the city is near tuna-rich fishing grounds like Moro Gulf, Sulu Sea, Mindanao Sea, and adjacent Celebes Sea,” explains Rienje B. Andrada, a fish port staff member. “We have fair weather zone which is not normally visited by devastating typhoons or seasonal adverse weather patterns.”

Today, the tuna industry contributes about 60 percent to the economy of the city that was named thrice by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the country’s “most competitive.” So much so that in 1999, the city government, with official development assistance from Japan, built a 36-hectare General Santos Fish Port Complex that is now the country’s second largest – after Navotas.

The tuna has been commercially promoted as being the “chicken of the sea” because of its commonness and popularity in people’s diets worldwide. Tuna meat is rich in omega-3 (polyunsaturated) fatty acids that build up high-density lipids or “good cholesterol.” Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, improve the immune system, cure varied inflammatory conditions, ease the pain caused by arthritis, and help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Gensan – as most locals call their city – is noted for the powerful swimmer yellowfin tuna, which rarely ventures into dirty and murky water, making it one of the safest fishes to eat. This species has a bright red flesh with meaty flavor. It is so versatile that you can grill, bake, broil, or sauté it.

Sashimi-grade tuna are exported to Japan, Canada, United States, Hong Kong, and Korea. These are also sold to leading hotels in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other parts of the country. In the Philippines, tuna is the main ingredient of kinilaw.

Today, Gensan is known as the tuna capital of the Philippines. To pay proper homage to the city’s number one industry, the Tuna Festival came into existence.

But unlike more prominent Philippine festivals which started out as an output of a planned concept, the Tuna Festival sprung from a spontaneous idea. In 1998, during the 30th City Charter Anniversary, the General Santos City Tourism Association – a consortium of hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourism-related establishments – staged an event that showcased tuna cuisine through culinary competitions, exhibits, and other activities.
Adelebert W. Antonio, who was the mayor at that time, thought that the theme could actually be the basis for a festival.

Today, the Tuna Festival is one of the grandest and liveliest festivals in the country. Generally, it is celebrated during the first week of September, but this year, the festivity was moved to the fourth week under the new administration of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Among the activities during the Tuna Festival were the Tuna Culinary Skills Competition, the Cheer Dance Competition, Skim Boarding Competition, Langoy/Bugsay Marathon Challenge, the Fish Dance Competition, and the Al Fresco Sashimi Night (where you can satisfy your taste buds with the various tuna delicacies).

However, the last three days had the most number of activities. On September 24, there was the grand finals of the Gensan Pop Idol held in one of the city’s popular malls. “Originally, Gensan’s Pop Idol was a Tuna Festival event until it was moved to December’s Pasko sa Gensan celebration,” explained Orman Manansala, the person in-charge of this year’s activities. “This time around, we brought back the ultimate singing talent search.”

The following day, thousands of the generals (yes, the name used for the locals of the city) flocked to the KCC Convention Center to watch the finals of the pageant show, Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2010. Genevieve Mutia and Jenel Labiana, both students from the Mindanao State University, emerged as winners.

The Mardi Gras Street Dancing Competition made the participants kick, jump, strut, and dance to the beat of “Whoa Gensan!,” an original music performed by the Centerpoint, a band of six young musicians from Gensan that plays positive modern rock music.

Fifteen schools competed against each other to win in one of the two categories: elementary and high school. As street dancing was the most anticipated, thousands of people flocked to the Pioneer Avenue as early as seven in the morning, although the contest started at nine in the morning.

Also at nine in the morning, at the other side of the city, tuna floats paraded as people watched in awe at the creative forms and diverse colors of the competing floats. The floats were inspired by the idea that Gensan is one of the largest exporters of sushi and sashimi-grade tuna to North America, Europe, and Japan.

In the afternoon, the focal presentation of Mardi Gras was done at the Gensan Gym in Lagao.

This year’s theme of the Tuna Festival was “Go Global GenSan: We Are Ready for the World.” It was their way of saying that they were geared up to show the world their renowned talents and skills in the different spectacular events.

Go, go Gensan!


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/279628/the-beguiling-tuna-festival

Asa ka pa. Mga bastos talaga ang mga yan. Too bad, baka kuyugin na naman ako ng mga makaKorea dito sa SSC. 2 nights ago, I was at the spa sa hotel sa Siem Reap and there were Koreans who were really rude to the Cambodian staff. Mura ng mura. Ang bastos.

flying kick mo sana :lol: :lol: :lol: at nang nakita nila na hindi lang tayo marunong mag-english marunong din tayong mag karate :lol:

alam mo kung minsan kasalanan din ng mga ibang kababayan natin lalo na sa mga cashier ng mga department store at supermarkets, pag foreigner na o koreans for that matter, nangangalug tuhod na parang nagiging 2nd class tuloy tayo. Ang masama kuntodo smile at todo-serbisyo sila eh pagdating naman sa mga Pinoy eh nagiging lukewarm ang reception. ay nakuuuuuuuuuuuuu! kaya tayo minamaliit eh, di ba? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

sinapak mo sana :lol: :lol: :lol: at nang nakita nila na hindi lang tayo marunong mag-english marunong din tayong mag karate :lol:

alam mo kung minsan kasalanan din ng mga ibang kababayan natin lalo na sa mga cashier ng mga department store at supermarkets, pag foreigner na o koreans for that matter, nangangalug tuhod na parang nagiging 2nd class tuloy tayo. Ang masama kuntodo smile at todo-serbisyo sila pagdating sa mga Pinoy eh nagiging lukewarm ang reception. ay nakuuuuuuuuuuuuu! kaya tayo minamaliit eh, di ba? :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

Hehehe, marami sila eh, malay mo may taekwando blackbelt dun eh di basag ang bayag ko. :lol::lol::lol: Nakakahiya yan na mareport ko dito eh andami pa namang baliw na baliw sa mga Koreano dito sa SSC. Kakatapos ko pa lang din magpamassage nun. Hahaha. Ako naman, super polite sa staff na Cambodians at least lalong mahighlight na mababait ang mga Pinoy.

May punto ka dre, kanda tisod ang mga cashier at sales lady sa mga dept stores pag foreigner pero pag Pinoy na, wala lang. Ganyan din dati ang nangyari sa Boracay, angyayabang ng mga waiter at bellboy dyan, hindi pinapansin ang mga domestic tourists, kaya nung binagsakan sila ng coliform at Sept 11, sino ngayon bumuhay sa kanila, kundi mga kapwa na Pinoy rin diba pagkatapos magkansela ng mga bookings? Eh di ngayon, better na ang service ng mga yan sa mga Pinoy na turista.

Hehehe, marami sila eh, malay mo may taekwando blackbelt dun eh di basag ang bayag ko. :lol::lol::lol: Nakakahiya yan na mareport ko dito eh andami pa namang baliw na baliw sa mga Koreano dito sa SSC. Kakatapos ko pa lang din magpamassage nun. Hahaha. Ako naman, super polite sa staff na Cambodians at least lalong mahighlight na mababait ang mga Pinoy.

May punto ka dre, kanda tisod ang mga cashier at sales lady sa mga dept stores pag foreigner pero pag Pinoy na, wala lang. Ganyan din dati ang nangyari sa Boracay, angyayabang ng mga waiter at bellboy dyan, hindi pinapansin ang mga domestic tourists, kaya nung binagsakan sila ng coliform at Sept 11, sino ngayon bumuhay sa kanila, kundi mga kapwa na Pinoy rin diba pagkatapos magkansela ng mga bookings? Eh di ngayon, better na ang service ng mga yan sa mga Pinoy na turista.

hehehehe! di ba nasa VN ka? sabi ni edu manzano mas maunlad na daw ang vn sa rp, totoo ba?

nabasa ko kasi minsan sa column ni gabinete sa abante online

hehehehe! di ba nasa VN ka? sabi ni edu manzano mas maunlad na daw ang vn sa rp, totoo ba?

Yeah I am now.. but I was in Cambodia a couple of days ago...

Macroeconomic numbers nila is okay. pero ating pakatandaan, nakasala ang lahat ng balita na nanggagaling dito.

Edu Manzano, with all due respect, is not an authority on economics. ;)

Marami pa silang kakaining bigas para umabot sa punto natin ngayon.

Fiestang Kuliat in Angeles City is happening in October :banana: malapit na

Fiestang Kuliat in Angeles City - Philippines , One of the festivities that Pampanga residents celebrate annually is the Fiestang Kuliat. Essentially, Fiestang Kuliat represents the resilience of Angeles City in Pampanga since the area was hit by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and after the United States Military base in Clarkfield was withdrawn.

These two major trials in Angeles City, or Pampanga in general, never discouraged the local residents to continue their aim of progress. Despite the problems that hit them, Angeles City is currently considered as one of the most progressive places in Region III. After the two major trials, other people have served as witnesses to the trait of Kapampangan of determination to survive in the middle of crucial problems.


The local government of Angeles City effectively responded to the needs of the local residents while civic organizations gave their respective assistance. Meanwhile, the local business affected by the areas problems managed to stand firm against the crisis and brought economic activities to Angeles City.

The local residents of Angeles City felt that their ability to surpass their problems is something that should be celebrated since it is a milestone in the history. This is when the idea of celebrating Fiestang Kuliat emerged. A year after the Mt Pinatubo eruption, Angeleños started celebrating the Fiestang Kuliat. Culiat is the former name of Angeles City where the name of the festival was derived.

The Fiestang Kuliat is celebrated every October 10, in honor of the patron saint of Culiat, Blessed Virgin Mary of Rosary.

This festival is just one of the unique festivities that the Philippines can be proud of. This celebration is actually the residents way of thanking to their patron saint. The local residents think that through this festival, they would be safe from disasters, calamities, and other untoward accidents.


Among the usual activities packaged in the celebration are Boxing Match, Beach Volley, City Hall Idol, Bonggang Binayagan, Sinukwan Night, Float Parade, Friendship Street Jam and Party, among others.

Up to this day, this festival has served as a vital part of the culture and heritage of Angeles City. Aside from celebrating the victories of the Angeles City residents, the Fiestang Kuliat also serves as a main reason why tourists flock in the area giving economic opportunities to local residents. Aside from being a religious thanksgiving event, the Fiestang Kuliat also helps the local residents to be known of their resiliency that has always been associated with Angeleños.

Asa ka pa. Mga bastos talaga ang mga yan. Too bad, baka kuyugin na naman ako ng mga makaKorea dito sa SSC. 2 nights ago, I was at the spa sa hotel sa Siem Reap and there were Koreans who were really rude to the Cambodian staff. Mura ng mura. Ang bastos.

Do not worry guys, they will be invaded pretty soon by the North Koreans:lol::lol::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::lol:

Do not worry guys, they will be invaded pretty soon by the North Koreans:lol::lol::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::banana::cheers::lol:

Curious lang din ako, biglang tahimik ang mga mahilig sa Koreanovela dito.

Back to topic, I think Philippine immigration should be stricter when admitting Koreans to the Philippines even as tourists. And tapos papanagutin ang dive shops and travel agencies regarding this matter. Mga dive shops kasi minsan accept lang ng accept hindi man lang sinasaway ang mga lintek na yan.

Accdg sa isang contact ko sa Davao, literally some of the dive shops there no longer accept Koreans kasi sobrang pasaway - they litter, they touch the corals etc.

Curious lang din ako, biglang tahimik ang mga mahilig sa Koreanovela dito.

Back to topic, I think Philippine immigration should be stricter when admitting Koreans to the Philippines even as tourists. And tapos papanagutin ang dive shops and travel agencies regarding this matter. Mga dive shops kasi minsan accept lang ng accept hindi man lang sinasaway ang mga lintek na yan.

Accdg sa isang contact ko sa Davao, literally some of the dive shops there no longer accept Koreans kasi sobrang pasaway - they litter, they touch the corals etc.

anung bang gusto mo, mang away??? o di sige ayaw mo sa mga koreano, pakelam namin...

:cheers:

anung bang gusto mo, mang away??? o di sige ayaw mo sa mga koreano, pakelam namin...

:cheers:

Hhehehe. May nagreact. :lol::lol:

O PJ, ano masasabi mo dyan sa paninira ng corals natin ng mga Koreano?

Siguro naman may pakialam ka dyan? :)

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Kayangan Lake from Above, Coron, Palawan by Irwin Santos

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Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur by Juvaline Mana-ay Dionisio - The falls is approximately 55 metres (180 ft) high, touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an is a white water curtain that flows in three levels. It is one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Its colorful picture was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine

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Up to the Steps of the Caves of Callao by Alford Ronduen
Brgy. Parabba and Brgy. Quibal, Peñablanca, Cagayan

Alford Ronduen shares his adventures and amazing pictures when he went up into the Caves of Callao. A 30-minute drive from Tuguegarao City will lead you to the Municipality of Penablanca where the seven chambers of Callao Caves are located. It has natural lights from its sink hole openings. It is near the Pinacanauan River, the longest, widest and most powerful river in the Philippines and one of the largest tributaries of the Cagayan River. Crossing the river by boat or by driving directly to the cave entrance leads you to the opening of the cave. We usually descend from cave openings in most of our spelunkings but with the caves of Callao, one must ascend its 186 steps (others say. it's 187). The caves were named after the birds who used to dwell and fly in the area called the Kallaw bird. But due to hunting, their number dwindled.

Between its first and second chambers, the cave has a natural cathedral which was turned into a chapel by its local people. Archeologists are still discovering other chambers. In 2007, archaeologists from the University of the Philippines Diliman led by Professor Armand Mijares has just discovered a 67,000-year-old human bone inside the cave (which predates the 47,000-year-old Tabon Man fossils from Palawan) in a discovery they claim proves the area was settled by man 20,000 years earlier than previously thought and could be the earliest fossil evidence of humans in Southeast Asia. The UP team of archealogist found six additional bones with cut marks but no tools have been found last April and May 2009.



Beautiful pics.....:cheers1:

Hhehehe. May nagreact. :lol::lol:

O PJ, ano masasabi mo dyan sa paninira ng corals natin ng mga Koreano?

Siguro naman may pakialam ka dyan? :)

sus, di naman ako narrow minded o nagbubulag-bulagan ano...;) ang may kasalanan, panagutin...

sus, di naman ako narrow minded o nagbubulag-bulagan ano...;) ang may kasalanan, panagutin...

I am glad to hear that from you. :):cheers:

^^ rain eto: I don't watch their live concerts but I have few Korean friends...okay naman sila. I get along with them.

Two weeks ago, GMA 7 showed in their Sunday's blockbuster that concert by a popular Korean at Araneta Coliseum "K Pop meeets P Pop". The place was packed considering the prices were not cheap. :)

Another Korean is coming to the Philippines hehehe


Good news for all die-hard Pinoy and Pinay k-pop fans. Park Jaebeom or more commonly known nowadays as Jay Park, the former leader of the renowned k-pop boy group 2PM, will be arriving in Manila, Philippines on Sunday, October 3, for a scheduled concert to be held at the SMX Convention Center – SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA). The show is part of his ongoing Asia tour entitled ‘Fan Meet Tour 2010’ which started in Seoul last August 28th. As of this writing, Jaebeom had already visited Singapore and is expected to visit Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur after his scheduled Manila concert tour.

Here’s the transcript of Jaebeom’s 20 minute exclusive phone interview conducted by Philippine Star’s FUNFARE ace columnist Ricky Lo:

How has the tour been so far?
“You know, we’ve been to only two cities, Seoul and Singapore, and it feels great. There’s been a lot of energy and we’ve been doing a good show.”

How do you keep up with a hectic schedule like this?
“Oh yeah, yeah. Very hectic, going back and forth. You know, I’m trying to do my best. I’m getting a little used to it.”

Weather varies in every Asian country. Doesn’t it affect your voice?
“I don’t think the weather affects my voice. But lack of sleep does… a bit, and jetlag. It makes my voice kind of a little hoarse.”

How do you take care of your voice?
“I just get as much sleep as I can. I try not to strain it before a show. I don’t refrain from talking, it’s not like that. I rest my voice by not singing a day before the show.”

Some singers don’t take a full meal before a show. Do you do that?
“No, I don’t do that. I dance a lot so I need to eat to have energy.”

Why did your band 2PM break up?
“You know, there was some miscommunication. So we had to part ways. I mean, there’s nothing to love from my side. That’s all I can say about it.”

You are coming to the Philippines with a new dance group called AOM.
“Yes, AOM means Art Of Movement. They’ve been my crew since I was in high school. The members are my friends.”

Some of the members are Filipino, right?
“Yes, one is Daniel Jerone. I met him in Seattle. He’s been my friend from way back. There’s also Andrew Baterina, my choreographer.”

What have you heard about the Philippines from these two guys?
“Oh, one of them was in the Philippines when he was very young and the other has never been there. They’re really excited to go. But I know that the Philippines has very good dried mango. Also, that the food is very good, like lumpia. I had two Filipino friends back in high school and I’ve tried eating Filipino food at their homes.”

You were born and raised in Seattle. Is that where you started your singing career?
“No. I started my singing career in Korea. But I started rapping and dancing in Seattle for fun. The actual training began when I got to Korea.”

Of course, you know that K-Pop is very popular in the Philippines as it is in other Asian countries. To what do you attribute its popularity?
“I think it’s the catchy songs, the upbeat tempo, the style of dancing — the way they are packaged.”

Your fans love you for your well-maintained body, aside from your unique style. What sort of diet do you follow? What workout do you do?
“You know, I’m naturally very skinny. I do a lot of weight training. I don’t really watch what I eat but I try not to eat after 8 p.m. I dance a lot and it’s a very good exercise.”

You sing, you dance, you rap. How do you find time for all that?
“It’s kind of hard to maintain a balance. I just do one thing at a time. If you do things that way, you can’t help but get better at everything.”

In Korea more than in any other country, competition is very stiff. Do you feel too much pressure because of that?
“No, I don’t really feel like I’m competing with anyone. I’m just kind of going where life takes me — I’m just having fun!”

Tell us a bit about your family.
“I grew up in Seattle. I have one brother, younger than me. I have a dog named Peatry. My parents are Korean. I can’t speak Korean very well but I can understand it. I love Korean food. Although I didn’t know Korean culture, I know what it’s like.”

How would you like to do a Korean soap which is very popular in the Philippines?
“I would love to.”

Just two weeks ago, Rain was in the Philippines for a shoot and a show. Have you met him?
“Yes, I have.”

Did he give you some tips?
“You know, I haven’t really talked much with him. But he’s a great guy. He’s very talented and he works very hard.” (Trivia: Unlike Jay, Rain was “unreachable,” “inaccessible.” Before he came, those behind his concert requested The STAR to do an e-mail interview with Rain. Guess what Rain’s manager required — the writer’s credentials and, hold your breath, biography… yes, biography! Never mind. Somebody told Funfare that Christian Bautista, who guested on Rain‘s concert, was never able to talk, not even say “Hi!” to Rain; neither was Christian introduced to Rain nor were they photographed together. “Bawal daw lapitan si Rain ng kahit sino ng walang paalam o pahintulot ng manager,” said the Funfare source. Commented a Rain fan who has ceased to be, “Hindi na siya ‘rain.’ Ambon na lang siya ngayon!”)

Tell us about your new album.
“Oh, it’s not really a full album. I just came out with a remake of Nothin’ On You, it’s called Count On Me. Coming out is Beastie, a song that I myself wrote. It’s like hip-hop and it has rap. It’s a fun song. Another one is titled Demon.”

Give us an idea about your concert on Oct. 3.
“It’s my first time in the Philippines and my first time to meet my Filipino fans, so I’m very excited about that. It’s gonna be a fun show. I’m going to sing all my songs. I have some guests with me. AOM and I will do a special number. We’ll have games with the fans.”

interview credits: FUNFARE philstar.com

^^ Press release yan, of course they will be required to speak nicely.

Sa totoo lang, bibilangin sa daliri ang okay, but try lang understanding what they are saying, grabe yan sila mangutya, hindi lang ng Pinoy.

Anyway, moving on...Musta na sir RonnieR?

^^ Press release yan, of course they will be required to speak nicely.

Sa totoo lang, bibilangin sa daliri ang okay, but try lang understanding what they are saying, grabe yan sila mangutya, hindi lang ng Pinoy.

Anyway, moving on...Musta na sir RonnieR?

Life is good here in the country :) Just call me RonnieR or Ronnie. I understand because you had a bad experience with them but even with Pinoys, there are always bad eggs. In a party I attended at Eastwood, I saw some Koreans having fun together with Pinoys..

Anyway...eto mga Japanese naman.

Japanese HS students in RP on exchange program

INQUIRER.net First Posted 14:49:00 09/30/2010 Filed Under: Philippines - Metro, Diplomacy, Education


MANILA, Philippines—Twenty-six junior high school students ages 14 to 15 years old and three teachers from Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture in Japan are in the country as part of the Youth Exchange Program between the two countries, the Japanese embassy here said in a news release.

The delegation which arrived on September 13 was briefed by Director Tomoko Dodo of the Japan Information and Culture Center on the Philippines-Japan relations in various fields. She also shared some of her experiences living in the Philippines and gave them information on Philippine society and politics.

From September 13 to 22, the delegation attended classes in local high schools such as Philippine Science High School (Quezon City), Claret High School (Quezon City), Emilio Aguinaldo International School (Manila), Emilio Aguinaldo College (Cavite-High School Department), and Our Lady of Pilar Montessori (Las Pinas).

They also made a study tour in Manila City, Anilao in Batangas and Corregidor. Another highlight was the homestay program with Filipino families which made it possible for the Japanese students to experience Filipino way of life and family values.

During the farewell dinner hosted by Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (Philfeja), the students expressed their gratitude and shared some of their memorable experiences in the Philippines.

The students told the audience that despite some difficulties related to the language barrier, they managed to communicate with Filipino people and truly appreciated the wonderful interactions. They also said the most interesting experience they had in the Philippines was riding the jeepney and tricycle as these do not exist in Japan. One student went on to express her wishes to return to the Philippines as a flight attendant.

Philfeja president Jose Luis Reyes shared with the participants and others involved that everybody was pleased with the fruitful outcome of the program. He expressed his intention to continue supporting the exchange program in the years to come, as this kind of exchange program deepens mutual understanding and camaraderie between Japan and the Philippines.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100930-295215/Japanese-HS-students-in-RP-on-exchange-program

Life is good here in the country :) Just call me RonnieR or Ronnie. I understand because you had a bad experience with them but even with Pinoys, there are always bad eggs. In a party I attended at Eastwood, I saw some Koreans having fun together with Pinoys..

Anyway...eto mga Japanese naman.

Japanese HS students in RP on exchange program

INQUIRER.net First Posted 14:49:00 09/30/2010 Filed Under: Philippines - Metro, Diplomacy, Education


MANILA, Philippines—Twenty-six junior high school students ages 14 to 15 years old and three teachers from Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture in Japan are in the country as part of the Youth Exchange Program between the two countries, the Japanese embassy here said in a news release.

The delegation which arrived on September 13 was briefed by Director Tomoko Dodo of the Japan Information and Culture Center on the Philippines-Japan relations in various fields. She also shared some of her experiences living in the Philippines and gave them information on Philippine society and politics.

From September 13 to 22, the delegation attended classes in local high schools such as Philippine Science High School (Quezon City), Claret High School (Quezon City), Emilio Aguinaldo International School (Manila), Emilio Aguinaldo College (Cavite-High School Department), and Our Lady of Pilar Montessori (Las Pinas).

They also made a study tour in Manila City, Anilao in Batangas and Corregidor. Another highlight was the homestay program with Filipino families which made it possible for the Japanese students to experience Filipino way of life and family values.

During the farewell dinner hosted by Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (Philfeja), the students expressed their gratitude and shared some of their memorable experiences in the Philippines.

The students told the audience that despite some difficulties related to the language barrier, they managed to communicate with Filipino people and truly appreciated the wonderful interactions. They also said the most interesting experience they had in the Philippines was riding the jeepney and tricycle as these do not exist in Japan. One student went on to express her wishes to return to the Philippines as a flight attendant.

Philfeja president Jose Luis Reyes shared with the participants and others involved that everybody was pleased with the fruitful outcome of the program. He expressed his intention to continue supporting the exchange program in the years to come, as this kind of exchange program deepens mutual understanding and camaraderie between Japan and the Philippines.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100930-295215/Japanese-HS-students-in-RP-on-exchange-program


I love the Japanese. Even if the Kempetai beheaded one of my ancestors. Revolutionario kasi yun... :D

The Guimaras experience

by Ed Biado

What do we really know about Guimaras aside from their delicious mangoes? Well, there’s the infamous oil spill. But did you know that the province is one of the most beautiful places in the country? It has wonderful beaches that are still unspoiled. There are also lots of places to see and things to do there, contrary to some cynical beliefs. Here’s a closer look at the island:

1. Marine Reserved Area – Located on the beach area of Barangay Lawi, this municipality-maintained project is for the preservation of endangered species. The sea turtles, after being hatched, are cared for in aquarium-nursery and, after few months, released in the sea. The fully grown turtles periodically return to the beach during mating seasons and lay their eggs in the sand.

2. Sea Turtle Temporary Feeding and Caring Station – Managed by the Barangay Lawi Tourism Council, the station aims to preserve the endangered Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles that nest in the area’s beaches. It is a floating cage of sea turtles that people could view and touch the real sea turtles, which are kept for a few months and released afterwards. The station accepts donation from visitors for maintenance purposes.

3. Tiniguiban Islet (Pulang Pasayan) – This is a 1,544 square meter islet right in front of SEAFDEC Igang Marine Sub-Station. This is where rare red shrimps make surprise appearances during high tide. The beach is good for swimming and snorkeling. There are no available overnight accommodations.

4. Tatlong Pulo Beach – This is an islet that boasts of lush greenery, white sand beaches, private coves, rich and colorful marine life and unique inland terrain. There are no available overnight accommodations.

5. Bucoy Cave – With an entry passage so low that one has to crawl to enter, the cave’s interior is illuminated with a phosphorescent glow of crystalline rocks or quartz resembling sparkling Christmas lights or twinkling fireflies. A small lake, six meters deep and five meters wide, inside the cave can be used for taking a dip.

6. Higante Cave – Legend has it that this cave was used by a giant, thus, being called Higante Cave. It is full of stalagmites and stalactites that form unusual shapes. It is customary for visitors to leave a coin and make a wish inside the cave.

7. Balaan Bukit Shrine – Discovered in 1956 by an Italian priest, Rev. Fr. Bergil Pixner, this place is of interest to local and foreign visitors during the Lenten season for the Stations of the Cross.

8. Navalas Church – The oldest existing Roman Catholic Church in the province of Guimaras that has survived the ravages of time, built in 1880-1885, this church used to have a bigger bell. It is estimated that it was more than four feet tall, formerly hanging at the belfry. It was carted away and dumped into the sea near Isla del Siete Pecados by Muslim raiders. Only the façade remains untouched but the ceilings and structure inside the church has already been renovated.

9. Trappist Monastery – The only men’s monastery in the Philippines run by the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, the sanctuary is open to everyone who wants to experience some peace and quiet through meditation and retreat.

10. Guimaras Adventure Park – This 28-hectare park has adrenaline-charged activities such as paintball, rappelling and target shooting. It also has facilities for war games and horseback riding.


http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2010/september/30/lifestyle3.isx&d=2010/september/30

I love the Japanese. Even if the Kempetai beheaded one of my ancestors. Revolutionario kasi yun... :D

Ako naman hindi....My grandfather was killed by Jap soldiers during WW II! But of course time has changed. My belief is: there are always bad eggs in any place in this world so I don't single out a certain race or nationality.

^^I like both the Korean and Japanese babes... :D

^^I like both the Korean and Japanese babes... :D

OT: Uy! Kunwari ka pang may kapa, yon pala .. . . .matinik din!

sus, di naman ako narrow minded

ows?

Quezon Beckons You...

So near Manila, yet so remote are the beautiful places in Quezon. Below are various angles of Balagbag Falls in Real, Quezon as photographed by Allan Barredo.

Source: Allan Barredo Photostream at Flickr (visit his site for more pics)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allanbarredo/3773545831/

http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/Balagbag_01.jpg
Balagbag Falls by Allan Barredo


http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/Balagbag_02.jpg
Balagbag Falls by Allan Barredo


http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/Balagbag_03.jpg
Balagbag Falls by Allan Barredo

For me bastos ang mga Koreans. Even sa Basilica del Sto. Nino ang iingay. Walang respeto sa mga nagsisimba kung icompara mo sa mga Japanese, Americans at Europeans na ang tatahimik. Marami na ring kaguluhan na ginawa yan sa Mactan. But anyway maybe basagolero lang talaga sila, maybe in their culture pero hindi ibig sabihin na minamaliit nila tayo. They're proud with us Filipinos, they love the Philippines and they know us better than our neighbors. Kang Charice lang, hangang hanga sila at rpoud na proud sila. Pero pag nagkasala, papanagutin. :yes: Pareho lang din sila sa Pinoy, mga basagulero din kahit nasa ibang bansa kaya wag nating i condemn ang buong Koreans kung basagulero man ang mostly sa kanila, coz if we do that masakit din sa kanila like what happened sa Hong Kong at Pilipinas, masakit din para sa atin na buong bansa ang inisip nila na mamamatay tao kahit iisang tao lang ang may gawa. Siguro pagsabihan nalang. :)

Burdeos, Quezon

Still undeveloped and untouched by modernization are the islands of Burdeos. This town boasts of many pristine white beaches and clear blue waters, waterfalls and beautiful caves.

Sample pictures are from a certified traveller and adventurer - Claire Raborar.

Buguitay Island, Burdeos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/BuguitayIsland_Burdeos.jpg


Anilon Cave, Burdeos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/AnilonCave_Burdeos.jpg

Anawan Island, Burdeos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/AnawanIsland_Burdeos.jpg

Puting Bato Island, Burdeos Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/PutingBatoIsland_Burdeos.jpg

wow QUEZON?!!

didn't imagine Quezon to be like that! :D

For me bastos ang mga Koreans. Even sa Basilica del Sto. Nino ang iingay. Walang respeto sa mga nagsisimba kung icompara mo sa mga Japanese, Americans at Europeans na ang tatahimik. Marami na ring kaguluhan na ginawa yan sa Mactan. But anyway maybe basagolero lang talaga sila, maybe in their culture pero hindi ibig sabihin na minamaliit nila tayo. They're proud with us Filipinos, they love the Philippines and they know us better than our neighbors. Kang Charice lang, hangang hanga sila at rpoud na proud sila. Pero pag nagkasala, papanagutin. :yes: Pareho lang din sila sa Pinoy, mga basagulero din kahit nasa ibang bansa kaya wag nating i condemn ang buong Koreans kung basagulero man ang mostly sa kanila, coz if we do that masakit din sa kanila like what happened sa Hong Kong at Pilipinas, masakit din para sa atin na buong bansa ang inisip nila na mamamatay tao kahit iisang tao lang ang may gawa. Siguro pagsabihan nalang. :)


That's true, we can't generalized them. I had one experience with Korean tourist in the Philippine a few years back on my way to Cebu via PAL, we were cuing in line for security check up. Men on one side and women in another side. Well heck, I don't think the Koreans knows how to respect personal space. The Koreans behind me keeps leaning their chest on my back that it is almost pushing me forward and lose my balance, i would step forward but they would follow just the same. They were even talking to one another real loud almost right to my ear. Each one of them do the same no matter which one of them happen to stand behind me in another line. It was so annoying that I had to tell them to back off, sad part is, I don't think they really speak english too well or perhaps not at all, because they were looking up to me with a blank stare in their eyes, all smile but said nothing back to me except vowed a little bit. I was like, sheesh Great! whatever.. I was polite with them though.

^^ Quezon is absolutely stunning.

^^indeed

Padre Burgos, Quezon

Padre Burgos too has its share of beautiful islands and beaches.


Dampalitan Beach, Padre Burgos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/DampalitanBeach2_PadreBurgos.jpg


Dampalitan Beach, Padre Burgos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/DampalitanBeach1_PadreBurgos.jpg


Borawan Beach, Padre Burgos, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/BorawanBeach_PadreBurgos.jpg


Dampalitan Beach, Padre Burgos Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/DampalitanBeach3_PadreBurgos.jpg

Wow, I didn't know Quezon province have these too. Is that like a public beach kind of deal or a resort?

Pagbilao, Quezon

Pagbilao, the town next to Lucena City is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Manila depending on the traffic situation. This town is blessed with beautiful waterfalls and beaches. It's also home to one of the largest power plants in the country.


Kuwebang Lampas, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/KuwebangLampas1.jpg

This cave has 2 openings, one from the cove and leads to another one facing the open sea, hence, "Kuwebang Lampas".

Kuwebang Lampas, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/KuwebangLampas2.jpg


Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/PutingBuhangin3.jpg

Notice how clear the water is.
Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/PutingBuhangin1.jpg

Wow, I didn't know Quezon province have these too. Is that like a public beach kind of deal or a resort?

Php35 as entrance fee, cottage not included. For other parts of the island, it's free. You have to rent a boat for island hopping.

Some things to look forward to in Aurora. :banana:

Angara pushes Baler as economic, cultural, educational, tourist hub

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Edgardo Angara is laying down the groundwork for making Baler, Aurora Province, an economic, cultural, educational and tourist destination in the next five years.

In an interview with The STAR, Sen. Angara said that first and foremost, infrastructure development has been started in providing access to the Eastern province of Aurora both by air and land.

According to Angara the Baler-Dr. Juan C. Angara airport is having its runway extended to 1,500 meters which is much longer than the Caticlan Airport in Antique which has a runway length of only 900 meters.

Another larger international airport is also being constructed in Casiguran.

The Baler airport extension, Sen. Angara pointed out, could then easily accommodate an AirBus plane.

SEAir already has flights to Baler, but talks are already ongoing with Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific for future flights, he said.

Land access via an extension of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex) by an additional 81 to 87 kilometers is also in the works with funding already pledged by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Senator said.

A P350-million economic zone - the Aurora-Pacific Ecozone- Sen. Angara said, is under construction with at least two locators already.

The Aurora-Pacific Ecozone, the veteran legislator, educator and former Agriculture Secretary said, would be the first ecozone facing the Pacific Ocean since most of the existing ecozones face the China Sea.

Aurora Province, Sen. Angara said, is also developing its agriculture sector with the establishment of mariculture parks that cultivate high-value fish such as seabass, lapu-lapu and bangus.

Aurora’s main agricultural crop is coconut which produces a number of products from coconut oil,coconut vinergar, coco jam to coco coir which is used in industrial textiles.

Sen. Angara has teamed up with well-known high-end Raintree Partners, Inc. to develop a “small luxury hotel” resort in the Angara family-owned Dikasalarin Cove, as well as a moderately-priced resort in Sabang Beach.

Raintree currently manages the SLH Discovery Group Resorts of the Tiu Family in Ortigas, Boracay and Tagaytay.

Well-known architect Ed Calma will design the two resorts and construction is expected to commence by 2012.

The two resorts will use materials indigenous to the province.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=615584&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Ive been to Pagbilao, Quezon. Went to Puting Buhangin, nice little cove except that there was a coal plant on the same island I believe.

Ive been to Pagbilao, Quezon. Went to Puting Buhangin, nice little cove except that there was a coal plant on the same island I believe.

Yep. Pagbilao Power Station is on Pagbilao Grande Island, which Puting Buhangin is also. If people had been so uninformed that a coal power plant could co-exist with clean beautiful beaches, they should go there. If I remember right, people there call the place as "kwebang Lampas".

Ive been to Pagbilao, Quezon. Went to Puting Buhangin, nice little cove except that there was a coal plant on the same island I believe.

You're right, though, it was built by Hopewell's engineering arm - Slipform - which adheres to the highest standards and is reputable worldwide.

Parchie is also right. Pagbilao has a coal plant, but, it's water is cleaner than many beaches around. Also it has one of the largest and most successful mangrove forests in the country.

You're right, though, it was built by Hopewell's engineering arm - Slipform - which adheres to the highest standards and is reputable worldwide.

Parchie is also right. Pagbilao has a coal plant, but, it's water is cleaner than many beaches around. Also it has one of the largest and most successful mangrove forests in the country.

I remember hearing about this cove called "Aquarium" somewhere near the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong/Bagac. Waters were relatively clear as well, according to my sources.

It seems that the pollution at many Philippine beaches is caused by human visitors and tourists, not the industrial waste from the power plants.

Yep. Pagbilao Power Station is on Pagbilao Grande Island, which Puting Buhangin is also. If people had been so uninformed that a coal power plant could co-exist with clean beautiful beaches, they should go there. If I remember right, people there call the place as "kwebang Lampas".

I am not a big fan of coal tho. And the sight of a huge smokestack just before you turn to Puting Buhangin is just a little jarring.

I am not a big fan of coal tho. And the sight of a huge smokestack just before you turn to Puting Buhangin is just a little jarring.

There is one other place which I only visited once in Quezon Province; Gumaca, Quezon! I think it was near the railways (it was nigh time, and we were inside a bar, so I can't figure it out clearly). Facing the Pacific Ocean, the breeze is totally different!

There is one other place which I only visited once in Quezon Province; Gumaca, Quezon! I think it was near the railways (it was nigh time, and we were inside a bar, so I can't figure it out clearly). Facing the Pacific Ocean, the breeze is totally different!

What's with the breeze? Actually, it's not yet Pacific Ocean. Gumaca along with Atimonan, Plaridel and Lopez face a bay between the mainland and Alabat Island. Beyond that, lies the expanse of Pacific Ocean. I had a time swimming in this bay near the island. Super clear. Got no itchiness. It was unlike swimming in Batangas, Cavite, Bataan, Zambales, Puerto Galera, Sorsogon (with exception of Subic and Tikling Islands in Matnog), some parts of Mindanao and even in Boracay where I had some incovenient rashes and itchiness. The only waters that I can swim in a long period of time without getting itchy feeling other than in Quezon so far are in Palawan, Catanduanes and in Apo Island in Negros.

^^ Quezon has nice, white sand beaches! How come there are no promotions on those places? It's always "Pahiyas festival"....

Guys, thanks for posting photos of Quezon Province.. I wished I had enough time and money to explore it. Siguro in the future, I will. I want to go to Polillo Island as well..

Quezon is a very long province, if not the longest, so it has one of the expansive coastlines. therefore, these beautiful coastlines should be naturally abundant in Quezon...

^^ Quezon has nice, white sand beaches! How come there are no promotions on those places? It's always "Pahiyas festival"....


Coz it's usually associated with typhoons. Most specially Polillo Island where it is very famous when there's a typhoon. Maybe sa tingin nila kung i propromote nila, wa din masyadong pupunta coz the area is always visited by storms.

Pagbilao, Quezon

Pagbilao, the town next to Lucena City is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Manila depending on the traffic situation. This town is blessed with beautiful waterfalls and beaches. It's also home to one of the largest power plants in the country.


Kuwebang Lampas, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/KuwebangLampas1.jpg

This cave has 2 openings, one from the cove and leads to another one facing the open sea, hence, "Kuwebang Lampas".

Kuwebang Lampas, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/KuwebangLampas2.jpg


Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/PutingBuhangin3.jpg

Notice how clear the water is.
Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon by Claire Raborar
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/PutingBuhangin1.jpg

^^ you need company:cheers::banana::cheers::cheers:

^^:nuts:
:lol:

Coz it's usually associated with typhoons. Most specially Polillo Island where it is very famous when there's a typhoon. Maybe sa tingin nila kung i propromote nila, wa din masyadong pupunta coz the area is always visited by storms.

Yeah in the past I was supposed to go to Polillo Island but a typhoon was brewing so I had to camp out in Infanta. Didn't want to risk capsizing the boat :storm:

Yeah in the past I was supposed to go to Polillo Island but a typhoon was brewing so I had to camp out in Infanta. Didn't want to risk capsizing the boat :storm:

When was that? They say (residents) that the best time to go there is between the months of April to June wherein the waves are calmer. We were in Alabat Island (also sharing Lamon Bay with southern part of Polillo Islands) last August and the weather was perfect. The water was very, very calm.

Mt. Banahaw as seen from Alabat, Quezon
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8979-1.jpg


One of Alabat Island's beaches
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8899-1.jpg

Sunset at Isay Beach, Perez, Quezon (Alabat Island)
The water here is super clear and calm.
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8861-1.jpg

When was that? They say (residents) that the best time to go there is between the months of April to June wherein the waves are calmer. We were in Alabat Island (also sharing Lamon Bay with southern part of Polillo Islands) last August and the weather was perfect. The water was very, very calm.

Mt. Banahaw as seen from Alabat, Quezon
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8979-1.jpg


One of Alabat Island's beaches
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8899-1.jpg

Sunset at Isay Beach, Perez, Quezon (Alabat Island)
The water here is super clear and calm.
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae303/watcher09/IMG_8861-1.jpg

That was sometime in August more than 10 years ago. The skies were fairly dark and the clouds were heavy and it rained causing limited visibility.

BTW, nice pictures of Alabat Island. Wish I could go there one day. On the other hand, has anyone been to Balesin Island lately? I hear the resort there has improved. It's been years since I last visited the place.

That was sometime in August more than 10 years ago. The skies were fairly dark and the clouds were heavy and it rained causing limited visibility.

BTW, nice pictures of Alabat Island. Wish I could go there one day. On the other hand, has anyone been to Balesin Island lately? I hear the resort there has improved. It's been years since I last visited the place.

Reports say it has been acquired by Alphaland. They are pouring in huge amount of money to develop it as a top-notch resort island.

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...

repost.....



Guiuan airport to be operational soon
October 2ND 2010

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar –The newly-rehabilitated and upgraded Guiuan Airport with an estimate cost of P115 million will be soon be operational.

This was disclosed by Mayor Annaliz Gonzales-Kwan in an interview for the update of Guiuan Airport which was rehabilitated during the presidency of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under her Guiuan Airport Development Project in line with her super region concept of development where Region 8 is part of Central Philippines Super Region envisioned to be the tourism center of the country.

“The airport is already there and the facilities are already finished, but I am still waiting for the requirement that the airline company had asked for us to have a fire truck in the airport,” Mayor Kwan said.

“But I cannot give it to them because it is very expensive, that is why I talked with the people from the Department of Transportation and Communications if they can provide the said equipment to us and I think they will do so,” she added.
The said fire truck will cost about P5 to P10 million, according to Mayor Kwan.

“This is not an ordinary fire truck because it will not use water in controlling fire but a specialized chemical, that makes it costly,” she explains.

Based on the latest update from the town mayor, she said that the airline company that had agreed to begin its operation is Cebu Pacific and aiming to start their operation by December of this year.

In an interview with Eastern Samar Congressman Ben Evardone, he said that as of the moment he still doesn’t know if there is an airline company who wishes to operate in the said airport.

“It is them who are the best one to ask that question if they will operate soon in Guiuan airport,” Evardone said in interview.

During his term as governor of Eastern Samar, Borongan Airport was opened to commercial flight but its operation did not last long.

The concreting of Apron and Taxiway was completed in January 2008 while the Passenger Terminal Building in August 2008.

The construction of airport’s perimeter fence, access road, and asphalt overlay of runway was also completed.

Guiuan airport is one among historic airports in the country.

The said airport used to be a US Navy airbase during World War II liberation period and was constructed by the 93rd Seabees.
After the war, the facility was turned over to the Philippine government.

Originally, the airport have two runways but at present only one is operational.

Guiuan airport runway measures 2.8 kilometer longer than the runway of DZR airport, the busiest airport in the region located in Tacloban city.

Mayor Kwan said that once the airport becomes operational, it will be a big help for her town since they are embarking in the promotion of Guiuan as a major tourist destination in the region being one of the most historic places in the country.

Must see places in the said town are Homonhon and Tubabao Islands, the pilgrimage island barangay of Sulangan, US Naval Base and Calicoan Island dubbed to be the surfer’s paradise. (ROEL AMAZONA)

Source: http://leytesamardaily.net


GUIUAN AIRPORT Pics:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/DSCF9548.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/DSCF9545.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/37_slideshow.jpg

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...


^^a bit yes! but not a major, major factor! ;)

repost.....

buti pa eastern samar magkakaron na ng operational airport......congrats sa inyo..

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...

Hope so... And with this comments in youtube, it's a success for Cebu to have more passengers and for our country to have more tourists....:okay:

"woowwwww.... i'm going to philippines..... just to see that....."
"Holllllllyyy Shit. I cant wait to go Philippines when im in that plane!!"
"awesome...let me book that ticket with cebu pacific now!"
"thats too funny! now i wanna go and visit the philippines again"
"that girl is hot! my dad keeps on forcing me to ride cebu pacific and im like...ewww no!...but after watching this...........i think i will =)"
"I guess im going to the phillipines. "
"im soooooo taking cebu airlines"
"ill book my fligt to cebu pacific from now on............."
"WOW they do that i should fly with cebu pacific "

eto, nag hahanap na ng Cebu Pacilic...lol
"Never heard of this Airline. Do they also operate in Australia by any chance??? :)"
"Northwest Airlines - old mean bitches
Qantas - old bitches
Lufthansa - fine women
Singapore Airlines - beautiful women
British Airways - old mean fugly bitches
Japan Airlines - nevermind
Cathay Pacific - its ok
Cebu Pacific - spicy hot women! XD
"

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...

just spread it. who knows?

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...

yeah more sex tourists!

Guys, just asking, will that Cebu Pacific Dancing FAs lure tourists here in our country...

The more tourists visiting the Philippines the better! :cheers2:



:horse:

The Hotel That Can

By MALOU E. ROSAL
October 2, 2010, 2:47pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Radisson-Blu-Hotel.jpg
Radisson Blu Hotel is Cebu's latest travel hub.

Cebu tourism just got another shot in the arm with the recent opening of Radisson Blue Hotel. Strategically located right beside SM City Cebu, this 400-room luxury property showcases interiors marked by the use of Cebu’s local natural elements like wood, carvings, weavings, and pearls. Technologically forward, each room is equipped with 37-inch flat screen televisions and iPod docking stations, as well as complimentary high-speed Internet.

Radisson guests can also opt to take the hotel’s Business Class package. Based on the concept of “travel empathy”, Business Class allows for the full use of the Radisson Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails, and use of a meeting room. Other perks come in the form of upgraded room and amenities, complimentary daily newspaper, turn-down service, express check-in and check-out services, a Nespresso coffee machine in the guestroom, and complimentary pressing of garments upon arrival. A late check-out of 6:00 PM is also available, subject to room availability.

The hotel offers an eclectic food spread at Feria, the main dining outlet which highlights breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets featuring Asian, Mediterranean, Japanese, cold seafood, and dessert stations set up in a contemporary interactive food market style. Guests lounging at the 800-meter freeform swimming pool can take a bite of fresh seafood off the grill and local and international cuisine.

Meetings, conventions, and special events also come alive at the Radisson. Perfect for social occasions with a seating capacity of 1,200 guests, the Santa Maria Grand Ballroom is pillar-free with eight-meter high ceilings. The Nina Ballroom can easily accomodate 650 guests. For smaller meetings and functions, the hotel has 10 rooms that open up to a central meeting plaza that serves Great Breaks. This is the hotel’s new food and beverage concept that centers on freshly prepared morning and afternoon refreshments.

From rooms to F&B to MICE facilities, Radisson promises guest satisfaction based on the “Yes, I Can!” service philosophy. This hallmark of world-renowned travel and hospitality company Carlson Hotels, to which Radisson is a part of, emphasizes service devoted to the unique needs and wants of individual hotel guests. The hotel’s general manager Grant Gaskin said: “Our staff is trained to provide seamless quality service that will leave a positive lasting impression on guests.” And while most hotels claim this quality, Gaskin believes that Radisson can do it better because of the company’s environment that allows them to give the extra mile.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is partnered with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Philippine conglomerate SM Investments Corporation. Elizabeth T. Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation said: “The inaugural launch of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is a fulfillment of the dram long held by my father and SM chairman, Henry Sy, Sr., to open the premier hotel in Cebu.

Although the hotel’s completion was put on hold during the nineties due to the prevailing business climate then, we never lost our vision of one day opening its doors to welcome guests from all over the world. In light of our optimism about the prospects of Philippine tourism and the resurgence of the economy, we exerted our utmost efforts to ensure that the highest quality in the hotel’s design, functionality, detail, and artwork is firmly in place for its opening. Thus, we are confident that the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu will be the tourist destination of choice and the leading events venue in Cebu City and nearby regions. It is SM’s contribution to Philippine tourism which embodies our chairman’s great enthusiasm on the industry’s bright prospects.”

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is located at Sergio Osmena Blvd., corner Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City, Philippines. For more information and reservations, call (63 32) 4029900, (63 32) 5051700; fax (63 32) 4029999; email: reservations.cebu@radisson.com; or log on to their website: radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu.

Koreans Remain as RP’s Top Tourists

By VINCE G. LOPEZ
October 2, 2010, 2:43pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Korean-tourists.jpg

Korean tourists continue to enjoy the wonders of the Philippines (www.newz-blog.com)

Koreans remain as the country’s top tourists as Philippine tourism received an 18 percent growth in tourist arrivals from January-June this year.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), the statistics from the first half of the year are better compared than last year. Korean tourists’ fondness for the country’s natural wonders continues to be the main reason why they continue to rank as our top tourist market. The overall number of Korean tourists comprised at least one-fourth of the overall number of visitor arrivals in the country.

The charms of the country’s idyllic beaches from Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan continue to lure in Korean tourists into the country especially with the boom of destination weddings in various parts of the country.

A delightful surprise from the latest report from the DoT is the United States. Tourists from the US came in close second to Korean tourists, contributing 317,181 or 19 percent to the total number of tourist arrivals from January-February, or at least 10,000 more American tourists.

The high placement of tourists from the United States is widely attributed to the numerous adventure destinations in the country. Adventure destinations such as Cam Sur’s Water Sports Complex (CWC) continue to receive large number of tourists including Americans. On the other hand, surfing destinations such as La Union and Siargao have been luring Americans into the country by hosting international surfing events. International events for surfing, wake boarding and other water sports are now being held in the country and patronized by surfers from all over the world.

The number of Chinese tourists, on the other hand, had almost doubled with a 75 percent increase from 8,366 last year to 14,633 this year. The influx of Hong Kong tourists also increased by 50 percent this year from January-June but this is expected to dwindle a bit as an after-effect of the August 23 hostage incident.

The DoT remains confident that the country’s tourism will bounce back from the incident as it continues to look for more ways to widen its market. After all, the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that have been able to flourish amidst global economic crisis, especially in terms of tourism.

Japan ranks third in the country’s top markets in terms of volume with 171,655 tourists, while China, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, and United Kingdom complete the top markets.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/280129/koreans-remain-rp-s-top-tourists

Balangay now in Malaysia; crew hopes to meet Aquino in Vietnam
(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20101002-295597/Balangay-now-in-Malaysia-crew-hopes-to-meet-Aquino-in-Vietnam)By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:52:00 10/02/2010

http://images.inquirer.net/media/networkindex/images/pic-10030105560954.jpg

Filed Under: Waterway & Maritime Transport, transportation, history
MANILA, Philippines—A replica of a pre-colonial “balangay” with its Filipino crew is halfway through its journey around Southeast Asia and is poised to undertake its most dangerous leg, crossing the stormy South China Sea, crew leader Art Valdez told the Inquirer Saturday.

Valdez, a former undersecretary at the Department of Transportation and Communication and former leader of the Philippine Mt. Everest team, said in a telephone interview they hoped to make it to Hanoi, Vietnam by the end of this month in time for Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit there.

Valdez said the crew hopes to meet President Benigno Aquino in Hanoi.

“We hope to meet him in Vietnam and invite him to see us at the port,” Valdez said in a telephone interview from Pahang, Malaysia, where the balangay is now docked after calling at Singapore September 25-28.

“We would tell him that Filipinos should reconnect and revive our maritime consciousness," Valdez said. "The sea has always been part of our environment and our culture. But we lost it because of colonialism.”

On Saturday, Valdez said he and his crew were in Terengganu in Pahang, the center of traditional shipbuilding in Malaysia.

“We are halfway through our journey,” he said, adding they would sail next into the Gulf of Thailand and into Bangkok next week. From Thailand, they plan to sail to Cambodia and Vietnam.

The “balangay” sailed into Singapore last September 25 where Valdez said the crew was welcomed warmly by crews of vessels from around the world.

“When we sailed into Singapore, the port announced our arrival and asked the other international vessels, including supertankers, to give way for us since we had no engine. We could see the warm welcome extended to us by Filipino crews on the vessels as we passed by. This is proof that the Filipino is one of the best seafarers in the world,” Valdez said.

From Hanoi, Valdez said they would sail to Danang, Vietnam, where they are set to cross the South China Sea to Palawan some time in November. He said this would be the longest leg of their journey and the longest time they would spend out in the open sea.

“We will be out in open sea for a week. It will also be the most dangerous since there might still be storms in the South China Sea in November,” Valdez said.

From Palawan, the crew will sail to the Tubbataha Reef, a favorite of divers from across the globe. From there, they plan to sail to Panay Island and enter Luzon through the famed Hundred Islands in Pangasinan.

Despite the dangers they faced, Valdez said the morale of the crew was high. “The reception in every port we have been to was very warm. No one has been sick. Most of the time, we have been feasting on fish.”

The core members of the crew include Valdez, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Carina Dayondon, Leo Oracion, Erwin Emata, Noelle Wenceslao, Dr. Ted Esguerra, Fred Jamili and Dr. Voltaire Velasco.

Sarnea, Dayondon, Oracion, Emata, Wenceslao, Esguerra and Jamili were with Valdez’s successful Mt. Everest teams that planted the Philippine flag on the world’s highest mountain.

In 2006, Oracion and Emata were the first and second Filipinos to conquer Everest, respectively.

A year later, Dayondon, Wenceslao and Sardena became the first Southeast Asian women to scale Everest in dramatic fashion, starting their ascent from the North Side and going down the South Side for a historic traverse of the mountain.

“This voyage is a once-in-a lifetime event, just like our journey to Everest. The voyage of the balangay is symbolic of regional unity. It also has historical value because at one time in our history, we were all connected by marine highways,” said Valdez.

He also said their balangay journey was more enjoyable than their trips to the fearsome Mt. Everest, which is known to claim lives every climbing season.

“The sea is our natural environment. We are at home in the sea, not like the high altitude of Everest,” he said.

Valdez added: “But this journey is also tough. We have bad weather. Sometimes when we have to land on small islands, the residents there mistake us for pirates. But we explain to their local police the purpose of our trip.”

The journey of the Philippine balangay started in Manila Bay on Sept. 1. They made around 80 stopovers while sailing south.

After touching Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the Turtle Islands, Valdez said they entered the waters of Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak in Malaysia. They doubled back to Brunei before sailing to the Batang Region of Indonesia. From there, they sailed on to Singapore.

The Next BIG Thing in in Philippine Tourism


Guiuan airport to be operational soon
October 2ND 2010

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar –The newly-rehabilitated and upgraded Guiuan Airport with an estimate cost of P115 million will be soon be operational.

Source: http://leytesamardaily.net


GUIUAN AIRPORT Pics:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/DSCF9548.jpg


http://www.philcebuproperties.com/Other%20Areas/Calicoan%20Island%20Ocean%20Villas/Calicoan%20location_05.jpg

http://house_and_lot.prepys.com/wp-content/upload/2009/02/g51.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/Calicoan.jpg

http://www.real-estate-ph.com/properties/calicoan_island_ocean_villas_master_plan_600.jpg

http://www.real-estate-ph.com/properties/calicoan_island_ocean_villas_surf_06.jpg

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/0b/38/e1/calicoan-island-02.jpg

IQ7ujNoyn-g

Balangay now in Malaysia; crew hopes to meet Aquino in Vietnam
(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20101002-295597/Balangay-now-in-Malaysia-crew-hopes-to-meet-Aquino-in-Vietnam)By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:52:00 10/02/2010

http://images.inquirer.net/media/networkindex/images/pic-10030105560954.jpg

Filed Under: Waterway & Maritime Transport, transportation, history
MANILA, Philippines—A replica of a pre-colonial “balangay” with its Filipino crew is halfway through its journey around Southeast Asia and is poised to undertake its most dangerous leg, crossing the stormy South China Sea, crew leader Art Valdez told the Inquirer Saturday.

Valdez, a former undersecretary at the Department of Transportation and Communication and former leader of the Philippine Mt. Everest team, said in a telephone interview they hoped to make it to Hanoi, Vietnam by the end of this month in time for Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit there.

Valdez said the crew hopes to meet President Benigno Aquino in Hanoi.

“We hope to meet him in Vietnam and invite him to see us at the port,” Valdez said in a telephone interview from Pahang, Malaysia, where the balangay is now docked after calling at Singapore September 25-28.

“We would tell him that Filipinos should reconnect and revive our maritime consciousness," Valdez said. "The sea has always been part of our environment and our culture. But we lost it because of colonialism.”

On Saturday, Valdez said he and his crew were in Terengganu in Pahang, the center of traditional shipbuilding in Malaysia.

“We are halfway through our journey,” he said, adding they would sail next into the Gulf of Thailand and into Bangkok next week. From Thailand, they plan to sail to Cambodia and Vietnam.

The “balangay” sailed into Singapore last September 25 where Valdez said the crew was welcomed warmly by crews of vessels from around the world.

“When we sailed into Singapore, the port announced our arrival and asked the other international vessels, including supertankers, to give way for us since we had no engine. We could see the warm welcome extended to us by Filipino crews on the vessels as we passed by. This is proof that the Filipino is one of the best seafarers in the world,” Valdez said.

From Hanoi, Valdez said they would sail to Danang, Vietnam, where they are set to cross the South China Sea to Palawan some time in November. He said this would be the longest leg of their journey and the longest time they would spend out in the open sea.

“We will be out in open sea for a week. It will also be the most dangerous since there might still be storms in the South China Sea in November,” Valdez said.

From Palawan, the crew will sail to the Tubbataha Reef, a favorite of divers from across the globe. From there, they plan to sail to Panay Island and enter Luzon through the famed Hundred Islands in Pangasinan.

Despite the dangers they faced, Valdez said the morale of the crew was high. “The reception in every port we have been to was very warm. No one has been sick. Most of the time, we have been feasting on fish.”

The core members of the crew include Valdez, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Carina Dayondon, Leo Oracion, Erwin Emata, Noelle Wenceslao, Dr. Ted Esguerra, Fred Jamili and Dr. Voltaire Velasco.

Sarnea, Dayondon, Oracion, Emata, Wenceslao, Esguerra and Jamili were with Valdez’s successful Mt. Everest teams that planted the Philippine flag on the world’s highest mountain.

In 2006, Oracion and Emata were the first and second Filipinos to conquer Everest, respectively.

A year later, Dayondon, Wenceslao and Sardena became the first Southeast Asian women to scale Everest in dramatic fashion, starting their ascent from the North Side and going down the South Side for a historic traverse of the mountain.

“This voyage is a once-in-a lifetime event, just like our journey to Everest. The voyage of the balangay is symbolic of regional unity. It also has historical value because at one time in our history, we were all connected by marine highways,” said Valdez.

He also said their balangay journey was more enjoyable than their trips to the fearsome Mt. Everest, which is known to claim lives every climbing season.

“The sea is our natural environment. We are at home in the sea, not like the high altitude of Everest,” he said.

Valdez added: “But this journey is also tough. We have bad weather. Sometimes when we have to land on small islands, the residents there mistake us for pirates. But we explain to their local police the purpose of our trip.”

The journey of the Philippine balangay started in Manila Bay on Sept. 1. They made around 80 stopovers while sailing south.

After touching Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the Turtle Islands, Valdez said they entered the waters of Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak in Malaysia. They doubled back to Brunei before sailing to the Batang Region of Indonesia. From there, they sailed on to Singapore.

Wow...This gives me goosebumps... :)

Is this being shown to the world via CNN or any international media? Wow, i like this news very much. This makes me really really proud. I hope, they can show this trip to the world.

WAY TO GO PINOY!!!

^^ The new Thor Heyerdahl?

^^Maybe...But this time, waving Philippine flag... :)

I hope...I wish...I pray, na ipakita niya ito sa balitang pandaigdig... :) Isa itong pagkakataon na maipakita naman natin sa mundo na hindi lang puro pangit ang nasa bayan natin. Ito ang balitang dapat pinagtuonan nang pansin nang ating mga media, para naman maibalik sa ating mga kababayan ang unti-unting nawawalang pride.

Koreans Remain as RP’s Top Tourists

By VINCE G. LOPEZ
October 2, 2010, 2:43pm


weee!!!:banana:

pero nagulat din ako na US pala second... ilang porsyento kaya dyan ung pure na turista...??:D

:cheers:

^^Maybe...But this time, waving Philippine flag... :)

I hope...I wish...I pray, na ipakita niya ito sa balitang pandaigdig... :) Isa itong pagkakataon na maipakita naman natin sa mundo na hindi lang puro pangit ang nasa bayan natin. Ito ang balitang dapat pinagtuonan nang pansin nang ating mga media, para naman maibalik sa ating mga kababayan ang unti-unting nawawalang pride.

Dapat lang. We Filipinos should bring something new to the world table. Or if not new, something truly unique on its own.

Travelers Pod Limketkai Gateway Tower Now Open

Travelers Pod at the Limketkai Gateway Tower is now open to serve clients and guests in the city of Golden Friendship. The classy, well-serviced Travelers Pod is the first pay-for-use concept here in the city of Cagayan de Oro, located at the Ground Floor Level of Gateway Tower (infront of MUST), Limketkai Center. Travelers Pod offers convenience and comfort to all Cagayan de Oro travelers who are seeking high-end short-stay accommodations at an affordable rates. Travelers Pod is suitable for short and extended stays where you’ll only be billed at an hourly rate. If you’re on a hurry and you’re only staying for a couple of hours, better try out the services of the Travelers Pod and experience rest and relaxation at its finest.


The 24-hour Travelers Pod offers the following amenities and services:

•Health Snack Bar and Coffee Shop
•Peaceful Resting Pods at hourly and overnight rates
•Leave-in Baggage Service
•Wi-Fi Internet Access
•Internet PC terminal
•Daily Newspapers and Magazines
•Battery Charging
•Hot and Cold Shower Facilities
•Towel and toiletries
•Wake-up calls
•Beddings
•Dry Massage Service
•Manicure and Pedicure Service


Travelers Pod Room Rates:

•Single Pod (Curtain Division)- P350
•Twin Pod (Private Room) – P1,000
•Executive Pod (Private Room)- P2,000
Contact info: (088) 851-8988 / 0917-717-6910 or email: travelerspod@gmail.com

Article by: www.explorecdo.com

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs693.snc4/63307_435121232514_583077514_4996325_4310529_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121292514_583077514_4996327_6981254_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121297514_583077514_4996328_4972130_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs004.snc4/33555_435121302514_583077514_4996329_8349883_n.jpg

SPA

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs024.snc4/33555_435121307514_583077514_4996330_2436520_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121312514_583077514_4996331_395843_n.jpg

Rafting with a beauty queen... 1999 Miss Universe First Runner Up Miriam Quiambao
Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting
Photos by Mike Sia

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs383.snc4/44649_1456741911278_1615279373_1117943_3989161_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs180.ash2/44353_1456740791250_1615279373_1117937_5105777_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs187.ash2/44983_1456735191110_1615279373_1117919_6539911_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs368.snc4/45157_1456738471192_1615279373_1117930_1721972_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs188.ash2/45157_1456738231186_1615279373_1117924_6003803_n.jpg

http://62.0.5.133/sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs149.ash2/40808_1456740671247_1615279373_1117934_684674_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs289.snc4/40808_1456740631246_1615279373_1117933_1429404_n.jpg

http://62.0.5.134/sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs369.snc4/45189_1456732831051_1615279373_1117909_4437319_n.jpg

kindly distribute to increase tourism in our country.

Lqh8e2KYIrU

Travelers Pod Limketkai Gateway Tower Now Open

Travelers Pod at the Limketkai Gateway Tower is now open to serve clients and guests in the city of Golden Friendship. The classy, well-serviced Travelers Pod is the first pay-for-use concept here in the city of Cagayan de Oro, located at the Ground Floor Level of Gateway Tower (infront of MUST), Limketkai Center. Travelers Pod offers convenience and comfort to all Cagayan de Oro travelers who are seeking high-end short-stay accommodations at an affordable rates. Travelers Pod is suitable for short and extended stays where you’ll only be billed at an hourly rate. If you’re on a hurry and you’re only staying for a couple of hours, better try out the services of the Travelers Pod and experience rest and relaxation at its finest.


The 24-hour Travelers Pod offers the following amenities and services:

•Health Snack Bar and Coffee Shop
•Peaceful Resting Pods at hourly and overnight rates
•Leave-in Baggage Service
•Wi-Fi Internet Access
•Internet PC terminal
•Daily Newspapers and Magazines
•Battery Charging
•Hot and Cold Shower Facilities
•Towel and toiletries
•Wake-up calls
•Beddings
•Dry Massage Service
•Manicure and Pedicure Service


Travelers Pod Room Rates:

•Single Pod (Curtain Division)- P350
•Twin Pod (Private Room) – P1,000
•Executive Pod (Private Room)- P2,000
Contact info: (088) 851-8988 / 0917-717-6910 or email: travelerspod@gmail.com

Article by: www.explorecdo.com

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs693.snc4/63307_435121232514_583077514_4996325_4310529_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121292514_583077514_4996327_6981254_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121297514_583077514_4996328_4972130_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs004.snc4/33555_435121302514_583077514_4996329_8349883_n.jpg

SPA

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs024.snc4/33555_435121307514_583077514_4996330_2436520_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs004.ash2/33555_435121312514_583077514_4996331_395843_n.jpg

Mukhang mahirap yata yan.... pano kung lakas humilik ng isa.... Tapos pano ang privacy....

And real Gucci kaya yang bedsheet?

Great idea but, I have some reservations...

kindly distribute to increase tourism in our country.

Lqh8e2KYIrU

It will propagate on its own especially on Facebook with people posting the YouTube link. It's gone viral with over 3.4 million views in 3 days!

I'm sure Cebu Pacific will capitalize on this. This is a bigger hit than the "We Love You Maria Venus Raj 22 Philippines" (with only 2.6 million views since August) :lol:

Sooner or later you will see a lot of spoofs:banana:

^^ I am seeing an increase in sales of aircraft equipment as well...

i think the dance culture in rp needs to continue to be exploited as part of the experience....maybe singing+dancing too
from the pilots to the fa's to the bellhops to the doorman to the cabbie to the squatter on the sidewalk etc


I was wondering about chocolate hills...do they allow walking on ground-leVel?

I imagin it must be better than just looking from atop a deck
maybe if they open up a trail for a motor ride around the hills it will be more attractiVe?
and also put up a tiny restaurant on one of the hills and a little shop that sells hershey's kisses

DOT to hold expo at Clark
(The Philippine Star) Updated October 03, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is vigorously preparing for a grand exposition that virtually proclaims the rise of North Philippines as an international tourism hub.

DOT Region 3 director Ronnie Tiotuico said the North Philippines (NorthPhil) Tourism and Travel Expo 2010 would enhance the region’s emerging image as a “mall of destinations” featuring a rich diversity of cultures, history, traditions, and natural attractions — from Clark in Central Luzon to Cagayan Valley and Ilocos region, the Cordilleras and other parts of the Philippines.”

Slated at the SM City Clark on Nov. 12-14, NorthPhil Expo 2010 “will thus highlight Luzon’s contiguous sprawl of tourism destinations, all accessible by land to both foreign and local visitors,” Tiotuico said.

“This unique feature boosts the increasing role of the international airport in Clark as a global gateway to Luzon’s myriad of tourism attractions and activities and as an economic growth engine for its constituent provinces and cities,” Tiotuico added.

Central Luzon alone posted a sustained increase in local and foreign visitor arrivals of around 315,000 in 2006, 430,000 in 2007, 530,802 in 2008, and 550,452 in 2009.

The increase was attributed partly to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, whose monthly volume of inbound passengers rose from 7,000 in 2004 to 26,000 in 2009, mostly from Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

Korea’s Asiana Airlines, Malaysia’s Air Asia, and Singapore’s Tiger Airways are among the major users of the DMIA.

Similarly, Aurora province posted a 137-percent increase in tourist volume as it joined the region’s campaign urging foreign and local visitors to “Go North!”

With the theme “Go North! A wellspring of diversity,” the NorthPhil Expo 2010 strongly supports DOT’s tourism program centered on demand-driven tourism product and infrastructure development.

Thus, the expo also serves as a venue for direct interaction between the exhibitors from the tourism industry and the visitors from both local and foreign markets.

“Such interactions would give us an idea of the actual market requirements that should determine the industry’s product development goals and the government’s infrastructure development thrust,” Tiotuico said.

Comprising the expo’s tourism exhibits are travel destinations, products and services, provincial showcases, corporate booths offering package tours, traders’ displays of arts and crafts, and souvenirs and delicacies at farm gate prices.

This annual expo includes theatrical presentations on the history and customs of the different regions, corporate game shows, product demonstrations and raffles, food preparations, and social and business functions.

The target exhibitors are agri-tourism enterprises and leisure establishments, airlines and air alliances, cruise and shipping lines, global distribution systems, golf courses, hotels and resorts, medical tourism hospitals and clinics, national and local government agencies, retirement villages, spa resorts and destinations, souvenir shops, theme parks and amusement centers, time share properties, tour operators and travel agencies, tourism boards, transport operators, travel associations, travel publications, guides and maps, travel insurance, and wellness and fitness centers, among others.

The target visitors are business and trade organizations, conference and convention organizers, corporate and local buyers, educational institutions, foreign buyers and the general public, government entities, holiday and sports specialists, international and domestic travelers, medical tourism service providers, travel agents and tour organizers, planners, associations and offices.

The three-day event will also gain exposure from the visitor traffic in SM City Clark, which has a land area of 17 hectares, total gross floor area of 100,000 square meters, and over 300 shops and restaurants frequented by thousands of consumers and tourists daily.

The Clark Freeport Zone itself is a famous tourism hub with its own world-class golf course and many other attractions.

Supported by the Central Luzon Tourism Council, the expo is managed by the Philippine Exhibits and Theme Parks Corp. (632 832-9303 to 05, fax (632) 556-2723, email northphilexpo@gmail.com, and website www.northphilexpo.com).

Filinvest enters hotel industry

(The Philippine Star) Updated October 03, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1033/travel5vass.jpg

The Crimson Resort and Spa in Cebu is a sprawling six-hectare resort with 250 casita suites, and 40 private villas with 38 plunge pools.


MANILA, Philippines - Cebu, famous for its rich historical past as well as its bustling and modern city, serves as a focal point of growth in southern Philippines.

Such is Cebu’s beauty that Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has named it as the seventh best Asia-Pacific island destination in 2009 as well as the seventh best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007.

It is just fitting that Filinvest Development Corp. chose to mark its entry into the hospitality industry with a landmark project in Mactan, Cebu known as the Crimson Resort and Spa.

The sprawling six-hectare resort with 250 casita suites, and 40 private villas with 38 plunge pools marries both elegant comfort and style.

It is also home to the 2,000 square meter spa called Aum, the distinctive Grand Coral Ballroom, and four uniquely designed food and beverage outlets.

With the masterful artistry of California-based, world-renowned resort architectural firm of WATG, Crimson transports its guests to a world reminiscent of Balinese-inspired resorts with unique Philippine touches.

Beautiful landscaped gardens and contemporary and muted tropical aesthetics punctuated by elements of wood, stone and woven natural fibers resonate throughout the resort.

With Crimson’s well-appointed rooms and amenities and an infinity pool that plunges into the ocean, Crimson softly embraces its guests into a warm seclusion, a sense of calm transitioning to a modern tropical hideaway.

This 290-key deluxe beach resort on the island of Mactan is professionally managed and operated by Filarchipelago Hospitality Inc., a joint venture of Filinvest Development Corp. and Singapore-registered Archipelago International Pte Ltd.

It is affiliated with Aston International, which manages hotels, resorts, residences, spas and villas under the Aston, Alana, Quest, Favehotel, Kamuela and Crimson brands.

The joint venture company will undertake management of Filinvest Land’s Grand Cenia Hotel and Residences also in Cebu, upon its completion in 2011 and Filinvest Alabang’s hotel in its Entrata Complex under the Crimson brand.

Nestled in one of the country’s most prestigious tourist destinations, this exclusive piece of paradise is just 15 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport.

Dedicated to perfecting the tropical oceanfront retreat experience, Crimson Resort and Spa’s highly personalized service, and careful attention to style, can only be described as heartfelt service.

As Crimson opens its doors, guests will be treated to memories that will last long after their stay.

Visit www.CrimsonHotel.com for more information.

It will propagate on its own especially on Facebook with people posting the YouTube link. It's gone viral with over 3.4 million views in 3 days!

I'm sure Cebu Pacific will capitalize on this. This is a bigger hit than the "We Love You Maria Venus Raj 22 Philippines" (with only 2.6 million views since August) :lol:

Sooner or later you will see a lot of spoofs:banana:

This is their training dance. everyone is hot. :banana:

They need to form a dance group. It will sell like hotcakes.

jO0-Q_zOOWY&NR=1

:applause::cucumber::naughty:

kindly distribute to increase tourism in our country.

Lqh8e2KYIrU

di na kelangan :lol:

just take a look at these articles..

Turkey: http://webtv.hurriyet.com.tr/category.aspx?cid=2&vid=10179&bid=1
Russia: http://www.rosbalt.ru/2010/10/03/777224.html
UK: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1317103/Cebu-Pacific-Airlines-cabin-crew-perform-safety-demonstration-dancing-Lady-Gaga-Katy-Perry.html
Australia: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/wacky/hosties-use-lady-gaga-to-spice-up-safety/story-e6frev20-1225933487719
Spain: http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/curiosidades/noticia/100027872/Las+azafatas+hacen+su+demostracion+de+seguridad+al+ritmo+de+Lady+Gaga
Germany: http://www.promiflash.de/lady-gaga/201010031415-irres-video-stewardessen-rocken-zu-gaga-und-perry
Brazil: http://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticias/detalhes/detalhes-1/artigo/aeromocas-dao-instrucoes-de-voo-dancando-lady-gaga-nas-filipinas/
France: http://tvnews.over-blog.com/article-decouvrez-les-hotesses-de-cebu-pacific-qui-assurent-le-show-58147801.html
Korea: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000018&cm=%EA%B5%AD%EC%A0%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=531861&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=303
Slovenia: http://www.dnevnik.si/novice/neverjetno/1042392469
Japan: http://news.searchina.ne.jp/disp.cgi?y=2010&d=1003&f=it_1003_002.shtml
Hong Kong: http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20101003&sec_id=10793140&art_id=14514248
Finland: http://www.stara.fi/2010/10/02/lentoemannat-tarjosivat-matkustajille-huiman-shown/
Italy: http://www.giornalettismo.com/archives/85612/ecco-dancing-hostess-spiegano/

Koreans Remain as RP’s Top Tourists

By VINCE G. LOPEZ
October 2, 2010, 2:43pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Korean-tourists.jpg

Korean tourists continue to enjoy the wonders of the Philippines (www.newz-blog.com)

Koreans remain as the country’s top tourists as Philippine tourism received an 18 percent growth in tourist arrivals from January-June this year.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), the statistics from the first half of the year are better compared than last year. Korean tourists’ fondness for the country’s natural wonders continues to be the main reason why they continue to rank as our top tourist market. The overall number of Korean tourists comprised at least one-fourth of the overall number of visitor arrivals in the country.

The charms of the country’s idyllic beaches from Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan continue to lure in Korean tourists into the country especially with the boom of destination weddings in various parts of the country.

A delightful surprise from the latest report from the DoT is the United States. Tourists from the US came in close second to Korean tourists, contributing 317,181 or 19 percent to the total number of tourist arrivals from January-February, or at least 10,000 more American tourists.

The high placement of tourists from the United States is widely attributed to the numerous adventure destinations in the country. Adventure destinations such as Cam Sur’s Water Sports Complex (CWC) continue to receive large number of tourists including Americans. On the other hand, surfing destinations such as La Union and Siargao have been luring Americans into the country by hosting international surfing events. International events for surfing, wake boarding and other water sports are now being held in the country and patronized by surfers from all over the world.

The number of Chinese tourists, on the other hand, had almost doubled with a 75 percent increase from 8,366 last year to 14,633 this year. The influx of Hong Kong tourists also increased by 50 percent this year from January-June but this is expected to dwindle a bit as an after-effect of the August 23 hostage incident.

The DoT remains confident that the country’s tourism will bounce back from the incident as it continues to look for more ways to widen its market. After all, the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that have been able to flourish amidst global economic crisis, especially in terms of tourism.

Japan ranks third in the country’s top markets in terms of volume with 171,655 tourists, while China, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, and United Kingdom complete the top markets.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/280129/koreans-remain-rp-s-top-tourists

Isn't this photo from the Korean movie "Romantic Island"? I just turned on the TV, and while I was flipping the channels, I saw the channel "Screen Red" (Channel 50 on Cablelink) and the artists looked familiar...true enough, I found out from the website that it was filmed here in the Philippines (Manila and Boracay). Now I'm watching parts of the movie while typing out my response to this thread:lol:

The female actress shown, Eugene (Yu-jin Kim) is quite pretty:cheers:

Update: Just finished watching the movie...wow, it really is a full length advertisement for the Philippines, especially Boracay! Quite amusing...no wonder more Koreans arrived in the Philippines after 2009...

di na kelangan :lol:

just take a look at these articles..

Turkey: http://webtv.hurriyet.com.tr/category.aspx?cid=2&vid=10179&bid=1
Russia: http://www.rosbalt.ru/2010/10/03/777224.html
UK: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1317103/Cebu-Pacific-Airlines-cabin-crew-perform-safety-demonstration-dancing-Lady-Gaga-Katy-Perry.html
Australia: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/wacky/hosties-use-lady-gaga-to-spice-up-safety/story-e6frev20-1225933487719
Spain: http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/curiosidades/noticia/100027872/Las+azafatas+hacen+su+demostracion+de+seguridad+al+ritmo+de+Lady+Gaga
Germany: http://www.promiflash.de/lady-gaga/201010031415-irres-video-stewardessen-rocken-zu-gaga-und-perry
Brazil: http://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticias/detalhes/detalhes-1/artigo/aeromocas-dao-instrucoes-de-voo-dancando-lady-gaga-nas-filipinas/
France: http://tvnews.over-blog.com/article-decouvrez-les-hotesses-de-cebu-pacific-qui-assurent-le-show-58147801.html
Korea: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000018&cm=%EA%B5%AD%EC%A0%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=531861&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=303
Slovenia: http://www.dnevnik.si/novice/neverjetno/1042392469
Japan: http://news.searchina.ne.jp/disp.cgi?y=2010&d=1003&f=it_1003_002.shtml
Hong Kong: http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20101003&sec_id=10793140&art_id=14514248
Finland: http://www.stara.fi/2010/10/02/lentoemannat-tarjosivat-matkustajille-huiman-shown/
Italy: http://www.giornalettismo.com/archives/85612/ecco-dancing-hostess-spiegano/


^^sikat na ah hehe.:lol:

|watch| (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aITbZY4J44&hd=1)chocolate hills
6aITbZY4J44&hd=1

|watch| (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpxUKEsyU0k&hd=1)batanes
YpxUKEsyU0k&hd=1

|watch| (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxLEYfT4qHM&hd=1)rice terraces of the cordilleras
yxLEYfT4qHM&hd=1

This is too much...lol

"Forget other airlines, ride this!"

The Next BIG Thing in in Philippine Tourism




http://www.philcebuproperties.com/Other%20Areas/Calicoan%20Island%20Ocean%20Villas/Calicoan%20location_05.jpg

http://house_and_lot.prepys.com/wp-content/upload/2009/02/g51.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/Calicoan.jpg

http://www.real-estate-ph.com/properties/calicoan_island_ocean_villas_master_plan_600.jpg

http://www.real-estate-ph.com/properties/calicoan_island_ocean_villas_surf_06.jpg

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/0b/38/e1/calicoan-island-02.jpg

IQ7ujNoyn-g


^^

can anyone give us an info regarding its accommodations and its room rates? how do we get there? From airport to Calicoan Is. Thanks in Advance! :okay:

Wow...This gives me goosebumps... :)

Is this being shown to the world via CNN or any international media? Wow, i like this news very much. This makes me really really proud. I hope, they can show this trip to the world.

WAY TO GO PINOY!!!

^^Maybe...But this time, waving Philippine flag... :)

I hope...I wish...I pray, na ipakita niya ito sa balitang pandaigdig... :) Isa itong pagkakataon na maipakita naman natin sa mundo na hindi lang puro pangit ang nasa bayan natin. Ito ang balitang dapat pinagtuonan nang pansin nang ating mga media, para naman maibalik sa ating mga kababayan ang unti-unting nawawalang pride.


Sana nga, ito naman ang babandila sa ating mga balitang pantelebisyon at radyo!!! :bash: :bash:

^^

can anyone give us an info regarding its accommodations and its room rates? how do we get there? From airport to Calicoan Is. Thanks in Advance! :okay:

pwede atang lakarin from Guiuan airport to Calicoan Island :D

habang wala pang commercial flights to Guiuan..

http://www.philcebuproperties.com/Other%20Areas/Calicoan%20Island%20Ocean%20Villas/Calicoan%20location_04.jpg

http://www.thesurfcamp-calicoanisland.com

Calicoan Surf Camp
Calicoan Island, Guiuan
Eastern Samar, Philippines
Phone and Fax Number: +63 (32) 376 5818

if that is in Samar they should hire Samar people and give them the income they deserve. It belongs to them. Besides andaming mahihirap dyan sa Samar. Puro politiko lang ang mayayaman dyan. Nakakapagtaka talaga.

It will propagate on its own especially on Facebook with people posting the YouTube link. It's gone viral with over 3.4 million views in 3 days!

I'm sure Cebu Pacific will capitalize on this. This is a bigger hit than the "We Love You Maria Venus Raj 22 Philippines" (with only 2.6 million views since August) :lol:

Sooner or later you will see a lot of spoofs:banana:

it has 4.1 million views now :banana:

Campaign bats for more tourists to Lapu-Lapu

LAPU-LAPU CITY -- Mayor Paz C. Radaza has challenged the local tourism sector to adopt measures to attract more clients and counter the adverse impact of the Manila hostage crisis last August.

"I challenge you to drive your creative imagination beyond its limits and use Lapu-Lapu City as your canvass," she said at the opening of the promotional campaign "Lapu-Lapu City Island Experience."

The campaign calls on hotels and resorts, among others, to cut room rates by half to attract domestic tourists and offset losses from canceled room reservations of foreign tourists in the aftermath of the hostage crisis that killed eight Hong Kong tourists.

The campaign will run until Dec. 15.

Walid Wafik, resident manager of Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, said an effective public-private partnership will cushion the negative impact of such events to the tourism industry.

"The country’s reputation as a tourist haven took a hard hit recently... we cannot simply watch from the sidelines and hope that the industry recovers by itself," he said. -- Antonio Antogop, Jr.
|

http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=18844

^^Shame on mayor Radaza of Lapu-lapu City. May pa-challenge challenge pa siya sa mga local tourism players, pero sa tinatagal tagal nang paghawak nang mga Radaza sa Lapu-lapu City, mas dumami ang illegal settlers at yong mga kalsada hindi nga maayos...:bash::ohno:

di na kelangan :lol:

just take a look at these articles..

Turkey: http://webtv.hurriyet.com.tr/category.aspx?cid=2&vid=10179&bid=1
Russia: http://www.rosbalt.ru/2010/10/03/777224.html
UK: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1317103/Cebu-Pacific-Airlines-cabin-crew-perform-safety-demonstration-dancing-Lady-Gaga-Katy-Perry.html
Australia: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/wacky/hosties-use-lady-gaga-to-spice-up-safety/story-e6frev20-1225933487719
Spain: http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/curiosidades/noticia/100027872/Las+azafatas+hacen+su+demostracion+de+seguridad+al+ritmo+de+Lady+Gaga
Germany: http://www.promiflash.de/lady-gaga/201010031415-irres-video-stewardessen-rocken-zu-gaga-und-perry
Brazil: http://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticias/detalhes/detalhes-1/artigo/aeromocas-dao-instrucoes-de-voo-dancando-lady-gaga-nas-filipinas/
France: http://tvnews.over-blog.com/article-decouvrez-les-hotesses-de-cebu-pacific-qui-assurent-le-show-58147801.html
Korea: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000018&cm=%EA%B5%AD%EC%A0%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=531861&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=303
Slovenia: http://www.dnevnik.si/novice/neverjetno/1042392469
Japan: http://news.searchina.ne.jp/disp.cgi?y=2010&d=1003&f=it_1003_002.shtml
Hong Kong: http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20101003&sec_id=10793140&art_id=14514248
Finland: http://www.stara.fi/2010/10/02/lentoemannat-tarjosivat-matkustajille-huiman-shown/
Italy: http://www.giornalettismo.com/archives/85612/ecco-dancing-hostess-spiegano/

:cheers:

Koreans Remain as RP’s Top Tourists

By VINCE G. LOPEZ
October 2, 2010, 2:43pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Korean-tourists.jpg

Korean tourists continue to enjoy the wonders of the Philippines (www.newz-blog.com)

Koreans remain as the country’s top tourists as Philippine tourism received an 18 percent growth in tourist arrivals from January-June this year.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), the statistics from the first half of the year are better compared than last year. Korean tourists’ fondness for the country’s natural wonders continues to be the main reason why they continue to rank as our top tourist market. The overall number of Korean tourists comprised at least one-fourth of the overall number of visitor arrivals in the country.

The charms of the country’s idyllic beaches from Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan continue to lure in Korean tourists into the country especially with the boom of destination weddings in various parts of the country.

A delightful surprise from the latest report from the DoT is the United States. Tourists from the US came in close second to Korean tourists, contributing 317,181 or 19 percent to the total number of tourist arrivals from January-February, or at least 10,000 more American tourists.

The high placement of tourists from the United States is widely attributed to the numerous adventure destinations in the country. Adventure destinations such as Cam Sur’s Water Sports Complex (CWC) continue to receive large number of tourists including Americans. On the other hand, surfing destinations such as La Union and Siargao have been luring Americans into the country by hosting international surfing events. International events for surfing, wake boarding and other water sports are now being held in the country and patronized by surfers from all over the world.

The number of Chinese tourists, on the other hand, had almost doubled with a 75 percent increase from 8,366 last year to 14,633 this year. The influx of Hong Kong tourists also increased by 50 percent this year from January-June but this is expected to dwindle a bit as an after-effect of the August 23 hostage incident.

The DoT remains confident that the country’s tourism will bounce back from the incident as it continues to look for more ways to widen its market. After all, the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that have been able to flourish amidst global economic crisis, especially in terms of tourism.

Japan ranks third in the country’s top markets in terms of volume with 171,655 tourists, while China, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, and United Kingdom complete the top markets.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/280129/koreans-remain-rp-s-top-tourists

Hong Kong /China market registered the highest growth prior to the unfortunate event.

Fact is: More Filipino tourists visited the ASEAN cities vs. ASEAN visitors to the Philippines.
400,000 Pinoy tourists visited Malaysia in 2009 but Malaysian visitors to the country is a pale 38,000++. The same case applies to Singapore and Vietnam.

We have few visitors from ASEAN. Our major source of tourists are East Asia and US. Is it due to lack of promotion or interest from ASEAN citizens?


Malaysia wants more Pinoy tourists
By Leilani Chavez, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 10/03/2010 2:58 PM | Updated as of 10/03/2010 3:13 PM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/10/03/10/malaysia-wants-more-pinoy-tourists

MANILA, Philippines - Travelers and tourists who want to visit Malaysia can acquire and book flights and accommodations at cheaper deals in the "Tara na sa Malaysia!" Travel Fair at the SM Mall of Asia.

Running from October 1 to 3, the three-day fair provides a glimpse of Malaysia's sights, sounds, and tastes from the country's 13 federal states.

The fair aims to encourage Filipinos to visit Malaysia as Filipinos are the 8th most frequent flier to the country. Latest records show around 400,000 Filipinos visited Malaysia in 2009.

This year, the Malaysian embassy aims to bolster the Philippines' ranking by encouraging more Filipino visitors.

Malaysian Ambassador Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad told abs-cbnNEWS.com the top 5 visitors to Malaysia are mostly from its ASEAN neighbors Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The Malaysian government wants to increase the number of Filipino tourists as Malaysia is switching all gears to boost tourism as the "major money earner" of the country.

"The Philippines is very near Malaysia but the number of visitors is still small," the ambassador said.

Festivities, food

Cradled between Thailand and Singapore, Malaysia is often overlooked by Filipino travelers.

Like the Philippines, Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and arts.

Annually, Malaysia celebrates numerous festivals on arts, music, culture, religion and cuisine.

Among these festivals, Saad said Filipinos should never miss the "Colors of Malaysia" of the "Citrawarna" festival held annually in Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital.

"The Colors of Malaysia combines different cultures in a night of dance," Saad said.

Over 6,000 performers dressed in traditional Malay clothes parade the streets of KL every July. The event lasts for a month and is the most visited festival in the country.

Saad also encouraged Filipinos to try out its food, comprising Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Chinese, and Nyonya cuisine.

"Filipinos should try authentic satay and nasi lemak," he said.

Satay is skewered grilled meat cooked over charcoal fire and served with spicy seasonings, while nasi lemak, Malaysia's national dish, is fragrant steamed rice, cucumber slices, dried anchovies, roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg, and hot spicy sambal sauce wrapped in banana leaves.

"Filipinos love rice so they will definitely love nasi lemak," Saad said.

The "Tara na sa Malaysia!" travel fair is located at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia. For more information, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

Kaibigan ko ang mga nagpapatakbo ng Tourism Malaysia campaign sa Manila. Aggressive nga sila.

I just returned from the Philippines and it was a fantastic 24-hour trip ! Thanks to RonnieR and habagatcentral for being my host and guide during that short yet really remarkable tour :cheers:

The country is just awesome and the No.1 tourist attraction in Phillipines is none other than the Filipino people itself . Among all ASEAN nationals that I've met, I must say that Filipinos have the best personality overall; Yes the rest of ASEAN nationals are polite and friendly but unfortunately not discussable about many things since there is acute lack of interest about outside world ; while Filipinos that I met in the Gulf and the Philippines are extremely well-knowledgeable and discussable about so many things, incredibly broad-minded & far-sighted and in the same time extremely friendly and have good discipline . Almost everyone speaks English, and I wonder on why Filipinos are so crazy about malls ( we do not have this culture in Malaysia ) and the mall density in Metro Manila freaks me out .

The moment I arrived in Clark Airport the culture shock is there- people drive on the right side of the road ! Driving standard is almost same as in Malaysia- relatively good but there are crazy drivers here and there . Road signs remind me of what we can see in Caracas or Lima ; that immediately give a feel of Latin America. Names of cities and towns like Mexico, San Fernando, Cavite, Intramuros , Concepcion etc. give an impression that the country is totally different world compared to the rest of ASEAN- a wonderful mix of Asia and Latin America indeed.

We had nice dinner in a fancy restaurant in Manila Bay ( Filipino cuisine ) that costed around PHP 300 per pax. All sponsored by RonnieR despite I insisted on paying .

I want to visit again, planning for a long-trip next time Manila + Palawan

I just returned from the Philippines and it was a fantastic 24-hour trip ! Thanks to RonnieR and habagatcentral for being my host and guide during that short yet really remarkable tour :cheers:

The country is just awesome and the No.1 tourist attraction in Phillipines is none other than the Filipino people itself . Among all ASEAN nationals that I've met, I must say that Filipinos have the best personality overall; Yes the rest of ASEAN nationals are polite and friendly but unfortunately not discussable about many things since there is acute lack of interest about outside world ; while Filipinos that I met in the Gulf and the Philippines are extremely well-knowledgeable and discussable about so many things, incredibly broad-minded & far-sighted and in the same time extremely friendly and have good discipline . Almost everyone speaks English, and I wonder on why Filipinos are so crazy about malls ( we do not have this culture in Malaysia ) and the mall density in Metro Manila freaks me out .

The moment I arrived in Clark Airport the culture shock is there- people drive on the right side of the road ! Driving standard is almost same as in Malaysia- relatively good but there are crazy drivers here and there . Road signs remind me of what we can see in Caracas or Lima ; that immediately give a feel of Latin America. Names of cities and towns like Mexico, San Fernando, Cavite, Intramuros , Concepcion etc. give an impression that the country is totally different world compared to the rest of ASEAN- a wonderful mix of Asia and Latin America indeed.

We had nice dinner in a fancy restaurant in Manila Bay ( Filipino cuisine ) that costed around PHP 300 per pax. All sponsored by RonnieR despite I insisted on paying .

I want to visit again, planning for a long-trip next time Manila + Palawan

Glad you enjoyed your trip! :)

^^ You're welcome Skyprince.

Our metropolis is indeed a place of extremes - you saw the nice/modern and not so good places and the happy faces of the exuberant Pinoys. :)

I just returned from the Philippines and it was a fantastic 24-hour trip ! Thanks to RonnieR and habagatcentral for being my host and guide during that short yet really remarkable tour :cheers:

The country is just awesome and the No.1 tourist attraction in Phillipines is none other than the Filipino people itself . Among all ASEAN nationals that I've met, I must say that Filipinos have the best personality overall; Yes the rest of ASEAN nationals are polite and friendly but unfortunately not discussable about many things since there is acute lack of interest about outside world ; while Filipinos that I met in the Gulf and the Philippines are extremely well-knowledgeable and discussable about so many things, incredibly broad-minded & far-sighted and in the same time extremely friendly and have good discipline . Almost everyone speaks English, and I wonder on why Filipinos are so crazy about malls ( we do not have this culture in Malaysia ) and the mall density in Metro Manila freaks me out .

The moment I arrived in Clark Airport the culture shock is there- people drive on the right side of the road ! Driving standard is almost same as in Malaysia- relatively good but there are crazy drivers here and there . Road signs remind me of what we can see in Caracas or Lima ; that immediately give a feel of Latin America. Names of cities and towns like Mexico, San Fernando, Cavite, Intramuros , Concepcion etc. give an impression that the country is totally different world compared to the rest of ASEAN- a wonderful mix of Asia and Latin America indeed.

We had nice dinner in a fancy restaurant in Manila Bay ( Filipino cuisine ) that costed around PHP 300 per pax. All sponsored by RonnieR despite I insisted on paying .

I want to visit again, planning for a long-trip next time Manila + Palawan

Thank you! I enjoy reading your post! Glad you had such a wonderful time here. I hope you would visit the country again and hope your next visit would be central philippines! :okay:

^^ There are direct flights from KL-Cebu right?

^^ yes. philippine airlines. - edited -

^^ yes. cebu pacific. ;)

Skyprince, I think you got guys from Cebu who will take you around as well. :) I believe there are also flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, not sure if there are any to Busuanga tho.

^^
yes! SSC Cebu will tour him around most definitely. ;)
yes! there is Cebu-Puerto Princesa but never heard about Cebu-Busuanga. ;)

oops sorry. that's PAL not CEB. CEB only has direct flights to singapore and not KL.

Cebu-KL (PAL) twice a week and Cebu-Kota Kinabalu twice a week. ;)

Hope so... And with this comments in youtube, it's a success for Cebu to have more passengers and for our country to have more tourists....:okay:

"woowwwww.... i'm going to philippines..... just to see that....."
"Holllllllyyy Shit. I cant wait to go Philippines when im in that plane!!"
"awesome...let me book that ticket with cebu pacific now!"
"thats too funny! now i wanna go and visit the philippines again"
"that girl is hot! my dad keeps on forcing me to ride cebu pacific and im like...ewww no!...but after watching this...........i think i will =)"
"I guess im going to the phillipines. "
"im soooooo taking cebu airlines"
"ill book my fligt to cebu pacific from now on............."
"WOW they do that i should fly with cebu pacific "

eto, nag hahanap na ng Cebu Pacilic...lol
"Never heard of this Airline. Do they also operate in Australia by any chance??? :)"
"Northwest Airlines - old mean bitches
Qantas - old bitches
Lufthansa - fine women
Singapore Airlines - beautiful women
British Airways - old mean fugly bitches
Japan Airlines - nevermind
Cathay Pacific - its ok
Cebu Pacific - spicy hot women! XD
"

And PAL -- greedy biatches.. hehehe :lol:
In fairness to PAL, they have hot FAs too.

And PAL -- greedy biatches.. hehehe :lol:
In fairness to PAL, they have hot FAs too.

uyyy... hindi ha. alagang alaga ako ng FAs ng PAL. Very professional and maganda yung FAs nila. :) Intelehente. :)

uyyy... hindi ha. alagang alaga ako ng FAs ng PAL. Very professional and maganda yung FAs nila. :) Intelehente. :)

It was a joke..hehehe.. I agree.. I also like the service of PAL FAs and their hot too. That's why I prefer PAL over CEB.. :cheers:

di na kelangan :lol:

just take a look at these articles..

Turkey: http://webtv.hurriyet.com.tr/category.aspx?cid=2&vid=10179&bid=1
Russia: http://www.rosbalt.ru/2010/10/03/777224.html
UK: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1317103/Cebu-Pacific-Airlines-cabin-crew-perform-safety-demonstration-dancing-Lady-Gaga-Katy-Perry.html
Australia: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/wacky/hosties-use-lady-gaga-to-spice-up-safety/story-e6frev20-1225933487719
Spain: http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/curiosidades/noticia/100027872/Las+azafatas+hacen+su+demostracion+de+seguridad+al+ritmo+de+Lady+Gaga
Germany: http://www.promiflash.de/lady-gaga/201010031415-irres-video-stewardessen-rocken-zu-gaga-und-perry
Brazil: http://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticias/detalhes/detalhes-1/artigo/aeromocas-dao-instrucoes-de-voo-dancando-lady-gaga-nas-filipinas/
France: http://tvnews.over-blog.com/article-decouvrez-les-hotesses-de-cebu-pacific-qui-assurent-le-show-58147801.html
Korea: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000018&cm=%EA%B5%AD%EC%A0%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=531861&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=303
Slovenia: http://www.dnevnik.si/novice/neverjetno/1042392469
Japan: http://news.searchina.ne.jp/disp.cgi?y=2010&d=1003&f=it_1003_002.shtml
Hong Kong: http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20101003&sec_id=10793140&art_id=14514248
Finland: http://www.stara.fi/2010/10/02/lentoemannat-tarjosivat-matkustajille-huiman-shown/
Italy: http://www.giornalettismo.com/archives/85612/ecco-dancing-hostess-spiegano/

For local flights and mid-sized aircrafts, this is not bad. But if this was done in international flights especially when they use the 747s, it would be nice as well but it can also give the message that this airline lack the modern approach since today, safety demonstration is done on video like most airlines.

Guys, I believe that the number of malls located along/near the 23.8 km. EDSA, a major road in Metro Manila, contribute to the huge number of vehicles and heavy traffic esp. during weekend sale. There are also residential towers being constructed (30 to 40++ floors) along EDSA so expect more traffic.

It is actually not good if we want to attract tourists who want hassle free travel. :)

Add to the list: Gateway Mall although cq40 mentioned Araneta Center where professional basketball league is held regularly, Ali Mall, Glorietta Malls.

^^ Lol, yeah there are alot of malls along near/directly along EDSA, hmm let's see..
Araneta Square, Ever Gotesco Caloocan, WalterMart North EDSA, SM City North EDSA, TriNoma, Centris Station, Farmers Plaza (Araneta Center), Robinson's Galleria, SM Megamall, Star Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA Central, Forum Robinsons, Guadalupe Commercial Complex, SM Makati (Ayala Center), Metro Point Mall, Blue Wave Commercial Center & SM Mall Of Asia (Mall of Asia Complex).

It was a joke..hehehe.. I agree.. I also like the service of PAL FAs and their hot too. That's why I prefer PAL over CEB.. :cheers:

After being burned over and over again by 5J, I switched my allegiance to PR na.
I like the hot pants of the 5J FAs tho.Sexy. But I think PAL Express/AirPhil Express also do that right if I can remember it correctly? Malas ko lang parati, mostly pangit ang FAs ng 5J almost sa lahat ng flights na nasakyan ko.

Yung sa video na girl :drool:

DOT allots P100 million for “new media” to boost tourism
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:54:00 10/04/2010

Filed Under: Tourism & Leisure, Tourism, State Budget & Taxes, Media
MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Tourism has appropriated P100 million budget for “new media” to further promote the Philippines and achieve the target of 3.3 million tourists in the country by the end of the year.

From 3.17 million arrivals in 2009, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the agency would like to increase it to 3.3 million this year, a 10 percent increase, and another 10 percent or 3.6 million arrivals in 2010.

“We're increasing our arrivals this year by 10 percent. And then were actually coming out already with a new brand and we're already working on a new website,” Lim told reporters after attending a budget hearing at the Senate on Monday.

He noted that many tourists now get information or make their bookings online.

“So we are appropriating around P100 million of our budget this year for new media. Kinuha namin yun sa dating budget ng marketing dahil sa tingin namin importante yung new media (We got the amount from the previous budget for marketing because we see that new media is important),” he further said.

At present , Lim said the biggest tourist arrivals in the country come from Korea, followed by the United States and Japan.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20101004-295951/DOT-allots-P100-million-for-new-media-to-boost-tourism

di na kelangan :lol:

just take a look at these articles..

Turkey: http://webtv.hurriyet.com.tr/category.aspx?cid=2&vid=10179&bid=1
Russia: http://www.rosbalt.ru/2010/10/03/777224.html
UK: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1317103/Cebu-Pacific-Airlines-cabin-crew-perform-safety-demonstration-dancing-Lady-Gaga-Katy-Perry.html
Australia: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/wacky/hosties-use-lady-gaga-to-spice-up-safety/story-e6frev20-1225933487719
Spain: http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/curiosidades/noticia/100027872/Las+azafatas+hacen+su+demostracion+de+seguridad+al+ritmo+de+Lady+Gaga
Germany: http://www.promiflash.de/lady-gaga/201010031415-irres-video-stewardessen-rocken-zu-gaga-und-perry
Brazil: http://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticias/detalhes/detalhes-1/artigo/aeromocas-dao-instrucoes-de-voo-dancando-lady-gaga-nas-filipinas/
France: http://tvnews.over-blog.com/article-decouvrez-les-hotesses-de-cebu-pacific-qui-assurent-le-show-58147801.html
Korea: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?sc=30000018&cm=%EA%B5%AD%EC%A0%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94%EA%B8%B0%EC%82%AC&year=2010&no=531861&selFlag=&relatedcode=&wonNo=&sID=303
Slovenia: http://www.dnevnik.si/novice/neverjetno/1042392469
Japan: http://news.searchina.ne.jp/disp.cgi?y=2010&d=1003&f=it_1003_002.shtml
Hong Kong: http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20101003&sec_id=10793140&art_id=14514248
Finland: http://www.stara.fi/2010/10/02/lentoemannat-tarjosivat-matkustajille-huiman-shown/
Italy: http://www.giornalettismo.com/archives/85612/ecco-dancing-hostess-spiegano/

Great PR for Cebu Pacific. Just in time for their IPO. :banana:

Ebdane Sees Zambales Eco-Tourism Taking Off
By JONAS REYES
October 4, 2010

IBA, Zambales — Capitalizing on its natural attractions, ample tourism facilities, and accessible location, the province of Zambales has set its sights on becoming one of the country’s most popular eco-tourism destinations in the next few years.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government, ably supported by local tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs, will be mounting a campaign to fully develop the potentials of natural attractions like beaches, rivers, lakes, caves and forests in the 13 towns of Zambales.

“We will start with our shoreline, as this is already popular for weekend vacations and water sports. Then from there, we can move inland to rivers, lakes and mountains,” Ebdane said.

He said the jagged coastline of Zambales extends about 170 kilometers long and contains sandy beaches ideal for swimming and water sports, as well as secluded coves that are perfect for camping.

“Then we have coral reefs for recreational diving,” the governor added.

Just last week, Ebdane went diving off the Hermana Menor Island in Sta. Cruz town to check out its potential as a tourist destination. The reefs around the island have been seeded with giant clams and now contain some of the biggest and most colorful corals in the province, said Sta. Cruz mayor Luisito Marty.

In his frequent community visits, Ebdane has also been checking out other possible tourism draws in the province, like caves in Candelaria and Sta. Cruz towns, and a “white water” rafting destination in the upland community of Coto in Masinloc town.

Ebdane added that the Zambales provincial tourism program will be boosted by the construction of two major roads that would allow fast and easy access to Zambales: the Botolan–Capas Road, which would connect central Zambales to Tarlac province, and the Sta.Cruz–Mangatarem Road, which would link the northernmost town in the province to eastern Pangasinan.

The southern towns of Zambales, meanwhile, are easily accessible from Manila through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

“With easy access to Zambales, we hope to bring in more visitors who will stay for a longer period – the bakasyonistas – who will also buy from our markets, hire our workers, and rent our facilities,” Ebdane said.

The governor added that his administration is also inviting investors to put up more tourism facilities that will attract the kind of tourists who stay for long durations, and who bring in more income to the local economy.

In 2009, Zambales was identified by the Department of Tourism (DoT) as one of the top 10 most frequently visited spots in the country, along with Cebu, Boracay, Bohol and Camarines Sur.

However, Ebdane said that while Zambales received top ranking, it got a measly eight percent of the total tourist arrivals in the country. In comparison, Cebu got 32 percent, and Boracay 12 percent.

“We have to get better numbers, so we have to be more aggressive in our tourism campaign,” Ebdane said, explaining the new direction in the province’s tourism program.

To help realize Ebdane’s tourism program, the Zambales Provincial Tourism Office is now seeking a hefty increase in its annual budget for 2011 — from the P1 million approved in previous years to P5 million next year, said tourism officer Tel Mora.

Ebdane, who considers it his “priority job” to look for additional revenue for the province, fully supports the tourism initiative.

“If this is what we need to boost the tourism industry in the province, then we will approve it,” the governor said of the budget proposal.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/280493/ebdane-sees-zambales-ecotourism-taking-off

Angara, Raintree Partner to Boost Tourism in Aurora

Written by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to BusinessMirror

THE province of Aurora promises to be the next go-to travel destination with the establishment of two new resorts: one for high-end tourists, and the other, a mid-priced hotel to cater to the average middle-income travelers.

In an interview with select reporters, Sen. Edgardo Angara, who hails from the province, said these resorts will be built on land his family owns and will be managed by Raintree Partners Inc.

Raintree president Annabella Wiesniewski said: “We want to open Aurora as the newest exciting tourist destination in the country. It is paradise, undiscovered.” The province sits on the northeastern portion of Luzon and faces the Pacific Ocean.

The first establishment is an 88-room hotel that will be located on a three-hectare property in the capital of Baler.

“It’s ready to break ground,” she said, and will be designed by architect Ed Calma, which promises a modern aesthetic but “will incorporate organic materials that are native to Baler,” such as local wood and stones, and its unique flora. The hotel is projected to be completed by June 2012.

It has a 150-meter beachfront on Sabang beach and will be geared primarily for local travelers. The Angara family already has a beach resort there called Bahia de Baler.

“It will be moderately priced, about P4,000 per night, and will be geared for domestic tourists. The provinces around Aurora are mostly land-locked so Sabang is the nearest beach for them. We have to make [the hotel] reasonable, but still very nice. Government offices and corporations around there can hold their meetings, conferences and seminars there,” said Wiesniewski. A 300-seat ballroom will also be built on the property where functions like conferences and wedding receptions can be held.

The second resort will be 20 minutes away from Baler central on a 100-hectare property located at the private Dikasalarin cove. On it will rise “60 rooms or villas of SLH [small luxury hotels] quality,” she added, ranging from about 50 square meters (sqm) to 200 sqm.

“It’s like Monterey [California]. You drive along the coastline, and you see a very big cove,” she said. The beach is off-white but as fine as the sand of Boracay and with clear waters, she said, so it’s ideal for lounging about and swimming.

The villas, she said, “will be modern with glass, set against the mountains,” taking advantage of the picturesque view of the land- and seascapes. It will also feature a wellness center with a world-class spa. Those who are staying in the Sabang resort, she added, will be given the privilege of taking a day tour in the Dikasalarin property and enjoy its facilities and scenery.

Adjacent to the luxury resort, Angara donated a 10-hectare property, where an artist’s village is currently under construction. “This will give an opportunity for artists to just be away and indulge in their passions. We’ll take care of them, they won’t have to worry about [food and accommodations],” the senator said. The village will also feature an amphitheater where the artists can show off their works or perform.

“We’ve already been able to solicit the assistance of several well-known Filipino artists here and abroad to build individual cottages where the visiting artists can stay,” he added.

Angara cited the many activities that could be pursued in Aurora such as hiking, diving, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching and surfing.

“Baler was the first to introduce surfing in the country with its swells reaching 10 to 12 feet,” he said. A portion of the film Apocalypse Now where soldiers were catching waves was filmed at Charlie’s Point in Baler. A number of international bird societies also have been tracking migrating birds that summer in Baler.

“We have natural beauty - every 10 km. spectacular waterfalls—we have abundant water sources, we have streams, rivers, clean seas that’s why we nice dive sites there. We have a rich supply of marine life—Blue marlin, tuna, Spanish mackerel.” He stressed that travelers are safe in Aurora, being “the first province that was declared insurgency-free.”

Baler is also rich in history, he said, because it is where the infamous “Siege of Baler” happened. Fifty-seven Spanish soldiers held out at a local church for a year against Filipino troops, not knowing the Spanish-American War had already ended. The story was actually made the basis for the local film Baler, which was said to have helped boost travel arrivals in the province, as it showcased the local tourist spots. The event is also commemorated every year on June 30 during the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

Asked why he decided to collaborate with Raintree, Angara said, “We hear they’re the top in the business [of hospitality management].”

Raintree currently manages the Discovery properties of the Tiu family in Ortigas, Tagaytay and Boracay Island, and opened Albay to high-end travelers when it initially managed Misibis Bay Resort in Cagraray Island. (It terminated its contract with the resort’s owner, the Sunwest Group, in March.)

Although travel time from Manila to Baler currently takes about five hours—“it’s just like going to Baguio”—Angara said the completion of the SCTEx until Aurora will cut travel time by about 1.5-2 hours.

The proposed 60-km. four-lane expressway will start from La Paz, Tarlac and pass through Nueva Ecija, and traversing a scenic route to Baler.

“So it’s going to be such a beautiful drive like going from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe,” Wiesniewski said. Construction on the Tarlac-Aurora portion of the SCTEx is scheduled to start next year, Angara noted, and will be completed in time for the resorts’ opening.

Wiesniewski added that Raintree is already talking with major carriers Philippine Airlines, Southeast Asian Airlines and Cebu Pacific so they could explore the possibility of flying to Baler, once the resorts are completed.

There are two main airports in Aurora—one is the Dr. Juan C. Angara Airport in Baler with a 1,100 meter-runway, where Seair used to fly a twice-weekly route. Another airport with a 2-km runway is currently being constructed in the municipality of Casiguran, which will be able to accommodate larger jet aircraft and will turn into an international airport.

Currently, a provincial bus line connects Manila to Baler, passing through the Sierra Madre mountain range.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2010/September2010/09272010/regions01.jpg

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/1726-angara-raintree-partner-to-boost-tourism-in-aurora

just want to ask. Since there are foreigners wanting to visit the Phils, and pinoys wanting to visit foreign land. Have any of you been part of room or house trading system, where you become part of the club and you offer your house for free use by members, and you yourself can also visit their country and stay at their house? It's cost efficient and you get to learn more about the foreign culture.

Tourism dep’t still hopeful

THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism believes its target 10% growth in tourist arrivals this year remains achievable, noting the negative impact of the Aug. 13 bungled hostage rescue appears to be waning.

"The effect of the hostage incident on tourism has gone down. The immediate effects were on the first few weeks, but for now not so much," Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim told reporters at the sidelines yesterday of a budget hearing in the House of Representatives.

But he did not elaborate with data.

A 10% increase in visitors is estimated to add some $200 million this year to the $9.72 billion in tourism sales recorded in 2009, or a 2% increase, Mr. Lim said.

Mr. Lim added that the department is adopting a 10% growth target also for next year, with visitors expected to hit 3.6 million.

In a phone interview later, Mr. Lim said, "As of June, we are already seeing a growth of about 11%-14%, as the estimates vary."

"So, even if there will be some reduction following the Hong Kong incident, I still think we will meet our 10% target," Mr. Lim said.

He explained that South Koreans have remained the most numerous tourists, followed by Americans and Japanese.

His department’s proposed budget for next year is P1.3 billion, a slight decrease from P1.38 billion this year.

In addition, Mr. Lim said the department will spend some P100 million to enhance its Web site and improve visibility through search engines.

Tourism Undersecretary Vicente R. Romano III said separately that the department has tapped the services of advertising firm Campaigns & Grey to help rebrand the country in the wake of the Aug. 13 fiasco.


http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=18915

Ebdane wants Zambales to become tourism capital

Tuesday, 05 October 2010 00:00
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IBA, Zambales: With its vast coastline, several unexploited islands, ample tourism facilities and one of the most sweetest mangoes in the world, the provincial government of Zambales announced on Monday that it will be focusing on being the country’s most popular eco-tourism destination in the next few years. Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government, with the support of local tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs, will be mounting a campaign to fully develop the potentials of natural attractions like beaches, rivers, lakes, caves and forests in the 13 towns of Zambales.

“We will start with our shoreline, as this is already popular for weekend vacations and water sports. Then from there, we can move inland to rivers, lakes and mountains,” Ebdane said.

Ebdane has also been checking out other possible tourism draws in the province, like caves in Candelaria and Santa Cruz towns, and a “white water” rafting destination in the upland community of Coto in Masinloc town.

Ebdane added that the Zambales provincial tourism program will be boosted by the construction of two major roads that would allow fast and easy access to Zambales: the Botolan-Capas road, which would connect central Zambales to Tarlac province, and the Santa Cruz-Mangatarem road, which would link the northernmost town in the province to eastern Pangasinan.

The southern towns of Zambales, meanwhile, are easily accessible from Manila through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

“With easy access to Zambales, we hope to bring in more visitors who will stay for a longer period—the bakasyonistas [vacationers]—who will also buy from our markets, hire our workers and rent our facilities,” Ebdane said.

Hermana Menor
Last week, Ebdane went diving off the Hermana Menor Island in Santa Cruz town to check out its capability of becoming a tourist destination. The reefs around the island have been seeded with giant clams and now contain some of the biggest and most colorful corals in the province, said Mayor Luisito Marty of Santa Cruz.

In 2009, Zambales was identified by the Department of Tourism as one of the Top 10 most frequently visited spots in the country, along with Cebu, Boracay, Bohol and Camarines Sur.

However, Ebdane said that while Zambales received top ranking, it got a measly 8 percent of the total tourist arrivals in the country. In comparison, Cebu got 32 percent and Boracay, 12 percent.
“We have to get better numbers, so we have to be more aggressive in our tourism campaign,” Ebdane said, explaining the new direction in the province’s tourism program.

To help realize Ebdane’s tourism program, the Zambales Provincial Tourism Office is now seeking a hefty increase in its annual budget for 2011—from the P1 million approved in previous years to P5 million next year, said tourism officer Tel Mora.
ANTHONY BAYARONG


http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/28041-ebdane-wants-zambales-to-become-tourism-capital

Front Girl in Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Name Revealed
POSTED BY AMBISYOSO NEWS ON OCTOBER 5, 2010 AT 10:43 AM

The video of Cebu Pacific Airlines dancing flight attendants in Youtube have reached more than 6 million views as of 9AM today Philippine time. And for sure part of that million have already asked and searched the identity of the girl in front of the video.

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants1.jpg

The Cebu Pacific flight attendant real name is Karen Tracy Vitug. She’s the front girl in the popular Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Video. Fondly called by her co-workers as Tracy.


http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-300x200.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-2-200x300.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/news/front-girl-in-cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants-name-revealed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinoyambisyoso/WXJu+(Ambisyoso+News)

:banana::banana::banana:

Guys, I believe that the number of malls located along/near the 23.8 km. EDSA, a major road in Metro Manila, contribute to the huge number of vehicles and heavy traffic esp. during weekend sale. There are also residential towers being constructed (30 to 40++ floors) along EDSA so expect more traffic.

It is actually not good if we want to attract tourists who want hassle free travel. :)

Add to the list: Gateway Mall although cq40 mentioned Araneta Center where professional basketball league is held regularly, Ali Mall, Glorietta Malls.

EDSA is not a major road its the major road of Metro Manila. But good thing there is mass transit in this area despite the poor quality of it. Without rapid transit, traffic in EDSA would be hell!

Front Girl in Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Name Revealed
POSTED BY AMBISYOSO NEWS ON OCTOBER 5, 2010 AT 10:43 AM

The video of Cebu Pacific Airlines dancing flight attendants in Youtube have reached more than 6 million views as of 9AM today Philippine time. And for sure part of that million have already asked and searched the identity of the girl in front of the video.

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants1.jpg

The Cebu Pacific flight attendant real name is Karen Tracy Vitug. She’s the front girl in the popular Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Video. Fondly called by her co-workers as Tracy.


http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-300x200.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-2-200x300.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/news/front-girl-in-cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants-name-revealed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinoyambisyoso/WXJu+(Ambisyoso+News)

:banana::banana::banana:

Interesting....now she has her fifteen minutes of fame. I'm sure she'll get tons of proposals, from modeling to endorsements and probably even a few marriage proposals. Not to count the publicity on TV, both local and international sooner or later.

I was also interested in finding out who wingco1129 is on YouTube...Tracy owes her claim to fame to wingco1129.

Kudos to both of them:cheers:

Interesting....now she has her fifteen minutes of fame. I'm sure she'll get tons of proposals, from modeling to endorsements and probably even a few marriage proposals. Not to count the publicity on TV, both local and international sooner or later.

I was also interested in finding out who wingco1129 is on YouTube...Tracy owes her claim to fame to wingco1129.

Kudos to both of them:cheers:

it was staged imo... mukhang taga 5J ata si wingco...:D

I am a journalist new to Cagayan de Oro/Mindanao.
Please help out for fun and general knowledge.
Please candidly answer any of the questions, or none of the questions. Make any comment you wish.
I would like to know your name and city. But if that makes you feel uncomfortable, you can be anonymous.

Thank you. Please reply now. Quickly. My deadline was yesterday.

--Byron White
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

First Question: what areas of tourism are showing the most growth in CDO and Mindanao?

Second question: What nationality is showing increasing numbers of tourist in CDO?

Third Question: What organization or government sector do you believe is helping CDO development tourism the most?

Four Question: How important is tourism to CDO?

^^ For sure it is but who cares, right?

Practice session...
KgidL0b9kMA

Front Girl in Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Name Revealed
POSTED BY AMBISYOSO NEWS ON OCTOBER 5, 2010 AT 10:43 AM

The video of Cebu Pacific Airlines dancing flight attendants in Youtube have reached more than 6 million views as of 9AM today Philippine time. And for sure part of that million have already asked and searched the identity of the girl in front of the video.

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants1.jpg

The Cebu Pacific flight attendant real name is Karen Tracy Vitug. She’s the front girl in the popular Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Video. Fondly called by her co-workers as Tracy.


http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-300x200.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-2-200x300.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/news/front-girl-in-cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants-name-revealed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinoyambisyoso/WXJu+(Ambisyoso+News)

:banana::banana::banana:

Another plus:

A math wiz:

http://www.ssc.edu.ph/sscweb_content/news_2004-2005/news_coll_100404_mathArticle.htm

Strict Screening of Tourists at NAIA

By JUN RAMIREZ
October 5, 2010, 7:35pm

MANILA, Philippines — Immigration officers started to adopt a strict screening of arriving foreigners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major ports in the country, it was learned on Tuesday.

Officials at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the implementation of stricter measures is part of the new government’s intensified drive against human trafficking.

BI acting chief Ronaldo Ledesma said he issued a memorandum order to immigration officers prescribing new guidelines for the conduct of secondary inspection of foreigners to determine whether they should be allowed or denied entry in the Philippines.

Ledesma said he issued the order to give immigration officers wider freedom of discretion in allowing or denying entry to a foreign national upon arrival in a Philippine port of entry.

He said the new guidelines specifically spell out the screening process for alien passengers suspected of being public charges, or those whose presence in the Philippines are deemed inimical to national interest. Secondary inspection means a foreigner upon landing at the airport will have to undergo an interview before he/she be allowed to enter the country to ensure that the foreigners has the capability to support his/her stay in the Philippines.


http://www.mb.com.ph/node/280702/

^^ For sure it is but who cares, right?

Practice session...
KgidL0b9kMA

Worldwide fame. If you count the others who posted the same video, it's more than 7 million views na.

Cebu Pacific will have their IPO this month. What a good publicity. :)

Cebu Dancing Inmates get 44 Million views. Now, it's a tourist attraction in the city.

...one of the most talked about person in YouTube!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5049357321_1a5a1b6f7c_z.jpg
flickr pic by @pinayinkorea

:cheers:

^^good publcity :cheers2:





:horse:

Dancing flight attendants make it to CNN, Time

MANILA, Philippines - What started as a local airline's effort to "make people interested, showcase homegrown talent and raise morale" has become a huge Internet sensation picked up by news organizations across the globe.

The YouTube video of Cebu Pacific's dancing flight attendants, which was uploaded last Thursday, now has over 6 million views and was featured in the online platforms of CNN, Time Magazine, The New York Times and The Daily Mail, among many others.

"Lady Gaga is on board in spirit, and she's part of the safety demonstration -- how to put on your seat belt, how to put on the oxygen mask if needed," the CNN wire staff wrote.

It was also picked up by PerezHilton.com, a popular celebrity gossip website.


Carrying seat belts, life jackets and oxygen masks, young female flight attendants of Cebu Pacific danced to Lady Gaga's Just Dance and Katy Perry's California Girls while demonstrating safety procedures. (Read: Netizens mixed over 'dancing cabin crew' video)

Most netizens commended Cebu Pacific for having "pretty flight attendants" and "nice (dance) moves," while others scored the Gokongwei-led airline for "not taking safety lightly" by not providing clear safety instructions and allowing electronic gadgets such as video cameras to be used inside the aircraft.

A number of groups, meanwhile, have urged the airline to reconsider its dancing flight attendants gimmick "for the sake of gender sensitivity and professionalism." (Read: Dancing flight attendants as 'entertainers' hit)

Cebu Pacific has reiterated that its flight attendants did not do the dance routine against their will, adding that they "volunteered" and "enjoyed" doing the said performances.

The airline added that the dance does not replace the serious safety demonstration as required by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

"Nais namin linawin na tuluy-tuloy pa rin naming ginagawa ang standard safety demonstration upang maihatid sa mga pasahero ang mga gawain sa isang emergency situation. Sa katunayan, mas lalong nabibigyang halaga ang safety demonstration dahil dalawang beses siyang ginawa ng aming mga flight attendants," Rosita Menchaca, vice president for in-flight services of Cebu Pacific, said in a statement.

("We'd like to make it clear that we're still doing the serious safety demonstration along with the dance routine to inform our passengers on the things that should be done in emergency situations. Doing it twice actually makes our passengers remember the procedure more clearly.")

For her part, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing Candice Iyog said in a text message to abs-cbnNEWS.com, "Cebu Pacific management and its employees have a very healthy relationship, which helps promote this fun culture."

Rehearsals

In an earlier interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Iyog revealed that the airline tapped the help of professionals to come up with the routine and has trained at least "2 sets of cabin crew" for it.

On October 1, a day after the viral video was uploaded, another clip of females dancing to the same routine made it to YouTube.


They carried the same seatbelts, life jackets and oxygen masks -- it was a video of a rehearsal done by Cebu Pacific's flight attendants.

One of the girls in the video, the one wearing pink and black pants, is said to be the same person in the first YouTube clip, a number of Internet users observed.

"The one at the leftmost wearing pink at the first few seconds of the vid, I think she's that cute FA (flight attendant)," one YouTube user said.

Another added, "Oh yes! That's her in the pink shirt! Wow. She's super famous now."

Some blogs and websites have already identified the dancing flight attendant in the viral video as Karen Tracy Vitug, who is now considered by many as an overnight Internet celebrity.

Photos of Vitug were also uploaded to show proof that she is the flight attendant featured in the video.

"The famous girl in (the) Cebu Pacific dancing flight attendants video is Karen Tracy Vitug. Karen is one of the cabin crew on-board in that plane and the one dancing in front of the said video," Batangastoday.com wrote.

"(Vitug is) fondly called by her co-workers as Tracy," Pinoyambisyoso.com wrote.

Front Girl in Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Name Revealed
POSTED BY AMBISYOSO NEWS ON OCTOBER 5, 2010 AT 10:43 AM

The video of Cebu Pacific Airlines dancing flight attendants in Youtube have reached more than 6 million views as of 9AM today Philippine time. And for sure part of that million have already asked and searched the identity of the girl in front of the video.

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants1.jpg

The Cebu Pacific flight attendant real name is Karen Tracy Vitug. She’s the front girl in the popular Cebu Pacific Dancing Flight Attendants Video. Fondly called by her co-workers as Tracy.


http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-300x200.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Famous-Girl-in-Cebu-Pacific-Dancing-Flight-Attendants-Video-2-200x300.jpg

http://pinoyambisyoso.com/news/front-girl-in-cebu-pacific-dancing-flight-attendants-name-revealed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinoyambisyoso/WXJu+(Ambisyoso+News)

:banana::banana::banana:

Is it me or does she look 100x better in the video?

I don't really like how she looks in the 2nd pic, but in the first she's still alright. I find it hard to believe that she look so much better in the video :/

"The photo is currently unavailable". Umalsyon na pala ang google na inereklamo @Biyahilo against @Pinayinkorea :applause: