All roads lead to Manila

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tricycle
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Jeepney
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The first thing you may notice upon arrival in the Philippines’ capital, Manila, is its traffic. Adding to its charm, its roads are quite often lane-less, more often lawless, and hence nearly always chaotic. There is usually only one rule: there are no rules.

But there is a king.

Picture an American World War Two army jeep; then stretch it; adorn it with flamboyant colours and decorations; and fill it with passengers. Finally, fill it with more passengers. Your king in drag.

A symbol of Philippine culture, Jeepneys are by far the most popular form of public transport in the country. They are cheap (with set prices, so you’ll never be ripped off), ubiquitous, surprisingly quick, and come with air-conditioning (they have no windows). Put simply, they rule the roads.

Although somewhat daunting to new users, travelling on a jeepney is actually not very difficult. When one stops (or sometimes while it is still moving), simply jump into the back, yell out your destination, hand over your money (passed on by other commuters to the front of the vehicle), sit back (actually, sideways) and enjoy the ride.

When you have reached your destination, bang on the ceiling whilst yelling “para po” (roughly translated as “please stop”), and jump off - paying mind to the other vehicles on the road. Very exciting stuff.

Travelling on a jeepney can be a social experience as well. Riding in such close quarters will often lead to conversation (usually about food). And sitting face to face with Filipinos *- or Pinoys, as they are affectionately known - will always lead to plenty of warm smiles.

Whilst touring, you will surely notice an excessive amount of pedestrians on the road. More often than not, these are street vendors trying to tempt you with mid-journey snacks such as banana-que (bananas fried in sugar), camote (sweet potato skewers) and mane (boiled peanuts) - their business facilitated by the slow moving traffic. These mobile ‘kiosks’ are great when you are on a long journey and feeling hungry - and Filipinos are nearly always hungry. Sound silly? The next time you’re famished and stuck in traffic, you won’t think so.

The other popular mode of public transport in the city is the tricycle - motorcycles with sidecars, the Philippine version of the auto rickshaw. Similarly cheap, these nifty vehicles will zip you around the local roads, as well as the nooks and crannies - of which there are many - that larger vehicles such as jeepneys can’t access. The ride can be a bit bumpy though, so holding on tightly is highly recommended (especially when there are four of you on the bike). Like jeepneys, tricycles are a whole lot of fun to use.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

http://www.etbmice.com/article.asp?articleid=5551

Thursday, March 31, 2011

The waters of the Underground River
The entrance to the river
Exiting the river
It's not 'Ponyo'

There’s always that one photo that brings back a figurative sea of memories: clear blue waters, a cool breeze and something faintly prehistoric.

For me, it’s this picture of a fish taken with a pathetic little digital camera that takes me to Puerto Princesa Underground River.

I took this photo at the bank of the river waiting for a canoe and guide. We were splashing around, donned in hardhats and life vests, and were suddenly shushed into silence by the beauty around us. It sounds like a line, I know, but there ARE those moments...and this was one of them.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is 8.2 kilometres long, said to be the longest in the world after that in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, snaking through a cave before meeting the South China Sea.

In the canoe, the warmth of the sun gives way to the cool of the cave, and the waters go from a light blue to a rich turquoise. And silence.

The guide, from the back of the canoe, stroking the bottom of the river with a long piece of bamboo points out stalactite/mite formations in true Filipino style (they either look like food or a religious figure) and I obediently shine the torch in the right direction.

“Look up,” he says, “but keep your mouth closed!”

Above us are thousands of little bats.

“That’s not rain falling,” he warns.

A gentle journey through the cave for 1.5 kilometres and we turn around, heading back to the cave’s entrance.

Perhaps it’s the silence in a country otherwise noisy that encourages reflection, or it’s the similarity between a cave and an ancient stone church, but here I feel that everything within is sacred.
It is not until outside, blinking back the calm of the cave, that I realise none of the pictures from the aforementioned pathetic digital camera will turn out...and in some ways I’m glad.

More to Manila than meets the eye

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Quaipo church
Manila
Pansit

The Philippines’ capital Manila is criminally overlooked as a tourist destination.

Primarily used as a stopover for international travellers on their way to the Philippines’ famous beach resorts, Manila offers more than enough to see and do to warrant a longer stay.

Whilst for some, not the most immediately appealing city, Maynila (as it is called locally) is in fact, a fascinating metropolis – as vibrant and dynamic as it is diverse.

Intramuros is Manila’s historic walled city. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila per se (as was pointed out to me several times by my exuberant guide) and is the best place to admire the capital’s Spanish colonial architecture.

History buffs should also check out Corrigidor Island. This islet is located at the entrance to Manila Bay and played a pivotal role in defending the Philippines from the Japanese during World War Two.

Coconut Palace is almost entirely made of, um, coconuts. Now a museum, it was commissioned by First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II's visit in 1981. It was then famously turned down by the pontiff because it was considered far too brazen for a poverty-stricken city.

Boasting malls and more bargains than you could bargain for, Manila offers an endless array of good buys. Try Mall Of Asia (the world’s fourth largest), Greenhills or for the really adventurous, downtown Divisoria. And bring an empty suitcase – you will fill it.

Filipinos – or Pinoys, as they are affectionately known – love their food. And the food here is great. And cheap. Three square meals may only set you back around ten dollars. And with the Aussie dollar currently trading so high, you’ll easily be able to fit another lumpia (Filipino spring roll) onto your plate or another San Miguel Pale Pilsen into your glass.
Go and see this city for yourself. And get there before everybody else does.

Riding a jeepney is a great experience even more than riding a "tuk tuk"

The eastern part of Metro Manila have a sizable population of foreigners including Koreans. In fact there are numerous international schools within this area such as Faith Academy.

Koreans and expats, yes but tourists, no.

As with the case of Quezon City, the one place that is worth developing would be Cubao. It is a transportation hub in Metro Manila.

And its frequent by foreign tourists especially those heading to bus terminals on the way to the country's famous sights.


There's Cubao Expo. Need to make the area much safer tho. Ive seen it transform from a seedy, crime infested area back in the late '80s into a better destination for shopping and events. More work needs to be done still.

Why can't NCR Tourism Board promote Eastwood City as tourism area (entertainment).

BRT to the area?

Typical weekend scene at Eastwood. Cool crowd. Restaurants and bars are abundant. :)

True, but so is Malate, Makati, and The Fort which are already established tourism areas. Eastwood City, like all of Quezon City honestly is more like locals' night out for me. And tourists normally only stay in "Downtown" (thats west of Pasig River). You get a few tourists too in "Midtown" (that's Ortigas), but QC is just "way Uptown". :)

True, but so is Malate, Makati, and The Fort which are already established tourism areas. Eastwood City, like all of Quezon City honestly is more like locals' night out for me. And tourists normally only stay in "Downtown" (thats west of Pasig River). You get a few tourists too in "Midtown" (that's Ortigas), but QC is just "way Uptown". :)

I look at Metro Manila differently. Manila is capital, Makati and The Fort in Taguig are downtown, Mandaluyong, San Juan and Ortigas are Midtown and Quezon City is uptown. Pasay is considered The Bay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Muntinglupa are southside, CAMANAVA is north while Pasig and Marikina are east.

But again, most tourist will get bored with their current surroundings and will explore new ones.

Metro Manila is one of the largest cities in the world and there are lots of places in this city to explore. Backpackers do venture to Greenhills.

There's Cubao Expo. Need to make the area much safer tho. Ive seen it transform from a seedy, crime infested area back in the late '80s into a better destination for shopping and events. More work needs to be done still.

It is a safe area. I find it safe walking around these areas at night.

It is a safe area. I find it safe walking around these areas at night.

Back then it wasn't. As late as 2001, nadukutan pa ako dyan ng cellphone.

I look at Metro Manila differently. Manila is capital, Makati and The Fort in Taguig are downtown, Mandaluyong, San Juan and Ortigas are Midtown and Quezon City is uptown.

thats what i said, Makati and Taguig are west of Pasig River and along with Manila and Pasay consistute the downtown core. Ortigas (thats Pasig, Mandaluyong and San Juan) is Midtown, QC is uptown. We have the same definitions, wancho. Now Antipolo, i call it Up in the Mountain. :D

Back then it wasn't. As late as 2001, nadukutan pa ako dyan ng cellphone.

True. But it is much different these days. The presence of an exclusive mall such as Gateway has improved the place. Ali Mall is being revamped and there are lots of events in the Expo.

There is increase in security both the Araneta Centre guards and police.

^^ So, this new French restaurant is in Uptown. Tongue twisting name. I noticed that there are few restaurants in Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila with tongue twisting names....:)

The Cuisinier Brasserie

A French-Mediterranean bistro rises in Quezon City
By Caroline J. Howard, ANC
Posted at 03/31/2011 12:24 PM | Updated as of 03/31/2011 12:30 PM
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MANILA, Philippines - For many gourmet choices, Makati is often the place to go.

But one restaurant dishes out everything from French-Mediterranean cuisine to gourmet cooking lessons right on Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

"When you say fine dining, it's more in Makati, the south side. But since we live near the area, we scouted for restaurants. And so far we haven't seen restaurants like this [that] offers European cuisine," said Chef Mafe Traje-Seva, owner of The Cuisinier Brasserie.

Schooled at Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Mafe put up the restaurant which serves classical French Spanish-Greek cuisine laid out in a more casual, bistro-type, art deco setting.

The restaurant is a family business, with her husband and sisters lending a hand in various capacities including designing the venue.

Its menu includes canard a'la orange (roasted duck breast in orange sauce) for the French side; osso buco (beek shank cooked for hours in red wine and tomato sauce and served with risotto) from Italy and the Mediterranean side; and paella, callos a'la Madrileña (stewed ox tripe and ox face with jamon serrano), and gambas le sel from Spain.

From Greece, the menu offers horiatiki (a salad with no greens) and misticanza served with foie gras, scallops and smoked salmon tossed in sweet vinaigrette.

Pizzas including one with arugula, feta cheese, parma ham, and drizzled with truffle oil, named after Chef Mafe's daughter Bella, is also popular.

For dessert, there's panna cotta and tiramisu from Italy, and creme brulee from France.

Making French onion soup and panna cotta

Chef Mafe recently showed "Taste Buds" on "Mornings@ANC" how to prepare two of their house specialties: the French onion soup and the panna cotta.


French onion soup



The soup consisted of caramelized onions cooked with sherry wine until the alcohol evaporated, and stock from beef bones cooked for 5 to 6 hours with mirepoix, a combination of onions, carrots and celery. It was then topped with two cheeses: the gruyere and mozzarella, then browned in a salamander oven before being served with crusty bread.

The creamy texture added a chewy consistency to the deliciously rich soup.

The entree was salmon tournedos consisting of a rolled fillet of salmon seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared. It was served with an apples and figs compote, a reduction of red wine, mashed potato topped with greens and a sliver of pan-seared foie gras. The fig and the apple compote were a wonderful complement to the salmon.


Panna cotta



For dessert, a mouthwatering panna cotta was prepared. It consisted of almonds mixed with milk, cream, some sugar shavings from a vanilla pod, then gelatin to achieve the creamy consistency. The mixture was poured into a ramekin and allowed to set overnight. It was then garnished with brandy snaps, strawberries, and some red wide reduction.

With the dessert's not too sweet and light creamy texture, it was easy to see why the panna cotta is a household favorite.

Cooking lessons

With her 10-year experience teaching French and European cuisine, Chef Mafe also offers basic, intermediate and advance culinary courses in the brasserie's culinary studio.

Five-day special courses are available, including one called "Little Mouth" designed for young cooking students and which features pizza-making and cookie baking.

Customized classes are also offered, as well as spa cuisine for the health-conscious.

Two of Chef Mafe's former students have become part of The Cuisinier Brasserie's staff.

This month, Chef Mafe also brings into her menu Beef Wellington, a steak and foie gras dish cooked in a pie and served with a classic Madeira--a savory French sauce that works wonderfully with roasted meats.

The Cuisinier Brasserie is at Richwell Bldg., 102 Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Tel. Nos. are (632) 426-5872 and (632) 586-8798. Restaurant hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11a.m.-2 p.m., and 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

"Taste Buds" is a weekly food segment of Mornings@ANC which airs on Tuesdays between 10:30-11 a.m. It features chefs, their food ventures, house specialties and new introductions to their menu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/03/31/11/french-mediterranean-bistro-rises-quezon-city

thats what i said, Makati and Taguig are west of Pasig River and along with Manila and Pasay consistute the downtown core. Ortigas (thats Pasig, Mandaluyong and San Juan) is Midtown, QC is uptown. We have the same definitions, wancho. Now Antipolo, i call it Up in the Mountain. :D

There are also lots of happening in Antipolo. And public transportation here is better compared to say Eastwood.

True. But it is much different these days. The presence of an exclusive mall such as Gateway has improved the place. Ali Mall is being revamped and there are lots of events in the Expo.

There is increase in security both the Araneta Centre guards and police.


Security indeed improved with the construction of the Gateway. It's not as jologs as it was before. I like the hobo chic of Cubao Expo. My friend owns a resto there that serves malunggay on almost everything.

Security indeed improved with the construction of the Gateway. It's not as jologs as it was before. I like the hobo chic of Cubao Expo. My friend owns a resto there that serves malunggay on almost everything.

Foodwise, I usually go to Belinnis. Its one of my favourite Italian restaurants in MM. They used to have one in Marikina but it closed down. Marikina is not the place to open a restaurant of this type.

Novotel is opening a hotel right there in Cubao and its right beside Gateway.

^^ Yes, the novotel.

In Newport Mall, there's a restaurant named:

"Beurre Blanc"

Expensive restaurant - costs around P500 per person. Guys, how do you pronounce the word "beurre"?

^^ Yes, the novotel.

In Newport Mall, there's a restaurant named:

"Beurre Blanc"

Expensive restaurant - costs around P500 per person. Guys, how do you pronounce the word "beurre"?

/bœr/

Hotels are sprouting up in every major cbd in MM. Even suburban Filinvest Corporate City has 2 hotels, The Vivierre and The Bellvue.

^^ yup, the dirty south is sprucing up with a third hotel opening soon too, closer to Ayala Alabang. Btw, i like that hotels in Alabang sport the Manila label like Hotel Bellevue Manila. I hope all hotels in Metro Manila were named like that, cos its more organized and tourists only know Makati, Alabang, and Mandaluyong as Manila. :)

Expensive restaurant - costs around P500 per person. Guys, how do you pronounce the word "beurre"?

White butter, just say it like it's cold. Brrr :lol:

/bœr/

boer....:nuts:

The waiter pronounced it as "bur". I guess the owner wants an unfamiliar name of restaurant in this high end place....to look classy.

Foodwise, I usually go to Belinnis. Its one of my favourite Italian restaurants in MM. They used to have one in Marikina but it closed down. Marikina is not the place to open a restaurant of this type.

Novotel is opening a hotel right there in Cubao and its right beside Gateway.

Belinnis closed down? Is it the branch at the back of Cubao (Ali Mall)? This is my favorite restaurant.

^^ yup, the dirty south is sprucing up with a third hotel opening soon too, closer to Ayala Alabang. Btw, i like that hotels in Alabang sport the Manila label like Hotel Bellevue Manila. I hope all hotels in Metro Manila were named like that, cos its more organized and tourists only know Makati, Alabang, and Mandaluyong as Manila. :)



White butter, just say it like it's cold. Brrr :lol:

Three of us ate there out of curiousity. It's in 2nd floor of Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila. According to the waiter, it's a sister outlet of Le Souffle Restaurant - the famous one.

Beurre Blanc - what a name!

Belinnis closed down? Is it the branch at the back of Cubao (Ali Mall)? This is my favorite restaurant.

Its the one in Marikina. It was located in San Roque right at the old town. But that area is not an ideal place to open an italian restaurant. On the other hand, there is a mini Thai restaurant there called Krung Thai and they serve one of the best pad thais in MM.

The owner is actually Thai who married a Marikenia and has been living in this area for over a decade.

It is common in MM. for foreigners who have married a Filipina (or vice versa) to open a restaurant of their origin. This is the case with Bellini or even Manos in Tagaytay.

^^ yup, the dirty south is sprucing up with a third hotel opening soon too, closer to Ayala Alabang. Btw, i like that hotels in Alabang sport the Manila label like Hotel Bellevue Manila. I hope all hotels in Metro Manila were named like that, cos its more organized and tourists only know Makati, Alabang, and Mandaluyong as Manila. :)



White butter, just say it like it's cold. Brrr :lol:

Most major hotel chains here have Manila in their names.

Its the one in Marikina. It was located in San Roque right at the old town. But that area is not an ideal place to open an italian restaurant. On the other hand, there is a mini Thai restaurant there called Krung Thai and they serve one of the best pad thais in MM.

The owner is actually Thai who married a Marikenia and has been living in this area for over a decade.

It is common in MM. for foreigners who have married a Filipina (or vice versa) to open a restaurant of their origin. This is the case with Bellini or even Manos in Tagaytay.

I see, so it's not the one in Cubao. If my memory serves me right, Isabel is the name of Mr. Belinnis' wife.

I see, so it's not the one in Cubao. If my memory serves me right, Isabel is the name of Mr. Belinnis' wife.

I would not know. But if the one in Cubao close down then that would suck!

Its the one in Marikina. It was located in San Roque right at the old town. But that area is not an ideal place to open an italian restaurant. On the other hand, there is a mini Thai restaurant there called Krung Thai and they serve one of the best pad thais in MM.

The owner is actually Thai who married a Marikenia and has been living in this area for over a decade.

It is common in MM. for foreigners who have married a Filipina (or vice versa) to open a restaurant of their origin. This is the case with Bellini or even Manos in Tagaytay.

I know that Krung Thai restaurant. It's in the corner and they have the best Thai food in town. :cheers: Yes, the owner is a Thai...

I know that Krung Thai restaurant. It's in the corner and they have the best Thai food in town. :cheers: Yes, the owner is a Thai...

I prefer Som's in Rockwell. Great Thai food, and the cook is Thai! Cheap too.

I have not tried Krung Thai but will check it out if ever I'm in MM. I tried Som's but their Pad Thai is too sweet.

Other good Thai restaurants in MM. would be Dusit Thani in Glorietta. There used to be Thuk Thai near UAP but its gone.

Check out there to get the best pad thai in the metro
http://www.spot.ph/gallery/1013/top-10-pad-thai/article/47912

I prefer Som's in Rockwell. Great Thai food, and the cook is Thai! Cheap too.

I have not tried Krung Thai but will check it out if ever I'm in MM. I tried Som's but their Pad Thai is too sweet.

Other good Thai restaurants in MM. would be Dusit Thani in Glorietta. There used to be Thuk Thai near UAP but its gone.

Check out there to get the best pad thai in the metro
http://www.spot.ph/gallery/1013/top-10-pad-thai/article/47912

riain, the soup at Som's Makati is too sweet, adjusted to Pinoy taste. The place at Som's is not so ideal, too.

WANCH: the best Tom Yum is in Krung Thai in all Thai restaurants that I've tried in metropolis. Their shrimps are bigger, too.

Our MICE market is growing but still not enough...It's a prediction...

Τop ten predictions for the most popular destinations for MICE
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Meetings and incentive travel is firmly back on the menu for 2011 and is expected to accelerate throughout the year and beyond. Great Hotels of the World, the sales and marketing alliance for independent luxury hotels has revealed its top ten predictions for the most popular destinations for meetings and incentive travel during 2011 and beyond.

1. Montenegro
Having experienced dramatic growth in the leisure sector over the past few years, Montenegro is rapidly emerging as a popular destination for meeting and incentive planners. Set on the Adriatic coast and often referred to as one of Europe’s best kept secrets, the country offers endless experiences for incentives and team building activities as well as excellent facilities for conferences and meetings. The hotel industry is booming with huge investment in hotel development and infrastructure and with most of Europe being less than a two hour flight away, Montenegro is fast becoming the destination of choice to provide new and memorable experiences.

2. Croatia
Widely known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ due to its high tourism standards, Croatia has a lot to offer the meetings and incentives industry. With such attractive destinations such as Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split and Hvar and well-connected through nine international airports, Croatia is fast becoming an attractive option for congresses, meetings and incentive trips as event planners look for first rate business travel destinations.

3. South Africa
With beautiful scenery, a sunny climate, cultural diversity and excellent value for money, South Africa is one of the world’s fastest growing MICE destinations. The World Cup provided a great opportunity for South African cities to showcase their MICE infrastructure and Johannesburg and Cape Town in particular have become popular choices for buyers thanks to their capacity to host events across a variety of sizes and prices. Many new hotels and convention centres are being built and existing facilities are undergoing refurbishment. Safari incentive trips are also becoming more popular.

4. India
With the latest technology and facilities, warm hospitality, rich heritage and natural beauty, India is an ideal destination for meetings and congresses and offers a unique and exotic destination that can be combined with a leisure holiday. India boasts many world-class convention centres as well as stunning scenery, transforming an annual business meeting into a glamorous and enjoyable event.

5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is emerging as one of Europe’s top MICE destinations thanks to its convenient location, modern infrastructure, good value, mild climate and varied choice of venues and has been one of the most popular requests through the Great Hotels’ MICE desk in the past year. Chosen for many high profile events in recent years, Lisbon’s reputation as an international business destination is soaring and this is set to continue throughout 2011 and beyond.

6. Turkey
With excellent transport links, Turkey is a convenient meeting point for Europe and Asia and is perfectly equipped with a variety of venues and accommodation. Turkey’s luxury resorts, boutique hotels, fully-equipped congress centres and state of the art meeting facilities all boast the highest standards of service and hospitality and combined with unmatched historical landmarks and modern shopping centres it is easy to see why Turkey is an ideal destination for meetings and incentives.

7. Greek Islands
Hotels with meetings and conference facilities are in abundance in Greece and when combined with a mild year-round climate, continuous improvements to their infrastructure and frequent flights, the Greek islands in particular are a popular choice. Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos are in particularly high demand with a 20% increase in enquiries year-on-year for meetings and incentives in 2011 in comparison to 2010.

8. Iceland
Iceland offers in incomparable setting for incentive trips and also has some great meeting and conference facilities. Iceland’s incentive offerings are world-class including visits to hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, canyons, jeep safaris, camping, dog-sledding and cultural, historical and geological tours. Enquiries for incentive trips to Iceland have doubled in the past 6 months as planners look for unique and unforgettable destinations for incentive trips.

9. Sardinia
Sardinia is an ideal destination for all kinds of events including corporate meetings, employee incentives and conferences. With close proximity and frequent flights to most European cities as well as a plethora of stunning accommodation and facilities, many top companies are choosing Sardinia for their meeting and incentive trips and it is fast becoming an exclusive and high end destination.

10. Seoul, South Korea
As the second largest city in the world, Seoul is rich in culture, history, technology and food and offers something for everyone. The Seoul Tourism Organisation has the aim of developing the city into one of the world’s top five convention cities and you can see why with its optimal tourism resources, services and a sophisticated convention infrastructure.

http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/42438-%CE%A4op-ten-predictions-for-the-most-popular-destinations-for-MICE

^^ I like the down to earth atmosphere of Som's. Parang karinderya lang. I guess it's too sweet.. Anyway, regarding MICE - their main concern in PHL is security, it's not easy to promote PHL as a MICE destination when it is perceived to be very unstable...

Hey nice food discussion you have there guys! Makes me hungry :-) Nice to be back after quite some time. Haven't had time to read all the other threads I used to frequent though.

Sent from my iPhone using SSC Forums

‘Basta Pinas’ encourages
travels of rediscovery


GUESTS used paper airplanes pasted onto locations on a giant Philippine map as pledges to visit at least one Philippine destination within the year at the recent launch of the Bonamine Basta Pinas domestic travel advocacy campaign launch.

Launched in support of the Department of Tourism’s "Pilipinas Tara Na!" domestic travel advocacy, Bonamine’s Basta Pinas Campaign encourages Filipinos everywhere to visit the country’s islands and see them through a fresh perspective.

Bringing this idea to life at the launch was a "walking tour" through the Philippines’ wonders by hosts Ivan Henares, a known travel enthusiast who has visited all 79 provinces, and Ivan Man Dy, famed for his walking tours of Manila’s heritage sites.

Providing a visual perspective to the campaign idea were the landscape photographs of partner Chasing Light whose founding members Edwin Martinez and Jay Jallorina capture the beauty of the Philippines with visually arresting images far removed from the usual.

"Bonamine’s Basta Pinas campaign is all about fresh perspective: seeing places you may have visited before from a different angle. It’s about discovery and re-discovery," said Johnson & Johnson senior brand manager Jerome Go.

"Through our advocacy we also hope to inspire other companies to take on domestic tourism as their advocacy as we all do our part to help the government, through the Department of Tourism, raise awareness and promote appreciation for that which we call home," added Christine Balingit, Johnson & Johnson marketing manager-OTC.

Bonamine first launched a domestic-travel advocacy in 2003 called "Tara Na! Biyahe Tayo!" With airline and shipping companies that offer low fares making travel even easier since then, the brand’s invitation now is to see the country through fresh eyes.

Facilitating this "fresh perspective" on the digital space are the "Basta Pinas" Facebook Page (facebook.com/BastaPinas) and a soon-to-launch "Basta Pinas" website which will contain not just destination ideas and how-to-get there information but also other people’s stories to inspire personalizing one’s own journeys. The site also assists in seeing the familiar setting in fresh ways with suggestions such as: visiting locations where a local film was shot, taking a photo every hundred steps, or visiting old school grounds.

Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar30/liv5.html

^^ I like the down to earth atmosphere of Som's. Parang karinderya lang. I guess it's too sweet.. Anyway, regarding MICE - their main concern in PHL is security, it's not easy to promote PHL as a MICE destination when it is perceived to be very unstable...

I like Som's. We used to eat there after our classes in AGSB.

Interesting international twist on adobo:

Chicken ‘adobo’ in olive oil, with tomatoes, potatoes -and ‘kamote’

By Vangie Baga-Reyes
Philippine Daily InquirerDateFirst Posted 22:05:00 03/31/2011

http://images.inquirer.net/media/lifestyle/images/Rpic-03301005180585.jpg

EVEN in a house bursting with Middle Eastern fare, adobo finds its way onto Nancy Harel’s dining table, alongside kebab, shawarma, kebe, falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush.

Harel, married to an Israeli, has fallen in love long ago with the rich, colorful textures and flavors of Middle Eastern dishes. But she’s a Kapampangan by heart. She knows her roots and incorporates Kapampangan cookery into that of her husband’s.

Her take on adobo, however, is healthier, lighter and texture-laden. Since she and her husband (Itshak Harel) don’t eat pork, chicken is their best staple.

For healthy cooking, Harel uses olive oil to sauté garlic, onions and tomatoes, instead of the ordinary fatty cooking oil.

She also favors balsamic vinegar over the locally available and chemically based liquid. This she blends with light soy sauce (Kikkoman brand) to achieve saltiness.

“I also cook the traditional adobo we grew up with, but my husband likes healthy stuff so I sort of improvise all the time,” says Harel, a retired advertising and public relations consultant who was in the business for 27 years.

To give additional texture and color to the dish, she garnishes it with slices of potatoes and sweet potatoes (kamote).

“The potatoes serve as balancing ingredient to the acidity of the balsamic vinegar,” notes Harel, whose three children, Tamarah, Ylana and David, now grown and based in Canada, are also into healthy food.

Yes, this healthy twist raises adobo to Epicurean heights, both in taste and presentation. The chicken emerges so tender to the bite, floating in very little sauce with sweet flavor from the kamote. The aroma of sweet garlic and the rounded sourness of the balsamic vinegar are perfectly balanced and explode with flavor.

In a way, Harel’s rendition of adobo is a complete meal in itself, with proteins and carbohydrates combined.

“We want our adobo just right with enough sauce,” says Harel. “But, if you want a darker dish, you can also use the local brands of soy sauce.”

Harel doesn’t put water in her adobo because the chicken already carries water.

“And according to my Kapampangan mother, if you add water in adobo, magiging malansa. I never questioned it,” she says.

Harel sometimes adds mashed chicken liver to make the sauce richer and thicker.

“You can also substitute the potatoes and kamote with gabi (taro) or saging na saba,” she says.

Chicken Adobo Mediterranean-style

1 kg chicken breast and thighs

1 medium head onion, chopped

1 medium head garlic, chopped

½ c tomatoes, chopped

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce

2 pcs sweet potatoes (kamote), cubed

2 pcs potatoes, cubed

Salt to taste

Whole peppercorns, crushed

1 bay leaf

Sauté garlic, onions and tomatoes in olive oil in a nonstick pan. Throw in chicken. (Pork is optional, but you should cook it ahead of chicken.) Add soy sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper.

In another pan, fry potatoes till half done. Set aside.

When meat is tender, add potatoes and bay leaf. Let simmer on low fire until the meat and potatoes are done. Let sauce permeate the meat and the potatoes. Serve hot.

Note: Do not add water at any stage of the cooking.

E-mail the author at vbaga@inquirer.com.ph.

Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/food/food/view/20110331-328477/Chicken-adobo-in-olive-oil---with-tomatoes-potatoes--and-kamote

it's not adobo in my book. you dont saute adobo.

it's not adobo in my book. you dont saute adobo.

You'd be surprised that in Batanes- adobo is salted fried pork. :)

Maybe the recipe above is more like adobo 'flavoured'

well.. adobo is cooked in different ways depending on where it originated... some are sweet, some are spicy, some are dry, some saucy, some soupy..

^^ I like the down to earth atmosphere of Som's. Parang karinderya lang. I guess it's too sweet.. Anyway, regarding MICE - their main concern in PHL is security, it's not easy to promote PHL as a MICE destination when it is perceived to be very unstable...

South Africa is listed there but it has its problems of serious crime. And crime rate there can get as bad as The Philippines especially in its cities such as Johannesburg or Durban.

South Africa is listed there but it has its problems of serious crime. And crime rate there can get as bad as The Philippines especially in its cities such as Johannesburg or Durban.

That I vehemently agree. My uncle got mugged in Cape Town a few years ago. A former colleague used to be stationed in Jo'burg and she feared going to work everyday.

That I vehemently agree. My uncle got mugged in Cape Town a few years ago. A former colleague used to be stationed in Jo'burg and she feared going to work everyday.

Johannesburg is the perfect example. It is the showcase city not just for South Africa but for the whole of "pan" Africa.

Though crime has dropped for the past years, the city centre is still unsafe for most tourists especially The Hillbrow area. In fact the city's business are mostly concentrated in its suburbs such as Sandton. The white flight of the city centre took place after the end of apartheid.

Nevertheless, South Africa is one of the few "stable" African countries you can visit if not Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana.

Johannesburg is the perfect example. It is the showcase city not just for South Africa but for the whole of "pan" Africa.

Though crime has dropped for the past years, the city centre is still unsafe for most tourists especially The Hillbrow area. In fact the city's business are mostly concentrated in its suburbs such as Sandton. The white flight of the city centre took place after the end of apartheid.

Nevertheless, South Africa is one of the few "stable" African countries you can visit if not Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana.

Kenya and Tanzania on my visit list. Probably within next 2 years.

Kenya and Tanzania on my visit list. Probably within next 2 years.

Most people who go to Tanzania is because of Kilamanjaro.

Most people who go to Tanzania is because of Kilamanjaro.

Yup. As for Kenya, I wanna go check out the Masai tribe and maybe go on a Safari, take the train to Mombasa. One friend already did that.

Interesting international twist on adobo:

Chicken ‘adobo’ in olive oil, with tomatoes, potatoes -and ‘kamote’

She also favors balsamic vinegar over the locally available and chemically based liquid.


we have one of the best vinegars in the world! She could have used it instead. :)
Sugar Cane Vinegar? Nipa Palm Vinegar (Sukang paumbong)? Coconut Vinegar(suka sa Niog)?

IMO - Our local Sugar Cane vinegar is the best for Adobo. it's one of the authentic ingredients for Philippine dishes.


I mean.. the Chinese has Chinese wine, the Japanese has the rice vinegar, Italy has balsamic Vinegar, America has apple cider... and in the Philippines, we have These 3 kinds of Vinegar. We should be proud of them as a culinary ingredient, authentically Filipino!

I even refer my Canadian friends to buy Philippine made Sugar Cane Vinegar instead of using HEINZ-which is really CHEMICALLY BASED.

we have one of the best vinegars in the world! She could have used it instead. :)
Sugar Cane Vinegar? Nipa Palm Vinegar (Sukang paumbong)? Coconut Vinegar(suka sa Niog)?

IMO - Our local Sugar Cane vinegar is the best for Adobo. it's one of the authentic ingredients for Philippine dishes.


I mean.. the Chinese has Chinese wine, the Japanese has the rice vinegar, Italy has balsamic Vinegar, America has apple cider... and in the Philippines, we have These 3 kinds of Vinegar. We should be proud of them as a culinary ingredient, authentically Filipino!

I even refer my Canadian friends to use Sugar Cane Vinegar instead of using HEINZ-which is really CHEMICALLY BASED.

^^ That's why the 'adobo' was mediterranean style, use of balsamic and olive oil.. Here I don't have any Pinoy vinegar so I ferment rice wine vinegar in chilli, ginger and other spices to make it stronger.

^^ well.. i think it's high time to introduce some of our authentic Pinoy ingredients to the world.:)

luckily here.. we can buy Philippine made vinegars. it's imported. :D

In Spain and Latin America, their adobo/adobado is sauteed. :D

^^ I like the down to earth atmosphere of Som's. Parang karinderya lang. I guess it's too sweet.. Anyway, regarding MICE - their main concern in PHL is security, it's not easy to promote PHL as a MICE destination when it is perceived to be very unstable...

Well if you read each destination's description and the reason for their selection, you should see how much weight they give to infrastructure and the variety and number of available top notch facilities and hotel accomodations. Manila is not really known to have the best infrastructure and the most number of hotels in the region, In fact, on average theres only enough rooms for the very small share of tourists that we receive. Until we come up with more hotel projects and convention centers, the Resorts World Complex is a good start, we'll never get noticed in the MICE world. :)

well.. adobo is cooked in different ways depending on where it originated... some are sweet, some are spicy, some are dry, some saucy, some soupy..

Well if it's sautéed it not adobo anymore. It's ginisa.

We should set recipe as original as we can, like Italy decreeing that pizza should be cooked with certain ingredients etc...

Latin American Adobo is stewed.

I saw this brand selling here before.. i thought it was Filipino. but when I checked the ingredients, it's way different from our adobo.
http://www.meijer.com/assets/product_images/styles/xlarge/1003855_57664_A_400.jpg

^^ well.. i think it's high time to introduce some of our authentic Pinoy ingredients to the world.:)

luckily here.. we can buy Philippine made vinegars. it's imported. :D

Sosyal! Imported!


@Manileno

That is very true. We also do not have enough hotel rooms. BNPEC can hopefully solve that. But I think also security really.

ang lola ko may pork and bangus adobo.

wala yan sa lolo ko:D meron syang adobong palaka:D

Palawan: The Gates at Amanpulo “Bill and Melinda’s” awesome adventure

http://www.mikeinmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Picture-33.png
Bill and Melinda Gates arriving in Manila - photo was tagged to me on a social networking site by an anonymous source.


It was supposed to be a quiet weekend for Bill and Melinda at the ultra-plush seven star Amanpulo resort in the province I call home here in the Philippines. But, even the best kept secrets have a way of leaking and when one of the worlds richest and most influential men drop into the country for a quiet weekend with his wife and friends the social network happy and blogspere of the Philippines won’t let the story pass unnoticed.

Bill and Melinda arrived quietly on friday for what seems to have been a very happy weekend; what they did, where they went, and whom they saw was supposed to be private. But another guest at the resort -a philippine construction king’s family as well his and friends were there and now the secrets out of the bag.

Well one can’t blame katrina razon who just announced in a simple tweet on the 2t6h about Bill and Melinda’s, awesome adventure the Razon’s and Elizalde’s were there over the weekend with some of the Aboitiz. Katrina said she wanted to ‘golf cart racing vs. the Gates…’ so greenly electric!

They saw them; and one can’t but expect in social circles tweets and blogs come fast even in the middle of an island paradise. Staff and others gave ‘no comment’ answered when the resorts phones were called but the visit comes as the couple now heavy into foundation work couldn’t have picked a better spot to visit,

The Island long owned by Edward Soriano, was once part of the former San Miguel corporations founding families private rest sports. Since it was reopened and partnered with Aman resorts out of Indonesia it has been a favorite spot for the rich, famous, and popular.

Normally locals and staff don’t mention who went or was there or with whom. It’s part of the allure of the place. But with the cat out of the bag so to speak there’s little one can do but maybe hope the adventures continue at the island.

The couple left quietly on sunday with no incident hopefully enjoying their stay and won’t mind locals in awe of having the founder of Microsoft presence being blogged about — it is rare chance to hope now after this trip that he’ll return to Palawan and see perhaps more of the rare beautiful landscape the island has to offer.

In hindsight; perhaps his malaria foundation can do more for the islands population someday?



Developing:



Posted by mikeinmanila on March 28th, 2011

Source: http://www.mikeinmanila.com/index.php/2011/03/28/palawan-the-gates-at-amanpulo-bill-and-melindas-awesome-adventure/

Latin American Adobo is stewed.

I saw this brand selling here before.. i thought it was Filipino. but when I checked the ingredients, it's way different from our adobo.
http://www.meijer.com/assets/product_images/styles/xlarge/1003855_57664_A_400.jpg

we're not in Latin America. and I am talking about Filipino abodo

^Âpril fools day?

Palawan: The Gates at Amanpulo “Bill and Melinda’s” awesome adventure

http://www.mikeinmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Picture-33.png
Bill and Melinda Gates arriving in Manila - photo was tagged to me on a social networking site by an anonymous source.


It was supposed to be a quiet weekend for Bill and Melinda at the ultra-plush seven star Amanpulo resort in the province I call home here in the Philippines. But, even the best kept secrets have a way of leaking and when one of the worlds richest and most influential men drop into the country for a quiet weekend with his wife and friends the social network happy and blogspere of the Philippines won’t let the story pass unnoticed.

Bill and Melinda arrived quietly on friday for what seems to have been a very happy weekend; what they did, where they went, and whom they saw was supposed to be private. But another guest at the resort -a philippine construction king’s family as well his and friends were there and now the secrets out of the bag.

Well one can’t blame katrina razon who just announced in a simple tweet on the 2t6h about Bill and Melinda’s, awesome adventure the Razon’s and Elizalde’s were there over the weekend with some of the Aboitiz. Katrina said she wanted to ‘golf cart racing vs. the Gates…’ so greenly electric!

They saw them; and one can’t but expect in social circles tweets and blogs come fast even in the middle of an island paradise. Staff and others gave ‘no comment’ answered when the resorts phones were called but the visit comes as the couple now heavy into foundation work couldn’t have picked a better spot to visit,

The Island long owned by Edward Soriano, was once part of the former San Miguel corporations founding families private rest sports. Since it was reopened and partnered with Aman resorts out of Indonesia it has been a favorite spot for the rich, famous, and popular.

Normally locals and staff don’t mention who went or was there or with whom. It’s part of the allure of the place. But with the cat out of the bag so to speak there’s little one can do but maybe hope the adventures continue at the island.

The couple left quietly on sunday with no incident hopefully enjoying their stay and won’t mind locals in awe of having the founder of Microsoft presence being blogged about — it is rare chance to hope now after this trip that he’ll return to Palawan and see perhaps more of the rare beautiful landscape the island has to offer.

In hindsight; perhaps his malaria foundation can do more for the islands population someday?



Developing:



Posted by mikeinmanila on March 28th, 2011

Source: http://www.mikeinmanila.com/index.php/2011/03/28/palawan-the-gates-at-amanpulo-bill-and-melindas-awesome-adventure/

I think it is true. :)

Sosyal! Imported!


yeah! that's a common joke here.. pag imported from the Philipipnes sosyal ka! haha
mas mahal kasi compared sa ibang brand.

we're not in Latin America. and I am talking about Filipino abodo

i wasn't talking to you..

i was just sharing it.. got a problem with that?

DEFINITELY NOT APRIL FOOL'S JOKE.


‘Groundbreaking’ Puerto find: Animal life 20 million years ago
By Redempto Anda
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:52:00 03/29/2011

Filed Under: Curiosities, Natural Sciences, Tourism, Philippines - Regions
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—Recent scientific studies conducted at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park have unearthed fossils of extinct animals that scientists said existed at least 20 million years ago before civilization came on earth, a discovery described as “groundbreaking.”

In an interview on Tuesday, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn confirmed the discovery but declined to give details on the results of a recent expedition conducted by Italian scientists.

The mayor said an announcement is expected to be made by Malacañang “anytime soon.”

The Inquirer, however, learned from a local scientist who collaborated with the Italian group La Venta that the discovery included buried relics “of extinct marine animals that appear to be similar to whales” and “a chamber full of crystals.”

‘Major breakthrough’

Geologist Dr. Jose Antonio Socrates said the relics were embedded in rocks that have formed probably during the early Miocene period, or about 20 million years ago.

These relics were found in unexplored chambers of the St. Paul caves, some located atop the 2.8-kilometer navigable river, which is open to tourists through guided paddle boat tours.

“It is definitely a major breakthrough in understanding the geological makeup of the St. Paul karst mountain. For one thing, it appears to prove our long held theory that this part of the uplifted limestone formations is connected to the vast submerged structures that host fossil fuel deposits, including Camago Malampaya,” Socrates said.

He said the discovery has prompted more interests from the scientific community to explore St. Paul’s uncharted caves.

Hagedorn said La Venta is preparing for another expedition to further explore the caves.

Popularity boost

The new findings have buoyed hopes of local officials to boost the park’s global popularity and propel the country’s campaign for the Underground River to be named one of the world’s seven new natural wonders.

Hagedorn said the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park “is in serious contention” to make the final cut in the last stage of an Internet-based voting for the seven new natural wonders of the world, a selection process initiated three years ago by a Swiss-based nonprofit organization.

Socrates explained that the St. Paul mountains that host a 24-km long underground river, of which only 2.8 km is open to the viewing public, was uplifted by movements of the earth’s crust between 5 to 20 million years ago.

Ancient topography

The western portion of Palawan that faces the South China Sea is replete with vast landscapes of karst limestone formations, including the picturesque coves of El Nido, located further north of the 430-km long Palawan mainland, and the separated island group of the Calamianes.

“This explains why we find relics of extinct species atop limestone mountains,” he added.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20110329-328305/Groundbreaking-Puerto-find-Animal-life-20-million-years-ago

yeah! that's a common joke here.. pag imported from the Philipipnes sosyal ka! haha
mas mahal kasi compared sa ibang brand.



i wasn't talking to you..

i was just sharing it.. got a problem with that?

do you?

do you?

Kintoy, your UGLY TEETH matches your UGLY Personality.:lol:

Everytime you brush your teeth, take time to realize why Women are repelled by you:lol:

do you?

sheeshh.. you are really pathetic.

Kintoy, your UGLY TEETH matches your UGLY Personality.:lol:

Everytime you brush your teeth, take time to realize why Women are repelled by you:lol:

i concur:D

toinks:lol:

Kintoy, your UGLY TEETH matches your UGLY Personality.:lol:

Everytime you brush your teeth, take time to realize why Women are repelled by you:lol:

Bad breath ba? :lol:

http://blstb.msn.com/i/B5/332469D895182F8B534A1ECC8698C.jpg

Geez, I posted an exciting discovery in Palawan and all you talk about are each other. :ohno:

Travel and Leisure - World's Best Island Hotels (http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-best-island-hotels)

1. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis
2. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
3. Jamaica Inn, Jamaica
4. Wickaninnish Inn, British Columbia
5. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
7. Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica
8. Halekulani, Oahu
9. Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu
10. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele
11. Couples Swept Away, Jamaica
12. Couples Sans Souci, Jamaica
13. Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, GA
14. Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, Bali
15. The Cloister, Sea Island, GA
16. Discovery Shores Boracay, Philippines
17. Sandy Lane, Barbados
18. Hayman, Great Barrier Reef
19. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
20. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora

Amanpulo must be an expensive getaway. Those who come there have money.

Amanpulo must be an expensive getaway. Those who come there have money.

1200USD a night for nonresidents AFAIK.

There's a lot of white tourists in greenbelt area today

There's a lot of white tourists in greenbelt area today

yep! napansin ko rin pagdaan ko kahapon...

Foreign visitors increase as of February

FOREIGN VISITOR arrivals are up as of the first two months of the year despite a dip in February, the Tourism department said on Friday.

source: http://bworld.com.ph/content.php?section=Economy&title=Foreign-visitors-increase-as-of-February&id=29088

Foreign visitors increase as of February (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Foreign-visitors-increase-as-of-February&id=29088)



FOREIGN VISITOR arrivals are up as of the first two months of the year despite a dip in February, the Tourism department said on Friday.
Foreign arrivals fell by 8.8% to 318,912 last month from 349,713 in January, the department said, although compared to February last year the tally was up 18.52%.

The result raised the January-February tally to 668,625, 17.88% more than the 567,200 in the comparable period last year.

South Koreans maintained their top position with 165,868 arrivals in the first two months of the year, up 35.22% from last year and accounting for 24.81% of the total.

The rest of the top 12 list comprised visitors from the following countries:

• United States , 114,022 for a 17.05% share;

• Japan, 65,755 arrivals making up 9.83%;

• China, 38,590 or 5.77%;

• Taiwan, 28,461 or 4.26%;

• Australia, 26,567 or 3.97%;

• Canada, 22,847 or 3.42%;

• Singapore, 20,402 or 3.05%;

• Hong Kong, 19,349 or 2.89%;

• the United Kingdom, 16,839 or 2.52%;

• Malaysia, 13,767 or 2.06%; and

• Germany, 11,666 or 1.74%.

The Tourism department also identified India, Russia, Australia and Canada as the fastest growing markets with 74%, 36%, 22%, and 21% annual increases in visitor arrivals, respectively, for the period.

By region, Northeast Asia -- China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan -- accounted for bulk of foreign visitor arrivals with a 47.56% share or 318,023, up 24.22% from a year ago.

North America -- the US, Canada and Mexico -- made up 20.5% or 137,055, up 13.33%.

Southeast Asia accounted for 7.42% or 49,634, up 13.7%.

Australasia/Pacific -- Australia, Guam, Nauru, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea -- made up 5.1% or 34,084, up 16.49%.

Visitors from the whole of Europe accounted for 11.08% or 74,073 broken down into:

• Northern Europe -- Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom -- which accounted for 4.51% or 30,168, up 11.93%;

• Western Europe -- Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Switzerland -- 4.51% or 30,151, up 8.45%;

• Eastern Europe -the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Poland -- making up 0.94% or 6,296, up 32.41%;

• Southern Europe -- Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain -- accounting for 0.9% or 6,049, up 14.46%; and

• Eastern Mediterranean Europe (using the definition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization) -- composed of Turkey and Israel -- 0.21% or 1,410, flat from last year.

Rounding up the Tourism department list were:

• South Asia -- Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- accounting for 1.52% or 10,168, up 71.32%;

•the Middle East -- Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- making up 1.2% or 8,046, up 22.5%;

• South America -- Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela -- 0.11% or 730, up 10.27%; and

• Africa -- Nigeria and South Africa -- with the smallest share of 0.09% or 632 arrivals, a 37.99% increase.

In a related development, the Makati Business Club (MBC) said on Friday that while Executive Order 29, which further opened up the country’s civil aviation sector, would help "boost tourism, bolster our competitiveness as an investment location, and open vast economic opportunities in every region in the Philippines", much more still had to be done.

It cited the need to develop more and improve existing airports, attract investments in tourism establishments, upgrade and better package products and services, and address security risks identified by the US Federal Aviation Authority in order to upgrade the country back to Category 1 status.

The government’s Tourism chief and a Palace official said the concerns laid out by the MBC were being addressed.

"Bathrooms at the airports are better [and] we are replacing the destroyed ceilings at the airports," Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim said in a phone interview on Friday.

He added that the department wasworking with the private sector and local governments to identify and promote home-grown products.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky A. Carandang said in a separate phone interviews that President Benigno S. C. Aquino III had given the Civil Aeronautics Board 12 months until March next year to achieve the Category 1 upgrade.

"All the things that MBC mentioned are in the plan. We are doing it," Mr. Carandang said.

^^If the trend will continue, we will end up 2011 with 4M foreign tourist arrivals. :banana:

^^ The Nigerians coming into our country, baka sindikato ang iba dyan. Btw, are they still counting Balikbayans as tourists?? The number of visitors coming from Hong Kong are quite big too despite the black travel alert for PHL.

yep! napansin ko rin pagdaan ko kahapon...

Foreign visitors increase as of February

FOREIGN VISITOR arrivals are up as of the first two months of the year despite a dip in February, the Tourism department said on Friday.

source: http://bworld.com.ph/content.php?section=Economy&title=Foreign-visitors-increase-as-of-February&id=29088

even robinsons galleria madalas na rin ako makakita ng foreigners

^^ The Nigerians coming into our country, baka sindikato ang iba dyan. Btw, are they still counting Balikbayans as tourists?? The number of visitors coming from Hong Kong are quite big too despite the black travel alert for PHL.Based from the article, it seems that they did not include balikbayans.

I'm also interested to know the tourism receipts as it is more important, imo. It's just annoying that statistics such as this is still hard to find. DOT's website is such a mess. You still have to ask DOT personally just to get tourism statistics.

heard the sec of dot talking sa travel time....it seems he does not know anything at all....with his general statements parang binobola lang nya kausap nya....that is usually the thing that a person resorts to when he does not know what the F he is talking about....:ohno: he was talking about intramuros....and the developments there....when i went there just a couple of days ago eh basura naman pala ang lugar na yun.....nothing really new there......yung mga wow philippines activities before wala na yung restos yung tents...yung mga ruins pintado na ng graffiti ...:ohno:

‘Open skies’ seen to boost tourism
MBC backs aviation EO

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:24:00 04/02/2011

MANILA, Philippines—The issuance of EO 29, which partially opens the country’s skies to foreign carriers, will boost not only the country’s tourism potential, but also its attractiveness as an investment destination.

According to the Makati Business Club, the benefits of EO 29 would outweigh whatever disadvantages being enumerated by local carriers.

“The absence of air rights reciprocity is not an indication of the absence of any form of reciprocity. The economic potential of EO 29, especially in bringing in more tourists resulting in the generation of new jobs and the stimulation of the local economy, is the reciprocal benefit of the open skies policy that is expected to impact millions of Filipinos,” the group said in a statement issued on Friday.

The group noted that opening the country’s major and secondary gateways to foreign carriers would better enable the country to achieve its goal of attracting six million tourists and generating $18.5 billion in tourism revenues. The influx of tourists would then result in the creation of three million new tourism-related jobs by 2016.

“The success of the tourism industry lies in the realization of EO 29, together with the full implementation of the tourism infrastructure plans laid out by Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim,” MBC said.

“Developing and improving our airports, attracting investments in tourism establishments, upgrading our unique products and services, and addressing the security risks identified by the US Federal Aviation Authority in order to upgrade the country back to Category 1 are the next big steps that we hope the Aquino administration will pursue,” it added.

Tourism would not be the only sector that would benefit from EO 29, MBC said. The implementation of pocket open skies would also boost the country’s competitiveness as an investment location, as well as stimulate economic opportunities in different regions in the country.

“The issuance of EO 29, signed together with EO 28, which reconstitutes and reorganizes the Philippine air panels, is a clear indication of the government’s focus and dedication to strategic actions aimed at direct economic growth,” the group said.

^^ The Nigerians coming into our country, baka sindikato ang iba dyan. Btw, are they still counting Balikbayans as tourists?? The number of visitors coming from Hong Kong are quite big too despite the black travel alert for PHL.

yeah.. most of them are syndicates..
my sister said they are becoming more visible in the Cavite area...

the DOT has a separate number for balikbayans.

Tourism industry was identified to be one of our growth driving force, things like this Open Sky policy is a big boost to achieve success in this industry.

^^ I concur.. that is a good move for the admin.

sana nga mag trabaho na itong mga linsyak na taga dot.....puro pa cute pa rin....

Glad to know tourists are still coming despite the abysmal advertising put out by the DOT.

There's a lot of white tourists in greenbelt area today

Most caucasians in the greenbelt area are more expats than tourists.

On the other hand, I see alot of American and European backpackers in the Malate area especially in Robinsons Ermita.

Based from the article, it seems that they did not include balikbayans.

I'm also interested to know the tourism receipts as it is more important, imo. It's just annoying that statistics such as this is still hard to find. DOT's website is such a mess. You still have to ask DOT personally just to get tourism statistics.

True these kinds of statistics are difficult to obtain. Sabog sabog nga ang website nila.


Most caucasians in the greenbelt area are more expats than tourists.

On the other hand, I see alot of American and European backpackers in the Malate area especially in Robinsons Ermita.


Uhm, partly true, Greenbelt, Rockwell and The Fort are meeting points for most expats living in Makati. And maraming expats sa atin because of BPOs and other MNCs.

and theyre very much at home in GB and Makati. some first time visitors of GB never thought theres such a nice place in the country. :lol:

expats or business travellers turn to be tourists as well. some of our visitors from EU often do a sidetrip to Boracay or Tagaytay.

more and more middle eastern students spend their holidays in Baguio or Puerto. recently, they're discovering Boracay. i usually recommend Bohol to them. i haven't seen Palawan or Dumaguete. i might start recommending those places too. :)

expats dont carry cameras with them, like the white people i saw yesterday

most foreigners who visit Palawan, imo, are backpackers judging by the backpacks they carry. most are caucasians, rather than koreans.

expats dont carry cameras with them, like the white people i saw yesterday

Matatanda ba o bata? Ano demographic?

most foreigners who visit Palawan, imo, are backpackers judging by the backpacks they carry. most are caucasians, rather than koreans.


Not surprising but appropriate to use backpacks in Palawan since it offers lots of adventure tourism.

Geez, I posted an exciting discovery in Palawan and all you talk about are each other. :ohno:


pansin mo rin ah :ohno:

DEFINITELY NOT APRIL FOOL'S JOKE.


‘Groundbreaking’ Puerto find: Animal life 20 million years ago
By Redempto Anda
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:52:00 03/29/2011

Filed Under: Curiosities, Natural Sciences, Tourism, Philippines - Regions
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—Recent scientific studies conducted at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park have unearthed fossils of extinct animals that scientists said existed at least 20 million years ago before civilization came on earth, a discovery described as “groundbreaking.”

In an interview on Tuesday, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn confirmed the discovery but declined to give details on the results of a recent expedition conducted by Italian scientists.

The mayor said an announcement is expected to be made by Malacañang “anytime soon.”

The Inquirer, however, learned from a local scientist who collaborated with the Italian group La Venta that the discovery included buried relics “of extinct marine animals that appear to be similar to whales” and “a chamber full of crystals.”

‘Major breakthrough’

Geologist Dr. Jose Antonio Socrates said the relics were embedded in rocks that have formed probably during the early Miocene period, or about 20 million years ago.

These relics were found in unexplored chambers of the St. Paul caves, some located atop the 2.8-kilometer navigable river, which is open to tourists through guided paddle boat tours.

“It is definitely a major breakthrough in understanding the geological makeup of the St. Paul karst mountain. For one thing, it appears to prove our long held theory that this part of the uplifted limestone formations is connected to the vast submerged structures that host fossil fuel deposits, including Camago Malampaya,” Socrates said.

He said the discovery has prompted more interests from the scientific community to explore St. Paul’s uncharted caves.

Hagedorn said La Venta is preparing for another expedition to further explore the caves.

Popularity boost

The new findings have buoyed hopes of local officials to boost the park’s global popularity and propel the country’s campaign for the Underground River to be named one of the world’s seven new natural wonders.

Hagedorn said the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park “is in serious contention” to make the final cut in the last stage of an Internet-based voting for the seven new natural wonders of the world, a selection process initiated three years ago by a Swiss-based nonprofit organization.

Socrates explained that the St. Paul mountains that host a 24-km long underground river, of which only 2.8 km is open to the viewing public, was uplifted by movements of the earth’s crust between 5 to 20 million years ago.

Ancient topography

The western portion of Palawan that faces the South China Sea is replete with vast landscapes of karst limestone formations, including the picturesque coves of El Nido, located further north of the 430-km long Palawan mainland, and the separated island group of the Calamianes.

“This explains why we find relics of extinct species atop limestone mountains,” he added.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20110329-328305/Groundbreaking-Puerto-find-Animal-life-20-million-years-ago


This will hound science news or any news for that matter if the fossils found are new species. And this can be an even BIGGER news if the find is comparable to the Burgess Shale.

This will hound science news or any news for that matter if the fossils found are new species. And this can be an even BIGGER news if the find is comparable to the Burgess Shale.

What was also astounding was there's a parallel river on top of the existing one! Plus the presence of a crystal forest. As in huwaw. That kind of shit on a lot of other contenders for the New 7 wonders of nature's list!

What was also astounding was there's a parallel river on top of the existing one! Plus the presence of a crystal forest. As in huwaw. That kind of shit on a lot of other contenders for the New 7 wonders of nature's list!

I'm sorry I didn't find this info in the article.

I'm sorry I didn't find this info in the article.

It says on this one:


PIA Press Release
Tuesday, March 29, 2011



Hagedorn confirms discovery of parallel cave above underground river

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, March 29 (PIA) -- Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn confirmed last night the discovery of a 5-kilometer parallel cave on top of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) popularly known as the Underground River.

This information was in a report submitted to the Mayor by a team of Italian scientists who have been studying the cave for more than a decade now.

In this report, the Mayor said that the Italian team discovered the parallel cave is like a virtual “crystal forest” because the formations of the stalactites and the stalagmites inside the caves are crystallized.

The Mayor also said that the Italian team of scientists discovered a fossilized remain of a body part of a still to be identified animal which possibly dates back 20 million years ago.

In a local radio interview, City Tourism Officer Rebecca Labit said that the discovery of the parallel “crystal cave” and the fossilized remain will further boost the campaign of the PPSRNP in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

She said that the Italian team only has superlatives to describe their discovery. The team is now back in Italy to have their recent discovery revalidated. Formal announcement of the discovery will be made after the revalidation being conducted now by the scientists.

PPSRNP is the country’s pride and candidate in the global search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. To vote online, log on to www.new7wonders.com. To vote through SMS via mobile phones in the Philippines, text PPUR and send to 2861 for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers. (vsmendoza/pia-palawan)

Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=24744

^^ I was thinking if its like Naica. :D

@ Riain: Thanks, I thought my comprehension skills have failed me. :lol:

What was also astounding was there's a parallel river on top of the existing one! Plus the presence of a crystal forest. As in huwaw. That kind of shit on a lot of other contenders for the New 7 wonders of nature's list!


Palawan's karst region is ripe for cave systems like this. We are only seeing the explored parts for now. Soon, there's more to this cave system than we can imagine. This newlyfound parallel river develops when running water breaks into a weak riverbed floor, similar to a sinkhole, thus creating another path on the lower gradient/vein than the one on top. This may sound fun but unchartered cave systems are even dangerous for speleologists so lets leave the dirty work to them.:)

^^ I was thinking if its like Naica. :D

I am thinking that too! I want photos!!


@ Riain: Thanks, I thought my comprehension skills have failed me. :lol:


Hindi naman...No problemo ;)



Palawan's karst region is ripe for cave systems like this. We are only seeing the explored parts for now. Soon, there's more to this cave system than we can imagine. This newlyfound parallel river develops when running water breaks into a weak riverbed floor, similar to a sinkhole, thus creating another path on the lower gradient/vein than the one on top. This may sound fun but unchartered cave systems are even dangerous for speleologists so lets leave the dirty work to them.:)


I read somewhere that there were thousands upon thousands of cave systems in the Philippines and only about a tenth was explored. I wont be surprised if we have more stunning discoveries..

In Sagada there is another cave of crystals apparently better than those at Lumiang and Sumaguing but not alot of people are permitted to go there..

dapat itago yung mga hidden treasures.....kaya nga hidden eh...:lol::lol:

^^ Hmmm magiging national treasures yan kung ganon.

^^ Hmmm magiging national treasures yan kung ganon.

They should be considered as national treasures already as it is. PPSR is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/609/boulderfacemtapodavao.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/i/boulderfacemtapodavao.jpg/)


Title of the Activity : 4TH MT. APO BOULDER FACE CHALLENGE (1st international Version)
Date : April 29-30, 2011
Location : Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
Brief Description

Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is one of the toughest adventure races in the Philippines. It is a 24-hour extreme challenge starting from Sta. Cruz beach lines to the skyline of Mt. Apo's boulder face through disciplines of mountain biking, trekking, water tubing and road running. It is one of the highlight events of the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan celebration conducted by the Municipality of Sta. Cruz.

For three (3) consecutive years, the conduct of Boulder Face Challenge has made Davao Region a leading destination for eco-adventure tourism considering that it hosts a major portion of the country's highest peak. It also lured several participating teams from the Southeast Asia region and even from as far as Canada. This early, the Local Government of Sta. Cruz, along with the Department of Tourism XI is preparing the event to make it international.
Objectives

1. To promote Davao Region as a prime eco-adventure tourism destination internationally
2. To develop responsible ethics among outdoor enthusiasts
3. To create awareness among outdoor people the importance of conserving mother nature
4. To cultivate the value of sportsmanship and spirit of camaraderie
5. To develop a lasting peace and order situation in Mindanao through sports

boulderface (http://www.boulderface.com/)

heard the sec of dot talking sa travel time....it seems he does not know anything at all....with his general statements parang binobola lang nya kausap nya....that is usually the thing that a person resorts to when he does not know what the F he is talking about....:ohno: he was talking about intramuros....and the developments there....when i went there just a couple of days ago eh basura naman pala ang lugar na yun.....nothing really new there......yung mga wow philippines activities before wala na yung restos yung tents...yung mga ruins pintado na ng graffiti ...:ohno:

hindi lang masyadong publicized pero there is an ongoing major project in intramuros/

Restored Intramuros Maestranza Wall ready in January
By Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/17/2010 5:19 PM | Updated as of 06/18/2010 1:21 PM

Previously a storehouse and soldiers' quarters, the Maestranza Wall or Almacenes Curtain Wall dates back to the 1500s. The wall was destroyed during World War II and its ruins have since become a settlement for illegal squatters.

With the settlement cleared, work began in 2008 with archaeological excavation. Funding came from the Japanese government during the term of former Tourism Secretary and Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon.

The project costs almost P180 million and is implemented by the Department of Tourism through the Intramuros Administration.

Read here... http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/06/17/10/restored-intramuros-maestranza-wall-ready-january

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179067_10150134265876457_787656456_7527745_799001_n.jpg

^^ Is Maestranza Wall open to public?

Prince Alwaleed's Manila hotels to open in Q2 2012

By Andy Sambidge

Sunday, 3 April 2011 8:14 PM

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article358598.ece/ALTERNATES/g3l/prince+alwaleed+1.jpg
Prince Alwaleed

Two luxury hotels being built in The Philippines in a joint venture with Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud's Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) are set to open next year.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Saudi billionaire's KHI said the properties were expected to start operations in the second quarter of 2012.

Saudi Arabia-based KHI invested in the $200m Manila project, which also includes residential units, in 2007.

The development will include a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles hotel and 189 Raffles branded residences.

The opening date was announced after Prince Alwaleed met Jejomar C Binay, vice president of the Philippines in Riyadh on Sunday.

The statement said 1,600 Philippine workers are involved in the construction of the project, adding that both hotels are expected to open in the second quarter of 2012.

Off-plan residential sales have achieved more than $75m to date with 75 percent of the units sold.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/prince-alwaleed-s-manila-hotels-open-in-q2-2012-391708.html

^^ Is Maestranza Wall open to public?

Prince Alwaleed's Manila hotels to open in Q2 2012

By Andy Sambidge

Sunday, 3 April 2011 8:14 PM

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article358598.ece/ALTERNATES/g3l/prince+alwaleed+1.jpg
Prince Alwaleed

Two luxury hotels being built in The Philippines in a joint venture with Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud's Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) are set to open next year.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Saudi billionaire's KHI said the properties were expected to start operations in the second quarter of 2012.

Saudi Arabia-based KHI invested in the $200m Manila project, which also includes residential units, in 2007.

The development will include a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles hotel and 189 Raffles branded residences.

The opening date was announced after Prince Alwaleed met Jejomar C Binay, vice president of the Philippines in Riyadh on Sunday.

The statement said 1,600 Philippine workers are involved in the construction of the project, adding that both hotels are expected to open in the second quarter of 2012.

Off-plan residential sales have achieved more than $75m to date with 75 percent of the units sold.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/prince-alwaleed-s-manila-hotels-open-in-q2-2012-391708.html

These are the hotels near glorietta right?

Luneta gets facelift in time for Rizal's 150th birthday

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 04/03/2011 7:04 PM | Updated as of 04/04/2011 10:13 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) is not sitting idly by as Jose Rizal's 150th birthday draws near.

In preparation for the late national hero's birthday celebration, the NPDC has been refurbishing the Luneta Park (also called Rizal Park) by sprucing up its gardens, repainting its statues and adding new facilities.

As early as December last year, the committee installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and started playing children's songs at the park's new Children's Playground, which took 30 days to complete with the help of the Tourism Department headed by Secretary Alberto Lim.

"I call it the 'shock treatment.' People come here and are surprised at how beautiful and clean Rizal Park has become," NPDC executive director Juliet Villegas said in a statement.

With the help of volunteers and support from the private sector, NPDC looks to complete Luneta Park's facelift ahead of its 2016 deadline.

Among the committee's plans are the addition of a free Wi-Fi zone, repair of the park's underground drainage system, and possible underground parking spaces and passages to ease the volume of vehicles.

Another treasure set to be revived is a drinking fountain donated by the town of Heidelberg in Germany, where Rizal wrote the last chapter of his masterpiece novel Noli Me Tangere. The fountain will serve as the centerpiece of a planned Noli Me Tangere garden.

By 2012, the NPDC, the Tourism Department and several other historical organizations hopes to renovate the Rizal monument and launch the park's relief map, as well as come up with a Rizal Heritage Trail that tourists may follow all over the country.

"People are so eager to have a beautiful park like this as an alternative to the malls. It it our goal along with the NPDC for them to feel that the Rizal Park is a citizens' park, a park for all," Lim said.

He continued, "We hope to transform Rizal Park into a world-class urban park where Filipinos and visitors can rediscover history and heritage amidst the fresh air from the famed Manila bay."

Luneta Park, formerly Bagumbayan, is the same spot where Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1986 for opposing Spanish colonialism mainly through his literary works.

Several groups have been preparing for the celebration of Rizal's birthday. Among them are the Philippine Center for Gifted Education (PCGE), which recently launched a search for 35 young Filipinos who can "commit their lives" to the ideals of the country's national hero.

Rizal is known for his statement, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan" (The youth is the hope of our nation).


Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/04/03/11/luneta-gets-facelift-time-rizals-150th-birthday

^^ Is Maestranza Wall open to public?

Prince Alwaleed's Manila hotels to open in Q2 2012

By Andy Sambidge

Sunday, 3 April 2011 8:14 PM

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/incoming/article358598.ece/ALTERNATES/g3l/prince+alwaleed+1.jpg
Prince Alwaleed

Two luxury hotels being built in The Philippines in a joint venture with Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud's Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) are set to open next year.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Saudi billionaire's KHI said the properties were expected to start operations in the second quarter of 2012.

Saudi Arabia-based KHI invested in the $200m Manila project, which also includes residential units, in 2007.

The development will include a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles hotel and 189 Raffles branded residences.

The opening date was announced after Prince Alwaleed met Jejomar C Binay, vice president of the Philippines in Riyadh on Sunday.

The statement said 1,600 Philippine workers are involved in the construction of the project, adding that both hotels are expected to open in the second quarter of 2012.

Off-plan residential sales have achieved more than $75m to date with 75 percent of the units sold.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/prince-alwaleed-s-manila-hotels-open-in-q2-2012-391708.html


Can't wait for the Fairmont brand to finally open here in PH. I can safely say I prefer this brand over Raffles. :)

A lesson on NOT always airing our dirty laundry. What they don't want you to know...

Vietnam prohibits travel agents from illegal bear farms

http://api.ning.com/files/D0FH3uJsgubPeCdapy5L0J2hNZoKR6UxbvNq9xt1NeZm5MxNqan39GJrpiymT538p9sIcjNvCUUaSSwxe6PgFAt25ZYbLwQ8/bearbf13PawOut.jpg

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has prohibited travel agents from taking tourists to visit illegal bear rearing centers across the country.


They stipulate that travel agents are forbidden to lead foreigners to bear farms where illicit extraction of the animal bile for trade takes place.

Such retrograde acts will destroy Vietnam’s policy and also the international community’s efforts for protection of wild life, the decision clearly states.

In addition, taking foreign tourists to illegal bear rearing farms will badly influence the image of a friendly country like Vietnam.

The agency has warned that travel agents may face revocation of their business license if they intentionally violate the regulation.


Source: http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Law/2011/3/90648/

hindi lang masyadong publicized pero there is an ongoing major project in intramuros/

Restored Intramuros Maestranza Wall ready in January
By Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/17/2010 5:19 PM | Updated as of 06/18/2010 1:21 PM

Previously a storehouse and soldiers' quarters, the Maestranza Wall or Almacenes Curtain Wall dates back to the 1500s. The wall was destroyed during World War II and its ruins have since become a settlement for illegal squatters.

With the settlement cleared, work began in 2008 with archaeological excavation. Funding came from the Japanese government during the term of former Tourism Secretary and Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon.

The project costs almost P180 million and is implemented by the Department of Tourism through the Intramuros Administration.

Read here... http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/06/17/10/restored-intramuros-maestranza-wall-ready-january

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179067_10150134265876457_787656456_7527745_799001_n.jpg


Sweet. Still a lot of work to do for the Intramuros restoration. It would be nice to see Pamantasan, Bulletin Today, Mapua, Manila Highschool, Lyceum, DOLE and some other buildings that don't belong there, go.

These are the hotels near glorietta right?

Yes.

Luneta gets facelift in time for Rizal's 150th birthday

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 04/03/2011 7:04 PM | Updated as of 04/04/2011 10:13 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) is not sitting idly by as Jose Rizal's 150th birthday draws near.

In preparation for the late national hero's birthday celebration, the NPDC has been refurbishing the Luneta Park (also called Rizal Park) by sprucing up its gardens, repainting its statues and adding new facilities.

As early as December last year, the committee installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and started playing children's songs at the park's new Children's Playground, which took 30 days to complete with the help of the Tourism Department headed by Secretary Alberto Lim.

"I call it the 'shock treatment.' People come here and are surprised at how beautiful and clean Rizal Park has become," NPDC executive director Juliet Villegas said in a statement.

With the help of volunteers and support from the private sector, NPDC looks to complete Luneta Park's facelift ahead of its 2016 deadline.

Among the committee's plans are the addition of a free Wi-Fi zone, repair of the park's underground drainage system, and possible underground parking spaces and passages to ease the volume of vehicles.

Another treasure set to be revived is a drinking fountain donated by the town of Heidelberg in Germany, where Rizal wrote the last chapter of his masterpiece novel Noli Me Tangere. The fountain will serve as the centerpiece of a planned Noli Me Tangere garden.

By 2012, the NPDC, the Tourism Department and several other historical organizations hopes to renovate the Rizal monument and launch the park's relief map, as well as come up with a Rizal Heritage Trail that tourists may follow all over the country.

"People are so eager to have a beautiful park like this as an alternative to the malls. It it our goal along with the NPDC for them to feel that the Rizal Park is a citizens' park, a park for all," Lim said.

He continued, "We hope to transform Rizal Park into a world-class urban park where Filipinos and visitors can rediscover history and heritage amidst the fresh air from the famed Manila bay."

Luneta Park, formerly Bagumbayan, is the same spot where Rizal was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1986 for opposing Spanish colonialism mainly through his literary works.

Several groups have been preparing for the celebration of Rizal's birthday. Among them are the Philippine Center for Gifted Education (PCGE), which recently launched a search for 35 young Filipinos who can "commit their lives" to the ideals of the country's national hero.

Rizal is known for his statement, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan" (The youth is the hope of our nation).


Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/04/03/11/luneta-gets-facelift-time-rizals-150th-birthday

Is the monument the exact spot where rizal was executed?

Love or hate this news?

Boracay tops as summer travel destination–StratPOLLS (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/9414-boracay-tops-as-summer-travel-destinationstratpolls)
Sunday, 03 April 2011 19:05 Anjo Alimario / Researcher/Writer .

AS summer begins, the tempting and soothing place of Boracay remains the top choice as a summer travel destination among residents living in Metro Manila, according to the latest StratPOLLS survey.

Of the 250 respondents, 76 percent picked Boracay as the “top dreamland destination,” specifically among the rich and middle classes of Metro Manila, including the ritzy class,” professor Alfredo Sureta Jr. noted.

Palawan (59 percent), Cebu-Bohol (28 percent) and the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Tourism Corridor (27 percent) followed in second, third and fourth spots, respectively.

Completing the top 10 were Camarines Sur (24 percent), Baguio-Sagada (21 percent), Davao (21 percent), Subic-Clark (20 percent), Surigao (13 percent) and Cagayan de Oro (11 percent).

Based on the survey conducted from March 14 to 21, money, time, promise of fun and adventure, or plain reclusion, at least for the summer, were cited as major factors that would determine the final destination.

Using a telephone survey, Metro Manila respondents were asked to choose the top three travel destinations—from a mixed menu of 10 destinations, meaning as accessible by land or by air—that are upper most in their minds every time summer comes around the corner.

In the final tabulation, the destinations were categorized into two: accessible by air and accessible by land. Boracay topped the “by-air” destination while Tagaytay-Nasugbu topped the “by-land” category.

Asked if they were going on a vacation outside of Metro Manila this summer, half of the respondents (52.8 percent) answered, they “don’t know,” while 36 percent said “yes” and 11.2 percent said “no.”

The respondents’ age ranged from 18 to 56 and older.

Sureta, StratPOLLS executive director, pointed out that the Baguio-Sagada area had lost much of its appeal to nearby Tagaytay-Nasugbu which also boasts of cool and fine weather. The same could also be said of the Subic-Clark area notwithstanding its accessibility through the world-class SCTEx.

“Tagaytay-Nasugbu has really emerged as the top weekend and summer hideaway, at least for Metro Manila folks,” he said.

He added that if Libyan oil is that country’s key economic asset, the Philippines shores and tourist destinations might as well be a key contributor to the country’s economic well-being.

Resorts World earns $71 million in 2010 (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Resorts-World-earns-$71-million-in-2010&id=29133)

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101597726979_98022256979_24696.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101598896979_98022256979_24696.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101597756979_98022256979_24696.jpg
RESORTS WORLD Manila, the hotel and casino complex, earned $71.2 million for its owners on its first full year of operations in 2010 versus just $100,000 the previous year, a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange showed.

HOTEL AND casino complex Resorts World Manila earned over $71 million in 2010 for its operators Alliance Global Group, Inc. and Genting Hong Kong, Ltd. -- Jonathan L. CellonaThis should add to the chest of local holding firm Alliance Global Group, Inc. which had set a P6.62-billion net income guidance for the company last year.

“In 2010, Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. reported $355.8 million in total revenues...marking Resorts World Manila’s first full year of operations, compared with $50.8-million revenues in 2009,” Genting Hong Kong, Ltd. said in its filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange late last month.

Genting Hong Kong, the third-largest cruise line operator in the world, owns 50% of Travellers International, with the other half held by Andrew L. Tan’s Alliance Global Group. The two entered into a joint venture in 2008 with both sides committing to spend $740 million for the project in Pasay City until 2012.

Revenues were whittled down by $118.3 million in total operating expenses that year “due to the increase of new hires to support the expansion in operations, as well as marketing and advertising efforts to promote the integrated resort,” the filing stated further.

Comparative figures for 2009 expenses were not immediately made available.

The resulting net income stood at $71.2 million in 2010 versus $100,000 the previous year, up 71,100%.

This could mean Alliance Global Group will pocket half or $35.6 million of Travellers International’s profits.

The Tan-led firm had earlier said it expects to grow profits attributable to its equity holders by 38% to P6.62 billion for 2010 given fresh earnings from the hotel and casino business.

So far, Alliance Global Group has recorded P5.39 billion in the nine months that ended September last year, up 63% from the same period in 2009, latest figures show.

Its property arm, Megaworld Corp., already reported that net income jumped by a quarter to P5.085 billion last year from P4.07 billion in 2009 amid strong residential and rental revenues.

Alliance Global Group also holds the local McDonald’s fastfood franchise through its unit Golden Arches Development Corp. and owns Emperador Distillers, Inc. that produces brandy labels Emperador, Generoso and The Bar.

Moving forward, more expansions are planned for Resorts World Manila, Genting Hong Kong said. “Resorts World Manila at Newport City continues to extend its leisure, hospitality and entertainment offerings, and expects to expand its retail, hotel and business facilities during the year,” Genting Hong Kong said.

Shares in Alliance Global Group were unchanged at P11.92 each on Friday. -- Neil Jerome C. Morales

Matatanda ba o bata? Ano demographic?

Middle age mostly.

Also a Chinese couPle asked me to take their pic.

Success Story - In the 2nd year, Resorts World Manila's Total Revenues amounted to $355.8 million with Net Income of US$71 M. They are building new hotels and shops.

Resorts World earns $71 million in 2010 (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Resorts-World-earns-$71-million-in-2010&id=29133)

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101597726979_98022256979_24696.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101598896979_98022256979_24696.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/dcrjmed2012/5186_101597756979_98022256979_24696.jpg
RESORTS WORLD Manila, the hotel and casino complex, earned $71.2 million for its owners on its first full year of operations in 2010 versus just $100,000 the previous year, a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange showed.

HOTEL AND casino complex Resorts World Manila earned over $71 million in 2010 for its operators Alliance Global Group, Inc. and Genting Hong Kong, Ltd. -- Jonathan L. CellonaThis should add to the chest of local holding firm Alliance Global Group, Inc. which had set a P6.62-billion net income guidance for the company last year.

“In 2010, Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. reported $355.8 million in total revenues...marking Resorts World Manila’s first full year of operations, compared with $50.8-million revenues in 2009,” Genting Hong Kong, Ltd. said in its filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange late last month.

Genting Hong Kong, the third-largest cruise line operator in the world, owns 50% of Travellers International, with the other half held by Andrew L. Tan’s Alliance Global Group. The two entered into a joint venture in 2008 with both sides committing to spend $740 million for the project in Pasay City until 2012.

Revenues were whittled down by $118.3 million in total operating expenses that year “due to the increase of new hires to support the expansion in operations, as well as marketing and advertising efforts to promote the integrated resort,” the filing stated further.

Comparative figures for 2009 expenses were not immediately made available.

The resulting net income stood at $71.2 million in 2010 versus $100,000 the previous year, up 71,100%.

This could mean Alliance Global Group will pocket half or $35.6 million of Travellers International’s profits.

The Tan-led firm had earlier said it expects to grow profits attributable to its equity holders by 38% to P6.62 billion for 2010 given fresh earnings from the hotel and casino business.

So far, Alliance Global Group has recorded P5.39 billion in the nine months that ended September last year, up 63% from the same period in 2009, latest figures show.

Its property arm, Megaworld Corp., already reported that net income jumped by a quarter to P5.085 billion last year from P4.07 billion in 2009 amid strong residential and rental revenues.

Alliance Global Group also holds the local McDonald’s fastfood franchise through its unit Golden Arches Development Corp. and owns Emperador Distillers, Inc. that produces brandy labels Emperador, Generoso and The Bar.

Moving forward, more expansions are planned for Resorts World Manila, Genting Hong Kong said. “Resorts World Manila at Newport City continues to extend its leisure, hospitality and entertainment offerings, and expects to expand its retail, hotel and business facilities during the year,” Genting Hong Kong said.

Shares in Alliance Global Group were unchanged at P11.92 each on Friday. -- Neil Jerome C. Morales

^^ ang ganda naman kasi ng marketing nila. Casino for adults and bars, club, restos for the younger crowd.

Welcome to Thread 14! :cheers:

Keep posting forumers :okay:

Link to Thread 13 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435396&page=505)

Relatively new..

ROMULO CAFE, QUEZON CITY, owned by the granddaughter of Carlos P. Romulo. Serving Filipino food.

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020704.jpg

Portraits of C. P. Romulo
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020706.jpg

Stairway to 2nd Floor - "I AM A FILIPINO"
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020711.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020717.jpg

Function Room - 2nd Floor
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020716.jpg

Toilet or Toilette?
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020708.jpg

Cheers! Indian tourists increased by 74%! With the quick resolution on Taiwan's deportation row, PH expects more visitors from our northern neighbor.

Tourist arrivals rose 18% in 1st 2 months



by Jeremiah F. de Guzman
Manila Standard Today
April 4, 2011


The Tourism Department said foreign tourist arrivals in the first two months of the year rose 18 percent to 668,625 from 567,200 year-on-year, led by Koreans who accounted for 25 percent of the total volume.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim told Manila Standard that Korean tourist arrivals increased 35 percent to 165,868 because of the vacation period in South Korea that ended in March.

“January to February is Korea’s vacation period. So, we expect that to decline month-on-month starting March but year-on-year, it might still increase,” Lim said.

US visitors were next to Korea with 114,022 arrivals or 17 percent, followed by the Japanese at 65,755 or 9.83 percent and and China with 38,590 or 5.77 percent.

“We might see a decline in tourist volume from Japan starting March because we are already experiencing cancellations,” Lim said.

Foreign visitors in February rose 18.5 percent to 318,912. Volume in January increased 17 percent.

Lim said the political problem with Taiwan stemming from Manila’s deportation of 14 fraud suspects to mainland China did not affect tourist arrivals from the island.

Tourist arrivals from Taiwan grew 37 percent to 28,461 in the two-month period from 20,822 on year. Taiwan is the fifth-largest source of foreign visitors with a 4.3-percent market share.

India, Russia, Australia and Canada were the fastest-growing markets during the period with a 74 percent, 36 percent, 22 percent, and 21 percent increase in visitor arrivals on year.

The European markets, meanwhile, accounted for 11.1 percent of total visitor traffic at 74,073, with the United Kingdom posting an 8.5-percent growth and Germany rising 4.7 percent. The Scandinavian markets showed double- digit growth while arrivals from France modestly increased by 4.7 percent.

The Asean market expanded by 13.7 percent with 49,634 arrivals, with Malaysia and Singapore registering 20-percent and 16-percent growth rates, respectively. The Asean market accounted for 7.4 percent of the total visitor arrivals during the first two months of 2011.

NCRPO: Crime down 15%

By Miko Morelos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:28:00 04/03/2011

Filed Under: Crime, Police, Safety of Citizens

CRIMINAL cases in Metro Manila went down in the first quarter of the year due to the “more aggressive crime prevention efforts” of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Director Nicanor Bartolome said in a statement Sunday.

Bartolome said the number of crimes from January to March decreased by 15 percent compared to the same period last year although the cases of car theft and murder went up by 14 and 13 percent, respectively.

“Adjustments are now being undertaken to curb [car theft] and murder incidents,” he added.

Based on the NCRPO crime monitoring report, Bartolome said 8,352 crimes took place from in the first three months this year, down by 1,500 cases compared to 2010.

Of the crimes recorded in the first quarter this year, 65 percent (5,449 cases) were classified as index, while the rest were categorized as non-index. Index cases refer to crimes against persons or property while non-index crimes cover violations of special laws.

Physical injuries dropped by 32 percent this year to 1,238 cases from 1,824 in 2010. Robberies also decreased to 1,582 incidences, 21 percent lower than the first three months of last year.

Rape cases went down by 15 percent to 106 this year, 20 incidents lower than the 126 recorded last year.

Among the five police districts in the capital, the Manila Police District saw a sharp decline in crime incidents, recording only 1,053 cases in the first quarter as against 1,857 during the same period last year.

Next was the Quezon City Police District which reported a 30 percent drop in crime cases, followed by the Northern Police District (21 percent), Eastern Police District (20 percent) and Southern Police District (11 percent).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20110403-329202/NCRPO-Crime-down-15

It's a new thread! And my posts were back to square one...:nuts:

yehey!

SCTEX helps boost Central Luzon tourism growth by 15% in 2010 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/312652/sctex-helps-boost-central-luzon-tourism-growth-15-2010)
April 3, 2011, 12:14pm


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)PHILIPPINES -- Tourist arrivals in Central Luzon and the northern regions have significantly increased as a result of much-improved road networks that made tourist destinations in these areas more accessible.

“Land travel in these areas has never been this easy,” said Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico, regional director for Central Luzon of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Tiotuico specifically cited the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) which also interconnects three key growth areas in Central Luzon — Subic Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales; Clark Freeport in Angeles City, Pampanga; and Central Techno Park in Tarlac — as a major contributor to the unprecedented growth of tourism in northern Philippines.

“SCTEX and its seamless complementation with the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) augurs well for the transformation of the Northern Luzon regions into a favorite tourist destination, “Tiotuico further stressed.

He noted that more and more tourists are attracted because of the ease of travel using SCTEX.

Tiotuico disclosed that visitor arrivals in Central Luzon surpassed the half million mark (560,000) last year, representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year. Tourist authorities have predicted that visitor arrivals would hit the two million mark over the next five years.

Local tourists accounted for 55 percent of the 560,000 while foreigners mostly from South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore made up the remaining 45 percent.

Tiotuico pointed out that South Koreans registered the highest number at 42,431, followed by the Malaysians at 31,767.

The peak seasons are the summer months of March and April, as well as December when people all over the world traditionally travel.

Tiotuico pointed out that the figures indicated that domestic tourism remains the backbone of the industry.

The tourism official said visitor accommodations and other tourism-related facilities in the provinces of Central Luzon are now globally competitive.

He also cited the nature-based tourist attractions in Subic that continue to draw visitors in large numbers on a daily basis.

The seamless journey and panoramic view along the 94-kilometer SCTEX have gained favorable reviews from travelers, both local and foreign.

Toilet or Toilette?
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1020708.jpg

An attempt by a non-diplomat granddaughter to put signs in the language of diplomacy. In french, the sign should have read Toilettes. Should have consulted with DFA first :D Toilette without s looks perfume to me..

SCTEX helps boost Central Luzon tourism growth by 15% in 2010 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/312652/sctex-helps-boost-central-luzon-tourism-growth-15-2010)
April 3, 2011, 12:14pm


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)PHILIPPINES -- Tourist arrivals in Central Luzon and the northern regions have significantly increased as a result of much-improved road networks that made tourist destinations in these areas more accessible.

“Land travel in these areas has never been this easy,” said Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico, regional director for Central Luzon of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Tiotuico specifically cited the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) which also interconnects three key growth areas in Central Luzon — Subic Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales; Clark Freeport in Angeles City, Pampanga; and Central Techno Park in Tarlac — as a major contributor to the unprecedented growth of tourism in northern Philippines.

“SCTEX and its seamless complementation with the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) augurs well for the transformation of the Northern Luzon regions into a favorite tourist destination, “Tiotuico further stressed.

He noted that more and more tourists are attracted because of the ease of travel using SCTEX.

Tiotuico disclosed that visitor arrivals in Central Luzon surpassed the half million mark (560,000) last year, representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year. Tourist authorities have predicted that visitor arrivals would hit the two million mark over the next five years.

Local tourists accounted for 55 percent of the 560,000 while foreigners mostly from South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore made up the remaining 45 percent.

Tiotuico pointed out that South Koreans registered the highest number at 42,431, followed by the Malaysians at 31,767.

The peak seasons are the summer months of March and April, as well as December when people all over the world traditionally travel.

Tiotuico pointed out that the figures indicated that domestic tourism remains the backbone of the industry.

The tourism official said visitor accommodations and other tourism-related facilities in the provinces of Central Luzon are now globally competitive.

He also cited the nature-based tourist attractions in Subic that continue to draw visitors in large numbers on a daily basis.

The seamless journey and panoramic view along the 94-kilometer SCTEX have gained favorable reviews from travelers, both local and foreign.

yan ang mga proyektong may katuturan.....kinonsider ang future.....may vision......salamat pangulong gloria.....oi oo nga pala si pnoy ano ang accomplishment na.....maliban sa pag inaugurate ng mga istatwa ng nanay nya.....meron na ba?

SCTEX helps boost Central Luzon tourism growth by 15% in 2010 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/312652/sctex-helps-boost-central-luzon-tourism-growth-15-2010)
April 3, 2011, 12:14pm


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)PHILIPPINES -- Tourist arrivals in Central Luzon and the northern regions have significantly increased as a result of much-improved road networks that made tourist destinations in these areas more accessible.

“Land travel in these areas has never been this easy,” said Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico, regional director for Central Luzon of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Tiotuico specifically cited the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) which also interconnects three key growth areas in Central Luzon — Subic Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales; Clark Freeport in Angeles City, Pampanga; and Central Techno Park in Tarlac — as a major contributor to the unprecedented growth of tourism in northern Philippines.

“SCTEX and its seamless complementation with the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) augurs well for the transformation of the Northern Luzon regions into a favorite tourist destination, “Tiotuico further stressed.

He noted that more and more tourists are attracted because of the ease of travel using SCTEX.

Tiotuico disclosed that visitor arrivals in Central Luzon surpassed the half million mark (560,000) last year, representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year. Tourist authorities have predicted that visitor arrivals would hit the two million mark over the next five years.

Local tourists accounted for 55 percent of the 560,000 while foreigners mostly from South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore made up the remaining 45 percent.

Tiotuico pointed out that South Koreans registered the highest number at 42,431, followed by the Malaysians at 31,767.

The peak seasons are the summer months of March and April, as well as December when people all over the world traditionally travel.

Tiotuico pointed out that the figures indicated that domestic tourism remains the backbone of the industry.

The tourism official said visitor accommodations and other tourism-related facilities in the provinces of Central Luzon are now globally competitive.

He also cited the nature-based tourist attractions in Subic that continue to draw visitors in large numbers on a daily basis.

The seamless journey and panoramic view along the 94-kilometer SCTEX have gained favorable reviews from travelers, both local and foreign.

Ang SCTEX puwede ring pang tourist spot kasi ang ganda ng mga views at akala mo nasa ibang bansa ka kapag dumaan ka doon... :)

SCTEX helps boost Central Luzon tourism growth by 15% in 2010 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/312652/sctex-helps-boost-central-luzon-tourism-growth-15-2010)
April 3, 2011, 12:14pm


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg


Ang ganda hanep.

I thought I'd post this blogger's experience in Manila. It's a very down to earth
observation on Manila, his experiences, adventure (including Divisoria), sometimes a bit humourous. The blogger is from Singapore and had been asking Trip Advisor forums for info, advise on Manila, in the end he finally made it on his own.

http://turtlexpress.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/%E8%8F%B2%E5%88%A9%E5%AE%BE%EF%BC%8C%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%BC%E6%8B%89-25th-march-28th-march-2011/

Ang ganda hanep.

You bet. One time, I got my sister and bro to just go up and down SCTEX, Manila/Angeles/Subic/Tarlac/Manila just to "feel" it. The section going into Subic is well, more picturesque than the picture posted above.

I thought I'd post this blogger's experience in Manila. It's a very down to earth
observation on Manila, his experiences, adventure (including Divisoria), sometimes a bit humourous. The blogger is from Singapore and had been asking Trip Advisor forums for info, advise on Manila, in the end he finally made it on his own.

http://turtlexpress.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/%E8%8F%B2%E5%88%A9%E5%AE%BE%EF%BC%8C%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%BC%E6%8B%89-25th-march-28th-march-2011/

Asians are really some of the nicest people around.. and the ones who could really stand and appreciate the chaos that is Manila. I am reminded of our regular visitors from Hong Kong and China who if not for the tragic day in august last year would still keep coming and remain the only tourists in that part of Manila.

I like what he said about Makati though:

If every part of Manila will to look like this, it can easily be the best city in South East Asia. However, if every part of Manila will to look like Greenbelt, it would have lost its characteristic.

Kudos to the blogger for braving the heat, dirt and elements of Quiapo/Divisoria. For a first timer and a Singaporean, that really must have taken a lot of courage. Glad he enjoyed Manila outside Makati :cheers:

Asians are really some of the nicest people around.. and the ones who could really stand and appreciate the chaos that is Manila. I am reminded of our regular visitors from Hong Kong and China who if not for the tragic day in august last year would still keep coming and remain the only tourists in that part of Manila.

I like what he said about Makati though:



Kudos to the blogger for braving the heat, dirt and elements of Quiapo/Divisoria. For a first timer and a Singaporean, that really must have taken a lot of courage. Glad he enjoyed Manila outside Makati :cheers:

Thanks for sharing.

An attempt by a non-diplomat granddaughter to put signs in the language of diplomacy. In french, the sign should have read Toilettes. Should have consulted with DFA first :D Toilette without s looks perfume to me..

:) I was surprised that this restaurant is packed. They do not have ads but only through "word of mouth" and that report in Philippine Daily Inquirer.

It's glad to know that crime rates are dropping...Here for Central Visayas! Plus Central Visayas (Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Cebu) had been already declared insurgency free.


Crime rate in C Visayas drops from Jan. to Feb., PNP-7 says (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r07&id=25744)

CEBU CITY, Apr 4 (PIA) - Crime rate in Central Visayas went down for the period January and February, this year compared to the same period in 2010 as the Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 largely attributed the decline on their rigid and consistent anti-criminality efforts such as the conduct of regular checkpoints and mobile and foot patrol especially in crime prone areas.
PRO-7 Regional Operations and Planning Division Chief P/Supt. Petronelli Baldebrin bared the average monthly crime rate decreased from 39.46 percent in January and February, 2010 to 30.34 percent of the same period, this year.

“The drop in crime rate means our efforts to curb criminality is effective with the cooperation and support of all sectors especially the public,” according to Baldebrin.
Index crimes which recorded a volume of 3,933 incidents last year dropped to 3,083 incidents this year or a decline of 21.61 percent, Baldebrin said.
Index crimes are crimes that occur with sufficient frequency and regularity particularly crimes against persons and properties such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft and rape.
For index crimes or violations against special laws such as illegal fishing, illegal gambling, illegal logging, intellectual property rights violations and crimes against public morals, this also went down from 1,614 incidents to 1, 182 cases or a drop of 26.77 percent, Baldebrin reported during the recent ‘Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis’ (TSIP) Forum.
Baldebrin likewise said the crime solution efficiency rate improved this year for the first two months compared to last year.
The PRO-7 official said that though the favorable peace and order situation has improved the police continue to exert efforts to enhance the image of the region as a safe and friendly destination for both tourists and business investors. (PIA-Cebu/Fayette C. Riñen)

Cheers! Indian tourists increased by 74%! With the quick resolution on Taiwan's deportation row, PH expects more visitors from our northern neighbor.



NCRPO: Crime down 15%

By Miko Morelos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:28:00 04/03/2011

Filed Under: Crime, Police, Safety of Citizens

CRIMINAL cases in Metro Manila went down in the first quarter of the year due to the “more aggressive crime prevention efforts” of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Director Nicanor Bartolome said in a statement Sunday.

Bartolome said the number of crimes from January to March decreased by 15 percent compared to the same period last year although the cases of car theft and murder went up by 14 and 13 percent, respectively.

“Adjustments are now being undertaken to curb [car theft] and murder incidents,” he added.

Based on the NCRPO crime monitoring report, Bartolome said 8,352 crimes took place from in the first three months this year, down by 1,500 cases compared to 2010.

Of the crimes recorded in the first quarter this year, 65 percent (5,449 cases) were classified as index, while the rest were categorized as non-index. Index cases refer to crimes against persons or property while non-index crimes cover violations of special laws.

Physical injuries dropped by 32 percent this year to 1,238 cases from 1,824 in 2010. Robberies also decreased to 1,582 incidences, 21 percent lower than the first three months of last year.

Rape cases went down by 15 percent to 106 this year, 20 incidents lower than the 126 recorded last year.

Among the five police districts in the capital, the Manila Police District saw a sharp decline in crime incidents, recording only 1,053 cases in the first quarter as against 1,857 during the same period last year.

Next was the Quezon City Police District which reported a 30 percent drop in crime cases, followed by the Northern Police District (21 percent), Eastern Police District (20 percent) and Southern Police District (11 percent).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20110403-329202/NCRPO-Crime-down-15

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg

^^Good thing the new SCTEX is still looking good not like the new Thang Long (http://news.asiantown.net/r/18728/Vietnam--39-s-newly-built-longest-highway-cracked-and-sunken.html) highway in Vietnam...

http://i2.asntown.net/h2//Viet/4/thanglong-bridge/thang-long-ha-noi1.jpg

^^Good thing the new SCTEX is still looking good not like the new Thang Long (http://news.asiantown.net/r/18728/Vietnam--39-s-newly-built-longest-highway-cracked-and-sunken.html) highway in Vietnam...

http://i2.asntown.net/h2//Viet/4/thanglong-bridge/thang-long-ha-noi1.jpg

LOL. Hindi kasi pulido gumawa, barubal kumbaga, kinukurakot pa kaya lahat ng gamit at imprastraktura dito angbilis masira.

^^Good thing the new SCTEX is still looking good not like the new Thang Long (http://news.asiantown.net/r/18728/Vietnam--39-s-newly-built-longest-highway-cracked-and-sunken.html) highway in Vietnam...

http://i2.asntown.net/h2//Viet/4/thanglong-bridge/thang-long-ha-noi1.jpg

SCTEX was funded by Japan (contestable) and conformed to Japan and international standards, that's why. When it was newly opened we had a chance to drive on it (with overspeeding every now and then, nakakalusot pa before). We were amazed at the beautiful views. Even the way the road cuts the ridge of the hills is worth viewing.

I thought I'd post this blogger's experience in Manila. It's a very down to earth
observation on Manila, his experiences, adventure (including Divisoria), sometimes a bit humourous. The blogger is from Singapore and had been asking Trip Advisor forums for info, advise on Manila, in the end he finally made it on his own.

http://turtlexpress.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/%E8%8F%B2%E5%88%A9%E5%AE%BE%EF%BC%8C%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%BC%E6%8B%89-25th-march-28th-march-2011/

Thanks for sharing the link. I spent the next 30 mins or so reading his article. The author has a good sense of humor....

So am I worried doing to Philippines? Yes I am. How worried am I? To give you some examples, this is the first time in my life that I need to buy a money belt for a trip. I upgraded my travel insurance to the max. I wanted to register myself with our Foreign Affairs in Philippines.



...and it gives me some realizations as well. I like how he appreciated the locals, their sincerity and friendliness. Afterall, theyre the very ones who make the place unique.

It's a good read. Highly recommended. Nakakaiyak nga lang yung medyo panghuling part. :D
I hope he'd come back with his family next time.

Those who are in Banaue, be ready, he wants to see your terraces. :lol:

on the other hand, it seems that all the cab drivers etc that he encountered wanted more money that what is due to them. tsk tsk

on the other hand, it seems that all the cab drivers etc that he encountered wanted more money that what is due to them. tsk tsk

Ganyan naman talaga karamihan sa mga taxi drivers sa Pilipinas.

SCTEX helps boost Central Luzon tourism growth by 15% in 2010 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/312652/sctex-helps-boost-central-luzon-tourism-growth-15-2010)
April 3, 2011, 12:14pm


http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lex_3.jpg

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)PHILIPPINES -- Tourist arrivals in Central Luzon and the northern regions have significantly increased as a result of much-improved road networks that made tourist destinations in these areas more accessible.
.

Tourism and trade will increase furthe upon TPLEX completion.

Re Metro Manila Taxi drivers
oo nga yata. may sinulat akong blog entry about this. (private blog lang, ako lang nagbabasa, lol) nung umalis ako nung March 27, napasakay ako sa lumang taxi. mga siguro 60s na yung driver. di pa calibrated ang metro niya, kaya P30 pa rin flag down. linggo nun, kaya madaming taxi. pagkasakay ko sinabi ng driver na magbayad daw ako ng P200, kasi di pa daw calibrated ang metro niya. uminit ang ulo ko. magsisimula pa lang ang biyahe ko, sinira na niya. :ohno: makati lang to airport, usually P70 lang inaabot ng metro. bakit kako ngayon lang sinabi, sana sumakay ako sa iba.

sabi ko kelangan ko ng resibo para sa kumpanya.

sabi niya may resibo naman...(ibig pala niya sabihin, magffabricate siya ng resibo at P200 ang ilalagay). tsk tsk

napilitang gumamit ng metro.

nasira ang buong araw ko. nanahimik na lang ako sa passenger seat.

pagkababa, siguro mga P70 lang ang metro. binigyan ko ng P100. kulang daw.

"magkano ho ba?"

"dapat mga P110"

"eto pong P120, pwede ho bang makuha ang pangalan niyo?"

yun lang, sesermonan ko sana, kaso para ko na ring sinermonan ang tatay ko. :lol:
sana man lang magpakatino ang mga taxi drivers ngayon. hindi epektibo ang panghihingi ng mga dagdag pamasahe.

naisip ko, mas maraming taxi drivers na ang ganito keysa sa matitino. standard na yata ang panghingi ng dagdag. mapapaisip ka tuloy bumili ng kotse, nga lang wala naman pambili. :lol:

may mga ayos naman na drivers. mga honest at mababait. rare find, kaya sila ang dapat bigyan ng mataas na tip.

Ganyan naman talaga karamihan sa mga taxi drivers sa Pilipinas.

i have a visitor last week from the US and that's his primary complaint. the taxicabs are always attempting to fleece him for more money. on his way to the airport the cab driver did not want to use the meter, then dropped him off in the wrong terminal.


it's one thing that I really hate about these dregs. If they see white people all they can think of is something "pagkakakitaan"


and we wonder why we dont get tourists here.

Re Metro Manila Taxi drivers
oo nga yata. may sinulat akong blog entry about this. (private blog lang, ako lang nagbabasa, lol) nung umalis ako nung March 27, napasakay ako sa lumang taxi. mga siguro 60s na yung driver. di pa calibrated ang metro niya, kaya P30 pa rin flag down. linggo nun, kaya madaming taxi. pagkasakay ko sinabi ng driver na magbayad daw ako ng P200, kasi di pa daw calibrated ang metro niya. uminit ang ulo ko. magsisimula pa lang ang biyahe ko, sinira na niya. :ohno: makati lang to airport, usually P70 lang inaabot ng metro. bakit kako ngayon lang sinabi, sana sumakay ako sa iba.

sabi ko kelangan ko ng resibo para sa kumpanya.

sabi niya may resibo naman...(ibig pala niya sabihin, magffabricate siya ng resibo at P200 ang ilalagay). tsk tsk

napilitang gumamit ng metro.

nasira ang buong araw ko. nanahimik na lang ako sa passenger seat.

pagkababa, siguro mga P70 lang ang metro. binigyan ko ng P100. kulang daw.

"magkano ho ba?"

"dapat mga P110"

"eto pong P120, pwede ho bang makuha ang pangalan niyo?"

yun lang, sesermonan ko sana, kaso para ko na ring sinermonan ang tatay ko. :lol:
sana man lang magpakatino ang mga taxi drivers ngayon. hindi epektibo ang panghihingi ng mga dagdag pamasahe.

naisip ko, mas maraming taxi drivers na ang ganito keysa sa matitino. standard na yata ang panghingi ng dagdag. mapapaisip ka tuloy bumili ng kotse, nga lang wala naman pambili. :lol:

may mga ayos naman na drivers. mga honest at mababait. rare find, kaya sila ang dapat bigyan ng mataas na tip.

Ako rin. Ang sa akin naman, PHP40 na ang flag down rate. Ang biyahe namin from ABS CBN to Cubao. Ang metro namin ay PHP71.50. Nagbigay ako ng PHP100. Tapos ang sukli sa akin ay PHP20. :ohno:

Nagtaka ako, ang sabi ko "Kulang po yung sukli".

Sabi ng driver, "80 pesos po ang metro."

Sabi ko naman "Pati ba naman hanggang ngayon, round off pa rin ang bayaran. At kahit sa Math, ang PHP71.50 kapag nag round off ka, hindi PHP80!!"

Pinipilit pa rin ng driver na ganon daw talaga.

Sa inis ko at sa daming nagbubusina na ng sasakyan sa likod namin, dinabog ko nga yung pintuan ng taxi. :ohno::ohno:

tama ba ang basa ko doon sa blog nung singaporean na siningil sya ng tricycle driver ng 350? tapos 2370 para makapunta lang ng taal volcano? WTH :weird::doh:

tama ba ang basa ko doon sa blog nung singaporean na siningil sya ng tricycle driver ng 350? tapos 2370 para makapunta lang ng taal volcano? WTH :weird::doh:

Mahal talaga ang bangkang papuntang taal volcano. Thats why better kung may kasama para may kahati.

Ako nagoyo ako ng isang taxi driver sa naia 1, may pinakita sa aking official looking list. Hanggang annapolis singil sa akin 40USD. Putek. bad trip

i have a visitor last week from the US and that's his primary complaint. the taxicabs are always attempting to fleece him for more money. on his way to the airport the cab driver did not want to use the meter, then dropped him off in the wrong terminal.

it's one thing that I really hate about these dregs. If they see white people all they can think of is something "pagkakakitaan"

and we wonder why we dont get tourists here.Slightly untrue as this happens to me all the time when visiting Manila. No meter used from Ortigas to Pasay City and in a diffferent taxi on the same day returning to Ortigas, again no meter used.

As long as these drivers see a non-local (regardless of race) their eyes light up like a hooker at a sailors' bar.

Yet according to my boss who went here last week,
"Taxi drivers who ask for additional pay to foreigners is not a unique phenomenon in the Philippines. There are far worse than it is here."

She didn't mentioned what countries those were.

Ako, I'm fine giving a bit of extra, mga additional P10 to P20 above flag rate. Usually for example, kung P72.50 na ang nasa metro, bayad ako ng P75.00 o kung nasa mood, P80.00--yan ay kung ok ako. Kung desperado na at kelangan nang makapunta ng opisina, kahit dagdag P100 above flag rate papatulan.

yes, indeed, it happens anywhere. coming from a KTX station, a taxi in korea charged me 30,000 won for a 16,000 meter claiming the distance is too far so i have to double up my pay. (di ba dapat magpasalamat siya may naisakay siya?) and he said this when i arrived at destination. language barrier did not serve its purpose. :lol: but it happened to me like in one out of almost 40 times i took taxi. may mga kumokontrata, pero tipong sisingilin ka ng 12,000 won instead of 11,000 meter.

i heard they have worse in KL.

in china (shanghai), taxi will give you up to the last yuan of your change. kahit pa sobrang layo ng pupuntahan mo (e.g., 30 mins travel from downtown to airport). so far, i've never been with a chinese driver who asked me extra. although in some cities, i think standard na magpatong ng 2 yuan.

and i heard a colleague whos taxi driver decided not to continue to agreed destination . so he left her on the street with her heavy luggages. that was in africa.

so indeed, other countries have worse. but in Ph, the odds are high that you'll be with a driver who will ask you extra. even the yellow cab drivers will. nakakapanghinayang, kasi we're proud of the hospitality of our countrymen. kaso taxi pa lang, turn off na. ganun na lang siguro kahirap ang mga kababayan natin. they'll try all means to get something to feed their family.

In fairness sa ibang Pinoy taxi drivers, meron din naman yung hanggang piso ibibigay sukli mo. Sa Baguio ganun. Although may lokong mga driver na namimili ng pasahero (lol) but in general, nagbibigay naman sila ng sukli. Sa Manila ang grabe. Cultura dun ng taxi drivers eh contrata. And you don't have to be a foreigner. Minsan pa nga kapag halatang hindi ka dun, kahit jeepney driver uutuhin ka sa minimum fare. :ohno:

Sa San Fernando, La Union at Vigan okay naman mga PUV drivers dun. Sa Vigan nga yung sinakyan namin ng trike eh 50 yung singil niya (malaysong beach pinuntahan namin, round trip pa), nung binibigyan namin ng 60 ayaw niya. Nahihiya.

Dapat i-media mga ito para inspirasyon :lol:

(Wishful thinking ko naman)

I have so much respect for those Baguio taxi drivers. In Cebu, I (been there once and probably took the cab 10 times) noticed they were decent about the fare too.

Café by the bay (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=652261&publicationSubCategoryId=85)
CITY SENSE

By Paulo Alcazaren (The Philippine Star)
January 29, 2011 12:00 AM

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1927/lif1hires.jpg
Today, the pool and Cafe Ilang-Ilang have been updated but they still keep the old ambience intact.

I recently found myself at Rizal Park (or Luneta to the more mature Manileños) recently for a meeting with its new director, Jett Villegas. It was an unusual day because there was no traffic to Manila from central Ortigas in Pasig City. I found myself an hour early for the 4:30 p.m. appointment. I decided to swing by the Manila Hotel and its Ilang-Ilang café for merienda and to log onto the Net to check my e-mail.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the management had just refurbished the aging café. I liked the old café because of its famed merienda fare of bibingka and pancit, aside from the fact that there was a view of the pool and Manila Bay beyond.

That pool and sea view had always been the attraction of the café. I had many permutations of this fresco facility in its close to a hundred years of existence (the hotel will celebrate its centennial next year).

The location of the café by the newly renovated tropical modern pool is retained, but gone is the ’70s-era café; that was great for its time, but was looking a little worn at the edges in recent years.

If I win the lotto I’ll build one of this in our new manor. The new Café Ilang Ilang is now a modern international café, which still serves bibingka and pancit but now also boasts cuisine from Malaysia, Singapore, China, India and Thailand, as well as traditional European dishes. I saw an Italian corner with its own pizza oven. I promised myself I’d try that next time as I ordered my pancit canton. It was good as it always used to be, by the way.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6402/lif1b350.jpg
If I win the lotto I’ll build one of this in our new manor.

After merienda I toured around the new café and noted they had increased the old area about twice, and added new nooks for the Asian kitchen — a chef’s table, and a wine and cheese table (in its own climate-controlled room). Next to this was a dessert corner with a sugar-free section and an ice-cream counter.

I was attracted to the interior design that introduced a very Daniel Burnham-like coffered ceiling, while the furniture selection and trimmings were very current without being over the top. The seats and tables seemed eclectic but that seems to be in vogue and most sections had views of the garden and pool outside (where two old trees were conserved to frame the pool and a second floor deck dining area was being built).

A restaurant has to be good if it has its own brick oven. One of the staff members told me that people have been coming in droves since the press launch last December. The attraction seems to be the dinner buffet and the host of offerings that include a good wine selection and a coffee corner (that smelled really good).

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/1336/lif1c400.jpg
A restaurant has to be good if it has its own brick oven.

Alas, I only had time for a quick bite. But I made a note to come back for dinner with the family. Our youngest will go nuts over the pizza and pasta selection, while my wife will go gaga in the Western grill section. I want to sample all the yummies from their Asian kitchen (and a Japanese teppanyaki room that will open soon.)

Before I left, the staff told me about their spa collection (fat-free, sugar-free and other healthy stuff) that would complement their seaside spa beside the new pool. Maybe we’ll check in for a spa and food treat!

In the meanwhile, all this improvement should complement the renovations at the Rizal Park that director Jett Villegas and DOT head honcho Bertie Lim are implementing. The old central fountain has been repaired fully, and attracts thousands on weekends, just like the old days. The children’s playground near Taft Avenue has also been repaired and reopened.

The dessert bar is spread under a curved and coffered ceiling, very Daniel Burnham. I hope to help out with other areas of the park, which hopefully will bring it back to its ’70s glory. God knows we need to conserve all our green, open spaces and cultivate a more active outdoor lifestyle for our kids (they now spend most of their leisure time playing video games or surfing the Net). Rizal Park and its bayside location are ideal for leisure.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6099/lif1d375.jpg
The dessert bar is spread under a curved and coffered ceiling, very Daniel Burnham

The sea air and stunning Manila sunset are amenities that no shopping mall or theme park can match. If the whole district, including Rizal Park, historic Intramuros, the Manila Hotel and bustling Malate can be fixed up and made people-friendly, it should be the cornerstone of the capital’s tourism renaissance.* *

In fairness sa ibang Pinoy taxi drivers, meron din naman yung hanggang piso ibibigay sukli mo. Sa Baguio ganun. Although may lokong mga driver na namimili ng pasahero (lol) but in general, nagbibigay naman sila ng sukli. Sa Manila ang grabe. Cultura dun ng taxi drivers eh contrata. And you don't have to be a foreigner. Minsan pa nga kapag halatang hindi ka dun, kahit jeepney driver uutuhin ka sa minimum fare. :ohno:

Sa San Fernando, La Union at Vigan okay naman mga PUV drivers dun. Sa Vigan nga yung sinakyan namin ng trike eh 50 yung singil niya (malaysong beach pinuntahan namin, round trip pa), nung binibigyan namin ng 60 ayaw niya. Nahihiya.

Dapat i-media mga ito para inspirasyon :lol:


(Wishful thinking ko naman)

Depende rin po yan sa paraan ng pakikipag-usap 'dre! Minsan, sinabihan ko na konti lang talaga ang pera ko at P10 lang talaga ang pwede kong maibigay na extra, tanggap naman ng drayber ng taxi! Pag medyo mayabang ang dating mo, tiyak, titirahin ka ng mga drayber na yan!

Depende rin po yan sa paraan ng pakikipag-usap 'dre! Minsan, sinabihan ko na konti lang talaga ang pera ko at P10 lang talaga ang pwede kong maibigay na extra, tanggap naman ng drayber ng taxi! Pag medyo mayabang ang dating mo, tiyak, titirahin ka ng mga drayber na yan!

but as far as I know, that contrata style in taxis is illegal. I'm bot sure but that's what I know. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Naipatupad ba dyan yung recibuhan ang taxi fare? Or hindi natuloy. I heard of the government proposing that

At saka kahit hindi mayabang dating mo, may maguuto pa rin sayo. Kaya ang better choice eh, humanap ng ibang taxi pero mahirap maghanap ng matinong taxi sa Manila :lol:

ive had similar experiences with our cabbies here, however bad you wanna curse at them to get them to stop this form of abuse, you just can't. you'd think to yourself at least these hobos are not out in the streets stealing from you or from anyone and that they got jobs, and i know they dont earn that much so they resort to this practice.

However if only our agencies in charge of taxis (is it LTFRB?) were more sensitive to the public's concerns, they could at least do something to minimize this. Like, if they can't totally monitor the abuse, why don't they at least inform the public of what to expect from a cab, the rules on meters and payments on a big display behind the driver's seat cos cabbies normally get away when tourists and locals don't know, or are not sure with the rules in place. This should educate both the driver and the passenger, and ultimately help minimize, if not eradicate this practice completely.

^^ Another problem with cabbies, namimili.

^^ exactly, they do it simply because they can. Now if this LTFRB can come up with clear rules and corresponding fines for violations, put them on display for the public to know and for the cabbie to be always mindful of, then that solves the problem. And oh yea, a number to dial too in case of violations of course. :D

^^ Dapat regulated din ang transport system :lol:

^^ Another problem with cabbies, namimili.

Sometimes its hard to blame them din sa dami pa rin ng cases ng holduping. Mahirap magpasakay ng pasahero na kaduda duda ang itsura diba?

I feel that job safety and protection is also one of their concerns.

^^ Kung sabagay. Maybe, to counter that or at least minimize, require CCTVs on public transportation? Though it would be a very expensive investment

Sometimes its hard to blame them din sa dami pa rin ng cases ng holduping. Mahirap magpasakay ng pasahero na kaduda duda ang itsura diba?

I feel that job safety and protection is also one of their concerns.
Nasa itsura ko ba yan? :bash: :lol: :rofl:

Nasa itsura ko ba yan? :bash: :lol: :rofl:

:lol::lol: ibig sabihin ni Louie kaduda-duda or masyadong mabigat baka ma-flat. JK! :nocrook: :D

Pinag-aagawan nga ako eh. :lol: :lol:

Pinag-aagawan nga ako eh. :lol: :lol:

Pareho tayo, yung mga cabbie pa nga nagpapa-babaan ng presyo para isakay ako. :lol::lol:
teka, pinagaagawan ka ng mga manong driver askal? hahaha

^^ uuy...:lol:

Yet according to my boss who went here last week,
"Taxi drivers who ask for additional pay to foreigners is not a unique phenomenon in the Philippines. There are far worse than it is here."

She didn't mentioned what countries those were.

Ako, I'm fine giving a bit of extra, mga additional P10 to P20 above flag rate. Usually for example, kung P72.50 na ang nasa metro, bayad ako ng P75.00 o kung nasa mood, P80.00--yan ay kung ok ako. Kung desperado na at kelangan nang makapunta ng opisina, kahit dagdag P100 above flag rate papatulan.

95% of cabs I took here in Hanoi have rigged meters. One even threatened a coworker. He asked for a 10usd fare for a 1usd ride and if she dint pay up he is going to have his gang come after her.

BTW, aviso pala sa mga magtataxi pa-airport. Wag pala kayo kumuha ng taxi na nakaparking sa kanto ng Coastal at MIA Road, sa bandang KFC. Mataas sila maningil tas ang metro nila may kalikot.

Biruin nyo, flagdown lang dati P30 tas binayaran namin P200 from Kanto ng MIA Rd hanggang Terminal 2?! :doh:

Pareho tayo, yung mga cabbie pa nga nagpapa-babaan ng presyo para isakay ako. :lol::lol:
teka, pinagaagawan ka ng mga manong driver askal? hahaha

Or else, wala silang mga commissions. :lol: ;)

^^ ah, gotcha. but even without commission, i think pagaagawan ka talaga nila..
i mean i would :D

:lol:

BTW, aviso pala sa mga magtataxi pa-airport. Wag pala kayo kumuha ng taxi na nakaparking sa kanto ng Coastal at MIA Road, sa bandang KFC. Mataas sila maningil tas ang metro nila may kalikot.

Biruin nyo, flagdown lang dati P30 tas binayaran namin P200 from Kanto ng MIA Rd hanggang Terminal 2?! :doh:

did you check if it was an airport cab? cos they really charge a lot even for short distance. now if that was a regular cab na parang sira yung aircon lol, you should have just given him the amount you would normally pay, like i guess from coastal mall to T2 thats 60-70? plus some tip. P200 would take you all the way to Cavite already haha. If cabbie still insists on P200, give him P100 and tell him thats more than enough money for that distance. I did that once and it worked :)

Ganyan naman talaga karamihan sa mga taxi drivers sa Pilipinas.

Only in Metro Manila. Sa Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, di ganyan ang mga taxi drivers....

^^ so true!! i love visayan cab drivers, never have i been harassed or cheated in those places. it's only Metro Manila and Luzon.

Yet according to my boss who went here last week,
"Taxi drivers who ask for additional pay to foreigners is not a unique phenomenon in the Philippines. There are far worse than it is here."

She didn't mentioned what countries those were.

Ako, I'm fine giving a bit of extra, mga additional P10 to P20 above flag rate. Usually for example, kung P72.50 na ang nasa metro, bayad ako ng P75.00 o kung nasa mood, P80.00--yan ay kung ok ako. Kung desperado na at kelangan nang makapunta ng opisina, kahit dagdag P100 above flag rate papatulan.

Just to share also my experience in Macau. From the airport, the taxi driver charged me 10 Macau Pataca per luggage! Imagine that. Upon arrival at the hotel, I immediately asked the bus boy if that rate is legal, he said no, I should only pay 3 Macau Pataca per luggage. However, the driver insisted and he talked to me in their local language. I ended paying more... I also experienced other inconveniences like the taxi driver took a longer route in Macau and in our neighboring countries.

^^ so true!! i love visayan cab drivers, never have i been harassed or cheated in those places. it's only Metro Manila and Luzon.

sexual harrasment ba?:D:lol:

Only in Metro Manila. Sa Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, di ganyan ang mga taxi drivers....

Someone tried to cheat me in Cagayan de Oro. Sorry. I've had similar experiences in Iloilo. Pero mas prevalent ang problema sa Manila.

^^For me, Baguio taxi drivers are the best in our country. :) Worst? Metro Manila...:ohno:

sexual harrasment ba?:D:lol:

Nope, i said visayan so that would be sixual harrassmin dudung. Este inday :lol:

Provo, Boracay ranked as top beach resorts
Published: Tuesday, 5 Apr 2011 | 4:00 PM ET Text Size
http://www.cnbc.com/id/42439649

Twitter LinkedInMore Share
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - The tiny island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos has been voted the top beach destination in the world, according to the travel website TripAdvisor.

It ranked above such renowned beach destinations as Honolulu and Miami Beach in the report based on travelers' reviews and ratings to select the best destinations around the world.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina was the only U.S. destination to make the top five.

"A number of factors make these beach destinations stand out as wonderful choices," said TripAdvisor spokesman Brooke Ferencsik. "In addition to featuring remarkable stretches of sand, these hotspots offer a wide variety of quality hotels, restaurants and activities to accommodate virtually any vacation budget, and appeal to any traveler type."

Providenciales, which has experienced a boom in high-end resorts with total visitors tripling since the mid-1990s, was praised for its pristine white-sand beaches, calm, clear water and a healthy barrier reef appealing to snorkelers and divers.

Many reviewers called its Grace Bay Beach the world's best.

Rounding out the top five were Boracay, in the Philippines, Aruba's Palm/Eagle beach, Negril in Jamaica and Tulum, Mexico.

The quaint, Victorian-tinged Cape May, at the southern tip of New Jersey, was the only other U.S. beach among the top 10.

Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic placed seventh and eighth respectively.

Ayia Napra in Cyprus was the top-rated European beach destination, followed by Skiathos, Greece.

Despite its glamorous, starry reputation, the French Riviera didn't even place among Europe's top 25.

In the South Pacific, synonymous with exotic beach travel for many, Bora Bora topped the list.

The top choice in Central and South America was Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, a country that has developed a reputation for eco-travel.

Other highly rated beach destinations included the Maldives, Panama City, Florida, Miami Beach, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Florida's Sanibel Island and Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Nearly 70 percent of U.S. respondents said they were planning a beach vacation in 2011, and just over half were opting for a U.S. destination and about one-quarter were planning to visit the Caribbean or Mexico, according to recent TripAdvisor survey.

Full results including top beach destinations in Italy, Germany, Spain and Canada can be found at www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches

Only in Metro Manila. Sa Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, di ganyan ang mga taxi drivers....

^^ so true!! i love visayan cab drivers, never have i been harassed or cheated in those places. it's only Metro Manila and Luzon.


I would like to be convinced that this is true but this is not always the case. Especially in Cebu. Either they'll tell you the meter does not work or they'll charge you a hyperinflated flat rate. So what I've been doing now is let my hotel arrange the taxi. It makes life easier and no haggling of fare. A tip helps bring a smile at the end of the trip.:)

Yet according to my boss who went here last week,
"Taxi drivers who ask for additional pay to foreigners is not a unique phenomenon in the Philippines. There are far worse than it is here."

She didn't mentioned what countries those were.

Ako, I'm fine giving a bit of extra, mga additional P10 to P20 above flag rate. Usually for example, kung P72.50 na ang nasa metro, bayad ako ng P75.00 o kung nasa mood, P80.00--yan ay kung ok ako. Kung desperado na at kelangan nang makapunta ng opisina, kahit dagdag P100 above flag rate papatulan.


A taxi driver gave me a tour ( against my will :)) of Athens from the airport to my hotel near the Acropolis back in 1997. He charged me the equivalent of USD 80 for a trip that would normally cost USD 25. I even told him what roads to take since I studied the map and the directions to my hotel before I visited the city. Funny thing is he pretended he doesn't speak much English. So when I arrived at the hotel, I grabbed the Head Doorman and ask him to talk to him regarding the fare dispute. Eventually, I paid him USD25 + 15 tip or USD 40total, half the price he charged me. I felt bad because the doorman yelled at the taxi driver, in Greek. Efkaristo Greece.

^^nice idea:lol: you reminded me of a friend who told the taxi to drive him straight to the office of LTFRB:lol:

what i learned from my frequent trips about taking taxis:

1. Confirm the taxi if it's a metered one or not. If it's not metered you can negotiate the price first.
2. Negotiate before going inside the taxi. Don't do it inside it's useless to argue there.
3. Never argue while on the way the driver could do something bad to you or worst drop you off to an isolated place.
4. If on the way, the driver would tell you the metered is damage, fine, when he drops you to your location pay what is the rgihtful price plus a little extra. But you would know the rightful price if you do a research beforehand.
5. If you sense something is bad, make a call to someone telling that someone you're taking a cab right now with this plate number and any descriptions of that cab.
6. Just like any other goods and products, taxi's have brands too. Take a cab with a name. For example in Iloilo, there are two branded taxis, GDR and Light of Glory. I don't take any other cabs except for this 2.
7. Last but not the least, it pays to choose a taxi with registration. I remember before these taxis have these green labels/stickers. I'm not sure right now. A lot of rapes was perpetrated by these criminal taxi drivers and most of them are fly by night taxis or unregistered taxis. So ,especially for ladies, be choosy of your taxis.

TOP 25 BEACHES IN THE WORLD
www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches
1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Boracay, Philippines
3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
4. Negril, Jamaica
5. Tulum, Mexico
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Cape May, New Jersey
10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
11. Maldives
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
13. Miami Beach, Florida
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
15. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
16. Sanibel Island, Florida
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
19. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
20. Cancun, Mexico
21. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
22. Skiathos, Greece
23. Clearwater, Florida
24. Honolulu, Hawaii
25. Ko Phangan, Thailand


and here is the top 10 Beaches in ASIA
(It is dominated by Thailand's beaches! :D)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCBeaches-g2-cTop10-Asia.html

1. Boracay, Philippines
2. Maldives
3. Ko Phangan, Thailand
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Khao Lak, Thailand
6. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
7. Gili, Trawangan, Indonesia
8. Krabi Town, Thailand
9. Ko Lanta, Thailand
10. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Provo, Boracay ranked as top beach resorts
Published: Tuesday, 5 Apr 2011 | 4:00 PM ET Text Size
http://www.cnbc.com/id/42439649

Twitter LinkedInMore Share
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - The tiny island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos has been voted the top beach destination in the world, according to the travel website TripAdvisor.

It ranked above such renowned beach destinations as Honolulu and Miami Beach in the report based on travelers' reviews and ratings to select the best destinations around the world.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina was the only U.S. destination to make the top five.

"A number of factors make these beach destinations stand out as wonderful choices," said TripAdvisor spokesman Brooke Ferencsik. "In addition to featuring remarkable stretches of sand, these hotspots offer a wide variety of quality hotels, restaurants and activities to accommodate virtually any vacation budget, and appeal to any traveler type."

Providenciales, which has experienced a boom in high-end resorts with total visitors tripling since the mid-1990s, was praised for its pristine white-sand beaches, calm, clear water and a healthy barrier reef appealing to snorkelers and divers.

Many reviewers called its Grace Bay Beach the world's best.

Rounding out the top five were Boracay, in the Philippines, Aruba's Palm/Eagle beach, Negril in Jamaica and Tulum, Mexico.

The quaint, Victorian-tinged Cape May, at the southern tip of New Jersey, was the only other U.S. beach among the top 10.

Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic placed seventh and eighth respectively.

Ayia Napra in Cyprus was the top-rated European beach destination, followed by Skiathos, Greece.

Despite its glamorous, starry reputation, the French Riviera didn't even place among Europe's top 25.

In the South Pacific, synonymous with exotic beach travel for many, Bora Bora topped the list.

The top choice in Central and South America was Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, a country that has developed a reputation for eco-travel.

Other highly rated beach destinations included the Maldives, Panama City, Florida, Miami Beach, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Florida's Sanibel Island and Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Nearly 70 percent of U.S. respondents said they were planning a beach vacation in 2011, and just over half were opting for a U.S. destination and about one-quarter were planning to visit the Caribbean or Mexico, according to recent TripAdvisor survey.

Full results including top beach destinations in Italy, Germany, Spain and Canada can be found at www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches


You really cant put Boracay down. :)

^^nice idea:lol: you reminded me of a friend who told the taxi to drive him straight to the office of LTFRB:lol:


You bet. Your friend is right. A straight line is the shortest route from Point A to Point B.:lol:

TOP 25 BEACHES IN THE WORLD
www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches
1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Boracay, Philippines
3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
4. Negril, Jamaica
5. Tulum, Mexico
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Cape May, New Jersey
10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
11. Maldives
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
13. Miami Beach, Florida
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
15. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
16. Sanibel Island, Florida
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
19. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
20. Cancun, Mexico
21. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
22. Skiathos, Greece
23. Clearwater, Florida
24. Honolulu, Hawaii
25. Ko Phangan, Thailand


and here is the top 10 Beaches in ASIA
(It is dominated by Thailand's beaches! :D)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCBeaches-g2-cTop10-Asia.html

1. Boracay, Philippines
2. Maldives
3. Ko Phangan, Thailand
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Khao Lak, Thailand
6. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
7. Gili, Trawangan, Indonesia
8. Krabi Town, Thailand
9. Ko Lanta, Thailand
10. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam


^^ That is because other Philippine beach destinations are not well publicised. Oh yeah I heard maraming sand flies sa Phu Quoc.

what i learned from my frequent trips about taking taxis:

5. If you sense something is bad, make a call to someone telling that someone you're taking a cab right now with this plate number and any descriptions of that cab.



Nakakatakot naman itong Number 5. Baka magsuntukan kayo ng taxi driver nyan.:lol: Baka ilabas nya ang kalibre 45 bago matapos kang tumawag.

just tell the cab driver to drop you off to the nearest police station

Nakakatakot naman itong Number 5. Baka magsuntukan kayo ng taxi driver nyan.:lol: Baka ilabas nya ang kalibre 45 bago matapos kang tumawag.

no i always do this as a habit when i take a cab especially in a place i don't know. if you're afraid to make a call then send a text message. for us ladies this is very important. Of course when you make a call, don't say anything bad about the driver, just pretend, do not be obvious that you sense something bad. Halimbawa ng mga calls ko: Nay, nakasakay na ako sa taxi ngayon, nandito na ako sa (lugar)______ngayon, bantayan mo ako sa labas ng gate, kulay____ang taxi ko, plate number? tanungin ang mama, mama ano plate number mo daw? o ayan o di ba di na siguro obvious yan:lol:

no i always do this as a habit when i take a cab especially in a place i don't know. if you're afraid to make a call then send a text message. for us ladies this is very important. Of course when you make a call, don't say anything bad about the driver, just pretend, do not be obvious that you sense something bad. Halimbawa ng mga calls ko: Nay, nakasakay na ako sa taxi ngayon, nandito na ako sa (lugar)______ngayon, bantayan mo ako sa labas ng gate, kulay____ang taxi ko, plate number? tanungin ang mama, mama ano plate number mo daw? o ayan o di ba di na siguro obvious yan:lol:


Definitely a good idea to take precautionary measures before boarding a cab. Better be safe than sorry. :)

TOP 25 BEACHES IN THE WORLD
www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches
1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Boracay, Philippines
3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
4. Negril, Jamaica
5. Tulum, Mexico
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Cape May, New Jersey
10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
11. Maldives
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
13. Miami Beach, Florida
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
15. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
16. Sanibel Island, Florida
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
19. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
20. Cancun, Mexico
21. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
22. Skiathos, Greece
23. Clearwater, Florida
24. Honolulu, Hawaii
25. Ko Phangan, Thailand




I'll take this list with a grain of salt. Those highlighted beaches ahead of even Bora-Bora? C'mon, give me a break. This is more like a popularity contest. Sowee. :)

^^ On the other hand.. i always thought Bora-Bora is overrated. :)

I mean.. each person has his own taste and preferences.. right? :D

^^if that is a popularity contest then Boracay should be in the bottom of the list or not even included in that list. :D

^^ True! and I have to mention, it is a ranking on BEACHES.. not ISLANDs. :)
i guess that made the difference.

^^if that is a popularity contest then Boracay should be in the bottom of the list or not even included in that list. :D

Wait a minute. It's Tripadvisor! So it is a popularity contest! If you try reviewing now the above-listed beaches and rate the corresponding stars, it will affect the ranking, even if you never saw the beach. But Boracay is still tops so nothing to worry about.:)

http://64.19.142.11/caramoanislands.com/images/gota_notice_800.jpg

source (www.cwcwake.com)

What's so special about bora-bora?

At nakapunta ka na ba dun to make that judgement? I suppose the people who made that list know what they are talking about

I dont think there are alot of Pinoys on tripadvisor. I am a member but I never even took that survey. Maybe they rank it according to traveler comments?

Just finished watching Tagong Boracay by Howie Severino at i-Witness. It reminds me of the first time I went to the island...shocked about the tricycles and the birth of its own slums, behind the white sands. My first time at Boracay brought me early to reality. I slept not at the hotel, but a hut somewhere in station 3, far from the beach. Aklanons cherish its virginity back then, now Boracay looks more like Metro Manila than Western Visayas. Jun Palafox was right when he said that "as if you never left Manila."

And I quite fear that for Carabao Island's fate, which is poised next at Boracay.

Just finished watching Tagong Boracay by Howie Severino at i-Witness. It reminds me of the first time I went to the island...shocked about the tricycles and the birth of its own slums, behind the white sands. My first time at Boracay brought me early to reality. I slept not at the hotel, but a hut somewhere in station 3, far from the beach. Aklanons cherish its virginity back then, now Boracay looks more like Metro Manila than Western Visayas. Jun Palafox was right when he said that "as if you never left Manila."

And I quite fear that for Carabao Island's fate, which is poised next at Boracay.

Parang Baguio lang and ending ng Boracay pag-nagkataon. Hanggat maaga palayasin ang dapat palayasin sa lugar. Sunugin ang mga bahay ng mga skwating.

^^ hehe

sunugin? wag nman...

^^ hehe

sunugin? wag nman...

sus! ginagawa na yan sa Manila eh..;)

:D

Parang Baguio lang and ending ng Boracay pag-nagkataon. Hanggat maaga palayasin ang dapat palayasin sa lugar. Sunugin ang mga bahay ng mga skwating.

^^ hehe

sunugin? wag nman...

sus! ginagawa na yan sa Manila eh..;)

:D

Ironic, because those who live in the so-called slums are the ones who give manpower to Boracay's tourism industry. Most of them are migrant workers who doesn't have decent living quarters in the "island paradise." Boracay, in my opinion, is a product of tourism development without urban planning nor foresight. Also, there is an issue of ancestral domain, especially that of the Ati (Aeta of Panay) and land grabbing issues in Boracay.

In my opinion, the issues of informal settlement, housing for the migrant workers, water, environment, and the migrant workers itself, were and are overseen by the local (attention Cicero Cawaling) and national government when it comes to sustainable urban planning of the resort island.

That is why, Jun Palafox said earlier that "if you are in Boracay, as if you've never left Manila." My take on it, Boracay feels more NCR than Western Visayas itself...and its replicating the problems that Manila has on a smaller and more "tropical" setting.

sus! ginagawa na yan sa Manila eh..;)

:D

be discrete.. kunwari di ka aware.. :lol:

be discrete.. kunwari di ka aware.. :lol:

O/T:

I was thinking all along that the causes of most of those fires were "faulty electrical wiring"! Hehehehe.

We claim to be Christians, and we do these things? How can we reconcile our actions with our beliefs!

TOP 25 BEACHES IN THE WORLD
www.tripadvisor.com/TCbeaches
1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Boracay, Philippines
3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
4. Negril, Jamaica
5. Tulum, Mexico
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Cape May, New Jersey
10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
11. Maldives
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
13. Miami Beach, Florida
14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
15. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
16. Sanibel Island, Florida
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
19. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
20. Cancun, Mexico
21. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
22. Skiathos, Greece
23. Clearwater, Florida
24. Honolulu, Hawaii
25. Ko Phangan, Thailand


and here is the top 10 Beaches in ASIA
(It is dominated by Thailand's beaches! :D)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCBeaches-g2-cTop10-Asia.html

1. Boracay, Philippines
2. Maldives
3. Ko Phangan, Thailand
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Khao Lak, Thailand
6. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
7. Gili, Trawangan, Indonesia
8. Krabi Town, Thailand
9. Ko Lanta, Thailand
10. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Congratulations to PH.:cheers:

palamig muna kayo mga pre...

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2851/genphoto2hiresy.jpg
A foreign guest strolls with dogs in Boracay in this file photo.

Reciprocity will bring in the tourists
(http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=673693)By Lance Y. Gokongwei President & CEO, Cebu Pacific (The Philippine Star) Updated April 07, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (2)

MANILA, Philippines - Good morning. I would like to thank the Tuesday Club and all its members headed by Mr. Tony Katigbak of The Philippine STAR for this opportunity to share with you our thoughts regarding EO 29 which declared an Open Skies policy for all our airports, except Manila.

We have always been supportive of Aviation liberalization including “Open Skies” agreements with other countries. Why wouldn’t we be? We were a major beneficiary of domestic aviation de-regulation. And we have never been shy telling media about our support for a liberalized aviation industry.

But about three weeks ago, we broke corporate tradition at Cebu Pacific, and went public with our concern over the lack of reciprocity under EO 29. It was a first in CEB’s 15-year history. My appearance before you today or any kapihan for that matter is also a first.

We decided to come out and engage the issue constructively so there would be a better understanding of why reciprocity based on equal opportunity is extremely important not just to Cebu Pacific but also to the public in general.

We agree with the objective of EO 29 to bring in more tourists. It is posited that if foreign carriers are allowed to compete and freely fly to the Philippines the tourists would come.

There are two key aspects introduced in EO 29: increased competition and unlimited access to our skies by foreign carriers. We have no issues with these.

We would like to add a third aspect: reciprocity. We would like to be part of this competition. If foreign carriers are given unlimited access on routes to and from the Philippines, we believe it is only fair, that CEB and other local airlines be given unlimited access to and from the Philippines to these carriers’ home countries, on an equal opportunity of access; on a level playing field.

Reciprocity will keep all airlines on their toes and allow Filipino carriers like CEB to compete with foreign carriers. Ultimately, more competition leads to lower fares, benefiting not only CEB but the whole tourism industry, here and abroad.



We are very proud to say that Cebu Pacific’s low fares played a major role in spurring growth in tourism as shown by 127-percent growth in domestic tourism in the last five years. From 7.3 million in 2006 to 16.6 million passengers in 2010.

International tourism from the markets we serve has grown much faster than from the markets we do not fly to. Last year alone we grew our International traffic by 39 percent. That’s 2.2 million passengers in 2010 alone.

Further examination of the data will prove the case. In 2005, a year before we started flying CEB planes to Singapore, tourist arrivals were estimated at 69,435. Since we introduced lower fares to Singapore in 2006, that rate has grown by 74 percent, resulting in 121,083 tourist arrivals from Singapore last year.

Perhaps, at the risk of sounding immodest, these facts show we have championed tourism and will continue to do so wherever we are allowed to fly and compete.

Examples of Lack of Reciprocity

Now, let me cite a few examples of the consequences of non-reciprocity:

• Seat limitations skewed to favor foreign carriers over local carriers. The existing agreement between the Philippines and Hong Kong limits local carriers to only 2,500 seats per week on the Hong Kong-Cebu route; Hong Kong carriers get the same number. Under EO 29, Philippine carriers will still be limited to 2,500 per week but all Hong Kong carriers can now fly this route without any limit.

• Exhaustion of air rights in major destinations and routes. An early EO in 2008 declaring “open skies” sans reciprocity in Clark resulted in Hong Kong Express flying into Clark without limitations. CEB was unable to compete because air rights to Hong Kong were fully utilized at that time. CEB could not use Clark unless it reduced its HK services from Cebu. This was solved only after subsequent bilateral air talks resulted in additional air rights. This undue delay in CEB’s ability to compete with a foreign carrier should not have happened if reciprocity was in place. CEB has been flying to HK everyday since and offering the lowest fares out of Clark.

• Inability to offer lower fares to potential high yield tourist markets. Japan has always been considered a major tourism market. Currently CEB flies to Osaka three times weekly. We have been asking for additional flights to Osaka which the Philippines is entitled to under the current Philippine-Japan Air Services Agreement. However our request, to this day, has not been approved. In the meantime, All Nippon Airways (ANA) was recently allowed to come in and operate flights from Tokyo to Manila under the very same Air Services Agreement. This is another example of the lack of reciprocity.

Example Where Reciprocity Worked

A notable success story that we think we can build on and use as model is Korea:

• In 2007, the Philippines negotiated a new air services agreement with South Korea, raising the capacity limit for each country to 19,000 seats a week almost a three-fold jump from the previous limit of 6,800.

As a result, today, we compete with Korean carriers on Incheon and Busan routes, and airlines such as Korean Air, Asiana, Air Busan, and Jeju Air are adding flights into the Philippines. Korea today is the country’s No. 1 source of tourists.

Moving Forward

We propose that we move on these three fronts to realize quick wins:

• Japan Open Skies – Japan had signed open skies agreements this year with Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea; and with the US late last year. It took their respective governments an average of just more than a month to finalize these agreements. Japan is open to more such agreements with ASEAN and this presents an opportunity the Philippines must grab quickly.

• ASEAN Open Skies – There are currently efforts to have an ASEAN Open Skies regime but the Philippines and Indonesia remain as holdouts. If we sign this, the region will be open to each country’s carriers on an equal footing. This is a regional effort which I think will work better than a unilateral approach.

• Middle East and Europe Open Skies – We also support reciprocal Open Skies agreements with regions like the Middle East and Europe where Philippine carriers don’t fly to today provided of course we can, if and when we are ready.

CEB Position

Let me just quickly repeat our position:

• We welcome and support EO 29, the opening of all Philippine airports, except Manila, to all foreign carriers. However, we would like, to also be given the opportunity to compete with these foreign carriers on those same routes, and offer our trademark low fares not only to their nationals/tourists but to our own OFWs as well who live or work there. This is reciprocity and is most fair.

EO29 also offers to foreign carriers unlimited ‘fifth freedom rights’. We have no issue with this provided their governments allow us the same opportunity. We believe the requested reciprocity can be accommodated in EO 29’s implementing rules and regulations.

• We are not asking for special favors. We became the Philippines’ largest National Flag Carrier without any. We have invested heavily in the country, employ over 4,000 Filipinos and we have given every Juan the opportunity to fly with our low fares. All we ask for is the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

Let us have Open Skies for all, not Open Skies for foreign airlines and Closed Skies for Filipino carriers.

Thank you.

^^ cool.

A new Spanish restaurant in Greenbelt

http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/48036/check-it-out-cerveseria-in-greenbelt-3


http://www.spot.ph/files/2011/04/1301999971-cerveseria_click.jpg
Cerveseria
Ground Floor Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center
Makati City
Tel. No. 757-4791

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/04/pictures/110405-bats-swarms-caves-philippines-monfort-world-record/#/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-overview-bats_34163_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-overview-bats_34163_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-albino_34157_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-grass_34160_600x450.jpg


Bat Bonanza

Photograph courtesy Monfort Bat Cave & Conservation Foundation

Bats pack the walls in an undated picture of the Monfort cave. A conservative estimate of the cave's bat density suggests there are at least 640 animals for every 11 square feet (1 square meter), Bat Conservation International founder Merlin Tuttle reported in 2006.

The Monfort cave is unique not only because of its record-breaking number of inhabitants, but also because all the bats belong to the same species. Most bat caves have more than one type of bat, Monfort noted.

(See cave pictures.)

Published April 5, 2011

^^ scary look :)

palamig muna kayo mga pre...

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2851/genphoto2hiresy.jpg
A foreign guest strolls with dogs in Boracay in this file photo.

wow:D swerte namn ng mga aso:D

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/04/pictures/110405-bats-swarms-caves-philippines-monfort-world-record/#/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-overview-bats_34163_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-overview-bats_34163_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-albino_34157_600x450.jpg

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/341/cache/philippines-bat-cave-huge-population-grass_34160_600x450.jpg


Bat Bonanza

Photograph courtesy Monfort Bat Cave & Conservation Foundation

Bats pack the walls in an undated picture of the Monfort cave. A conservative estimate of the cave's bat density suggests there are at least 640 animals for every 11 square feet (1 square meter), Bat Conservation International founder Merlin Tuttle reported in 2006.

The Monfort cave is unique not only because of its record-breaking number of inhabitants, but also because all the bats belong to the same species. Most bat caves have more than one type of bat, Monfort noted.

(See cave pictures.)

Published April 5, 2011

^^ scary look :)


WHOA! AS IN WHOOOOAAA!!!

This beats the one in Chiang Mai!

^^ gives me the heebeegeebies.

BORACAY

palamig muna kayo mga pre...

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2851/genphoto2hiresy.jpg
A foreign guest strolls with dogs in Boracay in this file photo.

WOWWWWWWWWWWWW! Ang cute ng mga bulldogs!

^^ Saan kaya nagdudumi mga yan :lol:

WHOA! AS IN WHOOOOAAA!!!

This beats the one in Chiang Mai!

this is the world's largest according to this article...

TO THE BATCAVE!

http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/16805/SAMAL-ISLAND-worlds-largest-19

^^ nice. :okay: lovely bats and uh, lovely butt. perfect, this is just perfect for tourism :D

this is the world's largest according to this article...

http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/16805/SAMAL-ISLAND-worlds-largest-19

^^ Yeah I saw.. It's really amazing!

WOWWWWWWWWWWWW! Ang cute ng mga bulldogs!

Bulldogs ang nanotice mo? :lol::lol::lol:

Ako...yung nanotice ko....



Ang beach.. Ang gandaaa ng beach!!!! Ilang buwan na kaming walang araw dito sa Hanoi!! :lol:

Overseas vacationers warned of long queues at airports
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 15:01:00 04/07/2011 Filed Under: Holidays or vacations, Air Transport, Tourism

MANILA, Philippines—Airport officials advised travelers planning to spend their summer in holiday destinations like Bali or Bangkok to expect long queues at the immigration counters and security checks, especially in the days leading to Holy Week.

“Traditionally, there are more departures than arrivals during the Holy Week,” said Lina Pelia, chief of the airport operations center of the Bureau of Immigration, as she urged passengers to be patient come departure time.

Pelia said her department was anticipating a huge wave of passengers traveling to Asian holiday spots like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“They're often the passengers who take advantage of promos by budget airlines,” she said in a phone interview.

Pelia said it should take passengers only 40-45 seconds to pass the immigration counters, unless they have problems with their travel papers. But for most people, long lines lead to flaring tempers, she said.

“They must be patient because as you know, we have structural limitations, especially at the departure area at Terminal 1. There's only so much we can accommodate,” she said.

At times, she said security checks would take several minutes especially when some of the X-ray scanners are inoperative.

Pelia also advised departing passengers not to carry a lot of luggage, just one carry-on bag if possible.

“And don't put lotion or perfume in your carry-on,” she said. Per airport regulations, only 100 milliliters of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on bags for each passenger. They should also be put in a clear one-liter plastic bag.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20110407-329889/Overseas-vacationers-warned-of-long-queues-at-airports

Honestly, I do not really like the idea of Filipinos going to the beach or to any vacation spots during Holy Week like resorts, etc.

If I'm going to travel during this time in The Philippines, I would prefer alay lakad or traveling around to visit churches, etc. Also the rituals in Pampanga though I do not agree with the Catholic Church discouraging people from seeing this.

Holy Week is not a time for a leisure vacation. Unless you are not Christian.

Filipinos in general are Christians but that doesn't mean they are practicing it.

Honestly, I do not really like the idea of Filipinos going to the beach or to any vacation spots during Holy Week like resorts, etc.

If I'm going to travel during this time in The Philippines, I would prefer alay lakad or traveling around to visit churches, etc. Also the rituals in Pampanga though I do not agree with the Catholic Church discouraging people from seeing this.

Holy Week is not a time for a leisure vacation. Unless you are not Christian.

Dapat magnilay-nilay, mag-isip, at gumawa ng tama! Renew your being a Christian!

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6436/17118418859598450170518.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/17118418859598450170518.jpg/)

^^ nice! Sports and Eco Tourism. woot!

Dapat magnilay-nilay, mag-isip, at gumawa ng tama! Renew your being a Christian!

I'm Christian but not religious. But to me this more a sign of respect. Its only 4 days that you can do a small sacrifice. The rest of the holidays, than you can enjoy.

^^ just shows you that the grip of theistic beliefs is now waning... whether it's good or bad, we don't know...

^^ unpopular opinion: to me it's a good thing. :)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6436/17118418859598450170518.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/17118418859598450170518.jpg/)

akala ko ba sinara muna ang mount apo?

i respect other people's attitude toward religion but I do not agree with what they do in Puerto Gallera on Holy Week. if there's one place that deserves to get inundated with a tsunami, Puerto Gallera on Holy Week is the top of the list.

^^ unpopular opinion: to me it's a good thing. :)

Ditto ;)

i respect other people's attitude toward religion but I do not agree with what they do in Puerto Gallera on Holy Week. if there's one place that deserves to get inundated with a tsunami, Puerto Gallera on Holy Week is the top of the list.

Puerto Galera has become a giant cesspool.
http://multiply.com/mu/raulpanis/image/4/photos/38/500x500/13/galera-white-beach-5.JPG?et=W2u0n0mnfoUWDOJjVinh4A&nmid=90536922
Source (http://raulpanis.multiply.com/photos/album/38/PUERTO_GALERA_LONG_WEEKEND_TRIP_with_my_comments#photo=13)

Anong meron pag Holy Week dun?

^^ unpopular opinion: to me it's a good thing. :)

hehe, i'd really love to prove you wrong, but i can't so i'll just leave it at that...:lol:

Puerto Galera has become a giant cesspool.
http://multiply.com/mu/raulpanis/image/4/photos/38/500x500/13/galera-white-beach-5.JPG?et=W2u0n0mnfoUWDOJjVinh4A&nmid=90536922
Source (http://raulpanis.multiply.com/photos/album/38/PUERTO_GALERA_LONG_WEEKEND_TRIP_with_my_comments#photo=13)

Anong meron pag Holy Week dun?

Malapit kasi sa Manila.

I dont like PG too, save for diving there. Mangilan ngilan na lang ang lugar na hindi binabaha ng turista dun.

^^ (at the picture) what the... :D

Davao City may recapture its ‘Little Tokyo’ (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110408-330000/Davao-City-may-recapture-its-Little-Tokyo)
By Jeffrey M. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:12:00 04/08/2011

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeZN-zbxJCvUXBTsO1dkURpLSKCoG76XBxPUp9wN_LCPLuAzoaUA

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qeKAgajxC-0/TU0ZLCs8NHI/AAAAAAAABXk/bnUTKkJMykk/s400/davao.jpg

Filed Under: Places, Disasters (general), earthquakes, tsunami, Local authorities
DAVAO CITY—If Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had his way, Davao City may soon recapture its pre-World War II reputation as “Little Tokyo.”

Duterte said he would welcome even the entire population of earthquake-devastated areas in northeastern Japan if they wanted to come and temporarily settle here.

Duterte issued the statement on Tuesday as he announced that at least 20 elderly Japanese were due to arrive and temporarily live here while their villages were being rehabilitated.

Estimates of the total population of the Japanese areas ravaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami were not available but relief officials at one point said the twin disaster left more than 450,000 Japanese homeless. Latest reports said 163,000 of them were still in evacuation shelters.

The earthquake and tsunami also left some 28,000 dead and missing. To this day, Japan is also grappling with dangers from radiation after the quake and tsunami damaged its nuclear facility in Fukushima.

2nd biggest city

Where Duterte proposes to house the homeless Japanese, if they take up his offer at all, is not clear.

Earlier, the Davao City government offered to send a team of rescuers to Japan. The Japanese Embassy declined the offer.

Davao is the second biggest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, with a population of 1.4 million, according to the latest census. From the 1930s until the outbreak of World War II, it was known as “Little Tokyo” because of its large number of Japanese settlers and workers.

Duterte said he had heard from a Japanese friend of the plans of some Japanese nationals to seek refuge in Davao City. He said an initial batch of 20 Japanese retirees was due to arrive anytime.

Best thing to do

“The best that we can do is to help them,” Duterte said. “After all, Filipinos are treated very well in their country. We look forward with hope for the Japanese people.”

The city government will make sure the visitors are treated well, he said.

“I don’t mind how many of them will be coming over, as long as they behave well while they are in Davao. They can even be as many as thousands,” Duterte said.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6slcYXNa204/TCMG0IO2GgI/AAAAAAAACao/srXbyRUkerY/s1600/davao-city.jpg

^^ It would be nice to bring back that old wasabi flavour to Davao. Imagine if we grow our Chinatown in Binondo while Koreans set up their own colony in Cebu, and then now the Japanese back in Mindanao. We'll be like ASEAN Plus Three right here. :)

Puerto Galera has become a giant cesspool.

Anong meron pag Holy Week dun?

Mindoro sling, and plenty of sex on the beach. :D
I think this is when they hold their shrooms festival too around this time of the year. :lol:

^^ yey, cool!

a giant cesspool indeed...

Puerto Galera has become a giant cesspool.
http://multiply.com/mu/raulpanis/image/4/photos/38/500x500/13/galera-white-beach-5.JPG?et=W2u0n0mnfoUWDOJjVinh4A&nmid=90536922
Source (http://raulpanis.multiply.com/photos/album/38/PUERTO_GALERA_LONG_WEEKEND_TRIP_with_my_comments#photo=13)

Anong meron pag Holy Week dun?

^^ Do the exact opposite, stay home for a while, enjoy the peace while your neighbors are away and go there when its not season. ;)

Bangus Festival Month (http://mb.com.ph/articles/313232/bangus-festival-month)
April 7, 2011, 9:02pm


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuCNCbXIZuE/TW0TAkro1LI/AAAAAAAAAGI/WGnaPZTaaSE/s400/Dagupan%2BCity%2Bbangus%2Bfestival%2B2011%2Blogo.png

http://www.clickthecity.com/img2/articles/CTC-224-image1.jpg

MANILA, Philippines – The Bangus (Milkfish) Festival, the biggest annual tourism event of Dagupan City, officially opens on Friday with a fluvial parade called Bangus ed Karosa. The traditional Gilon Gilon ed Dalan (street dancing competition) will also be staged on Friday, the Bangus Rodeo and 101 Ways to Cook Bangus on April 29, 2011, and the Kalutan ed Dalan on April 30, 2011.

Other activities lined up for the celebration are the Pisasalamat ed Ilog, a photo contest, an Auto and Electronic Show/Exhibit, Café ed Park, Bangus Art Exhibit, Dagupan Grafitti Art Walk, Sculpture Painting Contest, Halo-Halo Festival, Pigar-Pigar Festival, Bikini and Bodybuilding Contests, Talent Show, singing and dance contests, Battle of the Bands, Wall Climbing, Easter Egg Hunt, and Mangrove Planting.

There will also be sports events featuring badminton, shooting, fishing, boxing, kickboxing, off-road mountain biking, cycling, a marathon, swimming, and Langoy Bangus – where participants will swim across the Almay-Pantal River. After break during the Holy Week on April 21-23, 2011, activities will resume on April 24, 2011 (Easter Sunday) up to April 30, 2011, with the Kalutan ed Dagupan as the culminating event.

The Bangus Festival was conceived 10 years ago to promote the bangus industry and the City of Dagupan to the world. Today, the Bangus Festival has become synonymous with Dagupan City, just as Panagbenga is to Baguio and the Sinulog is to Cebu.

We congratulate the Dagupeños and Pangasinenses led by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., Representative Georgina P. de Venecia, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr., Dagupan Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, Vice Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, City Councilors Maybelyn DC. Fernandez, Marc Brian C. Lim, Jesus D. Canto, Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV, Maria Librada Fe M. Reyna, Joselito C. Seen, Alipio Serafin D. Fernandez, Luis M. Samson Jr., Redford Christian P. Erfe-Mejia, Alvin T. Coquia, Guillermo P. Vallejos, and John Chester C. Gonzales, City Treasurer Romelita F. Alcantara, City Administrator Vladimir T. Mata and other Officials, on the occasion of their 2011 Bangus Festival. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

^^ agree. but some use Holy Week as a time to reunite with loved ones too like we do in Bicol...

^^ Do the exact opposite, stay home for a while, enjoy the peace while your neighbors are away and go there when its not season. ;)

Our Apo Reef Experience:
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/15/aporeef7.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3240/aporeef1.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1818/aporeef2.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1747/aporeef3.jpg

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/2966/aporeef4.jpg

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/8392/aporeef5.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/131/aporeef6.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1913/aporeef8.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5015/aporeef9.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/506/aporeef10.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5737/aporeef11.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4232/aporeef12.jpg

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2362/aporeef13.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7929/aporeef14.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/9984/aporeef15.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2281/aporeef16.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/3822/aporeef17.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4330/aporeef18.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8779/aporeef19.jpg

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2629/aporeef20.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7315/aporeef21.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7888/aporeef22.jpg

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2475/aporeef23.jpg

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6876/aporeef24.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/6083/aporeef25.jpg

Pandan Island
Sablayan, Occidental, Mindoro

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/548/pandan5.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5387/pandan3.jpg

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6442/pandan4.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9691/pandan1.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/1403/pandan2.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1935/pandan9.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/381/pandan6.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2350/pandan12.jpg

Our Apo Reef Experience:
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Is this Apo Reef between Mindoro and Busuanga? If so, I’ve been wanting to go there for a long time now. It seems like you used a motorized banca. Where did you board this banca? Was it from Mindoro or Busuanga? How much was the rental of the banca? How long was the trip? Can you camp out in the Apo Reef Island?

This is sad. I hope this doesn't happen to Philippine beaches. :ohno:


Bali drowning in sewage and 'slowly committing suicide', says Time magazine

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/04/08/1226035/956911-bali-rubbish.jpg


ONE of Australia's favourite holiday destinations has been slammed as a sewage-ridden waste-ground that is "slowly committing suicide".

Bali tourism chiefs are reeling after Time magazine attacked the island's hygiene standards and claimed that the beaches were a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.

Tourists had even been warned that swimming at Kuta Beach for more than 30 minutes could cause skin infections.

Under the headline "Holidays in Hell: Bali's Ongoing Woes", Time said that during monsoon season rivers flush sewage into the sea and the water "turns muddy with dead plankton".

"Water shortages, rolling blackouts, uncollected trash, overflowing sewage-treatment plants and traffic so bad that parts of the island resemble Indonesia's gridlocked capital Jakarta," the report says

One local journalist told the magazine that "it's like Bali is slowly committing suicide".

Bali tourism chief Ida Bagus Subhiksu admitted the island had a waste problem but claimed that much of the rubbish on the beaches was from other islands.

He told AFP that up to 300 garbage trucks a day collected rubbish in Kuta.

"In Kuta, there will be more garbage trucks designated for the area as extra funding for waste management there has been approved," he said.

Despite the growing concerns over Bali's cleanliness, visitor numbers are growing - AFP reports that 2.3 million foreign tourists came last year and 2.5 million are expected this year.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/bali-slammed-in-time-magazine/story-e6frfq80-1226035959320#ixzz1Iu4gyVxl

@tchitz

We went there by way of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Boat ride is 8500 (two-way trip), exclusive of tourist guide and environmental fees. Maximum Capacity is 8-10 persons. One way trip took a total of 2-3 hours. We were told one can camp out on the island and the boat will wait till the next day. Bring your own food though since Apo Reef Island is a protected area and they are so strict they do not allow any business establishments there, even fishing boats are banned within the island's vicinity...

We were told Apo Reef can be reached by way of Coron in just 1 hour so I guess it may be cost effective...

Ang daming basura sa Bali. kakatakot mangyari sa Boracay o Palawan beaches.

It can happen if the authorities there do not enforce the law.

It can happen if the authorities there do not enforce the law.

I think Puerto Galera is heading the way of Bali. Boracay, tethering.

This one at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya.

http://www.pattayamail.com/765/pictures/Baywatch-Jomtien-Be.jpg

Very sad. :ohno:

Source: http://www.pattayamail.com/765/news.shtml

Other Holiday Destinations should be promoted as well so there would be no overcrowding in Boracay or Puerto Princesa...

I hope Boracay would not turn out to be like those beaches... :(

just a bit of reality, we have our own share of the problem. this one from Manila Bay... :ohno:

http://www.paranaque.gov.ph/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/photo-no-6-pque-takes-part-in-24th-coastal-clean-up-600x400.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6126/met1hires.jpg





This one at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya.

http://www.pattayamail.com/765/pictures/Baywatch-Jomtien-Be.jpg

Very sad. :ohno:

Source: http://www.pattayamail.com/765/news.shtml

that pool of garbage is very overwhelming.... :(


though i think, it's not appropriate to post it here.. little discretion please.

@bledzoe Manila Bay is no Boracay nor Bali. Wrong comparison.


We got good news tho, Manila Bay is undergoing clean up.

Eco group seeks 'humane' cleanup of Manila Bay (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/216930/nation/eco-group-seeks-humane-cleanup-of-manila-bay)