Travel and Tourism Industry [Archive] - Page 58

InfinitiFX45

October 10th, 2011, 04:27 PM

A Progressive Philippine Tourism: For the People, By the People :banana::cheers:

Number Don't Lie
by ANDREW JAMES MASIGANOctober 10, 2011, 4:04am

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/337223/a-progressive-philippine-tourism-for-people-by-people

MANILA, Philippines — In a closed door forum held with select members of media, newly installed Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez shared his marching orders from the President.

The Chief Executive ordered that the gains of the tourism industry be made inclusive, or one whose gains trickle down to even the most marginalized sectors of society. Jimenez did the math and according to his calculations, it would take 10 million visitors, minimum, to achieve the President’s wishes.

With our 3.3 million visitors last year, the industry pumped $22.5 billion into the economy, comprising six percent of GDP. Jimenez needs to increase this to 15 percent by 2016 to make its benefits inclusive.

Ten million visitors is 3.6 million more than what his predecessor Bertie Lim originally planned, and 6.7 million away from our total arrivals last year. To pull this off, Jimenez needs to boost arrivals by as much as 20 percent a year for five years. Not an easy feat, considering it took Thailand 14 years to get from three to 10 million tourists, and Malaysia, 15 years.

Still, the entrepreneur-turned-cabinet secretary is determined—in fact, even optimistic. He is off to a good start as the country is poised to surpass its 3.6 million arrival target this year and breach the four million mark barring any untoward event.

But it’s an uphill battle considering the meager resources at Jimenez’ disposal. DOT’s global promotions budget for 2011 merely equals what Malaysia is spending in Hong Kong alone. This requires Jimenez to “work smart” and “spend smart.”

On the organizational front, he has already re-aligned DOT’s promotional clusters (management groups focused on promoting the Philippines in particular markets) putting bias on emerging markets like China, India, and to some extent, Russia.

Established markets like Japan, Korea and the U.S. have been allotted less management resources due to their moderate growth trajectories. On the budgetary side, Jimenez intends to spend on a mix of traditional advertising and a cache of ingenious guerilla marketing tactics to get the most bang for the buck.

I wondered if Jimenez was feeding the people another pipe dream given the fondness of some government agencies to over-state their targets and under-deliver on the results. Jimenez was honest enough to say that the 10 million target will only be a pipe dream if the DOT were to do it on its own. He stressed, however, that there is a strong fighting chance to achieve it if the citizenry plays an active role in the effort. No surprise that his marketing strategies have a huge civil society component in them.

While he remained mum about the country’s new tourism slogan, he did reveal some examples of guerilla tactics that harness the power of the people. If anything, this should give us an idea of his train of thought and what we can expect from our marketing-savvy Secretary.

The Internet

The Internet is “the great qualizer,” the medium that obliterates the power of advertising dollars by allowing everyone, rich and poor alike, to get their message out there at practically no cost. What Jimenez lacks in financial resources, he intends to make up for by harnessing the power of the World Wide Web.

He was emphatic about the Internet’s role in his strategic plan, particularly the use of social media networks and the Filipino’s proclivity for spending countless hours on-line. The Secretary revealed his intention of turning every Filipino into brand ambassadors for Philippine Tourism. Done right, this could potentially be the country’s most powerful advertising medium—considering there are 28.72 million Filipinos registered on Facebook alone (representing 30 percent of our entire population, and the 8th largest ethnic group in the FB community) and 4.01 million on Twitter. Together, they have the potential to touch over a billion “contacts”.

The Philippines in the World Sporting Circuit

A number of sporting associations hold their tournaments in various places around the world as part of their qualifying heats. Formula 1, The World Rally Championships, and The Ironman Challenge are popular examples of these. Jimenez intends to make the Philippines a part of the sporting circuit for games that require tropical terrain like motocross, surfing and triathlon events.

Apart from attracting the participants, crew and spectators, the international complexion of these meets and the publicity they generate serve as ideal platforms to present the country in a new and desirable light. The country stands to gain excellent media values for a relatively small investment.

Community participation is a crucial element to this tactic. The DOT will be working closely with LGUs and the local communities to mount these events and “wow” our visitors with Filipino-style hospitality.

A Culture of Salesmanship

Local travelers account for more than 70 percent of the industry’s revenues. While more Filipinos travel domestically today then ever before, many still miss the opportunity to use this as selling leverages to woo visitors in. Jimenez wants to change that by inculcating a culture of salesmanship.

He cited the example of Spain and how every Spaniard talks relentlessly about the beauty of his country to anyone willing to listen. The Spanish people are, in effect, walking billboards for their tourism industry.

Like us, it wasn’t long ago that Spain was a country beset with travel advisories warning potential visitors of social unrest and crime. The number of visitors that visited the country was a mere fraction of what its neighbors to the north (France) and to the east (Italy) got. Today, they are the fourth most visited country in the world, with arrivals of 52.68 million a year thanks to the concerted effort of its people. All this was achieved in less than a generation.

Jimenez thinks a quantum leap for Philippine tourism can be achieved if everyone plays a part in the selling effort, most especially our 11 million OFWs who are present in every corner of the globe.

The Game Plan

Judging from the three examples cited by the Secretary, it is clear that his game plan is to tap the infinite power of the people to augment his finite advertising budget. A genius move that none of his predecessors have done!

When you consider that he is drawing upon the same bastion of strength that toppled a dictator and made the country a beacon of democracy in the developing world, the idea of transforming the country from tourism underachiever to rock star status is not so far fetched.

xxxriainxxx

October 10th, 2011, 04:34 PM

KLIA is about an hour drive to the city centre. The same with Clark but a bit longer.

Honestly it does not matter if there is an airport with the jurisdiction of a major city or not.

What matter is if the airport has some distance from the urban centre which is the standard with most international airports these days and has room for expansion.

An airport near the city centre can create some restrictions.

As long as if the airport is well planned including railway link to and from the city then we are fine.

but KUL is not as far to KL as Clark is to Manila

Yep, KLIA is about an hour from KL Centre.

CRK is about 2 hours by bus with traffic. HSR can reduce that significantly.

boypad

October 10th, 2011, 06:53 PM

^^ Sorry to resurrect this previous article but CamSur tourist data from DOT website from Jan-Aug 2011 is to bloated in terms of tourist volume count. Maybe the news article below explain the real figure.

Sham Sur

BusinessMirror Online
Thursday, 08 September 2011 21:02
Dean de la Paz / Through the Looking Glass

DO congee toppings really float to the top as advertisements depict? Can underarm deodorant attract women in droves? Such existential inquiries into life’s profound mysteries attain pre-eminence in view of what an advertising executive posted at the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Advertising and promotions are subsets of marketing. On that vast and wider plane, the task of economic development charged upon tourism remains not only indistinct and distant, but entails competence beyond hucksterism’s catchiest taglines.

While we trust in the new secretary, the difference between fact and fiction in tourism is as undeniable as the shattering of the idyllic beauty of our islands when innocents are bused and then butchered at the Luneta.

Note the incongruities in the advertising embellishments surrounding Camarines Sur (CamSur) spun by admen as the country’s highest-drawing destination.

CamSur illustrates marketing hyperbole against governance failures and glib and glossy propaganda over precision.

Tourism research shows inordinate importance placed on headcount as a primary performance indicator. Here lies the problem. CamSur reflects the weaknesses of tourism as a primary economic enterprise and explains the dichotomy in tourism-hyped, albeit poverty-stricken, economies hiding slum and squalor behind surf and sand from Rio de Janeiro to Aruba and the Caribbean, to the Bicol peninsula.

Contrast empirical data against the spin.

Provincial politicians claim CamSur attracted 2,330,116 tourists in 2010, a 49-percent increase from 2009. If true, per-capita index would have risen and CamSur would have outnumbered those from Metro Manila, Cebu and Boracay.

Unfortunately, DOT data invalidate the claim. Reports show the region recording 3.22 million. If accurate, only 890,000 would have visited the rest of Bicol as CamSur claims 73 percent, thus belying Albay numbers showing five visitors for every one of CamSur’s.

Because CamSur’s claims are convoluted by more than 1.86 million tourists unrecorded either through bookings or occupancy, let us count only the verifiable. Suddenly, the hype and hoopla change radically. CamSur’s verifiable visitors numbered only 461,053 against Metro Manila’s 1,480,871, Cebu’s 712,400, and Boracay’s 305,569.

If CamSur attracted 1.56 million tourists in 2009 (49 percent less from its 2010 claim), revenues should have reflected those. They didn’t. Among the 2009 Commission on Audit (COA) findings, fund aberrations total at least P436,759,140 comprised of accrued and overstated revenues.

Add a drain of P516,386,650.90 in expense-related issues and one realizes that perhaps congee toppings do, indeed, sink to the bottom.

Let us add economic benchmarks.

CamSur’s per-capita index is less than a fifth of the Cordilleras that includes Baguio revenues. Of CamSur’s municipalities, 43 percent are either fourth-class or fifth-class, indicating poor earning capacities. Its poverty incidence is a high 38.7 percent. More than one out of three are poor; 33 percent are unemployed while 35 percent are underemployed. At between P6,632 and P7,650, as of August 2010, CamSur’s per-capita income languishes among the country’s lowest. In the fourth district where tourism flourishes, indicative of weak linkages and trickle-down effects, 50 percent of municipalities wallow in poverty.

Following the Good Governance Index of the National Statistical Coordination Board, CamSur ranks next to the bottom. Measuring aggregate values produced, inclusive of tourism receipts, its contribution to the national gross domestic productivity ranked among the lowest.

While its officials fixate on tourism, the un-hyped fisheries, agriculture and mining sectors produced CamSur’s gross regional domestic productivity but failed to sustain the province because of diseconomies of scale. CamSur is too big.

Add the COA findings and aggravate these with a series of Ombudsman corruption charges. The result epitomizes fallacies surrounding tourism-fixated economies and the CamSur disparities.

Citing the Caribbean experience, a 2006 treatise on the economics of tourism incomes by the Sheffield Hallam University in South Yorkshire, England, finds inordinate focus on tourism as an impediment where other sectors are neglected. In CamSur, a fixation on building resorts traded off a critical flood-control program and recklessly exposed farming communities to deadly calamities.

A 2004 study served as a prognosis. Citing an over-emphasis in tourism growth that results in the neglect or undercapitalization of local agriculture and manufacturing, condemning both to economic and multiplier inefficiencies, it supports a 1997 paper showing “tourism is not necessarily a powerful regional development agent in developing countries.”

Moreover, while CamSur’s tourism might be cited as a seasonal employment generator, a seminal study in the Annals of Tourism Research cites that lower classes are often exploited as sources of cheap labor. While the poor have seasonal employment opportunities, the negative impact of pandemic inflation, speculative property values and rising crime rates overwhelm gains. Note CamSur’s petrified poverty and the 256-percent increase in its crime rate.

By day’s end, CamSur’s officials should realize that underarm deodorants simply mask odors. Imagery does not suffice. Soon enough, sham statistics start to stink.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/16301-sham-sur

Counterpoint by Alvin Capino
Manila Standard Today
September 16, 2011

After seeing the news photos of the sea of devotees who joined the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City we now have a probable explanation for the claims of Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte that his province is the number one tourist destination in the Philippines.

If you count those Peñafrancia devotees as “tourists,” then there could be justification for LRay’s claims that his province hosted 2.3 million tourists in 2010 and in the process outperforming Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and even Metro-Manila in tourist arrivals.

Of course if you use the same standards of counting “tourists,” Quiapo in the city of Manila will have more “tourists” than Camarines Sur with the millions who attend the procession of the Black Nazarene.

Even if you accept LRay’s claim of CamSur’s tourist arrivals, what the governor might find hard to explain is why tourism income of the provinces is just a fraction of the tourism income of, say, Boracay which registered only 700,000 tourist arrivals in 2010.

In fact, LRay can first start explaining allegations that the provincial government has not been issuing receipts and therefore underdeclaring the provincial government’s income from the CamSur Watersports Complex.

LRay has many other more important things to explain aside from the exaggerated tourist arrivals claims. It’s very important that he explain to his constituents why CamSur has emerged again as the poorest province in the entire Bicol region based on the 2009 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board.

It should be pointed out that LRay has questioned the accuracy of the NCSB report. He said “The manner by which they (NCSB) derive their data or report is through a household survey that is more often just left in the household for the family to fill up (a method) which has a high risk of deriving inaccurate answers.”

“You cannot clearly measure the poverty incidence and get accurate data by simply filling up a form with no guidance and explanation” the CamSur governor added in trying to put doubt to NCSB’s report that 45,234 families in Camarines Sur are living below the poverty line.

LRay’s attempt to discredit the NCSB report will not work because the reports of other government agencies support it.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in its National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction showed that as of February 2011, 41.82 percent of all families in Camarines Sur are poor. This makes Camarines Sur the 4th poorest province in the entire country percentage wise.

The finding on poverty incidence levels in CamSur by NCSB and DSWD also jibes with the findings of the National Nutrition Council that the province has the highest malnutrition rate among pre-schoolers in the entire Region V based on its 2010 Operation Timbang.

It seem that LRay tries to mask his province’s basic poverty problem by holding high-profile events like triathlon and marathon events and the 22nd Advertising Congress next month.

LRay, we have to admit, is the master of hype and he has been getting away covering up the real situation in CamSur. But for how long will he be able to do this when nearly half of the families in his province are living below the poverty line?

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideOpinion.htm?f=/2011/september/16/alvincapino.isx&d=/2011/september/16

InfinitiFX45

October 10th, 2011, 07:14 PM

Philippine gaming market seen growing fivefold in 5 years :banana::cheers:

Pagcor project seen to attract more tourists
by: Paolo G. Montecillo - Philippine Daily Inquirer 9:17 pm | Monday, October 10th, 2011

http://business.inquirer.net/24023/philippine-gaming-market-seen-growing-fivefold-in-5-years

The Philippine gaming market can grow fivefold over the next five years with the opening up of the local industry, breaking the monopoly previously held by state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Belle Corp., one of four companies authorized to put up hotels and casinos at the Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque City, said the prospects were bright for the gaming industry, which is expected to attract customers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Macau gaming market is worth about $35 billion in revenues. The Philippine gaming market makes only $1 billion. For us to get just 2 to 3 percent of that market means we can double our own revenues,” Belle Corp. vice chairman Willy Ocier said.

The company listed P4.5 billion worth of shares on Monday. These were issued earlier this year as part of a stock rights offering. Proceeds of the offer will be used to fund the construction of the company’s Belle Grande Manila hotel and casino. The company hopes to open the project by the first quarter of 2013.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ocier said the liberalization of gaming industries in different countries have always resulted in an exponential increase in revenues, contributing to job creation and better economic prospects.

In Macau, which is now the world’s leading gaming market, industry revenues were at about $1 billion a year when businessman Stanley Ho monopolized the market. Opening up the industry paved the way for the entry of leading hotel and casino operators, helping the industry grow to where it is now.

Another example is Singapore, where revenues are now at $5 billion a year, up from zero three years ago. Ocier said the island-nation was able to achieve this feat with just two casinos—Resorts World in Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands.

He said the Philippine gaming market has been able to duplicate this to some extent when private companies were allowed to put up casinos. He said that Resorts World Manila, the hotel-casino venture operated by Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp., was able to double the market’s size on its own.

Once the hotels and casinos at the Pagcor Entertainment City are operational, Ocier said the country would be able to attract more foreign tourists, particularly from China. The four groups participating in the Pagcor project are required to put up 8,000 hotel rooms each before they can be allowed to operate a casino.

“We are confident to see the Philippine market grow to as much as $2 billion to $5 billion in size in the next five years,” Ocier said. Mainland China will likely be the main market for local casinos. At the moment, Macau is the most convenient market for Chinese customers. “But every Chinese citizen is allowed to visit Macau only once every three months. So the only other choices for avid gamers are the Philippines and Singapore,” Ocier said.

“Singapore is four hours away by plane from southern China. The Philippines is much nearer,” Ocier said. “A lot of people want to go to the Philippines and they are just looking for a reason to do so,” he said.

Aside from Belle, other franchise holders for the Pagcor Entertainment City are Japan’s Aruze Group, Megaworld and Bloombury Investments of businessman Enrique Razon Jr.

le Reine

October 11th, 2011, 02:51 AM

Perseus II

October 11th, 2011, 03:57 AM

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9021/dsc00824cq.jpg

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/7008/dsc00745fn.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7972/dsc00759jk.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5232/dsc00791rh.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/1595/dsc00790f.jpg

inside SAn Agustin Church, Intramuros :)

boypad

October 11th, 2011, 04:08 AM

^^ :lol: That Church pedestal remind me something about a chapter page in Noli Me Tangere... Dear Padre Damaso..:)

Ady001

October 11th, 2011, 04:13 AM

^^ Mga kabaong bayan?

Perseus II

October 11th, 2011, 04:31 AM

^^ :lol: That Church pedestal remind me something about a chapter page in Noli Me Tangere... Dear Padre Damaso..:)

di ba noon dun sa pedestal nagsesermon ang mga pari? ANo kasi tawag dun?

Pero maganda talaga ang San Agustin Church :) Truly something we have to preserved and be proud of :)

Dr. Richard Espeno

October 11th, 2011, 05:00 AM

pulpit ang tawag dun sa pedestal

Manila-X

October 11th, 2011, 05:21 AM

In KL, they have this Express Rail or the high speed train from KL airport to the city. Distance is 75 km and it takes only an average of 28 minutes of travel time.

The KLIA Expres is not even considered as HSR. Its speed is similar to that of The MTR Airport Express in HK.

RonnieR

October 11th, 2011, 06:40 AM

RonnieR

October 11th, 2011, 06:41 AM

The KLIA Expres is not even considered as HSR. Its speed is similar to that of The MTR Airport Express in HK.

The KLIA Express travels as much as 168 km/hour. Isn't it considered as high speed train?

Mercato

October 11th, 2011, 06:56 AM

Kintoy

October 11th, 2011, 08:31 AM

Manila-X

October 11th, 2011, 08:44 AM

The KLIA Express travels as much as 168 km/hour. Isn't it considered as high speed train?

An HSR train runs through a minimum of 200 kph.

If an HSR is planned from Manila to Clark, it has to be a Maglev type since this is better used for airport-express systems.

Manila-X

October 11th, 2011, 08:49 AM

How long does it take for the Hongkong Airport Express MTR to reach the main city terminal? Just out of curiousity...

About this Clark transfer... What is its impact on the growth for Calabarzon? A singaporean friend has a house and business in Lipa City and it takes 1.5hours(?) to reach Alabang, it doesnt include yet the Alabang to NAIA trip. He commutes about 1x every 2months.

How long does it take to travel from Alabang Filinvest SLEX exit towards the entrance to the NLEX (via EDSA? or C5?)

What is the average time for the gnarling traffic all across Makati/ Manda/ Ortigas/ Cubao/ QC/ Caloocan??

If a fast rampaging bus takes 2 hours to reach Clark, then I suppose a slower car will take 2.5 hours to 3 hours to reach Clark from Caloocan?

The prospects seem daunting to those from the Great South. :(

It takes at least 25 minutes from HKIA to Central via Airport Express.

I'm from The South but I don't really mind the travel time. And those from this area should not complain.

If those living in Yokohama or in Kanagawa Prefecture in Metro Tokyo are willing to travel long distance to Narita, why can't Southside Manilans or those coming from Calabarzon? Besides, Haneda's international service is limited compared to the former.

And if you won't want to be late for your flight then better leave your house early! Most likely with HSR you don't have to drive all the way to Clark, you can just drive or commute to the nearest station, check in and take the train.

Kintoy

October 11th, 2011, 09:12 AM

if you use Clark, you will begin your journey about 5 hrs before your flight.3 hrs for commute and getting there, plus 2 hrs for pre-boarding. that's longer than Manila-Singapore flight.

Mercato

October 11th, 2011, 03:34 PM

^^

people who are saying that you only need an hour to commute to clark should take that into account. i've been commuting to work every day in a taxi and it even takes me an hour to get to ortigas from Katipunan on some daysThe very thought of driving through Magallanes all the way through Ayala, Buendia, Guadalupe, Crossing, Ortigas, Crame, Kamuning, (ooops nakalimutan ko na sa dami!) hanggang SM North Edsa, Balintawak(?) is already tiring me out even as I type. :lol: :lol: Dapat all of us from the Great South should get sturdy long endurance drivers. Saan na ko magwo-workout niyan? FF Eastwood? :lol:

An HSR train runs through a minimum of 200 kph.

If an HSR is planned from Manila to Clark, it has to be a Maglev type since this is better used for airport-express systems.Strongly agree with MagLev. Tho it is Chinese built, it is of German design. And since it seems inevitable, I strongly suggest the Main Grand Central Station be positioned NEAR Makati como the country’s Premiere Financial District. How about the vacant lots at Taguig-Fort Bonifacio?

And to keep NAIA alive for domestic use, how about connecting the Grand Central Station of the Maglev Express from NAIA all the way to Clark? It will keep both airports alive. They had already sunk in a lotta money at Terminal 3 plus the posh establishments at the Resorts, the Marriott, the Casino, etc. They can't abandon it just like that.It takes at least 25 minutes from HKIA to Central via Airport Express.

I'm from The South but I don't really mind the travel time. And those from this area should not complain.

If those living in Yokohama or in Kanagawa Prefecture in Metro Tokyo are willing to travel long distance to Narita, why can't Southside Manilans or those coming from Calabarzon? Besides, Haneda's international service is limited compared to the former.

And if you won't want to be late for your flight then better leave your house early! Most likely with HSR you don't have to drive all the way to Clark, you can just drive or commute to the nearest station, check in and take the train.if you use Clark, you will begin your journey about 5 hrs before your flight.3 hrs for commute and getting there, plus 2 hrs for pre-boarding. that's longer than Manila-Singapore flight.Many of the policy makers and the prime movers live anywhere between the villages in Makati and Alabang. :D It would be interesting what they have to say in the coming years…

InfinitiFX45

October 11th, 2011, 04:52 PM

Belle eyes share of $35-b Macau casino business :):):)

by Jenniffer B. Austria

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2011/october/11/business2.isx&d=2011/october/11

Belle Corp., a gaming and property company owned by retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr., said it aims to get a slice of the huge $35-billion Macau gaming industry once it opens its own facility at the state-initiated Entertainment City along Manila Bay by the first quarter of 2013

Belle vice chairman Willy Ocier told reporters Belle Grande Manila Bay would primarily target the foreign market, including Chinese players, which is the main source of revenues of gaming companies operating in Macau and Singapore.

“Macau is a $35-billion market. If we only get 2 to 3 percent then we will double our existing revenues from gaming,” Ocier said.

The Philippines currently generates $1 billion in revenues from gaming operations.

Ocier said the Philippines could be a good alternative gaming site for Chinese nationals after Beijing restricted visits by citizens to Macau to every three months.

“What the government envisions is that the foreign market, in terms of revenue, has to be more than 50 percent and that’s basically the purpose of the licensing with the private sector to bring in more traffic from the region,” Ocier said.

Share price of Belle on Monday advanced by P0.03 P3.56 after listing 1.508 billion in rights share that raised P4.5 billion in proceeds.

Belle plans to use proceeds from the stock rights offering to finance the company’s $1-billion integrated resort and gaming complex.

Construction of Belle Grande, which started in early 2010, is in full swing. When completed, the integrated resort and gaming facility will have more than 250,000 square meters of gross floor area, including 17,000 square meters of gaming space and more than 20,000 square meters of retail and restaurant facilities.

wino

October 11th, 2011, 05:41 PM

really, just 1 hr to Clark? my commute by cab from Katipunan avenue to Ortigas takes a little less than an hour...

if you use Clark, you will begin your journey about 5 hrs before your flight.3 hrs for commute and getting there, plus 2 hrs for pre-boarding. that's longer than Manila-Singapore flight.

then don't use Clark.. di nman tatanggaling ang NAIA. Di nman porket tinawag na MAIN GATEWAY eh ibig sabihin dun ka required dumaan.

kay Mar Roxas ka magreklamo

mwg12a

October 11th, 2011, 05:56 PM

The very thought of driving through Magallanes all the way through Ayala, Buendia, Guadalupe, Crossing, Ortigas, Crame, Kamuning, (ooops nakalimutan ko na sa dami!) hanggang SM North Edsa, Balintawak(?) is already tiring me out even as I type. :lol: :lol: Dapat all of us from the Great South should get sturdy long endurance drivers. Saan na ko magwo-workout niyan? FF Eastwood? :lol:

Strongly agree with MagLev. Tho it is Chinese built, it is of German design. And since it seems inevitable, I strongly suggest the Main Grand Central Station be positioned NEAR Makati como the country’s Premiere Financial District. How about the vacant lots at Taguig-Fort Bonifacio?

And to keep NAIA alive for domestic use, how about connecting the Grand Central Station of the Maglev Express from NAIA all the way to Clark? It will keep both airports alive. They had already sunk in a lotta money at Terminal 3 plus the posh establishments at the Resorts, the Marriott, the Casino, etc. They can't abandon it just like that.Many of the policy makers and the prime movers live anywhere between the villages in Makati and Alabang. :D It would be interesting what they have to say in the coming years…

Trouble with Maglev is it's too expensive to build and maintain that even the chinese realized that it's not something for the masses. With Passenger activities of less 30 million per year in NAIA with only 7 million for international, it's hard to dedicate a sophisticated transport system like maglev strictly for airline passengers use, it has to be a mass transit system but even than, with the 25 peso train fair with LRT, the masses are already complaining for the increase, how much more with maglev? Not that I am oppossing the idea of it but if it guaranteess the return on investment why not? But the way I see it, it simply would not work in Manila or NAIA -DMIA yet.

The trip to DMIA by car or bus from Balintawak which is 82km is around 45 mins on a smooth sailing traffic, trouble is coming from all corners of metro manila, it takes more than that especially the ones coming from Alabang and beyond. We know how it goes when it comes to traffic congestions in Metro Manila.

It takes at least 25 minutes from HKIA to Central via Airport Express.

I'm from The South but I don't really mind the travel time. And those from this area should not complain.

If those living in Yokohama or in Kanagawa Prefecture in Metro Tokyo are willing to travel long distance to Narita, why can't Southside Manilans or those coming from Calabarzon? Besides, Haneda's international service is limited compared to the former.

And if you won't want to be late for your flight then better leave your house early! Most likely with HSR you don't have to drive all the way to Clark, you can just drive or commute to the nearest station, check in and take the train.

Its hard to compare Manila from Tokyo when it comes to these, the Japanese have very efficient and well organized traffic along with the efficiency in management down to planning itself. I can see why they in Japan aren't too concern about the commute considering the fact that the Japanese people are very patient, organized and well cognizant on traffic rules as well as proper etiquettes, no offense meant but it's just a known fact how japanese are comparing to the rest of the world.

pau_p1

October 12th, 2011, 03:21 AM

mwg12a

October 12th, 2011, 03:28 AM

I've posted an article about that before in the aviation thread because it became a subject of debate when I pointed out that even it's developer and the Chinese government realized how lucrative it is that it seems to be designed for upscale level of population and not the comon masses.

Mercato

October 12th, 2011, 03:59 AM

my Shanghainese boss even said that locals don't use the maglev because of its cost..I've posted an article about that before in the aviation thread because it became a subject of debate when I pointed out that even it's developer and the Chinese government realized how lucrative it is that it seems to be designed for upscale level of population and not the comon masses.you mean the Maglev is beyond the reach of the common masa? :) Well and good! I wouldn't wanna watch my suitcase and handcarried stuff every minute just to check if it hadn't been stolen yet. :lol: :lol: :jk:

Or any other fast train will do as long as they put up First and Business Classes... what about the tried and tested Japanese Shinkansen?

mwg12a

October 12th, 2011, 04:06 AM

you mean the Maglev is beyond the reach of the common masa? :) Well and good! I wouldn't wanna watch my suitcase and handcarried stuff every minute just to check if it hadn't been stolen yet. :lol: :lol: :jk:

Or any other fast train will do as long as they put up First and Business Classes... what about the tried and tested Japanese Shinkansen?

That is the positive side on that bai, the train would be luxurious and you wouldn't be worried about sitting next to someone with body odor, under arm odor and ones who pass gas indiscriminately. I love the idea that you would take a train in comfort and be served with anything you needed by a butler or a gorgeous stewardess:lol::lol::lol:

Mercato

October 12th, 2011, 04:09 AM

Trouble with Maglev is it's too expensive to build and maintain that even the chinese realized that it's not something for the masses. With Passenger activities of less 30 million per year in NAIA with only 7 million for international, it's hard to dedicate a sophisticated transport system like maglev strictly for airline passengers use, it has to be a mass transit system but even than, with the 25 peso train fair with LRT, the masses are already complaining for the increase, how much more with maglev? Not that I am oppossing the idea of it but if it guaranteess the return on investment why not? But the way I see it, it simply would not work in Manila or NAIA -DMIA yet.What? For only a freakin US$0.50 fare, they're complainin? I wonder how the ride is?

But if that Great Northrail ends simultaneously with the NLEX, that project is gonna face stiff opposition from the Great South. ;) A credible train system has to penetrate deep in the heart of Texas - este Manila pala, and it happens to be Makati, not Balintawak. The trip to DMIA by car or bus from Balintawak which is 82km is around 45 mins on a smooth sailing traffic, trouble is coming from all corners of metro manila, it takes more than that especially the ones coming from Alabang and beyond. We know how it goes when it comes to traffic congestions in Metro Manila.Which is precisely why an Airport Express system in Fort Bonifacio would soothe our minds. Its hard to compare Manila from Tokyo when it comes to these, the Japanese have very efficient and well organized traffic along with the efficiency in management down to planning itself. I can see why they in Japan aren't too concern about the commute considering the fact that the Japanese people are very patient, organized and well cognizant on traffic rules as well as proper etiquettes, no offense meant but it's just a known fact how japanese are comparing to the rest of the world. How about using the Shinkansen instead?

xxxriainxxx

October 12th, 2011, 04:16 AM

yeah I agree.. maglev is definitely too expensive to be built.. it would probably twice or more costly than the problematic Northrail contract.... my Shanghainese boss even said that locals don't use the maglev because of its cost..

Carriage on Shanghai train is very low. Even my friends who can definitely afford it would rather hire a cab from the airport into the city. That's what we did when I first visited Shanghai in 2007.

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 04:17 AM

xxxriainxxx

October 12th, 2011, 04:32 AM

pau_p1

October 12th, 2011, 04:38 AM

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 04:39 AM

If train travel can cut it down to 1 hr from CRK-MNL that would be best. CRK needed to be transformed into a mega airport.

Most likely when travel distances are measure it would be from Clark to Balintawak or to some extent, Trinoma.

From how it see it, that is the plan. Because of our location / geographical position, The Philippines has the potential to become a major aviation hub. Clark is the perfect example of it.

With Clark, we can lure in more airlines and create direct connections with Europe, North America, Oceania and even Latin America.

Foreign tourists may not need to have a stopover either in HK, BKK or SG to reach Manila. They can just fly direct.

xxxriainxxx

October 12th, 2011, 04:45 AM

Most likely when travel distances are measure it would be from Clark to Balintawak or to some extent, Trinoma.

From how it see it, that is the plan. Because of our location / geographical position, The Philippines has the potential to become a major aviation hub. Clark is the perfect example of it.

With Clark, we can lure in more airlines and create direct connections with Europe, North America, Oceania and even Latin America.

Foreign tourists may not need to have a stopover either in HK, BKK or SG to reach Manila. They can just fly direct.

I reckon that. However, unless we have the infra in place plus aggressive promotions, more direct flights to Europe and Latin America will be a pipe dream. I hope part of the recent stimulus package include improvement in the tourism infrastructure.

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 04:48 AM

yup.. in my opinion.. having a high speed train terminal in the middle of the metro to clark airport that would take about an hour ride.. would really ease up travel there and I might not mind much to fly out from Clark.. otherwise i'd still prefer NAIA... and I guess and hope that when they open a station in Manila, luggage checkin may be done there just like in KL Sentral.. at least I don't need to add my travel time to another2-3 hours to be in Clark for checkin.. I'd spent that checking-in in Manila instead..

The question is where in Manila?

The most ideal to have stations would be Trinoma, Fort Bonifacio and if possible, up to NAIA.

Honestly I hate NAIA despite the new terminals. The location is the major factor here the fact Metro Manila is one of the few major cities in the world where the international airport is close to the city centre.

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 04:50 AM

I reckon that. However, unless we have the infra in place plus aggressive promotions, more direct flights to Europe and Latin America will be a pipe dream. I hope part of the recent stimulus package include improvement in the tourism infrastructure.

It has to be aggressive.

Tourism is one of economic potentials The Philippines has. Other than infrastructure, security should also be improved.

pau_p1

October 12th, 2011, 04:57 AM

The question is where in Manila?

The most ideal to have stations would be Trinoma, Fort Bonifacio and if possible, up to NAIA.

Honestly I hate NAIA despite the new terminals. The location is the major factor here the fact Metro Manila is one of the few major cities in the world where the international airport is close to the city centre.

well.. i think a station in Balintawak or Trinoma is really a good idea.. but the rail line IMO should still reach NAIA to physically connect both airports... so I guess that intermediate station in north of manila may serve both NAIA and DMIA...

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 04:59 AM

well.. i think a station in Balintawak or Trinoma is really a good idea.. but the rail line IMO should still reach NAIA to physically connect both airports... so I guess that intermediate station in north of manila may serve both NAIA and DMIA...

There is already a plan for a city check-in / station at Trinoma which to me is ideal.

xxxriainxxx

October 12th, 2011, 05:05 AM

^^ crossing fingers.

pau_p1

October 12th, 2011, 05:05 AM

Perseus II

October 12th, 2011, 05:15 AM

basta ako from SM NOrth Edsa hangang Dau eh 1 hour lang, yun ay kung walang traffic :)

beyond that distance eh hindi ko pa natry :)

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 05:36 AM

yup.. specifically for DMIA only.. and I agree that's very ideal... and if they plan a city checkin for using the proposed rail line and put it in Trinoma area.. I think the rail line may be extended to NAIA to connect it too... but then again we'll have to see what their plans are...

Other than NAIA, definitely there should be a city check-in / station somewhere at Fort to also serve those from Makati.

RonnieR

October 12th, 2011, 05:40 AM

you mean the Maglev is beyond the reach of the common masa? :) Well and good! I wouldn't wanna watch my suitcase and handcarried stuff every minute just to check if it hadn't been stolen yet. :lol: :lol: :jk:

Or any other fast train will do as long as they put up First and Business Classes... what about the tried and tested Japanese Shinkansen?

Mar Roxas never mentioned about Maglev :) I think they will go for the high speed rail like the one in KL or HK although according to Manila X, a HST runs at a minimum of 200 km/hr.

RonnieR

October 12th, 2011, 05:43 AM

There is already a plan for a city check-in / station at Trinoma which to me is ideal.

Yes, that's part of the plan, the city check in. :cheers:

xxxriainxxx

October 12th, 2011, 05:55 AM

City check in... that's a neat idea.

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 06:44 AM

Mar Roxas never mentioned about Maglev :) I think they will go for the high speed rail like the one in KL or HK although according to Manila X, a HST runs at a minimum of 200 km/hr.

Then that is not considered as high speed rail. The only HSR that I know that serves as an airport express is Shanghai's Maglev.

If not HSR, then we have to go with express rails similar to those used in HK or in KL and just let HSR do inter-city services.

Manila-X

October 12th, 2011, 06:47 AM

City check in... that's a neat idea.

For now, only BKK and KL are the only ASEAN cities with city check-in. There is also city check-in in Singapore but only for SQ flights.

kalbongdad

October 12th, 2011, 07:59 AM

haist saka na yang mga city check in.....gawin nila muna ang hi-speed rail....:lol: kidding aside...ginagawa na yan ngayon....sa hk at iba pang airlines sana nga matuloy na yang rail project na yan....tagal ng nabinbin dahil sa mga isyu ng katiwalian na wla naman pala....lalo lang nadelay ang proyekto:ohno:

Ekweng

October 12th, 2011, 09:35 AM

Then that is not considered as high speed rail. The only HSR that I know that serves as an airport express is Shanghai's Maglev.

If not HSR, then we have to go with express rails similar to those used in HK or in KL and just let HSR do inter-city services.

Passengers avoiding Heathrow, which really is too crowded, goes to Gatwick instead. And from Gatwick to central London, say Kingscross, will take you about an hour to reach and vice versa. Mind you, they only use refurbished express trains but nobody complains because of the smooth ride. Although intervals are 15 mins. I just don't know if there are city check-ins. Nonetheless it worked.

So I guess it would definitely work also from Manila to Clark.

Mercato

October 12th, 2011, 03:40 PM

There is already a plan for a city check-in / station at Trinoma which to me is ideal.yup.. specifically for DMIA only.. and I agree that's very ideal... and if they plan a city checkin for using the proposed rail line and put it in Trinoma area.. I think the rail line may be extended to NAIA to connect it too... but then again we'll have to see what their plans are...Now I'm intrigued. What's there in Trinoma ba that makes it such an important hub? (pardon me folks, I'd never been there before :D) any pictures please?Other than NAIA, definitely there should be a city check-in / station somewhere at Fort to also serve those from Makati.That's more like it. :yes:Yes, that's part of the plan, the city check in. :cheers:I agree. :D

mwg12a

October 12th, 2011, 04:58 PM

That is why if Clark is developed as the premier gateway it will take the whole package.

It would be similar to The Airport Core Programme of Hong Kong International Airport. That means it is not just the airport itself but direct linking like HSR and direct highway connections, etc.

Clark is going to be the premier gateway and it will become a major aviation hub in Asia.

The fact the A380 bothered to land there upon its visit here in The Philippines.

I don't know about the last sentence in your statement, I think A380 landed there in Clark to prove that it can land in any runway with the same configuration as in NAIA and Clark, it's more or less trying to sell their product so the Philippine carrier would consider buying it.

As far as becoming a major aviation hub in asia, I think that is a bit more over assessment since for one, the Philippines is the terminal end of a destination and not a transit hub. So, it is really hard to compare NAIA or DMIA to HK which is a transit hub and a financial district in Asia just like Singapore. It's not that I am trying to put the country down, I was just stating a general fact. What makes a location considered as a hub is not necessarily due to the strategic location or the geographical area, but more on the economic and trade industry that spurs growth in the aviation industry where the region itself grew exponentially to the point that this destination turn into a transit point of all major international travels.

Man we are turning this thread into airlines or aviation thread...:lol:

Ekweng

October 12th, 2011, 05:06 PM

What's there in Trinoma ba that makes it such an important hub? (pardon me folks, I'd never been there before :D) any pictures please?

I think it's because the planned central station that will connect MRT3, LRT1, and MRT7 will be in that area. Plus the proximity of Trinoma to NLEX.

RonnieR

October 12th, 2011, 05:35 PM

Now I'm intrigued. What's there in Trinoma ba that makes it such an important hub? (pardon me folks, I'd never been there before :D) any pictures please?That's more like it. :yes:I agree. :D

Ekweng is right. The planned Central Station will be built and connected to Trinoma.

Trinoma is an Ayala mall in Quezon City. It's connected to MRT North Avenue Station. It is located across the SM North/Block, the biggest mall in the country as per reports.

http://www.mallratzonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/trinoma1.jpg

inside
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tVv-anGO3Zg/SXI-LXItuVI/AAAAAAAAAVY/FN3CKDEM3bA/s400/trinoma.jpg

North Avenue station from wiki
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/af/MRT_North_Avenue.jpg/300px-MRT_North_Avenue.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Avenue_MRT_Station

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_inwdIe1giWk/SHtb6DAn1FI/AAAAAAAAFmc/PpYm-gmI0AU/s320/100_0690.jpg

Mercato

October 12th, 2011, 05:56 PM

^^ :cool: Holy Mall-y. Wow. I'm impressed already. Looks like a 5-star hotel ... :cool:

Thanks! :colgate:

kalbongdad

October 13th, 2011, 01:24 AM

well hopefully it gets built in our lifetime....tagal na ng project yung central station....sana nde puro press release...:lol:

InfinitiFX45

October 13th, 2011, 02:56 AM

Moving up in the South :banana::cheers:

1016 ResidencesOctober 13, 2011, 3:57am

http://mb.com.ph/articles/337573/moving-south

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu's as one of the best places in Asia — and not just the Philippines — was affirmed last year by an article in the international magazine

Travel + Leisure, placing it third in a list of the best islands in the region But Cebu is more than just a worldclass tourist destination; it is also proving to be one of the most desirable places to live in. Cebu City, in particular, has long been an economic and cultural hub, a cosmopolitan center that retains a great deal of character and charm.

Its centerpiece is the Cebu Business Park, started in the 1980s and developed over the years by Cebu Holdings and Ayala Land, the latter being credited for transforming Makati City into the premier business district it is today. Cebu’s commercial development became more tangible with the rise of Ayala Center Cebu where the latest surge in development was rounded off with the launch of 1016 Residences from Ayala Land Premier.

The integrated mix use story is located near Ayala Center Cebu, and directly adjacent to the City Sports Club Cebu, where it promises a unique living concept that centers on “livework- play.”The development itself will be the benchmark for residential condominiums in its class, leveraging on its prime location in the premier business and lifestyle hub of Cebu.

Promising “Country Club Living in Cebu’s Address of Choice,” among the unique benefits that 1016 Residences will offer is its connection with the City Sports Club Cebu since residents will enjoy usage rights to the club, and will be able to have access to all the country club amenities.

The building itself will be connected to CSCC through a landscaped walkway.

Manila-X

October 13th, 2011, 05:38 AM

I don't know about the last sentence in your statement, I think A380 landed there in Clark to prove that it can land in any runway with the same configuration as in NAIA and Clark, it's more or less trying to sell their product so the Philippine carrier would consider buying it.

As far as becoming a major aviation hub in asia, I think that is a bit more over assessment since for one, the Philippines is the terminal end of a destination and not a transit hub. So, it is really hard to compare NAIA or DMIA to HK which is a transit hub and a financial district in Asia just like Singapore. It's not that I am trying to put the country down, I was just stating a general fact. What makes a location considered as a hub is not necessarily due to the strategic location or the geographical area, but more on the economic and trade industry that spurs growth in the aviation industry where the region itself grew exponentially to the point that this destination turn into a transit point of all major international travels.

Man we are turning this thread into airlines or aviation thread...:lol:

It is the Travel & Tourism thread.

The A380 landed in Clark to prove that its runways can serve large airlines such as these and to show that this will be the premier gateway airport of The Philippines.

Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok have the same level of economic position as Manila but have grand airports with direct flight connections to different continents around the world. Plus parallel runways. Both airports have room for expansion.

Both have advantages to this especially when it comes to tourism.

BKK
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/th/1/1f/SBIA-Map_access1.jpg

KUL
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8398/klia.jpg

Jakarta on the other hand is not a major tourist destination but it is an economic centre in ASEAN. Their airport CGK may not have grand terminals but have land capable for expansion plus parallel runways which is the standard in todays aviation.

On the other hand, CGK have award winning terminals architecture-wise but are not well maintained.

CGK
http://earth.mercinova.com/sc-soekarno_hatta_airport.jpg

Honestly, we need a better premier airport and we see it in DMIA. NAIA is not capable enough to meet today's aviation standards and activity.

Manila-X

October 13th, 2011, 05:43 AM

^^ :cool: Holy Mall-y. Wow. I'm impressed already. Looks like a 5-star hotel ... :cool:

Thanks! :colgate:

Trinoma is one the best looking malls in Metro Manila. In fact it is one of my favourites.

And it is nice for it to double as a transit hub.

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 13th, 2011, 10:19 AM

^^
I love Trinoma as well! :okay:

RonnieR

October 13th, 2011, 10:42 AM

Source: http://ph.travel.yahoo.com/inspirations/391-family-friendly-activities-in-tagaytay

Family-friendly activities in Tagaytay
Wed Oct 12 10:40am

Zoo-hop
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/inspirations__18/inspirations-821118181-1318385969.jpg?ymx0oyFDOuiA5zBj
Keep the young ones' eyes glued on the furry and feathered friends in Tagaytay's mini-zoos. The Mini Zoo at Residence Inn has a Serpentarium, bird aviary, lions, puma, bats and a nice bonsai garden with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Visit early on weekends to catch the Magic and Pantomime shows all kids would enjoy.

Driving to the inner suburbs about 15 minutes from the highway to Mendez, you can find Paradizoo. Owned by the same people managing the Mini Zoo at Residence Inn, This 2-hectare zoo has free roaming Shetland Ponies kids can ride. There are also huge cages for camels, goats and a llama. The huge garden and butterfly farms are pleasant places for taking a stroll or leisurely walks. (Check if there are tiger cubs for petting and feeding)

Entrance fees are P200 for Residence Inn Mini Zoo and P100 for Paradizoo. Tip: going to Residence Inn first as the P200 ticket will also cover the entrance fee for the Paradizoo.
Zip away
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/inspirations__18/inspirations-619655187-1318385969.jpg?ymx0oyFDDf1C7PII
Got hyperactive kids? Exhaust their pent-up energies with some thrilling rides in Tagaytay. Try the short zipline at Residence Inn located beside their zoo and restaurant where your toddlers can ride secured on your back while you zoom away. Up the ante for a more exciting experience when you head over to the Picnic Grove and visit the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline.

Just 250 meters long and 300 feet high, it may look and sound tame but zipping at 60 kilometers per hour would be a daring enough feat to challenge the kids. Want a slower pace? There's also a cable car ride for the whole family.
[b]Dine with a view
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/inspirations__18/inspirations-764183831-1318385969.jpg?ymx0oyFDyI8xmbPW
With a good mix of different cuisines and restaurants coupled with the stunning view of Taal Lake and Volcano, Tagaytay is a favorite when it comes to dining out. Drop by at Leslie's which is popular for its tasty Bulalo (Beef Bone Marrow Stew). The world's most expensive coffee, Coffee Alamid, can be ordered at Bag of Beans. Enjoy sumptuous Vietnamese dishes at Bawai's. Wine and dine at Antonio's Fine Dining, one of Mielle guide's Top 10 restaurants in Asia. At Tagaytay, the tasty possibilities are endless.

Manila-X

October 13th, 2011, 12:07 PM

Despite the great view, the activities you can do in Tagaytay are limited. Unless you are a member of The Highlands which allows you to do more things and gives you a third and quick access to Tagaytay from Metro Manila.

On the other hand, there is one reason why I go to Tagaytay is food trip and I'm talking about both Filipino and international cuisine.

One of my favourites are Gourmet in Silang, Cavite and Manos Greek Taverna.

xxxriainxxx

October 13th, 2011, 03:01 PM

Hangzhou airport's best budget deals
Just outside Shanghai, air travelers can find great deals on flights into and out of Hangzhou
By Casey Hall 11 October, 2011

International budget airlines, such as Air Asia, choose Hangzhou over Shanghai as their East China base.
Only an hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail, Hangzhou's Xiaoshan International Airport (airport code HGH) is an optional hub for cheap flights to popular international destinations.

Budget airlines, such as Air Asia, fly from HGH, which is now connected via non-stop flights with 57 cities.

Here are some of the best current deals.

Route: Hangzhou-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Petronas Towers dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Why Kuala Lumpur: One of Asia's great shopping cities (especially for electronics), Malaysia's melting-pot metropolis is also famed for its multicultural eating options, with everything from great restaurants to fantastic hawker stalls.

Kuala Lumpur's proximity to Malaysia's white, sandy beaches draws travelers looking for a tropical getaway.

Carrier: Air Asia

Price: From RMB 1,980 round-trip (including taxes)

Route: Hangzhou-Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam's canals are a major attraction.
Why Amsterdam: The capital of The Netherlands might be well-known for its red-light district and permissive attitudes, but the city's attractions are legion.

Must-dos include touring impressive history museums, buying tulips at the Bloemenmarkt, picnicking in Vondelpark, visiting the home of Jewish World War II diarist Anne Frank and discovering the works of Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum.

Carrier: KLM

Price: From RMB 6,790 round-trip (including taxes)

Route: Hangzhou-Kalibo, Philippines

http://i.cdn.cnngo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/inline_image_240x240/2011/09/26/Kalibo.jpg
This is why you endure air travel.
Why Kalio: Kalibo is one of two airports (the other being Caticlan) connecting the Philippine island paradise of Boracay to the outside world. Boracay's warm, blue waters, powder-fine white sand and lush greenery make it one of Asia's best destinations for sun and sand.

Kalibo itself is home to the Kalibo Mangrove (Bakhawan) Ecotourism Park -- one of the most successful mangrove reforestation projects in the Philippines.

If you happen to be in town during the Ati-atihan festival (January 1-20, 2012), visit the Kalibo Cathedral and watch Catholic faithful passing a small Santo Niño (Christ child) through crowds of devotees, before taking part in lively parades and activities.

Carriers: Air Asia, Cebu Pacific

Price: From RMB 4,000 round-trip (including taxes)

Route: Hangzhou-Busan, Korea

The best parts of Busan are natural, rather than historical.
Why Busan: Home to more than 3.6 million people, Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and the country's largest port.

Most visitors come to Busan for the area's beaches, hot springs and nature reserves, making for a laid-back, cheaper vacation alternative to the capital of Seoul.

Held each fall, the Busan International Film Festival (October 6-14, 2011) is helping bring visitors to the city.

Carrier: Air China

Price: From RMB 5,000 round-trip (including taxes)

Route: Hangzhou-Phuket (via Bangkok), Thailand

Turquoise waters lure visitors to Phuket all year round.
Why Phuket: Known as the Asian capital of hedonism, 570-square-kilometer Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Lapped by the Andaman Sea, Phuket's turquoise waters draw honeymooners, surfers and holidaymakers all year round.

There are those for whom the beer bars and girlie bars of Patong will appeal, but Phuket is more than just a party destination. The island is home to swanky spa resorts, quiet beaches like Nai Harn and vibrant night markets in old Phuket Town.

Carrier: Hainan Airlines

Price: From RMB 2,942 round-trip (including taxes)
Getting There

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (杭州萧山国际机场) is located 27 kilometers from Wulin Square in the center of Hangzhou City, and 15 kilometers from the Xiaoshan District.

Shuttle buses run to and from nearly 20 area locations, including Yiwu, Suzhou, Wuzhen and downtown Hangzhou.

Shuttle buses from the airport to the city center take about an hour and cost RMB 20. Travel time is slightly less to the Xiaoshan District, and the cost is RMB 15.

The waiting hall for shuttle buses in the airport is located on the north side of Exit 5, Arrival Hall, on the first floor of the terminal building.

Casey is a city/lifestyle journalist from Melbourne, Australia, who has been based in Shanghai since 2007.
Read more about Casey Hall

Read more: Hangzhou airport's best budget deals | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/life/explore-hangzhou/hangzhou-airports-best-budget-routes-258718#ixzz1afIX4otA

Animo

October 13th, 2011, 09:13 PM

By ANDREW JAMES MASIGAN (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/337223/a-progressive-philippine-tourism-for-people-by-people)
October 10, 2011, 4:04am

MANILA, Philippines — In a closed door forum held with select members of media, newly installed Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez shared his marching orders from the President.

The Chief Executive ordered that the gains of the tourism industry be made inclusive, or one whose gains trickle down to even the most marginalized sectors of society. Jimenez did the math and according to his calculations, it would take 10 million visitors, minimum, to achieve the President’s wishes.

With our 3.3 million visitors last year, the industry pumped $22.5 billion into the economy, comprising six percent of GDP. Jimenez needs to increase this to 15 percent by 2016 to make its benefits inclusive.

Ten million visitors is 3.6 million more than what his predecessor Bertie Lim originally planned, and 6.7 million away from our total arrivals last year. To pull this off, Jimenez needs to boost arrivals by as much as 20 percent a year for five years. Not an easy feat, considering it took Thailand 14 years to get from three to 10 million tourists, and Malaysia, 15 years.

Still, the entrepreneur-turned-cabinet secretary is determined—in fact, even optimistic. He is off to a good start as the country is poised to surpass its 3.6 million arrival target this year and breach the four million mark barring any untoward event.

But it’s an uphill battle considering the meager resources at Jimenez’ disposal. DOT’s global promotions budget for 2011 merely equals what Malaysia is spending in Hong Kong alone. This requires Jimenez to “work smart” and “spend smart.”

On the organizational front, he has already re-aligned DOT’s promotional clusters (management groups focused on promoting the Philippines in particular markets) putting bias on emerging markets like China, India, and to some extent, Russia.

Established markets like Japan, Korea and the U.S. have been allotted less management resources due to their moderate growth trajectories. On the budgetary side, Jimenez intends to spend on a mix of traditional advertising and a cache of ingenious guerilla marketing tactics to get the most bang for the buck.

I wondered if Jimenez was feeding the people another pipe dream given the fondness of some government agencies to over-state their targets and under-deliver on the results. Jimenez was honest enough to say that the 10 million target will only be a pipe dream if the DOT were to do it on its own. He stressed, however, that there is a strong fighting chance to achieve it if the citizenry plays an active role in the effort. No surprise that his marketing strategies have a huge civil society component in them.

While he remained mum about the country’s new tourism slogan, he did reveal some examples of guerilla tactics that harness the power of the people. If anything, this should give us an idea of his train of thought and what we can expect from our marketing-savvy Secretary.

The Internet

The Internet is “the great qualizer,” the medium that obliterates the power of advertising dollars by allowing everyone, rich and poor alike, to get their message out there at practically no cost. What Jimenez lacks in financial resources, he intends to make up for by harnessing the power of the World Wide Web.

He was emphatic about the Internet’s role in his strategic plan, particularly the use of social media networks and the Filipino’s proclivity for spending countless hours on-line. The Secretary revealed his intention of turning every Filipino into brand ambassadors for Philippine Tourism. Done right, this could potentially be the country’s most powerful advertising medium—considering there are 28.72 million Filipinos registered on Facebook alone (representing 30 percent of our entire population, and the 8th largest ethnic group in the FB community) and 4.01 million on Twitter. Together, they have the potential to touch over a billion “contacts”.

The Philippines in the World Sporting Circuit

A number of sporting associations hold their tournaments in various places around the world as part of their qualifying heats. Formula 1, The World Rally Championships, and The Ironman Challenge are popular examples of these. Jimenez intends to make the Philippines a part of the sporting circuit for games that require tropical terrain like motocross, surfing and triathlon events.

Apart from attracting the participants, crew and spectators, the international complexion of these meets and the publicity they generate serve as ideal platforms to present the country in a new and desirable light. The country stands to gain excellent media values for a relatively small investment.

Community participation is a crucial element to this tactic. The DOT will be working closely with LGUs and the local communities to mount these events and “wow” our visitors with Filipino-style hospitality.

A Culture of Salesmanship

Local travelers account for more than 70 percent of the industry’s revenues. While more Filipinos travel domestically today then ever before, many still miss the opportunity to use this as selling leverages to woo visitors in. Jimenez wants to change that by inculcating a culture of salesmanship.

He cited the example of Spain and how every Spaniard talks relentlessly about the beauty of his country to anyone willing to listen. The Spanish people are, in effect, walking billboards for their tourism industry.

Like us, it wasn’t long ago that Spain was a country beset with travel advisories warning potential visitors of social unrest and crime. The number of visitors that visited the country was a mere fraction of what its neighbors to the north (France) and to the east (Italy) got. Today, they are the fourth most visited country in the world, with arrivals of 52.68 million a year thanks to the concerted effort of its people. All this was achieved in less than a generation.

Jimenez thinks a quantum leap for Philippine tourism can be achieved if everyone plays a part in the selling effort, most especially our 11 million OFWs who are present in every corner of the globe.

The Game Plan

Judging from the three examples cited by the Secretary, it is clear that his game plan is to tap the infinite power of the people to augment his finite advertising budget. A genius move that none of his predecessors have done!

When you consider that he is drawing upon the same bastion of strength that toppled a dictator and made the country a beacon of democracy in the developing world, the idea of transforming the country from tourism underachiever to rock star status is not so far fetched.

For more information on the Clark Education City, log-on to www.clarkeducationcity.com.au.

Andrew is an economist, political analyst and businessman. He is a 20-year veteran in the hospitality and tourism industry. For comments and reactions, e-mail andrew_rs6@ yahoo.com.

kalbongdad

October 14th, 2011, 01:28 AM

wala pa ba ang slogan....? :lol:

boypad

October 14th, 2011, 03:30 AM

KnightOfTheFlag

October 14th, 2011, 03:50 AM

^^ According to the news, only one bidder have submitted offer. New DOT Sec. have request a rebidding due to bid failure. I'll bet this will be award sometime in December and probable new slogan will come out early next year :lol:

NEXT YEAR?!? Tagal naman...eh single sentence with few but catchy words lang naman yun ah...eh dito nga sa forum dami ng creative ideas patatagalin pa ng ganun...come on...they can do better than that...siguro magpalabas sila ng premyo tapos magsubmit ang sinuman ng kanilang slogan, la pang isang buwan yan libo-libo na mga entries, tapos kung gusto nila pagbotohan thru txt yung mga final entries for the winner...

kalbongdad

October 14th, 2011, 04:05 AM

^^ According to the news, only one bidder have submitted offer. New DOT Sec. have request a rebidding due to bid failure. I'll bet this will be award sometime in December and probable new slogan will come out early next year :lol:

wooh para rin pala itong ppp kala ko pronouncement nila by november....bago mag xmas....well....sana naman by december meron na....

Sleepwalker

October 14th, 2011, 04:09 AM

wooh para rin pala itong ppp kala ko pronouncement nila by november....bago mag xmas....well....sana naman by december meron na....

Guys, let's just give the new DOT sec some time...He'd been telling us his plans and directions which are exciting.

Pero yang PPP, mas maganda sana kung may nasimulan na, kasi yan pa naman ang pambato sa admin na ito aside from the anti-corruption campaign (a.k.a anti-gma campaign).

KnightOfTheFlag

October 14th, 2011, 04:14 AM

wooh para rin pala itong ppp kala ko pronouncement nila by november....bago mag xmas....well....sana naman by december meron na....

Nakup!!...yan na nga na kinatatakut ko, ayaw ko na ngang banggitin baka kasi mangyari nga...na parang mga PPP ni pnoy... review, delay, REBID, rethink na hindi na natapos...follow the leader...pati yung matino pumapalpak na rin...

Manila-X

October 14th, 2011, 05:03 AM

I do hope that slogan will be up before X-Mas. That is when you get huge number of tourists visiting our country.

kalbongdad

October 14th, 2011, 05:36 AM

kaya nga opportune time nga sana......sana naman yung bagong tourism chief will be able to deliver....

RonnieR

October 14th, 2011, 06:29 AM

^^ According to the news, only one bidder have submitted offer. New DOT Sec. have request a rebidding due to bid failure. I'll bet this will be award sometime in December and probable new slogan will come out early next year :lol:

Source please.

He was interviewed in ANC this week and he said that the new slogan will be out before end of the year/Christmas.

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 06:46 AM

Hainan buys Zest Air
Makes 10th Subsidiary Airline

October 3, 2011

Haikou - China's Fourth largest airline company is buying all the minority share of Philippine low cost carrier Zest Airways.

Zest Air parent AMY Holdings together with other local investors would continue to retain 60% share of the airline company while Hainan Airlines (HU) through Grand China Holdings (HNA Group) will take 40% share in accord with Philippine Laws.

Alfredo Yao, Chairman of AMY Holdings, said its foreign partner has already started conducting due diligence of Zest Airways which take some time to finish before the actual sale but it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with officials of the HNA Group based on initial audit results of the Philippine-based carrier.

Hainan Airlines parent, Grand China Airlines Holding Company (GCAHC) owns Shanxi Airlines, Chang'an Airlines, and China Xinhua Airlines, and investments in other airlines to include Beijing Capital Airlines (70%), Lucky Air (67.95%), Tianjin Airlines (20%), Yangtze River Express (51%), Hong Kong Airlines (45%) and Hong Kong Express Airways (45%). Its investment in Zest Airways (40%) would be its 10th acquisition and affiliate airline.

The Hainan Group's entry into Zest Air’s would paved the way for the airline to finance its aggressive expansion strategy in the Philippines for domestic and international operations as it takes nine Airbus 320 delivery in 2012.

Zest Air has a fleet of six Airbus 320 planes and four Modern Ark 60s. The company would have 19 by next year, as it plans to mount more flights to China like more flights for its hub in Kalibo to different provinces in China.

The carrier aims to fly Manila-Singapore route soon as well as mount flights to Taipei, Palau, Bahrain and Dammam. Zest Air currently flies to Incheon and Pusan in South Korea from Kalibo and Cebu and some Chinese province capital.

Hainan Airlines reported a first-half net profit of $104.7 million, up 20.2% compared its posted income a year ago.

Source (http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2011/10/hainan-buys-zest-air.html)

RonnieR

October 14th, 2011, 08:04 AM

^^ Good ! more Chinese tourists. :)

RonnieR

October 14th, 2011, 08:06 AM

PARK INN HOTEL, DAVAO CITY - Asia's First

Asia’s first Park Inn Hotel to rise in Davao
By: Judy Quiros
Inquirer Mindanao
12:32 am | Friday, October 14th, 2011
4 share30 23

DAVAO City—Radisson Hotels, a subsidiary of the Minnesota-based Carlson Hotels group, is taking a step closer to building Asia’s first Park Inn Hotel here, according to officials of SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC).

Lourdes Macalindong, SMHCC vice president for sales and marketing, said in a recent briefing here that Radisson chose “to build the first Park Inn in the entire Philippines and Asia” in Davao because of its huge potential.

Park Inn hotels are currently found only in Europe and the United States.

Macalindong said the groundbreaking for the world-class hotel project, which will sit on an 8,800-square-meter property inside the SM City Lanang Complex here, is set for this month.

“Its targeted completion is 2013, in time for the completion of the SMX Convention Center here,” Macalindong said.

The 204-room Park Inn Hotel, she said, would cost P800 million.

The hotel is envisioned to be “very edgy, hip and trendy with vibrant colors.”

Treena Tecson, director of SMHCC’s marketing communications, sales and marketing, said Radisson designed the Park Inn branch here for business travelers, especially those coming over for conventions.

“The coming in of a Carlson brand of hotel in Davao City is an indicator that Davao City is an emerging convention center in the country,” Tecson said.

http://business.inquirer.net/24661/asia%e2%80%99s-first-park-inn-hotel-to-rise-in-davao

RonnieR

October 14th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Looks great although I'm not into these water sports/rides. :)

DAVAO
DAVAO River

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr3.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr5.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr4.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr6.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr7.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j223/abs_surg/wr2.jpg

:banana::banana::banana:

.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6931/travel3hires.jpg
The foreign travel agents receive a warm welcome at the Davao International Airport.

Davao dazzles foreign travel agents

By The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=734715&publicationSubCategoryId=87)
October 07, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the 81-man delegation of travel agents from 14 countries received a warm welcome at the Davao International Airport before the start of their tour.

They were among the 155 foreign buyers from 25 countries who participated in the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2011 held recently in Manila.

PHITEX is an annual international tourism promotional event organized by the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Promotions Board and includes the Travel Exchange where foreign buyers and local sellers of tourism and travel products and services transact business.

The foreign buyers are mostly big travel agents in their home countries where they can promote Philippine tourism to their respective clients.

Their trip to Davao thus familiarized them with the region’s tourism attractions, activities and advantages that could help them market the Philippines abroad.

They were led by DOT Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito Bengzon Jr. and welcomed by DOT Davao region director Arturo Boncato Jr.

“Their visit also highlighted the strong bond and active cooperation among the region’s tourism partners such as the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Samal Shores, Apo View Hotel, Ritz Garden Hotel, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Sul Orchids, Malagos Garden Resort, Philippine Eagle Center, Davao Wild Water Rafting, Rancho Palos Verdes Club House, Tribu K Cultural Village at the Crocodile Park, Holiday Tours, and Cebu Pacific,” Boncato said.

The tour was also supported by the Office of the City Mayor, Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinators and Davao City Tourism Office along with the Davao Region Tourism Council, Davao Association of Tour Operators, Davao chapter of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Inc., Davao Travel Agencies Association, GUIDE-Davao and Hotels, and Resort Sales and Marketing Association-Davao.

Security was provided by the Davao City police, Task Force Davao, Traffic Management Council and Public Safety Command Center.

“Our next steps would be to engage our marketing teams to help us follow through on the (foreign travel) agents’ visit to Davao as well as push our private sector to solicit business leads directly from the buyers,” Boncato said.

Kintoy

October 14th, 2011, 08:13 AM

^^ Good ! more Chinese tourists. :)

spies, you mean :lol:

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:13 AM

We need more tourists from other markets.

Manila-X

October 14th, 2011, 08:18 AM

We need more tourists from other markets.

Especially from the western world such as Europe, North America and to some extent Oceania.

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:28 AM

Especially from the western world such as Europe, North America and to some extent Oceania.

Europe and the Americas yes. Oceania- you mean ANZ? Yes. Otherwise, other countries in that region dont really have the means to travel.

hakz2007

October 14th, 2011, 08:30 AM

Private sector power in tourism
Manila, Philippines – AT the 99th anniversary celebration of historic Manila Hotel last week, Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III reiterated his support for the country’s tourism sector.

PNoy made it clear that his administration will strive hard to improve tourism in the country with the help of stakeholders.

At the mention of stakeholders, not a few private sector denizens of the nation’s struggling tourism industry heaved a sigh of hope.

Finally, they said, this government seems bent on genuinely engaging us. More: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/private-sector-power-in-tourism/

Gearing up for medical tourism
If there’s big spending, potential revenue sources should not be far behind. And the growing medical tourism is prize in sight. This should sum up why Metro Pacific Investment Corp. led by Manuel V. Pangilinan continues to buy (or acquire shares in) hospitals in the Philippines.

It all started in 2007 when Metro Pacific took a more aggressive interest in Makati Medical Center and acquired a 33.4-percent stake in it. The bill was worth P750 million in convertible notes, making MVP’s group its largest single investor. More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=737120&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Philippines: How many sex tourists, how many victims?
The recent Philippine Tourism Congress avoided a hot subject - sex tourism. This is the scourge that is causing endless abuse and exploitation of women and children. It is also destroying the moral and family values of this country and damaging the name of Philippine tourism. Some Philippine officials have hotly disputed a statistic mentioned by the US Ambassador, Harry K Thomas, Jr that 40% of the tourists coming to the Philippines are sex tourists. The Philippine officials raising a storm, are embarrassed that the ugly shameful truth has come out.

The exact figure may never be known, but can anyone prove 40% is not true? And is any percentage acceptable? The evidence is clear, the sex bars and clubs are filled with foreign customers and thousands of young women and even minors are for sale. The Ambassador, to end the controversy over his remark, said he regrets it, but he should not, it highlights a shocking reality - the truth of widespread sex tourism. More: http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=19084

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:33 AM

^^ Catholic News. :lol:

How much does the Catholic charities earn from donations? I guess we will never find out.

Nuff said.

And for crying out loud, kelangan ba talagang ulit ulitin ipost yang isyu na yan dito? Nakakabwisit na eh. Diba may nagpost dito ng prostitusyon dyan sa CWC? Kailangan din bang ulit ulitin yan?

amigo32

October 14th, 2011, 08:33 AM

Europe and the Americas yes. Oceania- you mean ANZ? Yes. Otherwise, other countries in that region dont really have the means to travel.

oceania
= australia, nz, new guinea and other island nation
= australasia

hakz2007

October 14th, 2011, 08:35 AM

We need more tourists from other markets.

Especially from the western world such as Europe, North America and to some extent Oceania.

Europe and the Americas yes. Oceania- you mean ANZ? Yes. Otherwise, other countries in that region dont really have the means to travel.

We need inter-country agreements on how to ease visa restrictions. A relaxed visa rules would encouraged more tourists to visit the Philippines.:cheers:

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:36 AM

oceania
= australia, nz, new guinea and other island nation
= australasia

I know that sir, but my point is, which market exactly, because I think ANZ is a perfect market for us because of its proximity to the Philippines. Nahuli na tayo dyan sa pagpromote, yung Vietnam araw araw nagpopromote dyan sa ANZ.

Manila-X

October 14th, 2011, 08:36 AM

Europe and the Americas yes. Oceania- you mean ANZ? Yes. Otherwise, other countries in that region dont really have the means to travel.

I've seen some Pacific Islanders here in The Philippines but mostly living here. Most of them are from Tonga and Guam.

Anyway, tourists coming in from Europe and The Americas have great potential the fact they have the spending power.

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:40 AM

We need inter-country agreements on how to ease visa restrictions. A relaxed visa rules would encouraged more tourists to visit the Philippines.:cheers:

Relaxation of visa rules between countries are normally subject to reciprocity. Majority of countries around the world can travel to the Philippines for up to 21 days visa free. Brazil and Israel passport holders can stay in the Philippines for up to 3 months. (dfa.gov.ph for more details).

Problem is not exactly visa rules (unless we are talking about Chinese mainlanders) but we really lack PR and corresponding infra. Also a lot of our hotels are shitholes who charge a lot of money for crap accommodations. Basically the DOT resort/hotel rating system is a joke.

xxxriainxxx

October 14th, 2011, 08:42 AM

I've seen some Pacific Islanders here in The Philippines but mostly living here. Most of them are from Tonga and Guam.

Anyway, tourists coming in from Europe and The Americas have great potential the fact they have the spending power.

Especially Russian and French tourists.

Manila-X

October 14th, 2011, 09:02 AM

Especially Russian and French tourists.

The last time I saw a French tourist here was in Cebu.

Not just French but also French-Canadians.

Bosnyboy

October 14th, 2011, 09:11 AM

Relaxation of visa rules between countries are normally subject to reciprocity. Majority of countries around the world can travel to the Philippines for up to 21 days visa free. Brazil and Israel passport holders can stay in the Philippines for up to 3 months. (dfa.gov.ph for more details).

Problem is not exactly visa rules (unless we are talking about Chinese mainlanders) but we really lack PR and corresponding infra. Also a lot of our hotels are shitholes who charge a lot of money for crap accommodations. Basically the DOT resort/hotel rating system is a joke.

Couldnt agree more, also the food served and the service is really left wanting. We need to improve our tourism infra first as well as upgrade our services before we start to aggressively lure tourist into our shores. We do want them to come back again (...........and again and again) but if they leave with a bad first impression, well I dont think thats gonna happen. Improving security situation and public transportation is also a must.

Bosnyboy

October 14th, 2011, 09:14 AM

We need inter-country agreements on how to ease visa restrictions. A relaxed visa rules would encouraged more tourists to visit the Philippines.:cheers:

I think we can do that unilaterally but i dont expect expect them to ease visa restriction for filipinos to get into their country since we are known to go into hiding once we reach other countries. Sikat nag pinoy mag TNT.

Manila-X

October 14th, 2011, 09:22 AM

Couldnt agree more, also the food served and the service is really left wanting. We need to improve our tourism infra first as well as upgrade our services before we start to aggressively lure tourist into our shores. We do want them to come back again (...........and again and again) but if they leave with a bad first impression, well I dont think thats gonna happen. Improving security situation and public transportation is also a must.

Security in this country should be a major concern for improving our tourism industry.

There are criminal elements out their who like to target tourists especially foreign ones.

You can find some of them in Ermita.

I can only comment on Manila when it comes to public transportation. It may have its ups and downs but it is an experience for foreign tourists to ride our jeepneys. And it is The Filipino experience the fact you can only find these in our country. I've seen South Koreans and Iranians both tourists and foreign students alike ride the jeepney and even some European backpackers. And they don't complain.

Other than that we have an average rapid transit system as well and most areas around Metro Manila is best explored on foot especially the key tourist areas.

Ekweng

October 14th, 2011, 11:44 AM

Yan ang kagandahan sa bansa natin lalo na sa Maynila. Andun lagi ang thrill kahit isang buwan kang mamalagi. Kasi lagi kang alerto sa mga snatcher o sa biglang lubak na madadaanan mo. Di tulad sa S'pore, according to xxxriainxxx, you get bored after 4 days.

boypad

October 15th, 2011, 01:43 AM

Source please.

He was interviewed in ANC this week and he said that the new slogan will be out before end of the year/Christmas.

^^ source link
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/17349-dot-rebids-ad-campaign

OtAkAw

October 15th, 2011, 05:48 PM

This blogger's got valid points:

Philippines, Oh Philippines
On Oct.15.11

About 20 different people have sent this link (http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Metromanila/Pasig/Ortigas-Center/blog-642646.html) to me, so I guess I should react even though it’s a bit late.

I just arrived from a really great trip Hong Kong. It was truly pleasant, mostly because we traveled Cathay business class and stayed at the Four Seasons. Save for one grumpy Chinese waiter at Isola IFC, there were no unpleasant events.

We came without a plan or agenda. Meals were planned on the day itself. While my husband and my father-in-law bonded over high tea, coffees, wines and walking around, I met up with a couple of friends and shopped till I dropped.

While I totally agree with what Geoffrey James Quartermaine Bastin wrote, staying at a cheap hotel is truly getting what you pay for.

Unfortunately in the Philippines, not even the best hotels are good enough. I stayed in one of Makati’s five-star hotels last year and was surprised that the bathrooms were so worn out.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4344915085_f61f37a9f5_z.jpg
They had Hermés toiletries but really old marble, as you can see in the background

I also had a tour of a five-star hotel nearer my home and the bathrooms did not pass my standards either.

A few years ago, I checked in my family at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center so that Jeroen could watch the World Cup in the wee hours of the morning (this was when home cable TV wasn’t high-tech yet).

While the bedrooms were pretty OK, I have to say the bathroom really grossed me out, with its archaic aluminum sliding doors.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1380/921279208_43cdcadadf_z.jpg?zz=1

I really wonder how Philippine hotels manage to keep their bedrooms pretty and not think the bathrooms are just as important. I was so grossed out, I couldn’t wait to check out.

Not too long ago I also did a tour of all the rooms of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay. Though some of the rooms look cozy and habitable, the bathrooms were once again really gross.

I guess a common mistake of hotel owners here is they hire residential designers to design their hotels, when in fact there is a certain art to designing hotel bathrooms. As paying guests, we don’t really want to stay in a hotel with bathroom that has the feel of nakikitira in someone’s house.

I experienced the same problem in the almost cool Inn at the Cliffhouse in Tagaytay, which has the most beautiful bedrooms, but yucky bathrooms and lacking in cleanliness and upkeep.

Let Geoffrey James Quartermaine Bastin’s writeup be a wakeup call that Filipinos really need to learn how to reinvest, repaint, renovate and upgrade their businesses. This includes restaurants, stores, malls, hotels and especially, that stupid airport.

Let’s not even compare our country to our neighbors—Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore—because we are nowhere close to them. We are the miserable poor neighbor with that ironically unparalleled nationalistic pride, beautiful sunshine, beautiful beaches and natural wonders with rarely the beautiful accommodation. We have a new Secretary of Tourism. If you want tourism to really work for the country, here’s what you have to do.

1) Fix the airports, the interiors, the washrooms, the workers, the beggars outside, the rickety carts, the lack of things to do, the bad food choices, the ugly stores and the useless souvenir shops. Don’t forget the washrooms.

2) Force all public establishments and malls to upgrade their restrooms with new fixtures, toilet paper, air and odor management, ventilation, and other necessities. Malls should require dodgy tenants to renovate or move out.

3) Fix the traffic problem. Have a unified government bus company. Fix all public transport. So much time is wasted on commuting. I personally dread going to countries with bad traffic.

4) Make sure all taxis are safe and friendly. Kick out the grumpy, corrupt taxi drivers.

5) Get the beggars out of NAIA and the streets that are bugging tourists. Close down corrupt money changers.

Okay, so that’s five things. There’s a lot of work to be done, but no new slogan or ad campaign is gonna help if the tourists come here and experience crap. Every businessman knows repeat customers make a successful business. The plan is to make tourists wanna come back here and not dying to get out.

Also, luxury, cleanliness, efficiency, attract moneyed tourists. Check out the tourists in Hong Kong and Singapore and compare to what we have here. What kind would you rather have?

[source (http://chuvaness.com/2011/10/15/philippines-oh-philippines/)]

*Chuvaness.com is a blog ran by lifestyle maven and Manila socialite Cecille van Straten. Her taste is pretty refined. But that's exactly the breed of tourists we want for our country right?

xxxriainxxx

October 15th, 2011, 05:54 PM

Chuvaness. Haaayyyy.. Of course. she whines about EVERYTHING. I guess people like her will never get to see the world if not for immaculate bathrooms.

I don't think she will make it to Burma. I've stayed with 5 star hotels in the Philippines and other countries. Sorry, but they all look the same.

OtAkAw

October 15th, 2011, 06:07 PM

xxxriainxxx

October 15th, 2011, 06:27 PM

I agree, she's a whiner. But that's like 99.95% of people in reality diba? :lol:

I whine about whiners. HAHA

anakngpasig

October 15th, 2011, 07:34 PM

May point din naman si Chuvaness. I really love Metro Manila but there are times na parang gusto kong maging carbomber kasi there are many things, especially outside the pockets of First-World in this God-forsaken city, na nakakainis! There are reasons why residential subdivisions in this city are very gated, kulang na lang lagyan ng dome, and one is para man lang makalimot how ugly and poor the outside world is. At ang kabaduyan ng mga mayors dito, jusko po. Walang ka-taste-taste, nakakasuka! Parang gusto ko silang pagsasaksakin! :gaah:

manila_eye

October 15th, 2011, 11:26 PM

^^ Tama! Sa Forbes na nga lang gated community na nga yung ibang houses super taas pa nung bakod nila.

May point si Chuvaness. Kung magbabayad ka lang dapat worth every penny of it. Mediocrity is not enough.

wakeuptoreality

October 16th, 2011, 01:13 AM

from today's issue if Cebu Daily News. Congrats Cebu Island and Luzon Island, Philippines! :D
and to Shangri-La Mactan, and Shangri-La Boracay too

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3756/img009vk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/img009vk.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 03:46 AM

^^
CONGRATS LUZON AND CEBU!!!:banana::banana::banana:
CONGRATS SHANGRI-LA MACTAN AND SHANGRI-LA BORACAY:banana::banana::banana:

CONGRATS PHILIPPINES!!!:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Mercato

October 16th, 2011, 04:23 AM

^^^^ Viva Shangrila!!!! :cheers2:

Congratulations Cebu!!! Tropical Island in the Pacific. :cheers2:

Also, luxury, cleanliness, efficiency, attract moneyed tourists. Check out the tourists in Hong Kong and Singapore and compare to what we have here. What kind would you rather have?

[source (http://chuvaness.com/2011/10/15/philippines-oh-philippines/)]

*Chuvaness.com is a blog ran by lifestyle maven and Manila socialite Cecille van Straten. Her taste is pretty refined. But that's exactly the breed of tourists we want for our country right?weirdo. so why didn't van Straten & her gang even try the Rennaisance Makati or the Shangri-la Makati??? Instead of bitching all day and night about Discovery? :|

Well, unless Conde Nast Traveller itself is also considered waaaaay beneath her royal dignity. All Shangrila hotels are pretty much the same. I dunno, but the way she's acting up just to catch attention (yea an attention whore) points to one thingy. She is targetting European royalty types and nothing less. The breed of tourists we would rather have for the country are the Business Class breeds. Not only because they & their families bring in tourist dollars but they also bring in investments. Oh yea btw if her taste was too impeccable and unreachable beyond the highest star, then why did she settle for CX Business Class? :| Why didn't she travel on CX First Class?

PS. Speakin of "old marble", that old marble reminds me so much of the bathroom at the Conrad Brussels, one of the premier hotels in an upscale district near the Belgian Royal Palace at the heart of the EU Capital. The Conrad is a name brand but the hotel is not too new. The British & Italian PM's stay there during EU Summits. Hmmmmmm, I really dunno what's the big deal about old marble? :dunno:

Aerin

October 16th, 2011, 04:31 AM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 05:11 AM

Conde Nast Traveler 2011

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310220_2436601005071_1553101576_32555388_2080581302_n.jpg
:cheers::cheers::cheers:

LINK (http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/pdf/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.pdf)

Aerin

October 16th, 2011, 05:17 AM

PS. Speakin of "old marble", that old marble reminds me so much of the bathroom at the Conrad Brussels, one of the premier hotels in an upscale district near the Belgian Royal Palace at the heart of the EU Capital. The Conrad is a name brand but the hotel is not too new. The British & Italian PM's stay there during EU Summits. Hmmmmmm, I really dunno what's the big deal about old marble? :dunno:

Don't you know, Mercato, that it's very difficult to relax in the tub when you're surrounded by old marble?

This is one of the oddest complaints I've ever seen. At first I thought she would say something about the poor room service, or furnitures inspired by someone's grandma, or nonfunctioning TVs, but I guess old marble is definitely an issue that needs to be corrected asap. Oh the things you learn.

anakngpasig

October 16th, 2011, 05:25 AM

Let’s not even compare our country to our neighbors—Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore—because we are nowhere close to them. We are the miserable poor neighbor with that ironically unparalleled nationalistic pride, beautiful sunshine, beautiful beaches and natural wonders with rarely the beautiful accommodation. We have a new Secretary of Tourism. If you want tourism to really work for the country, here’s what you have to do.

1) Fix the airports, the interiors, the washrooms, the workers, the beggars outside, the rickety carts, the lack of things to do, the bad food choices, the ugly stores and the useless souvenir shops. Don’t forget the washrooms.

2) Force all public establishments and malls to upgrade their restrooms with new fixtures, toilet paper, air and odor management, ventilation, and other necessities. Malls should require dodgy tenants to renovate or move out.

3) Fix the traffic problem. Have a unified government bus company. Fix all public transport. So much time is wasted on commuting. I personally dread going to countries with bad traffic.

4) Make sure all taxis are safe and friendly. Kick out the grumpy, corrupt taxi drivers.

5) Get the beggars out of NAIA and the streets that are bugging tourists. Close down corrupt money changers.

Kebs na sa Discovery Suites. But the points above are quite valid especially number 1. We must have some of the worst airport terminals in the world lalo na yang NAIA 1, sarap bombahin talaga yang terminal na yan! NAIA T3 is okay but still mediocre. Isa pa yang Mactan airport terminal, sorry to my Cebuano friends, but juskopo aminin na natin, that terminal is not something to be proud of; it's ugly and dark (crossing my fingers na gandahan nila yung U/C expansion).

Mercato

October 16th, 2011, 05:43 AM

Don't you know, Mercato, that it's very difficult to relax in the tub when you're surrounded by old marble?

This is one of the oddest complaints I've ever seen. At first I thought she would say something about the poor room service, or furnitures inspired by someone's grandma, or nonfunctioning TVs, but I guess old marble is definitely an issue that needs to be corrected asap. Oh the things you learn.actually, no I don't. :lol::lol: Coz the bathtub my ass is sitting on in various hotels isn't marble but porcelain or any kinda material used for tubs except marble... and my bod is surrounded by warm water mixed with foam and bath gel... then I'd close my eyes with a warm towel or one of those eye mask covers I purloin from First or Business Class. :lol: It never occured to me to open my eyes and stare at marble. How can any one relax if one refuses to close one's eyes?? I also didn't know marble could grow old??? So what happens next, are they sent to Retirement homes? :jk: Seriously, there is sufficient technology to clean, polish and re-glaze "old" marble. Gee, it gives me a kinda Greco-Roman setting.

Oh I get it. They're not into Greco-Roman. Fine. They can always go to Modernist hotels with Futuristic baths.

amigo32

October 16th, 2011, 05:47 AM

Kebs na sa Discovery Suites. But the points above are quite valid especially number 1. We must have some of the worst airport terminals in the world lalo na yang NAIA 1, sarap bombahin talaga yang terminal na yan! NAIA T3 is okay but still mediocre. Isa pa yang Mactan airport terminal, sorry to my Cebuano friends, but juskopo aminin na natin, that terminal is not something to be proud of; it's ugly and dark (crossing my fingers na gandahan nila yung U/C expansion).
tsee:lol: like ko yung dark lalo na pag may cute na katabi:lol:

:jk::lol:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 05:51 AM

Kebs na sa Discovery Suites. But the points above are quite valid especially number 1. We must have some of the worst airport terminals in the world lalo na yang NAIA 1, sarap bombahin talaga yang terminal na yan! NAIA T3 is okay but still mediocre. Isa pa yang Mactan airport terminal, sorry to my Cebuano friends, but juskopo aminin na natin, that terminal is not something to be proud of; it's ugly and dark (crossing my fingers na gandahan nila yung U/C expansion).

okay lang yan bai. old naman talaga ang MCIA T1. wala na tayong magagawa dyan. at least sa loob maganda na. Cebu is waiting for the P10.15B MCIA T2 to be built all the more now that Cebu is again included in the top 10 Best Islands in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler. :okay:

brightblade

October 16th, 2011, 05:55 AM

Here is the whole article by the way http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/pdf/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.pdf

anakngpasig

October 16th, 2011, 06:04 AM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:14 AM

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 06:25 AM

I dont get how these surveys are done. Congrats to Luzon and Cebu however. Cebu is no surprise but Luzon? Wow, I dint see that one coming. :D

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:31 AM

^^
Conde Nast Traveler is one of the most highly respected travel publications in the world. :okay:

obviously Luzon should be there. Luzon is much bigger than Cebu which offer a variety of landscapes from the cool mountain retreats of the Cordilleras and Sierra Madre, to the picturesque and historic Ilocandia, to the scenic broad plains of Central Luzon, to the vibrant and fast-paced modern living in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, to the thrill seeking adventures of the Bicol Peninsula. everything is in Luzon. :okay:

anakngpasig

October 16th, 2011, 06:33 AM

^^
hehe..when MCIA T1 was built it was the 'newest' in the country with design and layout in conformity at that time just like NAIA T1. Please check out the MCIA thread with an artist render of MCIA T2. :okay:

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1440836)

Look into the Philippine's Prime
Mactan - Cebu International Airport
Thread 7

http://cebu-airport.com/index_html_m648ec5f2.jpg
Thread 6 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=83677306#post83677306)

Now this is what I'm talking about :cheers: Wag na sana patagalin pa 'to kasi ito dapat ang unang nakikita ng mga tourists.

Sisimulan ko na pagdadasal nang nakaluhod sa lahat ng simbahan :lol:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:34 AM

^^
:D

Hopefully! This is one of the priority infrastructure projects of DOTC under the Aquino Administration. :okay:

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 06:36 AM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:39 AM

^^
:dunno::D

amigo32

October 16th, 2011, 06:41 AM

^^
:D

Hopefully! This is one of the priority infrastructure projects of DOST under the Aquino Administration. :okay:

bakit DOST?

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:45 AM

^^
ay mali ..DOTC! :lol:

anakngpasig

October 16th, 2011, 06:47 AM

^^ mukha kasing pang sci-fi ang design :lol:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:51 AM

^^
yeah! actually, the design is inspired from Mactan's world-famous shell craft industry. :okay:

amigo32

October 16th, 2011, 06:52 AM

ano yun parang umbrella-like sa taas?
:D

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 06:59 AM

^^
:lol:

anong umbrella-like? you mean the roof? yun nga yung seashell-inspired roof that I was talking about to symbolize Mactan's famous shellcraft industry. :okay:

amigo32

October 16th, 2011, 07:02 AM

aahhhh, akala ko solar panels:D

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 07:04 AM

^^ :lol::nuts::D

brightblade

October 16th, 2011, 07:04 AM

I dont get how these surveys are done. Congrats to Luzon and Cebu however. Cebu is no surprise but Luzon? Wow, I dint see that one coming. :D

repost: http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/pdf/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.pdf

Sleepwalker

October 16th, 2011, 07:06 AM

Yes, I know about Conde Nast, but my question is how did they come up with that survey. Luzon never figured out in lists like these before. Still welcome news tho.

Yes, rain...Lets be happy, that for the longest time, Philippines is gradually exposed in the tourism map, considering Conde Nast is a very respective travel magazine. I hope there will be more Philippine destinations to be included in the top 10.

Of course, its much better to see their criteria.

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 07:18 AM

repost: http://www.concierge.com/images/cnt/pdf/2011-Readers-Choice-Awards.pdf

Thanks!

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 07:19 AM

^^
yeah! actually, the design is inspired from Mactan's world-famous shell craft industry. :okay:

Ahem. You mean the shell and coral smuggling? Hayyy....Isa yan sa mga sakit sa ulo namin... :(

boypad

October 16th, 2011, 07:21 AM

New Tourism chief’s vision

Saturday, 15 October 2011 20:57
Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror

HE has the right sound bites, that’s for sure.

That’s what I first thought when advertising stalwart Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. faced his first press briefing as acting secretary of the Department of Tourism.

He told the Malacañang press corps that promoting the Philippines’s beautiful sights should be “as easy to sell as Chickenjoy.” That comment shouldn’t be surprising—after all, Jimenez did handle the Jollibee account for years.

A Visual Communication graduate of the UP College of Fine Arts, the advertising veteran is the co-founder—with his wife, the former Annabelle “Abby” Lee—of the Jimenez firm Winning Over Obstacles (WOO) Communications Corp. WOO was the marketing communications agency which helped focus the theme of then presidential aspirant Noynoy Aquino’s campaign on the “Daang matuwid, laban sa daang baluktot!” Previous to WOO, both also co-founded what was once the leading advertising agency Jimenez Basic.

Still, my thought balloon at that time was, “Ang yabang naman nito.”

Don’t blame me. At the time I heard him say that, I had just come from Saigon, and was still marveling at the way the Vietnamese had packaged their country to tourists. Sure there were some issues with pickpockets (I walked through the Ben Thanh market with a firm grip on my bag), dishonest taxi drivers, and public smoking—but it attracted 5.05 million international tourists in 2010! The Philippines, on the other hand, managed to record only 3.52 million arrivals last year—and we’ve been at this tourism promotion thing since the Marcos administration in the 1970s.

Then I heard Jimenez say in one of his many TV appearances that Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia were already “very worried about what we’re about to do. They know we haven’t got the budget…. Filipinos have always beaten them with less.” I almost fell off my seat. Those countries with bazillions in their tourism budgets, worried? Was this guy for real?

I didn’t like it that he sounded like, well…an advertising guy spewing great ad copy. It felt like he was making a pitch, and we, the public, were his clients. (The only difference being, he had already been “approved” by President as the supplier. We had no choice in the matter.) And it made me nervous. Even one of his predecessors, Ace Durano, although considerably optimistic about the country’s tourism prospects, wasn’t this…well, unreal. (Jimenez’s immediate predecessor, Alberto Lim, meanwhile, was just way too pragmatic—it was almost depressing to write about the issues bugging the tourism sector.)

When I finally met Jimenez at the ungodly hour of 9 a.m. (he apparently starts work very early, as his own advertising colleagues attest), he clarified a number of issues for me. Yes, he was “super optimistic,” as one media colleague described him to me, but he does actually believe what he is saying. He wasn’t being disingenuous. I now agree with my colleague that, that is probably just what the sector needs. Palaban sya, e.

That doesn’t mean Jimenez has his head way up in the clouds. On the contrary, he is quite aware that there could be a number of issues that may confound the implementation of the programs he wants to undertake.

One thing he really needs to do, however, is manage the high expectations of the public. For instance, there already seems to be some issue with the much-anticipated tourism slogan. After Jimenez had announced to all and sundry that there were already seven advertising firms working on it, boasting even that “it’s a who’s who of everyone in the advertising industry,” it turns out, most of the bidders had already withdrawn their participation in the project. The DOT only recently announced it has decided to rebid the project with a lower budget, and revised terms of reference. (See “DOT rebids brand campaign,” BusinessMirror, October 3, 2011.)

Prior to this revelation, Jimenez sat down for a freewheeling discussion with the BusinessMirror, and answered a number of vital concerns about his sector:

[B]What are we looking at in terms of tourist arrivals in 2012?

We will break 4 million in 2012, that’s our objective. And if we do that, we will be ahead of schedule. We will hopefully exceed doubling the target by 2016 (or 6 million arrivals).

But what is the DOT’s budget next year? Will it allow you to meet that 4-million target?

Well, the DOT itself has less than P2 billion in its budget for everything. But the details are not important. There is a resource we cannot easily quantify, the support of Filipinos everywhere. We are far and away the most savvy Internet communicators in this part of the world.

Let’s assume we finally found the so-called magic slogan everyone’s been waiting for, which is so unfair; no one ever had to clear a slogan with the country before because of what happened (in the past). But the vision is, once we have that, we put together what I call a tourism/country kit that anyone and everyone can pick up and transform into his or her microtourism campaign, whether they do it on Facebook, etc. We’ll give you the pictures, the slogans, the words, the basic tools you will need to create your own campaign. And theoretically, if every Facebook account holder can invite just one friend to visit, we would be the largest tourist country in Asia.

In your first day as Tourism secretary, you already met with the controversial Tourism Congress representatives. May I ask what you talked about?

It was really more a social visit if you will. We really didn’t get to talk turkey. But there was enough time to look at each other in the eye and I was very direct in saying that I hope they were open, and would listen to my advice. And they responded by saying, “if you’re willing to listen, then we are.” It was very frank. There was just enough time to say, “look, the opportunity for us is far greater than the pebbles and stones we’re trying to quarrel over now.”

The revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Tourism Act of 2009, especially those establishing a truly representative Tourism Congress, had been signed already by your predecessor. How are you going to implement these? Were there assurances made to the current representatives that they could stay?

There has been no such discussion. The fact of the matter is, the current congress, their terms expire in November. Now, I am not inclined to wait for that. What I’m more inclined is to get the parties together before that time, because there is a very unique opportunity for all of them to participate in a genuine transition as dictated by the new IRR.

Now, the existence of the IRR tells all the stakeholders that “Hey, this will be done as the IRR says. We can decide now—will it be neat or will it be messy?” That’s the way we Filipinos should begin to talk to each other. “Pwedeng graceful ’to, pwedeng hindi. But in effect, it’s going to happen.” The negotiations will end, and (I will) implement the law.

How are you going to deal with the issue of Mark Lapid, general manager of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza)?

The critical power of Tieza, contrary to popular belief, does not belong to the GM. It resides in a board that he reports to. Is he working under those limitations? Absolutely. He knows that. Frankly, in a way, I sympathize with his position. It’s a very short leash.

His background and my background are totally different, which probably makes him qualified for the job. He is quick to pick up on the imperatives that (local government units) have to face. He now understands through me, “that’s your role, ha. You tell us if it makes sense to the LGUs…. So just do things right, and you will get no grief from me.” Ang hindi productive talaga, is that we turn our backs on each and start sniping because that’s not what our people bargained for. “You’ve got a term, and I’ve got a boss. And we’ve got to find a way to make it work.”

So what happens to the Commission on Audit (COA) report? It’s like it never happened?

The COA report stands as it is. First, I have to explain ’no, the problems are administrative; we’re not talking here of somebody stealing money, and that’s why, in fact, he was sanctioned. Certain movements have been restricted already. By and large, it’s very difficult to be him right now, okay? It’s not as if that COA report had no effect. But it is just that, it’s a report. It’s not a body of evidence or anything like that. That will continue to be lawyers’ problem.

So there’s no actual stealing? No inappropriate use of funds?

No. Only the Tieza board decides on these things. We’re talking about things he did with his staff, ’yung ganyan.

So, why is COA talking about those things? It’s not fund misuse naman pala?

To be fair to COA, people may have picked up on it, well-meaning I’m sure. That’s okay. It’s just as well, he knows, ah, be careful. Kasi I will certainly not stand for it. But my responsibility precisely is to make him productive.

As per the new IRR of the Tourism Act, there are changes in store for the Tourism Congress and other tourism-related agencies, right? A new election has to happen?

Yes. We can’t move forward on the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) unless the Tourism Congress has now actively participated in nominating two people (to the TPB’s board). That includes the Tieza—may mga vacancies pa.

So your first priority, of course, is the tourism slogan. What else is on your plate in terms of priority programs or projects?

In terms of marketing and promotions, the priority is to transform the selling units, meaning, the smallest unit being the Filipino as individual, and the largest sets—the promotions units here, abroad and in the regions. Transformation means we’re giving them the tools, we’re making it clear what is the desired, or the cumulative net image we want to create, making it very clear in peoples’ minds, and conditioning them to accept that repetition is only a problem if you keep listening to your own propaganda. But do not tire of repeating your message over and over. That’s how it works.

What do you mean?

Ang tendency kasi ng Pilipino, they start embellishing because they tire of their own message. And they begin to lose the focus. It always happens—jeepney mentality—we never know when the work is finished. So we keep adding and adding until it is unrecognizable. The discipline is: “Here’s the country image, here’s what you say, and you repeat it, and repeat it, and repeat it, until we can reap the results.” So it’s a kind of reorientation and retraining of everybody.

Now the other role, which is going to be played largely by me, Tieza, will be to reorient the rest of government toward, in effect, a more touristic economic plan…. Right now, tourism accounts for less than 6 percent of GDP (gross domestic product). It’s about 40 percent in Spain. It’s serious business.

So what are your fighting targets for 2016?

I’m not prepared to call it a target as much as, if you will, a sensible prediction. If this country breaks 12 million visitors by the end of the President’s term, then we would have successfully transformed it into a fourth of the nation’s business, and that’s the one that will fuel our future. It’s really worth fighting for. If we’re at 3 million, just trebling that should not be a problem. I keep saying, we’ve got a better product…we just have to keep improving it.

That’s where the economic cluster comes in. I should say, they’re very, very receptive—(Secretaries) Greg Domingo (Trade and Industry), Mar Roxas (Transportation and Communications), Babes Singson (Public Works and Highways)—they’re all very willing to help because they know it can be done. Singson is really super supportive….

Yes, infrastructure is very important….

Correct. But like I said, that’s not as important as people genuinely trying to sell (the country) because 4 million come in with the present infrastructure, why do you think it is?

But that’s why it’s important. You can get more tourists with better infrastructure.

Absolutely, absolutely. it’s a chicken and egg situation. I would
rather much create the demand than force the issue on infrastructure, than rather force investors to put the money upfront, then the people didn’t come. That would be horrific! For example, investors in hotels, you think these people go around the world building hotels before the demand? No way! They’ve got to see at least the glimmerings of a 12-million visitor future for them to start digging now.

As a third (priority, I want to) shore up all our other offices. There is the Philippine Retirement Authority, the Intramuros Administration, we have the Philippine Scuba Commission, Duty Free Philippines—it is the fourth-largest Duty Free in the world! If you look at their sales, they’re staggering, because of the OFW market. Sales were supposed to be down in September but they’re having a really good year. In fact, we’re lined up for an award in France, the Frontier Awards which is like the Oscars of travel retail.

[B]Can you break it down into more concrete projects? For instance, what are you going to do to clean up Manila?

The plans for development of Luneta, Intramuros…all of that will take place within the next five years. Theoretically, money is not a problem. The money will be raised. There are many groups who are willing to invest, it’s just a matter of gathering the resources, getting the plans finally approved. But this whole area will be transformed. If we can do it faster than that, we will.

It will involve briefing the DPWH, making sure that they reorient some of their projects to align with the development plans here. In other words, you have plans around the underpass here, TM Kalaw, etc., and coordinating it with them, and say, “do it this way, para naman it’s futuristic already—it serves the park, as well as Intramuros.”

That’s the easy part. The hard part, of course, is really rebuilding a lot of these things—the Chinese park, the Japanese park—we have to rebuild a lot of those.

I was just talking to a GM of a hotel here in Manila. He was saying his and the other hotels along Roxas Boulevard are all in good locations, you have the Manila Bay sunset, etc. But it’s so dirty here! Then you have the social issues tourists are confronted with—a lot of beggars, thieves, etc. And you can’t even ask them to go around taking the MRT or LRT; you go to Beijing, the subways are interconnected and clean….

But said another way, in Beijing the tourist areas are neatly isolated from the rest of the areas. There are some icky places, but they were able to create some islands of calm…we will be able to do that.

Theoretically, if somebody arrives in the Philippines, and went to Makati then straight to Bohol, they would probably think….

Wow, the Philippines is so beautiful!

Yeah. I have met people from India who couldn’t believe Makati. Something as lush as this couldn’t be found in India. When we rebuild our country, including the not-so-pretty places, it’s going to take time. Now our point of view is the Luneta, the Intramuros…if you did it correctly, you cud shuttle people directly from Intramuros to the Luneta areas and Roxas Boulevard without ever having to see those. Right now, we just don’t have those linkages. ’Yun lang ’yun. Right now, it’s like getting people through New York having to pass by the Bowery every time because the infrastructure was made that way. Therefore the conclusion is, “Oh Manila is an ugly city,” because we make them pass there eh. We will create that flow.

So what is your vision for Intramuros?

Two things. Rebuilding it with stone is one-half of the restoration. The other half, is bringing back its spirit, its openness to new ideas, the arts, culture, music, etc. This is the venue for that. This will spell the rebirth of Intramuros after its physical restoration…. We’re already lining up artistic activities both in the performing arts and in the fine arts for next year.

Intramuros will rise again. The plans are already very detailed. But this will be the subject of PPP (public-private partnership) projects, because it is, in fact, a mini-city. The complications are, many people don’t know that not all the property in Intramuros is not public land. There are private parcels and it will require relocating informal settlers, etc.

During Secretary Lim’s time, he tried to talk to the Department of Finance about removing/eliminating the common carriers’ tax imposed on foreign carriers, but Secretary Purisima thumbed it down. Are you going to pursue the issue?

We would be the advocates of less fewer restrictions. So wherever I see an opening, I’m gonna squeeze in there.

You can expect, every time we encounter such a barrier and we feel it is in our country’s interest touristically to take down that barrier, we will take it up (with the agency concerned).

How are you going to professionalize tourist guides who are keys in enhancing the whole tourism experience?

This is in early days…my simple attitude; it will demand more involvement form the academe, more from the youth, that’s the only way. There would be more involvement from citizens who are natural historians—teachers, professors—but we have to put together a program that makes it worth their while.

I was telling them (DOT officials), you have the laboratory right here. The national standard for comfort rooms, we can build here (at the Rizal Park). The national prototype for tour guides, we can set them up right here. We’re not using these facilities as a national laboratory that we need, so that LGUs can see how it’s done. I intend to change that.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/17956-new-tourism-chiefs-vision

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 07:21 AM

Ahem. You mean the shell and coral smuggling? Hayyy....Isa yan sa mga sakit sa ulo namin... :(

^^
oo. yan nga! :lol::lol::lol:

and wag mo naman igeneralize. in philippine business meron talagang legit at merong illegal! :lol::D:nuts:

bakit sakit sa ulo nyo? ano ba yung trabaho mo? greenpeace?

OtAkAw

October 16th, 2011, 09:06 AM

I dont get how these surveys are done. Congrats to Luzon and Cebu however. Cebu is no surprise but Luzon? Wow, I dint see that one coming. :D

Well, Luzon has got Metro Manila, our main entry point. It also got the beaches of La Union, Bataan, Batangas and Camarines Sur, the cuisine of Ilocos and Pampanga, the mountain retreats in Sagada, Baguio and the Cordilleras, surfing in Baler and La Union, adventure eco tourism in Cagayan and the Bicol Region, plus the things you could see in Southern Tagalog, the culture, the festivals, the food. Not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, San Agustin Church in Manila and Santa Maria Church in Ilocos. It's about time Luzon gets its recognition. :)

Kintoy

October 16th, 2011, 09:28 AM

Kintoy

October 16th, 2011, 09:30 AM

Spain, Middle East Philippines new travel hot spots

SPAIN, the Middle East and the Philippines are becoming new hotspots for Australian travellers, who continue to flock overseas in record numbers.
But New Zealand is still the most popular destination, followed by Indonesia, the United States, Thailand and Fiji, escape reports.
Nearly 649,000 Australians travelled internationally in August - an 11 per cent rise on the same month the previous year, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week.

Spain was the biggest surprise with a 137 per cent rise in the number of Australians visiting.

The Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures show 8000
Australians travelled to Spain in August - the highest on record.
The same month 10 years ago just 1400 Australians visited Spain.
Israel, Lebanon and the Philippines also grew strongly.

Japan suffered the biggest drop, falling 44 per cent to 4800 Australian visitors in August in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, while travel to the United States grew 15 per cent on the back of the strong Australian dollar and travel to Indonesia grew 13 per cent.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents CEO Jayson Westbury said the rise in Middle Eastern airlines hubbing in Madrid and Barcelona could be impacting people's travel decisions.

Despite widespread publicity around the arrest of a 14-year-old Australian boy for marijuana possession and the emergence of Facebook pages urging tourists to boycott Bali, Mr Westbury said there was unlikely to be a major fall in the number of Australians travelling there.

"It may have had a small influence on a few people but I haven't had any feedback from agents,'' he said.

"It's just a reminder of what you should not do when you're there.''
While the number of Chinese airlines flying to and from Australia has been growing, there was a nine per cent drop in the number of Australians travelling there.
Mr Westbury said we were still learning about China, especially anywhere beyond Beijing and Shanghai.

"Hainan is known as the Hawaii of China, but most Australians wouldn't know there was an area there that was compared to Hawaii,'' he said.
Philippine Airlines general manager Brett McDougall said it had introduced more flights from Australia to the Philippines and had been working hard with the travel industry to create new holiday packages that represent good value.

"The Philippines have always been a fantastic destination, but there's a definite revival in interest,'' he said.

"The rise of mass tourism in other parts of the region has meant a lot of Australians are looking for the original, unspoilt Asia, which is easy to find among the 7000 islands of the Philippines.

"In the Philippines you can still find those unspoilt beaches, away from the crowds.
"And in Manila you can still find fantastic shopping at the sort of prices that have long since vanished from other parts of Asia.'

MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS
New Zealand 89,000
Indonesia 73,300
United States 68,700
Thailand 46,000
Fiji 30,300
FASTEST GROWING DESTINATIONS
Spain +137%
Brazil 62.5%
Israel +63%
Lebanon +58%
Philippines +43%
Thailand +41%
DECLINING DESTINATIONS
Japan -44%
Sweden -38%
Austria -20%
Vanuatu -13%
China -9%

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/spain-middle-east-philippines-new-travel-hot-spots/story-e6frfq80-1226167594374#ixzz1avZc2Udn

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 10:01 AM

^^
oo. yan nga! :lol::lol::lol:

and wag mo naman igeneralize. in philippine business meron talagang legit at merong illegal! :lol::D:nuts:

bakit sakit sa ulo nyo? ano ba yung trabaho mo? greenpeace?

There is no such thing as illegal and legal when it comes to plunder of our environment. Cebu unfortunately is being used as a major processing and transit point for tons and tons of corals, sharks, turtles and endangered shells. Within and without the EPZ.

One shipment of corals and other marine life from Cebu is about 40-80 tons. Yung Shell Traders organisation dyan se Cebu around 90% of the members are trading marine life illegally.

I guess you dint know anything about it or what other stuff I do, wait- WE do. :)

And no I am not from Greenpeace.

Ephesus29

October 16th, 2011, 10:59 AM

^^ Sana po talaga maganda yung planned T2.

I know T1 is old but Cebu doesn't deserve an ugly terminal. I just find it unacceptable na ganyan itsura ng terminal sa Mactan. Being one (if not the) of the top tourist destinations in the country, it badly needs a world-class terminal.

Just came back from Russia few weeks ago. St. Petersburg's international airport does not fare much to any international airport in the world. However, my wife and I were stunned with the number of tourists disembarking at the airport. St. Petersburg has tons of tourist attractions that definitely allure and fascinates visitors. Plus the marketing and global exposure of their tourism industry is amazingly cut right out. Added to their fabulous attractions, immigration officers with their lack of the English communications, were all willing to help and congenial to visitors. When we got to our hotel, and finally met our tour director, he had given us the most interesting orientation about the city's attractions, culture, its people and some annoyances. Now then, Cebu even without a "world class" airport to cater tourists, as long as visitors are well served and showed them all the attractions that they came for, they won't even noticed weather they arrived at a "world class" airport or not. I think, marketing and global exposure, and the tourist attractions, is more than anything else. But of course a "World Class" airport would definitely a plus.:)

Ephesus29

October 16th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Well, Luzon has got Metro Manila, our main entry point. It also got the beaches of La Union, Bataan, Batangas and Camarines Sur, the cuisine of Ilocos and Pampanga, the mountain retreats in Sagada, Baguio and the Cordilleras, surfing in Baler and La Union, adventure eco tourism in Cagayan and the Bicol Region, plus the things you could see in Southern Tagalog, the culture, the festivals, the food. Not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, San Agustin Church in Manila and Santa Maria Church in Ilocos. It's about time Luzon gets its recognition. :)

Plus the eco-tourism in the eastern part of Isabela, is one of the most adventurous that any tourist could enjoy. The chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage, "Sierra Madre Range" is stunning. And the most unspoiled white sandy beaches available for now is in the eastern seaboard of Isabela. Palanan, Divilacan, and Maconacon are must see places for the brazen tourists and local visitors alike.:cheers:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 11:56 AM

There is no such thing as illegal and legal when it comes to plunder of our environment. Cebu unfortunately is being used as a major processing and transit point for tons and tons of corals, sharks, turtles and endangered shells. Within and without the EPZ.

One shipment of corals and other marine life from Cebu is about 40-80 tons. Yung Shell Traders organisation dyan se Cebu around 90% of the members are trading marine life illegally.

I guess you dint know anything about it or what other stuff I do, wait- WE do. :)

And no I am not from Greenpeace.

woah! thanks for the thrivia. but its really not my business at all. sinasabi ko lang kung san galing ang inspiration ng roof na yan. and don't worry, the airport roof won't be made out from smuggled shells and clams. :lol::D

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 12:44 PM

woah! thanks for the thrivia. but its really not my business at all. sinasabi ko lang kung san galing ang inspiration ng roof na yan. and don't worry, the airport roof won't be made out from smuggled shells and clams. :lol::D

Sad but true...hayyy.... I think protection of our natural resources is every one's business... we are working with some Cebuanos as well there in Cebu. I was quite shocked that a red coral necklace was being sold at T1 in NAIA.

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 12:48 PM

^^ good! :okay:

Mercato

October 16th, 2011, 01:03 PM

Ahem. You mean the shell and coral smuggling? Hayyy....Isa yan sa mga sakit sa ulo namin... :(obviously that is not what he meant. :) ^^
yeah! actually, the design is inspired from Mactan's world-famous shell craft industry. :okay:This shell craft industry had been around for hundreds of years even in the days when both Lapulapu and Magellan were still wearing diapers. :DThere is no such thing as illegal and legal when it comes to plunder of our environment. Cebu unfortunately is being used as a major processing and transit point for tons and tons of corals, sharks, turtles and endangered shells. Within and without the EPZ.

One shipment of corals and other marine life from Cebu is about 40-80 tons. Yung Shell Traders organisation dyan se Cebu around 90% of the members are trading marine life illegally.

I guess you dint know anything about it or what other stuff I do, wait- WE do. :)

And no I am not from Greenpeace.True, howbeit one shady obscure Shell Traders company does not represent the whole island in any way whatsoever. It is plausible that Cebu is not the sole hub for these illegal shippers. No wily organisation would put all their illegal eggs into just one basket.

IMO, the bigger headache should be the very source of all the merchandise. The so called "5x the size of Manila" destruction off the shores of Cotabato. That is where the authorities and environmentalists should focus their eagle eyes on. Sad but true...hayyy.... I think protection of our natural resources is every one's business... we are working with some Cebuanos as well there in Cebu. I was quite shocked that a red coral necklace was being sold at T1 in NAIA.^^ good! :okay:Truly. :colgate:

xxxriainxxx

October 16th, 2011, 01:25 PM

obviously that is not what he meant. :) This shell craft industry had been around for hundreds of years even in the days when both Lapulapu and Magellan were still wearing diapers. :DTrue, howbeit one shady obscure Shell Traders company does not represent the whole island in any way whatsoever. It is plausible that Cebu is not the sole hub for these illegal shippers. No wily organisation would put all their illegal eggs into just one basket.

IMO, the bigger headache should be the very source of all the merchandise. The so called "5x the size of Manila" destruction off the shores of Cotabato. That is where the authorities and environmentalists should focus their eagle eyes on. Truly. :colgate:

If you refer to modern trade, this started around the 50s.

Btw, it's not one obscure company parekoy. There's over 100 of them according to our database.

Cebu is main shipment point, and basically those operating in the EPZ are untouchables. So why they plundered pretty much the entire Visayas and Mindanao and parts of Luzon, they send this to Cebu (and Zamboanga) primarily for processing into merchandise and then sent to foreign markets through the international port in Cebu.

Mercato

October 16th, 2011, 01:48 PM

^^ then this topic is better suited in the Environment Thread & the over 100 illegal firms identified and closely monitored by the authorities. ;)

But like what the other dude said, the inspiration for the Mactan airport roof came from the Mactan shellcraft industry. Which in turn had its origins from the culture of ancient Visayans, Pintados or Austronesians & the use of shellcraft as ornaments or baubles.

Manila-X

October 16th, 2011, 01:52 PM

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

October 16th, 2011, 02:00 PM

william :D

October 17th, 2011, 02:41 AM

gqoAwa19ELA

"PILIIN MO ANG PILIPINAS"
is the official theme song of Choose Philippines.
Music by: Allan Dannug
Arranged by: Marvin Querido
Produced by: Creative Communications Mangement; VP/Lyricist: Robert Labayen; Creative Acct. Head: Christina Barbin; EPs: Cidge Laxamana/ Carla Payongngayong; Directors: Paolo Ramos/ Peewee Gonzales; DOP: Jaime Proca, Ding Mendoza.
Facebook: ChoosePhilippinesOfficial; Twitter: choosephils

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

pau_p1

October 17th, 2011, 03:39 AM

nice ad!

Ady001

October 17th, 2011, 06:12 AM

Maliit ang SG. Walang masyado makikita dun.

For urbanity fans like me, whose only "ligaya" is to wonder at these steel and concrete creations and buildings, is SG with this then?

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 06:18 AM

For urbanity fans like me, whose only "ligaya" is to wonder at these steel and concrete creations and buildings, is SG with this then?

Yes though SG is more clean and organized urbanity.

Though I prefer HK, this city defines urbanity and comes with the complete package!

Manila and Bangkok to me have the most urban feel of major ASEAN cities.

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 07:10 AM

Yes though SG is more clean and organized urbanity.

Though I prefer HK, this city defines urbanity and comes with the complete package!

Manila and Bangkok to me have the most urban feel of major ASEAN cities.

SG is way too clean and organised. As for the skyline, it's not something spectacular. HK has a better defined skyline and has more character.

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 07:13 AM

SG is way too clean and organised. As for the skyline, it's not something spectacular. HK has a better defined skyline and has more character.

Singapore still has one of the most beautiful skylines in ASEAN the fact it is located in a water front. The 3 tallest buildings in this city are already iconic though it is not as iconic or distinctive as The Petronas in KL or The Bank of China building in HK.

Though I would suggest that SG would have a nicer skyline if there is a freestanding structure similar to The CN Tower in Toronto.

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 08:02 AM

For urbanity fans like me, whose only "ligaya" is to wonder at these steel and concrete creations and buildings, is SG with this then?

Yes, a lot of things to do in SG. I'm not fond of beaches hehehe. Shopping and walking along the commercial streets of SG are best things to do. Ride their subways and be transported to different areas of interest. You should try riding their cable car in Sentosa via Vivo City. Go to Resorts World Singapore, the Universal Studio, ride the world's largest ferries wheel. If you also like the night life, SG has bars, restaurants, clubs.

Spain, Middle East Philippines new travel hot spots

SPAIN, the Middle East and the Philippines are becoming new hotspots for Australian travellers, who continue to flock overseas in record numbers.
But New Zealand is still the most popular destination, followed by Indonesia, the United States, Thailand and Fiji, escape reports.
Nearly 649,000 Australians travelled internationally in August - an 11 per cent rise on the same month the previous year, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week.

Spain was the biggest surprise with a 137 per cent rise in the number of Australians visiting.

The Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures show 8000
Australians travelled to Spain in August - the highest on record.
The same month 10 years ago just 1400 Australians visited Spain.
Israel, Lebanon and the Philippines also grew strongly.

Japan suffered the biggest drop, falling 44 per cent to 4800 Australian visitors in August in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, while travel to the United States grew 15 per cent on the back of the strong Australian dollar and travel to Indonesia grew 13 per cent.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents CEO Jayson Westbury said the rise in Middle Eastern airlines hubbing in Madrid and Barcelona could be impacting people's travel decisions.

Despite widespread publicity around the arrest of a 14-year-old Australian boy for marijuana possession and the emergence of Facebook pages urging tourists to boycott Bali, Mr Westbury said there was unlikely to be a major fall in the number of Australians travelling there.

"It may have had a small influence on a few people but I haven't had any feedback from agents,'' he said.

"It's just a reminder of what you should not do when you're there.''
While the number of Chinese airlines flying to and from Australia has been growing, there was a nine per cent drop in the number of Australians travelling there.
Mr Westbury said we were still learning about China, especially anywhere beyond Beijing and Shanghai.

"Hainan is known as the Hawaii of China, but most Australians wouldn't know there was an area there that was compared to Hawaii,'' he said.
Philippine Airlines general manager Brett McDougall said it had introduced more flights from Australia to the Philippines and had been working hard with the travel industry to create new holiday packages that represent good value.

"The Philippines have always been a fantastic destination, but there's a definite revival in interest,'' he said.

"The rise of mass tourism in other parts of the region has meant a lot of Australians are looking for the original, unspoilt Asia, which is easy to find among the 7000 islands of the Philippines.

"In the Philippines you can still find those unspoilt beaches, away from the crowds.
"And in Manila you can still find fantastic shopping at the sort of prices that have long since vanished from other parts of Asia.'

MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS
New Zealand 89,000
Indonesia 73,300
United States 68,700
Thailand 46,000
Fiji 30,300
FASTEST GROWING DESTINATIONS
Spain +137%
Brazil 62.5%
Israel +63%
Lebanon +58%
Philippines +43%
Thailand +41%
DECLINING DESTINATIONS
Japan -44%
Sweden -38%
Austria -20%
Vanuatu -13%
China -9%

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/spain-middle-east-philippines-new-travel-hot-spots/story-e6frfq80-1226167594374#ixzz1avZc2Udn

That is a positive development. I hope that more Australians will visit PH to sustain the growth.

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 08:42 AM

Yes, a lot of things to do in SG. I'm not fond of beaches hehehe. Shopping and walking along the commercial streets of SG are best things to do. Ride their subways and be transported to different areas of interest. You should try riding their cable car in Sentosa via Vivo City. Go to Resorts World Singapore, the Universal Studio, ride the world's largest ferries wheel. If you also like the night life, SG has bars, restaurants, clubs.

The one real reason why people from around ASEAN head to SG is because of shopping.

KnightOfTheFlag

October 17th, 2011, 09:25 AM

The one real reason why people from around ASEAN head to SG is because of shopping.

Righto there!!...Actually what SG has is not "unique" or "exclusive" to thier country...almost all megacities in the world has what SG have and more...Ferris wheel? KL has it too, universal studios? well we HK has Disney Land and Thier Universal studios only has 8 rides, shopping and clubbing? HK, KL and Bangkok surpass SG hands down and Manila is not far behind...Sentosa beaches? well im not really fond of "artificial beaches" :nuts:...What SG has is LOT OF MONEY to promote tourism on their city ( and bash the competition ;);) )and build more "man made" attractions...but really with the size of their territory up to how much they would build?

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 09:48 AM

Righto there!!...Actually what SG has is not "unique" or "exclusive" to thier country...almost all megacities in the world has what SG have and more...Ferris wheel? KL has it too, universal studios? well we HK has Disney Land and Thier Universal studios only has 8 rides, shopping and clubbing? HK, KL and Bangkok surpass SG hands down and Manila is not far behind...Sentosa beaches? well im not really fond of "artificial beaches" :nuts:...What SG has is LOT OF MONEY to promote tourism on their city ( and bash the competition ;);) )and build more "man made" attractions...but really with the size of their territory up to how much they would build?

So you're saying our nightlife is not far behind. It is like saying the nightlife and club scenes is better in HK, KL or BKK compared to out here?

This is a joke man! Our nightlife is certainly much better than HK and KL and we can even rival that of BKK's and exceed it.

Manila is the nightlife place and us Pinoys love to party hard all night that we used the term "gimik".

Even our clubs and bars can get packed on a weekday night what more if its a Friday or Saturday?

KnightOfTheFlag

October 17th, 2011, 09:54 AM

So you're saying our nightlife is not far behind. It is like saying the nightlife and club scenes is better in HK, KL or BKK compared to out here?

This is a joke man! Our nightlife is certainly much better than HK and KL and we can even rival that of BKK's and exceed it.

Manila is the nightlife place and us Pinoys love to party hard all night that we used the term "gimik".

Even our clubs and bars can get packed on a weekday night what more if its a Friday or Saturday?

Hmmm maybe I made a mistake about KL better than us in clubbing that but I can say BKK is "a bit" ahead or at least equal with us in clubbing..

Dr. Richard Espeno

October 17th, 2011, 10:01 AM

so where is the best place to go clubbing in metro manila now?

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 10:01 AM

Hmmm maybe I made a mistake about KL better than us in clubbing that but I can say BKK is "a bit" ahead or at least equal with us in clubbing..

KL's nightlife flourished because of SG, one thing, one of the most popular clubs in SG, Zouk opened one in KL.

BKK's nightlife is widely advertised or is hyped. So those abroad are more aware.

But recently, most clubs in BKK close early say 2 am. This is not the case with Metro Manila where clubs are open throughout the morning.

And nightlife / clubbing is only limited in BKK's city core. But in Metro Manila, you can go all the way to Laguna, Cavite or Bulacan and still find some nightlife happening there.

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 10:03 AM

so where is the best place to go clubbing in metro manila now?

Almost every part of the metro. I'm not an expert in this though I still frequent Makati, Ermita / Malate and Quezon City, around the Tomas Morato area near the Rotunda.

Even in the Promenade right across Mall of Asia there is something happening.

patchay

October 17th, 2011, 10:05 AM

Sorry to interrupt.

I think some missed the main point.

SG is a global business hub and a regional entrepot. A direct hub to the rest of the world. Four parties - Changi, Singapore Airlines, MRT and Port Authority are enough to attract millions of people, not to mention the Casino Resorts.

Regardless of what tourism products they have to offer, SG will remain a New York-like of Asia. CONNECTIVITY is one of the main answer and I see intra-Asean travels flourishing and SG is still the hub for it.

ASEAN nations can now challenge SG for few slices of the tourism cake. How? It all comes down to promoting yourself as the most genuine, authentic ASIAN country like Thailand, or exotic-one like Vietnam, or low-cost-value-for-money-alternative-to-SG like Malaysia.

I see the biggest challenge for ASEAN is to attract big spenders, high net worth tourists.

Thailand did well in attracting Europeans and Nordics. Bali (Indonesia) is an Aussie hideout. Bangkok and Singapore are well-renowned in this segment as they offered high-level hospitality and world-class business conferences. As for KL, we did well to attact not-rich, but middle class Middle Easterners, Gulf state spenders every summer. Malaysia is relatively lucky to have Singaporeans visiting very frequently to splurge and for business. (More nightclubs and retail chains from SG are opening in KL)

Now the attention is geared towards attracting the rich from China and India to travel in Southeast Asia. Who will succeed?

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 10:15 AM

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 10:31 AM

In Subic, the place is alive at night! More reasons to travel to this beautiful place.

PIER ONE, SUBIC
Moonbay MARINA
http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/10/Pier-One-Subic.jpg

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/10/pier2.jpg
Good food, lively entertainment, draw crowd to Subic resto
By: Robert Gonzaga
Inquirer Central Luzon
7:27 pm | Saturday, October 15th, 2011

PIER 1 has become the party place at Subic. photos by Robert Gonzaga, Inquirer Central Luzon

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The smell and flavor of meals served by his mother as he and his siblings were growing up inspired Marianito Fernandez to bring these family recipes to Pier One Subic at the sprawling Moonbay Marina Resort here.

The crowd swells every Friday and Saturday, with between 1,500 and 2,000 people every night.

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/24971/good-food-lively-entertainment-draw-crowd-to-subic-resto

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 10:32 AM

The one real reason why people from around ASEAN head to SG is because of shopping.

YES.

The Great Singapore Sale is AWESOME.

Righto there!!...Actually what SG has is not "unique" or "exclusive" to thier country...almost all megacities in the world has what SG have and more...Ferris wheel? KL has it too, universal studios? well we HK has Disney Land and Thier Universal studios only has 8 rides, shopping and clubbing? HK, KL and Bangkok surpass SG hands down and Manila is not far behind...Sentosa beaches? well im not really fond of "artificial beaches" :nuts:...What SG has is LOT OF MONEY to promote tourism on their city ( and bash the competition ;);) )and build more "man made" attractions...but really with the size of their territory up to how much they would build?

So you're saying our nightlife is not far behind. It is like saying the nightlife and club scenes is better in HK, KL or BKK compared to out here?

This is a joke man! Our nightlife is certainly much better than HK and KL and we can even rival that of BKK's and exceed it.

Manila is the nightlife place and us Pinoys love to party hard all night that we used the term "gimik".

Even our clubs and bars can get packed on a weekday night what more if its a Friday or Saturday?

A lot of foreigners who visit the Philippines are pleasantly surprised about the nightlife in Manila. Even Time Magazine once wrote how Manila has one of the most vibrant nightlife in Asia and grossly underrated.

Bangkok-Manila-Jakarta

That's the meanest of all ASEAN cities when it comes to nightlife bar none.

KL's nightlife flourished because of SG, one thing, one of the most popular clubs in SG, Zouk opened one in KL.

BKK's nightlife is widely advertised or is hyped. So those abroad are more aware.

But recently, most clubs in BKK close early say 2 am. This is not the case with Metro Manila where clubs are open throughout the morning.

And nightlife / clubbing is only limited in BKK's city core. But in Metro Manila, you can go all the way to Laguna, Cavite or Bulacan and still find some nightlife happening there.

Hmmm maybe I made a mistake about KL better than us in clubbing that but I can say BKK is "a bit" ahead or at least equal with us in clubbing..

Not only with clubbing, we have a lot of after hours lounging that go into daylight. Some parties go on for days. The only thing lacking so far in Manila is a rooftop nightclub. Almost every weekend there is a pool party happening anywhere in the metro, you can even hire a yacht which we did a couple of times (a friend organised and we shared the expenses - invited djs).

It's nuts man, if you just knew the Manila. It's a recovering alcoholic's nightmare. There was a point where I had to literally go on sabbatical for 2 months, because there's just way too many parties. One expat threw a party in his Forbes house, my jaws dropped - may foam machine, stage for dj, all the kleig lights, a row of tables for food, plus carts of different street food, a separate table for wine, spirits, beer, and he even had portalets installed! HAHA. Of course, fixture si Rachel Lobangco with her fire dancing. I was so shocked - I told my friend after, dito yata napupunta ang pera ng buong bansa.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Night spots:

Ortigas/Metrowalk
Tomas Morato/Timog
Eastwood
Makati
Malate
The Fort
RW Manila area

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 10:35 AM

It is true that SG remains an aviation hub and we cannot deny that. But I'm sure the city-state is doing more to promote its tourism than its current reputation as a gateway to ASEAN.

On the other hand, BKK is also doing the same in becoming the gateway to ASEAN. The fact its airport is well connected to many different countries around the world.

From how I see it, BKK is the gateway for Indochina ASEAN which includes Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and to some extent, Myanmar.

While SG is the gateway for Malay ASEAN which includes, Malaysia, Indonesia and to some extent, Brunei.

I agree.

IMO, I think Bangkok is outpacing SG as a main aviation hub in ASEAN.

I welcome KL however as an alternative hub due to the presence of Air Asia which provides cheap fares to long haul and short haul flights.

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 10:36 AM

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 10:55 AM

YES.

The Great Singapore Sale is AWESOME.

A lot of foreigners who visit the Philippines are pleasantly surprised about the nightlife in Manila. Even Time Magazine once wrote how Manila has one of the most vibrant nightlife in Asia and grossly underrated.

Bangkok-Manila-Jakarta

That's the meanest of all ASEAN cities when it comes to nightlife bar none.

Not only with clubbing, we have a lot of after hours lounging that go into daylight. Some parties go on for days. The only thing lacking so far in Manila is a rooftop nightclub. Almost every weekend there is a pool party happening anywhere in the metro, you can even hire a yacht which we did a couple of times (a friend organised and we shared the expenses - invited djs).

It's nuts man, if you just knew the Manila. It's a recovering alcoholic's nightmare. There was a point where I had to literally go on sabbatical for 2 months, because there's just way too many parties. One expat threw a party in his Forbes house, my jaws dropped - may foam machine, stage for dj, all the kleig lights, a row of tables for food, plus carts of different street food, a separate table for wine, spirits, beer, and he even had portalets installed! HAHA. Of course, fixture si Rachel Lobangco with her fire dancing. I was so shocked - I told my friend after, dito yata napupunta ang pera ng buong bansa.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Night spots:

Ortigas/Metrowalk
Tomas Morato/Timog
Eastwood
Makati
Malate
The Fort
RW Manila area

As with the mentioned venues, Makati, The Fort, Malate and to some extent, RW Manila are the few places that most foreign tourist can head too. Other areas such as Eastwood require a car.

I can't comment for Jakarta and it is one city that is not known for that. On the other hand, Manila's nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Asia but it is usually kept to ourselves and foreigners who visit the city.

Other than rooftop clubs, there are no rooftop bars here though Makati, Ortigas and around Manila Bay are the best locations for that.

There used to be a rooftop club at Dusit Thani in Makati but that was back in the early 80s when it was still Manila Garden Hotel.

A bit personal but coming from a city that never sleeps, my dad and I went to LA for vacation and arrived Friday night staying in Culver City. Heading to our hotel, my dad commented that the streets were pretty empty and there is nothing happening especially if its a Friday night.

Kintoy

October 17th, 2011, 11:00 AM

umabot na pala ang goolay ditow...

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 11:01 AM

I agree.

IMO, I think Bangkok is outpacing SG as a main aviation hub in ASEAN.

I welcome KL however as an alternative hub due to the presence of Air Asia which provides cheap fares to long haul and short haul flights.

The fact KL is between these two great countries. Though one visiting ASEAN would do a BKK-KL-SG route or vice versa.

As for us, we need to develop DMIA and make it into a major aviation hub.

patchay

October 17th, 2011, 11:05 AM

I agree.

IMO, I think Bangkok is outpacing SG as a main aviation hub in ASEAN.

I welcome KL however as an alternative hub due to the presence of Air Asia which provides cheap fares to long haul and short haul flights.

We know we can't compete with Bangkok and Singapore.

So we went into low-cost carrier instead but initially failed (AirAsia was formerly owned by a government-linked conglomerate which was sold off for 1 ringgit). Then suddenly, one guy came and did it, and today it seems that LCC will be the growth of the aviation industry.

Because of LCC's connectivity and foreign airline incentives, numerous big and small full-service airlines are now thinking of coming here, thus slowly but surely making us an alternative hub. The new KLIA2 airport will be amongst the largest terminal in this region when it opens next year.

However, Jakarta is not going to sit down and see us through so easily.

***************

Just out of curiosity.

I think PH should be investing in popularising a world-renowned "iconic landmark" - either old or man-made modernism, rather than just its beaches.

FOR EXAMPLE, famous landmarks in ASEAN now attracting millions:

Bangkok - The Grand Palace
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Yogyakarta - Borobodur
Kuala Lumpur - Petronas Twin Towers
Singapore - Marina Bay Sands

Ok discussion continues at ASEAN thread.

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 11:10 AM

We know we can't compete with Bangkok and Singapore.

So we went into low-cost carrier instead but failed. Then suddenly, one guy came and did it, and today it seems that LCC will be the growth of the aviation industry.

Because of LCC's connectivity and foreign airline incentives, numerous big and small full-service airlines are now thinking of coming here, thus slowly but surely making us an alternative hub.

However, Jakarta is not going to sit down and see us through so easily.

*******

Just out of curiosity.

I think PH should be invested in popularising an "iconic landmark" - either old or man-made modern.

FOR EXAMPLE, famous landmarks in ASEAN now attracting millions:

Bangkok - The Grand Palace
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Yogyakarta - Borobodur
Kuala Lumpur - Petronas Twin Towers
Singapore - Marina Bay Sands

Ok discussion continues at ASEAN thread.

Unfortunately, landmarks and man-made structures are not The Philippines' selling point and also not our country's main attractions. And if we have some, they are the least exotic among ASEAN.

Our attractions are more unique natural wonders from beaches to volcanoes, islands, etc. And we do have alot of islands.

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/palawan_el_nido.jpg

Other would be festivities. The Philippines have fiestas in various places from January all the way to December.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/atihan3.jpg

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 11:14 AM

so where is the best place to go clubbing in metro manila now?

You can find it here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1040569&page=18

KL's nightlife flourished because of SG, one thing, one of the most popular clubs in SG, Zouk opened one in KL.

BKK's nightlife is widely advertised or is hyped. So those abroad are more aware.

But recently, most clubs in BKK close early say 2 am. This is not the case with Metro Manila where clubs are open throughout the morning.

And nightlife / clubbing is only limited in BKK's city core. But in Metro Manila, you can go all the way to Laguna, Cavite or Bulacan and still find some nightlife happening there.

Now, even NEWPORT CINEMAS at Resorts World Manila is open 24 HOURS during weekend. This is the first time that I heard a cinema open whole day and night!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwmrG6Xpob8/TXg5vSo_ZYI/AAAAAAAABYQ/lI8TMVOX7ww/s400/Newport%2BCinemastar.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1000678.jpg

Manila-X

October 17th, 2011, 11:18 AM

You can find it here:

Now, even NEWPORT CINEMAS at Resorts World Manila is open 24 HOURS during weekend. This is the first time that I heard a cinema open whole day and night!

You have the feeling of Vegas inside Newport and I would not be surprised if the company introduces 24 hour cinemas.

But their cinemas are profitable and are considered the best in Metro Manila and perhaps, The Philippines.

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 11:28 AM

You have the feeling of Vegas inside Newport and I would not be surprised if the company introduces 24 hour cinemas.

But their cinemas are profitable and are considered the best in Metro Manila and perhaps, The Philippines.

They charge P500 for Cinema 1. The 3 other cinemas' ticket prices range from P200 to P250.

amigo32

October 17th, 2011, 11:31 AM

anong klaseng sinehan ba yan?

imax din ba yung tig 500?

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 11:34 AM

Not only with clubbing, we have a lot of after hours lounging that go into daylight. Some parties go on for days. The only thing lacking so far in Manila is a rooftop nightclub. Almost every weekend there is a pool party happening anywhere in the metro, you can even hire a yacht which we did a couple of times (a friend organised and we shared the expenses - invited djs).

Night spots:

Ortigas/Metrowalk
Tomas Morato/Timog
Eastwood
Makati
Malate
The Fort
RW Manila area

To add: Ortigas/Julia Vargas
Tiendesitas (live bands every night)
San Miguel by the Bay/Mall of Asia
Roxas Boulevard Pasay with all those bars that cater to adults
Burgos Makati
Marikina's Riverbanks is still alive

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 11:35 AM

anong klaseng sinehan ba yan?

imax din ba yung tig 500?

Not Imax but the difference is the seats. Feeling rich ka sa loob.:)

amigo32

October 17th, 2011, 11:37 AM

Not Imax but the difference is the seats. Feeling rich ka sa loob.:)

:lol:

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 11:38 AM

SOUND OF MUSIC @ RESORTS WORLD MANILA

http://www.rwmanila.com/uploads/events_images/SOM_inside%20page%20banner.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQcDo-P_suo/Tmyr1UiBRZI/AAAAAAAABl0/RvjzTtueHMg/s640/Sound+of+Music.jpg

RonnieR

October 17th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Saw the render for Belle - hotel, casino, entertainment center.

Unique design for Belle Diamant. :)

Belle Diamant

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6243921470_5c1cf55054_b.jpg

http://www.asyadesign.com.ph

Belle Grande Manila Bay
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6243921480_9d1cf7b6f7_b.jpg

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 12:53 PM

To add: Ortigas/Julia Vargas
Tiendesitas (live bands every night)
San Miguel by the Bay/Mall of Asia
Roxas Boulevard Pasay with all those bars that cater to adults
Burgos Makati
Marikina's Riverbanks is still alive

Oh yeah, I forgot about MOA.

Burgos Makati (ewwwwww)

As for Belle Diamant, is that a final render? Baka magbago??

Ady001

October 17th, 2011, 01:16 PM

^^ The Belle diamant is like an otherworldly concept; it's like a scene in Aliens. They might invite Sigourney Weaver in its opening.

xxxriainxxx

October 17th, 2011, 01:28 PM

Unfortunately, landmarks and man-made structures are not The Philippines' selling point and also not our country's main attractions. And if we have some, they are the least exotic among ASEAN.

Our attractions are more unique natural wonders from beaches to volcanoes, islands, etc. And we do have alot of islands.

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/palawan_el_nido.jpg

Other would be festivities. The Philippines have fiestas in various places from January all the way to December.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/atihan3.jpg

You forgot to mention that we do have a man made natural wonder.

The rice terraces of Cordillera are an enduring engineering marvel which continues to this day since it was built by free men thousands of years ago.

spearhead

October 17th, 2011, 02:20 PM

You can find it here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1040569&page=18

Now, even NEWPORT CINEMAS at Resorts World Manila is open 24 HOURS during weekend. This is the first time that I heard a cinema open whole day and night!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwmrG6Xpob8/TXg5vSo_ZYI/AAAAAAAABYQ/lI8TMVOX7ww/s400/Newport%2BCinemastar.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/P1000678.jpg

Sleepless nights? :cheers:

spearhead

October 17th, 2011, 02:30 PM

william :D

October 17th, 2011, 02:36 PM

^^ i like that video more than this one

rbegxDpJolg&feature=related

patchay

October 17th, 2011, 02:58 PM

I was thinking what is the best Tourism slogan for Philippines. Perhaps a very simple and effective one:

Beautiful Philippines, or

Philippines, Beautiful Asia

Simple, straight-to-the-point slogans like this will be very attractive.

amigo32

October 17th, 2011, 03:15 PM

yuck:D

it' like Pinas kay ganda:D

wino

October 17th, 2011, 06:06 PM

eweee...

boypad

October 18th, 2011, 01:39 AM

8 ad agencies shortlisted for PHL brand campaign :)

Monday, 17 October 2011 22:40
by Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the Business Mirror

EIGHT of the country’s top advertising agencies have been shortlisted for the P5.6-million tourism slogan project of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

A list obtained by the BusinessMirror showed the eight are: Dentsu Philippines Inc., J. Romero & Associates Inc., Lowe Inc., BBDO Guerrero Proximity Philippines Inc., DDB Philippines Inc., WPP/J. Walter Thompson, Young & Rubicam Philippines Inc. and ASPAC Advertising Inc.

It was also learned that the winning bidder’s contract has been extended to one year from the original contract duration of only two months.

Acting Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. has said the new tourism slogan would be announced before Christmas.

A DOT source said 16 agencies submitted eligibility documents to bid for the “Philippine Branding Campaign focusing on Tourism” project. Of the 16, 13 were declared eligible.

The advertising firms were scored on the basis of “company experience and track record, as major factors,” before being shortlisted, another DOT source said. The highest score was garnered by Dentsu at 57 (out of 100 possible points), with the lowest recorded by WPP/J. Walter, Y&R, and ASPAC at 46 points each.

BBDO Guerrero, which was responsible for the DOT’s long-running and hugely successful “Wow Philippines” slogan launched in 2007, was ranked No. 4 with 48 points.

As per DOT’s Bid Bulletin No. 2, submission of the agencies’ final bids will be on November 3 at 1 p.m. The bids will be opened on the same day at 2 p.m. Presentation of pitches by the qualified bidders will be on November 21 as per the new terms of reference of the project.

But it could take a year before any actual ad campaign rolls out, featuring the new slogan for the local and foreign tourists.

Tourism Spokesman and Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. told the BusinessMirror the extension of the contract was done to “essentially get a longer commitment from the ad agency after developing the concept. After coming up with the concept, the ad agency will serve as the consultant for the DOT to assist in the implementation of the concept. Two months would have been too short a time for that commitment.”

In a separate interview, Tourism Assistant Secretary Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, who oversees the bidding for the brand campaign said via text message, the winning bidder “can act as consultant [specifically] to the production and media applications of the branding.”

He said the DOT will also “conduct market tests on the winning brand so that the proponent bidder can assist in tweaking the brand to make it better for specific target markets/audiences.”

Part of the winning bidder’s “deliverables” as also stated in Bid Bulletin No. 1, is the submission of a “cost estimate of producing the creative materials proposed for the branding campaign, as well as of applying said campaign in various international and domestic media and platforms.” But it doesn’t mean that the winning bidder will produce the ad campaign itself.

Enerio disclosed there would be another bidding for the supplier of the advertising materials such as television commercials, brochures, posters, and other collateral materials.

In advertising campaigns made for private companies, an ad agency usually has the leeway to choose its own suppliers for the production of the ads and collateral materials.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/18081-8-ad-agencies-shortlisted-for-phl-brand-campaign