Travel and Tourism Industry [Archive] - Page 73

Aerolineas

March 24th, 2012, 02:49 PM

Huh? Boracay is in the Philippines, right? Why hope when it's sure to come as reported?

Maybe he meant, one of the default port of call.

I hope more cruise ship will find their way to Philippines. For sure, M/S Voyager passengers have good time in Boracay... :cheers:

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6572/15180175.jpg
Royal Caribbean sails into the Philippines
Marianne Carandang, Manila, March 23, 2012

THE 694-guest Azamara Quest, part of the Royal Caribbean International fleet, will make its maiden call in Manila on March 28 as part of a 17-day itinerary covering the Philippines, Borneo, Komodo Island and Bali.

Baron Travel Corporation, the GSA for Azamara Club Cruises in the Philippines, will undertake shore excursions in Manila for the 550 passengers who boarded the ship in Hong Kong, according to general manager inbound leisure, Aurora Tadeo.

"We will offer them tour packages of Tagaytay and Pagsanjan, taking care of them for about one and half days," she said.

Azamara Quest is scheduled to depart Manila at 13:00 on March 29, and will sail onward to Balikpapan (Borneo), Palopo (Sulawesi), Komodo Island, Benoa (Bali) and Semarang (Java), before ending in Singapore on April 12.

The ship will then embark the same day on a 12-day Spice Route programme to Phuket, the Andaman Islands, Cochin, Goa and finally, Mumbai.

Royal Caribbean’s 2,074-guest Legend of the Seas, operating from its homeport in Hong Kong, will also make its inaugural call in Boracay this October as part of an eight-day South-east Asian cruise. The ship will make a day's stop in Manila en route to Boracay.

The Philippines Department of Tourism had earlier stated that cruise tourism development would be one of the priorities within the National Tourism Development Plan.
Sources:http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3335

Aside from Legend of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas will visit the Island this May as Part of it's ASEAN Cruise. Both Cruise Ship are under the flag of RCCL

the glimpser

March 25th, 2012, 04:51 AM

^^ It's good to know that more and more cruise lines are including the Philippines in their intineraries. :cheers:

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1369/tumblrl30wl7hrgi1qc2zn8.jpg
viva filipinas (http://vivafilipinas.tumblr.com/post/692522475/sunken-cemetery-catarman-camiguin-the-sunken)

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/315/sunkencemeteryincamigui.jpg
transporters.ph (http://transporters.ph/sunken-cemetery-in-camiguin/)

The story behind the famous Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin

CATARMAN, CAMIGUIN — This island’s famous Sunken Cemetery, marked by a cross standing in the middle of the sea, resulted from the birth of Mount Vulcan in 1871.

The island of Camiguin is of volcanic origin and composed of four young “stratovolcanoes” overlying older volcanic structures. These include Mt. Vulcan and Mount Hibok-Hibok, still considered active having last erupted in 1953.

History records show that Mount Vulcan started as a volcanic fissure on April 30, 1871 after weeks of earthquakes on the island. After continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol’s cemetery.

Today, all that remains of old Catarman are the ruins of an ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent and a bell tower.

Remnants of the structures and gravestones of the cemetery were still seen during low tide until 1948 when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, which buried the area deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark this old gravesite.

How to get to Camiguin:
The closest airport to Camiguin is in Cagayan de Oro City. From there, head for the bus terminal in Agora Market. Take a bus to Balingoan town and then hop on a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.

You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to the town of Guinsiliban in Camiguin

http://loqal.ph/travel-and-outdoors/2010/07/01/the-story-behind-the-famous-sunken-cemetery-in-camiguin/

Fraulein

March 25th, 2012, 06:01 AM

from a Chinese website: :)

=================

Streetwise in Manila

Beyond the huge capital's chaotic surface there's a city of quirky charm, reports Lee Hannon.

The color drained from Steve's face, his eyebrows raised and snapped together in a flash of fear. This was the moment I realized achondroplasiaphobia was very real, even though I couldn't pronounce it. It's not every day you discover one of your friends has a genuine, uncontrollable, panic-inducing, heart-thumping fear of dwarfs.

We were sitting together on a sunny terrace overlooking Manila, discussing what to do with our weekend respite from the bitter cold in China, when I first mentioned The Hobbit House.

"Under his care, hundreds of dwarfs have adopted new cultural identities," I intoned, reading a review of the infamous bar that was started by a former US Peace Corps worker themed on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels.

"They're no longer shunned or even feared as supposed evil spirits, but have become popular characters called hobbits - merry figures who serve drinks, crack ribald jokes and even entertain onstage."

Read the full article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sunday/2012-03/25/content_14905845.htm

Fraulein

March 25th, 2012, 01:15 PM

Again for the 3rd posting (backread on my previous posts) about tourists' like about our country are the people. :)

==========================

'Bourne' location scout praises PH

Read all here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/03/25/12/bourne-location-scout-praises-ph

MANILA, Philippines – The Hollywood location scout who worked on “The Bourne Legacy” shoot suggested that tourists take a vacation in the Philippines and explore the country’s many islands.

In an interview with the New York Times, which appeared on March 22, Dow Griffiths also praised the hospitality of the Filipino people.

“The ‘Bourne’ movies are known as a more urban and gritty kind of product, and that was certainly true of Manila. It is congested, with the highest population density in the world,” he told the newspaper.

“But the people are the best thing about it. Don’t be fooled by the signs everywhere that say ‘Check Your Firearms at the Door.’ Many citizens are packing, but you couldn’t meet more hospitable people,” he said.

Griffiths, who also scouted Thailand, Vietnam and China for “Avatar, The Last Airbender,” said Manila is a good place to kick-off a trip to the Philippines.

But he told casual travellers that the “real reason to go to the Philippines is to explore its more than 7,000 islands, from the heights of the rice terraces of Banaue to dives with the whale sharks in Donsol — and that’s just on one island, Luzon.”

juniordiscovery

March 25th, 2012, 02:37 PM

xxxriainxxx

March 25th, 2012, 04:49 PM

Pag-asa Island eyed as tourist destination
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

| Zoom
MANILA, Philippines - The municipality of Kalayaan on Pag-asa Island is looking forward to the island’s conversion into a tourist spot and a recreation haven for visiting American troops and other friendly forces with the scheduled construction of a beaching ramp to accommodate roll-on, roll-off vessels.

Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon said he expects the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to complete the construction of the ramp this year.

“In fact, we are sending an invitation to the commander of the US Pacific Command to consider our island town as one of the rest and recreation areas for their servicemen who are deployed here in the country,” he said.

Bito-onon told The STAR in a telephone interview that the blue waters and white sand surrounding the main island of Pag-asa present an ideal site for diving and other forms of sea-based activities for local and foreign tourists.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=790771&publicationSubCategoryId=68

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

xxxriainxxx

March 25th, 2012, 04:52 PM

Philippine diplomats to promote Philippine tourism too!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Filipino Diplomats in the Asia-Pacific Region Upbeat to Market Phl after Regional Meet
Friday, 23 March 2012 08:14 Public Information Service Unit

23 March 2012 - Current and incoming Philippine Heads of Posts (HOPs) in the Asia Pacific region unanimously agreed to forge ahead with a synergized strategy to market the Philippines as a prime investment and tourism destination, promote the Philippines' economic zones, explore the opportunities in the agricultural sector and the services sector, particularly the booming Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, among others.

The agreement was made by a total of 31 current and incoming Philippine Heads of Posts in the Asia Pacific region who participated in the Regional Consultative Meeting (RCM) organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 5 to 8 at the DFA Main Building in Pasay City.

The RCM provided a vital opportunity for the key Philippine diplomats in the region, mainly ambassadors and consuls-general, to evaluate the government's foreign policy thrusts, to identify overall strategic direction and to formulate appropriate operational strategies that will more effectively promote the interests of the country and the Filipino people.

http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/5030-filipino-diplomats-in-the-asia-pacific-region-upbeat-to-market-phl-after-regional-meet

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

jpdm

March 26th, 2012, 02:02 AM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=790771&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Pag-asa Island eyed as tourist destination
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

| Zoom
MANILA, Philippines - The municipality of Kalayaan on Pag-asa Island is looking forward to the island’s conversion into a tourist spot and a recreation haven for visiting American troops and other friendly forces with the scheduled construction of a beaching ramp to accommodate roll-on, roll-off vessels.

Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon said he expects the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to complete the construction of the ramp this year.

“In fact, we are sending an invitation to the commander of the US Pacific Command to consider our island town as one of the rest and recreation areas for their servicemen who are deployed here in the country,” he said.

Bito-onon told The STAR in a telephone interview that the blue waters and white sand surrounding the main island of Pag-asa present an ideal site for diving and other forms of sea-based activities for local and foreign tourists.

“Look at the islet being occupied by Malaysia,” he said. “The area is highly developed and is now serving as rest and recreation (site) of their civilian and military visitors.”

Bito-onon earlier met with officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Manila for a programmed construction of a safe harbor in the island municipality.

Bito-onon said once completed, the sea channel would be converted into a safe harbor that could accommodate visiting commercial, private and military vessels.

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Definitely love this news!:):)

Juan Pilgrim

March 26th, 2012, 03:51 AM

Philippine diplomats to promote Philippine tourism too!
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/5030-filipino-diplomats-in-the-asia-pacific-region-upbeat-to-market-phl-after-regional-meet

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Isn't this suppose to be part of their job?

jpdm

March 26th, 2012, 03:58 AM

Isn't this suppose to be part of their job?

Agree.:cheers:

[dx]

March 26th, 2012, 04:27 AM

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/319796_348865988484028_109288295775133_880876_240928248_n.jpg?dl=1

I like this testimonial type of advertising (courtesy of Choose Philippines), it's simple yet persuasive, conversational and engaging. There is a subtle call to action. The DOT should do more of these in line with the 'it's more fun in the PH' campaign. Nothing beats a wide smile to convey 'FUN!'. Maybe they should also expand it into a TVC or a featurette.

Sleepwalker

March 26th, 2012, 06:13 AM

from a UK article...

Cebu & Boracay paradise with flair
Monday 26th March 2012, 1:54am

Elizabeth Fournier visits two idyllic Filipino islands and finds heritage, wildlife and vibrant local colour in abundance – along with perfect beaches
Elizabeth Fournier

HAVING recently visited nearby Malaysia, I thought I had a fair idea of what to expect from the Philippines. A bustling Asian melting pot where a hotchpotch of cultures, religions and cuisines collide in the middle of the Indian ocean, right?

But stepping off the plane at our first stop – Mactan Island in Cebu – felt more like landing in the Caribbean. As we made our way through the arrivals lounge after a 14-hour trawl via Hong Kong, our hosts rushed forward with jasmine flower necklaces and loud exclamations of “Mabuhay” – Tagalog for welcome, and the one Filipino word I hear more than any other during my week in the country.

Cebu – the first place Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines – is the perfect place to start a holiday, steeped as it is in so much of the islands’ tumultuous history.

Though Magellan was swiftly killed after converting the island’s ruler to Christianity, his voyage set in motion the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines that lasted more than 300 years and left an indelible stamp on Filipino culture – undoubtedly what makes it feel so different from the rest of Asia. From the traditional guitar-making shops on every street corner in Cebu to the habit of serenading passers by in as many public places as possible, the entire country is imbued with the spirit of its conquerors.

MORE (http://www.cityam.com/lifestyle/travel/cebu-boracay-paradise-flair)

RonnieR

March 26th, 2012, 07:11 AM

Let's watch this awesome event...

CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA LIVE IN MANILA at Resorts World Manila
http://www.circuitmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/eventbanner_motherafrica3.jpg
For the first time in Manila, the highly anticipated Cirque Mother Africa will dazzle and mesmerize lovers of African music, dance and performance in the two-hour spectacle from April 19 to 22, 2012, 3PM and 8PM at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Having performed sold out shows in Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Spain, Cirque Mother Africa will tantalize audiences in Manila with a unique African spectacle.

http://www.circuitmag.net/2012/03/01/cirque-mother-africa/

icarusrising

March 26th, 2012, 07:17 AM

from a UK article...

She didn't even check her facts- like the Philippines being in the Indian Ocean.

It's good that we are getting some exposure through articles like this but we do know it's a sponsored trip to generate PR.

RonnieR

March 26th, 2012, 07:29 AM

crappypants

March 26th, 2012, 07:36 AM

Does Manila really have the highest population density in the world per Bourne article?

amigo32

March 26th, 2012, 07:41 AM

Yeah, I've read an article somewhere. Manila is one of the mega cities in the world.

According to wiki, Metro Manila is 10th.

RonnieR

March 26th, 2012, 08:06 AM

I went to REPUBLIQ (Resorts World) last Friday night and SEVENTH HIGH (BGC High Street) last Saturday night. Wow, these places were packed with people.

REPUBLIQ's crowd is better since it's mixed with foreigners and locals. SEVENTH HIGH is more of yuppies and high end locals. :)

RonnieR

March 26th, 2012, 08:11 AM

Cool clubs from PDI:

Clubbing the night away
PDI savors Manila’s nightlife via 5 cool spots
By: Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 25, 2012 | 8:13 pm

There will always be new clubs aiming to attract a slice of the nightlife crowd in Metro Manila. We have been to a few of them, and here’s the kind of entertainment they offer:

1. The Bar @1951
1951 Adriatico St. Malate, Manila

2.Wil’s Events Place
30 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City

3.Dragon Bistro
119 Roces Avenue, Quezon City

4. Scarlet Wine Lounge
Unit E, The Fort Entertainment Strip, 5th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

5.Kublai’s Rock
G/F Oakridge Bldg., Paseo de Magallanes, Makati
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/34633/clubbing-the-night-away

RonnieR

March 26th, 2012, 09:33 AM

Pinoy paddlers set for Seasports Festival at Manila Ocean Park

Friday, March 23rd, 2012
http://www.easyrock.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSC_3164_small.jpg

The Manila Bay Seasports Festival fires off at Manila Ocean Park on Saturday, March 24 at 8 a.m., with master bangkeros from Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Quezon, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Mindoro, Iloilo, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay and Manila seeing action.

On Sunday, the dragon boat competitions get underway at 8 a.m., along with semi-final and championship rounds for the bancathon. Teams taking part in the Mixed-Open Dragon Boat Championships include members of the Philippine team that captures the world championships. Other clubs competing are Philippine Army, De La Salle University, PDRT Fireblades, Blue Phoenix, MaharlikaDrakon, RCP Sea Dragons, Onslaught Racing Radgons, Oncer Piece DrakonSangress, Rogue Pilipinas, Triton Racing Team, EYP Cebu Dragons, and Manila Ocean Park.

To cap the two-day event, organizers will hold an awards night and mini concert at 6 p.m. featuring music artists Erik Santos, Posh, the Go Girls and Pinoy Pop Superstar runner-up Bryan Termulo.

The Manila Bay Seasports Festival is organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company together with the City of Manila, in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, Smart Communications, Caltex, Sugus, Ginebra San Miguel, Cobra Energy Drink, M. Lhuillier, So Lucky Crackers, H2O Hotel, Cord Marine Epoxy and Harbor View Restaurant.
http://www.easyrock.com.ph/latest-events/pinoy-paddlers-set-for-seasports-festival-at-manila-ocean-park/

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/4940/genahires.jpg
http://www.philstar.com/Photo.aspx?articleId=791132&publicationSubCategoryId=63

d7beast

March 26th, 2012, 02:26 PM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=790771&publicationSubCategoryId=68
MANILA, Philippines - The municipality of Kalayaan on Pag-asa Island is looking forward to the island’s conversion into a tourist spot and a recreation haven for visiting American troops and other friendly forces with the scheduled construction of a beaching ramp to accommodate roll-on, roll-off vessels.
Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon said he expects the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to complete the construction of the ramp this year.
“In fact, we are sending an invitation to the commander of the US Pacific Command to consider our island town as one of the rest and recreation areas for their servicemen who are deployed here in the country,” he said.:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

mabuti pa itong politikong ito magaling mag-isip, that would solidify our position of the Spratly's starting at the Kalayaan island,..but it's short of inviting the 7th fleet into the island,..:cheers:

wino

March 26th, 2012, 06:59 PM

Eating your way to happiness in the Philippines (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17471626)
By Kate McGeown
BBC News, Manila

sugbuanon

March 27th, 2012, 02:47 AM

Promote ‘culture of tourism’

By Katlene O. Cacho
Monday, March 26, 2012

THE Tourism Congress on Friday said it hopes to promote a “culture of tourism” among students through a subject to be introduced in the elementary and high school curricula.

Tourism Congress president Marceline Clemente said tourism stakeholders need to help shape the values and culture of tourism among the youth for the country to produce well-educated and skilled human resources for the industry. “Young students should know at least little geography of its nation so everyone could become ambassadors of tourism,” Clemente said during the Tourism Congress Visayan Consultation held last Friday.

LINK (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2012/03/26/promote-culture-tourism-213361)

LuckyLady

March 27th, 2012, 03:28 AM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=790771&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Pag-asa Island eyed as tourist destination
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

MANILA, Philippines - The municipality of Kalayaan on Pag-asa Island is looking forward to the island’s conversion into a tourist spot and a recreation haven for visiting American troops and other friendly forces with the scheduled construction of a beaching ramp to accommodate roll-on, roll-off vessels.

Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon said he expects the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to complete the construction of the ramp this year.

“In fact, we are sending an invitation to the commander of the US Pacific Command to consider our island town as one of the rest and recreation areas for their servicemen who are deployed here in the country,” he said.

Bito-onon told The STAR in a telephone interview that the blue waters and white sand surrounding the main island of Pag-asa present an ideal site for diving and other forms of sea-based activities for local and foreign tourists.

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

mabuti pa itong politikong ito magaling mag-isip, that would solidify our position of the Spratly's starting at the Kalayaan island,..but it's short of inviting the 7th fleet into the island,..:cheers:

:applause::okay: bilisan na baka maunahan pa tayo ng mga tsikom:lol:

:cheers:

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 04:21 AM

Does Manila really have the highest population density in the world per Bourne article?

This only refers to The City of Manila which is currently ranked #1 with 43,079 inhabitants per km2.

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 04:37 AM

Our Finance officials failed to see the benefits in tourism for the direct flights to EU. :ohno:

Air France-KLM cuts last direct Manila-EU flight

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published:March 26, 2012, 9:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines has lost the last direct flight to Europe with a decision by Air France-KLM to stop flying the route because of high taxes levied by the Philippine government.

The airline's general manager for the South China Sea region, Cees Ursem, says that the taxes are a big burden. They include the 3 percent common carriers tax, the 2.5-percent gross billings tax on cargo and passenger revenues originating in the country plus a 12 percent value-added tax on crew accommodations.

He said Monday that a new flight schedule includes a stopover in Taipei, where no such taxes are required. The change will reduce seat capacity for the Manila-based passengers.

The high taxes prompted all other foreign carriers to cut nonstop flights to Europe.

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/24-hour-business-news/article782190.ece

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 04:49 AM

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 04:50 AM

we are getting like NK:D

soon we will be closing borders:D

xxxriainxxx

March 27th, 2012, 06:22 AM

She didn't even check her facts- like the Philippines being in the Indian Ocean.

It's good that we are getting some exposure through articles like this but we do know it's a sponsored trip to generate PR.

I think the writer mentioned about the Indian Ocean because she was just in Malaysia and Malaysia faces the Indian Ocean. :)

I must say, this administration knows PR. :)

As for KLM and other international airlines, I think the tax free incentive for international airlines bill passed the second reading in Congress yesterday (?).

I think with KLM, they blame govt taxation when in fact they are just losing to Middle Eastern airlines, and since they cant openly blame the rich gulf states, they use Philippines as a scapegoat. Well, story of our lives. If other carriers can afford to fly to the Philippines (and tap the very lucrative OFW market, why can't they?).

crappypants

March 27th, 2012, 06:28 AM

This only refers to The City of Manila which is currently ranked #1 with 43,079 inhabitants per km2.

You mean Manila even beat cities of India like Mumbai ? Holy crap they need to teach the calendar and rhythm method fast.

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 06:56 AM

You mean Manila even beat cities of India like Mumbai ? Holy crap they need to teach the calendar and rhythm method fast.

Again this is just Manila and not Metro Manila as a whole. And it is Metro Manila that is compared with Mumbai due to similar population, area and density.

But we cannot deny that Manila is dense and it is cramped. The densest areas are the Sta. Ana and Pandacan areas.

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 06:59 AM

I think the writer mentioned about the Indian Ocean because she was just in Malaysia and Malaysia faces the Indian Ocean. :)

I must say, this administration knows PR. :)

As for KLM and other international airlines, I think the tax free incentive for international airlines bill passed the second reading in Congress yesterday (?).

I think with KLM, they blame govt taxation when in fact they are just losing to Middle Eastern airlines, and since they cant openly blame the rich gulf states, they use Philippines as a scapegoat. Well, story of our lives. If other carriers can afford to fly to the Philippines (and tap the very lucrative OFW market, why can't they?).

The majority of Pinoys that take any Middle Eastern airline are OFWs working in that region compared to those visiting EU for leisure travel.

And let us say that the population of Pinoy OFWs in The Netherlands is not that high.

Bosnyboy

March 27th, 2012, 07:45 AM

Bad news guys, an australian who just landed at naia went missing and is believed kidnapped according to the police.

LuckyLady

March 27th, 2012, 08:02 AM

pag totoo yan ulol talaga mga taong gumagawa nyan. sinasabotahe nila ang effort ng gobyerno at mga nag mamalasakit na pilipino sa tourism promotion. Dapat sa kanila hatulan ng mabigat. This crime should be labeled as economic sabotage at kung wala pa tayong batas para dito panahon na para gawan at ipasa para ma protektahan ang ating bansa sa mga salot na to. It time we take protecting our economy seriously!

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 08:04 AM

This should be even be hyped since it is an isolated case.

LuckyLady

March 27th, 2012, 08:08 AM

isolated or not crimes like this will have a sure effect in our effort in promoting our country for tourism.

ipur

March 27th, 2012, 08:45 AM

ipur

March 27th, 2012, 08:47 AM

^^ at sana mangyayari din yang sinabi ni Gov na merong hollywood movie na magshoot sa CamSur...:banana::banana::banana:

KnightOfTheFlag

March 27th, 2012, 08:53 AM

Bad news guys, an australian who just landed at naia went missing and is believed kidnapped according to the police.

Anak ng jueteng naman! hindi na natapos tong mga balitang makaka-apekto sa tourism natin..:bash::bash::bash::bash:

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

March 27th, 2012, 08:57 AM

andywesteast

March 27th, 2012, 09:20 AM

isolated or not crimes like this will have a sure effect in our effort in promoting our country for tourism.

Every crime against tourists will dissuade thousands from coming to the Philippines.

Philippines annual tourists: 3.8M (half are balikbayans)

Malaysia annual tourists: 23 Million

Need to ask why we are being avoided?

Manila-X

March 27th, 2012, 10:04 AM

isolated or not crimes like this will have a sure effect in our effort in promoting our country for tourism.

And I'm sure this also happens in other countries as well including our neighboring ASEAN countries.

Hyping up the issue or even reporting it to the public especially abroad is the contribution to damaging our country's tourism industry.

KnightOfTheFlag

March 27th, 2012, 10:35 AM

Every crime against tourists will dissuade thousands from coming to the Philippines.

Philippines annual tourists: 3.8M (half are balikbayans)

Malaysia annual tourists: 23 Million

Need to ask why we are being avoided?

Anong half are balik bayan ang pinagsasabi mo?? Saang lupalop mo nakuha yang numerong yan??:?:? Mag-isp isip ka nga muna bago ka mag-post!! :bash::ohno::bash::ohno:

2011 tourist arrivals at record-high of 3.9M
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 02/09/2012 12:37 PM | Updated as of 02/09/2012 4:38 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines hit a record high last year, and the government is confident that the country's new brand campaign will further improve the numbers.

Data from the Department of Tourism showed total visitor arrivals in the country increased by 11.28% to 3.917 million in 2011, breaking the previous record of 3.52 million in 2010. The figure also surpassed by 4.6% the DOT's 2011 visitor arrivals target of 3.7 million.....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/09/12/2011-tourist-arrivals-record-high-39m

:bash::bash::bash::bash:

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 10:38 AM

‘Survivor’ USA shoots in Camarines Sur
by Reyma Buan-Deveza, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - Camarines Sur Governor L-Ray Villafuerte confirmed that the U.S. version of the hit reality TV show "Survivor" is now being shot in Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur.

"Actually may 'Survivor' doon. It's a really big production but I cannot (give more details) because I signed a confidentiality agreement. It's is being filmed right now and it's going to air in September," Villafuerte told abs-cbnNEWS.com on Tuesday.

He added that the shooting only started last week and will wrap up in August.

According to speculations on the show's fan sites, the American version of "Survivor" with host Jeff Probst is shooting two seasons in the Philippines -- Seasons 25 and 26 -- back to back.

"Survivor" Season 24 is currently airing worldwide. The next season is expected to air in the fall.

more... (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/27/12/%E2%80%98survivor%E2%80%99-usa-shoots-camarines-sur)

Great. :cheers:

Every crime against tourists will dissuade thousands from coming to the Philippines.

Philippines annual tourists: 3.8M (half are balikbayans)

Malaysia annual tourists: 23 Million

Need to ask why we are being avoided?

Get your facts dude. Half are balikbayans?????? What? :bash: So other countries have no crime incidents????

The Koreans remained our top source. The Chinese tourists are the 3rd biggest, surpassing the Japanese. It's good that DOT disclosed the number of Filipinos at 15,531 :cheers:

Visitor arrivals hit record high in January
By Jovan Cerda (philstar.com) Updated March 22, 2012 12:29 PM

MANILA, Philippines -Visitor arrivals hit a record-breaking 411,064 in January this year, a 17.5 percent gain from the same month last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

Koreans remained the Philippines' top visitors at 102,166, which accounted for 24.9 percent of the total visitor volume.

Visitors from the United States came second with 63,160 arrivals or 15.4 percent of the total figures.

The Chinese accounted for the third biggest volume with 42,868 arrivals, jumping by 173.8 percent from 15,656 arrivals last year. The increase in Chinese tourists is owing to the heavy influx of visitors for the Chinese New Year, which fell on the third week of January, the DOT said.

Meanwhile, the Japanese and the Taiwanese were the fourth and fifth top visitors, with 32,089 and 21,995 arrivals, respectively.

DOT said Filipinos permanently residing abroad, contributed 15,531 arrivals, representing a 3.8 percent share to the total volume.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=789802&publicationSubCategoryId=200

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 10:47 AM

Every crime against tourists will dissuade thousands from coming to the Philippines.

Philippines annual tourists: 3.8M (half are balikbayans)

Malaysia annual tourists: 23 Million

Need to ask why we are being avoided?

and do you know the number of Singaporeans in the 23 Million? It's 13,372 Million Singaporeans visited Malaysia in 2011. With their population of just over 5 Million, you would see that singaporeans travel more than twice in a year. In 30 minutes, you can travel from Singapore to Johor Baru of Malaysia.

Malaysia also got 2.1 Million Indonesian tourists, 1.2 Bruneian tourists and 1.4 Million from Thailand. All of these are their neighbors and/or border posts.

http://corporate.tourism.gov.my/images/research/pdf/2011/TouristArrivals_JanDec_2011.pdf

KnightOfTheFlag

March 27th, 2012, 10:53 AM

and do you know the number of Singaporeans in the 23 Million? It's 13,372 Million Singaporeans visited Malaysia in 2011. With their population of just over 5 Million, you would see that singaporeans travel more than twice in a year. In 30 minutes, you can travel from Singapore to Johor Baru of Malaysia.

Malaysia also got 2.1 Million Indonesian tourists, 1.2 Bruneian tourists and 1.4 Million from Thailand. All of these are their neighbors and/or border posts.

http://corporate.tourism.gov.my/images/research/pdf/2011/TouristArrivals_JanDec_2011.pdf

Agree! most of those in that Malaysian figures are transit tourist or singaporeans getting cheap haircuts or cheap of everything from singapore and singaporeans who have family members in johor which they would visit NUMEROUS TIMES IN A WEEK! Every visit counts you as ONE TOURIST.

rain34

March 27th, 2012, 10:56 AM

Philippines is only accessible through air and by sea. We really need to step up the improvements in our air terminals and remove restrictions for easier access to tourists.

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 11:03 AM

Agree! most of those in that Malaysian figures are transit tourist or singaporeans getting cheap haircuts or cheap of everything from singapore and singaporeans who have family members in johor which they would visit NUMEROUS TIMES IN A WEEK! Every visit counts you as ONE TOURIST.

Add to this the number of OFWs exiting to Malaysia after their tourist visas expire. I have friends who went there to look for jobs and since it sometimes take more than a month to find a job, exit muna.

kalbongdad

March 27th, 2012, 11:10 AM

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 11:15 AM

kala ko ba all is well in the tourism industry based sa mga praise release ng mga yellow journalists..... bakit nagaalisan ang mga airlines?....o dahil yan kay little evil gloria kaya sila nagaalisan....:lol::ohno: iba ang nasusulat sa mga tunay na nangyayari ano po....kilabutan kayo yung mga praise pipol ng palasyo....you are doing a great disservice to the nation......ang nakaupo sa palasyo hindi po yun ang pilipinas....reexamine yourselves and be wise....:lol:

The issue on European airlines is a cause for concern. Well, statistics showed that the number of tourists in January 2012 reached an all time high is a proof that our DOT is doing well. It is not a praise release kalbongdad but based on actual number of tourists.

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 11:17 AM

Add to this the number of OFWs exiting to Malaysia after their tourist visas expire. I have friends who went there to look for jobs and since it sometimes take more than a month to find a job, exit muna.

Agree. But on their website, the number of Filipinos who visited Malaysia in 2011 dropped by 25% while in Singapore, Filipino tourists moved upward from 10th spot to 6th spot in 2011.

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 11:19 AM

Agree! most of those in that Malaysian figures are transit tourist or singaporeans getting cheap haircuts or cheap of everything from singapore and singaporeans who have family members in johor which they would visit NUMEROUS TIMES IN A WEEK! Every visit counts you as ONE TOURIST.

I'm not sure if Malaysia counts as one entry even if the Singaporean tourist arrives and leaves the same day.

KnightOfTheFlag

March 27th, 2012, 11:23 AM

Add to this the number of OFWs exiting to Malaysia after their tourist visas expire. I have friends who went there to look for jobs and since it sometimes take more than a month to find a job, exit muna.

Thats right! Some of the Filipino tourist just exit through Johor just the GET THEIR PASSPORT CHOPPED AND BRAG THEM AROUND THEIR FRIENDS OR POST IT IN FACEBOOK!..:lol::lol:

Mercato

March 27th, 2012, 11:27 AM

KnightOfTheFlag

March 27th, 2012, 11:39 AM

pssst. may scoop ako nabasa ko sa diyaro online. According sa 1 social or demographic scientist nila na na-publish sa Straits Times 2 days ago, pag nagcontinue ang current decline sa birthrate ang singaporean magiging extinct by the year 2100. This current decline in birthrate had already been problematic for years na.

O ano pa hintay niiyo? Pagkakataon na to lusob na (I mean immigrant power :lol:). Kaunti lang naman kelangan nila e, kumbaga barya lang sa population nating 90million+. All they need is an extra 3-4million.

Imagine. A Philippine colony sitting at the strategic Straits. A rich Philippine colony. :D mamya hanapin ko ang article. BRB.

Thats true! kaya nga noong 2005 to 2009 napakadaling mag-apply ng PR sa singapore miski 1 month ka pa lang nagtratrabaho doon maa-approve na PR mo IN A MATTER OF WEEKS LANG! Ultimo coffeshop helper nagiging PR just to address the declining population...ngayon naghigpit na naman kasi nagagalit ang mga locals dahil puro foreigners na raw bansa nila at inaagawan daw sila ng trabaho which is totally the opposite because Singapore relies on cheap foreign labor to be competitive, the more competitive they are the more investments comes in which equates to more jobs...the recent election in which the opposition won an unprecedented 7 seats in the parliament has seen the Singapore government reducing and restricting drastically the foriegn workers and immigrants in which the opposition capitalize on the sentiment of the singaporeans about foreign workers..

RonnieR

March 27th, 2012, 12:03 PM

Folk, ballet, hip-hop groups merge for CCP show:cheers:
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 03/27/2012 3:09 PM | Updated as of 03/27/2012 3:09 PM

MANILA, Philippines -- Different dance groups will perform together in a show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) this weekend.

Billed as "Pulso: The Filipino Soul in Dance," the show will be held at the CCP Main Theater at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.

Featured groups include Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila, Philippine Ballet Theater, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, UP Dance Company, Teatro Ambahanon, Dance Aficionados and Unschooled, a hip-hop dance group.

"The production exemplifies a diverse culture that has produced dancers moving as one soul -- from ethnic, folk, contemporary to classical ballet -- with the distinct grace that charms audiences worldwide," the CCP said in a statement.

"Pulso: The Filipino Soul in Dance" is directed by Edna Vida Froilan.

For inquiries about the show, contact the CCP Performing Arts Division at (632) 832-1125 local 1602.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/03/27/12/folk-ballet-hip-hop-groups-merge-ccp-show

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 12:26 PM

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 12:30 PM

kala ko ba all is well in the tourism industry based sa mga praise release ng mga yellow journalists..... bakit nagaalisan ang mga airlines?....o dahil yan kay little evil gloria kaya sila nagaalisan....:lol::ohno: iba ang nasusulat sa mga tunay na nangyayari ano po....kilabutan kayo yung mga praise pipol ng palasyo....you are doing a great disservice to the nation......ang nakaupo sa palasyo hindi po yun ang pilipinas....reexamine yourselves and be wise....:lol:

Me pumalit naman dito- direct flight from Hong Kong to Boracay. Nasa manila bulletin today.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 12:44 PM

ngee, talagang HK ha:D
ayaw na nila dumaan sa manila:D sayang namn di nila maranasan ang bus rides doon:lol:

Need natin Europe:D

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 12:49 PM

Not only HK pala:

Direct Kalibo-HK Flights Affirms Boracay's Status As Top Holiday Destination (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/355467/direct-kalibohk-flights-affirms-boracay-s-status-as-top-holiday-destination)
By MALOU M. MOZOMarch 26, 2012, 9:35pm

KALIBO, Aklan - Direct flights from Kalibo, Aklan to Hong Kong has reaffirmed the standing of Boracay as the country’s top beach holiday destination.

“Boracay island virtually comprise all of Aklan province’s entire tourism industry,” said Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez during the maiden flight of Kalibo-Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific last March 23. “This will improve our resort island’s status as the country’s premier beach destination.”

For his part, Cebu Pacific Air vice president for commercial planning, Alexander Lao said, “We believe this direct service from Kalibo to Hong Kong will open more avenues for business collaboration and trade and investment opportunities that will surely be a boon to the local community.”

The maiden Kalibo flight to Hong Kong had 86 passengers, majority of whom were foreigners visiting Boracay.

Last year alone, there were approximately 910,000 tourists who flocked to Boracay and the number is expected to reach over one million by the end of 2012.

The new Kalibo-Hong Kong-Kalibo route has also expanded the number of international flights at Kalibo International Airport that will be catering to a growing number of Asian tourists going to Boracay. The airport also accommodates flights to and from mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan.
South Koreans, numbering some 108,622, registered the most number of foreign visitors who went to Boracay last year. Taiwanese tourists came in second with 75,000, and Chinese with 67,000.

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 12:54 PM

ngee, talagang HK ha:D
ayaw na nila dumaan sa manila:D sayang namn di nila maranasan ang bus rides doon:lol:

Need natin Europe:D

Kung palugi ang kompanya, it makes perfect sense for a company to stop certain routes or re-routes to other destinations where they can pick up more passengers. Gustuhin mo mang magkaroon ng Manila-Europe eh kung walang pasahero, wala kang magawa.

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 12:56 PM

Bat ba ang nega ng maraming Pinoy sa bansa natin? Hindi muna magisip bago tumalak. Yung kini-criticize nila at dina-down eh babalik din sa kanila kasi bansa din nila ang Pilipinas.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:10 PM

Kung palugi ang kompanya, it makes perfect sense for a company to stop certain routes or re-routes to other destinations where they can pick up more passengers. Gustuhin mo mang magkaroon ng Manila-Europe eh kung walang pasahero, wala kang magawa.

Di mo ba nababasa ang dahilan ng pagtanggal nila ng direct flight sa atin?:D:lol::lol::lol:

tax natin sky high kumpara sa kapitbahay natin:nuts:

wolfdgreat

March 27th, 2012, 01:18 PM

Di mo ba nababasa ang dahilan ng pagtanggal nila ng direct flight sa atin?:D:lol::lol::lol:

tax natin sky high kumpara sa kapitbahay natin:nuts:

Sa tingin mo ba yan lang ang rason?
E bakit may mga ibang foreign airline na nagdadagdag ng frequency or flight sa pinas?

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 01:18 PM

Di mo ba nababasa ang dahilan ng pagtanggal nila ng direct flight sa atin?:D:lol::lol::lol:

tax natin sky high kumpara sa kapitbahay natin:nuts:

high taxes + high oil prices + lack of passengers = lugi

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:21 PM

oo na, wala na pasahero, kaya nag kanda ugaga ang ibang airline stopover sa SK, SG, HK papuntang Pinas:D

lugi nga siguro:D

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:23 PM

Sa tingin mo ba yan lang ang rason?
E bakit may mga ibang foreign airline na nagdadagdag ng frequency or flight sa pinas?

DIRECT from Europe ba ang mga yan sinasabi mo?:nuts:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:26 PM

Basa
Air France-KLM cuts last direct Manila-EU flight

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published:March 26, 2012, 9:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines has lost the last direct flight to Europe with a decision by Air France-KLM to stop flying the route because of high taxes levied by the Philippine government.

The airline's general manager for the South China Sea region, Cees Ursem, says that the taxes are a big burden. They include the 3 percent common carriers tax, the 2.5-percent gross billings tax on cargo and passenger revenues originating in the country plus a 12 percent value-added tax on crew accommodations.

He said Monday that a new flight schedule includes a stopover in Taipei, where no such taxes are required. The change will reduce seat capacity for the Manila-based passengers.

The high taxes prompted all other foreign carriers to cut nonstop flights to Europe.

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/...icle782190.ece

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 01:31 PM

oo na, wala na pasahero, kaya nag kanda ugaga ang ibang airline stopover sa SK, SG, HK papuntang Pinas:D

lugi nga siguro:D

So what's your point here? You're not happy that in place of the direct visitors or tourists from Europe we lost, we get other tourists from or by passing through Hong Kong? or we get these European tourists through other stopovers? Di ibig sabihin na kung wala ng direct flight sa Europa ay wala ng turistang galing Europa.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:39 PM

read the news again.

We need direct flights from Europe.

Alam nyo namn siguro ang disadvantages kung walang direct flights from Europe.

ikaw ba ganado pa pumuntang baclaran galing alabang kung iikot ka muna sa Edsa papuntang Ortigas/Quezon Ave, at magbabayad ng mas mahal at tumigil ng matagal sa terminal?

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 01:48 PM

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:50 PM

High fuel prices and intense competition from the Middle Eastern airlines - eto most probably yung reasons kung bakit hindi profitable yung European airlines to fly to Manila. I doubt kung deciding factor yang tax to not to fly to Manila. :D

read the news again:D wag mag imbento ng dahilan:D

Air France-KLM cuts last direct Manila-EU flight

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published:March 26, 2012, 9:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines has lost the last direct flight to Europe with a decision by Air France-KLM to stop flying the route because of high taxes levied by the Philippine government.

The airline's general manager for the South China Sea region, Cees Ursem, says that the taxes are a big burden. They include the 3 percent common carriers tax, the 2.5-percent gross billings tax on cargo and passenger revenues originating in the country plus a 12 percent value-added tax on crew accommodations.

He said Monday that a new flight schedule includes a stopover in Taipei, where no such taxes are required. The change will reduce seat capacity for the Manila-based passengers.

The high taxes prompted all other foreign carriers to cut nonstop flights to Europe.

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/...icle782190.ece

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 01:55 PM

wala na tayong magawa kung lugi sila...napakaraming dahilan hindi lang tax ng Pilipinas....

-------

Air France-KLM reports $1 billion loss for 2011
Air France-KLM reports $1 billion loss for 2011 amid high fuel costs, slow global growth

By Sarah Dilorenzo, AP Business Writer | Associated Press – Thu, Mar 8, 2012

PARIS (AP) -- Air France-KLM on Thursday reported a euro809 million ($1 billion) loss for 2011, which the struggling carrier called a "tough year" beset by volatile fuel prices, political upheaval and a lackluster global economy.

The Franco-Dutch airline said that a 4.5 percent increase in revenue to euro24.7 billion ($32.4 billion) wasn't enough to offset the high cost of jet fuel.

A string of uprisings in the Middle East over the past year has pushed oil prices higher. In just the last quarter of the year, the company said its fuel bill jumped 20 percent to euro1.6 billion.

The company said the Arab Spring also wreaked havoc on its business, while a tsunami in Japan decimated travel in its most important Asian market. Meanwhile, Europe's debt crisis pummeled the real economy in the airline's core market.

The company said its expansion in Latin America helped absorb some losses elsewhere, but not all.

As a result, the company posted a net loss of euro809 million for last year. In 2010, its net income was euro289 million....

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/air-france-klm-reports-1-092547309.html

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 01:57 PM

^ Ikaw ba ay bumabyahe from the Philippines to Europe? I do. Alam ko na mas makakatipid ako connecting to Doha/Dubai and on to Europe rather than using KLM. :D

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:58 PM

hindi yun eh, dapat binaba na lang ang tax, mapanatili lang ang isang natirang direct flight, yun lang namn hinihingi nila para manatili.

tayo mas makikinabang doon. eh di ba nga kailangan natin ng turista

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 01:59 PM

^ Ikaw ba ay bumabyahe from the Philippines to Europe? I do. Alam ko na mas makakatipid ako connecting to Doha/Dubai and on to Europe rather than using KLM. :D

siguro makatipid ka ng paliko-liko at matagal na tigil:lol::nuts::nuts::nuts:

at di hamak na mabilis ang pagdating mo ano?:nuts:

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 02:01 PM

marami ngang problema ang KLM. Palusot nalang nila yan. Napakabigat ng problema nila kesa tax ng Pinas. Basahin mo nalang ung news sa ibang pahayagan:

But the struggling carrier has also been beset by high levels of debt and operating costs.

In January, the company unveiled a three-year turnaround plan to reduce its costs by 10 percent — outside of fuel — and slash its debt by euro2 billion. The plan pledges to freeze wages at Air France, reduce the fleet size and improve productivity; it is already under way.

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:04 PM

^ So hindi ka nga traveller to Europe tapos comment ka ng comment. I see. :D

Amsterdam lang ba ang destination to Europe? Kung ang destination mo ay Milan or Athens, will you take KLM? or will you take Qatar Airways or Emirates? :D

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:04 PM

hindi nyo ba alam na pinakahuli na nga lang ang KLM?:D mag pull-out?

ibig sabihin sila ang huling nagtyaga. gets nyo?:lol:

pero sige kung dyan masaya si Pnoy at kayo suportahanan na lang:lol:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:05 PM

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:06 PM

^ alam namin yung situation ng KLM. but we are not stupid and naive like you to assume na tax lang ang dahilan kung bakit hindi sila competitive sa Europe to Philippines market. :D

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:09 PM

^ alam namin yung situation ng KLM. but we are not stupid and naive like you to assume na tax lang ang dahilan kung bakit hindi sila competitive sa Europe to Philippines market. :D

read the news again wag mag imbento, lahat ng airline wala na direct flight sa pinas from Europe.

kung di mo maintindihan yan, bahala ka:lol:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:11 PM

Di ako taga assumption:D
Air France-KLM cuts last direct Manila-EU flight

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published:March 26, 2012, 9:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines has lost the last direct flight to Europe with a decision by Air France-KLM to stop flying the route because of high taxes levied by the Philippine government.

The airline's general manager for the South China Sea region, Cees Ursem, says that the taxes are a big burden. They include the 3 percent common carriers tax, the 2.5-percent gross billings tax on cargo and passenger revenues originating in the country plus a 12 percent value-added tax on crew accommodations.

He said Monday that a new flight schedule includes a stopover in Taipei, where no such taxes are required. The change will reduce seat capacity for the Manila-based passengers.

The high taxes prompted all other foreign carriers to cut nonstop flights to Europe.

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/...icle782190.ece

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:11 PM

^ mag-travel ka muna kasi para may alam ka ng konti sa pinagdadakdak mo. yan ang hirap sa ibang Pinoy eh. :D

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 02:12 PM

hindi nyo ba alam na pinakahuli na nga lang ang KLM?:D mag pull-out?

ibig sabihin sila ang huling nagtyaga. gets nyo?:lol:

pero sige kung dyan masaya si Pnoy at kayo suportahanan na lang:lol:

Oh, hinaluan na naman ng anti-Pinoy argument ang problema ng KLM. Kelan b ngumpisang ngpullout ang mga airlines na yan? Panahon ng current administration? Paalala lang, Tourism thread ito kaya wag mong halu-an ng politika.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:14 PM

oo na, tama kayo:lol:

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:17 PM

^ okay thank you for admitting na naive and stupid ka. back to promoting Philippines tourism na. :D

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:19 PM

ambobo ko:rofl:

parang si Notnoy din:rofl:

Narnian_King

March 27th, 2012, 02:24 PM

Hindi alam ng iba na nakakabagot ang magbyahe na walang direct flight.

Pero nasanay na kami NY-SEOUL-MLA ng ilang taon :lol:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:30 PM

Hindi alam ng iba na nakakabagot ang magbyahe na walang direct flight.

Pero nasanay na kami NY-SEOUL-MLA ng ilang taon :lol:

Yung Kapatid ko na nasa Germany, 2 stop din bago mag Cebu.

Yung kapatid ko sa US, SG muna bago clark:nuts:

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:42 PM

Maganda syempre na may direct flights from/to Manila to/from major cities of the world. Pero kung walang volume at mataas ang expenses like fuel, hindi talaga posible. Hindi naman charity ang air travel business eh.

So kung ganun, idi-discourage ba natin ang mga prospective tourists from visiting the Philippines gaya ng ginagawa ng iba dito? Eh di lalo tayong nawalan ng income. :D

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:46 PM

O eto good news.. sana magpatuloy.

January tourist arrivals hit record in Philippine history
By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6:49 pm | Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 0share40 40

MANILA, Philippines—For the first time in the history of Philippine tourism, tourist arrivals have breached the 400,000 mark in a month’s time, registering a double-digit jump of over 17 percent from the nearly 350,000 tourists who visited the country in January last year.

Describing the feat as a “historic first for Philippine tourism,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was optimistic that the figure will continue to surge especially with the launch of the country’s new tourism brand campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

“We are happy to set a new all-time high for the industry, as we have now reached and surpassed the 400,000 visitor arrival mark for the first time in any single month,” Jimenez said in a statement.

Records showed that a total of 411,064 foreign tourists visited the Philippines in 2012, a 17.5 percent jump from the 349,713 visitors who came to the country in the same period last year.

South Korea remains the country’s major source of tourists, accounting for 102,166 visitors or 24.9 percent of the total.

This was another accomplishment for the country’s tourism since it was also the first time that a market achieved more than 100,000 in a single month, Jimenez noted. In January 2011, 92,249 travelers from South Korea visited the country.

The United States is currently the Philippines’ second top market for tourists, generating 15.4 percent of the total inbound traffic or 63,160 arrivals, also in January alone.

China recorded the third biggest volume of 42,868 arrivals, more than double the 15,656 visitors who came in January of the previous year. The tourism agency attributed the heavy influx of Chinese to the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which fell in the third week of January.

The Japanese and the Taiwanese markets ranked fourth and fifth, with 32,089 and 21,995 arrivals, respectively. The rest of the tourists came from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany.

“We expect that these numbers will continue to steadily increase with the introduction of our new brand campaign this year and the convergence initiatives and efforts that the Department of Tourism has been undertaking with other government agencies and the private sector,” added Jimenez.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said if the trend continued, the department would most likely exceed the target by at least two million. “Our target is 4.6 million… we believe we can sustain the growth,” Bengzon told the Inquirer.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:48 PM

dios ko, puede ba, inamin ko na nga na bobo ako. kaya puede:D tumahimik ka na, kasi lumalabas na ikaw magiging bobo na rin, lumalayo sa usapan.

direct flight to europe ang pinag usapan at ang epekto, hindi ang kalugian ng airlines:D

ambobo ko talaga:D pramis:lol:

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 02:53 PM

^ with that post, I have no quarrel with you. Kitang kita na bobo ka nga. :lol:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 02:55 PM

kaya tumigil ka na nga, baka mahawa ka pa:lol::rofl:

wolfram74

March 27th, 2012, 03:00 PM

Air France-KLM starts slashing Manila capacity to cut taxes (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Air-France-KLM-starts-slashing-Manila-capacity-to-cut-taxes&id=49040)
BusinessWorld

EUROPEAN CARRIER Air France-KLM is looking forward to slashing its tax payments in the Philippines by half this year via a rerouting that took effect yesterday that will lessen available seats for the local market.

Cees Ursem, general manager for South China Sea at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, said in a press briefing the airline will be keeping half of its airplane empty upon departure from Manila and instead fill up the aircraft at a stopover in Taiwan before continuing on to Amsterdam.

“We will have to pay at least $2.5 million [this year], because last year, we paid around $5 million [in taxes] to the government,” he said at a briefing yesterday.

“This is because we will intentionally depart from the Philippines half empty, so that the other half of passengers will come from Taiwan,” he said.

The decision was made as its calls to nix taxes imposed only on foreign carriers has so far gone unheeded. :bash:

Under the new flight route, Air France-KLM will be departing from Manila seven times a week at night, with a scheduled one-hour-and-twenty-minute stopover in Taipei each time to pick up more passengers.

This effectively means there are no longer any direct flights between the Philippines and Europe at a time when the government is looking to boost tourism.

“Of course our revenues [from the Philippines] will be cut by half because we will leave with lesser passengers,” Mr. Ursem said, noting that the carrier handled some 100,000 passengers from the Philippines last year.

“We are now looking at 50,000 passengers,” he said.

Mr. Ursem added that Taiwan was chosen as the stopover because it is the most convenient route in going to Europe.

“Taiwan is the most attractive destination in going to Europe. Hong Kong is already a busy airport to make it an immediate stop,” he said.

Mr. Ursem, however, said that the Air France-KLM may reconsider if the government scraps the Philippine billing tax and common carriers tax imposed on foreign airlines.

Foreign airlines are slapped with a 3% common carriers tax and a 2.5% gross Philippine billings tax (GPBT) on cargo and passenger revenues originating from the country, according to earlier reports.

A proposal to repeal the common carriers tax but conditionally maintain the GPBT has been approved by House of Representatives ways and means committee earlier this month.

“We might reconsider our operations once these taxes are scrapped. We want to see it and experience it being implemented, and see to it that we will no longer be billed anymore,” he said.

It was only last December when the airline marked its 60th year -- and also last anniversary -- of flying to the Philippines uninterrupted.

Earlier, it was reported that Qatar Airways is similarly halting flights between Doha and Cebu starting today amid the tax issue as well as rising fuel costs. :bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 03:02 PM

^^Ganun?:rofl:

Flor030

March 27th, 2012, 03:04 PM

pomperadz@yahoo.com

March 27th, 2012, 03:04 PM

Hmmm..so no more direct flight to amsterdam..sad news indeed. Everytime I fly with KLM lageng puno ang eroplano..sayang naman pag walang ginawa ang gobyerno regarding dito.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 03:06 PM

wala nga. naghahanap ng mas malaking tax, ayun, lalong nawalan:nuts:

wolfram74

March 27th, 2012, 03:08 PM

pomperadz@yahoo.com

March 27th, 2012, 03:11 PM

wala nga. naghahanap ng mas malaking tax, ayun, lalong nawalan:nuts:

Ah,..si Penoy talaga! This is what we get sa "Daang matuwid niya"..:bash::bash:

pau_p1

March 27th, 2012, 03:16 PM

Ah,..si Penoy talaga! This is what we get sa "Daang matuwid niya"..:bash::bash:

uhmmm... yung tax po na yan eh enacted way before Noy's time if I am not mistaken... parang 2002 pa ata sya...

and covered sya ng Congress at hindi ng Executive department dahil enacted law sya...

chrismartin02

March 27th, 2012, 03:24 PM

hello?

:hilarious:hilarious:hilarious

yes hello. european carriers got creamed by the middle eastern carriers in the Europe to Asia market. may built-in cost advantage ang middle eastern carriers (although hindi sila completely immune sa rising cost of fuel). klm is just using its status (as the sole direct flight to Europe provider) as a leverage to get what they want from the Philippine government.

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 03:28 PM

hello?

:hilarious:hilarious:hilarious

tama na, tama namn sya:hilarious:

amigo32

March 27th, 2012, 03:29 PM

uhmmm... yung tax po na yan eh enacted way before Noy's time if I am not mistaken... parang 2002 pa ata sya...

and covered sya ng Congress at hindi ng Executive department dahil enacted law sya...

They could have done something.

pau_p1

March 27th, 2012, 03:48 PM

They could have done something.

uhmm.. kaya po di ba pinag uusapan na yan sa congress?

nagkataon lang na ngayon lang kay Noy na nagtuldok ang klm na magalis ng direct flight to manila... i believe since last admin nagrereklamo na ang mga airlines na yan pero wala din sila ginawa...

xxxriainxxx

March 27th, 2012, 05:45 PM

Do you really have to use this thread to fight among each other? Sh*t.

xxxriainxxx

March 27th, 2012, 05:51 PM

The majority of Pinoys that take any Middle Eastern airline are OFWs working in that region compared to those visiting EU for leisure travel.

And let us say that the population of Pinoy OFWs in The Netherlands is not that high.

It's cheaper to fly via ME airlines to Europe. There are direct flights from Paris, Moscow here, but they are very expensive or they are shitty airlines, Etihad, Qatar, Emirates still best.

scamingue

March 27th, 2012, 06:25 PM

andywesteast

March 27th, 2012, 06:53 PM

I've been to Taiwan recently and they're doing renovations to accommodate increased capacity in the future. If completed, the entire airport will probably be as big as Singapore's. Plus, they're now developing fast bullet trains to and from Taipei City. It is due to be completed in 2013. Now, comparing Phils and Taiwan, ang layo talaga natin. Plus, gagawin din syang stopover for tourists flyin to other destinations from China.

Malayo na talaga ang Taiwan......miles ahead. Malinis at maayos sa Taipeh.

LuckyLady

March 28th, 2012, 01:05 AM

Taiwan is a good choice for KLM to transfer for so many reasons including the size of the airport. I've been to Taiwan recently and they're doing renovations to accommodate increased capacity in the future. If completed, the entire airport will probably be as big as Singapore's. Plus, they're now developing fast bullet trains to and from Taipei City. It is due to be completed in 2013. Now, comparing Phils and Taiwan, ang layo talaga natin. Plus, gagawin din syang stopover for tourists flyin to other destinations from China.

that's the old airport in Taoyuan they're renovating or the terminal 1. Terminal 2 is bigger and newer one but if you take CebPac you'll be in the old airport. In fact there's already a plan for Terminal 3 but no definite schedule yet. And there's another airport in Taipei, songshan airport which caters mostly to chartered flights to china and also other international flights. wag ka nang mag kompara kasi maiinggit ka lang. anong magawa natin yung mga ongag natin na opisyales eh puro lang dakdak ginagawa ang bagal kumilos lagi:bash:

LuckyLady

March 28th, 2012, 01:11 AM

Malayo na talaga ang Taiwan......miles ahead. Malinis at maayos sa Taipeh.

i remember how some older taiwanese friends said how they idolize the philippines before, our athletes, etc...ngayon malayo na talaga...sometimes it's hard to swallow but we really seem to be sick:ohno: so i hope gumising na tayo, magkaisa tayo para sa bansa natin di para sa mga buwayang politiko:bash:

kalbongdad

March 28th, 2012, 02:17 AM

haist basta....more fun in the philippines....:)

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 02:41 AM

xyriellewest

March 28th, 2012, 02:45 AM

^^
Wow! hope this would continue for the next months lalo pa't summer na :)

scamingue

March 28th, 2012, 03:01 AM

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 03:19 AM

Rough estimate lng. If we get an average of 400k arrivals per month, we'll have roughly around 4.8M tourist arrivals this year. To reach 10M by end 2016, we should invite 120k more per month each year.

and the additional revenues to be generated should be used to build more social infrastructures (water supply supply, farm to market roads, mass housing) and generate more livelihood opportunities for Pinoys.

The idea is to give ordinary Pinoys the capability in participating in development like in tourism. Hindi kasi puedeng yung mga town folks will remain as manual labor ng moneyed businessmen and investors. para maging part ang community sa development at mahalin nila ang negosyo.

As an example, teach host communities how to make their area tourism/tourist friendly. Households can be encourage to transform their properties and homes into mini-hotels/restaurants/recreational areas and teach them how to manage and provide the best accommodations instead of luring big investors.

Uso at profitable ngayon ang mga budget hotels and inns (kaya pumasok sa industriya ang Island's souvenirs at robinsons) so dapat ang gobyerno encourage yung mga host communities to join in the tourism boom. Sa Puerto Princesa usong uso mga bahay ginagawa ng mga mini-hotels.

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 03:32 AM

Here is an example. Dahil dumadami Chinese tourists sa Pinas gusto ng mga Chinese makuha yung kita sa Pinas kaya magtatayo sila ng hotels dito. So profits (from Chinese tourists) from Philippine tourism will be repatriated back to China.

China group to build 28 hotels here

By Iris C. Gonzales (The Philippine Star) Updated March 28, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines hopes to hitch a ride on the growing economy of China and partner with Chinese businessmen to develop the country’s local tourism industry, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said yesterday as he welcomed the plan of the Jinjiang International Hotel Investments Co. to build at least 28 budget hotels in the country in the next five years.

“We’d like to have cooperation in tourism to get a good share of that hundred million tourists coming out of China to go to the Philippines,” Purisima said yesterday at the 2012 Philippine Investment Forum organized by Euromoney.

Purisima said the Aquino administration welcomes the plan of Jinjiang to build starting in 2013 at least 28 budget hotels in the Ortigas, Manila and Makati areas.

“The other good development is that a major China hotel group, JinJiang has entered into a joint venture to build about 28 hotels throughout the country,” he said.

He said the China group has entered into a joint venture with diversifying snack food manufacturer Liwayway Marketing Corp.

Under the agreement, the joint venture would invest starting in 2013 $850 million in economy hotels, starting with the first branch in Ortigas. The joint venture agreement was signed in China last year during the visit of President Aquino.

Carlos Chan, chairman of Liwayway Marketing, and Zurong Xu, chief executive officer of Jinjiang, signed the contract, with President Benigno Aquino III and Trade Secretary Gregorio Domingo among the witnesses.

Purisima said the number of Chinese tourists in the Philippines is fast growing.

“The good news, so far, last January the Chinese tourists have become the number two in the Philippines behind the Koreans and I think all bodes well for Philippines tourism,” he said.

Purisima said that right now, China is the second largest economy in the world and would soon be number one.

“Right now, it’s our source of over 60 million tourists,” he said.

Aside from tourism, Purisima said agriculture and mining can also be strategic areas of partnership between the two countries.

“Agriculture is also a major opportunity and so is mining once we resolve the policy issue,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=791626

Fraulein

March 28th, 2012, 03:54 AM

More packed Boracay: 1M tourists seen before 2013

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/121299/more-packed-boracay-1m-tourists-seen-before-2013

ILOILO CITY—Tourist arrivals in Boracay Island could hit the one million mark this year, well ahead of the 2013 target, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourist arrivals from January to November last year reached 813,708, 14.56 percent higher than the 713,738 arrivals recorded over the same period in 2010, DOT data showed.

December is among the peak months on the island and the 2011 total could reach more than 900,000 arrivals.

Revenues from tourism in Boracay were also expected to surpass P14 billion as earnings from January to October already reached P13.775 billion.

Helen Camarista, officer in charge of the DOT in Western Visayas, said Boracay has become more attractive to tourists because the island now offers more leisure activities and experiences aside from its famous white beach and crystal clear waters.

Party-themed

Camarista said the island continues to be a party-themed destination but at the same time a family-oriented island-resort.

Tourist arrivals have been boosted by direct international flights between key cities in China and South Korea and the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan. More domestic flights have also been added going to Caticlan, the jump-off point to the 1,032-hectare island.

Domestic tourists continue to compose the bulk of tourist arrivals reaching 437,003 from January to November last year. The number of foreign tourists reached 319,425 while overseas-based Filipinos accounted for 61,280 arrivals.

Among foreign arrivals, East Asians continued to dominate with the most visitors coming from Korea (98,635), followed by Taiwan (69,030) and China (58,800).

The others came from the United States (13,397), Australia (9,121), Russia (7,708), United Kingdom (6,069), Japan (5,621), Germany (4,955) and Hong Kong (4,501).

Airport helps

The Aklan government earlier targeted a million tourists in Boracay by 2013.

The Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan is undergoing a P12.9-billion renovation and development being undertaken by the San Miguel Corp.-owned TransAire Development Holdings Inc. under a Build Operate and Transfer scheme with a 25-year concession period renewable for another 25 years.

The upgrading of the airport includes the installation of night landing facilities that will also allow landing even during bad weather. It will also include the improvement of the terminal building, extension of the runway, widening and the development of new landing facilities including the construction of a new passenger building, vehicular parking area and other facilities.

Tourism officials have also been upbeat about the tourism potential of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

RonnieR

March 28th, 2012, 04:31 AM

Rough estimate lng. If we get an average of 400k arrivals per month, we'll have roughly around 4.8M tourist arrivals this year. To reach 10M by end 2016, we should invite 120k more per month each year.

10 million per year or 833K per month tourists. That's tough....considering that we do not have border nations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam or Singapore. They really have to fly to the islands of the Philippines :). In fact, the 4 Million tourists is already a big achievement for the country's history.

RonnieR

March 28th, 2012, 04:34 AM

Here is an example. Dahil dumadami Chinese tourists sa Pinas gusto ng mga Chinese makuha yung kita sa Pinas kaya magtatayo sila ng hotels dito. So profits (from Chinese tourists) from Philippine tourism will be repatriated back to China.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=791626

For me, it is okay. The Chinese employers would hire Filipino employees - it's job generation. The suppliers of food, utilities, taxes and others (entertainment, transportation, etc.) would surely benefit the country.

Sleepwalker

March 28th, 2012, 04:35 AM

10 million per year or 833K per month tourists. That's tough....considering that we do not have border nations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam or Singapore. They really have to fly to the islands of the Philippines :). In fact, the 4 Million tourists is already a big achievement for the country's history.

How about luring those high end tourists... :D 4 million high end tourists spending USD10,000 each is better than 10 million tourists spending at average of USD2,000.

But of course, just some wishful thinking.

For me, it is okay. The Chinese employers would hire Filipino employees - it's job generation. The suppliers of food, utilities, taxes and others (entertainment, transportation, etc.) would surely benefit the country.

Pangdagdag FDI na rin to siguro... :)

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 04:39 AM

How about luring those high end tourists... :D 4 million high end tourists spending USD10,000 each is better than 10 million tourists spending at average of USD2,000.

But of course, just some wishful thinking.

Pangdagdag FDI na rin to siguro... :)

Sabi ng bubuwit ko sa DOT konti lang high end tourists sa Pinas, mostly pumupunta sa Palawan, Boracay at Cebu. The rest mga backpackers at middle class tourists...

Kaya patok ngayon budget hotel e.

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 04:41 AM

For me, it is okay. The Chinese employers would hire Filipino employees - it's job generation. The suppliers of food, utilities, taxes and others (entertainment, transportation, etc.) would surely benefit the country.

On the other hand, yes, you are correct.

But I think it would be better if host communities will be the direct and major beneficiaries..

Sleepwalker

March 28th, 2012, 04:44 AM

Sabi ng bubuwit ko sa DOT konti lang high end tourists sa Pinas, mostly pumupunta sa Palawan, Boracay at Cebu. The rest mga backpackers at middle class tourists...

Kaya patok ngayon budget hotel e.

So, talagang malaking suntok sa buwan ang paghahangad nang 4 million high end tourists.

Anyway, as long as there is constant efforts from our government to improve, eventually, we'll be getting more tourists.

Fraulein

March 28th, 2012, 04:45 AM

Fraulein

March 28th, 2012, 04:46 AM

So, talagang malaking suntok sa buwan ang paghahangad nang 4 million high end tourists.

Anyway, as long as there is constant efforts from our government to improve, eventually, we'll be getting more tourists.

Hindi lang govenment, pati tayo tumulong rin. We have to promote our country at hindi puro kasiraan lang ang ating sasabihin. Remember, tourists' impression about our country is people. :)

Sleepwalker

March 28th, 2012, 04:52 AM

Hindi lang govenment, pati tayo tumulong rin. We have to promote our country at hindi puro kasiraan lang ang ating sasabihin. Remember, tourists' impression about our country is people. :)

Of course, my dear...I was just emphasizing the rule of the government people, because they are officially being paid for this.

I believe, ordinary people, especially bloggers, had brought the Philippines to the world more effectively than our official tourism programs... :D

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 04:55 AM

http://64.19.142.11/a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/485238_274134722663195_271762159567118_596006_1741719445_n.jpg

Link to Thread 20 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435396&page=857)

Sleepwalker

March 28th, 2012, 04:57 AM

...hi tech na 'atong park...na-a na'y QR code (Quick Response Code)...anyone who owns an Android phone, Iphone/Ipad and BBM can scan this code thru a scanner Apps such as QR Droid, QR Scanner etc. which automatically open the phone's/device's browser showing a website that gives further information about the park :okay:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/7017459783_d7a2b0cc18_c.jpg

pic by @Mauie Flores (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauieflores/) of Flickr

:D

I think, this has some connection with this news...

photos from http://langyaw.com/2012/01/12/sinulog-and-cebu-heritage-goes-digital/#.T3HrrdnBGWg

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sinulog_ebook_3.jpg

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sinulog_ebook_1.jpg

Smart, website launch Cebu e-guidebook (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2012/01/15/smart-website-launch-cebu-e-guidebook-200775)

| More |

By Mia A. Aznar

Sunday, January 15, 2012

TO COMPLEMENT the tourism department’s new slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” a wireless communications company and a local-based website launched an electronic guidebook on Cebu last Friday.

“A Guide to Cebu 2012” is the second e-book introduced by Smart Communications and MyCebu.ph that aims to support the promotion of tourism in Cebu using digital and mobile technologies. Last month, they launched “A Guide to Sinulog 2012” and demonstrated how information about tourism sites can be downloaded on mobile devices instantly using QR code scanning. The Sinulog guidebook had 859 downloads as of Sunday.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Small markers with QR codes have been placed on selected tourism and heritage sites in Cebu. They are planning to add more of these markers around major tourism destinations.

Smart officials said the e-books and QR scanning project are part of the company’s efforts to encourage and enable tourism advocates to promote their own hometowns, which is also in line with the Department of Tourism’s new campaign.

MyCebu.ph co-founder Max Limpag said social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, Twitter and location-based services like FourSquare are plugged into the system so that tourists can post and share their thoughts online. This, he said, capitalizes on social networking to help spread word on the country’s tourism sites. (Disclosure: Limpag is the editor of this section.)

Updates

He explained that by offering the guidebook online and by optimizing it for mobile devices, tourists can make the most of their trip without lugging around bulky guidebooks about Cebu.

He said they will be updating the guidebook regularly, especially on new spots and the list of accredited DOT establishments.

Aside from information about a heritage site, Limpag said the QR codes offer tips for tourists.

Smart public affairs group head Ramon Isberto said the project uses technology to serve purposes and needs in a dynamic way.

“It’s an excellent idea. It’s connecting the very old to the very young,” he said.

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo admitted that she was first confused about how things were done but said she was impressed the moment she understood.

She added that the project is in line with what DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez is pushing for, which is making the most of social media. Montecillo also said that it reinforces the DOT slogan and shows how “fun” Cebu really is.

Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña said she was proud to learn that the project was initiated by Cebuanos.

“It’s more fun in finding out what is new in old Cebu,” she said, making her own spin on the new DOT slogan.

After taking a tour of the sites of Parian, Osmeña said the project lets the tourist see the old structures “with new eyes.”

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 16, 2012.

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 04:58 AM

http://64.19.142.10/a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398904_10150659996809407_55567909406_8770924_596941663_n.jpg

sKv9NzhtoIU

jpdm

March 28th, 2012, 04:59 AM

^^^^^^A good place to visit!:)

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 05:00 AM

http://64.19.142.12/a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/555535_10150672256124407_55567909406_8811159_836187852_n.jpg

http://64.19.142.11/a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/525681_10150672254329407_55567909406_8811148_2133875817_n.jpg

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 05:02 AM

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/542976_399216930090989_344214882257861_1568398_1666505744_n.jpg

Haciendas de Naga :: Live the Premium Lifestyle in the Bicol Region! Themed Residential Estates, Hacienda Farms, Golf Course, Adventure Park, Zip Line, Rappel, Wall Climb, Shooting Range, Camping, and so much more!

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 05:12 AM

http://cwcwake.com/camsursummer-big.jpg

hakz2007

March 28th, 2012, 05:13 AM

^^^^^^A good place to visit!:)

thanks :okay:

RonnieR

March 28th, 2012, 05:17 AM

FUERZA BRUTA LIVE IN MANILA

http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2012/02/fuerza-bruta-manila.html

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6878267767_d6c853661b_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6878223823_4abd4023b4_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6877973885_36621a02ea_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6878078047_22cfb82cba_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6878108617_6250568549_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6877989511_2865d2f50f_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6877998561_5c7ec362b6_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6878214705_a3790323d4_z.jpg

HER

March 28th, 2012, 05:22 AM

Historic first: Tourist arrivals hit 400K in January (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/30641/historic-first-tourist-arrivals-hit-400k-in-january)
By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
3:45 am | Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/files/2011/07/brkgn_1.jpg

Tourist arrivals breached the 400,000 mark in January, accounting for a 17.5-percent increase from the nearly 350,000 visitors in the country in the same month last year.

Describing the feat as a “historic first for Philippine tourism,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was optimistic that the figure would continue to surge, especially with the launch of the country’s new tourism brand campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

“We are happy to set a new all-time high for the industry, as we have now reached and surpassed the 400,000 visitor arrival mark for the first time in any single month,”Jimenez said in a statement.

Records showed that a total of 411,064 foreign tourists visited the Philippines in January 2012, accounting for a 17.5-percent jump from the 349,713 visitors who came to the country in the same period last year.

Koreans highest number

Koreans accounted for 102,166 visitors, or 24.9 percent of the total.

This was another accomplishment for the country’s tourism since it was also the first time that a market achieved more than 100,000 in a single month, Jimenez noted. In January 2011, 92,249 travelers from Korea visited the country.

The United States is currently the second top source market for tourists, generating 15.4 percent of the total inbound traffic or 63,160 arrivals.

China accounted for the third biggest volume of 42,868 arrivals—more than double than last year’s 15,656 visitors. The tourism agency attributed the heavy influx from the Chinese market to the celebration of the Chinese New Year on the third week of January.

The Japanese and the Taiwanese markets ranked fourth and fifth as top suppliers, with 32,089 and 21,995 arrivals, respectively. Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany also posted as among the major source of tourist arrivals for January this year.

Convergence initiatives

“We expect that these numbers will continue to steadily increase with the introduction of our new brand campaign this year and the convergence initiatives and efforts that the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been undertaking with other government agencies and the private sector,” Jimenez added.

The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) however is not so upbeat following a series of setbacks in the country’s aviation industry.

The most recent blow was Air France/KLM’s decision to halt direct flights between Amsterdam and Manila starting this week, citing burdensome and discriminatory taxes. Instead, the company said it would have its Manila-Amsterdam service via Taipei.

“The problem with Air France is just a small part of a larger problem for the airline industry in the Philippines,” ECCP executive vice president Henry Schumacher said in an interview Tuesday.

“The target of 10 million tourists by 2016 is a tall order,” Schumacher said. Last year, 4 million tourists visited the Philippines.

:cheers:

Bosnyboy

March 28th, 2012, 06:25 AM

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/30605/air-france-klm-cuts-last-direct-manila-eu-flight

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has lost the last direct flight to Europe with a decision by Air France-KLM to stop flying the route because of high taxes levied by the Philippine government.

The airline’s general manager for the South China Sea region, Cees Ursem, says that the taxes are a big burden. They include the three percent common carriers tax, the 2.5-percent gross billings tax on cargo and passenger revenues originating in the country plus a 12 percent value-added tax on crew accommodations.

He said Monday that a new flight schedule includes a stopover in Taipei, where no such taxes are required. The change will reduce seat capacity for the Manila-based passengers.

The high taxes prompted all other foreign carriers to cut nonstop flights to Europe.

======================================================

They finally made good their threat. The last airline to offer direct route to europe is gone. Tsk tsk tsk all because of small amount of taxes. Hay narrow minded officials.

chrismartin02

March 28th, 2012, 07:21 AM

I am really glad dyan sa uptrend ng number of tourists coming to the Philippines. With all the hotel constructions going on (from high-end to budget ones), we will do more. :D

RonnieR

March 28th, 2012, 07:32 AM

I am really glad dyan sa uptrend ng number of tourists coming to the Philippines. With all the hotel constructions going on (from high-end to budget ones), we will do more. :D

It's More Fun in the PHILIPPINES. :cheers:

The Vow

March 28th, 2012, 09:49 AM

From Davao City Thread.. thanks to
MaGuiNdaNaoN;89857816]DECA WAKEBOARD PARK
Davao City

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429883_304151782979104_100001528543978_807556_1909264302_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/396515_277776165616666_100001528543978_745214_1507073237_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/386029_274189609308655_100001528543978_734685_1275873198_n.jpg

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jundem_dq63

March 28th, 2012, 10:14 AM

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528560_305172729548910_260042580728592_762811_483741898_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/NegrosOrientalTheFunStartsHereNaturally

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A 72-hectare volcanic islet about 5 kilometers off its mother town of Dauin. It is known for its white pebble beaches and a marine sanctuary, and a marine dubbed as " one of the ten best dive sites in the world." — at APO ISLAND - Barangay Apo, Dauin.

The " Cave Town of Negros Oriental" reportedly has over 400 caves though only a few have been explored. A Dutch-Belgian expedition identification Odloman, at 8,870 meters deep, as the second longest in the Philippines. — at MABINAY CAVES - Widely-dispersed in Mabinay town.

The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 133,470 people. A person from Dumaguete is called a "Dumagueteño". The city is nicknamed The City of Gentle People. Dumaguete is referred to as a university town because of the presence of four universities and a number of other colleges where students of the province converge to enroll for tertiary education. The city attracts a considerable number of foreign tourists, particularly Europeans, because of easy ferry access from Cebu City, the availability of beach resorts and dive sites, and the attraction of dolphin and whale watching in nearby Bais City. — at Capital - Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The highest peak in the Visayan Island, rises 2,465 meters or 8,050 feet above the fertile lowland plains of northern Negros. The mountain is an active volcano - the last major eruption was in 1978. Despite its fiery reputation. Mt. Kanlaon is a popular trek. The main attraction is the dense forest clinging to the mountain, and the views from the top are magnificent. — at Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Located in the forested mountains of the Southern portion of the Island of Negros with a shape resembling a figure eight. The Lake is surrounded by mountain ranges and is fed by three tributaries located in the northern end. These are the Lamarao Creek at the northeastern corner with two waterfalls, the Balanan Creek at the middle of the northern end with another waterfall and the Nasig-id Creek at the northwestern end. A resort complex with hotel and treehouses and a variety of swimming pools, located in Sandulot, Siaton. Its centerpiece is Balanan Lake, 24 hectares in surface area, with a kilometer-long waterway for water sports and a circumferetial pathway for trekking. — at BALANAN LAKE - Sitio Balanan, Barangay Sandulot, Siaton.

One of the best known operations of its kind in the country takes you on a cruise, with lunch on board, to view the dolphins and pygmy sperm whales on Tañon Strait. guests cruising on outrigger boats can have a close encounter with these playful water mammals literally a stone's throw away, gliding and leaping spontaneously and gracefully. In the southern tip of Cebu can be seen. — at DOLPHINWATCH - Bais Bay, along tañon Strait, Bais .

Astonished travelers have dubbed it " Negros Oriental ' best kept secret". One of the richest storehouses of biodiversity in the region, the Twin Lakes afford untrammeled communion with nature. Situated in the mountain of Sibulan and the province's newest tourist attraction, offers harried urbanites an exhilariting escape. Tourists can navigate the placid waters of the lake aboard a wooden banca and commune with nature while admiring one of the richest habitats for biodiversity in Central Visayas. — at THE TWIN LAKES, BALINSASAYAO AND DANAO - Barangay Enrique Villanueva, Sibulan .

A 9-kilometer stretch of premium white sand that disappears during high tide. A swim-and-sunbathing stop for dolphin and whale watching tours. North of Dumaguete you can find the remarkable Manjuyod SandBar. There you can appear to walk on water. Emerging like a white oasis in the midst of blue, this strip of land provides a great spot of recreation. But during high tide it disappears. If you plan to prolong your fun, you can stay overnight in one of several cottagers on stilts that are found on the area. You can easily reach the area by boat. — at WHITE SAND BAR - Manjuyod.

A Single column of roaring water plunges 100 meters into a bathing pool amidst boulder-strewn picnic spaces surrounded by steep rock walls. Rugged trails and 300 concrete steps lead to this most popular of Negros Oriental excursion sites. [b]— at CASARORO FALLS -Barangay Apolong, Valencia.

:cheers::cheers:

chrismartin02

March 28th, 2012, 12:51 PM

Survivor: Caramoan is finally happening! Gandang promotion ito for Caramoan, CamSur and the rest of the Philippines. 2 seasons daw ng Survivor ang isu-shoot sa Pinas! :D

'Survivor USA' films at Caramoan Islands
By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENAMarch 27, 2012, 4:54pm

MANILA, Philippines – The picturesque Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur have been selected as the filming location for the upcoming season of hit reality TV series, “Survivor USA.”

“Actually may 'Survivor' doon. It's a really big production but I cannot [give more details] because I signed a confidentiality agreement. It's is being filmed right now and it's going to air in September,” CamSur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte said in a report on abs-cbnnews.com on March 27.

Villafuerte revealed that shooting started just last week and will run until August this year.

This hasn't been the first time that a “Survivor” production chose Caramoan Islands to "house" its castaways. According to an article by regional paper Bicol Mail published in January, the show’s French edition was the first to film on location in 2008. Israel, Bulgaria and Serbia followed in 2009. Sweden came next the following year, with Israel and Serbia returning to shoot again. Just last year, the islands played host to Denmark, Norway, Belgium and India.

More, the governor said that the “Survivor USA” production hired 400 locals.

“They pay them daily wage, they are hiring sasakyan, bangka at lahat ng local supplies doon ay binibili nila so grabe ang business in the locality,” he related.

On November 2011, USA network CBS confirmed renewing “Survivor USA,” still to be hosted by Jeff Probst, for the 25th and 26th seasons.

But apart from 25th season (the latest USA installment, dubbed “Survivor: One World,” currently airs), there have also been numerous speculations online claiming that the 26th will also be shot at the Caramoan Islands.

Quoted from the realityblurred.com article, "Caramoan, Philippines the location for Survivor 25, 26," posted on March 9, that the show’s “25th and 26th seasons will be filmed earlier than usual and start production soon, with crew members heading to the location this weekend. And while there’s been rampant speculation about what exactly these seasons will consist of, and how returning cast members will be included, there’s very little concrete information except that the show will be filmed in the Philippines, specifically in a place known as CamSur.”

Note that this report remains unverified as of this writing.

Meanwhile, Villafuerte confirmed in the same abs-cbnnews.com report that a Hollywood flick will also be shot in the province this year, but he begged off to reveal details.

Yre

March 28th, 2012, 01:14 PM

DECA WAKEBOARD PARK - DAVAO CITY

39203052

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

March 28th, 2012, 02:24 PM

CHOOSE PHILIPPINES! IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

q0wPrdNd9-g

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

KnightOfTheFlag

March 28th, 2012, 05:39 PM

scamingue

March 28th, 2012, 06:22 PM

Mukhang censored yong isang picture above ni The Vow. Baka pwedeng tanggalin nalang sa post total for posterity nlng din naman ang pic.

Biarway

March 28th, 2012, 06:27 PM

Ganda talaga ng Pilipinas. Kung yumaman yaman pa tayo ng konti mas mae-explore tong mga 'to.

Sa probinsya nga namin bawat lugar eh parang tourist spot na.

amigo32

March 29th, 2012, 12:05 AM

Mukhang censored yong isang picture above ni The Vow. Baka pwedeng tanggalin nalang sa post total for posterity nlng din naman ang pic.

Huwag.
Nice view. and nice ass:rofl:

Bosnyboy

March 29th, 2012, 02:54 AM

Here is a followup of an earlier news that says an australian was believed kidnapped after arriving at naia. Its a funny story perfect for a rom-com movie.

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

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/03/28/12/missing-australian-reunited-pinay-gf

Missing Australian reunited with Pinay GF
by Jon Carlos Rodriguez, ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 03/28/2012 6:21 PM | Updated as of 03/28/2012 9:40 PM

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – For 10 days, Australian tourist Michael Martin Caruana roamed around a mall in Malate, Manila hoping to find her Filipina girlfriend Veniz Jane Galvez.

The couple met through an online dating site and was set to marry on Thursday, March 29.

Caruana arrived in Manila last March 17, more than a week before the planned wedding.

However, the 55-year-old Australian went missing shortly after he arrived in the country because Galvez failed to fetch him at the airport.

The 27-year-old Galvez, who came all the way from Bulacan, said heavy Manila traffic kept her from meeting her husband-to-be on time.

Caruana said he became afraid when he stepped out of the airport terminal and did not see Galvez.

“I really had a bad experience because I wasn’t feeling well at the airplane so I was really looking forward to see her at the airport,” he told dzMM’s “Pasada Sais Trenta on Wednesday.

Caruana said that while he was waiting at the arrival area, he was harassed by a taxi driver, who kept on telling him that the person he was supposed to meet won’t be coming.

“The taxi driver said, ’Come on sir, she’s not coming,’” said Caruana. “Then 3 other men came out of nowhere and tried taking my luggage. They scared the hell out of me.”

MIAA probing harassment

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) media affairs chief Connie Bungag told ABS-CBNnews.com in a phone interview that airport management is investigating the incident.

Bungag said the probe will focus on the accreditation of the taxi driver that allegedly harassed Caruana, saying that tourist-accredited taxis usually queue at the airport’s passenger pick-up area.

However, she noted that several white taxis or regular-metered taxis also have access to the airport.

She added that the incident was not captured on closed- circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Malate hotel

Caruana was eventually convinced to ride the taxi and head to Pearl Manila Hotel, where he and Galvez had stayed before.

“Kaya doon ang sinabi niya , kasi kapag hindi kami nagkita sa airport, doon ko siya pupuntahan kasi doon kami unang nag-stay, so understood ‘yun,” explained Galvez.

However, bad luck continued for the Australian as the taxi driver dropped him off in another hotel.

Caruana said the driver even ripped him off and charged him P1,250.

Without Galvez’s contact information, Caruana roamed Robinson’s mall in Malate hoping that he would bump into his girlfriend.

“Paikot-ikot siya doon, nagbabaka-sakali siya,” said Galvez.

Caruana's family was able to trace him to the hotel after he used his credit card.

They immediately relayed the information to the Galvez family with the help of Australian police.

The couple's meeting was delayed for 10 days, but it was still worth it for Caruana.

“Veniz called me at the hotel and I was surprised. When she picked me up and the first time I laid my eyes on her, I just cried. I was just so happy to see her,” said Caruana.

Galvez is thankful that nothing happened to Caruana.

Caruana, meanwhile, said he has learned his lesson and will no longer leave things to chance.

Because of the incident, their wedding has now been moved to April 3. -- With a report from Alex Santos, ABS-CBN News

LuckyLady

March 29th, 2012, 03:28 AM

^^that's good news at least it didn;t turned out to be just like how it was reported before. mga lapastangan talaga mga taxi sa maynila. i was once a victim too. sana gawan na ng paraan na madisiplina mga outsider na taxi dyan.

sampal na palanatin kaygulay na nagposttalaga don sa kabilangthreadng di magandangnews na to.

habagatcentral1

March 29th, 2012, 04:01 AM

This is the local market (domestic) version of DOT's It's More Fun in the Philippines as released a couple of hours ago.
ldxApzPalIo

Your reaction please? :)

amigo32

March 29th, 2012, 05:21 AM

RonnieR

March 29th, 2012, 05:31 AM

silent_samurai

March 29th, 2012, 05:35 AM

habagatcentral1

March 29th, 2012, 05:37 AM

^^ That's for the domestic market jingle. They'll have an international market jingle released soon.

Right now, a lot are already comparing Choose Philippines and Its More Fun in the Philippines jingles.

Manila-X

March 29th, 2012, 05:37 AM

"sobrang suerte kaya ng tsinelas mo" :lol:

the lyrics is too corny for my taste... they could have used English instead of Pilipino-English mix. The only thing I like is the slight ethnic vibe of the music. :D

This is the domestic version.

For now, DOT should focus more on international promotion.

kalbongdad

March 29th, 2012, 07:26 AM

This is the local market (domestic) version of DOT's It's More Fun in the Philippines as released a couple of hours ago.
ldxApzPalIo

Your reaction please? :)

yung mga tropa dyan sa mga kanto kanto mas maganda pa ang kayang ibigay na beat kesa dito.....epic FAIL :ohno:

RonnieR

March 29th, 2012, 09:09 AM

gawa ata ng ABS CBN to eh:D parang summer station ID lang amfufu:D
sino kumanta?:D hawig ang boses ni April Boy

Sorry, I am not impressed:lol:

millions din kaya binayad nito? o libre lang.

mas maganda pa rin ang WOW, kahit instrumental lang sa wow.

I only like the beat of the song...but I don't like the quality of his voice and the lyrics with tsinelas....

habagatcentral1

March 29th, 2012, 09:15 AM

^^ I thought it was Aga Mulach or April Boys singing. :D

rain34

March 29th, 2012, 09:50 AM

uuyy alam na alam nila ang boses ni April Boy mukhang avid listener sila. wag ng itago

habagatcentral1

March 29th, 2012, 09:56 AM

^^ :lol: Of course. Maliban sa mga may kapansanan sa pandinig, mga hipokrito lang ata ang di makakarinig sa boses ng April Boys in their entire lives sa Pinas. Ang mahirap pa eh yung todo deny that he/she has heard or listened to their voices or songs. ;)

hakz2007

March 29th, 2012, 11:03 AM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6999564575_b9cbc0cb2b_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6999564575/)
Caramoan2012 (222) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6999564575/) by amorey (http://www.flickr.com/people/emorey/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/6853442364_1fea278420_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6853442364/)
Caramoan (322) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6853442364/) by amorey (http://www.flickr.com/people/emorey/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6853440878_0ce895be33_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6853440878/)
Caramoan2012 (221) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6853440878/) by amorey (http://www.flickr.com/people/emorey/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/6999563625_b609c8005f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6999563625/)
Caramoan (320) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/emorey/6999563625/) by amorey (http://www.flickr.com/people/emorey/), on Flickr

amigo32

March 29th, 2012, 11:53 AM

uuyy alam na alam nila ang boses ni April Boy mukhang avid listener sila. wag ng itago

Siempre namn si idol pa, dyan kaya ako sa kanta nya nag practice at natutong kumanta concert level:rofl:

di ko kayang tanggapin:rofl:

dessertfox

March 29th, 2012, 12:25 PM

Siempre namn si idol pa, dyan kaya ako sa kanta nya nag practice at natutong kumanta concert level:rofl:

di ko kayang tanggapin:rofl:

ABR from ABS-CBN ent. episode has cancer, hope he will survive this life threatening ailment.

amigo32

March 29th, 2012, 12:29 PM

ABR from ABS-CBN ent. episode has cancer, hope he will survive this life threatening ailment.

Prostate cancer?

Akala ko gumaling na.

scamingue

March 29th, 2012, 01:59 PM

pomperadz@yahoo.com

March 29th, 2012, 03:07 PM

This is the local market (domestic) version of DOT's It's More Fun in the Philippines as released a couple of hours ago.
ldxApzPalIo

Your reaction please? :)

ang baduy, seriously..

IMO, focus muna sila sa tourism infras, di sa mga pakanta kanta lang.:lol:

rain34

March 29th, 2012, 03:10 PM

mas madali daw kasing gawin ang kanta kaysa sa infras

andywesteast

March 29th, 2012, 03:50 PM

ang baduy, seriously..

IMO, focus muna sila sa tourism infras, di sa mga pakanta kanta lang.:lol:

madali daw kasing gawin ang kanta kaysa sa infras

And more importantly, the Safety of the Poor Tourists.

The Australian who went missing last week narrates "while he was waiting at the arrival area, he was harassed by a taxi driver, who kept on telling him that the person he was supposed to meet won’t be coming.

“The taxi driver said, ’Come on sir, she’s not coming,’” said Caruana. “Then 3 other men came out of nowhere and tried taking my luggage. They scared the hell out of me.”

P&%A NAKAKATAKOT TALAGA. Airport pa lang dami nang Ahas at Buwaya.

Juan Pilgrim

March 29th, 2012, 04:22 PM

This is the domestic version.

For now, DOT should focus more on international promotion.

I can not wait to hear the International Version!

icarusrising

March 30th, 2012, 03:26 AM

McDonalds, Jollibee urged to provide 'toilet for tourists'
BY RAPPLER.COM
Posted on 03/29/2012 2:22 PM | Updated 03/29/2012 2:47 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Toilet for tourists.

This is the new call of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez to Filipinos.

After a public campaign to join in promoting the new country brand "It's More Fun In The Philippines" on social media and beyond, Jimenez is turning to private companies to provide tourists access to toilets.

At the meeting of Makati Business Club members on Thursday, March 29, Jimenez told businessmen that the government does not have to be the one to build these public utilities.

Instead, he urged retail companies with branches all over the country to provide this service, citing a new world norm of having private firms do it.

He said the Department of Tourism will tap fastfood firms, convenience stores and banks in solving the lack of public toilets.

"There are over 500 McDonalds, 800 Jollibees and over 1,000 BPI (Bank of the Philippine Island) branches which have clean, well-lit toilets, and with security guards," he noted.

more here (http://www.rappler.com/business/3141-mcdonalds,-jollibee-urged-to-provide-toilet-for-tourists)

BTW, he mentioned promotions would be focusing on these activities instead of the destinations...

Nature
Cruise
Meetings, conventions and exhibitions
Health and wellness
marine leisure
Entertainment and education

hakz2007

March 30th, 2012, 04:42 AM

wow ganda! Ito ba yong area na restricted dahil sa survivor? or ibang island to.

Hindi po. Kung gusto mo pong pumunta diyan, punta ka sa munisipal hall ng Caramoan and look for the Liga ng mga Barangay President. It's under his jurisdiction.

Barangay niya yan :okay:

Manila-X

March 30th, 2012, 05:43 AM

McDonalds, Jollibee urged to provide 'toilet for tourists'
BY RAPPLER.COM
Posted on 03/29/2012 2:22 PM | Updated 03/29/2012 2:47 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Toilet for tourists.

This is the new call of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez to Filipinos.

After a public campaign to join in promoting the new country brand "It's More Fun In The Philippines" on social media and beyond, Jimenez is turning to private companies to provide tourists access to toilets.

At the meeting of Makati Business Club members on Thursday, March 29, Jimenez told businessmen that the government does not have to be the one to build these public utilities.

Instead, he urged retail companies with branches all over the country to provide this service, citing a new world norm of having private firms do it.

He said the Department of Tourism will tap fastfood firms, convenience stores and banks in solving the lack of public toilets.

"There are over 500 McDonalds, 800 Jollibees and over 1,000 BPI (Bank of the Philippine Island) branches which have clean, well-lit toilets, and with security guards," he noted.

more here (http://www.rappler.com/business/3141-mcdonalds,-jollibee-urged-to-provide-toilet-for-tourists)

BTW, he mentioned promotions would be focusing on these activities instead of the destinations...

Public toilets is easy to find in The Philippines and I'm talking about clean ones. Unlike NYC.

aquarella

March 30th, 2012, 07:42 AM

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/542976_399216930090989_344214882257861_1568398_1666505744_n.jpg

First time poster, so hello everyone :banana:

Our mod is right - this is an awesome place!

I was in the Bicol area a few weeks ago and our tour included a visit of Haciendas de Naga. They're positioned as an adventure park, but it's a lot more. They have a pili orchard so they demonstrated how pili nuts are picked and shelled. It has a classic feel to it. Weddings and functions can be held there.

I'm trying to figure out how to post pictures. When I do, I'll add some. :)

Gov. L-Ray has been saying for weeks that Survivor USA would film two seasons - 25 and 26, from February to August - so Gota Resort will be fully booked until then. I also know the star of the proposed movie shooting in Camsur, but if I told you, then I'd have to kill you. :lol:

A friend of mine is in this forum but I don't know his alias here, and I saw an article of mine posted a few days ago. Hope it's ok to hang out.

aquarella

March 30th, 2012, 07:50 AM

The "activities" Jimenez referred to are the 9 tourism clusters outlined in the NTDP, which is due for submission to Pres. Aquino in coming days. These clusters include: nature, culture/heritage, sun and beach, cruises, MICE (meetings/incentives/conventions/exhibitions), health and wellness, marine activities, shopping/leisure/entertainment, and education.

What Jimenez was saying is: the world knows about Cebu-Bohol-Boracay-Palawan-Manila, but they don't know the rest of the Philippines, and there is just SO much to do, depending on your interests.

scamingue

March 30th, 2012, 07:51 AM

Welcome to the Tourism Thread, Aquarella!

scamingue

March 30th, 2012, 07:51 AM

Hindi po. Kung gusto mo pong pumunta diyan, punta ka sa munisipal hall ng Caramoan and look for the Liga ng mga Barangay President. It's under his jurisdiction.

Barangay niya yan :okay:

Thanks Mods for the info.

Bosnyboy

March 30th, 2012, 07:53 AM

That's why it's prudent not to post that kind of news about kidnapping unless it is confirmed since it is very sensitive.

The news regarding the alledged kidnapping first came out in several news outlet like inquirer and abs-cbnnews

RonnieR

March 30th, 2012, 08:04 AM

The news regarding the alledged kidnapping first came out in several news outlet like inquirer and abs-cbnnews

I know pero local lang yun eh. nakitani gulay, ayun post agad. :)

RonnieR

March 30th, 2012, 08:05 AM

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/6762/tobaccofestnathi.jpg
Students celebrate the Tobacco Festival and the 114th anniversary of Candon, Ilocos Sur yesterday. ANDY ZAPATA JR.

http://www.philstar.com/

aquarella

March 30th, 2012, 08:39 AM

Hopefully by April or May it's on. I'm excited too, especially for the commercials.

reign

March 30th, 2012, 09:11 AM

aquarella

March 30th, 2012, 01:22 PM

‘Survivor’ US in CamSur
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 29, 2012 | 7:39 pm
share113 111

The US edition of the world-famous reality show “Survivor” is currently taping two seasons on Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur. The Mark Burnett production will spend at least six months (February to August) in the Philippines. Certain areas of the province will be off-limits for half a year. It’s the first time US “Survivor” uses the country as backdrop. “Survivor” France and Israel have shot here before. Bayani San Diego Jr.

So this makes two major destinations in the Philippines host venues of Survivor - El Nido Palawan (Survivor France and maybe 2 editions of Survivor Sweden), and Caramoan in Bicol (Israel, France, Bulgaria, Serbia, US, I must be missing a few).

xxxriainxxx

March 30th, 2012, 06:15 PM

ang baduy, seriously..

IMO, focus muna sila sa tourism infras, di sa mga pakanta kanta lang.:lol:

DOT is not the department to bitch about infrastructure. That's DPWH's.

And more importantly, the Safety of the Poor Tourists.

The Australian who went missing last week narrates "while he was waiting at the arrival area, he was harassed by a taxi driver, who kept on telling him that the person he was supposed to meet won’t be coming.

“The taxi driver said, ’Come on sir, she’s not coming,’” said Caruana. “Then 3 other men came out of nowhere and tried taking my luggage. They scared the hell out of me.”

P&%A NAKAKATAKOT TALAGA. Airport pa lang dami nang Ahas at Buwaya.

And more importantly, the Safety of the Poor Tourists.

The Australian who went missing last week narrates "while he was waiting at the arrival area, he was harassed by a taxi driver, who kept on telling him that the person he was supposed to meet won’t be coming.

“The taxi driver said, ’Come on sir, she’s not coming,’” said Caruana. “Then 3 other men came out of nowhere and tried taking my luggage. They scared the hell out of me.”

P&%A NAKAKATAKOT TALAGA. Airport pa lang dami nang Ahas at Buwaya.

I never felt threatened at the airport. Kung tatanga tanga ka, maraming airport sa mundo kung san ka pwede makidnap. Security is PNP, DILG, NBI, AFP jobs. Not DOT.

pugak

March 30th, 2012, 07:46 PM

Tourists Offered 30-Day Free Visa

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/355806/tourists-offered-30day-free-visa

Juan Pilgrim

March 31st, 2012, 04:41 AM

it's more fun in the Philippines

but

QWw5mBUk2zo

mwg12a

March 31st, 2012, 04:49 AM

Public toilets is easy to find in The Philippines and I'm talking about clean ones. Unlike NYC.

Hell yeah, just go to the nearest 5 star hotel... That's what I'd do :lol::lol::lol: Well, if the closest hotel is not that close, cruise into the nearest Jollibee, McD, Chowking blah blah blah, who says you need to ask permission or let anybody know you walked in the just for that????:lol::lol:

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 07:44 AM

I think you got it wrong.

It's more fun in the Philippines because it's nothing like Australia.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2010/04/01/1225848/492949-spoof-tourism-ad.jpg

Source: Spoof website mocks new $150m Tourism Australia campaign There's nothing like Australia (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/spoof-website-mocks-new-150m-tourism-australia-campaign-theres-nothing-like-australia/story-e6frg996-1225848490037)

it's more fun in the Philippines

but

QWw5mBUk2zo

wolfram74

March 31st, 2012, 07:46 AM

^^ what a cheap shot. trying to get ahead by mocking other countries.

remember, there are probably more negative things to say about the philippines compared to Australia.

napaka-sensitive pa naman ng ibang pinoy kapag pinuna ng mga foreigners ang ating bansa, eh totoo naman.

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 07:59 AM

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 08:00 AM

Don't turn this thread into one of your senseless political ramblings. Go away. Your negativity isn't welcome.

wolfram74

March 31st, 2012, 08:10 AM

...which reminds me..."20 Reasons Why I Dislike The Philippines"

i hope the government will come up with a concrete action plan to address the legitimate concerns mentioned in that video

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 08:15 AM

^^Go away. Don't turn this thread into another Executive/Judicial Thread. This thread have been doing well without people like you. Go away. Tsupi.

amigo32

March 31st, 2012, 08:22 AM

funny
:rofl:

wolfram74

March 31st, 2012, 08:28 AM

^^Go away. Don't turn this thread into another Executive/Judicial Thread. This thread have been doing well without people like you. Go away. Tsupi.

do you own this thread? did i post anything off-topic? you're too uptight. RELAX dude.

http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/548/023056_11.jpg

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 08:32 AM

^^ Shoo. Or else I'll hound the mods to ban you from this thread. Namumuro ka na. Dahil sa yo at mga kasama mong mga negastar nasara tuloy ang Executive/Judicial Thread. So shoo fly. Don't bother us. Let people who know what they are talking actually talk here. Go bother other threads.

Go away. Shoo. Shooo. Tsupi.

Isa kang:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gpr39MYNLRo/TME2wO_xA6I/AAAAAAAAABo/2UtAzI9QAYM/DSC00051B.jpg

Tsupi.

Fraulein

March 31st, 2012, 08:41 AM

hugodiekonig

March 31st, 2012, 08:45 AM

Ideas for your summer vacation
March 30, 2012, 5:22pm

Manila, Philippines - “Sa'n tayo sa bakasyon?“

The question may sound simple, but it's rather hard to answer. The underlying considerations such as budget, companions, schedule, time constraints, and most of all, where to go are the major factors that make the question a bit complicated.

Here are some of the more popular choices where you can cool off this season:

If you like partying on the beach: Boracay Bound
On top of the list are the world famous white sands of Boracay. Over the years, the island has become very accessible and even affordable as numerous airlines began offering summer packages for group outings. No matter how many times you go, the island will never run out of activities to offer.

If you want a world-class experience: Precious Palawan
If you've saved up for a special trip, Palawan is worth every centavo. Recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, now is the time to go before the international rush begins. See first-hand the breathtaking attractions featured on TV, in magazines, and international web sites--and don't forget the seafood specialties the province is known for.

If you want to go somewhere unspoiled: Basking in Batanes
One of the newest popular destinations in the country, Batanes' unique view and unscathed natural unscathed natural beauty is indeed a n e xpe rien c e that is always unique. While Batanes isn’t easy to access, this simply guarantees that the trappings of urban life you want to get away from will be nowhere in sight when you get there.

continue reading at this link to the article: link (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/355855/finding-a-place-under-sun)

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 08:45 AM

^^ Andami kasing mabilis maki-epal, hindi naman alam ang pinagsasabi...

hugodiekonig

March 31st, 2012, 08:46 AM

Hell yeah, just go to the nearest 5 star hotel... That's what I'd do :lol::lol::lol: Well, if the closest hotel is not that close, cruise into the nearest Jollibee, McD, Chowking blah blah blah, who says you need to ask permission or let anybody know you walked in the just for that????:lol::lol:

And what's nice is that when you go out, the guards would say "Salamat po sa Pagbisita, Balik po kayo uli" :D

Fraulein

March 31st, 2012, 08:47 AM

Record month has Philippines eyeing best ever year
Friday, 30 March 2012

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/article/130178/record-month-has-philippines-eyeing-best-ever-year

The Philippines hopes to attract nearly five million tourists this year after welcoming more than 400,000 visitors to its shores in January, a record for any month.

Reflecting a 17.5 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor numbers, 411,064 international travelers made their way to the South East Asian nation during January, local media reported.

Speaking at a conference in Manila, Philippines President Benigno Aquino likened the country’s tourism industry to an awoken sleeping giant.

“I’ve always said that tourism is a low-lying fruit for the Philippine economy that has long gone unpicked,” he remarked.

“We are still quite away from our target of 10 million yearly visitors by 2016.

“But imagine: two years ago we were expecting only about three million visitors a year; and now there is the possibility of welcoming five million.”

With the success of the country’s recently launched tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, and an increase in government funding, Philippines Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said he was confident the “historic first for Philippine tourism” would lead to continued growth for the sector.

Becoming the first source market to break 100,000 visitors in a single month, South Korea accounted for nearly a quarter of all overseas arrivals, followed by the United States (63,160) and China (42,868), which more than doubled its visitor numbers (15,656).

hugodiekonig

March 31st, 2012, 08:48 AM

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/6762/tobaccofestnathi.jpg
Students celebrate the Tobacco Festival and the 114th anniversary of Candon, Ilocos Sur yesterday. ANDY ZAPATA JR.

http://www.philstar.com/

Candon has recently celebrated the Tobacco Festival and the 11th cityhood charter day last March 25th.

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 08:49 AM

Hala Tabako Festival? sino sponsor? Philip Morris? :D

amigo32

March 31st, 2012, 08:52 AM

Baka si Eddie Ramos, lol

Fraulein

March 31st, 2012, 08:55 AM

I like these quotes:

======================

"The biggest reason for our low numbers (of tourist arrivals)," said Philippine tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez at last Tuesday's media talk, "is not our infrastructure, crime, negative reports in the media, or even the cost of flying into the Philippines." The biggest reason for why tourists are staying away, he said, "is ignorance."

"Filipinos are a fun people," Guerrero says by way of explaining the basic thinking underlying the campaign. He notes that while other countries may boast of much the same scenic destinations, beaches, fiestas and even food, they don't have the same quirky mix of religiosity, Western culture overlaid over an Eastern soul, friendliness, humour, openness and hospitality that Filipinos embody.

hugodiekonig

March 31st, 2012, 08:57 AM

Hala Tabako Festival? sino sponsor? Philip Morris? :D

hehehe. Candon and all throughout Ilocos Sur has tobacco as their cash crop. Millions ang kinikita ng Candon mula sa pagtatanim ng tabako

Fraulein

March 31st, 2012, 09:02 AM

Memphis names Philippines 'honored country'

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/memphis-names-philippines-honored-country-053004706.html;_ylt=AhO0.SG8AB8luM7JGbwoBfnlV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTFmbWo0czY3BG1pdANJQiBtb2R1bGUEcG9zAzYEc2VjA01lZGlhSW5maW5pdGVCcm93c2VMaXN0;_ylg=X3oDMTM0Nmp0MmxyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDNTM4MzZjZDItMWZhNC0zOWM5LWEzMTktNGZlOGZmNDZlNDNmBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzdG9yeXBhZ2UEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Good news. The Philippines has been named the "honored country" by Memphis-the largest city in the US southeastern state of Tennessee-in its 2012 Memphis in May International Festival (MIMIF), the US Embassy in Manila announced yesterday.

In a report posted on its website, the embassy quoted Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. as having said "the Philippine government and the Filipino people are truly humbled by the privilege bestowed upon the Philippines as the honored country for the 2012 MIMIF, showcasing the best of Philippine culture, cuisine, performances, business practices and Filipino hospitality."

"This festival will clearly demonstrate that 'it's more fun in the Philippines,'" Cuisia said, quoting the new Philippine slogan for promoting tourism.

Aside from building international ties and understanding, the MIMIF also "fosters civic pride and promotes awareness of Memphis heritage," the US Embassy said.

This week, at least 30 community and business leaders from Memphis are visiting the Philippines to "explore areas for potential trade and investment," the embassy said.

"The delegation will be joined by their families and friends and other Memphis cultural enthusiasts," the embassy said.

In a statement, Holt said he was "thrilled to be leading this trip...I look forward to furthering our relationships with individuals and interests in the Philippines."

Known as the "River City," Memphis was founded in 1819. It is the 20th largest city in the United States.

wolfram74

March 31st, 2012, 09:04 AM

a very informative, comprehensive study on Philippine tourism published by the World Bank on March 2012...

hopefully we can learn some lessons and identify areas for improvement:

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTDEBTDEPT/Resources/468980-1218567884549/5289593-1224797529767/5506237-1270138945775/DFSG04PhilippinesFR1.pdf

Philippine Tourism: A Small Sized Sector
Roy van der Weide
The World Bank

1. Introduction

The Philippines has a lot to offer as a tourist destination, yet the number of visitor arrivals is small relative to neighboring destinations. By studying a decade of monthly visitor arrival data disaggregated by country of origin we are able to address a range of questions pertaining to the size and prospects of Philippine tourism. What are the main tourism markets for the Philippines? Can the success stories be replicated? Is the Philippines successfully tapping into growing markets? And, are there any missed opportunities?

...

3. The Philippines ranks poorly as a tourist destination in the region

The number of visitors to the Philippines has been growing steadily over the last 25 years at an average annual rate of roughly 8 percent, see Figure 1. This growth does little however, for putting the Philippines on the map as a competitive tourist destination in South-East Asia, as subsequent figures will show.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3874/tourism.jpg

Korea: A success story

...

If any lesson(s) can be learned from the Philippine’s success with the Korean tourism market, it would be that short and affordable travel to one’s holidays destination, competitive prices, and marketing are all important factors in attracting tourists. In the case of Korea, the Philippines seems to be the closest holiday destination that offers the type of attractions many would look for when planning a (short) holiday, i.e. beaches, diving, golf and spa resorts. The number of other high-income countries for which the Philippines would be the closets holiday destination is naturally limited. This makes that well-connected and affordable international flights become that much more important to stay competitive.

The U.S.: Also a large market but a different story

...

We hypothesize that a substantial number of visitors from the Unites States are of Philippine descent that travel to the Philippines to visit their family. The United States is a popular choice for Philippine migrant workers in search for economic opportunities, arguably because of the historical ties and the common language. This hypothesis is consistent with the positive correlation we find between the number of visitors from the Unites States and the occupancy rates of budget accommodation (in Metro-Manila), where visitor arrivals from Korea are more correlated with occupancy rates in the mid to high-end accommodation (see Section 6).

...

Japan: Large market but in decline

...

Why is it then that the number of visitors from Japan is in decline while the Korean tourism market is growing rapidly? We do not yet have a satisfactory answer to this question, but note that the gap between Thailand and the Philippines as a destination is much larger for the Japanese market when compared to the Korean market. Thailand clearly stands out as the popular destination for Japanese tourists, despite the longer travel time and higher costs involved. It is conceivable that Japanese tourists are more likely to demand high quality domestic infrastructure and services, and more likely to be concerned with the Philippine’s security concerns, making Thailand a preferred destination. :ohno::ohno:

...

China: Growing market but losing market share

Why is the Philippines’ share of Chinese tourism so small? The Philippines is not further away from China than Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia is. Chinese tourists are likely to be more forgiving with respect to the underdeveloped infrastructure in the Philippines. China may not have been as well connected to the Philippines as it is to other destinations in the region. A number of direct flights between the Philippines and China have only recently been added (see DOT, 2008).2 Also, the Philippines does not have the same brand name as its more popular neighbors, due to the lack of a strong international marketing campaign, which may play a larger role in an emerging tourism market such as China.

...

Europe: Largely left behind

The Philippines is attracting a shockingly small share of European tourists (see Figure 10). In 2008, Indonesia and Malaysia both attract four times as many European visitors than the Philippines. The number of Europeans travelling to Thailand is off the charts, roughly twenty times the number of arrivals in the Philippines.

The European tourism market clearly denotes a missed opportunity for the Philippines. The answer as to why the Philippines is missing out is less of a mystery in this case. For one, the Philippines stands out in the region as a tourist destination that is remarkably poorly connected to Europe. There is only one city in Europe that has a direct flight to the Philippines, which is Amsterdam (the Netherlands), operated by KLM. In the past, Lufthansa also used to operate a flight between Manila and Frankfurt, but that flight has been discontinued. Moreover, Europe has downgraded Philippine aviation, which means that it is not possible for Europeans to insure their travel to/in the Philippines when they make use of airlines operated by the Philippines. Since all domestic flights fall under Philippine aviation, European travel agents are not able to offer any package tours. Travel infrastructure is in general less appealing in the Philippines than it is in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Manila international airports are run down and far from welcoming, busses and taxis are poor, and railways are virtually non-existent. It is conceivable that European tourists (like Japanese) are more demanding when it comes to international and domestic infrastructure, and as such are more likely to choose Thailand as their holiday destination.

...

Australia: Largely left behind

Australian tourists too seem to rank Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia above the Philippines. The number of travellers from Australia that choose South-East Asia as their destination is growing rapidly in recent years, yet the Philippines is seeing very little of this growth (meaning that the Philippines is rapidly losing market share). It appears that Australia can be added to the list of missed opportunities for the Philippines.

...

Russia: Largely ignored

...

What explains the Philippine’s lack of popularity with Russian travellers? Like Europe, Russia is poorly connected to the Philippines. There are no direct flights between Moscow and Manila (nor any other location in the Philippines), while neighboring destinations are better connected. The lack of a strong international marketing campaign promoting the Philippines has arguably also kept the Philippines below the radar of Russian tourists, where Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have all established a brand name for themselves.

...

What are the key constraints to tourist sector in the Philippines?

This list of constraints to tourist sector development in the Philippines is larger than the list of positive drivers (in no particular order):

1. The Philippines is internationally poorly connected (see Figure 16, center and right panel).
2. Below par international airport(s).
3. Philippine aviation has been downgraded by Europe (look up details).
4. Below par domestic air transport infrastructure (see Figure 16, left panel).
5. Below par domestic road and railway infrastructure (see Figure 17, left and center panel).
6. Poor ground transport services (busses and taxis; see Figure 17, right panel).
7. Lagging communications infrastructure (see Figure 18).
8. Supply of accommodation not as competitive as in e.g. Thailand (see e.g. Yi, 2010).
9. Security concerns linked to recurrent domestic acts of terrorism. The business cost of terrorism, and the reliability of domestic police too rank poorly in the Philippines (see Figure 19).
10. Uncompetitive food culture (the Philippines is the only country in the region with a well-developed taste for fast-food).
11. Lack of a ‘brand name’. The Philippines does not have a strong international marketing campaign, unlike Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, and as such does not have the ‘brand name’ that these destinations have (think of “Amazing Thailand”, and “Malaysia, truly Asia”).
12. The Philippines lies in relative isolation, like Australia and New Zealand, which makes it difficult for visitors to combine a holiday to the Philippines with a visit to other destinations in the region. This is perhaps both a positive and a negative; it may curb the total number of visitor arrivals, but arguably increases the average length of stay.

Let us also list some of the constraints put forward by the hotel managers we interviewed:

1. Poor business climate and lack of development planning.
2. Difficult to attract and keep local staff for high-skilled work, largely due to the limited supply of high-skilled workers and the high demand for them. Local candidates for management level positions have a range of outside options both inside and outside the tourism sector, both inside the Philippines and abroad.
3. High energy costs.

...

Flor030

March 31st, 2012, 09:07 AM

amigo32

March 31st, 2012, 09:09 AM

lol

ignorance nga raw ng turista:D

Flor030

March 31st, 2012, 09:12 AM

lol

ignorance nga raw ng turista:D

ahhh... ganun po ba yun.... mostly sa mga turista maganda naman papanaw nila sa Pinas lalo na ang mga Korean tourist...

xxxriainxxx

March 31st, 2012, 09:28 AM

Now I am confused.

amigo32

March 31st, 2012, 09:35 AM

yeah, often times, this world is full of confusions:D

even confucius has confusions:lol:

Now, i am also confused.:nuts:

Flor030

March 31st, 2012, 09:43 AM

:ohno: hay nku cguro mga mokong-mokong turista cguro ang binabatay nila....

andywesteast

March 31st, 2012, 11:11 AM

"The biggest reason for our low numbers (of tourist arrivals)," said Philippine tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez at last Tuesday's media talk, "is not our infrastructure, crime, negative reports in the media, or even the cost of flying into the Philippines." The biggest reason for why tourists are staying away, he said, "is ignorance."

This Jimenez is Stupid and Blind.

Mercato

March 31st, 2012, 11:22 AM

Fraulein

March 31st, 2012, 11:41 AM

^^Ignorance is for the tourist's low knowledge about the Philippines. They described Philippines as chaotic an war torn country as what they viewed through media.

But if we change the looks of our country and promote it to the tourists, definitely they will come. :)

hugodiekonig

March 31st, 2012, 12:05 PM

I think media has the most important role here in giving the people in the country and overseas on "what the Philippines is". I just hate the media for focusing more on the "copycat" new tourism slogan than promoting the beauty of the country :bash: If the media reports focus more on negative news rathe rthan on the positive, then we expect a "bad image" on the point of view of the foreigners

Parchie

March 31st, 2012, 12:15 PM

If tourists are considered having little knowledge about the Philippines (Jimenez's term "ignorance") it all circles back to the Department of Tourism, doesn't it? Isn't that mainly their job? To whom are they passing the proverbial buck? :lol:

He was trying to shoot his way around but unfortunately he failed to reckon where all his cheap talk will fall on----->the department that he is supposed to lead! A case of shooting one's own feet!

So, who's "ignorant" now?

jpdm

March 31st, 2012, 01:57 PM

^^ Dahil sa yo at mga kasama mong mga negastar nasara tuloy ang Executive/Judicial Thread.

I like the term negastar!:lol::lol::lol::lol::cheers::cheers:

wolfram74

March 31st, 2012, 02:21 PM

as mentioned by the World Bank study, one of the major constraints to the growth of the tourism sector is the lack of connectivity with other countries...

and it might get worse :ohno::ohno::ohno:

PAL, Cebu Pacific face ban in Macau? (http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/top-stories/27101-pal-cebu-pacific-face-ban-in-macau)
March 31, 2012

ARE foreign countries now apprehensive over the safety of Philippine air carriers in the light of another failed review by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) on the country’s adherence to international aviation safety standards?

This is the question now worrying many industry stakeholders after the Autoridade de Aviacao Civil, the civil aviation authority of the Macau SAR (Special Administrative Region), demanded from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) “information on safety oversight inspection of (Philippine) air operators,” specifically Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Air.

The request by Chan Weng Hong, president of the Macau civil aviation authority, to CAAP director general Ramon S. Gutierrez, dated February 29, came more than a month after the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the United States reported that the Philippines has again failed to address at least 23 specific “safety concerns” and eight “critical elements” in relation to international aviation safety standards being strictly adhered to by civil aviation authorities all over the world.

Since the country has been downgraded to “Category 2” by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2007 due to safety issues, it has consistently failed in its efforts to remove the tag that has resulted in the banning of all Philippine-based air carriers from entering Europe and the United States since 2009. :ohno::ohno:

“I am writing to request your provision of the records and results of safety oversight inspections of the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air for the previous year (2011),” reads the letter of Hong to Gutierrez.

“As (PAL and Cebu Pacific) operate scheduled flights to and from Macau, your report of recent inspections and (safety) findings in the last 6 months can assist our authority to evaluate the operating standards of the above operators,” Hong said. :shocked::shocked:

Hong further noted that the request is in compliance with Macau’s own “safety assessment of foreign aircraft” (SAFA) that it uses for surveillance of operations in the Macau special administrative region by any foreign carrier.

He said the information is necessary so that civil aviation authorities in Macau can “take appropriate action when necessary to preserve safety.”