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Aerial view of seas from Cebu to Puerto Princesa.

By Rowena dela Rosa Yoon
Associate Editor/ Staff Writer

While Koreans maintain the status of top mainstay tourists in the island of Cebu in the Visayan region of the Philippines, other alternative markets are now being explored as a potential source of added tourism receipts.

The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas has been satisfied with the consistent showing of Koreans in the island and, thus, gives the tourism body an impetus to shift to higher gear towards tapping alternative markets to create a more diverse tourism setting.

The new target is North America— both the United States and Canada. DOTCV is keen of the market consisting mainly of Americans with Filipino ethnicity who have never been nor back to their native hometown of Cebu. Returnees, otherwise known as "balikbayan" and their progenitors are lured to come and visit their roots.

Promotional activities have been made, including a 4-day tour for the Second Ambassadors/Consuls-General Tour which was held recently consisting of ambassadors and consuls general to the United States and Canada as well as tourism attaches. They led over 100 participants, most of whom are Filipino-Americans.

Going back to their native land, the delegates were able to make a courtesy call to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before heading for the wreath-laying tour in Rizal Park to pay homage to the fallen national hero who inspired the first movement towards Philippine Independence from the 300-year of Spanish colonization.

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Bantayan Island, Cebu, the Philippines

There were out-of-town trips from north to south which gave them a renewed glimpse of the natural vista of Philippine countryside. Package tours include the Cebu-Bohol, Laguna Lake Loop, Iloilo-Guimaras, Boracay, Davao, Palawan, Laoag-Vigan-Baguio, Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin, and Zamboanga.

Patria Aurora Roa, regional director of the DOTCV, said the program is part of the efforts to increase tourist arrivals.

Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Joseph Durano, is now considering the potential of Indian tourists to the Philippines. The tourism secretary cited statistics of about 7 million outbound travellers from India in 2005. He, thus, calculates this market should not be underestimated.

Durano is reportedly planning to implement a scheme which includes the Department of Foreign Affairs as the office to issue visas while the Bureau of Immigration will extend the "visa-upon-entry" privilege.

The privilege has been given to Chinese. However, travel critics warned that precautionary measures have to be observed due to reported increase of illegal aliens in the Philippines who have overstayed for illicit business activities.

http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=3754

By Bong Garcia

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine government has declared tax holiday on tourists and businessmen coming from nearby Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia in a bid to boost the tourism industry of Mindanao and Palawan.

Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza said the tax holiday will be implemented for a period of two years, starting this year to lure tourists and investors to come and see investment potentials of the two cited places.

Dureza said the decision to stop the imposition of travel tax collection from foreign visitors was made by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a special policy support for the development of the tourism industry in Mindanao and Palawan.

He said that Filipinos who will travel to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia are also entitled to enjoy with the travel tax holiday declared by President Arroyo.

"This (tax holiday) will encourage people to go across border especially here in Mindanao," he said.

Prior to the tax holiday declaration, the Philippine government is collecting P1,620 travel tax from each traveler coming from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Filipinos traveling to the three mentioned places.

Dureza said that even though it will cause the decreased of income from travel taxes, "but it will help improve the tourism industry of Mindanao and Palawan."

A high-level meeting was held last week in Koronadal City by tourism industry players, airline operators, travel agents and tour operators from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) aimed to promote greater tourism and cross border in the four countries.

The meeting highlighted discussion on programs and projects such as the development of tour packages anchored on the culture, adventure and nature tourism destinations in Bimp-Eaga, promotion of Eaga signature events, establishment of port-to-port air linkages, provision of incentives for airline and shipping operators in the region and the production of Bimp-Eaga tourism posters that banner the Bimp-Eaga logo.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2006/07/31/tax.holiday.to.boost.tourism.in.mindanao.palawan.html

MADRID, SPAIN (VIA PLDT) — They came by sea 485 years ago and ruled the country for three centuries. Still, despite the historic ties, only few Spaniards have come to their former colony to visit as tourists.

Now, 108 years after the Spaniards left, the Department of Tourism is planning to lure them back, also by sea—to invade and explore the Philippines’ key diving sites, at least as scuba divers.

“Here in Europe, we play as niche player,” Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said of the DOT strategy to focus on attracting Spain’s two million “outbound” scuba divers to the Philippines, instead of trying to lure all of the 10 million Spaniards who leave their country for international travels yearly.

In a press briefing at the Gran Hotel Canarias, Durano said that of the two million scuba diving Spaniards, only about 8,000 had been coming to the Philippines yearly “with minimal intervention and engagement” from the government.

He said the number was a pittance compared to the 50,000 Germans who come to the Philippines, followed by the British and Russian nationals, the latter comprising the “fastest growing” group of foreign arrivals.

Durano is one of the Cabinet men in the 55-member delegation accompanying President Macapagal-Arroyo in her week-long official trip to Rome and Madrid.

Durano said the Philippine delegation’s trip to Spain had afforded the Filipinos a chance to make arrangements with airlines and tour operators to offer attractive dive and travel “packages” to Spaniards.

Durano, who also chairs the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, said the trip had also enabled the delegation to “bombard” Spanish divers with information on diving sites in the Philippines, an archipelago of 7,107 islands.

Not exotic enough?

As Durano explained it, the reason Spaniards do not go to their former colony often is that they find it to be “Western” and not as exotic as, say, China, Thailand or Vietnam.

“Europeans go on cultural tours, we are seen more as Western than Asian ... This is one area where the fact that we have historical ties is not a draw,” said.

“We are not exotic from the point of view of Europeans.”

Playing catchup

He said the Philippines had sent many people to Spain to be trained on tourism matters, this country being one of the world’s biggest targets of tourist organizers.

“Hopefully, we can catch up,” he said of the efforts to snare more Spanish tourists.

Durano said that, on the whole, the number of tourists entering the Philippines had been growing, with the country earning $2.5 billion in “tourism receipts” last year.

He said the DOT intended to increase to five million the number of tourists entering the Philippines annually. Foreign visitors last year totaled about 2.6 million.

http://beta-services.inq7.net/express/06/07/02/html_output/20060701-7569.xml.html

TOURISM in Central Visayas is booming!

It is just timely that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24, mentioned that the entire three Visayas regions be the focus of the tourism industry in the country -- with the famous Boracay in Western Visayas and the rich and scenic coastal towns of Easter Visayas and, of course, the unique bounties of the Central Visayas waiting for local and foreign tourists to explore.

The Department of Tourism in Region 7 (or Central Visayas) published a beautiful brochure having useful information concerning the four provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The brochure is impressive. Unfortunately it does not have a name. So I will call it "A 4-in-1 Central Visayas tourism brochure."

Bohol is described as "An Eco-Cultural Paradise"; Cebu is labeled as "The Metropolis of the South"; Negros Oriental is described as "Bounty of the Oriental Seas"; Siquijor has no label, but the brochure shows the province's photo of an old convent in the municipality of Larena, claimed to be the oldest Catholic convent in Asia. Since Siquijor has no label, I will name it Magic Island.

Central Visayas has natural and man-made attractions. Visiting this region is an experience! Most tourists say it is the place for a total experience of RRI -- rest, recreation, and inspiration -- where you find an abundance of nature, history, and culture.

Bohol, described as a quaint limestone island, is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. The island province has amazing natural wonders as well as important historical monuments. It is famous for its cone-shaped Chocolate Hills (almost 500 of them) located in the municipality of Carmen. Bohol is also famous for its unpolluted waterfalls, beaches, virgin forests, caves, caverns, and rivers.

The island is home to the tarsier, so-called smallest monkey in the world although it is not really a monkey. The greatest legacy of Bohol is its colorful history and culture -- it is the site of the longest revolt against Spain led by Boholano chieftain Dagohoy (1744-1829). It is home to 20 colonial churches.

Cebu is where commerce and recreation belnd harmoniously. Called the Queen City of the South, it offers the best of both worlds -- beach fun on stretches of clean, white sand, city convenience in modern shopping malls, discos, and parks. Visitors won't leave Cebu without buying a variety of souvenir items from fashion accessories to dried mango preserves.

Places to visit in Cebu are Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño formerly known as the San Agustin Church built in 1565, Fort San Pedro, Taoist Temple, Lapu Lapu Monument in Mactan, Kawasan Falls in Badian, Moalboal Beach Resort, and many other beach resorts and tourist spots.

Negros Oriental is "for those who love nature at its best". Beyond the stretch of its ssugarcane fields, you can see beautiful mountain ranges on one side and a glittering sea on the other. The major attractions include Apo Island, a haven for scuba divers and those who would just do snorkeling. Apo Island can be seen from Dumageute's Rizal boulevard. It is accentuated with crystal clear waters, colorful corals, and rich marine life.

The tourism brochure describes Negros Oriental as an underwater spectacle in motion citing Bais City, the place for dolphin watching, which is a one-of-a-kind experience. There is Mt. Talinis, a challenge for the adventurous hikers who love to discover rare flora and fauna, and verdant forest. Tourists would love to see the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao in Sibulan. There are caves in Mabinay and some towns in the north. There is also Canlaon Volcano in the north where tourists dare to scale the crater because of its magical effect.

Siquijor boasts of diverse attractions, but specifically the sea with white or yellow sand. Siquijor is a coral island. One really has to go to this smallest island in Central Visayas to affirm what visitors mostly say, "Siquijor heals the spirit of any weary traveler with its peace and tranquility". The island is popular for its folk traditions of healing rituals -- it gets a name as a mystical island paradise. Siquijor is the home of the historical St. Isidore Labradore Church, and the bell tower of St. Francis of Assisi, and the old Cang-isok house (a must-see for those people who love old wooden houses). Also, Siquijor boasts of its butterfly sanctuary where one of the biggest butterflies in Asia is found.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dum/2006/08/04/oped/joy.g..perez.sensitivity.html

all good news for our tourism! nice job for sec. durano!

I can personally vouch for the slowly increasing number of Spanish (and Spanish-speaking) tourists coming to the Philippines. Just over the past two months I toured a Spanish couple, 2 Spanish ladies, and 1 Mexican guy in and around Manila (although they all happened to be family or friends of expats or diplomatic staff working here). One problem for them though is the lack of Spanish-speaking tour guides especially compared to Thailand, Malaysia, and even India (how ironic!). The younger generation of Spaniards and Mexicans can get by communicating in English, but those of middle to retirement age can mostly only speak in Spanish. Which is a shame since they're the ones who have the finances and time to tour.

News, articles and features on the Philippine tourism industry.

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Luzon
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Visayas
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Mindanao
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Department of Tourism (http://www.tourism.gov.ph)

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Are you ready for the Japanese invasion?
Inquirer


TOKYO, JAPAN— Hilton Tokyo’s Kiku Ballroom was transformed into a sea of brightly colored ternos and beautiful barongs peppered with festive kimonos and sleek suits at the gala dinner hosted by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo L. Siazon Jr. Guests were ushered in from the cocktails area to await the arrival of the Imperial Family’s Prince Hitachi, brother of the Emperor, and his wife.

Soon, everyone—members of the media, Japanese dignitaries, officials and members of the diplomatic corps in Japan—sat down to enjoy a very Filipino dinner: kinilaw na tuna at sariwang lumpia, tinolang manok, bistek Cebuano, leche flan na may mangga at bayabas with ube ice cream.

A cultural presentation followed, with Philippine Cultural Dances performed by the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, a group consisting of students and graduates of the university’s Philippine Studies Program. They danced the Pastores de Talisay, Polkabal, Singkil and Tinikling, their vibrant costumes bringing life to the stage.

But the night’s scene stealers were Filipino Broadway actor and singer Jon Joven and classical singer Rachelle Gerodias who masterfully sang pieces like “Sa Kabukiran,” “The Prayer,” “Karata Chino Hana Gasa I Ta Yo” and the goosebump-inducing “Bayan Ko.”

It was a beautiful way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan and the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year.

But the gala dinner was only one part of the festivities. The Philippine Food Festival is ongoing at the Hilton Hotels in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. The food festival, which aims to showcase the best of Philippine cuisine, highlights Pinoy favorites like pork embutido, lechon kawali, kare-kare, chicken and pork adobo, lapu-lapu escabeche, beef caldereta, chicken afritada, lechon manok, humba na may pugo at itlog, pastillas de mani, leche flan, biko and more, prepared by Russel Abarquez and Glenn Rivera of the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa.

Eventful month

There’s no doubt about it—July was an eventful month for the Philippines and Japan. And no one knows this more than Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” H. Durano, who, with his team, has been making tremendous efforts in promoting Philippine tourism in Japan.

Last year’s efforts have been well-rewarded. At the gala dinner, he said, “For the first time in history, Japanese arrivals to the Philippines reached the 400,000 mark in 2005 with the launch of the “koko doko? Premium Resort Islands Philippines campaign.”

In an interview with Philippine media, he added, “I just got the report that we’ve grown for 24 months consecutively. That’s never happened in the history of our promotions here in Japan. It has been a steady market with between 6- to 8-percent growth per month. And for a mature market like Japan, where the outbound market is no longer growing, that’s a remarkable achievement.”

When asked about the money DOT has been spending on promoting tourism, Durano said, “We spend about $8-$12 per tourist that we get from this market. The Japanese tourist spends $110 a day. So, just on their first day in our country, we already get back the $8-$12 we’ve spent on promotions. It’s really a worthwhile investment for us. We are now in a virtuous cycle. We’ve achieved a volume of tourist arrivals now, that’s attracting investment. And these investments in turn expand our capacity, which in turn allows us to bring in more tourists. I called this a virtuous cycle because, ultimately, the benefits of these are more employment, business opportunities for the entrepreneurs in the country.”

And because 2006 has been declared Philippines-Japan Friendship Year by Proclamation No. 905, DOT is embarking on an even more aggressive marketing campaign this year.

‘Hilot’ in Japan

“We’re going to the grassroots by putting up hilot centers,” said Durano.

Yes, hilot centers. In a theme park called Namja Town.

Operated by the Bandai Namco group of Japan, Namja Town, located in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, draws 2.5 million visitors a year. One of Namja Town’s attractions is Riraku no Mori, the first healing theme park in Japan, which now includes the hilot salon.

The salon, which offers the services of well-trained Filipino masseuses, is about 50 sq m big and has four beds. Opened July 13, the DOT believes that the Philippine-Style Coconut Oil Treatment Hilot Facility will help promote Philippine tourism in a country where massage and health care is a ¥900-billion industry. Philippine-style hilot was first introduced in Japan at the award-winning Philippine Pavilion during the World Expo 2005 in Aichi.

Wellness and cuisine are two important components in the DOT’s efforts in Japan, according to Secretary Durano.

“The market we are targeting is the Japanese ladies. Although our beaches continue to be the draw to the country, they have other interests that they want to experience when they’re in our country. They want wellness and cuisine and so we’re letting the Japanese market experience just a taste of it before getting the full experience when they go to the Philippines.”

But how do you promote your cuisine in a country also known for its good food? You put up a restaurant, of course.

Philippine Travel Café

Jointly opened by the DOT and Travel Café Co. Ltd., the Philippine Travel Café located in the business district of Iidabashi, Tokyo, aims to raise awareness of the Philippines with its friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

The café will be serving dishes created by Via Mare owner-chef Glenda Barretto in close collaboration with Travel Café chef Ryo Hayasaka. The menu includes lechon, adobo, lumpia, sinigang, pancit and other Filipino favorites—even Pinoy beer.

The café (which transforms into a bar at night) offers so much more than just food and drinks. It can also provide information about travels to the Philippines with its travel concierge service. There are also plans to hold events there, to showcase live music and to allow visitors to speak to travel and diving experts.

The café, which can seat 70, has beautiful and modern Filipino interiors, based on traditional concepts and inspired by multi-awarded Philippine architect Bobby Mañosa. Interior designers and developers of the café include Movement 8 designers Budji Layug and Al Caronan, Impy Pilapil and Locsin International.

The Japanese press were given the chance to sample halo-halo, lumpiang Binondo and other goodies from the café’s menu. Well-made videos promoting the Philippines played in the background, featuring Regine Velasquez and catchy taglines like, “It’s more than the usual” and “If you don’t like this (island), we have 7,106 more to choose from.”

New tourism office

Things are exciting for DOT in Osaka as well. It opened the new DOT Osaka Tourism office in the same week at a more strategic and more accessible location, in the bustling Chuo-ku business district.

As if the café, the new office and the hilot center aren’t enough, DOT has one more secret weapon in letting Japanese women know about their campaign: Japanese model Anne Watanabe, the goodwill ambassador to Japan for the Philippines’ 2006 campaign.

This tall beauty, who is the daughter of actor Ken Watanabe, has been declared Japan’s Model of the Year and has graced the catwalk for designers and brands like Anna Sui, DKNY, Diane Von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Derek Lam and more.

Anne was introduced to the press at the Travel Café press conference as well. When asked how she felt about being chosen as the Philippines’ goodwill ambassador, she said, “I feel very honored. I was excited about going to the Philippines. It’s wonderful.”

She has gone to the Philippines twice and hopes to return soon. She has fallen in love with Bohol and Amanpulo.

She also counts her attempt at tinikling as one of her most memorable moments in the Philippines. Anne is a big fan of Filipino desserts. “Mangoes and ube ice cream are my favorites. I ate a lot of those.”

What does Anne have to say to the Japanese about the Philippines?

“If you go to the Philippines with your friends, with your families or with anyone and you want to eat good food, you want to feel refreshed, you want to play around, you can do it. You can do everything in the Philippines—that is its major attraction. More importantly, it’s very near Japan.”

The Philippine Travel Café, which is located at 1/F, Tokyo Kusei Kaikan 3-5-1 Iidabashi Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, is open 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

^^I heard Ken Watanabe's daughter is the face of Philippine Tourism ads in Japan.

^^ lol that article just mentioned that ^^

Wow, I hope More Japanese tourists would come to the country with those steps by the DOT, and it would be good if they make the Philippines big in Europe and the Americas.

^^Yup, I hope they bring a lot of $$$ or YYY along.

^^ lol that article just mentioned that ^^

Haha, in the last part pala. My bad. :)

A new paradise found
Manile Bulletin
By JASER A. MARASIGAN

Nestled in the furthest eastern corner of the province of Isabela, bounded by the Pacific Ocean, the relatively small and unknown coastal town of Palanan provides a number of empty and peaceful “island alternatives” when its neighbors are jam-packed with beach frolickers.

But the road to this new-found paradise wasn’t easy. With only horses, tricycles and motorized bancas as the only modes of transportation, our group, led by tour guide Reynante de Vera, had to endure a two-hour travel, traversing the rough road from Barangay Marikit to Barangay Culasi, to the rough waters of the Pacific Ocean before reaching these paradise islands. And prior to that, was a 30-minute plane ride from Cauayan Airport via Cyclone Airway’s DC9, crossing the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

There are no roads going to Palanan, so the other option of taking the foot trail, known as Aguinaldo trail, from San Mariano in Cauayan is already out of the question. We were told by Reynante that, that’s like five days of hiking!

Several bodies of water traverse the municipality, which finally drain to the coastal area. Most, if not all, of these waters are used as fishing grounds and means of transportation. It has two big rivers with numerous tributaries. The Palanan River, which is almost parallel to the municipality from south to north and the Dibenbenan River, which originate from the western part of the municipality.

According to Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 2 Director Blessida Diwa, for a long time, tourism has not been given much attention here despite its diverse offerings to both environmentalists and tourists. But the DoT, with the help of the local government of Isabela, is trying to change that now. Palanan’s colorful historical background, natural harbors, abundant corals, prolific marine life, rich terrestrial areas, numerous picnic grounds, and large tracts of virgin forest are just among the resources that it can offer for eco-tourism destinations. These same resources also interest the scientific communities and academia to conduct research.

And then there are the virgin white sand beaches of Dicotcotan and Didadungan, probably Isabela’s best-kept secrets. The coastlines of both beaches are very much exposed to swell and strong waves from the Pacific Ocean, perfect not only for swimming, but also for surfing.

Dicotcotan Beach Resort boasts of a three-kilometer long beach with coral reefs, sea grass beds and sandy shoreline that is fringed with a coastal forest and a village. According to Reynante, there have been regular sightings here of pointed nosed dolphins and hump back whales, aside from the various species of fish and shellfish, and marine turtles that can be seen from the surface. If you are planning to stay here for a few days, there are available cottages for rent.

Dicotcotan is a Palanan word meaning "to sink" due to the softness of the sand that causes one’s feet to sink or to be immersed in it, leaving a deep trail of footsteps.

Meanwhile, the raw beauty of Didadungan is just hypnotic. This white sand beach along the Pacific coast is gorgeous from sun rise to sun down, postcard perfect as they say. The allure of the beach goes beyond its deep blue waters and powdery fine sand. There is definitely something more to it that I can’t seem to explain.

Didadungan boasts of various species of fish, many are rare and endemic, making it ideal for diving or snorkeling. Migratory birds are regularly seen here as well.

One can also freely interact with the ethnic group called "Agtas", which makes the trip to this island more interesting. The Agtas are semi-nomadic tribes roaming in the Sierra Madre mountains who lives in leantos along the river and seacoast.

Other interesting eco-tourism spots in Palanan are the Culasi Beach, Diminalno Lake, Kanataw Lake, Digoyo Lake, Kanasamuyan Cave, Disangkilan Falls and Sad-Sad Falls.

Palanan was established as a township by the Augustinian friars in 1609 and the parish was named in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene whose feast day falls on July 22.

The geographical location of this town has played its role in our history being the last seat of government and Last Stand in 1898 to 1901 of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. He sought refuge in what is now called Barangay Marikit, where he met and fell in love with a local lass named Isabel Lopez. American forces led by Gen. Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901.

Palanan has the largest remaining rainforest. The vast Sierra Madre straddles the entire length of the municipality on the west, from north to south. One of its peaks within Palanan rise as high as 3,970 feet above sea level and its eastern slopes drop close to the sea leaving a strip along the sea coast.

The wilderness of Palanan is abundant with a variety of timber from common to hardwood species. It is also rich in ordinary minor forest products and has a large deposit of metallic and non metallic mineral resources and numerous unknown, endemic species of flora and fauna, unique habitat and exceptional biological diversity.

For guided tours and other information, log on to www.dotregion2.com.ph or email: dotr02@yahoo.com.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5549/untitled1copysi6.jpg

Are you ready for the Japanese invasion?
Inquirer



This was featured tonight at TV Patrol. Hats off really to Durano and his DOT team. :bow:

BALUT ISLAND anyone?
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Business World
Travel

BY JANE L. SARDOMA, Correspondent
Beyond the waves, a journey to Balut Island

DAVAO CITY -- Believed as haven for witches and pirates and known as entry point of Indonesians and smuggled goods, Balut Island, part of Davao del Sur but located at the tip of Sarangani province in Southern Mindanao, is an intriguing destination often feared by tourists. Aside from rumored pirates, visitors are also frightened of the difficult and risky journey to the island.
Balut island is a cultural home of friendly people - the B’laans, the Sangils, and the Maroris. The island is just an hour away from the nearest Indonesian island.

However, I found the rollercoaster rides to Balut rewarding. Not just endowed with underwater jewels and rich highlands, it is also a cultural home of friendly people -- the B’laans, the Sangils, and the Maroris. It is just an hour away from the nearest Indonesian island. In clear weather, that Indonesian island can be seen from the top of the mountain in Tinina, one of Balut’s barangays. It is no wonder why some residents, specifically the Maroris, speak Bahasa Indonesia.

The great distance of Balut Island from mainland Mindanao and its small size, just 6,047 hectares, sandwiched between two giant bodies of water, the Sulawesi and the Pacific, gave me the impression before my first visit that it is an unusual place -- great for relaxation and adventure. Quite true. The island, which has richly preserved cultures, is an extraordinary place for someone brought up in the city.

In Balut, there are no cars, no KFCs and Pizza Huts, no shopping malls or laughing colegialas in high-heeled shoes. There are no ice cream parlors, neither disco bars nor electric power companies, only sight of horses carrying sacks of copra, women in tribal attire, or cogon fields waving in the wind.

There, you do not ride luxury ships with private rooms and fluffy beds. Imagine a small and slow cargo boat loaded with ice cubes, goods from General Santos City, or drums of gasoline. There are no beds and seats. What you have is a rusty floor to lie on that stinks of copra, while the cold wind blows in and out of the boat. And for six long hours, the boat becomes a David beating the Goliath waves of another vast sea, the Sulawesi.

When I first stepped into that boat seven summers ago to visit some relatives, it was also the first time I had the chance to have a close encounter with the local tribes. "Fakay ge smakay de awong!" a B’laan boat crew told the waiting passengers at the Gen. Santos City pier.

Literally, that means "you may board now." Passengers were seemingly clustered according to language or tribal group. It was a disappointing sight for me for it seemed to show that culture is a barrier between people. At first I did not like the thought of it because the culture I live in was making me an "other" to them and them an "other" to me. But I was proven wrong.

During my trip to Balut Island, I spent days roaming around the B’laan and Marori communities in Lipol, the island’s biggest village. In every household, I was welcomed with smiles that seemed warmer than their embrace. "Come in, come in!" they said and prepared food for me. I was touched.

A tasty meal of grilled fishes and boiled crabs and lobster, the catch of the day, convinced me of the island’s bounty. In Balut, fresh first-class fishes like danguit and Lapu-lapu are sold for just P20 to P30 per kilo, crabs for P50 to P80, and lobster for P120. Rare shells that sell for as much as P1,000 per piece also provide income to local fishermen. The rare shells are caught at about a hundred meters under the sea. "We just drop our nets on the seafloor to trap these shells. And that’s it! These shells sometimes stick to the net," said Pascual who is in the business for almost 20 years now. "We have buyers from Cebu and we will sell the shells to collectors and museums," he added.

The island is also a haven for different cultures and traditions, and a home to hospitable and friendly people. Some dance festivals like Tundra and Tang-gong-gong are still practiced in some parts of the island. I learned during my stay that the tribes, especially the B’laans, also practice interesting wedding rites like giving the bride money, lands, boats, or horses.

At dawn, some friends and I paddled, through a thin mist that covered the sea, to the Sangil community in a village called Kabuka. The sound of the brisk wind and our paddling, the gurgle of the water and the rumbling of the waves collided in the air. Soon, we were looking at the azure depths of the ocean that seemed to meet the hues of the clear sky in the furthest distance.

In Kabuka, the Sangils, who were wearing traditional hijaabs and tundong garbs, were more conservative.

When we arrived, we were approached by Donato Sabilo, the village chieftain. "What can we do for you?" he asked.

He hesitated at first when I told him I would like to take pictures. But with the help of my friends, I took snapshots of the community. "I’m sorry...we cannot offer you food because it is Ramadan," Donato’s wife said sadly. Then, while sitting under the shade of a hut, I enjoyed talking with the Sangils, even laughing at a shared joke.

Before I left Kabuka, I expressed my sincerest thanks and with a warm smile, the chieftain replied, "Oh, that’s nothing, ’day [lady]" I waved goodbye to them before we started paddling back to Lipol.

Under the shade of the hut where they were gathered, they smiled and waved at us, too. In the boat now moving away from Kabuka, I watched them until they became dots in the distance.

My last days in Balut Island were spent learning some Muslim, Marori, and B’laan terms, listening to some old tales, getting drunk on tuba, the traditional coconut wine, while listening to the guitar strums of the young men’s harana (serenade). I spent hours listening to the rhythm of the native tongue, while watching the sun moving above the Pacific coastline. Before I left and bid my friends goodbye, I made mental snapshots of their faces and stored their images deep in my memory.

That evening, when nothing was visible but the canopy of stars that mellowed the blackness of the night, I left. There were brown-skinned cargadors (porters) of the boat Pacific slowly waded into the water, sacks of copra on their backs. Then, we rode a banca to get to the waiting cargo boat. From the banca, we climbed up the boat now loaded with sacks of copra which was to be delivered to General Santos City.

Minutes later, I found myself lying on the boat’s rusty floor again, children and adults by my side. They were chatting in their native tongue. "Bong fisos! Bong fisos!" someone said and then almost everybody around him laughed. Although the language was foreign to me I later learned those words meant "a lot of money," I found myself laughing with them. Somehow, their laughter had become part of me now, like they were my own.

Lying on the dirty floor, while feeling the powerful rush of cold air, was another experience for me. The smell of the rust seemed to surround me, assaulting my senses. Late that night, I watched the dark shape of Balut Island as the boat sailed away. The trip back to General Santos City was quite scary with the waves getting bigger and bigger.

"’Day, I hope this kind of trip will not hold you back to visit the island again," said the boat’s crew whom I talked with during most of the trip. Well, there are plenty of things I loved about Balut Island. Why not go back anyway?

A new paradise found
Manile Bulletin
By JASER A. MARASIGAN

Nestled in the furthest eastern corner of the province of Isabela, bounded by the Pacific Ocean, the relatively small and unknown coastal town of Palanan provides a number of empty and peaceful “island alternatives” when its neighbors are jam-packed with beach frolickers.

But the road to this new-found paradise wasn’t easy. With only horses, tricycles and motorized bancas as the only modes of transportation, our group, led by tour guide Reynante de Vera, had to endure a two-hour travel, traversing the rough road from Barangay Marikit to Barangay Culasi, to the rough waters of the Pacific Ocean before reaching these paradise islands. And prior to that, was a 30-minute plane ride from Cauayan Airport via Cyclone Airway’s DC9, crossing the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

There are no roads going to Palanan, so the other option of taking the foot trail, known as Aguinaldo trail, from San Mariano in Cauayan is already out of the question. We were told by Reynante that, that’s like five days of hiking!

Several bodies of water traverse the municipality, which finally drain to the coastal area. Most, if not all, of these waters are used as fishing grounds and means of transportation. It has two big rivers with numerous tributaries. The Palanan River, which is almost parallel to the municipality from south to north and the Dibenbenan River, which originate from the western part of the municipality.

According to Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 2 Director Blessida Diwa, for a long time, tourism has not been given much attention here despite its diverse offerings to both environmentalists and tourists. But the DoT, with the help of the local government of Isabela, is trying to change that now. Palanan’s colorful historical background, natural harbors, abundant corals, prolific marine life, rich terrestrial areas, numerous picnic grounds, and large tracts of virgin forest are just among the resources that it can offer for eco-tourism destinations. These same resources also interest the scientific communities and academia to conduct research.

And then there are the virgin white sand beaches of Dicotcotan and Didadungan, probably Isabela’s best-kept secrets. The coastlines of both beaches are very much exposed to swell and strong waves from the Pacific Ocean, perfect not only for swimming, but also for surfing.

Dicotcotan Beach Resort boasts of a three-kilometer long beach with coral reefs, sea grass beds and sandy shoreline that is fringed with a coastal forest and a village. According to Reynante, there have been regular sightings here of pointed nosed dolphins and hump back whales, aside from the various species of fish and shellfish, and marine turtles that can be seen from the surface. If you are planning to stay here for a few days, there are available cottages for rent.

Dicotcotan is a Palanan word meaning "to sink" due to the softness of the sand that causes one’s feet to sink or to be immersed in it, leaving a deep trail of footsteps.

Meanwhile, the raw beauty of Didadungan is just hypnotic. This white sand beach along the Pacific coast is gorgeous from sun rise to sun down, postcard perfect as they say. The allure of the beach goes beyond its deep blue waters and powdery fine sand. There is definitely something more to it that I can’t seem to explain.

Didadungan boasts of various species of fish, many are rare and endemic, making it ideal for diving or snorkeling. Migratory birds are regularly seen here as well.

One can also freely interact with the ethnic group called "Agtas", which makes the trip to this island more interesting. The Agtas are semi-nomadic tribes roaming in the Sierra Madre mountains who lives in leantos along the river and seacoast.

Other interesting eco-tourism spots in Palanan are the Culasi Beach, Diminalno Lake, Kanataw Lake, Digoyo Lake, Kanasamuyan Cave, Disangkilan Falls and Sad-Sad Falls.

Palanan was established as a township by the Augustinian friars in 1609 and the parish was named in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene whose feast day falls on July 22.

The geographical location of this town has played its role in our history being the last seat of government and Last Stand in 1898 to 1901 of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. He sought refuge in what is now called Barangay Marikit, where he met and fell in love with a local lass named Isabel Lopez. American forces led by Gen. Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901.

Palanan has the largest remaining rainforest. The vast Sierra Madre straddles the entire length of the municipality on the west, from north to south. One of its peaks within Palanan rise as high as 3,970 feet above sea level and its eastern slopes drop close to the sea leaving a strip along the sea coast.

The wilderness of Palanan is abundant with a variety of timber from common to hardwood species. It is also rich in ordinary minor forest products and has a large deposit of metallic and non metallic mineral resources and numerous unknown, endemic species of flora and fauna, unique habitat and exceptional biological diversity.

For guided tours and other information, log on to www.dotregion2.com.ph or email: dotr02@yahoo.com.

source (http://opinion.inq7.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=13823)
Inquirer
Last updated 03:24am (Mla time) 08/07/2006

Published on page A16 of the August 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

WE DEEPLY APPRECIATE GREG BLOOM’S observations regarding the state of tourism in the Philippines and the country’s potential of becoming Asia’s mecca for ecotourism and adventure tourism. (PDI, 7/1/06)

We thank Lonely Planet Philippines for featuring the various attractions in our country, including those that are not so well-known.

We are aware of our shortcomings, as Bloom pointed out. But, we have begun to address these concerns. We have, for instance, initiated an annual adventure race, dubbed the Island Paradise Adventure Race (IPAR), designed to raise broad awareness of the less-traveled destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, especially among potential local and foreign tourists; at the same time, to encourage Filipinos to welcome tourists.

IPAR has, since its launching in May 2005, been one of the tools employed by the Department of Tourism in marketing the Philippines as a “fun and ‘in’ place” to visit for all types of people. The first two IPAR races covered Northern Luzon (in May 2005) and Southern Luzon-Visayas (in December 2005). The third race will be in Mindanao.

We, at the DOT, under the effective leadership of Secretary Joseph “Ace” H. Durano, have also encouraged all steps to promote ecotourism and other activities highlighting the uniqueness of the Philippines as a tourist paradise in Southeast Asia.

As in other products conceptualized and launched by the DOT, we are hopeful that IPAR, or other adventure activities, will eventually be taken over and managed by the private sector.

As a matter of policy and in concurrence with existing laws, the DOT closely coordinates with local government units and the tourism industry’s stakeholders in the formulation and conceptualization of projects and activities designed to attract more visitors to our shores.

Like Bloom, we believe that the Philippines is one of Asia’s “True Paradise.” We hope, and will endeavor, to share with all the peoples of the world the true beauty of the Philippines.

—SHAHLIMAR H. TAMANO, project director, Department of Tourism-Island Paradise Adventure Race, TM Kalaw Street, Rizal Park, Manila

A tourism opportunity missed
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco
The Philippine Star 08/07/2006

It is not surprising that when an opportunity fell on our laps, our tourism officials were caught napping. Last week, a total of 15 international flights bound for Hong Kong from various capitals all over the world were diverted to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to tropical storm "Henry," which closed down Hong Kong’s airport after ravaging our northern provinces.

Among other flights, Cathay Pacific had 10 of its Hong Kong-bound flights coming from various places such as Beijing, China; Singapore; Jakarta; Alaska in the US; Penang, Malaysia; Melbourne, Australia; and London, England, diverted to NAIA. A Cebu Pacific flight to Hong Kong was also turned back. As reported by Philippine Star, the various airlines’s Manila station offices had to scramble for billeting for the more than 2,700 passengers who had to stay the night in Manila.

British Airways had their two Hong Kong-bound flights diverted to NAIA, and Swissair had one flight going to Hong Kong from Zurich and Northwest Airlines had one flight coming from Miami, among those diverted due to the 120 kilometer per hour winds battering Hong Kong. The sudden influx of wide-bodied jets that crowded the NAIA aircraft parking area had forced NAIA authorities to advise all international airlines that other flights could not be accommodated.

The thought that came to my mind was, why bring all those diverted flights to Manila, in the first place. A Pinoy expat based in New York also wrote to say that Cebu and Davao should have been automatically prioritized in such a system as emergency landing spots over Metro Manila. Both cities have more decent airport terminal buildings and better tourism environment. There would have been more chances of those accidental tourists coming back if their first peek of the country was Mactan or Davao than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and its adjoining squatter areas.

Given that typhoons happen at predictable times of the year in our region, we should have had a system in place to welcome and accommodate hundreds of passengers stranded by the weather. There is such a thing as typhoon tourism. The airports in Mactan and Davao should be expanded to accommodate a sudden surge in the number of planes wanting to land.

Our Pinoy expat reader suggests that such a system should have a central database of all hotels and resorts, three stars and upwards, so that alerts can immediately be sent to these hotels and resorts whenever there is a possibility that a known typhoon would force flights to land in the Philippines. These establishments can subsequently reply with information on how many rooms they have available within the next several hours so that airline officials won’t have to scramble for rooms.

The same alert system can also be applied to tourist bus companies to transport passengers to their accommodations. Such a system, which is an adaptation of "Just in Time" (JIT) that is used in manufacturing, may be worth implementing because, as pointed out earlier, typhoons are regular occurrences in this region.

The number of stranded passengers, at 2,700, is significant. It is almost equivalent to the number traveling on a large cruise ship. If each passenger were assigned a single room at a rate of $80 a night, the country could earn approximately $216,000 to $432,000 in hotel or resort bookings alone for a stay of up to two nights. Transportation and accommodation costs will be paid for by the affected airlines. Typhoon tourism is nothing to be sneezed at.
A layover in Plantation Bay or Mactan Shangri-La or the Pearl Farm will be more memorable than one in a Makati hotel. I realize that Cebu’s hotels are almost always fully booked. But maybe, during the typhoon season, they are not as busy and can accommodate emergencies like last week’s.

Typhoon tourism or not, the bottom line is as I have always said in this column, we need investments in tourism infrastructure like hotel rooms. Attracting those investments should be the first item in the agenda of the tourism secretary, not all that pa-pogi media events and foreign junkets he is so fond of.

^^Sayang! Imagine BritAir and Swiss International (malamang ito kasi lugi na ang SwissAir) in NAIA?! What more kaya pag sa Cebu na divert yan?! I'm sure mabibighani ang mga turista sa mga magagandang tanawin...at yung mga by-standers magugulat sa makikita nilang British Airways at Swiss International!

DOT has launched a new online campaign called PEER (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions04_aug09_2006) (The Philippines: Explore, Experience, Return") to encourage our friends around the world most especially those from US and Canada. This is to build and sustain a positive image of the Philippines and to encourage the North Americans to take their time, visit and explore the Philippines art in Nature.

This would definetely bring back new investors and would mean good economy standing aside from making the Philippines known for a Beautiful place ofcourse.

^^sounds catchy... peer campaign... they're giving away free tickets... whoa!!

The mega regions strategy would definitely benefit our growing tourism industry in Panay island, as well as our fisheries and aquaculture sector.

RP as adventure sports, ecotourism hotbed
http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=7506
By Greg Bloom
Inquirer
Last updated 07:27pm (Mla time) 06/30/2006

THE LATEST LONELY Planet guide to the Philippines, released in June, heaps no shortage of praise on the country’s natural beauty. A few snippets:

"A fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveler."

A land of "stunning beach havens," "gloriously crooked earth," "undiscovered breaks, beaches and rapids," and "world-class jungle trekking." Palawan is "one of the most rewarding outdoor-sports destinations in all of Southeast Asia."

As the author of the North and Southeast Luzon sections of the book, I was lucky enough to travel through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Cordillera mountains and the volcanoes and national parks of the Bicol region. I live in Manila and have traveled on my own to other regions of the country that are, as the book suggests, just as beautiful. Why, then, does tourism in the Philippines remain leagues behind most of its Southeast Asian neighbors--in terms of both reputation and sheer tourism numbers?

Part of the reason is geographic, since the country is removed from the main Southeast Asian tourism drag, centered around Thailand. But the travelers of the world are a pretty mobile group these days, unafraid to hop on a plane and go just about everywhere. I’m convinced that more of them would come to the Philippines if the country’s tourism officials started marketing the country differently.

As our book makes clear, the country has all the makings of an adventure tourism Mecca. With its natural wonders facing a litany of environmental threats, the Philippines is also ripe for an ecotourism revolution. A few regions of the country--notably Palawan--are doing their best to promote ecotourism and adventure tourism, while a few enterprising individuals offer small-scale adventure tour packages.

However, they are not getting enough help from the Department of Tourism, which continues to obsess with a handful of marquee tourist attractions--the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers of Bohol, Boracay, the rice terraces of Banaue and Tubbataha Reef come to mind--at the expense of marketing the country’s adventure tourism prospects.

The two countries with the strongest reputations for adventure tourism and ecotourism are undoubtedly Costa Rica and New Zealand. The main links on the Web sites of the tourism authorities of Costa Rica, New Zealand and the Philippines are as follows:

Costa Rica: "Beaches," "Culture," "Adventure," "Ecotourism"

New Zealand: "Scenic Highlights," "Activities," "Events Calendar"

Philippines: "Beach," "Dive," "Wildlife," "Heritage," "Golf"

It’s pretty clear where Costa Rica’s priorities lie. New Zealand takes a somewhat different strategy, but if one clicks the "Activities" link one is directed to massive amounts of information on adventure tourism in New Zealand. The Philippines, on the other hand, completely fails to mention anything about adventure tourism or ecotourism on its home page. To be fair, the Wow Philippines site does have a page on its site dedicated to adventure sports, but it’s almost impossible to find, buried in an obscure drop-down menu under the misleading tag "other."

However you slice it, the Philippines is not doing enough to market adventure tourism. That’s a shame because this is exactly where the country has a comparative advantage over its Southeast Asian neighbors. Few countries in Southeast Asia can compete with the Philippines in terms of accessible spelunking, jungle-trekking, rappelling, kayaking and mountain-biking opportunities. Unfortunately, the country is doing little to exploit this comparative advantage, concentrating instead on the marquee attractions mentioned above as well as a handful of sporty activities like diving and golf.

How smart is that? Well, the Chocolate Hills look cool on posters, but they can be a letdown in person and neither the hills nor the bug-eyed tarsiers that populate them are reason enough alone to visit the Philippines. Tubbataha Reef, for all its bounty, is virtually inaccessible unless you are a well-heeled diver. Boracay is great but Thailand has a hundred Boracays. I was lucky enough to cover the rice terraces and they are truly sublime, but they are certainly not limited to Banaue. Why not also promote the more remote terraces, such as those in Kalinga? Adventure trekking tours to these more remote terraces could be a huge draw.

What about diving and golf? The Philippines has good diving, but again it probably doesn’t compete with places like Micronesia and Papua New Guinea. So there’s no comparative advantage there. The country does indeed have some world class golf courses, but virtually all of them are private and off limits to tourists! The country’s heavy promotion of golf is thus inexplicable.

What tourism officials should be doing instead is turning their attention to the No. 1 thing the country has going for it: ecotourism and adventure travel. Reading our book would be a great start, as we write about many of the enterprising individuals struggling on their own to get a foothold in this potentially lucrative market.

In Cagayan there’s the Sierra Madre Outdoor Club offering rafting trips and jungle trekking in the Sierra Madre Natural Park. In Bicol, the Kadlagan Outdoor Shop has trips to the Caramoan Peninsula, which rivals Palawan in its limestone-etched beauty. On Camiguin Island, a dramatic volcanic landscape in Mindanao, we have Camiguin Action Geckos offering rappelling, jungle trekking and adventure hikes. Trexplore in rugged Samar is a one-man operation tailoring caving, rafting and bike trips.

Those are just a few of the many small adventure tour companies operating throughout the country. The DOT should look to these individuals for both inspiration and guidance as it redirects its energy toward turning the Philippines into an adventure tourism and ecotourism Mecca.

The country must also improve its national parks. As our book points out, the Philippines is great at declaring national parks but terrible at managing them. There are almost 70 national parks in the country, yet only seven meet international national park-designation criteria, mainly because they are not properly protected. The parks also tend to be woefully short of tourist-friendly infrastructure like visitor centers and well maintained walking trails.

The Philippines has all the potential in the world to become the adventure sports and ecotourism hotbed of Southeast Asia. The time is now for tourism officials to make the figurative leap in that direction.

Greg Bloom is a freelance writer and the co-author of the recently released Lonely Planet Philippines guide. He can be reached at gbloom@zpdee.net


good info.. very good info


I have been reading quite a lot about Philippines.

Definitely , Pinoy has one of the best natural resources in the world... paradise islands.

I always tell my friends that i would love to visit Pinoy land because of its beauty , pristine (not crowded comparing to Thailand) and i am the beach lovers , island hoppers.


media and books about Philippines are fairly hard to find ..such as Lonely planet or pictures books... (even when compared to Cambodia , Vietnam)

i visited Kinokuniya at least 15 times for the last few months but still couldn't find much of the books about this paradise. LP also available in very old edition. I hope to see the new version soon... been waiting and wanna buy one , hopefully I could get to go Pn by next year.

Yes , Thailand has hundred islands but what Philippine has got.. are thounsands and most of them still pristine and untouched.

I visited Great barrier reefs and its islands two times for the last 3 months and I still think that our natural resources(Asean) has better to offer. Its far cheaper , better food and services and so on.



I wish all the best for the tourism development in Philippines because in not so long, Asean will have less regulation between each others.Tourism will be better link, low cost airline will move the tourist easier than ever thus alll the Asean will really benefit from this.

As a foriegner point of view , I always have a question to myself ( just wanna share)
about the safety ( I know its relatively safe but still hearing to many things about kidnapping)
and about accessible to tourist destination is quite hard and linkage between islands are inconvenience...

these two things ... hope Pinoy could erase this image and improve it.
( The same as i wish my country could erase the image of sex tourism too and get rid of that)

well well , I'll check it out at Kino and some other book stores again today... hehe can' wait to read it. (i am studying tourism though that's why i am interested in tourism so much.

^^ bravo, good attitude, don't let the political noise and problems detract us from doing the small everyday things which add up to the greater good of the Philippines and to greater humanity.:)

Anyway another interesting article by Boo. OUr balikbayan friends can easily comment on this. And in a way quite important in projecting our country, for if potential tourist think of the RP as a culinary backwater, it's one thing less to attract them, BUT we all know that there 's lot of good filipino food!


No good Pinoy restaurant abroad
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco
The Philippine Star 03/10/2006

Last Monday, I shared with readers of this column, my sister’s e-mail lamenting the difficulty of finding a good Pinoy restaurant abroad. My sister lives in the Washington DC area and she observed there are Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian restaurants everywhere but hardly any Pinoy ones.

When she and her American husband visited Hawaii the other week, they looked for a Pinoy restaurant there too, thinking that because a large number of Pinoys reside there, that wouldn’t be difficult to find. But to their disappointment, they found out there was not even one good Pinoy restaurant in Honolulu, one with good food and yes, sanitary.

I have experienced that frustration. I was in freezing Winnipeg in Canada last year where there are 40,000 Pinoys and just a sprinkling of Thais and Vietnamese. How come the Thais, and now the Vietnamese have good restaurants there but we don’t? At least, not good enough for my Canadian hosts to want to bring me to.

So the question remains: Why are there no good Pinoy restaurants abroad? Is our cuisine not good enough to tempt the palates of other cultures? Is it too ordinary? Does it lack the character of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine?

Anyway, a number of readers eagerly responded to that question I raised about Pinoy cuisine abroad. Reader A. Reyes, an investment banker, wrote to point out that "there are a couple of Pinoy restaurants here in Manhattan that, in my opinion, can be considered at par with the other mainstream restaurants in New York. These are Cendrillion in the SOHO district and Dragonfly in the Village district."

Of course… of course. How could I have forgotten Cendrillon. It was critically reviewed by the New York Times and it is owned by a former classmate of mine at UP, Amy Besa. I haven’t been there and I must remember to drop by when I find myself in New York.

Mr. Reyes continues: "Cendrillion’s menu is Pinoy fusion-inspired while Dragonfly serves classic items like kare-kare and crispy pata along with other Asian delicacies like satay and curry. I have tried these restaurants myself and my overall impression was very positive in terms of ambiance and quality of cuisine. My non-Filipino acquaintances also gave positive feedback on both establishments."

But, Mr. Reyes agrees, "there are not enough Pinoy restaurants of the same caliber in other locations. However, I would like to think that this might have more to do with supply and demand. If demand for Pinoy food was really very strong among mainstream diners, then many other enterprising people would have thought of putting up lots of Pinoy restaurants by now."

Supply and demand may indeed explain the problem, but then again, I am sure the Thais and the Vietnamese didn’t have a demand for their cuisine when they introduced their kind of cooking internationally. We have been trying to put up Pinoy restaurants abroad even before they tried putting up theirs. There must be other reasons why they made it and we didn’t.

Manny Gonzalez, the man who thought out and carried out the dream resort that is Plantation Bay in Mactan, also wrote to share his views on the matter. "Having lived for some 25 years in some of the world’s major culinary cities (New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, LA, Washington DC, Hong Kong, and Vancouver)," Manny wrote, "I had long puzzled over the very same question you posed today — why are there no good, enduring Filipino restaurants abroad?"

"In the course of the past 10 years, based on what I have learned at Plantation Bay and its four restaurants and banquet business, I have developed some ideas on this subject. Before anything else, the problem is NOT that we can’t cook. Nor is it (as you wondered) that Philippine food is just not suited for international tastes.

"Some years ago, an Asian Wall St. writer ventured that Filipino food is "low class" or "derivative/copied" (allegedly because there was no true aristocratic class in the country to stimulate culinary achievement). I quickly wrote the Journal, and pointed out that (with all due apology to non-Filipinos who may be reading this): 1,000 years of English nobility had produced little better than boiled beef; while Scotland’s claim to fame is haggis (boiled sheep entrails made into a sausage);

"All of Scandinavia combined has contributed no food of note to the world except shark buried and left to rot for six months; the cuisine of the entire Middle East can pretty much be described as stewed sheep, grilled sheep, grilled ground sheep, etc; many elements in Italian cooking are borrowed (pasta from China and tomato from Mexico, olive oil from Greece); Indian and Pakistani cuisine are both one-note sambas (curry and tandoori);

"Meanwhile, though some interesting foods have come out of France, its most substantive contributions to the diet of mankind are French fries (potatoes by the way are from South America), pork and beans, and Spam (tin-canning x pork rillettes); and Japan’s "unique" contributions to world cuisine are raw fish, raw fish with rice, and raw fish rolled in seaweed (tempura is from Portugal, teppanyaki from China).

"You can go around the world’s countries one by one, and if you have any understanding of food and food history at all, will be hard-pressed to build a convincing argument that Filipino food is appreciably inferior in any respect to most others. So why are there no good Filipino restaurants abroad?

"Filipino restaurants abroad (being owned by Filipinos with Filipino weaknesses) are prone to stumble at several key stages:

"Ownership. They are owned by someone who "knows how to cook" but doesn’t have enough of the professional qualities needed to be a successful restaurateur.

"Business Concept. Inevitably, the target clientele is Filipinos, rather than the population at large. Thus, the restaurant will emphasize low cost, and fail to appeal to most potential patrons. Relying on Filipinos for their business, they will make little effort to adapt dishes to more general palates, not even in the matter of presentation or portion sizes. (Do you imagine that the Mexicans conquered the US masses with the very same taco they make at home?)

"Menu Development and Cohesion. At Plantation Bay we take the view that a menu is a team and each dish has a different role to play; some dishes are "stars" (hard to do, but worthwhile because they draw customers to come specifically for that dish), some are "good soldiers" (easy to do, little spoilage, reliable seller); some may play other kinds of role such as "loss leader" or "odd-man consolation".

"In contrast, in most Filipino restaurants the menu is chosen not by rigorous evaluation but by acclamation — Ma has a recipe for this, Baby knows how to cook that, Boy wants to see this. . .

"Indifference to Quality. Here is where good Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants consistently score points over Filipino rivals; their cooks and owners know how the food should look and taste, and they care. At the Filipino restaurant, "Puwede na ‘yan" is the refrain, not "it’s got to be right".

"Greed. If perchance a restaurant survives its launch, sooner or later it will occur to someone to suggest that their profit could be even bigger, if only some corners were cut. Now, in many restaurants, a dish sold for $10 costs only $4 in raw materials. Here is where a particularly Filipino form of insanity will come into play:

"At some point in a restaurant’s life-cycle, enormous energy will go into trying to reduce the $4 to $3.60 (thereby "fattening" the profit margin from $6 to $6.40) — frozen shrimps instead of fresh-peeled; supermarket-sale chicken instead of farm-bought; etc. The effect of this of course is that the dish will decline in quality. And just in case the customers don’t notice the decline, then another round of corner-cutting will ensue, in hope of raising the $6.40 profit to $6.60, and so on. It is a process with only one possible outcome: unhappy patrons, less business, less profit, and ultimately failure of the enterprise.

"So, Boo, the restaurant business is a showcase for well-accepted Filipino weaknesses such as inadequate planning, wishful thinking, pakikisama instead of discipline, disinterest in producing a quality result, and greed coupled with dicey arithmetic.

"When at last we see a Filipino restaurant in London succeed, and stay in business for many years, then perhaps that will be an indicator of a turn for the better in the Filipino character."

More on this issue on Monday, including a comment from an OFW in Saudi Arabia.
Waiter’s thumb
oo nga, bakit kaya! buti pa mga vietnamese resto dito, ang gaganda at sikat na sikat ang Pho nila..pero mga pinoy resto, parang carinderia sa atin ang hitsura nila.

kase ang vietnamese food mainstream usa na. Mas foreign friendly ang pagkain nila similar sa Chinese food. ang pinoy food for pinoys lang . ang gusto nang mga puti me mga spices hindi lang bagoong alamang bawang sibuyas at kamatis.

tama. yung karaniwan na pagkain pinoy ang ginagamit lang na panlasa ay asin, vetsin, toyo, patis, bagoong, at mga sangkap panggisa gaya ng bawang, sibuyas, at kamatis. ano ang lasa non, maalat, yun lang.

ayaw din ng mga amerikanong puti nang malaisda ang amoy (bagoong at patis), hindi nila kakainin yon.

dapat kasi sa mga pinoy bawasan na ang paggamit ng asin para hindi magmukhang manas (at maga ang eye bug). Bawasan ang Alat at gumamit ng mga herbs at spices para panglasa at pampabango sa pagkain gaya ng;

chilli powder, curry powder, coriander, mace, clove, sesame, mustard, turmeric, saffron
sage, olives, thyme and rosemary, nutmeg, oregano,
gamitin na marinade yung wine, worcestershire sauce, sesame sauce, oyster sauce
damihan din ng cheese powder
sa bahay namin sa Pinas, kumpleto na yung stock ng herbs and spices at binawasan na yung paggamit ng mga pangpaalat.

Gandahan din ang ambience ng mga restaurant at tigilan na yung karinderia-style at mababa ang tingin ng mga dayuhan sa ganon at naapektuhan din yung impresyon sa pagkain.
Pati na rin yung presentasyon ng pagkain dapat maganda at maayos at dapat laging bagong luto at hindi ininit lang.....

Guys, we already have thread 4 :D
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=381380

tama. yung karaniwan na pagkain pinoy ang ginagamit lang na panlasa ay asin, vetsin, toyo, patis, bagoong, at mga sangkap panggisa gaya ng bawang, sibuyas, at kamatis. ano ang lasa non, maalat, yun lang.

ayaw din ng mga amerikanong puti nang malaisda ang amoy (bagoong at patis), hindi nila kakainin yon.

dapat kasi sa mga pinoy bawasan na ang paggamit ng asin para hindi magmukhang manas (at maga ang eye bug). Bawasan ang Alat at gumamit ng mga herbs at spices para panglasa at pampabango sa pagkain gaya ng;

chilli powder, curry powder, coriander, mace, clove, sesame, mustard, turmeric, saffron
sage, olives, thyme and rosemary, nutmeg, oregano,
gamitin na marinade yung wine, worcestershire sauce, sesame sauce, oyster sauce
damihan din ng cheese powder
sa bahay namin sa Pinas, kumpleto na yung stock ng herbs and spices at binawasan na yung paggamit ng mga pangpaalat.

Gandahan din ang ambience ng mga restaurant at tigilan na yung karinderia-style at mababa ang tingin ng mga dayuhan sa ganon at naapektuhan din yung impresyon sa pagkain.
Pati na rin yung presentasyon ng pagkain dapat maganda at maayos at dapat laging bagong luto at hindi ininit lang.....
that reminds me i ordered a dish at a filipino place here in Portland and when i got home it was cold. I called the place up and asked why it was cold and the lady just said oh you just have to warm it up, we put it in the fridge cause it would get panis. :lol:

yikes, pinagmalaki pa na luma na. narinig ko mababa daw ang rating ng goldilocks abroad kasi kung hindi overcook ay luma ang pagkain. tsk, tsk, tsk

For a change:

Legazpi City turning Mayon menace into tourism windfall
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=15002
By Mynardo Macaraig
Agence France-Presse
Last updated 09:46am (Mla time) 08/13/2006

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay - Ominous posters around this city show the nearby Mayon Volcano, erupting forcefully, shooting fiery sparks into the sky with blood-red lava dripping from its mouth.

But the words on the poster are cheerful rather than frightening: "Visit Legazpi: Mayon Eruption 2006."

The posters are part of an impromptu campaign to find some benefit from a looming disaster that has already forced the evacuation of nearly 40,000 people from their homes on the rumbling volcano's slopes into overcrowded evacuation centers.

While initial estimates of tourist revenues are not available, officials say the volcano, which began oozing lava on July 15 and is on high alert for a full eruption, has helped bring in more local and foreign tourists to this city of about 400,000 people on the poverty-stricken Bicol peninsula.

The posters are the brainchild of Legazpi City councilor Cerilo Chan who realized over a week ago that the tourism potential of the volcanic eruption was not being fully exploited.

He printed up the posters and had them placed in different parts of the city and also personally stuck copies at airports, hotels and at the tourism districts in Manila where potential visitors might see them.

"I just noticed many foreigners were arriving," but that there were not enough people attending to them, he said.

Since then, Chan has been getting many inquiries. He has been successful in attracting some 120 employees of the central bank to vacation here in late July where they personally got to see Mayon put on a fireworks show at night -- from a safe distance.

The 8,070-foot (2,460-meter) high volcano has long been a tourist attraction, thanks to its near-perfect cone, its symmetrical slopes and its history of being the most active volcano in the country.

But it has been overshadowed by other tourist attractions in recent years such as diving with whale sharks in the nearby coastal town of Donsol.

Many of the tourists who pass through Legazpi City just use it as a jumping off point to some place else but the eruption of the volcano has revived interest in Mayon.

While government volcanologists warn people not to enter a six to eight kilometer (four to five-mile) danger zone around the crater, Legazpi, located some 15 kilometers away, is well out of danger.

Sightseers can watch the volcanic unrest while sipping drinks in the safety of their hotel rooftops.

Bernadette Peralta, president of the Legazpi City Tourism Council, a private association, says there is some reluctance to exploit a disaster that is hurting their neighbors.

"We have to be prudent. An eruption would also mean destruction," she says, remarking that some people had criticized the effort to use the eruption to attract tourists.
Ironically, the dangerous image of a volcanic eruption has also scared some tourists away.

"There is a perception of fear from other regions," of the Philippines, says Peralta, saying there had been some hotel cancellations.

Despite this, Maria Ravanilla, local director of the national Tourism Department says there has already been a marked rise in tourist arrivals since the volcano roared into life.

A survey of the five top hotels in Legazpi found they had a 62 percent occupancy rate since mid-July, a time of the year when such hotels usually have a 20 percent occupancy rate, Ravanilla said.

The survey also found that there were 1,683 foreign tourists who checked in from July 18 to August 7, the off-peak season, compared with 2,638 foreign tourists in the entire first half of the year.

Clouds obscure the mountain top on some days, but foreign tourists are generally pleased they made the diversion here.

"At first, I was afraid to come because when you see the volcano on the TV, you get the wrong idea," says German Michael Lichtinger, sipping a beer at an open-air restaurant on a government-built viewing station.

"I like it well enough but I wish it wasn't this cloudy."

yikes, pinagmalaki pa na luma na. narinig ko mababa daw ang rating ng goldilocks abroad kasi kung hindi overcook ay luma ang pagkain. tsk, tsk, tsk


ang mahal pa kamo...half roll cake lang nila eh 10 dollars na...

they improved the food in goldilocks in the the PHils because they have too much competition and i tasted the difference. Man but the goldilocks in daly city, mission street and also tried that one in vallejo sucks big time. Their lechon paksiw ,kaldereta reaks of malansang liver. all you could taste and smell is liver. no wonder foreigners don't want to touch the stuff. The only saving grace was the barbeque on a stick. Well their cakes are good but expensive plus tax. wheh. But you know pinoys fr other states don't have goldilucks and they get nostalgic so when they go to California they usually look for a goldilocks. like my family.

Bump, Nasasapawan ng thread 3!!!

Please post the goldilock food comments here!

magandang usapan pero
:lock: :redx: :lock: :redx: :lock: :redx: :lock: :redx:

:deadthrea :deadthrea :deadthrea :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cucumber: :cucumber: :cucumber: :cucumber:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=381380

:grouphug:

^^^^Hehehe I'm glad the Goldilocks in Las Vegas serve delicious food! I try to compare their food with how my family cooks it especially my grandmothers (Kapampangan and Tagalog) and it is good definitely better than most if not all of the Pinoy fast food joints in Vegas.! Noodle dishes the best, same with their fresh spring roll. They are in the process of opening another branch in Henderson, NV if I'm not mistaken.

There used to be only two provinces in the Cagayan Valley Region – Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. But a Royal Decree issued on May 1, 1856 created the province of Isabela from the portion of the provinces of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. From Cagayan, the towns of Gamu, Angadanan and Echague and from Nueva Vizcaya, its capital town Carig (now Santiago) and Palanan were segregated to constitute the province of Isabela. The new province was named in honor of then Queen Isabela II of Spain.

As if destined for greatness, Isabela is now dubbed as the "Queen Province of the North". This premier province is one of the most progressive in the country with Santiago City as the industrial center for Region 2 and Cauayan City, the commercial center. Isabela is also the second largest province in the Philippines.

Although the province did not play a major role in the revolt against Spain, it is in the coastal town of Palanan that the final pages of the Philippine Revolution was written when the American forces led by Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on March 23, 1901.

Isabela comprises an aggregate land area of 10,665 sq. kms., representing almost 40 percent of the regional territory. The province is bounded on the north by the province of Cagayan, on the south by Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora, on the west by the sprawling fertile valley hemmed by the Central Cordillera Mountain, criss-crossed by the Cagayan and Magat Rivers, and on the east by the Pacific Ocean.

The province is also close to developed Asian economies such as Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. It is strategically located between the port of Cagayan Economic Zone and other fast-paced development centers in the country such as Subic and Clark Freeports. The development potentials of the province is further strengthened through the establishment of Isabela Special Agro-Industrial Economic Zone.

Isabela boasts of a variety of attractions and destinations. Fast-becoming a major tourist destination here is Palanan, one of the coastal towns, which is a center of biodiversity studies and researches. Its coastal areas host whales and dolphins. The site is also ideal for water sports such as scuba diving and surfing. Several NGOs are based in this town where they operate their monitoring of the whole length of Sierra Madre.

The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is a haven for researchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its mountains rise to peaks of about 8,000 feet and is home to one of the country’s largest remaining rainforests with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna. It was declared as number one in biodiversity in the country and also among the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots. It has a 208-km. coastline and is home to beautiful caves, coves, bays and rich marine life.

The province is endowed with powdery fine white beaches and warm beds of crystalline waters, which span the shoreline of the coastal municipalities of Palanan, Divilican, Maconacon and Dinapigue.

Aside from ecotourism, there are other destinations and attractions here including the Magat High Rise Dam and Tourism Complex, known to be the highest and biggest dam in Asia when it was built in the late 1970’s. Its reservoir area of 4,450 hectares is perfect for fishing, boating and water skiing.

Some historical structures are still visible to this day like the big adobe stone church located in Cauayan City. Now called the San Pablo Church, it is said to be the oldest church in the province and its bell tower is the tallest in the region. Likewise, St. Mathias Church in Tumauini is unique with its cylindrical belfry, the only one of its kind in the country.

Isabela is also home to the "World’s Largest Butaka" or lounge chair at 11 feet and 4 inches in height, 8 inches long, 9 feet and 7 inches wide, and weighs 2,368 kilos. The lounge chair was constructed by 25 workers in 29 days.

Tourism development is fast trickling down to the region with the construction of new accommodation facilities, expansion of existing hotels, and the establishment of new dining facilities, particularly in Cauayan City.

Isabela’s average share of regional tourist arrivals is 45 percent (80,135 total visitors in 2004) with tourist arrivals in the province increasing at an annual average rate of 11 percent over the last five years, and an average tourist receipt of R0.04 billion generated for the last five years.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 2, headed by Regional director Blessida Diwa, offers a 4-day/ 3-night tour package to Isabela. This Biodiversity Appreciation Tour includes a trek to Palanan Church and Aguinaldo Shrine; a river cruise along Palanan River; an overnight stay at Dicotcotan Beach Resort; island hopping to Honeymoon and Divilacan islands; and marine and terrestrial habitat exploration. For more information, log on to www.dotregion2.com.ph or email: dotr02@yahoo.com.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/08/13/TOUR2006081371614.html

Bump, Nasasapawan ng thread 3!!!

Please post the goldilock food comments here!

Some comments on Jollibee. Sobra ang ALAT. Nasasapawan ng Alat yung lasa ng manok at burger. Kaya hindi masyado mabenta sa mga puti.
Yung Spaghetti dapat mag-adjust dahil nandito na sila sa states. Lagyan dapat ng OLIVES at OREGANO yung spaghetti para mabango at aangkop sa panlasa ng kano.


bustero's request:
Pagkain na palpak at ang Goldilocks galing sa tourism thread III

yikes, pinagmalaki pa na luma na. narinig ko mababa daw ang rating ng goldilocks abroad kasi kung hindi overcook ay luma ang pagkain. tsk, tsk, tsk

ang mahal pa kamo...half roll cake lang nila eh 10 dollars na...

they improved the food in goldilocks in the the PHils because they have too much competition and i tasted the difference. Man but the goldilocks in daly city, mission street and also tried that one in vallejo sucks big time. Their lechon paksiw ,kaldereta reaks of malansang liver. all you could taste and smell is liver. no wonder foreigners don't want to touch the stuff. The only saving grace was the barbeque on a stick. Well their cakes are good but expensive plus tax. wheh. But you know pinoys fr other states don't have goldilucks and they get nostalgic so when they go to California they usually look for a goldilocks. like my family.
Hindi sikat sa Amerika yung liver. Ayaw nila ng texture at amoy, aba itong blonde-locks dinamihan pa ng atay.

^^^^Hehehe I'm glad the Goldilocks in Las Vegas serve delicious food! I try to compare their food with how my family cooks it especially my grandmothers (Kapampangan and Tagalog) and it is good definitely better than most if not all of the Pinoy fast food joints in Vegas.! Noodle dishes the best, same with their fresh spring roll. They are in the process of opening another branch in Henderson, NV if I'm not mistaken.

^^ Agree with all of your comments (Sandrin, is this a first time? ;) Will the world end now?) but also I wonder if it's the intention of Goldilocks or Jollibee in the US to court the white taste buds or if their business plan is simply limited to the Filipino community.

But both those things are not mutually exclusive. For example, just coming back from the great big meet in the Bay Area, where I ate at Gerry's Grill for the first time, I have to say that that's one restaurant that whitey can say yes to. First, it was located in a pretty decent strip mall-- its neighbors were Starbucks and Walmart. Now that's pretty mainstream as far as American restaurants and stores go. Also, the food was very accessible (as long as you don't explain to people what is in sisig). I was sitting next to Kuyageezer's mom and she was telling me that this is a first time for her-- to go to a Filipino restaurant and actually LIKE the environment. It was even better looking than most Outbacks, TGIF's and Chili's. I was calling my friend in NY to tell her about Gerry's as a Filipino resto and explained to her what inihaw na liempo and lechon kawali was and she was salivating over the phone... Gerry's is a Filipino restaurant in the USA done right.

^^oooh too bad i didn't get to go there so I can compare to the Gerrys in PInas. that's kind of true what boybaha said maybe they simply want to recreate the real authentic pinoy taste in the pHils like the sweet sphaghetti but the only problem is they will only get Pinoys as patrons . If they want to extend to other peoples then they have to adjust. But still the goldilocks in the PHils better. the place is not so bad but the food. urgh.
Jollibee their burger is one again pinoy taste. but for americans they wouldn't want burgers to look like meatloaf , green color because of extenders with quickmelt cheese. I personally like jollibee burgers but the ones in the PHils not in California. The ones in California tasted like shees (sp?) kabob.

I think tourism has alot to do with the country's cuisine and people enjoying their food while on vacation. So if they could work on adjusting the foods in the other regions , maybe opening thai restaurants or continental fare and others they would get more tourists. that is one of the major complaints of travelers once outside manila. Seriously the north likes alot of innards(Sp? ) ,organs and foreigners are not digging that. bile?

^^^^
Re: Goldilocks food, just because one location did not tittilate your taste buds doesn't mean the rest of the chain will be the same! It's not just one person doing all the cooking for the whole chain. :)

In order for Philippine restaurants to cater to all sectors of society overseas and not just Filipinos, it must spend money on its venture. A major obstacle with Philippine restaurants going mainstream are the owners themselves. Filipino restaurateaurs does not want to spend a whole lot on establishing their restaurant. It is not only the food, although having delicious food is a big draw for people but also the ambiance of the restaurant together with superb service that can make a successful establishment. Another obstacle for Philippine restaurants not being able to penetrate a wide range of clientele is the attitude of the business owners, nonchalant, "good enough" attitude will not satisfy the very discriminating taste of non Filipinos. Filipinos yes but not the rest.

Gerry's Grill serves fantastic Filipino food, their SISIG and Kaldereta are higly addictive. The snails (o kung anu man yun, parang snails eh, kuhol yata) are good too kahit na medyo exotic. All Pinoys in the US must definitely try that resto alos to increase the demand for the food para magbukas yung owner ng mas maraming branches and sisikat na Pinoy food dyan!!!

ty Sandrin, natawa ako sa blondlocks comment mo! and you and Mike nag agree, naku what is the world coming too :)

But you're comments are of course correct, medyo iba panlasa natin. I'm amazed about that Gerry's Grill baka it's really our chance to have a Filipino restaurant that can serve non pinoy's specially caucasians.

Re goldilocks, i think in some ways they've lost their touch, even here medyo nahahabol na sila ng red ribbon. The owners have lost their drive and they actually have shrinking per store sales! NOt a good sign. I think it's done so well for so long in the CA primarily because of the fact that there aren't too many alternatives. specially brand names, parang nakasanayan na lang. On the other hand I was told Red Ribbon does well even in non pinoy CA neighborhoods as natipuhan sila ng mga hispanic market. (something about giving cakes as gifts in parties , parang dito rin, eh kasing hilig nila magparty tayo!!!),that's why binili sila ng Jolibee.

Sa totoo lang we may need to rethink some of our restaurant strategies. Last year we had chinese tourist and they were not impressed with our food at all. We brought them to kamayan, palaisdaan sa laguna, etc. They were happiest with the chinese restaurants , which I guess in understandable, but even the other restaurants we brought them na hindi pinoy ok naok sila. There must be something in the recipes (their main comment that most of the food was greasy -fave was kangkong but bakit daw ginisa , and sinigang) or presentation. I don't know am not a food expert. Just posting their comments.

Any comments on Nipa hut in Pasig. It’s a favorite drinking place of Pinoys.
Location wise – The cliff location provides good views of Pasig particularly at night. But still, I find the area a bit “dark” at night, needs more lighting creativity like a combination of artistic lamps and candles. Yung banyo nila hindi presentable.
Food wise – They serve good crispy pata and beers but that’s about it. The kinilaw I tasted was bad parang hindi sariwa yung isda. Yung iba over-cooked at ang lasa kung hindi maaim ay maalat lang.
One time, the company I work for brought some foreigners there (SEAsians and Americans) at mahahalata mo na hindi nila gusto sa presentasyon pa lang, lalo ng yung lasa. Nakakahiya pa yung banyo wala pa yatang running water.
Overall impression – mababa sa quality

Has anybody tried the Ima (?) Restaurant at St. Francis Square and Makati? I’m not sure if that Pinoy buffet restaurant still exists. Hindi rin gusto ng foreigner yung presentasyon sa buffet table. Hindi lang kulang sa creativity, Over-Cooked lahat ng food lalo na yung veggies – Lantang gulay ang itsura . Syempre wala ng gana kumain yon.

yup and fats pinoys love fats, grease and oil. fried foods soaking in oil. that's a no no for foreigners.

^^^^^Nipa Hut has a nice view of the city below and I like the food at Gerry's Grill, Ive been to the one in Libis, the place is packed with people. Regarding the toilet in most restaurants in the Philippines they are sub standards.

Funny coincidence you guys have been talking about sisig and what local food foreigners might like. Just last week I took a Scottish friend of mine to dinner. He's been living here in Asia for the past 5+ years and always misses their traditional Scottish cuisine, particularly the national dish haggis (chopped up pig innards cooked up in a pig stomach). Since last year I've been telling him that our sisig may be kind of similar to their haggis. But he never got the opportunity to try it until last week. And he loved the sisig! Said that it's quite similar to haggis (which he hasn't eaten for 5+ years), but even better-tasting. Now I guess he's going to promote sisig to all his fellow Scotsmen living here in Asia. :)

By the way, we had our sisig (along with kuhol sa gata, sinigang na hipon, and kilawing tuna, all of which my friend also liked a lot) at Kamayan restaurant in Makati (where also coincidentally, a forum organized by UP's Asian Institute of Tourism will be tackling the topic of medical tourism tomorrow. I'll try to attend if I finish my other work early enough).

^^ Agree with all of your comments (Sandrin, is this a first time? ;) Will the world end now?) but also I wonder if it's the intention of Goldilocks or Jollibee in the US to court the white taste buds or if their business plan is simply limited to the Filipino community.

But both those things are not mutually exclusive. For example, just coming back from the great big meet in the Bay Area, where I ate at Gerry's Grill for the first time, I have to say that that's one restaurant that whitey can say yes to. First, it was located in a pretty decent strip mall-- its neighbors were Starbucks and Walmart. Now that's pretty mainstream as far as American restaurants and stores go. Also, the food was very accessible (as long as you don't explain to people what is in sisig). I was sitting next to Kuyageezer's mom and she was telling me that this is a first time for her-- to go to a Filipino restaurant and actually LIKE the environment. It was even better looking than most Outbacks, TGIF's and Chili's. I was calling my friend in NY to tell her about Gerry's as a Filipino resto and explained to her what inihaw na liempo and lechon kawali was and she was salivating over the phone... Gerry's is a Filipino restaurant in the USA done right.


Where is Gerry's Grill located? Do they have just one outlet here in the States? They have one of the best sisig that I have tasted.

Sorry double posting.

I've been to Jollibee in the States back in 2003 and it sure is like the Jollibee in the Philippines. Maingay at yung pagkain o pinagkainan iniiwan lang sa mesa. There where a couple of white people ahead of me and I overheard one saying that tables where dirty. So when they got to talk to the person in the counter, they had it cleaned. Pero isa lang pinag-tataka ko, baket malaki pa rin yung peach mango pie nila compared dun sa Pilipinas na pina-liit nila.

The Goldilocks outlet (U.S.) that I got to try wasn't so nice.

The good one was Red Ribbon and it was also near Jollibee.

Gerry's grill in Katipunan Ave sa White Plains is good. Pinoy na pinoy yung ambience.
Sa Ortigas, classic yung Marios (sarap ng fench onion soup), La Primavera.... Ling Nam, Sun Moon Garden sa Greenhills (hindi lang maganda yung ambience at banyo), Cafe Isabel (galing ng ambience at wala akong nakita na multo, Italianis (meron pa ba).

^ Gerry's grill is good. Also Dencio's. I think if anything, we do the grill restaurants pretty well. Other examples are Grilla in Libis and the one in Market Market (not the open cafeteria-food court, but the closed in restaurant-- Trident?)

Cafe Isabel is pretty. It would be great except it smells like cockroaches. That used to be my hangout before gimmik.

The Gerry's Grill I went to that I finally said maybe caucasians will like Filipino food was in Union City, California.

Dencios pala yung sa Katipunan Avenue in White palins at hind Geryy's Grill. Pareho kasi ng servings nalito tuloy ako

^ Gerry's grill is good. Also Dencio's. I think if anything, we do the grill restaurants pretty well. Other examples are Grilla in Libis and the one in Market Market (not the open cafeteria-food court, but the closed in restaurant-- Trident?)

Cafe Isabel is pretty. It would be great except it smells like cockroaches. That used to be my hangout before gimmik.

The Gerry's Grill I went to that I finally said maybe caucasians will like Filipino food was in Union City, California.

yeah, filipino grill restaurants are good and gerry's grill and dencio's are probably the best examples of it.

yeah, cafe ysabel's pretty. i love their pasta and that flat bread with balsamic vinegar-olive oil dip. yum! their cakes look tempting. tapos the interiors are nice too. very old world filipino. pero it does kinda smell like cockroaches at specific parts of the restaurant.

what does cockroach smell like. I've seen them but never bothered to smell them. If it smells like cockroach then there must be cockroach.

Marites, nakakatawa naman ang tanong mo. :hahaha: who indeed would intentionally smell a cockroach? But at the same time why do you want to know what it smells like? You're funny.

Sa totoo lang , madamaing pinoy restaurants that are trying to do nouveau stuff to make it attractive to even non pinoy. e.g. I like Cafe Metro (they have gising gising which is like a bicol express and their crispy tilapia just has a fancy presentation - filleted in a fish boat) or that Pinoy restaurant sa GB3 with cornbeef sinigang, tofu sisig they put twists that address some of the foreign tourists comments about our food, yet it still is primarily pinoy. Perhaps it still has not taken off pa lang.

That's true.. but even when it's not nouveau, it's good. Have any of you ever eaten at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio? So good, really refreshing & truly native. And of course, there's also Via Mare... always a classic. These are restaurants that really do showcase the dynamic flavors of Philippine cuisine.

I actually think we should do more to highlight our rich tradition of street foods. To be "touristy" we don't have to be highbrow. I mean, if you go to Singapore, you will find many hawker stands that sell the most wonderful street foods. They have them in special markets sometimes where everything there is a celebration of the street. I think we can have this as well. They don't have to be the same thing you can buy on a street corner in Pasay. They can be "clean" as well. And they really, truly show the colors of the Philippines. These are delicious foods. All you need are health standards so that your barbecue, fish balls, binatog, samalamig, squid balls, penoy (notice I didn't say balut), ice buko, adobong mani and kikiam can be "touristy." Tourist doesn't mean elitist.

Saying that touristy Filipino food needs to be gourmet is like saying the only real Filipino art is found at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Well, guess what, Filipino art is in the streets of the simplest towns too.

Where is Gerry's Grill located? Do they have just one outlet here in the States? They have one of the best sisig that I have tasted.

There is only one Gerry's Grill in the United States, it opened March of 2006 if I'm not mistaken also a member of the local chamber of commerce.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200608160404.htm

Tourist arrivals in the country posted a 10 percent increase in the first half of the year, bringing the Department of Tourism (DOT) closer to achieving its target of three million foreign arrivals by the end of the year.

The DOT recorded a total of 1,420,040 arrivals from January to June this year, a 10.4 percent increase from 1,285,762 arrivals during the same period last year.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said tourist arrivals have been growing by double digits for the past three years.

Durano said one way of expanding the economic benefit of tourism is to encourage tourists to spend more in the country.

The DOT aims to increase the dollar spending of each tourist as this will contribute to the country’s revenues, he said.

Durano pointed out a single tourist usually spends $90 to $110 a day.

To draw in tourists, the DOT recently launched an aggressive campaign to promote the country as a shopping destination in Asia.

Durano said a higher volume of tourists will mean higher dollar spending.

He said this will also help business, particularly in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to sell their products to tourists, which would also open further employment opportunities for our countrymen.

The DOT said the majority of tourists are coming from the United States, Korea, Japan and China.

Arrivals from China posted 41 percent increase to 64,584 from 45,789 in the first half last year.

Director Rolando Canizal of the Office of Tourism Development Planning said the DOT is looking on the incentive market of company travelers from China since they comprise a big market.

Canizal said these travelers are working in foreign-invested enterprises and they travel a lot.

Aside from the country’s scenic views, the DOT is promoting the country into a shopping hub in Asia, especially now that major malls are sprouting in the country, Canizal said. - Helen Flores

Nakakatakot bumili ng hawker food sa Pinas. Lahat ng alikabok na absorb na sa pagkain. Masisira lang talaga ang tyan mo. Dapat kasi regulated din yan ng city hall at impatupad yung sanitary permit.

Oh the naysayers of Goldilocks, hehehe the business has been around for 40 years employing thousands of Filipinos in and out of the Philippines and continually expanding, they definitely know what they are doing. :)

our street barbeque and fishballs are good. the sauces are good. Kaya lang the more exotic stuff like chinken intestines, chicken gizzards, feet , head and butt anything else you can imagine might not work. betamax?
they should concentrate on beef and chicken breasts. pork is not so desired by many. and they need to remove the lansa.

The problem with Goldilocks is that they are unable to maintain the quality of their food service. One franchise may not be good as another. The company screwed the franchise in Cali and Vancouver. How could they expand their market beyond the existing pinoy customers when the feedback is bad?
Goldilocks should improve on quality of the food service as it is obvious that they became complacent with regards to QC. The number of years of existence does not count if the quality is not given utmost importance.

It has been reported recently that the Lorenzo family owned Pancake House has offered to buy Goldilocks. There is a problem where one side of the family that owns Goldilocks does not want to sell the business. I believe that one side owns the US and Canadian franchises. Hopefully they can improve their business with new management. I did not know that Pancake House, Dencios and Terriyaki Boy belongs to the same family group.

Pinoy Streetfood is really nice too, it just suffers a lack of quality control. Bangkok really prides its streetfood scene and so as KL, Penang and Singapore, why can't we diba?

The Lakbay Talakay Tourism Forum (organized by UP Asian Institute of Tourism) on medical tourism held earlier today at Kamayan restaurant turned out to be more succesful than we were expecting. I guess medical tourism is a really hot topic now as a lot of press showed up. Aside from representatives from the DOT, we also had somebody representing Thailand's medical tourism industry. There seemed to be some friction between the 2 groups though.

Anyway, here's an article I wrote about Pinoy street food that came out in Men's Health Philippines July issue (Manny Pacquiao on the cover). The angle of the piece is more about health and less about touristic appeal though. Sayang I can't include the pics and the tables of nutritional info, but I hope it's still worth reading.

Dirty Dining

Street food is convenient, fast, easy, uncomplicated, and cheap. So are street hookers. Caveat emptor. Buyer beware! Unless you want to gamble with your well-being you shouldn’t play in the street. You don’t stick your tongues or dicks just anywhere, so if you don’t know where it’s been, should you stuff it in your mouth?

Pinoy street food is a huge part of our culinary culture, a showcase of how we Filipinos can squeeze fun and flavor from the unlikeliest and least palatable ingredients. Street food is both pop art and comfort food in one portable package, pushed around on wheels or carried on backs. Street foods are consumed by an estimated two and a half billion people world-wide. The street food business is a billion peso industry and a major driver of the underground economy. Thousands rely on it for their livelihood. Properly regulated, it has enormous potential. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and even Vietnam have all managed to promote their street food to tourists as tasty and healthy gastronomic adventures. Why can’t we seem to reach their standards?

The Hand that Roasts the Chicken

Many street food handlers may use ingredients that are of dubious quality. They may observe faulty food preparation and handling practices, and work in facilities that lack the minimum sanitation standards. They may use recycled cooking oil. They may not use hair nets nor do they wash their hands prior to food handling/preparation. The food, containers and utensils may be improperly stored or freely exposed to dirt, smoke, flies. These practices can promote bacterial overgrowth and contamination, increasing the hazards for the consumer.

Moreover, some vendors have indiscriminately adapted "modern" techniques to counteract some of the shortcomings in their food hygiene. They use nitrites and nitrates, unauthorized dyes and cooking oils, and insecticides. Beware of food products free of flies in areas where flies are plentiful. Such items may be sprayed with insecticides.

“In the context of the impoverished economic situation of our street food handlers and vendors, I observed that the negative attitudes of pagtitipid, bahala na, mediocrity and procrastination remain to be the culprits of the ever growing foodborne illness outbreaks (many of which remain unreported) in the city,” says Ma. Veritas F. Luna, PhD, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines.

Dra. Luna expounds that food vendors will not practice safe food handling procedures unless there are clear policies and strong demand. Implementing food safety procedures are perceived to result in unwanted expenditures that increase their cost of production. And even if they realize that they can be penalized for endangering the public, they will persist in economizing their resources.

“Warnings for violators of standards on food sanitation are ignored and they say, bahala na! For as long as no one files a complaint, they claim na pwede na ‘yan, wala namang nagrereklamo!,” she gripes.

But it appears that poor sanitation is not a problem limited to the Philippine setting alone. Street food has been the source of many recent disease outbreaks, notably cholera: in India, from sugarcane mixed with ice; in Malaysia, from noodles with rice; and in Hong Kong, from a green vegetable dish. Cases of cholera from street food have been documented in Peru, and also in Singapore where sanitary standards are generally good. And who hasn’t heard of that urban legend about rats jumping in and out of the pails of water inside New York’s famous hotdog carts. In Bangkok, Thailand, studies consistently found unacceptably high levels of bacteria and other toxins in street food. With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a Code of Practice for Street Foods, including 10 steps to make street foods healthier, was taught to food inspectors and a public awareness campaign was developed to teach consumers about the importance of improved hygiene.

Our experts, Dra. Luna, Dr. Comia, and Dr. Ted Fajardo of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, enumerated certain procedures that must be followed by food handlers to ensure safety.

• Make sure ingredients are fresh and are of good quality. Food should be processed with clean raw materials and in clean conditions.
• Wash hands frequently before, during and after handling food.
• Cook food thoroughly and adequately to kill all possible pathogens.
• Store food properly and monitor for spoilage. Place food in the right container and at the right temperature within the minimum length of storage time, which will depend on these conditions and the type of food
• Avoid contact between raw and cooked foods.
• Serve food properly using clean utensils and condiments
• Eat food immediately after cooking
• Re-heat leftover food thoroughly

Street food by its very nature always presents a degree of risk to the consumer. But the hazards can be minimized. A balance must be struck between standards of quality and sanitation and keeping product costs low.

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the College of Home Economics at the University of the Philippines offers assistance to organized groups of street food vendors by conducting training and workshops, paving the way for safer food offered within the premises of the university. For inquiries you may call 981-8500 local 3407. The many patrons of Diliman’s famous barbecued isaw can only hope that the stall handlers attended a workshop or two!

Gut Feel

Waiting for diarrhea to strike is not the best way to find out whether what we’re eating is unsafe. Most food safety hazards are not visible to the naked eye. The hazards (in the form of toxins, microorganisms, chemicals, physical contaminants) are also odorless and tasteless. Most victims do not suspect or care whether the food they’re eating is fit for consumption in the first place. You’re doomed by the first steaming, deliciously dirty mouthful.

Dr. Antonio Comia, Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor at the U.P. College of Medicine, and consultant at the Philippine General Hospital and Asian Hospital lists acute food poisoning, amoebiasis, typhoid fever, and Hepatitis A as the more common illnesses linked to ingestion of contaminated street food. More unlucky patrons may also find themselves harboring parasites such as tapeworms or ascaris. Gastrointestinal infections usually present with symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, vomiting. Hepatitis may initially present as jaundice or yellowing of the skin. “The specific treatment varies depending on the diagnosis, but we have to make sure that patients are well hydrated when there is diarrhea,” states Dr. Comia.

Go and Glow

When prepared fresh and with natural ingredients, some street food can be quite nutritious. Like all guilty pleasures though, you’re not supposed to live on this stuff. It’s better to regard street food as an irregular treat, or as an emergency energy source in the absence of healthier alternatives.

Animal-based products like fried or barbecued chicken or pork, and organ meats like isaw, rambo, helmet, kwekwek, adidas, and eggs such as quail, balut, or penoy, and others are high in protein. In a pinch, you can nibble on these to keep your nitrogen levels up, but keep in mind that they’re likely to raise your sodium and cholesterol as well. Barbecued and smoked meats are also laced with nitrates and free radicals, the consumption of which has been linked to an increased risk for some gastrointestinal cancers.

Fried food will be drenched in oil, which depending on the type, yields about 9 calories per gram. A serving of fried food easily provides about five grams of fat. Animal fat such as chicken skin, chicharon, and pork rinds, is sure to be swimming in cholesterol. Breading or other flour-based coatings are packed with calorific carbohydrates, the same goes with rice cakes or other native kakanins, and other flour-based products such as fish and squid balls. These starchy snacks stuff about 4 calories into each gram.

Since this is a tropical country, the popularity of roadside refreshment stands needs no further explanation. Aside from helping stave off dehydration, these sweet concoctions give a quick energy boost from all the sugar mixed in. Sago and tapioca pearls contain some carbohydrates, while gulaman which is made from agar-agar (seaweed) can provide some fiber. These drinks may also be spiked with artificial food colors and flavors. Try going for beverages made from fresh fruits, they present an array of vitamins including A and C, and other beneficial phytochemicals. Taho is another wholesome street food option – a good source of plant based protein and energy.

The much-beloved "dirty ice cream" our moms would scold us over (but secretly indulge in themselves) consists mostly of coconut cream, skim milk, and cassava starch. Basically, ice cream consists of 15 percent sweetener and flavoring, 11 percent skim milk for body and texture, 10 percent fat source for creaminess, and .4 percent emulsifier-stabilizer to distribute the fat evenly and minimize the formation of ice crystals. These comprise 36.4 percent of the volume, the rest taken up by water. A cup easily provides the following nutrients: 200 calories, 3.9 grams of protein, .31 grams of calcium, .204 grams of phosphorus, .14 mg of iron, 548 IU of vitamin A, .038 mg of thiamin, and .236 mg of riboflavin.

For healthier snacking from the street, stick to fruits, vegetables, fish and other low cholesterol food. Try to steer clear of all the deep fried fare, and seek out snacks that are steamed, grilled, or boiled. Boiled or grilled corn, boiled peanuts, steamed dumplings, and especially fresh fuits and veggies such as turnips pineapples, watermelons, melons, and green mangoes (But watch the bagoong! It’s really high in sodium) make for smart street eating.

The problem with Goldilocks is that they are unable to maintain the quality of their food service. One franchise may not be good as another. The company screwed the franchise in Cali and Vancouver. How could they expand their market beyond the existing pinoy customers when the feedback is bad?
Goldilocks should improve on quality of the food service as it is obvious that they became complacent with regards to QC. The number of years of existence does not count if the quality is not given utmost importance.

Goldilocks is still a family owned business and not a franchise. Perhaps they've have expanded much beyond their control the reason behind the quality issues on their food in some areas but it does not necessarily mean the whole company is rotten. As far as their branch in Vegas, the food is good.

The only obstacle with Philippine owned restaurants not penetrating a wide market base is the fact that business owners does not want to pour in much capital into their business venture and as I've said the "good enough" attitude of some Filipinos will not make it to mainstream, it may be good for some Filipinos and not necessarily for the rest. Good food is not the only factor in making it in the international market. Ambiance and superb sevice counts as well which sadly almost majority of Philippine fast food restaurants lack!!

^yes. I have to agree with that. Very well said.

WITH the country’s tourism industry starting to pick up, registering a record-breaking three million visitor arrivals last year (from a measly two million in 2004) we are now in need of more innovative, exotic, and historic offerings, especially in Metro Manila where most visitors land.

We chanced upon an Ayala Museum-Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission project last week that has all the makings of providing a truly significant addition to Manila’s attractions. Billed "Ode to the Pasig River," it is a corollary activity of the museum to its main event – a painting exhibit of the same title ending Aug. 27. We are informed by Ayala Museum senior curator Ken Esguerra that there is a waiting list of passengers for another cruise, which they intend to offer before the exhibit ends.

The cruise is operated intermittently by the PRRC with mostly high school students as part of various subjects taken up in school. Occasionally, interested corporate groups would book the cruise, but it has still to reach the tourism sector.

Not that similar projects have not been tried before – the open banca ferry, the air-conditioned service, the Magsaysay lines and Metrostar ferry projects – which for some reason or other, mostly political, panned out.

This current service has been quietly in operation since 2000 through funding from the Belgian government, Asian Development Bank, Department of Tourism, and various Metro Manila local governments. Gawad Kalinga, Clean and Green, Piso Para sa Pasig, even private philantrophists chip in. We are told that by early next year, the ferry service will be fully operational with enough boats to service a population from Makati to Intramuros. In other words, it will be an alternative transport system, much like the LRT-MRT.

Noted historian Prof. Ambeth Ocampo of the NCCA, who annotated the Ayala cruise, observes that during colonial times the primary means of transportation were the waterways – the Pasig and its various tributaries and esteros. A burgeoning population caused urban decay, and an irresponsible lifestyle, during which time esteros were covered, is principal cause of much of the current problems of flooding during the rainy months.

Happily however, as hope ever springs eternal, the Pasig is still capable of being brought back to life as the activities of the past five years have shown.

We ask Marissa Briones, project development officer of the PRRC, how the rehabilitation of the Pasig will be undertaken. The 15-year program started in 2000, she explains, with five components – rehabilitation, housing, resettlement, livelihood, and flood control. Obviously, the most difficult is the resettlement of 10,000 informal settlers (a euphemism for squatters) in houses on stilts on the banks, 56 percent already having been relocated. Target is 2008 for complete relocation.

The two-and-a-half-hour "Ode to the Pasig River" cruise covers the 40-km stretch from the mouth of Manila Bay to the C-5 approach to Taguig and Pateros. As our 20-passenger motorized banca traversed the main river, we were transported back to the time when life was simpler and slow-paced, and the demands of survival were less stringent.

History came alive as we passed through historic edifices fortunately still standing like Malacañang Palace, Fort Santiago, Parola (lighthouse), Regina Bldg, FEATI (old Paterno Bldg), Parian (Arroceros), Old Provincial capitol of Rizal, Mabini Shrine, National City Bank Bldg, El Hogar, Post Office, Hospicio de San Jose, Goldenberg Mansion, and the Calvo Bldg. The view from the Pasig offers one so different and therefore rather quaint to even the Manila resident.

The Old city of Manila now known as Intramuros and Fort Santiago where Jose Rizal was imprisoned are the most familiar to tourists who have walked through its various important sights.

The San Miguel district was the Forbes Park of the Spanish era and while everyone lived in Intramuros, they had summer homes in San Miguel. Which is why Malacañang and the Goldenberg mansion are found there.

Malacañang from the Pasig (a Coast guard onboard makes sure photographs are not taken) is a sight to behold, as its exterior, according to Prof. Ocampo is almost as it was in olden times. The Goldenberg mansion near Malacañang on General Solano, San Miguel district was bought by the Marcoses, and is actually much more beautiful inside than Malacañang. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public.

The Arroceros area and the PUP (Polytechnic University) campus offer the greenest areas from the Pasig. Newly relocated spots with attractive multi-colored painted homes and miniparks present a look from the Pasig of how the current river dwellers live. Many of these programs conducted on the barangay level are aided by other organizations.

The Mabini Shrine with the house where Apolinario Mabini lived and died comes into sight upon crossing Nagtahan bridge. Unfortunately the shrine is within the Presidential Security Compound of the Malacañang Palace so people cannot get in. The view from the river cruise, therefore, gives one an unexpected bonanza.

Once one approaches Makati and the Rockwell Center comes into view, one is suddenly jarred into the present. Prof. Ocampo shares with us the information that forward-looking Rockwell architects designed their buildings in such a way that all windows faced the Pasig, perhaps knowing that someday, it would present an enviable historical sight.

This junction of the cruise is where our past and our future merge, where the MRT crosses the bridges and the modern buildings come into view. This is also where we disembark at the Guadalupe ferry station and take a van to the Ayala Museum for the painting exhibit.

It is only fitting that the exhibit come at the end of the cruise. Like the cruise which delves into the historical, we are confronted by a 1936 landscape, as well as 1951 and 1953 Pasig scenes by Fernando Amorsolo, recent works by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz showing top views of the Hospicio de San Jose island in the middle of the Pasig, to a 2005 abstract work by Manny Baldemor entitled "Dreaming of a Progressive Pasig."

Is it all a dream? Wishful thinking, perhaps? Or is it do-able, in the words of Marissa Briones. "It’s a real possible project. It’s very hard especially when you’re dealing with the social component — the relocation."

But with the enthusiasm and aggressiveness of the people in charge, there is a chance that our heritage will be preserved for all, tourists and residents alike, to take pride in and appreciate.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/08/17/TOUR2006081771912.html

Awesome article Animo. Another activity that will keep Manila visitors entertained by a journey through history along the Pasig River. Imagine one will get to see the remnants of Manila's chronological events in history. And the museum ending synergizes the gist of the Pasig ferry historical trip.

WITH the country’s tourism industry starting to pick up, registering a record-breaking three million visitor arrivals last year (from a measly two million in 2004) we are now in need of more....

why can´t reporters just do their homework porperly ! 3 million last year is simply wrong. last year there were 2.6 million. 3 million are allocated for this year.

Philippine Tourist spots better than others in South East Asia, says Chinese Diplomat
by: Volt Contreras
THE Philippines' tourist attractions top those in two wealthier Southeast Asian nations, according to the top Chinese diplomat in Manila.

"In my view, the Philippines has richer tourism resources than Malaysia and Singapore," said Ambassador Li Jinjun last week at a forum exploring the future of RP-Sino relations in view of China's emergence as an economic giant to rival the United States and Japan.

Relatively small

Li, who was assigned to Manila last November, noted that Chinese tourists to the Philippines totaled 100,000 last year, twice the number that came in 2004.

This, however, is still a "relatively small" chunk of the 32 million Chinese citizens who travel abroad each year and is also lower than the number of Chinese who visit other countries in the region, he said. Last year, for example, 1.5 million Chinese visited Thailand and 800,000 went to
Singapore.

Grow rapidly

"If the number of Chinese tourists coming to the Philippines reaches one million and each tourist spends 1,000 dollars, it will add one billion dollars to the income of the Philippines," he said.

Speaking at the forum organized by the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations, Li said he believes the volume of Chinese visitors to the country will grow rapidly in the next few years since tourism is among the key areas of cooperation between Beijing and Manila.

The other areas are in the fields of trade, agriculture, infrastructure development, and investment, Li said in remarks later posted on the Chinese embassy website.

BORACAY.COM

^^omg duhh its no brainer though, Philippines has wayyy wayyy wayyy wayyy wayyy more to offer than those countries mention...comparing Philippines to Singapore?! puh lease hahaha..

Philippine tourism potential hasn't been fully explored/exploited...WHEN that happens tsk tsk tsk tsk watch out SEA neigbours I say.

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20060816/i/r1676738789.jpg

Sure, this will make the tourists puke!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9693654#post9693654post9693654

^^Quick! Cover it with a billboard! I sure hope Greenpeace was able to clean that!

Hay naku, walang disiplina kasi..

^^ANo ba yan, mga "ibang" Pinoy talaga diyan, walang magawang matino sa buhay. Kung sino man yung mga taong nag-tapon directly ng mga plastics na yan, mamatay na sana sila!!!!j/k...

Visit LonelyPlanet.com and react on how they described the Philippines.

eto sabi ng lonely planet:

With a reputation for being chaotic and corrupt, the Philippines has something of an image problem. But most who make the journey to the 7000-odd islands that comprise the Philippines are pleasantly surprised by their beauty and by the friendliness of the people.

Most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are an exceptionally helpful bunch and there are fantastic reefs and fish. On top of this, transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and (for the monolinguistic) English is widely spoken.

KAKAINIS TALAGA YNG MGA TAONG YAN!!!! lalo na ung mga squatters dun sa may philippine ports authority.....isang helerang puro squatters...S___t! habang napapadaan ako dun mapapamura ka talaga..

bwisit! tapos cla patung nangunguna ng "pagbabago" kuno.dpat cmulan nila yan s sarili nila dhil kahit anung galing ng namumuno kng wala clang mga disiplina...walang pagbabagong magaganap!

naks!

Merong bridge malapit sa airport sa Pasay city, kung saan magkabilang side nung bridge nilagyan nila ng malalaking boards. Yun pala ang reason is to hide those squaters residing along the river, syepre nga isa sa mga roads un na pwedeng daanan pag kagaling airport hindi maganda sa paningin lalo na sa mga forigners.:sleepy:

Merong bridge malapit sa airport sa Pasay city, kung saan magkabilang side nung bridge nilagyan nila ng malalaking boards. Yun pala ang reason is to hide those squaters residing along the river, syepre nga isa sa mga roads un na pwedeng daanan pag kagaling airport hindi maganda sa paningin lalo na sa mga forigners.:sleepy:

hindi kasi mapaalis kaya tinago na lang. :)

Merong bridge malapit sa airport sa Pasay city, kung saan magkabilang side nung bridge nilagyan nila ng malalaking boards. Yun pala ang reason is to hide those squaters residing along the river, syepre nga isa sa mga roads un na pwedeng daanan pag kagaling airport hindi maganda sa paningin lalo na sa mga forigners.:sleepy:

Hindi yun Pasay, Parañaque yun. You're talkng about MIa road, if I'm not mistaken.

Grabe, ang dumi pala sa inner part ng Manila. Nakaka-dissappoint. Sobrang dami pa ng squatter.

What's the Philippines' tourism campaign/slogan btw? Is it still "Wow Philippines"?

Other SEA Countries:
Malaysia (Malaysia Truly Asia)
Singapore (Uniquely Singapore)
Thailand (Thailand Grand Invitation 2006)

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20060816/i/r1676738789.jpg

Sure, this will make the tourists puke!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9693654#post9693654post9693654

I always see that scene especially on Parañaque bridges :puke:

Ano maeexpect mo sa paranaque eh ang mayor si joey marquez. I often wonder what a useless mayor. Pag labas mo lang ng domestic airport ang makikita mo open sewer landfill yun pala creek lang. kung ikaw turista gusto mo bang makita ito. siguro the penny pinching backpacker type na sanay na sa ganuon dahil sa India pero the luxury tourists who spend the money , no. Hindi ka naman kailangan mayaman para maging malinis sa kapaligiran.

^yes. And my goodness, the mayor who took over is almost the same. At least there were some "improvements" but still, not enough. Imagine, I encountered a flood right on the street leading to the city hall! Can't he or his staff see this?

^yes. And my goodness, the mayor who took over is almost the same. At least there were some "improvements" but still, not enough. Imagine, I encountered a flood right on the street leading to the city hall! Can't he or his staff see this?


Ano ba kasing nakain ng mga taga dyan at they keep on supporting trapos?

Eh hindi naman si Joey ang mayor ngayon eh, si Jun Bernabe na ang aming butihing mayor, hay naku. Napabalita pa sa DZBB na nangongotong daw 'tong si Bernabe, what a shame!

Gee, now I'm frustrated with this city. It has a lot of potentials but that's it, just potentials! GRGRGH! Taga-Parañaque ka Sinj?

What's the best resort in Palawan anyway???

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200608220414.htm

The Charter Change Advocacy Commission (ad-com) says the country’s poor economic performance can be improved through tourism development in local government units (LGUs) with greater autonomy.

Ad-com chairman Lito Monico Lorenzana said a boost in tourism at the LGU level would lead to strong economic growth. He cited the case of South Korea, where local governments have specific tourism plans for enhancing their communities’ economies.

"Since Korea’s implementation of local autonomy in 1995, tourism development gained attention from their LGUs. Tourism demand in Korea escalated. This resulted in the efforts of many local governments to develop their natural resources into tourism attractions," Lorenzana said in a statement.

He added that less-developed areas in the country can engage in tourism to boost their economic prospects once the proposed federal system is in place and genuine political autonomy is realized. The ad-com is pushing for the amendments in the 1987 Constitution that include the formation of a parliamentary-federal structure of government.

"While these ‘backward’ areas find it difficult to attract high-technology industries, they can use the natural resources in their localities to spur tourism," he said.

Lorenzana said the Philippines could copy South Korea’s strategy of community tourism, where LGUs formulate tourism development plans suitable to their localities.

According to Lorenzana, South Korea has a unicameral parliament where local governments are semi-autonomous and have their own executive and legislative bodies.

Meanwhile, Charter change advocates said government decentralization and economic devolution are the keys to a peaceful coexistence among religions.

Ad-com member Dagoroan Macarambon said the proposed creation of autonomous territories — a precursor to the formation of federal states — shows a lot of promise, particularly for Mindanao where the population is composed of indigenous peoples, Muslims, the Bangsamoro people and Christians.

Macarambon said strengthening the regions and expanding local autonomy will make Mindanao economically independent and politically mature. He added that economic devolution ensures self-sustainability, even for small provinces.

What's the Philippines' tourism campaign/slogan btw? Is it still "Wow Philippines"?

Other SEA Countries:
Malaysia (Malaysia Truly Asia)
Singapore (Uniquely Singapore)
Thailand (Thailand Grand Invitation 2006)

VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
More than the Usual

I WAS on the island of Camiguin last week for the Fifth Mindanao Human Resource Skills Forum, which was attended by over 300 technical vocational schools administrators / owners and the key people in all the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offices in Mindanao.

Governor Pedro “Loloy” Romualdo, who is a great supporter of this sector, honored us with his presence during the closing ceremonies together with TESDA Deputy Director General Santiago Yabut.

The provincial governor proudly spoke of this island paradise and its White Island, Mantigue Island, Katibawasan Falls, Santo Niño Cold Spring, and the world-famous volcano crater of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

This island also played host to the Queen of Spain a few months ago. The Spanish government is now seriously looking into the possibility of putting up wind mills in Camiguin can be a major source of cheap power and energy. Also, windmills will be a great tourist attraction. I think this will soon come true because a Spanish technical team was in Camiguin last week to talk with the governor.

Lanzones is one of the trademarks of this island, and I was told that its sweetness was due to the combination of volcanic soil and weather in the area. It is a seasonal fruit. With the current technology, I wonder if it is possible to grow lanzones all throughout the year.

A total 176,370 tourist visited the island in 2005, of which 171,827 were local tourists, 4,162 foreign tourists and 381 “balikbayan” [visiting foreign-based Filipinos]. Visitors from the United States, Japan and Korea comprised the bulk of the foreign tourists. Most of the local investments in the tourism sector were owned by locals who married foreigners.

The local government is now embarking on what it calls corporate tourism.

The development of the tourism sector will be led by the private sector and the government will just provide the infrastructure support. Attractive incentives will be given to investors and the cost of doing business in the island will be minimal. There will be very little or no bureaucracy that normally confronts investors in the course of doing business.

Through the years, the island province has been showing economic developments with trade and investments pouring in, particularly in the services sector. The services sector was a major contributor in the island’s investments growth in 2005.

The value of trade and investments recorded by the Department of Trade and Industry rose by 38.21 percent to P340 million in 2004 from P246 million in 2003. However, no new SEC-registered investment in Camiguin was noted during the period.

The province’s agriculture sector also showed increase production rates in 2004. Rice production increased by 15.38 percent while the rest of the Northern Mindanao region reported a slight decline. This was attributed to the increased utilization of hybrid seeds. For the fourth quarter of 2004, Region 10 had a supply of 157,476 metric tons of corn as against demand of 27,730.03, for a surplus of 129,745.97 metric tons.

Region 10 exports in 2004 amounted to US$459 million, an increase of 25 percent from $ 368 million in 2003. However, Camiguin’s share is lowest at 0.02 percent, the more reason that Camiguin should focus on tourism as its economic driver.

Camiguin is one of the most peaceful islands in the Philippines. About 97 percent of crimes reported in the area -- 72 out of 74 -- in 2004 were solved. There is no indication of dissident terrorists or threats to national security noted.

A former sub-province of Misamis Oriental, it became independent upon the issuance of Republic Act 4669 on June 18, 1966. It is a pearl-shaped island with an area of about 238.63 square kilometers.

It is the smallest province in Region 10 representing 1.7 percent of the total land area of Northern Mindanao (1,401.891 hectares). The province is composed of five municipalities and 58 villages. Of the 5 municipalities, Mambajao accounted for 37 percent of the total land area. Guinsiliban had the smallest share at 8 percent. Catarman had the second largest share of 22.5 percent followed by Mahinog, which is 14 percent.

The island province’s economy continues to improve over the years as indicated by improvements in its vital economic indicators.

The author is an advocate for Mindanao and chairperson of Joji Ilagan Foundation. E-mail comments to jojibian2@yahoo.com.
http://business.inq7.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=9523

What's the best resort in Palawan anyway???
Hmmm, Amanpulo?

Impressed by the natural beauty of the Philippines and the hospitality of the Filipinos, Kim left for Incheon from Manila after shuttling between Cebu and Bohol and enjoying a brief stay on Boracay Island and Villa Escudero for various activities.

In Cebu, Kim immersed herself in water sports and went on island hopping before having a Filipino-style spa treatment at Shangri-La Hotel Mactan. She went to Bohol the following day to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and had lunch at Loboc River and pictorial at the Chocolate Hills. She returned to Cebu in the early evening, had a pictorial the following morning featuring her experience with Filipino breakfast, then left for Manila in the evening for her return flight to Incheon.

Kim kicked off her week-long tour last Aug. 17 with a pictorial at the historic Intramuros. She had snapshots at the gate of Intramuros, aboard a kalesa, along the streets, atop the walls overlooking the golf course, and at the Rizal monument in Luneta before finally having dinner at a seafood restaurant to have a taste of the country’s exotic native cuisine.

The following day she attended a press conference hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT). Introducing her as the Philippines’ new tourism envoy to Korea, DOT Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano said:

"We are pleased to announce that Ms. Yoo-Jin Kim has been conferred the said title during my last visit to Korea for the Korea World Travel Fair in June 2006."

In an interview, Kim said she was proud and honored to be the Philippines’ tourism envoy in Korea as she thanked the Filipino people for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Kim also appeared on ABS-CBN’s noontime program "Wowowee". The said network ran two of her TV drama series this year. Later that afternoon, she had still shots at Glorietta while shopping at Philippine branded stores, and left for The Fort for dinner, pictorial, and disco.

Last Aug. 19, Kim toured the Villa Escudero theme park aboard a carabao-drawn kalesa to relive the Spanish plantation era in Philippine history. She had still shots with Filipiniana-dressed plantation workers, with Filipino cuisine in a fiesta-like setting, and at native Filipino houses before having lunch by the river with a cultural presentation. In the evening, she dined at Via Mare in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, to experience Filipino cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting.

The next morning, Kim flew to Caticlan for an overnight stay on Boracay Island to have a sampling of the country’s pristine beaches, spas, and the famous Boracay nightlife.

Kim’s visit is sponsored by Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, and South East Asian Airlines (SEAir).

Korea’s top-class entertainer, Kim has received numerous awards, including the Golden Disk for Korean pop and the SBS Seoul Music Awards in 1998.

Among her popular TV hits are Save the Last Dance in 2004 and Wonderful Life in 2005.

Kim was also adjudged Korea’s Best Dresser in 1999 and honored with the KBS Acting Awards in 2002 and widely praised by producers for her acting performance.

A Christian and a graduate of French Literature at the Korea University in Seoul, Kim is adored by fans and praised by the government for her unblemished reputation.

"I believe with Ms. Yoo-Jin Kim’s enthusiasm to explore the varied offerings of our islands and first-hand Filipino hospitality, her fond memories of the Philippines will become an effective testimonial among the youth and the elders who count among her fans, not only in Korea, but more so in the Philippines," Durano said.

"… But we do not see this as a mere branding exercise, but rather a channel to forge deeper friendship and understanding between our two countries," Durano stressed.

http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/09/02/TOUR2006090273258.html

^^^sinong kim? si sandy ng save the last dance for me?

anyway, sinjin, i like your sig.....hehehehe! its a song right?

What's the Philippines' tourism campaign/slogan btw? Is it still "Wow Philippines"?

Other SEA Countries:
Malaysia (Malaysia Truly Asia)
Singapore (Uniquely Singapore)
Thailand (Thailand Grand Invitation 2006)
Philippines, More Than The Usual

RP destinations now exposed worldwide
Manila Buletin

The country’s tourism destinations will be accessible by more than 60,000 travel agents around the world, giving Philippine tourism a big boost.

Triton Distribution Systems (TDS), a US-based Internet infrastructure company, will allow Filipino travel agents specializing in inbound tourism to promote local tour packages in its worldwide system. These databases are now under construction.

Triton’s Internet-based system, which is now available among Filipino travel agents, makes travel inventory available to markets worldwide in real time through its global network.

"This is a tremendous boost to our tourism industry," said Robert Lim Joseph, a tourism industry leader.

He said foreign visitors who need information about Philippine tourism destinations can get this at the click of a finger in their countries of origin.

Triton’s system uses the power of the Internet to instantly connect travel agencies, large and small, with travel suppliers like hotels, airlines, cruise ships, car rentals and other related businesses throughout the world.

On the part of Filipino travelers, they can get comprehensive travel information and obtain quick booking in real time as a result of the global network of Triton.

Angel Ramos Bognot, another tourism industry leader, said information that was not normally available before is now just a fingertip away using the Triton system.

"Before we have travel information only from the big cities in China. But now we can have travel inventory from relatively unheard of places in China," Bognot said.

Because of Triton’s entry into the Philippine market, travel agents, big and small, have now substantial access to the rapidly growing Chinese travel industry. Triton has strong strategic alliances in China, including several large travel companies.

This is significant to Filipino travel agents and travelers alike, specially in the forthcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Fair in Shanghai.

jada...yep, she's the one.
Korean pop star is the new Philippine tourism envoy

http://theseoultimes.com/ST/db2/images_large/3469-20060609145848.jpg
Korean singer-actress Eugene Kim poses with Philippine Tourism Secretary Ace Durano

The Philippines has registered the highest growth rate over competitors for the Korean market in the year 2005 becoming an all time Southeast Asian favorite destination.

Korea is now the largest Asian market for the Philippines posting a double-digit percentage increase every month averaging over 29 %.

The remarkable 30% growth rate for the first three months of this year is an indication of a productive year with over 480,000 arrivals in the year 2005.

"We are optimistic that we can reach our target of 600,000 at the end of this year with the support of Korean travel trade industries," Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano observed.

Meeting with a group of Korean news media shortly after official launching of Philippine Media Campaign on July 7 at Millennium Seoul Hilton in downtown Seoul, Durano thanked the Korean media for their conscientious and balanced coverage of the Philippines which he said has continued to grace numerous travel stories and headlines, thus propelling interest in key tourism destinations of the Philippines among holiday seekers as well as new market segments such as silver, the incentive travel, the special interest and retirees market.

"The number 7,107 is our new brand message and Ms.Eugene is our messenger," declared Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano in his opening remarks of the spectacular function attended by hundreds of Korean and Filipino media representatives as well as members of Korean travel trade business community including US Chung, chairman of the Korean Tourism Association.

The campaign appeals to family vacationers, newlyweds and leisure seekers, like golf aficionados.

Secretary Durano flew into Seoul on June 6 leading a high-powered travel trade mission from the Philippines in a bid to sustain the massive influx of Korean tourists to this archipelago in the Pacific region on the occasion of the KOTFA which opened on June 8 for a four-day run at COEX in downtown Seoul.

DoT launched 30-second commercials at a gathering of travel agents in the Millennium Hilton Hotel here before airing on Korean television.

Durano said the aim was to let Koreans know that there is more to the Philippines than beaches.

Durano said the department did extensive study of Asian markets, using surveys and focus group discussions to come up with a new tack.

For South Korea, Durano announced, singer-actress Eugene Kim, who has a strong following in both her country and the Philippines, had been tapped to serve as tourism envoy.

"Kim was picked because she fits the demographics of our target market: the honeymooners and young single people or those with families who are all looking for holiday destinations," he said.

The Philippines has set up far reaching economic and political reforms to sustain macroeconomic stability to match the influx of foreign tourists, . Durano said.

Pointing out that economic reforms are being concentrated on improving fiscal position apart from the implementation of the expanded VAT law, focus will be on strengthening tax collection that will ultimately allow the government to implement noteworthy projects not only for the traveling public but also for the Philippine populace, he explained.

"Peace, social justice and prosperity in all strata of the Philippine society is President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resolution for the remaining years of her terms despite the continued disputes of different political factions. Durano said.

Secretary Durano then noted that President Arroyo remains steadfast in steering the country to its right direction for the progress all the Filipinos hope to achieve.

The gross national product (GNP) of the Philippines rose by 5.7 % in 2005 and is forecast to grow to 6.3 % this year whereas personal consumption expenditure averaged 4.9 % for the whole year of 2005 propelling manufacturing sector to accelerate by 5.6 %, the highest growth since 2001.

Touching on Korean investment projects in the Philippines, Secretary Durano said that the most recent being Hanjin, Korea's shipping giant, which has invested $1 billion in a shipyard facility at the Subic Freeport Zone.

"There are benefits which the Korean businessmen could gain for putting their capital in the Philippines. Among them are the free and unrestricted repatriation of capital, a fully liberalized foreign exchange system and a range of financial and administrative incentives, just to name a few," he said.

With the growing honeymooners vacationing, Korean business business could also gain from putting capital in resort business such as the Seraph Hotel that has become a popular haven for Korean Boracay beach lovers, Durano maintained.

According to Secretary Durano, a total of 22 tourism projects worth 3.89 billion pesos was endorsed by Department of Tourism to various government agencies for grant of incentives and clearances in 2005.

"DoT will continue to prioritize infrastructure support to tourism development. Cebu South Road support project is an example of how travel time can be cut between Cebu city and the southern cities which offer alternative attractions," he said.

Durano then pointed out that airport upgrading, tourism highways to facilitate tourist's mobility and airline refleeting programs are but other few key strategic measures which his ministry will continue to expand.

Gee, now I'm frustrated with this city. It has a lot of potentials but that's it, just potentials!

your not the only one frustrated with manila... the government should concentrate on relocating all the squatters, clean up the city and surrounding areas and upgrading all public facilities... if you read the travel tips from lonely planet on the philippines (written by travellers) there are stories which do not give the manila a good rep...

^^ Like Claire Danes' reaction to Manila? I remembered that. It enraged former President Estrada and made moves to ban her movies in the country.

But its reality. Poverty is still there, even up to this day. Manila's got a lot of potentials as part of every Asia-Pacific tourist's itinerary.

oo^ pero totoo naman. hindi naman naglinis si ERap naginuman lang sila at naglagay ng sign kalat mo walis mo, pero wala pareng nagwales nung mga dumi.

Ganito ang positibo at magandang "exposure" ng Filipino cuisine abroad. Hindi basta turo-turo lang ala carinderia. Napuntahan ko yung Philippine Fiesta sa Meadowlands 2 weeks ago, meron buffet yung Mama Sitas. Gosh pag pila ko, magkakatabi yung mga karneng inihagis na lang sa tray na walang kakulay-kulay. Hindi mo maintindihan kung luto o hindi. Isipin yo yung buffet sa mga kasal sa nayon na buong nayon ang nagluto. Hindi appetizing. Dapat ipagbawal yung ganon klaseng preparasyon ng mga organizer ng Philippine Fiesta sa meadowlands.

This is a positive news for a change:

Filipino cuisine gets Canadian exposure
LIVING IN CANADA By Mel Tobias
The Philippine Star 09/03/2006

Filipino cuisine, Malay-based and seasoned with more than 300 colorful, historic years of Hispanic culinary techniques and ingredients is finally getting the Canadian exposure it truly deserves. The popularity of fusion food in British Columbia makes Filipino food perfect for today’s palate, part Western, part Asian and distinctively Filipino.

Vietnamese, Thai, Singapore, Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino food is a concoction of tantalizing textures, flavors and colors but the Filipino cuisine took a long time to formalize its entry into the Canadian mainstream of the food industry.

It is a fact that Philippine cuisine which was considered by many as too exotic has been a crossroad for many different cuisines and cultures, a fact that is only being discovered as new restaurants try to lure new devotees outside the ethnic community.

For many, many years, Filipino restaurants catered mainly to the Philippine community. The focus was on the national dishes such as adobo, pinakbet, lechon, pancit and sinigang. All the venues had a provincial turo-turo theme which alienated those not familiar with pig’s ear, heavy sauce, white grease, black sauce and spicy coconut concoction with something floating on top.

With the advent of globalization, upgrading of the ethnic restaurants, changing demographics, healthier economy and the emergence of talented, young, experienced, creative and innovative Filipino Canadian chefs in Canada, new Filipino restaurants opened and more on the way.

There are also new immigrants from the Philippines who are cooking experts, business-minded and would like to be self-employed and they realized that the time is now for the east-west fusion which is the rage today in international cuisine. Thus, the need for more Pan-Asian flavors for the Canadian global community.

After years of waiting, finally, a classy, up-market Filipino restaurant in Vancouver with zippy table service and knowledgeable, well-dressed waiters who are consummate hosts. Rekados is only two months old and is already an astounding success. The décor is minimalist, sort of Japanese-inspired. Philippine traces can only be detected in an elegant, giant mural with washed-out visual renditions of Bicol, Luneta, Corregidor to name a few. Rekados on 4063 Main Street is a relaxed, casual, hip-looking restaurant, a bistro moderne. It resembles a brasserie serving contemporary Asian dishes, complete with occasionally distracting electro urban-lounge background music as can be heard in Moxie’s and Cactus Club lounge-bar that’s patronized by city dwellers. However, Rekados would like to be known as a grill hotpot, tapas venue. It is owned by an enterprising husband and wife team, Charlie and Pinky Dizon. Charlie was the sous chef of the exclusive, members-only Arbutus Club for seven years.

The Rekados offerings are extensive, refreshing and truly representative of classic Filipino cuisine with some novel surprises. It was aptly described in the well-written menu – a fusion of Spanish, Chinese and Malay cooking that’s been blended into bold combinations of flavors.

My personal favorites in the different Rekados section include: Small plates of tapas – tokwa’t tokwa and sweet kamote frites; Pancit wok stirfried noodles – pancit bihon; Specialties – sizzling sisig and lechon manok; Gatang Filipino – gatang sugpo (tiger prawns in coconut milk); Ihaw-Ihaw – grilled eggplant with bagoong; Hotpot – sugpong sinigang sa miso; Dessert – sorbetes – corn and cheddar cheese.

To complement the food is naturally sago at gulaman, under the section of "samalamig" Filipino slush drinks.

Overall, the presentation of the food is impeccable, served in simple, white Chinaware while the ambiance is warm. The prices are affordable, good value for money and the clientele is multi-cultural. The tapas-style offerings invites that sharing thing. Lastly, the washrooms are exceptionally clean and the ultra-modern design would please swanky city hipsters.

^^about time pinoy food gets some decent exposure!

More foreigners arriving

By Leila Salaverria
Inquirer
Last updated 06:42pm (Mla time) 09/03/2006


MORE foreigners came to the Philippines in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2005, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

From January to June of 2006, 1,381,595 aliens arrived in the country, up by 8.7 percent from the 1,271,420 foreigners who came here in the same period last year, Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr. said in a statement.

Aside from this, Fernandez also said the bureau has recorded an increase in the number of foreign tourists who sought an extension of their stay in the country in the first six months of the year.

He said that the BI approved 161,894 tourist visa extension applications in the first semester of the year, up by 19 percent from similar approvals last year

Fernandez said the figures show that there has been an improvement in the Philippines' reputation as a popular tourist destination in Asia.

"These statistics indicate that foreigners are not only coming to the country in droves, they are also opting to stay here longer than they planned before returning to their homeland," he also said.

^^ Like Claire Danes' reaction to Manila? I remembered that. It enraged former President Estrada and made moves to ban her movies in the country.

But its reality. Poverty is still there, even up to this day. Manila's got a lot of potentials as part of every Asia-Pacific tourist's itinerary.



Thanks my compatriot, (kasimanwa). Claire Danes' attack against Manila's cleanliness, orderliness and such like should serve as a wake up call to all of us Filipinos. While we are being rhetorical about our own country, we should acknowledge our weaknesses and work out how we should make things better. The problem with some of us Filipinos are, (although I do agree with our fervent love to our motherland), we fail to admit our mistakes, voted those people who are unfit to govern us, we only see (sometimes) good things about our country. The problem in our country is we are getting very crowded, especially in Manila. The more people there is, the more rubbish or garbage as the Yanks say it, being created. Although poverty is still rife in a lot of areas, it is the people's discipline or lack of that causes the problem. And now...Imelda is setting her sights of being a mayor in Manila...goodness sake, you topple them, overthorw them and what have you, and now she wanted to run for an office? What kind of people are we like if we vote for her? They say 'Onli in The Philippines', yeah... we are making a mockery of our own selves..

Wake UP My Compatriots before it's too late....

2 El Nido resorts make it to Conde Nast ‘Green List’

By Blanche Rivera
Inquirer
Last updated 03:17am (Mla time) 09/07/2006
Published on Page A1 of the September 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENVIRONMENTAL protection efforts of two island resorts in Palawan province have landed the Philippines on the “Green List” of an international travel magazine touted to be the world’s best guide for tourists.

Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort in El Nido town in northern Palawan are among this year’s 12 best and most environment-friendly resorts in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler, which published the Green List in its September issue.

The other tourist destinations cited are in Antarctica, South Africa, Italy, Indonesia, Honduras and the United States.

“It’s very important to be included in this list … It’s a validation of our triple bottom-line approach (environmental bottom line, corporate social responsibility, financial bottom line) and a culmination of all our efforts,” Marigo Laririt, environment manager of the El Nido resorts, said.

The 12 best green destinations were chosen from among 80 resorts and tour operators who submitted their profiles to the magazine in December last year.

A survey done by Conde Nast Traveler among its readers showed that 75 percent deemed it important for hotels or resorts near impoverished areas to help uplift the lives of local residents through education and health care.

The Miniloc and Lagen resorts are owned and developed by Ten Knots Development Corp. Seventy-three percent of their workforce are local residents.

All employees -- from the gardeners to the divers and guides -- have been educated on the flora and fauna of El Nido, waste management, and how the preservation of the environment relates to their personal lives, Laririt said.

El Nido is known for its forest and marine resources, including 200 species of fish, 100 species of corals, 103 bird species, and 20 species of mammals, some of which are endemic to Palawan. It is also a nesting ground for three species of endangered turtles and boasts of huge limestone cliffs.

Educating guests

The resorts’ owner also allots 3 percent of its profits to environmental initiatives.

The resorts are also developing a standardized nature interpretation, where every guest would be provided with information on the natural surroundings of the resorts, including the introduction of the names of birds and fish.

“It’s heartfelt. We always try to find ways to relate to our guests how natural resources relate to us. People not just come and go. There is a deliberate effort to raise their environmental consciousness,” Laririt said.

From January to July, the El Nido resorts reported 12,735 room nights (the number of nights the rooms were occupied). Its top clients are Filipinos (20 percent), Koreans (20 percent), Japanese (10 percent), Europeans (10 percent) and North Americans (10 percent).

Other winners

Making it to the Green List “shows that environmentally sustainable practices can be done even in a Third World (country) like ours. It’s not a case of either development or environmental preservation,” Irma Rose C. Marcelo, executive director of the El Nido Foundation Inc., said in a phone interview.

The other top destinations are Nihiwatu in Indonesia, Grootbos Nature Reserve in South Africa, Aspen Skiing Company in Colorado, Adventure Life Journeys, which runs tours in Antarctica and Africa, La Ruta Moskitia in Honduras, and Tenuta di Spannochia in Italy.

Conde Nast Publications Ltd. is also known for its fashion and lifestyle magazines, including the widely popular Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, GQ, World of Interiors and Brides.

15,000 Korean honeymooners coming


Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said yesterday that some 15,000 future couples from Korea bought honeymoon travel packages to the Philippines during the last Weddex Korea 2006 held in Seoul.

Durano said Korean honeymooners account for around 15 percent of their outbound market. "These future couples constitute a high-end, high-spender segment of Korean outbound tourists," he added.

He said the Philippine participation in the popular wedding exhibition has strengthened the Philippines’ position as a prime wedding and honeymoon destination, increased our share of the Korean market, and generated business for our wedding-related industry.

He said the big demand for honeymooners is expected to grow further as Korean government now provides incentives for its young people to get married in a bid to head off the rise of aging population in the next 20 years.

Meanwhile, Durano declared yesterday that in terms of tourism, only seven out of the 24 resorts in Guimaras were affected by Solar 1 oil spill. Of the seven, located in the southeast portion of Guimaras, only three were directly or severely hit. The other four resorts have only oil residue.

According to estimate, it will take six months to clean up the mangroves and the beach areas and two to five years to rehabilitate the damaged mangroves or fish breeding areas and diving sites. The rehabilitation works will cost Petron R100 million.

He said the DoT will start to promote the 17 resorts located in the western side of Guimaras that were not affected by the spill at all.

Durano said the damage to the R20 million tourism industry in Guimaras caused by the oil spill amounted to R3.5 million.

Businessmen urged to invest in medical tourism

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Private investors and government's tourism planners are urging businessmen and entrepreneurs in Mindanao to take advantage of the booming industry of medical tourism by grabbing the market of the sub-regional trade bloc East Asean Growth Area (Eaga).

Aside from being the country's major source of agri-based products, the island of Mindanao which has the edge because of its "rich natural resources and cultural affiliates" with the countries of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia face a big potential as a site for medical tourism.

Mindanao can easily capture the market of these countries, said Hernando B. Delizo, medical director of Wellness Place in Quezon City.

He said with the recent opening of the fifth freedom traffic rights in the Brunei- Indonesia- Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP-EAGA) region, Mindanao will get a very good advantage, particularly in medical tourism.

"These people will come here for trading and if the local businessmen here will be able to offer them medical tourism it will be an add-on for them. Definitely they will come here anyway since they're doing business here. There's no need to exert extra effort to lure them," Delizo said, who was one of the speakers during the 15th Mindanao Business Conference here last week.

The fifth freedom traffic rights were formally signed last June by the transport ministers of the member countries to further smoothen air transport linkages in the region. According to Romeo J. Serra, chairman of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, the agreement has focused on the establishment of scheduled passenger services between Davao City - Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) - Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam) and between Pontianak (Indonesia) - Kuching (Malaysia) - Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam).

He said at least four airlines have already signified their intention to service the inter-BIMP EAGA routes. These are the Royal Brunei Airlines, Air Asia, Sea Air and Frontier Aviation. Currently, the Russian-and Filipino-owned Mosphil Aero Inc., re-opened early this month the Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route.

Through this, Delizo noted that access is one of the major factors which will bolster the medical tourism industry and the local economy of Mindanao as a whole.

He said the current tourism boom in the member countries of the EAGA-generating a total of 2.5 million tourists a year - presents a huge opportunity for Mindanao to take part in the medical tourism trend.

He suggested that in grabbing the health tourism industry, local entrepreneurs and businessmen in Mindanao should focus on the island's uniqueness and the strong cultural connections of the identified countries. (DTW)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/09/10/news/businessmen.urged.to.invest.in.medical.tourism.html

2 El Nido resorts make it to Conde Nast ‘Green List’

Electrifyingly good news!!!! Finally! Some really decent and glamorous exposure for the Philippines! Owing to the fact that Conde Nast seems to look only at Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore here in SEA, I'm pleasantly surprised.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/31311002.jpg

Fantasy World Theme Park and Country Club, the newest exclusive resort destination in metro-Tagaytay Lemery, Batangas is fasttracking the development of its amusement center to be able to meet its scheduled opening by first quarter of this year.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233778850_66de3e48bd.jpg

This new, unique landmark along Diokno highway prides itself in having the only gigantic medieval castle in the country. It recently reported the completion of its huge clubhouse, which offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano. The clubhouse has various leisure and recreational facilities like the viewdeck, coffee shop and restaurants, library, sauna and steam bath, indoor heated pool, bowling lanes, billiards, ice skating, convention hall and function rooms, music lounge, karaoke and videoke area and infirmary.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233777877_27c73e65c5.jpg

The theme park will have numerous rides for the full enjoyment of young and old alike. Among these are flume rides, bumper cars, bumber boat, nessi coaster, tele-combat, merry-go-round, house maze, honey swing, elephant jet, dancing cups giant wheel, go-cart, Christmas wheel, roller coaster, jungle Jim and a family entertainment center.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233775467_ba32a02130.jpg

Located beside the theme park is the water park, laid out on a 35-hectare area. Facilities for club members and guests include a hot spring, slide pool, tot�s pool, and interactive pool, lazy river, wave pool, white sand beach, beach volleyball, gazebo, adult pool, waterfalls and jungles.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233774307_885e34b832.jpg

These two parks and the clubhouse are located just at the back of the medieval castle, which resembles that of the castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Germany.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233771437_cf52a7fd06.jpg

It is an imposing structure that has now become a distinct and famous attraction along Diokno highway. Its unique features are the huge courtyard (venue for various occasions), town cafe, queen's garden, chapel, fishing village, giant tree house and gazebo. With royal guards and pages serving the members of this exclusive club, it recreates the medieval times of pre-renaissance Europe that would excite anyone. Members and their guests could go to the royal studio where they can have their photos taken in complete king and queens regalia.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/233776546_ab93c5b96a.jpg

The whole complex which was designed by Bullocks, Smith and Partners (consultant for World Fair Six Flags Theme Parks, and Disney Development Corporation), promises to make every visit to metro-Tagaytay a new and exciting experience.

15,000 Korean honeymooners coming


Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said yesterday that some 15,000 future couples from Korea bought honeymoon travel packages to the Philippines during the last Weddex Korea 2006 held in Seoul.

Durano said Korean honeymooners account for around 15 percent of their outbound market. "These future couples constitute a high-end, high-spender segment of Korean outbound tourists," he added.

He said the Philippine participation in the popular wedding exhibition has strengthened the Philippines’ position as a prime wedding and honeymoon destination, increased our share of the Korean market, and generated business for our wedding-related industry.

He said the big demand for honeymooners is expected to grow further as Korean government now provides incentives for its young people to get married in a bid to head off the rise of aging population in the next 20 years.

Meanwhile, Durano declared yesterday that in terms of tourism, only seven out of the 24 resorts in Guimaras were affected by Solar 1 oil spill. Of the seven, located in the southeast portion of Guimaras, only three were directly or severely hit. The other four resorts have only oil residue.

According to estimate, it will take six months to clean up the mangroves and the beach areas and two to five years to rehabilitate the damaged mangroves or fish breeding areas and diving sites. The rehabilitation works will cost Petron R100 million.

He said the DoT will start to promote the 17 resorts located in the western side of Guimaras that were not affected by the spill at all.

Durano said the damage to the R20 million tourism industry in Guimaras caused by the oil spill amounted to R3.5 million.

there will be a lot of Korean babies "made in the Philippines"...:lol: :hahaha: :lol:

Discover ‘Treasures of Cagayan Valley’

Cagayan Valley is not only widely known for its food products and souvenir items but also as a paradise for spelunking, trekking and game fishing. In fact, it is being promoted by the Department of Tourism (DoT) as an adventure and ecotourism, as well as a pilgrim destination.



http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006091274202.html

diba may scandal yang Fantasy World kaya hindi mabuksan-buksan like NAIA T3?

Beaches eyed as ecozones

By Wilfredo Rodolfo III, Regina Aguilar
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 01:24pm (Mla time) 09/12/2006

Some of the country's white beaches are being eyed as economic zones or ecozones for foreign direct investors (FDIs).

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is now looking at attracting investments for the country's tourism.

http://globalnation.inq7.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view_article.php?article_id=20530

Tourists urged to have a blast in Batanes

By Blanche Rivera
Inquirer
Last updated 05:04am (Mla time) 09/14/2006

Published on Page A1 of the September 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

BATAN ISLAND, BATANES -- The provincial government hopes that in time, a blessing will finally emerge from the wind and rain that constantly lash these storm-battered islands.

Unfamiliar to foreigners and unchartered by most Filipinos, Batanes province, a cluster of seven islands on the northern tip of the Philippines, has practically been nothing more than a reference point for the weather bureau.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=20897

Weekends in Lucban

By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Inquirer
Last updated 00:23am (Mla time) 09/14/2006

Published on Page A16 of the September 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE colorful “pahiyas” thanksgiving festival in May in honor of San Isidro Labrador is not the only reason to head off for the town of Lucban in the expansive province of Quezon.

In fact, any weekend is a perfect time to take the leisurely three-and-a-half-hour drive to partake of the gastronomic and cultural delights that Lucban offers.

The road trip itself is something to look forward to. Choose between traveling through the eastern Laguna towns of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisiana in Laguna under the shadow of majestic Mt. Banahaw or going straight down the South Luzon Expressway, passing through Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and Lucena City in Quezon.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=20835

yeah... i'd love to see Batanes in the next two years... the only thing that hinders me on doing this is that it costs quite a bit to get there... the airfare alone is worth almost 11K... and they have tour packages that ranges from 6000 - 10000 depending on the length of your stay... the packages is all included though (tour, meals, lodging and transfers)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGqHoOgsvXQ

Hey, sorry if I'm late but we were featured in Brooke Burke's Wild On E! series. Click on the link above and see.

diba may scandal yang Fantasy World kaya hindi mabuksan-buksan like NAIA T3?

akala ko "members only" lang ang Fantasy World. Yun ang narinig ko sa tito ko (nakatira sya sa batangas). Totoo ba yun?

yeah members lang nag puwede dun pag hindi eh, P1000 ang entrance mo pero group na yun...

Why Henry Sy Believes the Philippines is not Hopeless
Philippine Star

"I am optimistic that we can achieve a better future. It is not true that
the Philippines is a hopeless case," 82-year-old SM Group and Banco de Oro
founder Henry Sy recently told The Philippine STAR. "I am an immigrant who
came here at 12 years old, spoke no English or Tagalog, but I came to
appreciate the natural beauty and many economic advantages of the
Philippines more than many other people do, and I kept working and
investing with positive thinking."

The exclusive three-hour interview took place at his simple but elegant
bungalow in North Forbes Park, Makati City, and at Tanabe Japanese
Restaurant in his SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

In the over two decades I have known the legendary rags-to-riches taipan
and shopping-mall pioneer, Henry Sy has become more mentally sharp and
energetic than ever before. He is strong despite his weak knees, which
occasionally forced him to use the wheelchair when we briefly toured his
newest pride and passion at the SM Mall of Asia.

PHILIPPINE STAR: Congratulations on the success of the SM Mall of Asia.
What did your competitors say about your biggest shopping-mall project
yet?

HENRY SY: I called Robinsons mall boss John Gokongwei Jr to personally
invite him to the blessing of the SM Mall of Asia, but he said he couldn't
make it. Even though we are competitors, I do not think Gokongwei has any
complaints about me.

Your executives tell me that one million people came to the SM Mall of
Asia on your first day, May 21, then 400,000 came the next day, Monday.
Why are people coming here, when this location is not along a highway like
SM Megamall or at a crossroads like SM North Edsa?

A lot of the customers to this mall came from the provinces and they enjoy
touring the place. It is not only constructing the place that creates a
good mall, we at SM create destinations using continuous research, studies
and new ideas to match the needs and wants of the people. Doing a mall is
not only construction of the physical place, what's important is the
merchandising mix. We strive to serve the convenience of the public. We
want shopping at our malls to be a unique and an enjoyable experience.

Why did you build an Olympic-size ice-skating rink in this mall?

Very few people know this: I love skating and bowling. I used to roller
skate a lot in my youth on Taft Avenue, Manila. That's the reason why
there's always a skating area in all my SM malls. I want more people to
share my love for skating.

When you were a kid, what was your original ambition?

I have always wanted to be a businessman. No other ambitions, I just
wanted to be in business, even when I was a child in Fujian province, south
China.

Why did you invest P7 billion in Mall of Asia's 500 outlets, 180
restaurants and other
facilities, at a time when the Philippine economy is not that strong?

It's investment that manifests my strong confidence in the Philippine
future. I hope this biggest mall project will have a positive impact on
the Philippine economy and I hope to encourage other business people to
invest, too. Not everything I do is purely for money. Of course, as a
businessman and as head of publicly listed companies, we have to earn, but
at this point in my life, there are other considerations more important
besides just money. I took a risk and invested in SM Mall of Asia because
I wanted to create something that could contribute to Philippine tourism
growth. If I am only after profits, the easiest way is for me t o
construct high-rise condominiums here along the seashore facing Manila
Bay, or I could just develop high-end subdivisions here and subdivide the
lots to cash in quickly with big profits. But constructing this mall is a
long-term investment; it is proof of my faith in the future of the
Philippine economy. I wanted to build a beautiful destination for
shopping, wholesome family-oriented entertainment and leisure. That church
outside this mall, I donated it to everything from the structure, the
land, to the interior furnishings and decor and it's not for profit.

What else do you wish to achieve after the SM Mall of Asia? What other big
projects can we expect from you?

My biggest wish is for government, the private sector and all of us to
work together to make the Philippines the best tourism destination in
Southeast Asia. This is the reason I am always optimistic that the
Philippines is not a hopeless case, contrary to what a lot of cynics
claim. What Thailand can offer in tourism places and services, we in the
Philippines can match, except for our past reputation in peace-and-order
problems. That's what has held back our tourism growth. Philippine
economic prospects are very good; we just have some problems in the
investment environment which the government is now rectifying. Other export
industries often rely on
imported raw materials and the Philippines often only earns the labor
input, but in the tourism industry, the Philippines can earn as much as 80
percent for every dollar spent here on food, shopping, entertainment,
hotels, transport, etc., while 20 percent probably goes to imported liquor
and other luxury goods. I am into tourism with Tagaytay Highlands, Taal
Vista Hotel. We shall keep investing in new tourist-friendly malls, we are
now master-planning a new 5,700-hectare seaside tourism project called
Hamilo Coastal in Batangas, and many others.

Why do you think the Philippines is ideal for tourism?

First, there's the location: we are just two to three hours from all the
major Asian cities like Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and
others. Second, our people are famous for the best service in Southeast
Asia. Third, people here are proficient in English. Fourth, the
Philippines has many naturally beautiful tourist destinations, beaches,
thousands of islands, unique flora and fauna, vast fishery resources, and
others. Fifth, the Philippines is excellent in entertainment, which is
important in tourism. Look at the singers and bands in top hotels, from
Shanghai to Seoul to Tokyo, many of them are Filipino entertainers. Sixth,
you do not need much capital or foreign investments for tourism
development. Seventh, Philippine hospitality is better than others in
ASEAN culture just look at the people's smiling faces. In our Chinese
language, we call this "ho khe chieng", or people who are warm and
hospitable in welcoming clients and guests.

There are many more advantages. I could spend all day and all night
talking to you about the tourism potentials of this country.

What are your suggestions on how to build up Philippine tourism?

I have a very simple formula based on common sense that will help
accelerate Philippine tourism growth: the government should improve the
peace-and-order situation as well as the international image of the
Philippines on this crucial issue. The government should upgrade
infrastructure, there should be a strong information campaign worldwide
to promote the Philippines as an ideal tourism destination. In a recent
event of HSBC, a TV talk show host of CNN asked for my advice to
politicians and I shared only a few words of advice: work more, talk less.
Government every year claims over two million tourist arrivals.

What do you think should be the ideal number of tourists coming to the
Philippines annually?

Our target should first be to attract five million tourists in the first
five years, then go for over 10 million in 10 years. Every time I meet
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I always tell her this dream of mine
and my excitement about Philippine tourism potentials because I know she
really wants a better Philippine economy.

In this era of globalization, SM is also going international like the
western multinationals Walmart, Carrefour, Metro and others.

What are your plans in China?

We have four major projects in China. In August or September this year, we
shall inaugurate our new mall in Chengdu City, the capital of the
100-million- people Sichuan province. China is a dynamic place, it is
amazing in progress.

Why is it that your children did not grow up spoiled, and seem to have
imbibed your work ethic and business acumen? How did you train them?

I think it's their innate natural drive. I also trained them in the
importance of hard work. Even while they were in high school, my children
used to spend their free time working at our SM Department Store in Makati
.

Who among your six children like Tessie, Elizabeth, Henry Jr., Hans,
Herbert and Harley will become your future successor and the leader of the
SM Groups next generation?

I cannot for now ascertain who will be the leader. We are organized as
corporations, publicly listed firms. Whoever becomes the leader of the
next generation shall rise based on merits and abilities. Unlike other top
Chinese business families in Asia, which favor male sons over daughters,
all my six children are treated equally. My eldest child Tessie is
hardworking and very capable; it doesn't matter that she's a woman. She
always wants to learn and she is a fast learner.

A billionaire asked me recently who is richer, you or Lucio Tan?

How can I know for sure who is bigger in net worth when each person has
his own strengths that not everyone fully appreciates? I don't like to say
this guy is the biggest in wealth, because some people have wealth which
is hidden and isn't that a fair point of view?

John Gokongwei Jr. told me that when he first applied for a loan with
PBCom it was not approved, and it was China Bank's Dee K. Chiong and Dr.
Albino SyCip who approved his first loan of P500,000 in 1950.

What about your first loan?

I don't usually like to get loans. In fact, the reason why we did well and
completed our first mall project, SM North Edsa, even after the 1983
economic crisis and after the Ninoy Aquino assassination, was because we
had very little loans then. I got my first credit line in 1949, it was
from China Bank and they lent me P1 million. My credit line was approved
by Mr. Yap Tian Siang in their head office before at Juan Luna Street,
corner Dasmarinas Street.

Did you ever imagine in 1949 that you would someday own more than 70
percent of China Bank, and that you would have Banco de Oro and soon,
possibly, Equitable PCIBank?

No, I never imagined then that I would own banks. You know, despite our
many shareholdings in China Bank, the Dee family of the original founder
has managed the institution so professionally and profitably, we never
attempted to change the incumbent chairman Gilbert Dee or president Peter
Dee. We are not that greedy, it's not good. I don't believe in wanting
both power and financial gain. Even those executives who have been with
China Bank for many years, they are still there. If a venerable
institution like China Bank is doing so well, why make changes?

Is it true you already own 11 percent of San Miguel Corporation?

I have invested a lot in that well-managed company, but I do not want to
mention figures.

What are the business principles or strategies that made you successful?

I would not classify this as a secret to success, but one of my lifelong
practices is to pay my obligations on time, especially my suppliers. Even
in my early years as retailer, I didn't delay my payments to suppliers,
because I tell my kids that we have to be considerate to suppliers and
think of their own "hinyong" or how they have to protect their sense of
trustworthiness with others. If it's time to pay others on Monday, we
would already deposit the money in their bank accounts on Friday, so they
need not even come to our office to collect.

Your SM Cinemas do not allow R-18 or For Adults Only movies, including The
Da Vinci Code. Are you a Catholic or is it just your wife?

I am Catholic, but yes, it's my wife Felicidad Tan Sy who is the most
devout among us in the family. She devotes almost all her time and money
to the Catholic Church.

Your SM Group leases out or has retail businesses in millions of square
meters of prime commercial space. When you came to the Philippines as a
12-year-old boy, how big was the sari-sari store of your father and what
was its name?

It was a small "ha-ya-tiam" , it had no name. It was located on Echague
St., which is now Carlos Palanca Sr. St. in Quiapo, Manila. It was only
about 30 square meters in floor area.

Why did you cry when you first saw your father in his store?

I cried because I saw how hard the life of my father was as a small
shopkeeper. He worked from early morning to late at night every day. He
would go to "chay-chi-khaw" area or Divisoria to buy goods, carrying them
himself on his back in order to resell in the store. I learned the
importance of honest hard work, frugality and discipline from his example.

Where did you and your father sleep at night, on the second floor or at
the back of the store?

Our sari-sari store was so small it had no back or second floor, we just
slept on the counter late at night after the store was closed.

When you were a kid and you saw your father struggling with his sari-sari
store, did that motivate you to aspire to become Southeast Asia's Shopping
Mall King?

As a kid, I had the will to strive for excellence and to overcome the hard
environment, but I never imagined attaining big success. Whatever I have
achieved did not happen overnight; ever since my teen years I have devoted
many, many years of my life to non-stop studying , diligent work and
dreaming of a better future.

70,000 Fil-Ams join DoT promo
http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006092575363.html
250 winners of free air tickets chosen

By RACHEL C. BARAWID

Over 70,000 Filipino-Americans residing in North America joined the Department of Tourism’s “Great Philippine Free-Flight Giveaway,” the first phase of its online marketing campaign, hoping to win one of the 250 complimentary roundtrip tickets to the country and finally reunite with their family and relatives.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano recently capped the successful promotion with a final raffle draw that yielded 100 more winners of free tickets to Manila via Philippine Airlines.

The Free-Flight Giveaway is part of the DoT’s new online campaign dubbed "The Philippines: Explore, Experience, Return (PEER) which aims to entice the 3.3 million Fil-Ams and Fil-Canadians residing in North America to visit and rediscover their home country. It also aims to attract the second generation Fil-Ams on the more positive, exciting image of the 21st century Philippines with its spectacular beaches that rival top destinations in Asia, rich culture, various tourist destinations, modern facilities and affordable vacations.

The R25 million-PEER campaign of the DoT, an entirely new scheme far different from its three-decade-old balikbayan program received overwhelming feedback from Filipinos in North America since it was launched in San Francisco, USA last June. The second leg of the launch, where an additional five free roundtrip tickets were given away, was held early this month during the Wowowee variety show of celebrity host Willie Revillame at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Durano, this has been one of their most successful campaigns in terms of website visits.

"As of the latest count, we (our website www.experiencephilippines.ph) have already reached three million hits. And 70,000 Filipinos have joined the promo. Hopefully these will all translate to actual arrivals," he said.

Some 150 winners of the free flights are already scheduled to visit the Philippines this year. The first batch of 50 winners, drawn last July 11 are expected to depart for the Philippines on Oct. 11. A hundred winners from the second batch, chosen last Aug. 11, will leave for Manila on Nov. 11. The remaining last batch of 100 winners, drawn recently will visit the country in February 2007.

Next month, the DoT will begin the second phase of the PEER campaign tagged as "Out of the Box." For this promo, the DoT has reversed the traditional "balikbayan box" concept of gift-giving among returning Pinoys. Instead of giving to relatives, they will become recipients themselves of great prizes from the Department and its various corporate sponsors.

The Out of the Box is applicable to permanent residents or passport holders of the United States or Canada who will visit the Philippines from the period of October, 2006 to August, 2007. To win in the monthly and annual draws, they just have to log on to www.experiencephilippines.ph and provide their flight details.

Top prizes include first and business class roundtrip tickets, pension and remittance cash prizes, sports club memberships, hotel accommodations, beauty holiday treatments, appliance showcase, a farm lot in Tagaytay, beach house in Batangas and a fully furnished condominium unit in Ortigas.

DoT Team North America Chief Corazon Jorda-Apo said a booking engine will be included in the website for Filipinos to be able to buy their tickets online directly at any of their preferred airlines. A travel planner will likewise be available, offering them various choices of tour packages which they themselves could mix and match according to their preferences.

Rice fields offer hope for Bontoc tourism

By EV Espiritu
Inquirer
Last updated 00:02am (Mla time) 09/26/2006


BONTOC, Mt. Province -- With the deteriorating condition of the world famous Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao, this province is banking on its distinctly carved “payew” (rice fields) to lure tourists.

These payew and Bontoc’s distinct culture and tradition are what the staging of the Lang-ay Festival in April and the Am-among Festival in September wishes to highlight as the main come-on to tourists.

But while aiming to become a top tourist destination in Northern Luzon, the people of Mt. Province must know what they really want their land to become since it’s in the land where their culture is perpetually attached.

This capital town and seat of government boasts of its uniquely carved payew. It is unique in the sense that instead of soil-supported rice paddies, the fields are painstakingly carved stone walls.

Villagers themselves express awe at how the stones reached the mountains and were used in the paddies.

This fourth-class municipality has 16 villages covering a land area of 37,259 hectares. Bontoc Central is abundant with picturesque payew. The village has four villages -- Samoki, Caluttit, Bontoc Ili, and Poblacion.

“Yes, we also have rice terraces. They just need to be discovered,” Governor Maximo Dalog said, adding that 10 percent of the province’s land is devoted to rice fields.

The payew serve as the primary source of livelihood of the villagers. They can also be potential tourist attractions that can boost the town’s economy and tourism industry.

A growing number of payew owners in Bontoc proper have opted to convert portions of their farmlands into residential lots and commercial areas.

This is evident in Samoki, according to Bontoc Mayor Alfonso Kiat-ong. He said he could foresee that in 10 years or even earlier, the village would be filled with “house terraces, instead of rice terraces.”

“We could not control it. They own the lands,” he said.

With the growing urbanization of Bontoc, age-old customs and traditions that distinguish the town villagers from the rest of the region are slowly dying, if not completely lost.

Roxas City one of Asia's finest adventure destinations

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1111/roxascity1sx6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Roxas City is now on the travel map as one of the key international adventure destinations.

The city is being showcased regularly in a 15-minute documentary over the Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.

The documentary named “Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City” depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.


http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4314/roxascity2or5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A harvest of angel wings locally known 'diwal' was presented in the story as among the abundant seafood popular for its exotic taste.

The bivalve is popularly claimed to have aphrodisiac substances beneficial to diwal aficionados.

The Roxas City government declared the first "Diwal Festival" in time with the harvest season of diwal last July 2005 to celebrate the return of the bivalve in considerable volume in local municipal and city coastal waters.

The feature produced by CCI Asia New Media Productions, Inc. displayed establishing shots of the city and popular infrastructures like the 'Ang Panubli-on' city museum, city hall, Roxas City cathedral, and Roxas Bridge among others worthy of a visit for personal experience and appreciation.

The Roxas City Promotion and Development Office reported an estimated 28 percent increase in the arrival of tourists in 2005 with an estimated 32,042 tourist arrivals, higher than the 22,917 recorded in 2004.

Roxas City can be reached thru sea transport and or a 45-minute plane ride by tourists coming from Metro Manila.


http://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/docs/beauty_of_the_philippines/current/roxas_city.html

RP: Next health destination



By JOSEF DE UBALDO, DSc, FRCP

IN the Philippines, health tourism is envisioned to integrate the use of traditional healing techniques of the people by using the local herbs, and applications of indigenous healing methods, promotion at health farms, resorts and wellness clinics.


Moreover, it is believed the Philippines has a competitive edge in health destinations because of the presence of many mystical healing mountains (one of them is Mt. Banahaw) and natural places such as hot springs and other healing resorts that have curative and even rejuvenating effects to the people. Spas which include mineral salt or marine herb scrubs abound in the metropolis of Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and all continuing to increase in number.

Detoxification is the initial step towards wellness. This is done through using CBI ion cleanse machines, reflexology treatment, diet and fasting, colonics, hydrotherapy, coffee, enema and myotherapy.

Another reason why the Philippines can be a health tourist destination in its career therapy program. A cancer research division of AIGS Philippines (tel. 687-3016-18) has recently embarked on a vowel cancer therapy program called XP180 Blastolyn developed by Dr. Alfonso Wong.

With the growing market demand for these services, the Department of Tourism has embarked on Medicinal Health Tourism. These packages will incorporate four major components such as medical, health beauty and travel. This project aims to attract tourists by promoting health-related service and facilities in addition to regular amenities.

It likewise aims to create health tour packages for international travelers. The demand of health tourism is dictated by many factors. Among them are cost of the doctors, experts, and different packages in which the travelers could choose from, and openness of the doctors towards countries that avail of cosmetic surgery, and sex change.

Dr. Alfonso Wong a Canadian inventor of this near miracle anti-cancer formulation says XP-180 Blastolyn is like a heat seeking missile blasting cancer and tumor cells upon contact. Independent laboratory experiments showed that mice with tumor who were directly injected with XP-180 Blastolyn had remission within 48 hours and tumor cells disappeared.

A medical journal published last April noted on bacteria and enzyme showing XP-180 Blastolyn as an effective in-vitro to cause deaths on cancer cells. Studies shows on the improved formulation of such formulation can kill cancer cells. Studies shows on the improved formulation of such formulation can kill cancer cells 100 percent within 48 hours upon contact. It can be worthy noted that the inhibition rate is 100 percent and the cancer cells do not grow back. Such formulation of Probiotics was conducted in Hong Kong and was duplicated in Italy, Malaysia and China. Likewise, the formula is 100 percent natural, non toxic and does not have any effects unlike cytotoxic drugs like chemotherapy may destroy good cells causing severe collateral damage.

At present XP-180 Blastolyn comes in liquid form that can be orally administered. Dosage ranges from 10 ml to 30 ml per day for preventive maintenance and up to 500 ml for cancer patient at whatever cancer stage. The treatment ranges from 20 days to 4 months. The procedure can be administered through rectal introduction, through the nose (NGT) or tube in the stomach (PEG) for patients who have difficulty of indigestion.

Dr. Wong mentioned that leukemia is the easiest form of cancer, to be treated using his product in less than a month. Many test subjects have shown dramatic improvement and their cancer literally disappeared after treatment. To this date, initial patients survived 15 years. He firmly believes his products can address all types of cancer.

The VIREX formula is another invention of Dr. Wong. The said formula would in fact cure all forms of flu and viruses including HIV Bird flu, foot and mouth disease and SARS.

Dr. Wong is regarded as the number one practitioner who has successful developed products in the areas of cancer treatment, weight loss management and other medications concerning health care. To get a copy of the medicinal journal, case studies and VCD copies of Dr. Wong’s interview email joey@aigs.ecd.cc or visit the Cancer Research Division AIGS Philippines at 1408 Jollibee Plaza F. Ortigas Road (formerly Emerald Avenue), Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006092775572.html

Chili country
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife01_sept28_2006
By Adrian Carlo C. Velasco

Bicolanos are natural-born entertainers. They never fail to put on a show. This is probably why the spicy peninsula is home to celebrities like Nora Aunor, Celia Rodriguez, Eddie Garcia, Mirriam Quiambao, etc.

Last year, a total of 501,378 domestic and foreign tourists visited Bicol (a six percent increase from 2004), with a marked spike in visitors every September, when Naga City welcomes hundreds of tourists to the Peñafrancia festival.

Cultural and military parades fire up the city, while bazaars and exhibits add color to the fiesta. It’s also a respite from schoolwork for students, whose classes are suspended up to three weeks so they can practice their production numbers.

Families open their homes to guests and give them a sample of the infamous Bicolano cuisine (laing, Bicol express, gata dishes and pili delicacies).

Viva la Virgen!

Peñafrancia fiesta, held every third week of September, celebrates the feast day of Bicol’s patron saint—Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The celebration kicks off with Traslacion, where the image of Virgin Mary is carried from the shrine to the Naga Cathedral by a multitude of barefoot men. Ina, as devotees call her, is then returned to the shrine by fluvial procession along the Bicol river on the third Saturday. Thousands of pilgrims, as well as curious onlookers flock to the cathedral or wait along the riverbank to witness these processions.

In line with the Catholic custom, the Department of Tourism Region V, the city government of Naga and the Regional Development Council initiated an annual event, dubbed “Gayon Bicol Fiesta,” showcasing festivals from the region’s seven cities and six provinces. After being held in Intramuros for the past two years, the event was brought to Naga City last year, where the festivities were highlighted by a street dance parade competition, Peñafrancia fluvial procession and the Miss Bicol Festival Queen.

The province with an edge

One of the offshoots of the festival is a tour of less popular destinations in Camarines Sur. Just a few minutes away from Naga, the provincial capitol complex in the capital Pili promises edgy amusement. Among the attractions in the wi-fi-capable center, headed by Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., is the Camsur Watersports Complex. The six-hectare complex, with a six-point cable ski system, is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Asia. It features extreme sports like wakeboarding, kneeboarding, water skiing and wakeskating. The most popular is wakeboarding, where the rider stands on a single board with stationary nonrelease bindings for each foot, standing sideways.

Accomodation isn’t a problem if you plan to stay over the weekend. The Ecovillage, The Mansion Suites and the soon-to-open luxury villas and suites are all a stone’s throw away from the cable park and may be booked for very reasonable prices. The rooms are spacious equipped with cable-ready 29-inch TV sets, air-conditioning and other five-star services. Right in front of the mansion is the Information Technology Center, which houses a call center and animation studio—a first in the region. The complex also features the aviary, man-made caves and ampitheater, among others.

Nature trip

If you’re up for a good ‘ol nature walk, escape to the soothing sights of Consocep Mountain Resort, 15 minutes away from Pili. Experience the serenity of Mt. Isarog while camping out under the forest canopy. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of three waterfalls—Tumaguiti, Kawa-kawa and Bulalacao. Groups can dine on banana trunks at the center park or climb and view the woods on top of the treehouse. Drop by the deer farm, where you can pet and feed Australian deer.

Virgin paradise

Camarines Sur’s best kept secret is the white beach coast of Caramoan. The town is a 4,000 hectare limestone forest famous for its ecosystem, caves, untouched beaches and uninhabited islets. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared 380 hectares of Caramoan as a protected area in 1938. A nature-friendly resort is currently being developed in the area.

For inquiries, call (02) 523-8411, (054) 447-3159 or (6352) 820-3664 or log on to www.camarinessur.gov.ph or www.wowbicol.com.

^ Yay! Welcome back!

Virgin paradise

Camarines Sur’s best kept secret is the white beach coast of Caramoan.

It is no longer a secret, but there are still some white sand or white pebble beaches all over Bicol.

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

If you don't see the picture of Carahan, secret pa rin siya. :D

Caramoan - The Hidden Paradise (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/PILMAP%20(Special%20Edition)/Header/caramoan.htm)

It is no longer a secret, but there are still some white sand or white pebble beaches all over Bicol.

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

If you don't see the picture of Carahan, secret pa rin siya. :D

Caramoan - The Hidden Paradise (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/PILMAP%20(Special%20Edition)/Header/caramoan.htm)

White sand beaches in Bicol? WOW!!! Is it true that Batangas has white sand beaches too?

what happened to Sandrin?

^ She was brigged for a week.

OT:

what happened to Sandrin?

She was brigged. Now, she's back. :)

Triple B tayo non @Marites.

Marites - Banned
Sandrin - Brigged
Lili - Boycotted

Tres Islas LuzViMinda are all back in action in all their glory. Like the glorious islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao :) (para on-topic naman)

VISIT THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Hay naku sa wakas nandito silang lahat..

Sandrin I missed you! :wave:

OT:



She was brigged. Now, she's back. :)

Triple B tayo non @Marites.

Marites - Banned
Sandrin - Brigged
Lili - Boycotted

Tres Islas LuzViMinda are all back in action in all its glory. Like the glorious islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao :) (para on-topic naman)

VISIT THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
he he what a coincidence. It won't be fun and interesting with any of you girls missing.
Philippine islands sure are beautiful. he he

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

We have numerous places like this, why don't DOT promote them???? The Philippines packs an entire Caribbean in its 7107 islands!!!!

Our neighbor has possibly only one site that looks like that in poocket but heck, their tourists are more than quadruple compared to ours, seriously, more work has to be done.

RP products, cookings & Bayanihan performers make waves in Moscow
http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR2006100276045.html
By CORNELIO R. DE GUZMAN

The Philippine participation in the recent Otdykh Leisure Moscow 2006, the biggest international trade fair in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for travel and tourism was a huge success.

This was the observation of the members of the Philippine tri-media who covered the four-day event participated in by 67 countries, 967 exhibitors and 58,000 visitors.

Participating countries in the travel fair competed in luring to their shores 24.5 million outbound Russian travelers who in 2004 spent .7 billion, making Russians the 9th biggest spenders on tourism abroad.

At the trade fair site, streams of visitors stood before the round-shaped Philippine booth to watch the Bayanihan performed continually dance and song numbers, the most applauded of which were the Russian native song and the bamboo dance or "tinikling" where the members of Russian audience danced it pretty well with Bayanihan dancers.

Held at the International Exhibition Centre "Crocus Expo," Russia%u2019s newest state-of-the-art exhibition venue in Moscow, the festival marked the beginning of the winter season on the Russian travel market. The trade fair was avenue for meeting among officials and representatives of the Russian travel industry and international companies promoting a country%u2019s tourism industry.

Otdykh-Leisure 2006 was held in combination with MIBEX Russia/MICE Moscow 2006 and Luxury Leisure 2006. MIBEX Russia and MICE Moscow 2006 was International Trade Fair for Meetings, Incentives, Conference, Events and Business Travel.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano designated the Bayanihan, the National Dance Company of the Philippines to represent the country in the festival not only to promote Philippine tourism and lure more investors to the country but also to enhance Philippine-Russian bilateral relations.

Earlier this year, the world-famous dance company showcased Philippine cultural heritage when they performed in Russia as part of the celebration of 30 years of RP-Russian relations.

The dance troupe presented a new repertoire which showed the varied dance routine of Philippine life. Part of the repertoire was premiered during the launch at the CCP of the year-long 50th anniversary celebration of the Bayanihan.

DoT records showed there were 6,875 visitor arrival from Russia and CIS during the first seven months of this year. Last year, some 10,253 Russians visited the country.

The reputation of Russian tourists as the new breed of shopaholics is reflected in numerous surveys conducted over the past couple of years. Enthusiasm for travel abroad once a year for sun and beach has spread to the middle classes.

In 2004, there were 24.5 million outbound Russian tourists that increases 7.4 percent per year. Study shows Russians like spending, especially on retail. Over the past five years, international tourism expenditure by Russians has increased by more than 15 percent a year. For Russian travelers, terrorism is not a major deterrent.

It is interesting to note that the population of Russia today is 144 million (vs. 149 million in 1994) after birth rates have fallen off sharply. Death rates have skyrocketed among working age males. Life expectancy for male is 59 while 72 for female. Also Moscow replaces London as the most expensive city in the world. The third is Tokyo.

Another highlight of RP participation was the presentation of Philippine wellness speaker, Marjorie Lopingco, treasurer of the Spa Association of the Philippines at the Spa and Health Forum Moscow International Conference for Health Tourism, Resorts and Spa. Here, the Philippines gave free demonstration of Hilot, a native Filipino massage. Long line of Russian visitors waited for the massage experience.

After the city tour of Moscow by RP delegation, headed by DoT Undersecretary for Tourism Services and Regional Offices Oscar Palabyab, Rep. Nerissa Corazon Ruiz of Cebu, Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso, head of Team Europe, and Atty. Araceli Villanueva, GM of PICC, the Flavors of Philippine Food Festival and Cigar and Rhum Reception was held at the Gubernatorsky Restaurant with the elite of the Russian society and high-ranking government officials who love to smoke cigar participated.

The dinner was prepared by award-winning Philippine chefs: Glenda R. Barretto, Isabel Z. Locsin, Niever Margarita Ong, Benjamin Zabala and Rodito Dimatera.

The affair also showcased Philippine products like Figaro Barako coffee, Tabacalera cigar, chocolate, cane vinegar, rhum, carabao milk candy, medicinal mangosteen tea, etc.

RP fast becoming top tourist destination for Koreans, says lawmaker
By Jess Diaz
The Philippine Star 10/04/2006

If you have noticed that Korean tourists are swarming all over Palawan and Boracay, that’s because the Philippines is fast becoming a favorite destination for Koreans, Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez said yesterday.

Citing arrival numbers, Alvarez said, "The Korean invasion is in full swing; in fact, the Korean government has offered assistance in building an airport in Palawan."

He said at least three jumbo jets carrying nearly 1,600 Koreans are arriving daily to spend a few days of vacation here.

This number excludes those who fly directly to Clark Field in Pampanga and Subic in Zambales on weekends just to play golf, he said.

Alvarez revealed that to entice more Korean tourists to visit the country, the Department of Tourism is allotting $3 million in tourism promotion projects.

He said one strategy being considered is to offer the Philippines’ "sand, sea and sun" as locale for Korean films, possibly in joint venture with local production firms.

"Puwede ring magkaroon ng ‘Jewel in the Coconut Palace’ dito," he said, referring to the popular "Jewel in the Palace" Korean soap opera that has been dubbed in Filipino.

The Korean government has offered a P150-million grant for the improvement of the airport on Busuanga island, off Palawan’s northern tip, which has been publicized as the next Boracay.

Alvarez said Korean tourism arrivals jumped by 18 percent to 321,308 in the first seven months of this year, making them the second biggest group of visitors after the Americans.

"We’ll probably hit 600,000 Korean visitors this year," he said.

He estimated that the contribution to the economy of Korean tourists is a "conservative P15 billion annually, assuming that each spends an average of $500 while here."

"If you factor in the long-staying ones, those who study here, whether in college or in English language schools, the figure is definitely higher," he said.

The Department of Tourism is targeting at least three million visitors next year. It has a tourism promotion fund of P1.1 billion, the bulk of which would be spent to attract tourists from Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610040411.htm

oh my god please leave palawan alone.

http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/5259/shoppingva3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

RP being promoted as exciting shopping haven


As the Philippines fortifies its status as a top attraction for health and medical, adventure, eco, cultural and historical tourism, Now, the Department of Tourism is promoting the country as a haven for shopping.

The DoT has observed that several Asian neighbors have long touted themselves as shopping destinations, so why not the Philippines also. The country has several malls, tiangges, and other shopping areas offering affordable and quality products. The products here maybe lower in prices because of lower taxes.

Tourism officials said shopping was never formally promoted in the past, but now the DoT is promoting it because many foreigners find shopping in the Philippines an interesting experience in itself.

DoT has launched the Mabuhay Shopping Spree to project the Philippines as an exciting shopping and entertainment destination. It also partnered with four major shopping centers in Metro Manila as part of the campaign. The partner establishments will give visitors shopping privileges like special discounts and freebies.

The Greenhills Shopping Complex is ready for the heavy influx of tourists and foreign guests. Greenhills is supporting the government's program to uplift the small and medium entrepreneurs as well as the "WOW Philippines" Tourism Development Program of the DoT. Greenhills is an ideal destination for tourists as well as other foreign buyers and guests who are looking for worldclass Philippine products.

Henry G. Babiera, a top antique dealer, says Filipinos are known as warmhearted, amiable and friendly, hospitable, courteous, and fun loving people.

To have a glimpse of Filipino products they can bring home for their family and friends and observe how Filipinos enjoy a fiesta atmosphere, tourists and other foreign guests can visit Greenhills Shopping Complex during the 13th Philippine Toys, Gifts, Housewares, Christmas Decors Fair from Oct. 6 to 30.

This year, the Philippines is ranked sixth among the Southeast Asian countries in terms of number of visitor arrivals. Malaysia is the top tourist destination, followed by Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Following the Philippines is Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Brunei Darussalam.

The DoT believes that if the upward momentum in tourist arrivals that started 2001 continues, the growth rate for the next five years could hit the estimated number of 5.1 million tourists in 2010. Last year, arrivals hit 2.6 million, the highest number ever recorded.

that's why that airport really need to open. I noticed the increase of foreigners in NAIa too I don't know if they're there for business or tourism purpose though. AN increase in Japanese nationals too.

what happened to Sandrin?

Marites my dear,
I missed your quite long absences, how is your trip to Timbuktoo?

Zamboanga Peninsula shaping up as a tourist draw

Zamboanga City -- Zamboanga Peninsula may have been bombarded with security-related criticisms since 30 years ago, but the trend is being reversed as the region’s tourism industry posted substantial improvement in the last three years.

The spanish-inspired Zamboanga City Hall

"The tourism industry in the region is finally picking up," said tourism regional director Ricardo San Juan, noting "the effort of the government and the private sector in fighting the wrong perception towards the region has been thriving."

Mr. San Juan said Zamboanga Peninsula’s tourism industry has gained in two major ways: the increase in the number of tourist arrivals and the emerging growth of tourism destination sites in the region.

"In a span of three years, the tourism industry in Zamboanga Peninsula has grown from a fledgling sector to one of our major industries. Tourist destination sites have sprouted like mushrooms within the region in recent years," Mr. San Juan said.

He said visitor arrival volume has been growing steadily at an average of about 20% annually since 2003.

Data from the Tourism department’s regional office shows that Zamboanga Peninsula’s visitor arrivals posted a significant increase of 8%, which translates to 439,160 for both domestic and foreign tourists in 2005. The big leap came in 2004 when the region hosted 402,709 tourists, 84% higher compared with the previous year.

Mr. San Juan said tourist arrival is expected to exceed 500,000 this year.

The report also revealed that domestic tourists comprise more than 80% of tourist arrivals. "Inbound tourism has experienced rapid growth during this period. Domestic tourism -- Filipinos traveling within the Philippines -- has generated the bulk of the revenue and jobs," Mr. San Juan told BusinessWorld. To meet traveler needs, he said tourism businesses employ nearly 80,000 direct workers. "Those jobs provide vital incomes for individuals and families, and are the economic lifeblood of the entire communities."

The industry itself has been consistently contributing roughly 20% of the total economy of the region.

Trade and Industry planner Grace C. Aduco said major investment goes to building hotels, food and restaurants, spa centers, and upgrading beach resorts. She said Zamboanga Peninsula generated almost P4 billion in investments, roughly 60% invested in tourism-related businesses. Currently, the region has a dozen international-standard hotels and inns that can accommodate a little over 3,000 tourists. Hotels and inns room rates go as low as P300 to P2,000 per night.

Mr. San Juan said given the fact that most of the available rooms are in key gateways like Zamboanga City, Dipolog City, Pagadian City, and Dapitan City, a substantial number of accommodations are built in or near these cities. He said visitors also have the option to stay with local houses.

"Our office was able to train some 300 households within the region, through our ’home-stay program’," he said.

He said under the concept, visitors who cannot find room in resorts and hotels are encouraged to stay in the homes of residents for a fee. "With this, foreign visitors, especially, will have a chance to interact with the host families, such as story telling and others. This would also be our opportunity to show them our warm hospitality traits and the seafood we ourselves are very proud of," he added.

Out of the total tourist arrivals, many visited Zamboanga City with roughly 50%, followed by Zamboanga del Sur, specifically Pagadian City, with 20%. Zamboanga del Norte gets at least 19%, while the new province of Zamboanga Sibugay hosted at least 11%. Basilan had the lowest number of visitors, with less than 1%.

Regional tourism council chairman Michael Allen Ranillo noted that tourism has become a major economic activity, and a powerful factor for economic development, with an importance that varies depending on the region’s tourist potential and its economic strength in other sectors.


Seashells sold outside Zamboanga¹s Lantaka Hotel

He said tourism’s contribution to the regional economy is significant. "In many ways, tourism plays an important role in holding the region together, spreading economic wealth to the region and building understanding and tolerance of the way people live their lives across our diverse continent," he told BusinessWorld in a separate interview.

"Tourism accounts for that largest part of consumption. It also generates productive activities, hence, it greatly contributes to overall job creation, and an important factor for infrastructure development of the Zamboanga Peninsula," he said.

There has been an increase in the number of airlines and frequency of flights to the region from Manila. Air Philippines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific provide daily flights to Zamboanga City. Recently, budget airline Cebu Pacific opened a route to Dipolog City with an introductory fare of P680 for a one-way trip, which for over several years was the market of Philippine Airlines. The region has 11 national airports with the Zamboanga airport being in the international airport category.

For sea travel, there are two major passenger shipping lines: the Aboitiz-owned Superferry and Sulpicio Line that ply the route between Zamboanga City and Manila.

Mr. Ranillo said Zamboanga Peninsula has abundant tourist resources, such as beaches, landscape, climate, flora and fauna, as well as historic monuments, museums, and local customs.

"Some 80% of the peninsula’s natural resources are still semi-virgin. This, in turn, is a source of potential tourist destination. When we talk of customs and traditions, the region is full of this, since we are tagged as a melting pot, a unique blend of the Muslim and the Hispanic culture that has already attracted worldwide attention," he said.

Having rich agro-fishery-marine resources and forestry, Zamboanga Peninsula has hundreds of eco-tourism sites both discovered and latent. These include caves, mountains and waterfalls. The Tourism department identified the 344-hectare Cogon Eco-tourism Park in Dipolog City and the 17,414-hectare Pasonanca Nature Park as the best eco-tourism sites in the region.

Both parks remain intact with secondary and old-growth dip-terocarp forest high in biodiversity. The ecology serves as breeding ground for endemic bird species, forest animals such as wild boars, deer, wild cats, reptiles in the watershed areas and insects. Currently, both parks attract an average of 3,000 to 4,000 visitors annually.

Emerging eco-tourism destinations include the Pulong Bato in Abong-Abong Park and the La Paz mountains in Zamboanga City, Lakewood Reserve and Lison Valley in Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Brown Plantation and Botanical Heritage Park and Linabo Peak in Dipolog City, Lapuyan Cultural Village in Zamboanga del Sur and the Tabiawan and Busay waterfalls in the province of Basilan.

The region has also the longest shorelines in Mindanao. With 700 kilometers of coastal area, any tourist will be astounded by the different beaches of the region. There are currently more than 30 established beach resorts in the region. These include the famous Dakak Beach Resort and the Aliguay Island in Dapitan City, Puting Balas Beach, Muricay Beach, and Bomba Beach in Pagadian City.

In Zamboanga City, colorful vintas will welcome the tourists in La Vista Del Mar Beach resort, Golf Beach Resort and the two Sta. Cruz Islands.

For the tourist who wants to have a taste of seafood, the peninsula itself has a wide variety of seafood.

With its rich historical background the region also has man-made tourist sites, which are now teeming with visitors. To name a few are the renowned Fort Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga, which was built by the Spaniards centuries back, and the famous Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, which has made Dapitan City a tourism zone. "With the great legacy our national hero left in Dapitan City, the entire city itself is a tourist destination site."

Currently, the city government of Dapitan is embarking on a P200-million project dubbed The Rizal Trail that would renovate all the places where Dr. Rizal went and spent time. Having a great influence both from the Spaniards and Americans, the region has numerous plazas and landscapes, which have been built by the former colonizers.

Mr. Ranillo said plazas and landscapes at the heart of every city and town can be improved and rehabilitated to be included in promotional packages for tourists.

Based on a research study made by the University of the Philippines’ planning and development research foundation in 1996, a high rate of over four million tourist arrivals in the region is projected annually. However, this was hindered by security problems in Sulu and Basilan all these years.


Downtown Zamboanga City

The situation was even aggravated when terrorist group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped some 20 foreign tourists in Sipadan Beach Resort in Malaysia and Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan. Those incidents greatly weighed down tourist arrivals in 2001 and 2002. "The logic is simple. During the height of the kidnapping incidents in Sulu, majority of foreign and national media used the city as their ’dateline.’ In effect, the name of the region has become well-known as a lair for terrorist groups," he said.

However, with the promotional drives launched by both the government and the private sector, the perception of general disorder in the region has become a mere speculation, he said. To further prove that the region is safe, data showed that out of the total number of tourist arrivals in the last three years, 50% comprises businessmen and 20% vacationers.

"This only shows that Zamboanga Peninsula is the gateway of southern Philippines in terms of business transactions. The region itself has benefited from the traffic of visitors coming from the sub-region of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area)," said Ronald Lledo, president of La Hermosa Tourism Foundation, Inc., a nongovernmental organization.

Mr. Lledo said local tour agencies in the region are now embarking in projects to improve their tour packages to lure more tourists. He said affordable tourist packages are now fully loaded with tourist attractions.

In recent years, the region, particularly Zamboanga City, has also become the favorite venue for conventions and seminars center not only in Mindanao but in the entire country as well.

Last year, the city hosted some major business events such as the National Mango Congress, National Shipping Congress, National Seaweed Congress, and Information and Communication Technology National Congress.

Mr. San Juan also noted that some top corporations had already identified the region as one of the top places to conduct their out-of-town strategic planning workshops and meetings.

During the Zamboanga Peninsula WOW Regional Showcase held in Zamboanga del Norte in June this year, at least 15 local tour and travel operators signed a deal with the Philippine Tour Operators Associations in a campaign to include the region’s tourism attractions in the association’s tourism site.

Mr. San Juan said the partnership between the local and national tour operators would open the door for tourists to see emerging destinations in Mindanao, particularly in this region.

http://www.bworldonline.com/Weekender100606/main.php?id=travel1

SURVEY FINDS PHILIPPINES' BORACAY AMONG ASIA'S BEST DESTINATIONS

Thursday October 5, 2006, 7:59 pm



MANILA, Oct 5 Asia Pulse - The powdery white sand of Boracay never lost its glitter in luring hundreds of admirers, a Singapore-based magazine has confirmed.

"Our readers are in good position to judge because they are great travelers and fly around the region frequently on business as they are an affluent group and they expect high standards from the airlines and the hotels that service them," the Department of Tourism said, quoting AdAsia publisher Allein Moore. ADVERTISEMENT



The survey conducted by Singapore-based AdAsia Magazine hailed Boracay Island as one of Asia's premier attractions during the Second Annual Asia Travel and Tourism Creative Awards.

The powdery white beaches in Boracay joined the ranks of the Grand Palace in Thailand, Guchi Tunel in Vietnam, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Mount Cook in New Zealand, Gold Coast in Australia, and the Water Village in Brunei as the jewels of the region.

The DOT said most of the entries in the survey came from China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and the Philippines.

"Boracay has turned into the country's most recognized signature tourist destinations in the international tourism market," Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said.

This development came in the wake of controversies surrounding local and foreign resort owners in Boracay who were seeking the recall of PP 1064 which reclassified the 628 hectares, or 60.94 per cent of the 1,032-hectare land resort as alienable and disposable.

Durano was quoted as saying that the issue must be settled immediately so as not to "dampen investors' interest" on the island.

"The resolution will cure the uncertainty which if prolonged will dampen investors interest on the island of Boracay," he said.

(PNA)
http://au.biz.yahoo.com/061005/17/x25f.html

oh my god please leave palawan alone.

I agree with you, especially the Heritage Sites, El Nido, and other sites with endangered Flora and Fauna. Our DENR and DOT are still immature when it comes to preservation of the environment, we have to wait before they realize the importance of mother nature to our lives. Look at Australia, they have millions of tourists coming to the Great Barrier Reef but have we heard of news saying that the reef is being spoiled and destroyed? No. I could just imagine the destruction brought by backpack tourists and incompetent government agencies to our country's last frontier.

DOT sets sights on Indian tourist market
By Marianne V. Go
The Philippine Star 10/09/2006

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing the potentially lucrative Indian tourist market which is currently being cornered by Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

In an interview with newsmen, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano revealed the DOT’s current program to attract more high-end Indian tourist to the Philippines, specifically to Metropolitan Manila.

According to Durano, the high-end Indian tourists that the DOT is trying to attract to visit the Philippines are different from the more frequent Chinese and Korean tourists.

The Chinese tourists prefer sightseeing and visiting different tourist spots.

Korean tourists prefer going to the beach.

Well-heeled Indian tourists, on the other hand, Durano disclosed, prefer to stay in the city to shop, look for entertainment and do some gaming.

The DOT estimates that on average, Indian tourists would spend around $90 a day apart from the cost of their airfare and hotel.

Thus, for a 10-day stay in the Philippines, Durano said, a well-heeled Indian tourist could easily spend $900.

As such, Durano said, Indian tourists are the best group to attract to Metro Manila.

More likely, Durano said, the projected Indian tourist arrivals would match those of the Russian tourist market which numbers around 10,000.

Apart from the Chinese, Korean and Japanese tourist who visit the Philippines during the summer, Durano said, the DOT has seasonal visitors from Australia, Germany and Russia.

At present, Durano said, the DOT is preparing tour packages for the Indian market using Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines since they are the ones that fly to India.

Philippine Airlines, unfortunately, Durano said, does not fly to India and is instead concentrating on its Trans-Pacific route.

The average package for Indian tourist, Durano said, is around $1,000.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610090704.htm

Cebu to bid for tourism meet

RP to reap benefits from hosting event, says trader



CEBU CITY — A tourism executive here said he plans to bid Cebu province as host to the World Congress of tourism organization in 2010.


According to SKAL International-Philippines President Charles Lim, the annual World Congress of tourism-oriented organizations, participated in by around 1,500 delegates worldwide, would open wide opportunities in the country should Cebu get to host the global event.

Cebu’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in December is an added advantage to this bid, he said.

"If Cebu gets to host the event, it would surely boost the tourism and travel industry of the province and the whole country," Lim said.

Pattaya, Thailand will hold this year’s World Congress followed by Antalya, Turkey in 2007 and Taipei, Taiwan in 2008.

Lim said he plans to bid specially for the 2010 World Congress and is banking on the growing SKAL membership in the country to support him in his bid to host the international event.

In the Philippines, there are about 450 individual members in SKAL’s four active chapters in Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao.

SKAL International Makati chapter president Robert Lim Joseph has earlier noted the benefits of hosting international events to the local economy.

"With each foreign tourist spending between $ 750 and $ 1,000 for a three-night, four-day stay in Cebu, a minimum of R50 million will go to the local economy once Cebu gets to host the 1,500-delegate SKAL World Congress," Joseph said.

Joseph, however, said a greater challenge awaits Cebu in providing a good impression to the SKAL delegates, who are front liners in the tourism industry.

"Cebu, if it wins the bid, will have the opportunity to promote Cebu directly to industry representatives," said Joseph.

SKAL, a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry, he said.

The organization, founded in 1932, promotes global tourism and friendship among its 22,000 members in 500 clubs throughout 90 nations.

SKAL’s World Congress gathers delegates to elect a seven-member executive committee that governs the organization. The gathering also allows members first-hand observation on travel and tourism potentials around the world.

Lim said SKAL is going to expand its membership in the Philippines and focus on developing several chapters in other cities like Bacolod and Subic.

The organization, he added, is also moving towards forming a "young" SKAL circle, targeting the young professionals aged below 29 years old.

Membership of SKAL is open to managers or executives directly involved in tourism management, sales and promotions, in specified travel and tourism businesses, including: transportation (airlines, cruise lines, railways, ferries), travel and tour operators and agencies, tourism organizations, and travel media, among others. (PIA)

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2006100976594.html

Magkaka snow na sa Baguio:)

By Vincent Cabreza
Inquirer
10/14/2006

BAGUIO CITY—Koreans have made the country’s summer capital their second home and they want to return the favor by bringing snow here this Christmas.

Yes, snow.

Acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. stressed during a press conference on Thursday that this was not a joke.

He said Korean entrepreneurs had offered to invest in snow-blowing machines that would be placed atop buildings here to produce snowflakes that would fall on downtown Baguio.

He said the plan was to operate the machines every afternoon during the Christmas season when tourists flock to the city.

“These Koreans have visited modern Asian cities where there are theme park-like activities. Hong Kong and Singapore have fireworks display every weekend to delight residents and tourists. This is something similar,” Bautista said.

He said the Korean businessmen also proposed to convert any government facility located in an elevated area in the city into a resort that would offer snow-theme rides such as a snow slide.

“We thought of fixing up [the sequestered Diplomat Hotel] on Dominican Hill here, where they can construct pipe slides where people can slide down on ice and water,” Bautista said.

While the proposals sounded absurd at first, he said, they could be feasible.

Coldest city

“Baguio remains the coldest city in the Philippines and it would take less energy to produce snow flakes here during the Christmas holidays when temperatures can reach as low as 12 degrees Celsius,” Bautista said.

More importantly, the idea was fresh enough to attract the curious. “Baguio has nothing new to offer tourists anymore, and they’re giving us a good idea,” he said.

Bautista declined to identify the brains behind the proposal, although he said they were businessmen who set up groceries and schools here.

At least 6,000 Korean students and missionaries are staying in Baguio, according to the Bureau of Immigration. The number excludes Korean tourists who visit the city.

Bautista said the city’s failure to keep tourists was best reflected by the latest competitiveness survey of mid-sized cities that saw Baguio in the bottom three in 2005.

Lagging behind

The survey was conducted by the Asian Institute of Management and the Saint Louis University’s College of Business Administration. It compared Baguio to the cities of Angeles, Bacolod, Batangas, Butuan, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Lipa, San Fernando (Pampanga), Tarlac and Zamboanga.

Bacolod, Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo and San Fernando topped the survey.

In a report provided by the city government, Baguio “had a high cost of doing business, bad vehicular traffic, inefficient provision of basic utilities, insufficient banking institutions, a worsening environment and poor [local government] responsiveness [to] local development.”

World-class toilet at PMA

The city government is gearing up for a major infrastructure boom before the end of the year, in part, to make up for the competitiveness survey, according to Bautista.

Part of the investment plan is the construction of a P1-million “world-class” toilet at Fort del Pilar, catering to guests of the Philippine Military Academy.

The PMA draws some of the prominent guests of the city, but the last tour here of the Miss Earth candidates embarrassed officials because the PMA could not offer them toilets.


http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=26647

^^ Manufactured snow produced by snow blowing machines will not last unless the outdoor temperatures can sustain its longevity. But it is a novel idea to bring snow to Baguio, it could be another tourist draw for the city.

wow.. oo nga... and if that pushes through.. definitely.. Baguio will get as packed as Panagbenga season...

DOT said the tourist arrival in Central Luzon has reached a record of 400,000 a year compared to last years arrival of 300,000.

This time, the Koreans edged out the Americans to comprise biggest group of foreigners visiting the region, pumping into the local economy an average of $110 daily for foods, services and souvenirs, among other expenditures. And that 80% of tourists go to either Subic Freeport or Clark special economic zone and nearby areas. Thirty percent of the tourists are domestic tourists.

They also said that added that the growing tourism industry in Central Luzon has already triggered more investments in hotels as well as international and domestic flights among various carriers at the DMIA..

I can attest to the increase of tourist arrivals. though I hope the dot fully implements the preservation of our left natural resources because that is the only reason they're coming .

Islamic tourism ready to take off

Scenic spots like Kutawato Cave, Maputi a Lupa Shrines, Lake Lanao, and Pata Dibarosan Shrine situated in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) may finally earn its limelight as ARMM Tourism Secretary Macacuna Pangandaman and Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager/CEO Robert Dean Barbers joined hands in promoting and developing areas in ARMM with tourism value.

Under the program dubbed as "Islamic Tourism and Peace in Mindanao", the strategy aims to utilize low form politics such as tourism in uplifting the lives of the impoverished regions as well as bolstering peace efforts in Muslim Mindanao. Only recently, a memorandum of agreement was sealed by the two tourism executives paving the way for the first time to take a closer look at the tourism potentials of ARMM.

Secretary Pangandaman, formerly a consultant of Barbers, sought the assistance of PTA in his effort to erase ARMM’s negative image as a battle torn region. On the other hand, Barbers fresh from finishing his Masteral Degree in National Security Administration (MNSA) from the National Defense College, is keen on providing the necessary impetus to stimulate tourism activities in the area.

Incidentally, the PTA chief earned the "Gold Thesis Award" during the MNSA’s graduation rites with the theme "Tourism, a tool in peace and development in Mindanao," of which the ARMM tourism officer shared valuable insights into it. "Tourism development need not be stymied while we work for peace," declared Barbers. "On the contrary, seen with new eyes for potential, tourism may be utilized as a catalyst for aiding the peace process."

With this sealed pact, numerous foreign institutions have signified its intention of support. Among others, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have all laid down its respective financial plan for the realization of the project.

Last month, Mohd Salem, a senior official of the Islamic Development Bank pledged credit facilities and promised to lobby funding from the Middle East countries.

The Regional Secretary is quite optimistic that Mindanao will soon be placed in the country’s tourism map. "Consistent with the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for peace and development in this part of the world," quipped Pangandaman, "the PTA and our office shall embark on strategic projects and programs, which will pump-prime the local economy of Mindanao."

With PTA providing the necessary technical assistance and possible infrastructure support, Pangandaman plans to tap the huge latent market of neighboring Muslim populated countries such as Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Tour packages shall be crafted and tailor-made to the needs and wants of the tourists from these countries while duly reformed rebel returnees shall be utilized as tourist guides.

Roxas City (18 October) -- Locally made products will be given another break in the regional market during the Western Visayas Regional Tourism Assembly which will be held in Iloilo City on Oct. 23-29.

The event is a special tourism project spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a regional version of the national “WOW Philippines Best of the Regions Showcase” in Intramuros, Manila in order to focus on the development and promotion of the region’s tourism industry including destinations, cultural heritage and way of life, multi-sector linkages, and products and services.

It will be participated in by Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental and their highly urbanized and component cities. Iloilo City will host the event with the support of the DOT and Western Visayas Regional Development Council.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr. said Capiz will present an array of products including cutflowers and ornamental plants, kapis shellcraft, souvenir items, coconut products, and seafood products for which the province has earned the reputation as the “seafood capital of the Philippines.”

This will be done during the Capiz Day which will be set aside for the province on October 27 to give the local tourism sector an opportunity to promote local tourist destinations, tour packages, culture and products.

Local products have found a good break through the enterprising spirit of Capiceños and the support of the government through the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, other national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector, financial institutions, and foreign funding organizations.

The government through the DTI has implemented strategies such as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Project to assist local micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing funding, product development and marketing support.

The Philippine-Australian Community Assistance Program (PACAP) which is supported by the Government of Australia through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has been providing financial and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs.

Recently, PACAP-AusAID granted some P12 million in grant-funding to 7 SME projects here including an SME Center that would serve among others as a conduit of support services to local entrepreneurs.

The regional tourism assembly will be a good break to local products, Bediones said of the event which is one of the programs being pushed by the government through a number of mechanisms including the establishment and upgrading of the existing Strong Republic Nautical Highway or the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RO-RO) transport system.

A 50-kilometer section of the nationwide transport network passes through Capiz and is being upgraded presently.

The support to SMEs and tourism industry forms part of the overall economic program of the Arroyo administration which is designed to improve infrastructures, raise revenues and investments, and create more jobs from which the people will directly benefit. (PIA-JSC)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/Default.asp?m=12&sec=news&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p061018.htm&no=57

MINDANAWORLD
Mindanao cities on the rise
By Joji Ilagan- Bian

Inquirer
Last updated 03:54am (Mla time) 10/14/2006
Published on Page B3 of the October 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
CITY competitiveness, as defined by the World Competitiveness Yearbook, is the ability of a city to create and maintain an environment that sustains more value creation for its enterprises and more prosperity for its people.

In the recent research of the Asian Institute for Management for the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) 2005, Philippine cities were again ranked based on seven major drivers of competitiveness: cost of doing business; dynamism of local economy; linkages and accessibility; human resources and training; infrastructure; responsiveness of local government to business needs; and quality of life. These were adopted from the World Competitiveness Yearbook of the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development.

The drivers are interrelated as one affects the other. Infrastructure, for instance, plays a key role in attaining economies of scale, while efficient delivery of services improves the quality of life. The dynamism of a local economy affects the cost of doing business since an imbalance in supply and demand results in higher costs. Leadership affects the overall competitiveness of a city. A competitive city means cost effective business transactions that create a self-reliant local government unit (LGUs) and a more dynamic economy.

The project assessed the capacity of a city to provide an environment that nurtures its enterprises and industries, and its ability to attract investments and uplift the living standards of its residents. It provides a benchmarking process that will aid individual cities in measuring competitiveness.

The study was intended to motivate local governments to be economic managers, not just service providers; provide feedback mechanism for business, and provide an assessment tool to pinpoint and analyze best practices in economic management and apply competitiveness lessons from other LGUs.

“Sixty-five cities were surveyed in PCCRP 2005, the fourth edition of the project. Cities were categorized into 13 metropolitan cities (those in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao), 15 mid-sized cities (non-metro cities each with a population greater than 200,000), and 37 small cities (each with a population less than 200,000). Geographically, 30 cities are from Luzon, 14 from Visayas and 21 from Mindanao.

Based on the results, five Mindanao cities were named most competitive: Davao in the metropolitan cities category, Iligan in the medium-scale cities category, and Koronadal, Surigao and Tagum for the small-sized cities category.

Davao is the only metropolitan city in Mindanao that was named one of the most competitive cities in the country, confirming its role as the central economic hub in the island. The efficient LGU response to business needs, infrastructure and high quality of life also contributed to the city’s high rating.

In the medium-scale category, only Iligan made it as a competitive city, ranking second in the following categories: Cost of doing business, efficient response of LGUs and developed infrastructure. Butuan ranked fourth in cost of doing business, Cagayan de Oro was fourth in infrastructure, General Santos was second in linkages and accessibility, and Zamboanga was first in the cost of doing business and dynamism of local economy.

In the small-scale cities category, Surigao was ranked first in the cost of doing business, followed by Koronadal, and Tagum was third in responsiveness of LGUs to business needs.

Others that joined the project acquired the following results in one or two drivers: Bago was 10th and Tacurong ranked 15th in responsiveness of LGUs to business needs; Bislig was 29th in economic dynamism and responsiveness of LGUs; Cotabato ranked 15th in human resources and training; Dapitan was No. 11 and Oroquieta was No. 23 in quality of life; Digos was ranked 13th in infrastructure; Gingoog was third, Pagadian 9th and Marawi 11th in cost of doing business, while Valencia made it to 15th; Ozamis was 19th in dynamism of local economy, and Panabo was seventh in linkages and accessibility.

Drivers of competitiveness
From the competitive cities’ documented best practices, the leadership value of local government officials, followed by the presence of a strong support system (business alliances and responsive civil society) were deemed necessary to become a competitive city. Other factors influencing competitiveness included quality of human resources, presence of good infrastructure and a stable peace and order situation.

These best practices were based on the basics of development, which are infrastructure provision (roads and bridges, water, power, telecommunications); quick and simplified response from government; accurate and timely collection of statistics that build to policy making, resulting in ordinances and regulations that are responsive to current and emerging needs. Participatory governance is also a major factor highlighted in the study.

The study further noted the major contribution of cities to national economic development. All Mindanao cities surveyed were contributing in the overall economic development of Mindanao through improved infrastructure and efficient delivery of services.


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Mimbalut Falls
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Limunsudan Falls
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/rottweiler9/IMG_4197.jpg
Tinago Falls
COME AND EXPERIENCE ILIGAN THE CITY OF WATERFALLS!!!

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COME EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER ILIGAN!!!

^^Wow, are you some kind of a promoter of Iligan city?

latino ka ba talaga?
hehehe.

Tourism promo to target
more Korean tourists

By Jodeal Cadacio
Reporter

WITH an average of 1,515—or three Jumbo jets-full—of Korean tourists arriving in the country daily, the Arroyo administration will earmark a quarter of its international tourism-promotion budget next year to lure more Korean travelers to local destinations, a lawmaker disclosed Wednesday.

Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino Rep. Antonio Alvarez, whose northern Palawan district is frequented by Korean tourists, said the tourism department will spend about $3 million in media spots and travel fairs to entice more of them to the country.

Alvarez said a strategy being mulled is to offer the country’s “sand, sea and sun” as locale for Korean films, “possibly in joint venture with local production houses.”

“We can have a ‘Jewel in the Coconut Palace’ here,” he said, referring to a popular Korean telenovella, which has been dubbed in Pilipino.

With the growing Korean arrivals in the country, Alvarez said the “Korean invasion is in full swing that the Korean government had even offered assistance in building an airport in Palawan.”

He said that Seoul recently approved a P150-million grant to improve the airport in Busuanga, an island off Palawan’s northern tip, which had been ballyhooed in travel circles as the next Boracay.

Alvarez said Korean arrivals in the country jumped 18 percent to 321,308 in the first seven months of the year, making them the second biggest group of visitors, after the Americans.
“We’ll probably hit 600,000 visitors from Korea this year,” Alvarez said.

He said their contribution to the economy is a conservative P15 billion annually, “on the very low assumption that each spends an average $500 while in the country.”

“If you factor in the long-staying ones, those who study here, whether in college or in English-language schools, the figure is definitely higher,” he said.

Alvarez, who has partnered with the tourism department in “marketing” Palawan, said the agency will have a budget of P1.5 billion next year so it can achieve its target of drawing in at least three million tourists to the country.

Of this amount, P1.1 billion will fund promotions, of which P740 million will be for “international promotions.”

Tourism booms in Asia’s Latin city

Zamboanga City (19 October) -- Tourism in this Southern Philippines city which has been recently named as Asia’s Latin City continues to flourish as the Department of Tourism (DOT) IX reported a 10% increase in tourist arrivals for the last 9 months of this year.

Travel advisories issued by other countries not to travel to the southern part of the country have not prevented tourists to visit the city with Koreans, Chinese and Malaysians topping the list of visitors according to DOT IX Regional Director Ricardo San Juan.

“Despite the advisories, Philippines is still the favorite place of Koreans, Chinese and Malaysians and they make up the market left by travelers from countries affected by the advisories”, he said.

San Juan is also optimistic of a further increase in tourist arrivals before year ends as the last 3 months of this year is considered as traveling season for tourists.

San Juan credited this success to the leadership of DOT Secretary Ace Durano giving emphasis on marketing and promotion of the whole country which is instrumental in exceeding the target last year. Sec. Durano commissioned marketing teams to countries abroad like USA, China, Japan, Korea, Europe, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia promoting Philippines’ tourist destinations.

San Juan quoted “the strategy is effective and all missions are initiated by the private sectors”. He emphasized the participation of private sectors as a plus factor in the department’s promotional efforts.

Very recently, the city celebrated its biggest festival, the “Fiesta Pillar”, which attracted both foreign and local tourists. Mayor Celso Lobregat was elated on the success of the celebration which aimed at promoting the city of Zamboanga as tourist destination. As part of the effort, the City Government passed a resolution renaming the city from “City of Flowers” to “Asia’s Latin City” which heaped praises from other Chief Executives in the different parts of the country.

here are some tourism promotional videos for the PHilippines.. which show some of the beautiful sites in the country...

I, Manila
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZh568MuogI&mode=related&search=

Visit the Philippines..More Than the Usual
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esrqFlrs-_U&mode=related&search=philippines%20manila

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdBANriBrlw&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BJ_hbj306M&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN6yaYKkLzM&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfkX2i1B7Ww&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKnKi7b4VU&mode=related&search=


Byahe Tayo (Let's Travel).. intended for local travellers, sung by local artists including Broadway singer, Ms. Lea Salonga...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMAHztuDLdk&mode=related&search=

some more videos from YouTube...

c/o Living Asia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RqPzc5ynrM

from Wild on E!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGqHoOgsvXQ&search=philippines%20manila

This is just in. On the November, 2006 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. " 2006 Top 100 Readers Choice Awards: The Best In The World on Hotels, Cruises, Airlines, Islands and Cities. Manila Peninsula was rated 67 out of the top 100 hotels in the world, and rated 12 out of 75 in Asia. Makati Shangri-La was rated 65 out 75 also in Asia category. In the island category Cebu was rated 8 as one of the top ten island in Asia/Indian Ocean.

maganda ung "i,manila" na song...

In the island category Cebu was rated 8 as one of the top ten island in Asia/Indian Ocean.

And Shangri-la Mactan ranked 9th on the Top 15 Resorts in Asia.

This is just in. On the November, 2006 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. " 2006 Top 100 Readers Choice Awards: The Best In The World on Hotels, Cruises, Airlines, Islands and Cities. Manila Peninsula was rated 67 out of the top 100 hotels in the world, and rated 12 out of 75 in Asia. Makati Shangri-La was rated 65 out 75 also in Asia category. In the island category Cebu was rated 8 as one of the top ten island in Asia/Indian Ocean.

really good to hear this! well deserved! :okay:

maganda ung "i,manila" na song...

maganda nga ang funny. Panindigan sana ng mga metro mayors ang Manila.

yeah.. actually when I first saw that in the ferry to Corregidor, I find it really attractive to watch!... actually all those videos are on the ferry that brought the tourists to Corregidor... I hope all other ferries in the country could show them as well.. or even advertise them on TV...

of those short clips there.. I liked the one on "more than usual shopping" where the Koreans bought a whole carriage full of stuffs.. :D

I saw "I,Manila" sa RPN 9. I liked the theme, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia always take the "formal" approach in their ad campaigns, all the royal, luxurious, romantic and expensive things like that. DOT, on the other hand use bright colors, fast-beat music, tropical glitz, basta masayang themes sa mga campaigns nila for the Philippines.

I took this photo last October when we went to tagaytay . The church belongs to Pink Sisters Convent.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/Pinksisterstagaytay.jpg

A fifth of foreign tourist arrivals from US, says DOT


By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 06:58pm (Mla time) 10/28/2006


THE Department of Tourism's "balikbayan" homecoming program in North America seems to have paid off as the United States topped the list of originating countries of foreign tourist arrivals in the country in the third quarter of 2006.

A report provided to the Inquirer by DOT's research and statistics division showed that 424,494 Americans visited the country from January to September, accounting for more than a fifth of the total foreign tourist arrivals.

In the middle of the year, DOT launched the Grand Pinoy Homecoming Tour to encourage Filipino residents, Americans of Filipino descent, and their relatives and friends to sample the country's top tourist destinations.

The program was also launched in Canada, which placed ninth on the list. Canada had 54,511 visitors to the country, a 9.6-percent increase.

Also visiting the country were overseas Filipinos -- or Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad -- who numbered 107,972, a 21.6-percent rise compared to last year's figures.

Meanwhile, total foreign arrivals in the country for the first nine months of the year reached 2,085,783, which was 9.4 percent higher than the 1,907,405 in the same period last year.

South Korea, with 406,480 visitors, came in second in terms of in-bound visitor volume. Its 16.4-percent growth rate, however, was higher than the United States’ 8.1 percent.

The East Asian region continued to be the country's top markets for foreign visitors. After South Koreans, tourists from Japan (326,219), China (98,136), Taiwan (87,471), and Hong Kong (70,804) followed on the list of DOT's top 10 markets.

Completing the list were Australia, Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Arrivals from all 10 grew except for Hong Kong, which posted a decline of 14.8 percent.

China, which the DOT is eyeing as its biggest market, posted 34.1 percent, the highest among the 10.

In the first three quarters, there were more tourists from Malaysia, Guam, Brunei, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Israel, United Arab Emirates, the former Serbia-Montenegro, and Nauru compared to last year.

The arrival figures were culled from arrival and departure cards at the airport and shipping manifests for the first semester.

Meanwhile, the monsoon season and political instability seemed to have brought down the number arrivals for the month of September. The month had the lowest number of arrivals with only 192,661 arrivals compared to August, which had 221,198.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano told reporters earlier he was hoping for three million foreign visitors for this year.



http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=29287

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2006/10/27/nation/expenses_2710.jpg

Bangkok recently won Asia's best city at Traveler's Reader's Choice Award.

nominated cities are:
Bangkok, Thailand
Hongkong
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Manila, Philippines<---just joking here!

200 crocs newest Subic attraction
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=29342
Inquirer
Last updated 05:50am (Mla time) 10/29/2006

Published on page A15 of the October 29, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The release of 200 crocodiles here on Oct. 24 signaled the launching of the latest offering of one of the country’s premiere Safari spots.

Zoobic Safari has adopted the saltwater crocodiles from Palawan as part of its tourist attraction and wildlife conservation program in its two-hectare facility inside this freeport.

“This project is a joint effort between the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to help save and preserve these crocodiles which are now considered to be endangered species,” Robert Yupangco, Zoobic Safari president, said during the first public viewing of the crocodiles.

SBMA Chair Feliciano Salonga said Zoobic Safari’s latest attractions are expected to boost tourist arrivals here.

“This is a very good program for kids and adults alike who come here to enjoy and be entertained, yet at the end of the day, they leave with the notion that they have also learned something new,” Salonga said. Allan Macatuno, Inquirer Central Luzon

Gov’t to allot P29 B for WV’s dev’t


ILOILO CITY — The national government will invest P29 billion in Western Visayas to upgrade existing projects and implement those that are already in the pipeline.


Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, opening the Western Visayas Tourism Forum at the Kalantiao Hall of the Sarabia Manor Hotel here, said Wednesday that the allocation is already available from the national government to better equip this region as the "pillar of tourism industry in the country."

The projects, which belong under the Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), are expected to be completed in 2010. These projects would complement the already existing tourism resources that this region has, and which are already attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists.

The biggest investment will go to the construction of roads to the tune of P18.086 billion. Meanwhile, P9.253 billion was allotted for the airport construction and upgrading; P1.695 billion for energy and P0.080 billion for seaports.

In terms of airport projects, Durano cited the upgrading of the existing airport in Aklan to be able to cater to more regional flights. This ongoing project, according to the secretary, is fully funded by the national government to the tune of P179 million with the completion date set in April, 2008.

Another project is the New Iloilo Airport of International Standards on the 188-hectare lot in CabatuanSta. Barbara area. The airport is expected to open in March 2007, with 80 percent of the works already completed. The last airport project is the one situated in Silay City, which is expected to be opened in July next year. Latest report revealed that it is almost 80 percent completed.

Durano said he was confident in speaking about the various projects because funds are already allotted for them. He said a budget for the next four years was already crafted, although they still have to pass it to Congress every year for review. (PNA)
http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2006103078422.html

Sagada, because of its amazing sceneries, it became popular, now it will not only be a place where in tourists can just enjoy its sites but they can also enjoy the site and at the same time having the pleasure of getting connected world wide.

The town is now connected to the World Wide Web, and many Internet shops have opened. Foreign visitors can stay connected to their families and offices while enjoying their vacation. Local businessmen are now within reach anywhere in the country and the world.

Aside from boosting the town’s tourism industry, the Internet is also serving local education which benefits not only the students but also the teachers through an online community.

Chinese arrivals to RP seen growing to 150,000

Nanning City, China—Chinese tourist arrivals in the Philippines are expected to rise 50 percent this year, breaching the 150,000-mark for the first time following the success of the visa-upon-arrival privilege offered by the Philippine tourism department.

Philippine Ambassador to China Sonia Brady said here Chinese tourists were looking at the Philippines as their new tourist destination in the region.

“Our estimate is that the numbers would reach 150,000 this year based on the progress report for the first seven months. Although these figures are low compared with the tourist arrivals in other Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] countries, we are greatly encouraged by the growth rate which we hope to sustain,” Brady said in an interview.

More than 20 million Chinese travel abroad every year, with about 11 million visiting various Asian nations.

The Philippines has been trying to corner 10 percent of Chinese tourist arrivals in the region but has so far achieved only less than 2 percent.

Last year, however, Chinese tourists to the Philippines more than tripled to 107,456 in 2004 from less than 30,000 the previous years.

The Department of Tourism extended two years ago the visa-upon-arrival privileges to all Chinese tourists arriving in the Philippines, whether individually or in groups, to boost their numbers.

Chinese nationals were granted earlier the visa-on-arrival privilege when they enter the country through Laoag City.

Chinese tourist destinations include Metro Manila, Laoag, Batangas, Tagaytay, Subic and Cebu.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has started “twinning” arrangements with China, beginning with Bohol and Jiangxi and the twin mountain agreement between Chocolate Hills and Lushan.

Davao and Palau: Partners in business and tourism
By Joji Ilagan-Bian 11/02/2006

Davao and Palau -- two places with beautiful beaches and rich marine resources.

Palau is part of the Micronesian group of islands and is famous for its dive sites and beaches. Davao is considered the largest city in the world at 244,000 hectares and economically is one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

According to a World Bank report, Palau's economy is sustained mainly by tourism and external assistance, with the public sector accounting for nearly half of total employment.

The tourism sector was adversely affected in 2002 by the sharp appreciation of the US dollar against the Japanese yen early that year. This limited flights and increased airfare.

However, tourist earnings rebounded by 22 percent in 2003 and another seven percent in 2004. Efforts have been made recently to introduce competition among airlines and to diversify the tourist base.

A Philippine-based airline recently launched its service to Palau via Davao, and is looking to Palau's tourism industry and the rising number of Filipinos traveling Palau for work and leisure to sustain the service.

Palau is fast emerging as a favorite destination among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The Philippine ambassador to Palau, Ramoncito Mariño, reported that Filipinos make up over one-fourth of the total population of Palau.

Palau also gives competitive salary rates. Domestic helpers receive a minimum wage of $250 a month. Filipinos in Palau also work in hotels, or are hired as domestic helpers, medical personnel, fishermen, agriculturists, construction workers, and even writers and reporters.

Recently, an 80-member delegation from the Republic of Palau headed by Debbie Remengesau, the First Lady of the Republic of Palau, and several representatives from the Palau private sector arrived in Davao City to join the mission of forming diplomatic and economic relations with neighboring regions, and lead a series of weekend business meetings.

As part of a strategy to develop Palau and Davao as emerging markets in the world economy, discussions were centered on the mutual marketing of goods and tourism promotions, and the possibility of shipping products directly to Palau from Davao.

Palau's economy is marked by a large trade deficit.

Food, beverages and tobacco account for 19 percent of imports; manufactured goods, 20 percent; machinery and transportation equipment, 28 percent; mineral fuel and lubricants, 13 percent; and other imports, 20 percent.

Palau's low volume and limited range of exports include shellfish, tuna, copra and garments. Its population reached 20,000, according to a 2004 estimate.

Any progress in Palau's economy could directly affect Davao City's economy as well.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the partnership with Palau could be "endless," citing shipping, medical and educational opportunities.

The two areas have a lot of things in common, despite the disparity in the population.

Davao City's products that could be exported to Palau include fresh produce (banana, mango, pineapple, coconut, papaya), marine products (tuna, frozen octopus), manufactured goods (plywood, cement, granite stones) and finished wood products.

Palau could also benefit greatly from Davao's well-trained medical professionals and good universities where Palauan students could study.

Palau is a young republic and it needs friends. The Philippines was among the first to establish diplomatic relationship with this Pacific island nation.

Another major industry that is being explored is fishing.

The Philippines and the Republic of Palau will hold talks toward forging a formal fisheries agreement beneficial to both sides. An agreement between the two countries will allow fishermen from both countries to fish in each other's territorial waters without fear of apprehension.

By plane, Palau is just an hour and 30 minutes away from Davao. Although there is no ready market yet, the airline plying the Davao-Palau route believes that tourism will pick up in time.

The economic partnership between Palau and Davao has just started and it looks promising.

The agreement could usher in a new era of development as the two regions complement each other. Given enough time, Palau and Davao could become firm partners in sustaining mutual economic growth and progress.

I took this photo last October when we went to tagaytay . The church belongs to Pink Sisters Convent.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/nayki_22/Pinksisterstagaytay.jpg

At a first glance, I thought it was a foreign place... Tagaytay pala... Beautiful.. I didn't expect to see like that in our country...

Discovering surfing paradise in Eastern Samar
http://business.inq7.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=30635
By Vicente Labro
Inquirer
Last updated 07:26am (Mla time) 11/05/2006

Published on page B1 of the November 5, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR%u2014Calicoan Island here is positioning itself as a surfing paradise with its white sand beaches and big waves courtesy of the Pacific Ocean.

And its efforts just got a big boost when it played host to the 4th leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Circuit.

Some 64 surfing enthusiasts from different parts of the country competed in surfing competition, last Oct. 18-21.

The competition also brought in scores of local and foreign visitors.

%u201CThis was the second time that the competition was held here in Guiuan,%u201D said Zeny Pallugna, PSF secretary general and event organizer.

The PSF provided the technical staff and the judges and tabulators and took care of inviting surfers to join the event. It also promoted the island as a venue for international events.

The PSF, headed by Rep. Prospero Pichay, has started talks with the Association of Surfing Professionals in Queensland, Australia, on the possible holding of an international surfing competition in Calicoan Island, Pallugna says.

%u201CI was tasked to take photos here (and) to make a report about Guiuan because we (the PSF) are recommending Guiuan to hold an international event in the near future,%u201D she adds.

Calicoan is said to have two kinds of waves, the right-hander and the left-hander, meaning that surfers can move in to ride a wave either from the left or right side.

Joseph Olinduaso, the contest director, who has been surfing for 17 years now, says that the wave in Calicoan had its own character.

%u201CEven if the wave is big, it is still friendly to the surfers,%u201D he says.

%u201CThey (surfers) can still make certain kinds of maneuvers that the judges are looking for in the competition.%u201D

According to Olindauso, the waves here are ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers, unlike the waves of Siargao and Catanduanes which are more suited to the skilled surfers.

Among the contestants in the last competition was Dodo Espejon, the winner of the 2005 surfing finals.

The surfing competition here in Calicoan Island last year also lured a young boy to try riding the waves.

Now, the young boy%u2014Dangie Lace, 13, who hails from Sulangan Island, the islet next to Calicoan%u2014formally joined the competition.

He was the first and only contestant from Guiuan.

looking at all these pics and reading the articles makes me want to go back home to RP and explore our country, i really love this words by Susan Carlo-Medina (Host of TravelTime) "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Bayan" :)

Mango tours, kayaking soon in Guimaras

ILOILO CITY -- Mountain bike races, kayaking and tours to mango plantations.

These and other land-based leisure activities will highlight a campaign to reverse the negative impact of the recent oil spill on the tourism industry on Guimaras Island.

The DoT will embark on a short-term rehabilitation and marketing program beginning next month for tourist destinations on the island smeared by bunker fuel oil that spilled after the MT Solar I sank in choppy waters off Guimaras on Aug. 11.

Edwin Trompeta, tourism regional director, said an “island paradise race” and an international mountain bike festival will be held on the island to highlight that “there’s more to beaches in Guimaras.”

Trompeta pointed out that only 20 percent of the beach tourism was affected by the oil spill, but the other destinations were also suffering a slack because of the impression that the entire island had been contaminated by the oil sludge.

A rapid assessment report conducted by a multi-agency team said 25 tourism sites, including 11 beach resorts, were directly affected by the oil spill while another 33 were indirectly affected.

The report said 1,355 guests cut short their stay at the resorts. At least 367 bookings were cancelled, it said.

The DoT earlier placed losses incurred by resort owners two weeks after the oil spill at around P3.54 million in cancelled bookings and lost opportunity. The resort owners were among those who filed for compensation of damage with the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund.

Trompeta said that officials hoped to generate a positive image of Guimaras with the series of events lined up. These include a strategic marketing workshop for resort operators and other stakeholders in the tourism industry and a travel trade tour for operators and travel agents.

A tour for reporters and travel writers will also be conducted to highlight other sites including mountain resorts and heritage sites.

Agri-tourism tours will also be promoted, especially to mango plantations.

Guimaras has been dubbed the “Mango Capital of the Philippines” because of the quality of its mangoes renowned for their sweetness and size. The island produced 11,182.72 metric tons of mangoes in 2003 and has at least 8,000 hectares of mango orchards.

A boost in the tourism industry will also provide alternative jobs to displaced residents. They could be trained as tour guides, entertainers and service providers, Trompeta said.

He said the DoT continued to receive inquiries, including from foreign tourists, about the island despite the images of oil-contaminated mangroves and beaches and residents in evacuation centers.

Tourism is one of the pillars of the local economy, bringing in P6.1 million in 2003, P8.2 million in 2004 and P20.64 million in 2005.

Tourist arrivals reached 136,632 in 2004. Local tourists comprised the bulk of arrivals. Foreign tourists accounted for 2,994 of the total.

“It will take time but because the island is multifaceted, its tourism industry will surely bounce back,” Trompeta told the Inquirer.

The regional Task Force Solar I Oil Spill has recommended the return of evacuees after authorities declared 10 areas had been cleared of toxic fumes and contaminated debris.

Let us support the once top tourist destination of the country. This is one way of giving back the Island its life.

^^Sana madiscover din ng CebuPac ang Tuguegarao para bumaba ang plane ticket.

Medical tourism generated some $200M in income. If this can be supported steadily, it could help in improving the growth of this sector and help in improving the economy.

In as much as this generates jobs, this also shows that when it comes to this area, we are equally competitive to other countries.

Tourist arrivals hit 2 million; Koreans lead list

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines grew 9.4 percent year-on-year to hit the two-million mark in nine months to September, supported by strong expansion in the Korean market which became the top source of tourists during the month.

The Department of Tourism reported that arrivals in September reached 192,661, up by more than 16,000 or 9.1 percent from 176,603 recorded a year ago, despite the onslaught of typhoon Milenyo which crossed Luzon in the last week of the month.

The Tourism research and statistics division said Korea overtook Japan and the United States as the largest source of foreign guests in September.

Arrivals from Korea surged 24.4 percent to 37,921 in September while those from Japan actually fell 3 percent to 35,477.

Visitors from the United States, including Filipino-American vacationers, were up 7.6 percent to 32,332 during the month.

Other top sources of visitors in September were China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Canada, Guam, Thailand, Indonesia and India.

In the January-September period, foreign visitor arrivals reached 2.086 million this year, up 9.4 percent from 1.907 million a year ago.

This was the shortest period in a year that the country achieved the two-million mark in arrivals, bolstering hopes of drawing in three-million international visitors to the country for the first time on record.

To achieve the government’s target of three-million guests in 2006, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano is leading the Fifth Philippine Hotels and Resorts Roadshow in Korea to lure more Korean visitors.

Arrivals from Korea this early reached 406,480 in the first nine months, up by 16.4 percent from 349,093 a year ago.

MANILA, Nov 8 Asia Pulse - Two Spanish hotel chains are planning to invest in the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said that Occidental Hotels and Resorts (http://www.occidental-hoteles.com/) and the Nueva Rumasa Group have chosen the Philippines as their first investment site in Asia.

He said the investors noted the large number of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese visiting other Asian countries as tourists.

"This will be the first time for the two hotel chains to invest not only in the Philippines but in Asia," Durano said.

"Essentially, they have seen how Korea, Japan, and China have become our largest source of tourists. This is one reason why they decided to put their investments here. They want to know how to do business with these types of tourists, because they know that in terms of tourism, it is really in Asia," he added.

Durano said Occidental and Rumasa will each invest P2 billion to P4 billion (US$40 million to US$80 million) in beach resorts, and add a total of 800 to 1,000 rooms to current capacity.

Occidental and Rumasa representatives plans to be in the country within the year to scout for locations.

It will be noted that the two Spanish hotel chains were wooed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she visited Madrid in July.

Durano explained that the main constraint of the Philippine tourism industry has been the lack of rooms and their high prices.

"Our hotel prices are high because of high demand and the low supply of rooms. To stabilize prices, we need to increase the supply," Durano said.

He said that the growth of tourists arrivals right now is outpacing capacity expansion. "So, the more we can expand, the more tourists we can accommodate."

http://au.biz.yahoo.com/061108/17/yokx.html

Durano projects RP tourism boom from South Korean market

The Philippine Star 11/10/2006

SEOUL — Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano is expecting a boom in Korean tourist arrivals in the Philippines, with at least 600,000 arrivals by yearend.

"We are continuously improving our presence here. Our most important market now is Korea. If not for this market, Cagayan de Oro would not have been a (tourism) market," Durano told major Korean tour and airline operators in a luncheon meeting yesterday.

According to Durano, from January to September this year, Korea ranked second only to the United States in tourist arrivals to the Philippines.

For this period, 424,494 American tourists arrived in the country while 406,480 Koreans visited the country, making up 19.5 percent of total foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines.

Last year, 393,093 Korean tourists visited the country representing 16.4 percent of the market.

Durano stressed that the threat of terrorism has not deterred Koreans from visiting the Philippines.

"It (terrorism) is an overblown perception of reality. Wherever you go now in the world, there is a terror threat. But it is only in the Philippines where it is heightened. Being aggressive in the (tourism) market is the only way to counter this perception. The peace and order situation in the country has been better. We have a stable political and economic situation," Durano said.

Durano credits the success of the Navy’s Task Force Stingray in keeping the country’s beaches safe for foreign tourists.

"There has been no incidents for the past three years because of Task Force Stingray," he said.

Durano is in Korea to lead the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) "Philippine Hotels and Resorts Roadshow," which is being held in partnership with Philippine Airlines.

The sales mission started last Nov. 5 and ends on Nov. 11. Covered by the roadshow were the cities of Busan, Daegu and Seoul.

Durano added that there has been a double-digit growth in Korean tourist arrivals in the Philippines since 2004.

The DOT is currently developing eight anchor destinations in the Philippines for Korean tourists under the theme "Philippines… More Than You Can Imagine!" These destinations are Metro Manila, Laoag, Vigan/Baguio/Banaue, Subic/Clark, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu/Bohol, Camiguin and Davao.

The targets of this marketing campaign are family vacationers, students, honeymooners, and special interest groups such as convention delegates.

Meanwhile, Durano announced yesterday the posting of a permanent tourism attaché to Korea as part of its aggressive tourism marketing plan.

DOT Team Korea head ******* Ebron will be permanently assigned here to address the concerns of the Korean tourism market.

"We will make sure that we have an official presence in Korea, especially with the increase in traffic… At the rate Korean tourists are flocking (to) the country, there is a need to have a tourism attaché," he said. — Mike Frialde

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200611100404.htm

Henry Sy sets sights on tourism

By Lourdes Molina-Fernandez
Editor in Chief

AFTER his family’s Banco de Oro (BDO) finally attained what was billed as the biggest bank merger in the country by closing the three-year struggle to acquire Equitable PCI Bank (EPCIB), guess what is retail mogul Henry Sy’s next magnificent obsession: “tourism.”

Someone, recalls eldest daughter Tessie Sy-Coson, asked her father that simple question recently, and she admits being surprised that “at age 82, he simply said his next move is in tourism.” Then she shakes her head in undisguised admiration at the man she credits most with teaching her and five siblings the kind of discipline and hard work that has allowed them to further the vast fortune he built, from virtual scratch that started with a box-like shoe store simply called “SM.”

She ticks off a negative list in response to questions posed by BusinessMirror on what are lacking in the Sys’ awesome portfolio of investments—no, she says, “no telcos for us. No airlines either. No hotels either” because, she says, that’s where her father failed.

As for their stakes in food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp., Sy-Coson says there’s no clear plan yet on expanding in the food business. Taking her cue from the patriarch, it will really be more in tourism.

“My dad has always believed, since the early 1980s, that the Philippines will become a top tourism spot because of its incomparable nice places and cheerful, helpful people.” He is so frustrated, she adds, that the country has been overtaken by neighbors with much lesser levels of these two key attributes.

So now, he wants to give tourism his best shot, and the Sys will soon step up activities in resort development, starting with choice sites they’ve acquired in Batangas.

But while tourism is an obsession of the patriarch, she stresses that it won’t be in the same mold of the two city-based hotels that Henry Sr. built in the 1980s and which were big failures—the SM Hotel in Echague, Manila, and another one in Cebu. Both have been closed down for years.

“Those were his protracted, failed attempts,” and he doesn’t want to revisit them, explains Ms. Coson, whose stunning success in handling a big part of her father’s empire has catapulted her to various “A” lists, notably the 46th rung in the Forbes magazine’s richest women in the world list.

The Sys have bought into and are expanding the Tagaytay Highlands, through the Highlands Prime that they set up with Belle Corp. Highlands Prime owns property assets with market value of P7.716 billion. These assets include 534 hectares of undeveloped land, 25 finished residential units and 70 developed subdivisions.

Earlier, they had chalked up the vastly popular Taal Vista Lodge. Also slated for development is the Jamilo Cove, also in Batangas.

She says her younger sister (there are six Sy children, of whom four are boys) Elizabeth, who “lived in Europe for 15 years,” has more “sophisticated tastes” and thus the task of helping develop the high-end properties like those in Tagaytay have been given to her.

The four Sy brothers have their roles pretty much cut out for them, too. Hans and Harley are in the malls and Herbert in the supermarkets; Henry Jr. is in properties.

And what happens to the bank?

ASKED about her plans with the merged BDO-EPCI, Sy-Coson affirms what she told Bloomberg a few days ago: there will be no job cuts despite several “duplications” in some areas of the BDO and EPCIB branches.

“We’re not cutting down on people, but they have to work more,” she stresses, and shuns suggestions that the target is really to overtake top lender Metrobank.

“As I’ve said, this is not about rank. This is about bringing together the best of both banks” and exploring the business opportunities that marrying them would bring.

Frankly, she says, what she feels after three years of bruising boardroom battles before the merger is simply: “I just feel tired.”

Does she feel it was worth it? She says she’s tempted to ask herself that, then smiles and volunteers that after the merger plan was sealed by the two banks’ boards, she kept ribbing “the others” about “why they made me go through hell” for this. Yet she stresses she has no rancor, and would rather focus on the task ahead.

“We’re all friends,” she says.

She knows it’s going to be backbreaking, as usual, so every little free time she has in the next few days, she says she’ll focus on her “favorite hobby.” Guess what—it’s “sleeping,” which she describes as the one good thing a person can do for himself to prepare for the battles ahead.


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/comp03.php

^^Buti pa ang SecondRichest Pinoy may tiwala sa Philippine tourism.

Henry Sy sets sights on tourism

By Lourdes Molina-Fernandez
Editor in Chief

...But while tourism is an obsession of the patriarch, she stresses that it won’t be in the same mold of the two city-based hotels that Henry Sr. built in the 1980s and which were big failures—the SM Hotel in Echague, Manila, and another one in Cebu. Both have been closed down for years.

“Those were his protracted, failed attempts,” and he doesn’t want to revisit them, explains Ms. Coson, whose stunning success in handling a big part of her father’s empire has catapulted her to various “A” lists, notably the 46th rung in the Forbes magazine’s richest women in the world list.....

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/comp03.php

:ohno:

Philippines emerging as top choice for overseas education in Asia

The Seoul Times (http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=4354)


Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano returned home on Nov.10 after winding up his successful three-day visit here at the head of a high-powered Philippine delegation to the 5th Philippine Hotels, Resort Road Show in three major cities in Korea.

Sponsored by Philippine Airlines and organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), the roadshow ran from November 5 to 10 and also covered the key provincial cities of Pusan and Daegu, not to mention Seoul,

The annual event was among the highly-successful components of the DOT's marketing campaign in Korea, which is now the largest Asian market for Philippine tourism, averaging approximately 45,000 Korean tourists a month.

This makes Korea the Philippines' second-biggest source of foreign tourists, accounting for 19.5 percent market share during the first eight months of the year.

For the full-year 2006, the PDOT is targeting 600,000 Korean visitors, or a 20 percent increase from almost half a million registered in 2005 when the Philippine tourism posted an all-time high of 2,623,084 international arrivals, according to Ms. ******* Basco-Ebron, head of Team Korea.

"To sustain the momentum, the Philippine government will continue to pursue cooperative endeavors in tourism, including the sending of Korean instructors to teach the Korean language to tourist front liners, the conduct of cross-cultural learning programs for Korean executives based in the Philippines, and the undertaking of joint ventures to develop tourist sites in the country," she said.

While here, Secretary Durano spoke to members of the Korean travel trade community, and delivered a special lecture entitled “Philippine Tourism and Beyond” the Sejong University here on Nov. 10.

With the Philippines emerging as one of the top choices for overseas education in Asia, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano told 300 plus students at Sejong University that the Philippine is one of the leading education destinations in Asia, particularly in learning the English Language.

He mentioned such leading learning institutions that offer English as a Second Language (ESL) Tour Programs.

Among them are Miriam College Language Learning Center, Terra Nova Ventures CorporationTerra Nova Education, Top English Center Foundation, Global Languages Inc., Baguio English Communication Institute, NEO International Language School, La Salle Language Center-Bacolod, University of Cebu ESL Center, International English Center, Cebu International Academy, Monol International Education Institute, Cles First Center for Language Orientation Corporation, Best English as a Second Language Academy Inc., Phoenix One Knowledge Solutions Inc., JIC Tutorial Language Corporation, and Modern Languages International.

DoT’s Team Korea Head ******* Ebron said that they are now more aggressive in promoting ESL, specifically in South Korea. "We saw a big potential in this market and this is something where we could really compete and excel given the quality of our English language courses and educators."

"Koreans prefer the Philippines mainly because of its proximity and relatively affordable cost of education. Parents or families can even visit their children while they are in the Philippines studying," she said.

In the course of lecture, Tourism Secretary also elaborated on the tourism development strategy initiated by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who has grouped the archipelago into five super-regions for various investment purposes such as central Philippines, which shall be the centerpiece of the country's tourism development.

Consisting of 27 provinces, the central Philippines covers the Visayas and Bicol regions, the northern Mindanao islands of Camiguin, Siargao and Dapitan, and the island provinces of Palawan and Romblon.

"This super-region is the Philippines' premier tourism destination as it accounts for seven out of 10 most-visited beaches in the country namely Cebu, Boracay, Oriental Negros, Bicol, Samar, Palawan, and Mindoro.

"Moreover, this super-region will be developed under the Central Philippines Development Project," Durano added.

Secretary Durano's speech on the subject capped the six-day event, which attracted some 850 to 1,000 wholesale and retail buyers in the three key Korean cities.

The roadshow focused on Philippine tourism properties that are new, with major renovations, and with new products to offer.

All these properties were presented by a 37-man private sector delegation led by the DOT's Team Korea and PAL.

The properties are the Holiday Inn Galleria, Diamond Hotel, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Hyatt Hotel & Casino, Makati Shangri-La, Traders Hotel and Peninsula Hotel in Manila; Alegre Beach Resort, Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa, Marco Polo Plaza, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu; Bohol Beach Club; Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Discovery Shores Boracay, Seraph Hotel and Patio Pacific on Boracay Island; Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort and El Nido Resorts Lagen Island in Palawan; The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City; Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Garden City of Samal; the Capitol Complex Hotels in Camarines Sur; and the Southeast Asia Airlines.

Aside from product presentations, there were cocktail receptions, sales pitches, travel marts, networking activities, catalog placements, and hosted functions in each city.

In particular, a group of Korean distinguished figures including Dr. Yoon Tae-hee, chairman of the board of Arirng TV, Lee Jeong-woo, a standing adviser for Hana Financial Group and former president-publisher of the Korea Herald and Lee Chong-hwan, vice chairman of My Asset Investment Management Co.,Ltd. disclosed a plan to activate a friendship association to bridge between Seoul and Cebu. The gathering was tentatively named as “ Friends of Cebu Club in Seoul,” according to Dr. Yoon who is concurrently standing adviser for International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.

^^

When I read "Philippines emerging as top choice for overseas education in Asia", I was hoping it wasn't because of our cheaper English classes. Sadly, it was. I hope they [the Koreans] find other reasons to take classes here in the Philippines instead of just English. If another country overtakes us in cheaper English classes (I doubt it but it can happen and our neighbors have surpassed us in a lot of things), then it'll be all over for the English teaching industry. We need to diversify and improve the teaching quality of other fields of study.

We also need to concentrate on Science and technology. That is where the big money is. Never mind pushing nursing there's already too many nursing graduates.

^^totally agree, I mean there was a time, when countries from all over Asia were sending their students in the Philippines to learn, and not just for English either...I read somewhere that Iran used to send lots of students way back then...not to mention the "neighbours" Thailand, Vietnam..etc.

^^

When I read "Philippines emerging as top choice for overseas education in Asia", I was hoping it wasn't because of our cheaper English classes. Sadly, it was. I hope they [the Koreans] find other reasons to take classes here in the Philippines instead of just English. If another country overtakes us in cheaper English classes (I doubt it but it can happen and our neighbors have surpassed us in a lot of things), then it'll be all over for the English teaching industry. We need to diversify and improve the teaching quality of other fields of study.

Or pay our teachers better. A major factor in our declining education system is the exodus of overworked, underpaid teachers to greener pastures.

Malls, Museums and the Power of the Peso!
Asianjournal.com November 12th, 2006

MANILA - The political and economic situation in the Philippines is at its best in years, and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.

I was in the Philippines during the same period last year and my hundred dollar bills went a long way, exchanging at a peak of 56 something to a dollar. One year later, it's now at 49 something. That's a 7-peso drop (or increase, depending on how one looks at it) in a little less than 12 months.

Also, there are no rallies calling for the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, compared last year. Friends who are keen observers tell me, 'Let's wait until January.' Why January? It's going to be a new year, and the new year brings new hope to the opposition, new hope to call for Arroyo's impeachment once more.

Gas prices are going down, and people here are expecting for fare rollbacks, something that might happen in the coming weeks. Taxi cab rides still start at P30 flagdown. Minimum jeepney fare is P7.50.

Money, money

The recent call of the Central Bank of the Philippines for the public to still circulate the coins seems to have worked. Previously, store-owners round the purchases to the nearest peso, not giving 25 to 50 centavo change. Now, I have an abundance of coins, not just the 25 or 50 centavo coins, but also 1, 5 and 10 peso coins as well. Yes, Apolinario Mabini (the hero on the 10-peso bill) has retired and is now a coin.

For the past weeks prior to my travel to Manila, news about fake coins took the limelight. Apparently, millions of pesos worth of coins were produced (officials are not sure how much of this amount was circulated to the public) and some found their way to the pockets of the working public.

Apparently, one needs a magnet to check if coins being given as loose change are fake. If they are real, they won't get magnetized, but if that shiny 10-peso coin gets stuck with your magnet, that's a hundred percent chance that it's fake.

How appropriate then that our tour guides from the Department of Tourism brought us to the Money Museum of the Central Bank of the Philippines. The museum, now called the Mueso ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is a numismatist's haven.

With the second batch of winners of the Department of Tourism's "The Philippines: Explore. Experience. Return." (PEER) program, I dared venture into the museum and discovered the colorful world of money, inside the nation's central money authority.
The Money Museum was established in 1974 and showcases the Central Bank's collection of currencies, among other things. It also traces the history of the currency, from the lowly cowry shells to what we now know was our Philippine coins.

The museum is a repository and custodian of the country's numismatic heritage, with a vast collection of coins, paper notes, medals, artifacts and monetary items found in the Philippines during its different historical periods.

The museum in itself is a visual narrative of the development of the Philippine economy, alongside the evolution of its currency.

Museum, museum

For the longest time, I have always lamented the lack of "more enriching" things to do while in Manila. I'm a confessed mallrat but just exactly how many times could I go to Greenbelt or Market! Market! or Tiendesitas to window shop and walk endlessly?

The gods must have heard me, and a day after my arrival in Manila, I was visiting museums I never even thought existed. Yes, I'm quite ashamed to admit that.

After the Money Museum, we crossed the street and found ourselves at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. This museum is housed at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex along Roxas Boulevard and it keeps the classical gold and pottery collection from pre-colonial Philippines.

This means that even before the colonization of Spain, the people living in the islands now known as the Philippines had a distinct and rich civilization. There were treasures during this period that were unearthed and are now on display at the museum.

Fine pottery and gold pieces in excavation sites in Batangas and Mindoro in Luzon, Samar in the Visayas and Butuan and Surigao in Mindanao reflected the high level of technology that the Filipinos had during the pre-colonial period.

Among its rich collection are the "barter rings" (hollow gold tubes formed in a circle and are bigger than doughnuts in size and are made of nearly pure gold), excavated glass and semi-precious stone beads strung into necklaces and other ornaments, gold belts and waist embellishments, all of which have not been found anywhere else in the world and represent the height of ancient Filipino gold artistry.

Exploring the "Walled City"

In the eight or so years that I lived and worked in Manila, there is one place that I have never been to: Intramuros, or more famously called as the 'walled city'. This is why I gladly took the opportunity when I found out that the Department of Tourism – led by Team North America members Eva Adan and Vicky Ganaden – had included Intramuros in our city tour.

Intramuros is historic place that every Filipino must visit. In fact, balik-bayans must put this in their own must-see lists. During our tour, I noticed a lot of Asians doing the tour. Unfortunately, except for the students from a Lucban, Quezon high school who were there for a field trip, the only other Filipinos in the entire 'walled city' that day were us.

Also worth visiting: Fort Santiago, once the military headquarters of the Spanish, British, American and Japanese regimes, where one can also find the Rizal Shrine, the place where Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned from November 3 to December 29, 1896 and contains all of his major writings and some memorabilia, including his remains in an ivory urn.

Tour guides Edgardo Festin and Teresita Quitevis took turns in telling us details of Manila's rich history. We passed by the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on our way to Casa Manila, a beautifully-preserved ancestral home that is also a 'colonial lifestyle' museum.

Mall of Asia

After all of the scheduled activities during the day, and having reached my quota of museums and historical places for the day, I succumbed to the pressure and found my way to the Mall of Asia.

It is one huge sprawling mall with an arresting view of the Manila Bay and notches better than its sister-malls, the Megamall and the City in North Edsa and Sta. Mesa. The Mall of Asia – sitting on top of almost 20 hectares of reclaimed land - is now home to famous brands from Lacoste to Mango, from Zara to Top Shop and local favorites Bench and Penshoppe, and is every serious shopper's dream.

It is like a cross between Beverly Center and The Grove, with a killer view of Manila Bay's famous sunset views to boot. View decks and bridges have been constructed to cross the road that separates the mall from the bay so that sight-seers could spend time at the seaside gallery. Restaurants line up the entire stretch at the back (or entrance, from Manila Bay) and offer dining with a view.

There's also a huge ice skating rink right in the middle of the ground floor, with kids and adults alike perfecting their triple salchows. The food court is a veritable food market offering every imaginable dish the world has to offer.

Tired of all the window shopping and walking around? There are couches scattered in different parts of the mall for the weary shoppers to rest. Of course, coffee houses are dime a dozen, from the usual Starbucks and The Coffee Bean to the newbies such as Kopi Roti.

The opening of SM's Mall of Asia last May galvanized Manila's attempt at making the metropolis a shopping destination in Asia.

That's one more big reason to add on your ever-growing must-see and must-do lists the next time you visit the Philippines. The value of the dollar we earn in the U.S. may no longer be as big as it was years ago but that should not even be considered a reason not to go. The Philippine economy is in great shape, and with that everything else follows.

If only something can be done about the traffic.

Got my December issue of Islands magazine in the mail yesterday. They have chosen Bohol as one of the Top 12 Next New Places to visit. Finally Bohol is getting the international recognition in the travel press. Nice article with great pictures! It's not on their online site, but here is a link to the December table of contents - http://www.islands.com/toc.asp

Foreign tourists on the rise in RP, says card-issuer Visa


By MARICEL E. BURGONIO
The Manila Times Reporter

Foreign visitors to the Philippines are on the rise, based on purchases they made while in the country using their Visa credit cards, the card-issuer said Thursday.

At a briefing, James Dixon, Visa International country manager, said travelers spent P21.5 billion in the first half, or 16 percent higher than last year.

Visa card spending by international travelers in the country grew 29 percent to P37.5 billion in 2005 from P29 billion in 2004.

Metro Manila accounted for P22.4 billion or 60 percent of that amount.

Visa said 44 percent of total spending last year by international cardholders in the Philippines came from the United States, 28 percent from the Asia-Pacific and 20 percent from the European Union.

About 2.6 million tourists visited the Philippines last year, which was the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam had 3.5 million tourists; Indonesia, 4.9 million; Singapore, 8.9 million; and Malaysia, 16.4 million.

While improving, credit card spending in the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors.

Dixon said Visa’s retail sales volume from local cardholders reached P42.9 billion in the first six months this year, or 21.1 percent higher than last year.

Local cardholders outspent their visiting foreign counterparts.

Visa card circulation in the country reached 8.2 million by end-June, with 2 million credit cards and over 6.2 million debit and prepaid cards.

"We see stronger growth of Visa card spending this year," Dixon said, citing the expected increase of travelers and local credit card spending.

He said Visa supports the elimination of surcharges on credit card transactions, as recently directed by the Department of Trade and Industry to retailers.


source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=56535

^^^^ Philippines with its amusing sceneries, it is no wonder why, different people visit us form the different nations. Who could ever prove that we are in a crisis when tourists continuously pouring the country like this. I can say that it s not just the Place nor the beautifuk sites, its really the people they got to know and the treatment they have experienced.

^^ In support of this, a similar review was made indicating that occupancy rate among the four major hotel categories in Metro Manila rose to 69.8 percent in September from 67.7 percent a year ago. Said increase in occupancy rate is mainly due to strong international visitor arrivals.

It seems the tourism sector is really doubling its efforts to boost the tourism industry.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1346/untitled1ka7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com

chixbebe are we in a crisis right now?

By Diana Uy

Despite the ominous threats of typhoon Paeng, hundreds of surfers and enthusiasts flocked to the first “La Union Surfing Break,” organized by the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the provincial government of La Union, La Union Surf Club and Power Up held recently in Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union.

Indeed, the wave-riding pastime that was once only enjoyed and appreciated by our western neighbors, is slowly gaining a foothold among Pinoys—from the adventure seeker to the apprehensive. La Union alone attracts an average of 300,000 tourists a year specifically from the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and the United States.

Thanks to the encouragement of die-hard surfer fans and pros who have made the Philippine seas their haven, the once wave-superstitious Pinoys are arming themselves with surf boards (don’t forget sun-block) and suit up in board shorts, wet suits, and bikini tops.

A Japanese rider

Take for example Japanese Kazuo Akinaga.

59-year-old “Aki,” as he is famously known among the locals of La Union, remembers the beaches of La Union as some sort of a jungle some 25 years ago. There were hardly any surfers and the untouched waves were all glassy, perfect, and beckoning for a beginner like him.

Over the years, Aki frequented the place not only for its untamed charms but mostly because of its “exclusivity.”

Surfers in Hawaii and California would often fight for a wave and the most rude ones would claim dibs on a particular wave or territory. Thus, some foreigners love to come to the country and test the waves of the Philippine seas for they are less crowded and there are less competitors for one perfect barrel!

Aki eventually perfected his “Hang Ten” (a stunt wherein a surfer will stand at the front of a surf board and wrap the 10 toes of the feet around the front of the surfboard), decided to set up in La Union in 1996 and started the defunct La Union Surfing Association. Afterward, he began teaching the locals how to surf and the locals in return started teaching friends and local visitors of La Union. He eventually married a Filipina and can still say, during an interview with an almost all-girl group members of the press, “surfing is better than girlfriend” and “only surfers know why.”

Tourism boost

The local government, on the other hand, sees more than thrills from the surfing industry. According to Gov. Victor Ortega, through the water sport, the youth are given an alternative hobby, local surfers get additional income from teaching visitors and tourists, and more importantly, the local economy gets a boost from the influx of tourists. It is for these reasons that La Union is intensively encouraging and arduously promoting the sport to both foreign and local visitors. Aside from the La Union Surfing Break, the municipality has been pushing for the development of its beaches such as concreting parking lots, installing more floodlights, public toilets and showers, showcasing live bands, to name a few.

Perfect wave

Though there are other surfing destinations that have been discovered in the past 10 years or so i.e. Siargao and Catanduanes, La Union is still considered to be the favorite spot for various reasons: the waves are “glassy” and suitable from beginners to kamikazes (waves can range from 2 to 5 meters high), there are affordable accommodations (rooms can charge as low as P350/night), the locals are friendly, and best of all, it is only an average of six hours ride from Manila.

Unless one has a friend who owns a surfer board and is willing to teach a friend, beginners should prepare to shell out at least P350 for an hour session of surfing. The charge encompasses both the board and the lessons. Of course, it is also highly recommended that one knows how to swim (read: Be a strong swimmer) to battle it out with the surging waves and for other safety purposes.

Also, check out your Chinese calendar or surfer Web sites to make sure you catch waves the next time you visit La Union. Aki suggests October to March since waves are more consistent these months. And if you are lucky, you might catch presidential daughter, Luli Arroyo, or celebrity hunk, Jericho Rosales testing the waters of La Union.

Surfs up!

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife1_nov16_2006

As news reports states, China cites the Philippines as one of the top ten rising travel destinations. Since we are further endorsed by another foreign country aside from our own efforts to boost up our tourism sector, this will surely heat up our tourist arrivals.

Batangas resort wins Oscars of spa industry

Inquirer
Last updated 09:28am (Mla time) 11/22/2006


THE FARM at San Benito in Lipa City, Batangas province, has won the second AsiaSpa Baccarat Awards, considered the Oscars of the booming industry in Asia, in what is hailed as a boost to the country’s medical-spa tourism.

In a glittering black- and red-themed cocktail evening at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong recently, the Farm came out on top, taking the coveted Medi-Spa of the Year as well as Spa Cuisine of the Year, bringing to 10 their total Asian awards so far.

Health resort president Perla Espino Rempe accepted two glass-sculptured Baccarat trophies for The Farm at San Benito.

She acknowledged a first award in the Medi-Spa category as “a well-deserved” one, but the other award for spa cuisine was “a sweet victory” for The Farm’s vegetarian food philosophy.

“What we thought to be our (marketing) weakness has now turned out to be our strength,” she said in her acceptance speech.

The Philippines was nominated in several other categories including Spa Academy of the Year (Spa Professionals International Development Center, Parañaque), Spa Association of the Year, Spa Destination of the Year and Spa Retreat of the Year (The Farm at San Benito).

Cathy Brillantes Turvill received a prestigious nomination for the first spa school in the country in the Spa Academy category, which was eventually won by Chiva-Som Academy of Thailand.

The selection by a panel of 26 Asia-based spa experts headed by AsiaSpa magazine editor Catharine Nicol and CEO Olivier Burlot gave local entrepreneurs an indication of where the lucrative wellness market is heading.

Over 180 spa industry VIPs, nominated spa representatives and personalities attended the awards night.

This year’s awards were dominated by Asia’s spa destinations, with India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, The Maldives, Thailand, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong all winning awards.

The big brands and hotel chains did well in other categories. Four Seasons Resorts and Spas is Exterior Design of the Year for their resort in Langkawi and Marketing of the Year.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts collected Spa Treatment of the Year for their Himalayan Healing Stone Massage and Interior Design of the Year for their resort in Pudong, China.

Some surprises included Day Spa of the Year going to Kirana Spa in Bali and Spa Capital of the year moving from Bali to the Maldives.

As news reports states, China cites the Philippines as one of the top ten rising travel destinations. Since we are further endorsed by another foreign country aside from our own efforts to boost up our tourism sector, this will surely heat up our tourist arrivals.

It really makes me wonder why the Philippines is not a popular Aussie tourist destination despite its proximity to Australia. Our Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand, Indonesia (particularly Bali), Vietnam and Malaysia are all touted here as prime tourist destinations by travel agencies, airline promos, travel magazines, daily newspapers, TV spots and even TV game shows which offer these destinations as major prizes. Ang Pilipinas, never heard talaga! You can even seldom see a travel guide of the Philippines in travel agencies and bookstores here. Yung mga kapitbahay natin, sandamukal ang naka-display, iba-ibang publications pa. A month ago, I happen to browse a travel book by an Australian author at one of the book shops here. At the chapter on Southeast Asian region, the Philippines along with Myanmar (formerly Burma) were not included in the book because, according to the author, these countries ae seldom visited by tourists! WTF!!! Ang Pilipinas ka-level daw ng Myanmar when it comes to tourist appeal!!! Eh ang Myanmar is almost a no man’s land due to its military junta form of government.

Australians who happen to visit the Philippines came to know the country by word of mouth or from some occasional ads. No full-scale promotions were intitiated by the government to endorse our country here as a prime tourist destination at par or even better than our Southeast Asian neighbors.


Naisip ko nga, di ba nahahalata to ng Philippine officials at our embassy and consulate here? They should do something about this. Nakakakunsumi!

^^ Make The Philippines a safe and honest place and people will come.

As for most Aussies, they know more about the old British colonies in Asia than our nation. And we really have a very low influx of tourists as compare to other Asian countries.

it's the food, they don't like the nonspicy food. ANd the unexotic churches compared to the flavor of the month temples.
AT saka medyo madume Mga cities at sobrang traffic.

^^"Flavor of the month", hehehe... I got that, Latin American Nations well maybe except Mexico (who benefits from the rich Americans) also get low tourism arrivals from Europe. Siguro the "Churches" thingy is the reason, Europeans have all the most glaring Iberian architecture they could get in Spain, they'd not bother go to Argentina or Chile at all.

^^ Make The Philippines a safe and honest place and people will come.

As for most Aussies, they know more about the old British colonies in Asia than our nation. And we really have a very low influx of tourists as compare to other Asian countries.

pffftt lots of Aussies come to Phils as sex tourists though, they view the country as an alternative to Thailand.

It's annoying too, coz according to news or what not Australian tourists are actually on the rise there in Phils...yet among key markets I would say Australia is pretty much left out in terms of marketing and promotion.

Philippines hopes to attract 36,000 Indian tourists in 2007


New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) The Philippines hopes to attract about 36,000 Indian tourists in the coming year by aggressively promoting itself as an attractive holiday destination and replicate an experiment it conducted with Chinese outbound travellers.

"India is one of the most dynamic outbound markets whose travellers have a continuing need for new appetites. We are uniquely positioned to offer this," Philippines Tourism Minister Joseph Felix Mari H. Durano said at a presentation here to promote his country as a viable Southeast Asian alternative to current hotspots Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Durano is here with a large business and media delegation to inaugurate a representative office of the Philippines Department of Tourism.

"Unlike traditional tourists who opt for beaches and sightseeing, our research shows that Indian tourists love the many facets of metropolitan cities and have a strong preference for shopping. The fact that they spend an average of $1,200 per visit makes them much-appreciated appreciated tourists - apart from the fact that they are repeated travellers," Durano maintained.

Towards this end, the Philippines, a cluster of 7,106 islands at last count, is initially positioning three cities - capital Manila, as also Cebu and Davao - for the Indian market.

According to the minister, these three destinations offer the perfect blend of leisure, shopping, entertainment, dining and gaming.

"We offer nature at its wondrous best, a multi-racial culture, unmatched adventure activities, unique arts and crafts, and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

"Don't forget that we were ruled for 400 years by the Spanish and then the Japanese and the Americans. This makes us a unique blend of the east and the west that is unmatched in the region," the minister said.

"Thus far, we had focused on our traditional markets of Japan, Korea and the US. Three years ago, we targeted China, from where, till then, just about 34,000 tourists had been heading for the Philippines. Within a year, the figure had almost quadrupled to 107,000.

"Up to now, we have been receiving some 18,000 tourists. We hope to at least double this during 2007," Durano contended.

Given the fact that some eight million Indian tourists travel annually to foreign lands and that the figure is growing 20 percent annually, the Philippines hopes its arrivals will also increase incrementally, he said.

Simultaneously, the Philippines is taking steps to send more of its tourists - currently a mere 5,000 - to India.

"It cannot be a one-way situation. There has to be two-way traffic," Durano conceded.

Speaking about connectivity, he said Singapore Airlines currently offered three flights a day from India to Manila via its home and one each to Cebu and Davao, the flying time from here being roughly six hours. The Philippines Department of Tourism was also engaged in talks with Malaysian Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways to put together packages aimed at bringing more Indian groups to the country.

During his four-day stay in India from Wednesday, Durano and his delegation and scheduled to meet with Indian tourism ministry officials and tour operators to discuss cooperative measures between the two countries.

http://www.teluguportal.net/modules/news/article.php?storyid=22402

^^Pansin ko mas visible na ang mga Indian tourists sa Philippines. And a lot of them look rich too kasi I usually see them shopping in high-end malls (with the exception of Greenhills)

Maybe they're residents already and not tourists^^

Anyway I would say a sizable amount of tourist influx are sex tourists.
Just like Bangkok the capital of sex tourism . We don't want to take that title we're already runner up as it is.

Joseph Durano is the youngest cabinet member in the Arroyo administration. A three-term representative of the Philippine Congress, he was responsible for introducing a string of Bills in the Congress and was appointed Secretary of Tourism (ministerial position) by the Philippines President in 2004. Durano has vowed to realise a 10-point economic agenda by luring five million tourists to Philippines by 2010. In a chat with TimesofIndia.com , the tourism minister spells out his plans on India.

Q. Why the sudden interest in India?

A. India is one of the dynamic outbound markets for us. It has the potential to double its growth potential annually. We have over 7,000 islands in Philippines, which offer a variety of cultural, natural and rural destinations, which everyone here can enjoy. Our country has Spanish, American and Japanese influences which can be enjoyed by everyone.

Q. How has the Indian government reacted to your initiative?

A. The response has been positive. I'll be meeting the Indian Tourism Minister shortly. Tourism as you know can be developed as a thrust area to build a close partnership, so we are using it as an engine of growth.

Q. Will your government have a seat-sharing agreement with Indian airlines in order to boost outbound tourists to Philippines?

A. Yes, as a matter of fact the President of Philippines would be visiting India in March and we hope to reach an agreement then and sign a pact with the Indian government.

Q. How much have you invested in India as part of the tourism initiative?

A. Well, I cannot give you an exact figure, but it is in the region of around two million dollars.

Q. What kind of return do you expect on your investment?

A. India being a huge growth market, we expect the returns to be double our investment. Last year, 18,000 Indian tourists came to Philippines. When we started the tourism initiative in mainland China in 2004, there were just 34,000 tourists who came to our country but in one year it grew to a phenomenal 107,000. We expect a similar jump in terms of numbers in the Indian market. We plan to promote Philippines all year round in 2007 and attract as many tourists in India.

Q. What does Philippines offer to an Indian tourist?

A. Our country has a variety of experiences for the Indian tourist. Unlike Singapore and Malaysia which have only high-end products available, our tourism market has regional products of various kinds at very attractive rates. In fact, we have no problem of branding as far as our country is concerned. We can provide a Latino experience because of the Spanish influence.

Also there is huge marine diversity and two world heritage sites, which people can enjoy. It is competitively priced and provides a rich cultural experience.

Q. Have you tried to rope in Bollywood?

A. Yes, we know the Indian film industry has huge potential and they are always looking for new destinations. We have an eye on Bollywood. They are part of the big groups with which we plan to have a long-term relationship.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Philippines_is_keen_on_Bollywood/articleshow/538926.cms

Maybe they're residents already and not tourists^^

Anyway I would say a sizable amount of tourist influx are sex tourists.
Just like Bangkok the capital of sex tourism . We don't want to take that title we're already runner up as it is.
Somehow I get this feeling when they're not locals.

BTW, they (the women) wear the traditional Sari...something local Indians seem to not wear anymore.

i think it's a smart move to lure indian tourists. it's such a big, varied market.

i think it's a smart move to lure indian tourists. it's such a big, varied market.


Sana unahin muna ang mga European.:ohno:

^^ i think the government's trying to lure more european tourists to the country too. not too long ago, GMA went to spain and she got 2 spanish hotel chains to invest in the country. :)

Sana unahin muna ang mga European.:ohno:

ito na bro.... :okay:

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

Swede diplomat urges tourism ties with RP

By Regina Aguilar
Cebu Daily News
11/25/2006

SWEDEN’s ambassador to the Philippines Annika Markovic is urging the country’s tourism sector to tie up with travel agencies in her country to attract high-spending Swede tourists.

The Swedes, she said, are a potentially huge tourist market for the Philippines.

“We really enjoy traveling and Swedes really make plans in traveling and going abroad,” Markovic yesterday told reporters.

Markovic and other officials of the Swedish Embassy yesterday conducted a forum on “Philippine Sweden Business Opportunity” at the Cebu City Sports Club.

The diplomat noted the huge gap on the number of Swede tourists that the Philippines attract compared to other destinations in Asia.

“Thailand, for instance, had 250,000 Swedes visiting their country every year while the Philippines only had 10,000 to 15,000 annually. So there’s really a big gap,” said Markovic.

“The next step really is for the Philippines to establish direct linkages with travel agencies in Sweden,” she added.

Markovic said that Thailand remains the leading preferred destination of Swedes in Asia.

She, however, said that the Philippines could beat Thailand if proper linkages, promotion and marketing would be adopted by the country’s travel sector.

The Philippines, especially Cebu, has the greatest potential to attract the “adventurous and beach-loving” Swedes, Markovic said.

“Swedes are adventurous tourists. They love the beach and go diving, snorkeling, and rock climbing,” she said, noting that Cebu has a lot of places where these activities could be done.

Swede tourists visiting the country prefer Mactan Island aside from other destinations such as Puerto Galera, Boracay and Bohol, Markovic said.

Aside from establishing direct linkages, she added, the country has to improve on infrastructure development to make tourist destinations more accessible.

“Swede tourists take about 15 to 20 hours air travel from Sweden to the Philippines. It could be better if the government would come up with infrastructure that would make traveling to (far-flung) destinations easier and faster,” said Markovic.

She also urged the Philippines to ensure a sustainable peace with Muslim rebels particularly with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Europe's general perception about the Philippines, in terms of peace and order, is not really good,” said Markovic.

Located in the northern part of Europe, Sweden has a population of about nine million and has one of the world's top 10 highest per capita income.

a lot of the indians will probably stay for good like some mainland Chinese disguised as tourists.

Todo talaga ang marketing campaign ng tourism department ngayon. They have teams assigned to campaign in fairs, etc. plus, we held our first ever Philippine Medical Tourism Congress last November 20-21, to promote medical tourism in the country. We have a lot going for us in this regard, and this industry has already earned the country P10 billion in the first year of the government's program.

^^ i think the government's trying to lure more european tourists to the country too. not too long ago, GMA went to spain and she got 2 spanish hotel chains to invest in the country. :)

Correct! :yes:

The Philippine Star 11/28/2006

President Arroyo urged Spanish businessmen to invest in the country’s tourism resources.

Mrs. Arroyo made the pitch before Spanish investors attending the 2nd Tribuna España-Filipinas Forum at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila yesterday.

"We are elated that Spain is now the biggest European Union donor country to the Philippines. Thank you very much for your support. There is much the Spanish government had done to help alleviate poverty and there is much the Spanish people can do to invest in tourism resources," Mrs. Arroyo said in her speech, citing Spain’s contribution to help alleviate poverty in the Philippines.

The President noted that Spain has become the economic superpower that it is today through its booming tourism industry and the Philippines too can achieve what Spain has accomplished in its tourism industry.

"Spain is so strong in tourism and whenever I try to convince some of our provinces that tourism is their best hope for development, I always point out the experience of Spain," the President said.

"That Spain became the economic superpower that it is today from one of the less prosperous countries a long time ago in Europe (because of tourism), that can happen to many of our islands and peninsulas in the Philippines," she said.

The President said that the groundwork for the country’s tourism program was encapsulated in her State of the Nation Address last July where she enumerated the development of the country’s super regions.

She told the businessmen that Central Philippines – composed of the provinces of Bicol, the Visayas, Palawan, Romblon and the northern islands of Camiguin and Siargao – is the perfect tourist destination "where there will be a lot of tourism investments" because of the many scenic attractions in these areas.

"We identified these areas (super regions) because about 60 percent of all foreign tourists go to these areas and therefore what we need to do is to develop the capacity so that the tourists can become more comfortable and so that more and more of them can go," she said.

"Our super regions program is already in full swing in the run-up to economic takeoff. Infrastructure goes hand-in-hand with law and order to raise the ante on investments to create jobs and push quality social services to alleviate poverty and hunger in the long run," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo also urged Spain to support the electrification of remote areas in the country.

"Spain’s advances in energy technology, particularly in developing non-traditional energy sources can help the Philippine government bring electric power to all the barangays in our country to reach its goal to reduce dependence on fossil oils by 2010."

She also thanked the Spanish government for opening its labor market to the Filipino skilled workers.

She lauded Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s blueprint called Spain in Asia and the Pacific Plan of Action in which the Spanish government is "looking at the East to discover new potentials."

With the special ties of the Philippines and Spain, Mrs. Arroyo said the two countries can forge a stronger partnership.

The government, she said, is working hard to create the enabling environment for investors. She welcomed that the forum includes discussions on investment and tourism.

The Tribuna España-Filipinas was formed by distinguished Filipino and Spanish nationals upon the initiative of Philippine Ambassador to Spain Joseph Bernardo, in coordination with Casa Asia of Spain. It aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Spain and the Philippines in the areas of business, tourism, culture and the arts.

The first Tribune was held in Madrid last year and focused on the themes of "fraternity" as a manifestation of the special ties between the Philippines and Spain and the "commitment" to build a common feature by learning from the past.

The twinning agreement between the City Government of Manila and the Ayuntamiento de Madrid was also signed at the end of the first Tribune.

The second Tribune held in Manila emphasized trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, tourism, culture and history, role of the local government, education, development and diplomatic cooperation.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200611280404.htm

MANILA, Nov 27 Asia Pulse - The government will develop to the fullest the various advantages of Central Philippines to make this super region a world-class tourist destination.

"We must develop its carrying capacity to attract more tourists and to make them feel comfortable," President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Monday during the Tribuna España-Filipinas forum in Manila.

To fully develop the Central Philippines, she said the government will continue implementing vital public infrastructure projects and forge stronger ties with Spain so that communication as well as movement of people and goods within, emanating from and flowing into this super region can be facilitated.

More tourism activities are expected to help generate additional jobs in the super region to help lower poverty incidence there.

Arroyo said Central Philippine areas of Bicol, the Visayas including Romblon Island, Palawan, northern Camiguin and Siargao continue topping the list of Philippine tourist destinations which most people visit.

"We'll prioritize developing these since about 60 percent of our foreign tourists visit such places," she said.

The President believes having Spain as a development partner will augur well for Central Philippines transformation into an eco-tourism destination. She said that country is experienced with such, having progressed into a becoming first-world State mainly through tourism.

"This can also happen in many of our islands," she noted.

Arroyo likewise pointed out Spain can help push the governments development thrust because that country is targeting more investments in the East as indicated in its 2005-2008 Asia-Pacific (AP) Plan of Action.

"We're happy Spain isn't just looking at giants like Japan, China and Korea but also an old friend, the Philippines," she said.

Arroyo is inviting the Spanish business community to invest in tourism ventures in the country.

The government's projects for Central Philippines are part of the P370 billion (US$7.4 bilion) for public infrastructure program President Arroyo announced during her State of the Nation Address this year.

The Presidential Office earlier said the programs implementation is now possible because its fiscal reforms are raising revenues for such purpose.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/061127/3/11l3h.html

spain is a tourist hot spot for europeans because of its climate.. so i dont see why we want the spanish people to go in the pinas when theyve goot good beaches themselves. I think we should be more into the british, or those europeans that are on the north of europe because you can see a lot of people there who goes on holidays to warmer areas during the winter

^^ Spain have planned since 2004 to have a strong trade and mark in Asia and the Philippines is rightfully the place for them since the country was a former overseas province. They have agreed on having more projects and involvement in the country too. Besides, we need a back up of a known tourist country if we are going to be a tourist haven in Southeast Asia. The Spaniards are also known to travel alot.

This is part of their plan to aggressively be part of Philippine society. I posted news before in Spanish I believe that starting 2007 these plans with be implemented such as introducing more Instituto Cervantes in the country and teaching Filipinos in regards about tourism, since they became a European Superpower by tourism alone. I believe they currently have projects in Mindanao with the help of the local governments too.

---

Int’l media agency to feature RP in Spain
By Katrina April Mennen A. Valdez, Researcher

THE World Investment News (WINNE) is putting together a detailed and comprehensive report on the Philippine economy for ABC, a leading newspaper in Spain.

An international multimedia agency, WINNE has so far produced reports on the economy of over 90 countries worldwide. These reports have found their way in the world’s most prestigious magazines and newspapers, including US News & World Report (USA), L’Express and Le Figaro (France), the New York Sun (New York) and ABC (Spain).

The bond between Spain and the Philippines is unique in all of Asia. And that, according to WINNE, will guide it in the preparation of the report.

Following the visit of President Arroyo to Spain in June 2007, the Department of Trade and Industry established an office in Madrid from which it could launch a campaign to attract investors from that country.

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila said the office, which opened last month, will play a big role in the Spanish-Filipino Summit in Manila scheduled at the end of this month.

It is against this backdrop that WINNE representatives, Silvia Lopez, Farah Khan and Ryan Butler, will visit the Philippines and interview the country’s political leaders and decision makers in the next several weeks.

The media group noted that the Philippines has always had a special relationship with Spain. It was under the tutelage of Spain for close to 400 years, and that shows in the language, culture and religion of the people.

On September 27, 1947, the Philippines and Spain established diplomatic relations. In June 2000 the two countries signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/nov/18/yehey/top_stories/20061118top8.html

well.. I hope with this alliance with Spain.. I hope the DOT and LGUs could redevelop old Spanish quarters to look like like they were in the Hispanic periods.... like Intramuros...

I hope Intramuros could be redevelop where in some portions of it would be redesigned to look Hispanic than rugged or modern... and let some portion remain into ruins... and that no new house or office could be built there without having a design that doesn't look Hispanic.... it would be nice to make Intramuros look like the old village in Vigan...

^^ Surely in the future Intramuros de Manila would be beneficial for tourism and cultural purposes if it was fully restored as a prime Castillian-Filipino city. Here is an news that I posted months ago in the International Relations thread and it seems De Venecia plans on doing what you have just said. :)

Arroyo seeks ‘intensified’ ties with Spain

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQ7.net
Last updated 07:52pm (Mla time) 11/27/2006

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has made a pitch for stronger relations between the Philippines and Spain, as she thanked the Spanish government for its assistance to the country.

"We have high hopes [that] the country's bilateral relations will be later intensified," the President said at the 2nd Tribuna España-Filipinas at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila on Monday.

Arroyo also thanked the Spanish government for opening its labor market to Filipino skilled workers and for helping in the development of the country's solar energy program.

She said she was elated that Spain was now the biggest European Union donor in the country.

The event, with the theme "Forging Stronger Filipino-Spanish Relations Through Investments and Tourism," will discuss initiatives and projects to stimulate and energize bilateral exchange between the two countries.

The Spanish delegation is led by Enrique Guerrero, chief of staff of Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, and members of the Spanish Senate and other officials.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=34981



JdV seeks Spanish leaders’ support for debt program

MADRID, Spain - Speaker Jose de Venecia has appealed to Spain’s major political parties - the ruling Socialist Party and the Partido Popular - to support his debt-for-equity program that could involve the conversion of 0 million of Philippine debts to Spain into anti-poverty projects.

De Venecia had a series of meetings in the Spanish capital with Manuel Marin, head of the Congress of Deputies of Spain and leader of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), and with former Spanish Prime Minster Jose Maria Aznar of Partido Popular, and other leaders of the two parties.

De Venecia was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Spain Lani Bernardo and a small contingent that included Reps. Eduardo Zialcita (1st District, Parañaque), Conrado Estrella III (6th District, Pangasinan), Generoso Tulagan (3rd District, Pangasinan), and Arthur Celeste (1st District, Pangasinan), and business leader Dicky Yujuico.

De Venecia informed the Spanish leaders that under his proposed debt-for-equity program, the Spanish government could convert as much as 0 million in Philippine debts to Spain into anti-poverty projects like mass housing, reforestation, education, irrigation, agriculture, irrigation, and tourism.

He said the peso resources from the debt-conversion program could also go into the rebuilding of Intramuros, the first Spanish city in the Far East, into a satellite Castillan City worthy of its historic tradition.

De Venecia said the Spanish government has made the Philippines a "priority country" for development assistance. The information was confirmed to him by Speaker Marin and Casa Asia, a development unit of the Spanish Foreign Ministry that is pursuing an expansion of ties between Spain and the Philippines and other countries in Asia.

Spain has declared 2006 as Spain-Philippines Cultural Year and Casa Asia plans to donate to Manila a statue of Philip II, the Spanish monarch in whose honor the Philippines was named by explorer Ferdinand Magellan almost 500 years ago.

De Venecia also met with leaders of Spanish development agencies on Marin’s suggestion to pursue further discussion on his debt-for-equity program that had earlier been endorsed by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and a number of European and Asian countries.

"We are asking for the conversion of incumbent debt into equity to enable us to provide the local currency funds that will finance our development projects to defeat poverty," De Venecia said.

Under the debt-for-equity program, De Venecia seeks to convert half of the debt stock of some 100 poor and heavily indebted nations amounting to .3 trillion into local resources that would fund national anti-poverty programs.

De Venecia stressed what he said in earlier speeches at the UN and the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that heavily indebted nations "could address the problems of poverty if we have the money with which to finance anti-poverty projects."

Meanhile, De Venecia also received messages from Spain and the 24 other European Union members praising President Arroyo’s "courageous decision" to suspend the death penalty for more than 1,000 death convicts awaiting execution in Philippine jails.

He expressed gratitude to the Spanish government for water and social development projects in Vigan and Zamboanga City, and similar programs in the Bicol and Cordillera regions.

De Venecia visited the Spanish capital on his way to Barcelona, where he was invited to address the regional parliament.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/04/26/MTNN2006042662358.html

^^If they DO gather resources from that proposed debt-conversion program, I hope they would REALLY rebuild Intramuros and NOT rebuild their wallets!

Joseph Durano is the youngest cabinet member in the Arroyo administration. A three-term representative of the Philippine Congress, he was responsible for introducing a string of Bills in the Congress and was appointed Secretary of Tourism (ministerial position) by the Philippines President in 2004. Durano has vowed to realise a 10-point economic agenda by luring five million tourists to Philippines by 2010. In a chat with TimesofIndia.com , the tourism minister spells out his plans on India.

Q. Why the sudden interest in India?

A. India is one of the dynamic outbound markets for us. It has the potential to double its growth potential annually. We have over 7,000 islands in Philippines, which offer a variety of cultural, natural and rural destinations, which everyone here can enjoy. Our country has Spanish, American and Japanese influences which can be enjoyed by everyone.

Q. How has the Indian government reacted to your initiative?

A. The response has been positive. I'll be meeting the Indian Tourism Minister shortly. Tourism as you know can be developed as a thrust area to build a close partnership, so we are using it as an engine of growth.

Q. Will your government have a seat-sharing agreement with Indian airlines in order to boost outbound tourists to Philippines?

A. Yes, as a matter of fact the President of Philippines would be visiting India in March and we hope to reach an agreement then and sign a pact with the Indian government.

Q. How much have you invested in India as part of the tourism initiative?

A. Well, I cannot give you an exact figure, but it is in the region of around two million dollars.

Q. What kind of return do you expect on your investment?

A. India being a huge growth market, we expect the returns to be double our investment. Last year, 18,000 Indian tourists came to Philippines. When we started the tourism initiative in mainland China in 2004, there were just 34,000 tourists who came to our country but in one year it grew to a phenomenal 107,000. We expect a similar jump in terms of numbers in the Indian market. We plan to promote Philippines all year round in 2007 and attract as many tourists in India.

Q. What does Philippines offer to an Indian tourist?

A. Our country has a variety of experiences for the Indian tourist. Unlike Singapore and Malaysia which have only high-end products available, our tourism market has regional products of various kinds at very attractive rates. In fact, we have no problem of branding as far as our country is concerned. We can provide a Latino experience because of the Spanish influence.

Also there is huge marine diversity and two world heritage sites, which people can enjoy. It is competitively priced and provides a rich cultural experience.

Q. Have you tried to rope in Bollywood?

A. Yes, we know the Indian film industry has huge potential and they are always looking for new destinations. We have an eye on Bollywood. They are part of the big groups with which we plan to have a long-term relationship.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Philippines_is_keen_on_Bollywood/articleshow/538926.cms


To me the East Indians or Bumbay were just like the Pinoy Tourist - out for jobs or a place to nest. he he he

Beautiful, Exciting Sites & Trips



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oh... did you get a PTA tour?.... I also have that manual which was given to me by PTA when we acquired the Balicasag package that they have for Bohol...

again, we'll be taking another package tour of theirs for Banawe this December...

oh... did you get a PTA tour?.... I also have that manual which was given to me by PTA when we acquired the Balicasag package that they have for Bohol...

again, we'll be taking another package tour of theirs for Banawe this December...

I got so many tourism brochure from the North Philippines International Tourism Fair recently held at SM Clark. I am just choosing the brochures without so many Ads and not break the SSC rules of no Ads from forumers. And I scanned it and intend to post in SSC threads, just a hobby as I wish to help our country in my modest way.... by encouraging Pinoy expats and foreign tourist to visit our country.

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By Irene R. Sino-Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 03:39am (Mla time) 12/02/2006


CEBU CITY -- A consortium of local and foreign companies has expressed interest in putting up a P1.2-billion Spanish-inspired commercial and tourist facility in the central Philippines province of Cebu.

The project called Ciudad will be put up by Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp. on an idle 2.8-hectare government property near upscale subdivisions in Banilad, Cebu.

The complex, envisioned to give a glimpse of the old and modern Cebu, is expected to cost P800 million to P1.2 billion, not including the hotel, said Jose Danilo Silvestre, principal architect of the project designer, DA Silvestre Associates.

He identified the consortium’s members as Singapore-based WLG Pte. Ltd., a gaming company; China Team, construction firm; Ipay Ltd., which is into financial services; and the Dino family, which owns Philippine Beijing Corp., an importer and assembler of motorcycles.

Silvestre said the project was on a build-transfer-operate scheme -- the consortium will operate Ciudad on behalf of the province for the duration of the contract, after which the project will be turned over to the provincial government.

Under the contract, Fifth Avenue Property will pay rent of P35 a square meter to the provincial government starting this month. When Ciudad is in operation, the province will get one percent of gross sales.

Ciudad will feature multilevel interconnected buildings that will house restaurants, a museum, an amusement center and a variety of shops.

Fifth Avenue Property is looking for an investor-operator for the hotel.

Company spokesman Jose Allado Jr. said negotiations were underway with one local and three foreign investors.

“We want to get the hotel up and running in 2008,” he said.

Except for the hotel, Ciudad is projected to be operational by November 2007, Silvestre said. With INQ7.net

http://business.inq7.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=35989

Tourist arrivals up 8.2% in October

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines grew 8.2 percent year-on-year in October 2006 on the back of a double-digit increase in the number of tourists from Korea and China.

The Department of Tourism said arrivals reached 223,818 in the month of October, up from 206,792 a year ago.

This brought the cumulative arrival figure to 2.31 million in the first 10 months of the year, up 9.2 percent from 2.114 million a year ago.

The Department of Tourism hopes that the holding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ 12th Leaders’ Summit in Cebu this month will help boost arrivals in the remainder of the year.

But Tourism Team Korea head ******* Ebron said because most accommodation facilities in Cebu were fully reserved for the summit, Korean travel agencies had to cancel several bookings for Korean tourists, especially honeymooners.

Korean honeymooners are considered the fastest growing market for Philippine tourism. Data show that visitor arrivals from Korea went up by 15.8 percent to 452,839 in the 10-month period this year from only 391,137 a year ago.

Ebron said the department aimed to draw 600,000 Korean tourists to the Philippines in 2006, which would make Korea the largest source of visitors during the year.

So far, the United States remained as the no. 1 market for Philippine tourism, with 467,066 arrivals in the 10-month period representing an 8 percent increase from a year ago. But this number included Filipino-Americans.

Japan was the third largest market, sending 357,743 tourists to the Philippines in the first 10 months, up by 3.4 percent.

Arrivals from China posted the highest increase of 31.9 percent to 110,525 in the January to October period.

Other top sources of international visitors were Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The government hopes to attract three million foreign tourists in 2006 and five million by 2010.

To achieve these targets, local tourism bureaus are prodding the government to liberalize the air transport sector, which will pave the way for the entry of cheap foreign budget airlines.

Proponents said this would bring the Philippines closer to its Southeast Asian neighbors and facilitate the entry of more travelers.

Data show that in 2004, the Philippines attracted only 150,000 visitors from other member-countries of the Asean. In comparison, Malaysia drew 12 million visitors from other Asean countries during the same year; Singapore, three million; Thailand, 2.9 million; and Indonesia, 2.4 million.

Well, like Durano has said, its not mainly the marketing but the capacity. If 10million tourists wants to visit the Philippines and only 3 million is the current hotel capacity, then we can only attract 3 million tourists. Simple as that...

Awesome news! I think you can count me as one of the "tourists" next year, hopefully!

Gardens of Malasag - Eco-Tourism Village
Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City

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Balicasag Island Dive Resort

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Cordillera Administrative Region


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pakibisitadoonposamin

Vol. XX, No. 97
Friday-Saturday, December 8-9, 2006 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Travel

BY JANE L. SARDONA, Correspondent
Davao Oriental: A natural wonder

Mati, Davao Oriental — Behind this province’s seemingly sleepy and laidback atmosphere is a splendor of natural wonders beyond what one can possibly imagine.
It may not be as dazzling as the "modern" cities in the country, but Davao Oriental has its charms: pristine beaches, lakes, islands, and waterfalls.

After almost a four-hour bus ride from Davao City, I found myself again making my dream of returning to Davao Oriental a reality.

It was not too long ago since my last visit to this place of wonders, but mementos and memories of my previous trip ardently fueled my longing to come back.

Arriving at sunset, I was welcomed by the same breathtaking images that fascinated me in the past: the majestic panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Celebes Sea, scenic cliffs and islands, winding roads and rice fields embossed with the sun’s tangerine rays, and pretty white sand beaches lined with coconut trees.

Davao Oriental, with a total land area of 516,466 hectares, is considered the slowest in terms of progress in Mindanao. Among the six provinces in the region, it is the only one still without a city.

But Mati, its capital, is a first-class town gradually bursting into life with restaurants, bars, and shops established in the past two years.

Although not as dazzling and flamboyant as the other cities at night, Mati and other towns in this province are endowed with pristine beaches, lakes, islands, and waterfalls.

"The spirit of this place is the gift of nature — chirping of crickets in the bushes, the squawk of birds , and the crashing of the waves against the rocks by the shore," a friend, whom I got acquainted with during my previous visit, told me as we headed to Cinco Masao Beach Resort in barangay Masao.

From downtown Mati to barangay Masao, one can take a P100 ride in a modified motorcycle locally known as habal-habal.

Going to the resort means a 20-minute ride through winding and dusty roads.

At 6 o’clock p.m., when the sun had set, giving way to the rush of stars at night, we arrived at Cinco Masao.

I was told Cinco Masao is the preferred beach resort in town. Aside from its beautiful landscape and good accommodation, the resort also has powdery cream sand.

The three-hectare resort has over 20 huts, 20 cottages on stilts, three floating cottages, two function halls, eight airconditioned rooms, and eight attic rooms. Rent ranges from P300 to P1,500 per night depending on the accommodations.

Compared with this town’s other beach resorts that charge an entrance fee of at least P15 per head, one can get into this beach resort for free.

The resort also offers a ride to the nearby three-hectare Waniban Island, one of the town’s favorites.

This island, surrounded by white sand beaches, is also home to a number of local tribes who make a living through hunting and fishing. The resort charges P800 for a round-trip pump-boat ride with a capacity of 30 people.

Early the next morning, my companions and I headed to Pujada, one of Mati’s tourist spots now promoted by the Department of Tourism.

The 30-minute pump-boat ride to the island was a great experience although we were not lucky enough to spot a school of dolphins and dugongs reported to frequent the area.

The scenic view of the blue waters and clear sky and the sight of the nearing island were breathtaking.

Right next to Pujada is a sandbar called Oak Island. Further east was the municipality of Caraga, I was told as we stepped back into the motorized boat that would take us back to Mati.

The trip was over but I knew even a month-long tour around Davao Oriental will still be insufficient to visit all the natural wonders it offers.

What an effort Embesser... You scan all of those? :applause:

Nice job..

What an effort Embesser... You scan all of those? :applause:

Nice job..

just my little share for nation-building or maybe I just want to be
always occupied...

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BoI seeks incentives for medical tourism
By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos
Manila Standard
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_dec18_2006

The Board of Investments is considering the possibility of including sunrise industries such as retirement and medical tourism in the 2007 Investment Priorities Plan.

Board Gov. Francis Ferrer said government was crafting the 2007 listing of sectors that the government prioritized through the grant of fiscal and non-fiscal perks.

He said the agency planned to formulate incentives such as income tax holiday, duty free importation and other perks to further encourage more investments into the two sectors.

“We are supporting wellness centers. We are formulating incentives such as ITH, duty free importation, etc. We also want to tailor-fit incentives to the retirement industry,” said Ferrer.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has earlier declared the development of the local retirement industry as a flagship project of her administration.

Ferrer said several companies were seriously looking at venturing into the development of retirement villages. Among the areas being considered are Laguna, Tagaytay and Leyte where land prices are still relatively low.

Ferrer said at least six groups have sent feelers to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for possible investments in new retirement villages in exchange for government perks.

The board is also looking at granting incentives to centers of excellence.

“These are activities that will improve the skills and knowledge of Filipinos,” said Ferrer.

He cited centers that offer specialized training courses as well as English and other languages classes.

The board is drafting the 2007 IPP, a rolling annual list of sectors prioritized by government with the grant of incentives. The plan includes the sectors as well as the incentives that granted to investors. The listing is prepared and reviewed annually by the board in consultation with other government agencies as well as the public.

YEARENDER: Breakthrough in Philippine Tourism
Wednesday, December 27 2006

For the year 2006, the Department of Tourism (DOT) had integrated insights on how to win in core markets and how to maintain interest and awareness in investment markets.

DOT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said, “We are now in the process of realigning the organization’s set-up redeploying resources across the globe, and building the organizational capabilities necessary.”

”We continue to lay the foundation of a healthy development of the tourism sector over the long-term, to foster greater collaborative coordination between the public and private sector and ensure that tourism contributes disproportionately to the Philippine economic development.”

In 2006, the DOT laid new groundwork to expand its focus. It is now investing across a broader portfolio of markets in a measured, disciplined and systematic way to yield growth today and tomorrow, through the following:

*Accelerate demand in existing core markets (China, Japan, Korea, Filipino-Americans) by developing the lion’s share of resources and people;

*Increase investment and focus on strategic markets (Australia, Russia, Germany, US/Canada);

*Reinvigorate investment markets (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore) by focusing efforts on addressing key barriers to growth and improving our effectiveness with the trade; and

*Monitor other markets on an annual basis for low-hanging fruit (Scuba diving market of UK, Italy, Spain and France).

”Through improved use of online assets, we can drive awareness, preference and closure among international travelers, provide differentiated services to travelers and the trade, and meet requirements for the media,” Durano said.

Driving Growth in Arrivals

Based on unique insight on the markets, the DOT would spend on marketing and trade activities most likely to convince travelers to visit the Philippines. For example, the DOT has prioritized China because of its untapped potential, robust growth in travelers, and the proximity to the Philippines.

China has now become the Philippines’ fourth largest market, up from the 11th in 2004.

Through 2006, the DOT continued to see strong growth in the number of arrivals from China, which is double the overall rate for other countries. To further engage and excite the trade and consumers in China, a combination of both offline support and online programs will be implemented.

The DOT will continue to work on evaluating and addressing unmet needs, such as improving Chinese language capabilities, increasing direct air access to key tourist locations, and enhancing the overall quality of tourism infrastructure to support continued growth in the China market.

Another major initiative centers on Japan, which is the third most important tourist market after the United States. The DOT is now focusing its attention and offering to activate these segments and its Japan team on investing in appropriate trade channels.

As a result, the H.I.S., a travel wholesaler in Japan, reported that January to May 2006 sales of Philippine package increased by 117 percent compared to the same period in 2005.

Over the last four years, the USA remained as the major tourists source-market for the Philippines, with 467,066 (January to October 2006) followed by Korea, 452,839: Japan, 357,743; China, 110,525; Taiwan, 98,180; Hong Kong, 79,557; Australia, 77,015; Singapore, 69,948; Canada, 60,271; and United Kingdom, 54,127.

Visitor Arrivals to the Philippines

Visitor arrivals to the Philippines grew at an average of 4.9 percent per annum during the last 10 years. After experiencing turbulent times from 1998-2003, the tourism industry was able to show substantial growth in 2004 as arrivals grew by 20 percent.

During the period 2004-2005, tourist inflow grew at an average of 17 percent per annum way above the growth projected by the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO) for the Asia Pacific region by seven percent.

With the continuing growth in intra-regional travel and projected increase in outbound travel from long-haul markets to the Asia Pacific, visitor arrivals to the Philippines is projected to grow at an average of 14 percent per annum to reach five million in 2010.

The breakdown is as follows: 2007, 3,206,731 with a growth rate of 12 percent; 2008 -- 3,655,673 with a growth rate of 14 percent; 2009 -- 4,240,580 with a growth rate of 16 percent; and 2010 -- 5,003,884 with a growth rate of 18 percent.

Occupancy Rates in Metro Manila and selected Regional Destinations

Average occupancy rate of classified hotels in Metro Manila continued to grow during the period 2001 to 2006. De Luxe and First Class hotels hit as high as 70 percent occupancy while the standard and economy accommodation facilities reached more than 60 percent.

On the other hand, occupancy rates of hotels in selected regional tourists destination grew from 2001 to 2005.

Region VII, most especially Cebu consistently experienced high percent occupancy rate. The total for 2006 are as follows: De Luxe, 69.99 percent; First Class, 70.04 percent; Standard, 69.63 percent; and economy, 62.61 percent.

International Flights to the Philippines

At present, there are 556 weekly flights to the Philippines with 142,354 available seats.

Hong Kong accounts for the biggest bulk at 17 percent, followed by Singapore at 17 percent for 97 and 75 weekly flights, respectively. Flights to Korea and Japan have a share of 10 percent while Taiwan and the USA accounted for seven percent.

Long haul traffic to Europe from Amsterdam and Frankfurt provide a combined share of three percent to the total weekly seat capacity.

As of October 2006, major airlines servicing the Korean, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore have experienced load factor of more than 70 percent, Korean Air and Asiana have full flights reaching as high as 89 and 88 percent load factor.

China Airlines and China Southern, on the other hand, which have flights from Beijing, Xiamen, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Manila and Laoag are also full with load factor of 81 and 70 percent, respectively.

Accommodation Capacity

The robust growth in occupancy levels in the last five years have encouraged more investments in the accommodation sector. In addition, expansion and rehabilitation of existing hotels are underway to provide more sophisticated environment and amenities suitable to the demand of diversifying tourist markets.

The DOT has endorsed a total of 44 accommodation projects amounting to P25.7 billion during the last four years. The bulk or 59 percent were hotel projects amounting to P18.6 billion. The operations of these projects will increase total room supply by 5,780 rooms.

In October 2006, hotels/resorts in selected destinations were expanded. In Boracay alone, there are 4,077 existing facilities with the expansion of 344 and the construction of 1,002 more bringing the total to 5,423.

In Cebu City, existing ones totaled 5,859, with the expansion of 32 and the construction of 435 more for a total of 6,327 facilities; In Mactan (Cebu City) existing ones totaled 2,536; expansion, 38; under construction, 758 for a total of 3,332; and Palawan, 2,394 existing; 249, expansion and 161 under construction bringing the total to 2,804.

Building Sustainable demand for the Future

The DOT will continue the momentum of the past two years by building sustainable demand, by strengthening the tourism cluster, and by building organizational and leadership capabilities.

Performance across a broader portfolio of markets will be ensured -– reaping growth today, but also investing for future growth. Continued effort will be pursued to deepen credibility with the domestic and international trade as well as the broader business community by communicating a clear tourism vision for the Philippines and by strengthening the Philippines brand with the targeted travelers.

The DOT will continue to address supply constraints around accommodation and aviation capacity through specific investment projects -– new resorts, internationalization of airports, new air routes and frequencies, improving tourism experience -– to pave the way for continued growth.

The department will remain focused on performance, achieving the highest return with its available resources.

@embesber - Zambales rocks! One of the coolest places in the Philippines. I haven't done much exploring there yet (mostly in Casa Miguel). My favorite about Zambales is that the beaches are pristine (kahit hindi sila white sand) and often private (except for the ones in Subic or Olongapo, or the ones advertised). My next goal is to climb Mt. Tapulao, or visit the lighthouse in Capones. :)