Double Sticky Awards for TPB

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) received two Sticky Awards from Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia Media at the recently concluded Incentives Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific 2015 held in Bangkok, Thailand. 

TPB won the Stickiest National Pavilion Bronze Award for its impressive pavilion during the three-day event and the Stickiest Function Award for hosting the grandest dinner for the delegates. 

The Sticky Awards recognizes the most exciting, creative, innovative, and effective products, promotions and personalities at the IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific. The winners were chosen by the delegates using the official voting forms.

The IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is the world’s only double-bill event in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) and corporate travel. IT&CMA aims to foster MICE growth opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and beyond while CTW Asia-Pacific is dedicated to cultivating Travel & Entertainment (T&E) best practices among Asia-Pacific’s corporate travel professionals. IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is held in Bangkok, Thailand every year to provide delegates an unparalleled platform to network, do business and discuss travel and tourism issues.

To learn more exciting and award-winning events happening this year, check out www.visitph2015.com. 

Visit the Philippines Year 2015 gets stamp approval from PHLPost

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“Stamps are a symbol of connection between family and friends, sharing their experiences as they make their way towards different paths. With the beautiful places they visit, new faces they meet, colorful festivals and events they experience, these stamps bind people together with archives of stories that make visiting the Philippines more fun,” said TBP COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

The postcard-worthy events under Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)’s year-long campaign “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015” get a stamp of approval, literally, with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)’s VPY 2015 commemorative stamps.

PHLPost has rolled out the stamps to help highlight the campaign aimed at encouraging local and foreign tourists to participate in various activities and events in the country. It will circulate about 39,000 copies of these VPY 2015 stamps, featuring the campaign logo designed by BBDO Guerrero Philippines.

The stamps and souvenir sheet are now available at all PHLPost post shops in the country. The stamp, measuring 25 mm x 50 mm, is sold at P10 each.

Vigan officially inaugurated as a New7Wonders City

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The Historic Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated as The New7Wonders City recently held within the precincts of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

Vigan, established in the 16th century, represents a fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, creating a city that is without equal in Asia.

The Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay was the guest speaker at the inauguration. Binay said that the event should serve as an inspiration for how heritage preservation can be best harmonized with urban development.

“In our quest to become strong competitors in the ASEAN and global economies, we cannot be too quick to tear down the old to build the new without serious deliberation and debate,” he said.

“As Vigan has proven, prosperity is not always measured by a city’s skyline. And it is not just malls that can bring in tourists and trade,” Binay add.

Binay urged the people of Vigan to remain committed to promoting their culture and share their best practices to other regions. 

“Billions of dollars have been spent in cultural preservation and restoration. These costs would not have been incurred if peoples — past and present — had been mindful of their actions, if they had had more respect for their own and other peoples’ cultural legacies and for our own earth,” he said.

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders (left), with Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (right), holding the specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque for Vigan at the Official New7Wonders Cities Inauguration

Vigan is the first of the New7Wonders Cities been officially inaugurated, the same moment during the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque, which was cast in the Kunstgießerei München, a famous foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany.

One of the 7 that represent the global diversity of urban society, Vigan, is joined in the “canon of 7″ byBeirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and La Paz(Bolivia).

Visit the Philippines Year 2015 puts local talents on the world stage

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Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) together with MTV brings Pinoy talents to a global audience with the MTV Music Evolution, raising the country’s international profile with its Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign.

Abra, TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III, MTV Pinoy VJ Yassi and Chi Chi Monster 

Set on May 17 at the Quirino Grandstand, the MTV Music Evolution is a major concert that brings life to the evolution of hip-hop through the years. The event will feature both local and international acts headlined by Grammy-winning group Naughty by Nature and Philippines’ Gloc-9 and Abra. Co-presented by TPB, the event will be taped as live for global broadcast under the MTV World Stage global series.

The global event is expected to attract potential tourists from around the world to celebrate with Filipinos their shared love for urban music. More acts will be included in the roster of hip hop artists in the concert to be hosted by MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer.

“We are happy to team up with MTV Music Evolution for it presents a unique opportunity to spotlight Filipino talents, as well as our love for music and the arts,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III. “With this partnership, we are hoping to spread the spirit of “More Fun in the Philippines” to more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries.”

VPY2015 continues to unveil more exciting events in the country. 

To help share with the world the unique experiences and adventures the Philippines has to offer, visit http://www.visitph2015.com / www.visitph2015.com .

#Palaro2015 : Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea in Panabo City

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This is my first time traveling in Panabo City, and finding an amazing Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

For 2015 Palarong Pambansa, many first time to be featured and to be experience by student athletes. One of these is the first ever floating swimming pool by the sea here in Purok Banban, Cagangohan, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

A brief meeting with Davao del Norte official, and swimming coach Mustari Raji, who conceptionalized a different swimming pool, floating as they call it, even in the sea. He shared to us that he wanted that all the children of the Davao del Norte to be trained in an olympic size swimming pool for free. He said that not all students can afford for a club membership, swimming pool and even coaches fee.

"My advocacy is to make an Olympic-Size swimming pool accessible to all DavNor children, to be trained and to be part of the Palaro." 

"It's now became a reality, with the help of the funding of the Davao del Norte Provincial, with Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, " Coach Mustari said.

The floating pool is made of PVC drum, anahaw and bamboo wood. We were excitingly go near the floating swimming pool, and of course with the children of Davnor.

The swimming pool at the sea is a 10 lane olympic-size swimming pool with a dimension of 50 meters in length and 25 meters in width.

The total cost of the project was at only 400 thousand pesos, as compaired to a real olympic-size swimming pool in a club that would cost around 3 million pesos.

 

Gladly to see how the children enjoy their experience as they are being trained in the floating olympic-sized swimming pool.

Here's #DavNorPalaro2015 new swimming champions at the Panabo's Floating Olympic Swimming Pool at the Sea! 

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

Agoda.com announces instant room upgrades in eight of the Philippine’s top vacation spots - #VPY2015

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Agoda.com, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), is offering instant room upgrades in eight of the Philippines’ favorite destinations – Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Davao, Batangas, Angeles City and Tagaytay.

Scoring free upgrades on airlines or hotels or car rentals is a constant daydream for travelers, although one that happens far too infrequently. However, from 8 – 22 April, every booking made through www.agoda.com/morefunph will enjoy just that – a free upgradewithout the need to beg the front desk for a favor or say a silent prayer during check in. The stay dates for this promotion are from 8 April – 30 November, 2015.

With a free upgrade out of the way, travelers can spend more time focusing on the important stuff – exploring thevibrant night life in Manila, preparing for island hopping adventures onthe pristine beaches in Boracay, or gearing up to experience the colorful marine life on dives in Cebu. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to spotting wildlife at parks in Davao, or trekking around the iconic Taal Volcano in Tagaytay. 

Don’t delay – the booking period is only from 8 – 22 April. To browse the hotels in each of the eight destinations, head to www.agoda.com/morefunph. 

To connect with Agoda.com and learn about special deals and promotions on hotels worldwide, like us on Facebook or follow us on Google+, Instagram, or Pinterest.

About Agoda Company Pte Ltd:

Agoda Company Pte Ltd (Agoda.com) is a leading Asia-based, online accommodation reservations company, which specializes in securing the lowest discount accommodation prices. Agoda.com is part of The Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda.com's network includes more than 600,000 hotels and other accommodation properties worldwide. The multinational staff of more than 1,700 professionals, located throughout the world, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best accommodation deals to both business and leisure travelers.

A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda.com's aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.AGODA® is a registered trademark of AGIP LLC, used under license by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd.

#VPY2015: Philippines wins at Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin

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It's More Fun in the Philippines! 

The Philippines is enjoying back-to-back victories overseas as the country’s Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) was recently awarded the ninth Best Exhibitor in the Asia/Australia/Oceania category at the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) in Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.

Over 30 bachelor and master’s students at the Cologne Business School studying for a degree in tourism evaluated all 11,000 exhibition booths at the world’s biggest trade show for tourism before awarding the best in 11 individual categories and 2 special categories.

“This is a reason for celebration for the Filipinos who are all working hand-in-hand in spreading the spirit of ‘More Fun in the Philippines.’ Truly, the promise of ‘Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 is catching the eyes of the discerning tourists,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

Other winners in the Asia/Australia/Oceania category were: Korea (1), India (2), Maldives (3), Sri Lanka (4), Indonesia (5), Mongolia (6), Thailand (7), Kazakhstan (8), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (10).

The ensuing awards ceremony was a cultural celebration: dance groups, artists, comedians and many impromptu performances rounded off the evening, demonstrating once again just how impressive and important the Best Exhibitor Awards are to the industry. 

ITB Berlin is one of the many international tourism and travel fairs that TPB participates in to attract foreign tourists and tourism professionals to visit the Philippines, placing the country as a top destination of choice all over the world. For a complete list of events under VPY 2015, check out www.visitph2015.com.

Magaul Bird Park’s Wings of the World

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Enjoying the wonderful world of the birds! This one of a kind immersive experience can only be seen in the Philippines.

Wings of the World bring-in the half-a-thousand birds on stage coming from all the directions of the Alula Amphitheater, Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp,  Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This is a breathtaking adventure wth different kind of beautiful birds.

The bird show present an ensemble of our bird buddies in order to promote the protection of our environment. This 25-30 minute spectacular took the audiences in an immersive experience before unlike anything we’ve ever encountered.

Wings of the World, produced by an all-Filipino team, unveil its majestic charm last March 28 at the same outdoor theatre as Winged Wonders (The 100 Birds Show).

Exciting moments as we were waiting for the birds show, I went around the Jest Camp, and saw beautiful birds on their activities.

Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp is the leading bird park in the Philippines. The park is privately owned by the Lacap family. The 2 hectare theme park is home to an exciting array of attractions - being named as Subic’s Ultimate Sky adventure.

Enjoy and watch a hundred pigeons encircle your seats. Feel a hundred Guinea Fowls graze upon your heads as they descend towards the stage. Marvel as our Rufous Hornbills, and our majestic Macaws fly over you. Look up in awe as the giant wings of our White Bellied Sea Eagle cast a shadow over you. Gaze upon the colourful spectacles of our Sun Conures and so much more!

Magaul Bird Park located at JEST Camp Subic, and will be shown during Weekends and Public Holidays at 11am, 1:30pm and 4pm starting March 28.

During weekdays, The Winged Wonders 100 Birds Show will be shown at 11am and 1:30Pm. 

For more information, please visit www.magaulbirdpark.com or call their Subic Office at 0472521489 or text 09177964668 or the Manila booking office at 02 2189023 or text 0922 3844227 / 09175310992  or email at MAGAULBIRDPARK@JESTCAMP.COM

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

EGGciting Easter Escapades for the Family at Sky Ranch Tagaytay!

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Who wants to experience a more exciting Easter, with the cold breeze, ejoying fun rides and seeing the picturesque Taal Lake and a feast of culinary indulgence?  Imagine Tagaytay. 

Parents, their kids, and other adventurous souls can now rush to the Sky Ranch in Tagaytay for exciting, fun rides and more prizes on an Easter celebration beginning March 29 up to April 5.

The SM-owned Sky Ranch has gained attention and popularity as the go-to-place for fun rides, mesmerizing families who want something more exciting from the daily grind, and yet something that can likewise shelter them from the usual hustle and bustle of city life. 

The Sky Ranch has provided all that with its 19 heart-pounding rides. Those who would like a touch of nature can do a bit of horseback riding while viewing the panoramic vista of Taal Volcano. A weekend escapade can be wrapped up by a stay at the nearby Taal Vista Hotel on Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay. 

Sky Ranch’s current “Eggciting Escapade Promo” will dazzle Easter celebrators with a live show featuring the funny Mr. Eggbert on April 5. A purchase of ticket rides worth P500 from March 29 up to April 5 will get one free ride-all-you-can event pass and one free loot bag. An eye-catching unique costume that makes you stand out from the rest will also bring a special prize.

Mr. Eggbert will start and end the Easter Event as its emcee. The musical dance numbers are guaranteed to invite participation from the audience. Then there are the games which will keep everyone happily on their toes, challenging them to find common patterns in “The Egg Match”; bring out their creativity in the “Eggciting Art Attack;” and see how good they are in a make-believe kitchen in “The Kettle Kornn Poppin’ Fun Game.” 

The SM-owned Sky Ranch in Tagaytay is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM during the weekends, and 10 AM to 10 PM during weekdays. From Manila, Sky Ranch is accessible through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exit to Santa Rosa, Laguna, and from there, travelers can feast their eyes on the panoramic views while on a road trip along the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Rd. going up the hills and landscapes to Tagaytay.

Enjoy Easter and have fun at Sky Ranch beside the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City as a place where one could escape from the grim urban environment.

Sky Ranch Tagaytay is a 5.5-hectare development by SM Prime under Commercial Properties Group and Family Entertainment Center, a wholly owned subsidiary of SM Prime in charge of the creation and installation of rides in Sky Ranch and in By The Bay park adjacent to the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

For more info, you can visit its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SkyRanchTagaytay), or reach them through phone (8570100 loc 1450) or email at info.skyranch@yahoo.com.

SM Prime is the property holding firm of the SM Group of Companies, which has major business interests in banking and retail sectors apart from property segment. SM Prime has developed key establishments in the residential, office, hotels and other leisure-oriented projects.

  

#VPY2015 : NAITAS Travel & Trade Show this May 29-31

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The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Inc. (NAITAS), an association with more than 500 members and 13 chapters nation-wide is organizing the first “NAITAS Travel & Trade Show”, the country’s newest and liveliest travel, tourism, technology and trade fair promoting outbound and inbound destinations, products and services.

The biggest and the largest travel association with seventeen chapters nationwide is putting up Travel and Trade Show on May 29, 30 and 31, 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Hall 2. Pasay City.

Get the best deals for your hotel accommodation and travel packages from international and local suppliers.

The NAITAS Travel & Trade Show 2015 will showcase best deals on travel package, and airline rates. Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) opportunities, photography seminars and contests, and many exciting activities.

Part of the proceeds of the event will go to the improvement and promotion of “KALESA” plying around historic Manila as another world-class tourist attraction.

In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) the show comes towards a more vibrant tourism & business outlook for the country. 

Interested parties for sponsorship and partnership for this event, you may e-mail naitas.tts@gmail.com.

NAITAS gives you best deals and great opportunities. It's more fun in the Philippines. Visit the Philippnes Year 2015! 

#VPY2015 - Weekend at Puerto Galera

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PUERTO Galera is the northwesternmost municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Manila.

PUERTO GALERA

The biggest excitement in joining the Malasimbo Music Festival is discovering the place – Puerto Galera, the northwestern most municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.

From Manila, we arrived the Batangas Port, to board the outrigger boat. As we were on the ocean, gladly I noticed many people in the boat, are also exciting to join the Malasimbo party.

We arrived at the Muelle Port, Puerto Galera and we were assist by the jeepney driver as we proceed to the Marco Vincent Dive Resort.

Nice place, friendly people, Marco Vincent Hotel is located near the White Beach, the clean, quiet side of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

There are many fun-filled activities to spend your time while in Puerto Galera. 

We visit the Talipanan Mangyan Village. 

The Talipanan Mangyan Settlement is one among the few Mangayan villages that are welcoming to tourists. The settlement comprises about 70 nipa houses, and growing, with the help and support of the Ayala Foundation, Inc.

Upon entering the community village, travelers would be greeted by a bamboo-designed Mangyan gift shop. Products are from the livelihood program with the Mangyans themselves. 

Tamaraw Falls

Island Hopping  - snorkel with friends at the Coral Garden

Lunch at the Elizabeth’s Hideaway

Hiking up Mt. Malasimbo and joined the party.

White Beach

Puerto Galera is listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed there.

Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach, which have an active nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Both beaches also have an array of first-class and economy-class accommodations.

Sabang beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers. Big La Laguna Beach and Small La Laguna Beach are considered part of Sabang with resorts lining the beaches. Big La Laguna Beach is popular for local swimmers and snorkelers. Since 2001 White beach has seen uncontrolled development. New restaurants and places to stay are rapidly encroaching on the beach itself and little remains of the once charming beach. Puerto Galera town is a pleasant but sleepy Philippine town with few attractions. It has a large central catholic church and a Pier area, with a selection of bistros and cafes.

Behind the beaches are the huge and generally unexplored mountain ranges of central Mindoro. A particular local attraction is the nine hole golf course perched on the hillside above White Beach which commands spectacular views over Puerto Galera’s natural harbor and the Verde Island Passage.

Mangyan tribes are scattered over the mountain sides - some of the more remote tribes have virtually no contact with the outside world. Of the eight tribes on Mindoro, the Iraya are the largest. They are based in the Puerto Galera area.

Puerto Galera is among the top diving destination in the Philippines. Excellent diving is found less than 5 minutes from Sabang Beach. The diving generally focuses around the areas either side of Escarceo Point, which is famous for its current rips. Strong currents are a feature of the diving in Puerto Galera and it is good advice to employ the services of an experienced local guide or dive centre. There are more than thirty dive sites all within a 5-10 minute banca ride from Sabang Beach. Marine life is highly diverse. 180+ species of nudi branches are found in the area and many species of fish can be seen. A variety of wrecks have been sunk over the years in addition to the one wreck of an engine of a WWII Japanese patrol boat.

The National Statistical Coordination Board of the Philippines characterizes the municipality of Puerto Galera as first Class based on household income. The population was 32,521 at the time of the 2010 Census of Population conducted by the National Statistics Office.

Economy

The town has a number of business and commercial establishments in the province, and is either the major market or resort&hotel, agricultural and commercial products. Candava Supermarket, New Virgo Grocery, Parkway Supermarket, Castillo Store are the popular supermarket in Puerto Galera. Major banks include Allied Bank, Rural Bank of Puerto Galera, Maxbank, and other microfinance banks.

In addition, Mindoro is quickly becoming key location in the development of renewable energy in the Philippines. With several large wind farms, hydroelectric, and geothermal projects under construction, the island hopes to be a net exporter of electricity by 2016. Telecommunication services are provided by Digital Telecommunications (Digitel), Smart Communications, and Globe. Cable and satellite television operators provide access to local and international broadcasts. Broadband Internet services are likewise available through the numerous internet cafes located in all barangay

Environment

In the summer of 1998 there was extensive coral bleaching around Medio Island and a large section of a shallow coral reefsystem (referred to as the “Coral Gardens”) died. Since then the coral has regrown with a larger diversity of coral species replacing the prolific table corals. Corals in Puerto Galera were largely unaffected by the 2010 El Niño event.

In 2006 two super typhoons damaged the shallow reefs around Escarceo Point. Many of the faster- growing coral species were destroyed to a depth of

Puerto Galera was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia.

6 metres (20 ft). This represented about 5% of the coral reef in the area. Extensive signs of new coral recruitment were noted in mid-2008. Acroporaspecies (staghorn and table coral) rapidly recolonized the area so that most of the damaged coral has been replaced with new growth.

The Batangas/Puerto Galera area forms the center of the golden triangle - The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia - renowned for their coral and fish species. A study by the University of the Philippines in the 1980s found that this area has one of the highest diversity of marine species in the world.

Puerto Galera is also one of the main technical diving destinations in Asia. Technical Diving International - [TDI] has many dive centers in the area, offering the full range of TDI courses from Basic nitrox to advanced trimix. -- Source: Wikipedia

Tourism

This coastal town is well known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists.

We stayed in Marco Vincent for three days and two night. With pool, the hotel management and all staff was so friendly and incredibly amazing, where ever they see you there smile and greet us and ask us if we need anything or how they can help us.

Thank you to the entire staff for making our trip to Puerto Galera and thank you Tourisn Promotion Board (TPB http://tpb.gov.ph/) for such an incredible and memorable weekend.

Looking forward to be back, with my family and friends, and to spend more time to have our days more enjoyable and experience something different and unforgettable.

Puerto Galera has the natural asset for attracting tourists. It still has the unspoiled environment, tropical climate, an agricultural setting, numerous beaches, interesting mountain areas, lakes, rivers, rain forests, wild animals, rare fora and fauna and the existing cultural minorites. Special interest tours in the province such as mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, camping, butterfly watching, game fishing, adventure trips to the wilderness, visiting Mangyan settlement areas, natural caves and waterfalls exploration, island hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming could be conceptualized. - puertogaleratrip.com

PUERTO Galera is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Manila.

HOW TO GET THERE: 

By Public Transportation

Go to any of the following bus terminals in Metro Manila: 

- Bus Terminals near the corner of Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia), Pasay City – nearest Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Domestic Airport.

- Bus Terminal near Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

- Bus Terminal in EDSA corner Kamias Street, Quezon City.

- Bus Terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

-Ride the air-conditioned bus going straight to Batangas pier via CALABARZON Expressway.

Travel time: Less 2 hours and the fare is less than 200 pesos.

Upon arrival in Batangas pier, go to Terminal 3 and find the ticket booth of the ferry going to Puerto Galera. Passengers are required to pay the Terminal Fee worth 30 pesos per person and the Environmental User Fee for tourists going to Puerto Galera worth 50 pesos per person.

Puerto Galera 4 major points of entry: Sabang Pier, Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier and White Beach.

#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #VisitPhilippinesYear2015 #VPY2015

Paragliding Accuracy World Cup: PH skies open 2015 with World Cup of PG Accuracy

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Manila, Philippines – Have you seen a sky filled with colorful chutes and pilots gliding on it ? 

Paragliding Philippines Federation, the Municipality of Maasim and the Provincial Sarangani Office, with the Department of Tourism, The City of General Santos and Air Sports Adventure Philippines(ASAP) embark on a historical collaboration to present one of the most spectacular sporting events that the country has ever seen: the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup.

You can enjoy watching this international sports event and meet international paragliding pilots competing in this Paragliding Accuracy Competition.

Set for March 27-29, 2015, Sarangani Province shall land in air adventure sports history, to be the country's first venue of the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup (PGAWC). Gravity•Zero: PGAWC 2015 Series, is the Philippines’ bid to take on the world of Paragliding in accuracy discipline, as it opens the year’s PGAWC Tour.

According to technical lead and ASAP President Buko Raymundo, the PGAWC ideally gathers 26 countries during the 6-leg series with about 90 potential competitors vying for the gold. “We initially targeted 60 pilots for the competition. At the moment, the number of registered pilots is at 65 and still building up so it is a very good start for our first world cup."

PGAWC will have one of its legs in the Philippines and specifically in Sarangani Province. Safi Ranch in Maasim, Sarangani boasts to have one of the best scenic paragliding spots in the world.

Expected to come are competitors from atleast 15 countries with an expected 60 paragliders from all over the world. The date is set on March 27-29, 2015 and the PGAWC is one of the events enrolled in the Visit Philippines 2015 campaign of the Department of Tourism.

Known for its majestic view of the Sarangani Bay and 300 days flyable weather conditions, the Safi Paragliding Site in Maasim, is bound to cement the reputation of the 12th Paradise as home to international paragliding pilots. “We have returning pilots from last year’s International Paragliding Accuracy Championship, and for us, that is a sure indication that Sarangani Province is a perfect venue for the sport.“

Japanese veteran Yoshiki Oka, the world’s oldest competing pilot and ranked 2nd in August is coming back for the PGAWC challenge. Elise Manueke of Indonesia, currently 8th in the world ranking, and who earned 3rd place in IPAC will again take on the skies of the country’s 12th Paradise. David Graupera of Spain, ranked 5th at the last event in Sarangani Province is also getting ready to compete. 

“The most interesting thing about accuracy paragliding discipline is that it looks easy, but it is highly technical. The center of the target is about as big as a 5peso coin and because the sport is highly dependent on wind conditions, terrain, skill and mental attitude of the pilot, the results are very unpredictable.”

Sanctioned by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), pilots at Gravity•Zero will be judged by the most exacting technical delegates of the PGAWC Team, from Europe and Asia. “In paragliding accuracy discipline, there are no gray areas. Everyone will see that there can be no other way that a pilot will get the perfect score but to fly perfectly and land perfectly on the target. It is really all about the flight,” added Raymundo.

Paragliding Philippines Federation (PGP) Secretary General, Dennis Baltazar added that the pilots of the Philippines have been preparing themselves, honing their skills in the sport for 3 months. “Our pilot-athletes have had certification and progression trainings with ASAP and Sarangani Paraglide as early as November. Different teams have had their sessions at the Safi Fly-site as well to get a feel of the conditions of Sarangani leading to Day Zero. The preparations have been challenging and at the same time really exciting. We’re crossing our fingers that our efforts will all pay off in the end.”

Gravity•Zero is sponsored by Safi Agro, SM, Globe Pioneer Insurance, Tribu and Headware. The event is made possible with official media partners Philippine Bloggers Network (PBNet), Business World, official tour partners WGATA, and official hotel partners Sydney Hotel, 3G Garden Hotel and Sarangani Highlands.

Malasimbo 2015: A Double Weekend of Festivities- A life-changing adventure

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MALASIMBO 2015. The festival that combines Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life- changing adventure.

Malasimbo now on it’s 5th year was held in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, host to thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, considered to be different from all other festivals was held last March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival on March 13-15, 2015.

With an array of electronic and indie acts, blending traditional & contemporary arts & culture together with music performances while working towards the protection & sustainability of the environment.

Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Magic. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance last year.

Malasimbo Music and Arts festival is the official event featured for the month of March on Department of Tourism’s campaign “Visit The Philippines 2015.”

Malasimbo awed the fans in the second weekend (March 13-15) – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, which caters more to the youth with a focus on hip hop, house and electronic music, enhanced with amazing dance performances and state of the art light shows.

Eco-cultural activities

Behind the festivities, eco-cultural preservation is an integral part of the Malasimbo Experience. With The d’Aboville Foundation, the festival promotes mangrove tree planting, the use of solar power, the protection of the endangered Tamaraw in partnership with French organisation Noé Conservation, coastal cleanups, and other ongoing projects within Puerto Galera — member of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”

At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan village, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts. The demo Mangyan village, built by Mangyan craftsmen in 2010, is a permanent feature of the Malasimbo grounds, and showcases the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. Each tribe is represented through life-size houses respecting their original architecture.

The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass- terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there’s really no other venue like Malasimbo.

The festival weaves music, arts, dance, environment, and indigenous culture into one life- changing adventure.

Visual Arts

The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the beautiful works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations.

As the 5th Anniversary special, over 30 artists will showcase their works. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.

Entertainment

Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.

On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky- Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New J.B.s, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) McFerrin is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that released his debut album, Early Riser on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label.

More artists, both local and international, are completing the exciting lineup: French Kiwi Juice (France), GOCOO + GORO (Japan) Taiko Drum Band, our own Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, Crwn, and many more to be announced soon!

New attractions

Exciting additions during the 5th Anniversary celebration— Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimbo at parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends— Malasimbo stay alive hosting activities for Puerto Galera’s local community.

The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event— regardless of the lineup of acts, one is e an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place for new discoveries. 

Partners

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival wouldn’t be possible if not for our major sponsors and partners Ipanema, VISA, Department of Tourism, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Scout Magazine, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Metro Society and Metro.

5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival

In an industry where sustainable development is at times overlooked, Malasimbo Festival has proven to be a solid name to stay for decades, which will continue giving innovation and quality entertainment to its loyal fans and its organically- growing audience. In celebration of the 5th Anniversary, the Malasimbo family proudly introduces an entirely new concept that is already creating a buzz with the youth: The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, set on March 13-15.

Why two weekends?

Malasimbo Festival hosts more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries. Having a 10-day affair encourages international tourists to stay at least 10 days in Mindoro and the Philippines. This further activates Malasimbo’s eco- cultural tourism efforts, and allows tourists to fully discover all of the amazing activities & sights the Philippines have to offer.

At the rate of Malasimbo Festival’s growth parallel to Puerto Galera’s limited accommodating capacity, creating a 2nd weekend and ultimately longer Malasimbo Experience helps maintain convenience for our audience and gives local tourism a greater return. We have a capped capacity and we want to ensure safety for all.

The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival caters to a specifically targeted market – the millenials – and offers an immersive feast of state-of-the- art light shows enhanced with contemporary and traditional dance performances, full- circled with hip hop, house and electronic music that is most relevant to the youth of today.

Performing acts

Dance organizations are given a prime spot at the festival in celebration of the 5th Anniversary: Philippine All Stars, Planet Zips Luminaries, Daloy Dance Company and more who graced the Malasimbo stage.

Quality music is, of course, another key element of the Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival. A talented selection of DJs, both local and international, is guaranteed to make you dance all night. DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, To-Ru, HiFaNa, and Tetsuji Tanaka & MC Cardz are flying in straight from Japan, accompanied by many great acts: Swindle (UK), Manolet Dario, Mikail, Br3aking Silence, Emel Rowe, and Lyrically Deranged Poets to bring Philippines’ finest in hip hop today; many more notable acts performed.

Partners

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival is a collaboration between Malasimbo Productions and Japan’s BassCamp festival run by Dj Kentaro. For this, the Malasimbo family thanks our Japanese partners Groundstar+, Basscamp, Asia Unite, and GOJA Cafe. Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival wouldn’t be possible without our other major sponsors: Ipanema, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotion Board, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Meg, Scout Magazine, and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Chalk, Metro.

Party high-up in the mountains for Malasimbo’s 5th anniversary double weekend special!

As we celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival, there is so much to see and explore in the tropical paradise. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!

Visit http://www.malasimbo. com for further information. Twitter: @malasimbofest 

For inquiries contact info@ malasimbofestival.com