The Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), takes a step further in promoting Manila’s cultural heritage sites, collaborating with The Manila Heritage Trail and Manila Heritage Alliance to bring a free virtual concert titled “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” bannering the music of iconic band Hotdog to performed by various OPM artists.
“The Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila concert will
give us the warmth of nostalgia just in time for the holidays. Get ready to
sing along to hit songs of Hotdog -- Annie Batungbakal, Bongga ka Day, Beh Buti
Nga, Ikaw ang Miss Universe, and of course, Manila, which are just a few of the
tracks that have contributed so much to the city’s colorful musical and
cultural scene, all while visiting iconic Manila sites from the comforts of
your home,”enthused Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who is
set to join Mayor Isko Moreno as special guests at the online event
broadcasting on December 13.
The tourism
chief shared that the virtual concert is a continuation of the long-running
Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents events of the National Parks and
Development Committee (NPDC). Among the sites to be featured in the concert are
Manila City Hall, Luneta, Paco Park, Intramuros, Museo Pambata, National
Planetarium and Jones Bridge.
“In addition to promoting local travel and the
live events industry, we want to offer inspiration to all Filipinos in these
trying times,” Puyat explained.
The
Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila Concert will be headlined by Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas
with Raymund Marasigan, Ebe Dancel, Armi Millare, Yeng Constantino, Blaster
Silonga, Nicole Laurel Asensio, Bing Austria, Bea Lorenzo, Rubber Inc., and
Gary Valenciano. Boyet Sison will host the event with the concert’s various
legs creatively directed by Juno Oebanda, RA Rivera, Paolo Valenciano, Jason
Tan, Alco Guerrero and Quark Henares. The concert is produced by Juno Oebanda,
Dindin Araneta and Jezreel Apelar with DOT Culture & Arts of Manila Chief
Charlie Duñgo and NPDC Executive Director Cecille Romero at the helm.
The concert
will be co-presented by the City of Manila, Juancare Foundation Inc., and Viva
Music Publishing Inc., and will be available for streaming on the Facebook
pages of the DOT, TPB, Intramuros Administration, Nayong Pilipino and NPDC.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) partners with
Mystery Manila for an online mystery tour of the Philippines titled, “Where in
the Philippines is Sam San Mateo?” The gamified virtual tour employs actual
tour guides, stationed in select destinations
across the country, to lead the game through video streaming.
Participants can play as virtual
tourists as they visit famous landmarks and destinations in the Philippines to
find helpful clues that will reveal the next destination and further their
quest to track down Sam San Mateo, the game’s fictional travel vlogger.
This virtual tour offers a fun and
safe way to discover the beauty and charm of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands:
the historic cities, enchanting sunsets, picture-perfect beaches with crystal
clear waters, or extraordinary mountain views all from the comfort of their
computers.
The highly interactive 60 to
90-minute tour will allow players to see and remember just why
#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines by immersing themselves in the next best thing to
physical travel. Players can interact with locals through the live tour guides,
participate in local activities, and contribute to choices that will affect the
tour’s outcome for a unique and entertaining experience.
The game will be free to the
public and open to all players on all Sundays of December, beginning on the
6th. Players may join the following game schedules: 10:00 am, 12:00 nn, 2:00
pm, and 4:00 pm. Interested participants may register through this link: https://forms.gle/ZEs6potqSLf47BJY9.
You may also book a private game,
just for your family and friends. Interested participants can book via https://booknow.mysterymanila.com.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) commends the City Government of Baguio, Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc., UP Baguio, DOT-CAR and the city government for the successful launch of Ibagiw 2020. The third edition of the month-long creative festival kicked off with a grand opening on November 6, 2020 at the Baguio Convention Center and was also livestreamed on Facebook.
“DOT supports events like Ibagiw because it helps revive tourism and supports economic recovery. More importantly, it brings back jobs and gives hope to the artisans and craftsmen who help make Baguio’s culture unique. The success of Ibagiw is the success of the city’s lifeblood: its creatives,” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
This year’s theme is "Breathe Inspiration, Breathe in Baguio." It aims to showcase the city’s vibrant and diverse artistic and cultural heritage, in line with Baguio’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. The festival is open to the public until November 30.
Ibagiw 2020 puts the city’s heritage and artistic gems in the spotlight with creative and nature crawls every Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can explore and rediscover destinations in the city, such as Museo Kordilyera, the Botanical Garden, Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole, Tam-awan Village, BenCab Museum, and more.
Other exciting events include an artisanal market, crafternoons, a contemporary art exhibition featuring local artists, Art in the Park, the launch of children’s books featuring the artistry of Cordillera weaving, and Anido Artist/Artisans Day. Ibagiw also gives locals the chance to express their creativity in gardening, woodcarving, and other crafts competitions.
Visitors from all over the country are welcome to join the festivities but are encouraged to follow stringent health and safety measures. Travelers are required to register on the VISITA app, where they must upload their RT-PCR test results, itinerary, travel authority, and accommodation details. Upon arrival in Baguio, they are obliged to go to the triage center, present their online registration on the VISITA app or hdf.baguio.gov.ph, and the mentioned requirements.
“We invite everyone to experience a different side of Baguio in the new normal. Ibagiw’s commitment to highlighting the city’s heritage fulfills DOT’s vision to strengthen and push cultural tourism,” adds Puyat.
The Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival is held in multiple venues all over the city.
For the complete schedule, visit the Baguio Creative City Facebook page and the festival website: ibagiw.baguioartsandcrafts.org
For more information about the Philippines, visit app.philippines.travel
In celebration of World Oceans Day, captivating underwater photos of multi-awarded photographers Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire.
The exhibit is to highlight the beauty of the Philippine oceans and the urgent need to protect them and also to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines in their continuous efforts to conserve Philippine oceans and the communities that greatly depend on them.
WWF-Philippines’ work in protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park inspired the declaration of a one million hectare of MPA by the Municipal Government ofCagayancillo through a municipal ordinance covering its entire municipal waters and surrounding open sea.
A sea turtle seen at the waters of Tubbataha Reefs National Park
The exhibit showcases a visual spectacle that will allow the public to see the beauty of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as the Marine Sanctuary in Tingloy, Batangas, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Cagayancillo and Tubbataha in Palawan, and Tañon Strait in the Visayas.
Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’
Anna Varona, who is a responsible tourism advocate and a marine warrior on top of being a professional photographer, believes that this endeavor is very much aligned with the 2017 World Oceans Day’s theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Future’ because it aims to spread awareness on the role of MPAs in long-term food security.
“MPAs ensure that our coastal resources are given the chance to regenerate and provide us food now and in the future. Aside from that, our fishermen are given much more stable and sustainable livelihood,” she said.
One of the featured photographs in the Rule of 2/3rd Exhibit.
Danny Ocampo, who also campaigns for ethical and responsible diving and photography, hopes to influence tourists to be more responsible when they visit MPAs, especially since Apo Island has been instrumental in his journey towards marine conservation work.
“Apo Island continues to inspire not only me but hundreds of individuals, organizations and policy makers here and abroad who have been there. Sadly, its popularity is beginning to be its bane and measures have to be taken to ensure that tourism and conservation complement each other,” he stated.
Canon Philippines sponsored the printing of all portraits including the postcard versions of select photos that will be sold to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.
The exhibit, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, is open to the public until June 22, 2017.
The 65th Miss Universe organized by the Miss Universe Organization along with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and LCS Group of Companies, The Miss Universe coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 30.
65th Miss Universe: Schedule of Events Released (Updated)
Kicking off the festivities of the upcoming international event, the DOT (Department of Tourism of the Philippines) Secretary Wanda Teo informed the local media about the tentative schedule of events for the 65th Miss Universe pageant.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (center) waves to the crowd as she leads the Miss Universe candidates during its kick off event at the Conrad Manila, Pasay City on Saturday night. (Photo: Jay Ganzon)
65th Miss Universe Schedule of Events
Jan 12-14: Arrivals, Fittings and Registration
Jan 14: Group taping in Boracay, arrival of last contestants
Jan 15: Visit to Vigan City – Welcome Event with Terno Fashion Show
Jan 16: Governors’ Ball, SMX Convention Center, Manila, 6:30 pm
Jan 17: Parade at Sinulog Festival, Cebu / Swimsuit Fashion Show, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Cebu
Jan 18-19: Visit to Baguio (Street Motorcade), Davao, Batangas (separate groups)
Jan 20: Return to Manila
Jan 21: Fashion Show, SMX Convention Center
Jan 22: Women Empowerment Night, SMX Convention Center
Jan 23: Visit to Malacañang Palace for courtesy call with President Duterte (morning) / National Gift Auction, Conrad Hotel (evening)
Jan 24: National Costume Competition, World Trade Center
Jan 25: Preliminary Interviews (Group 1), Rehearsals
Jan 26: Preliminary Interviews (Group 2), Rehearsals, National Directors’ Meeting
Jan 27: 65th Miss Universe Preliminary Competition, Mall of Asia Arena: All delegates will compete in Cocktail Dresses, Swimsuits and Evening Gowns (to be confirmed)
Jan 28: On-Camera Rehearsals, MOA Arena
Jan 29: On-Camera Rehearsals, MOA Arena / Final Dress Rehearsal, Mall of Asia Arena, 7-10 pm (to be confirmed)
Jan 30: 65th Miss Universe Live Telecast, Mall of Asia Arena, 8:00 am (Jan 29 at 7 pm EST) / Coronation Gala, 8:00 pm
Jan 31: Departures
*Schedule subject to change
Tickets for the Final Gala are being sold through SM; and tickets for the Governor’s Ball are being sold through the telephone.
Tickets for other events such as National Costume Competition, Presentation Show, Dress Rehearsal and Coronation Gala are not out yet to the general public. Information about these should be available any moment now.
Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham are officially confirmed to be the pageant’s hosts for the live telecast on FOX.
The official Host Hotel in Manila will be the Conrad Hotel.
85 beauties from all over the globe are expected to arrive in Manila in only two weeks, in what is expected to be a big celebration in one of the planet’s leading nations of beauty pageant enthusiasts: The Philippines.
The 65th Miss Universe competition will be held Jan. 30, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
The most important annual travel trade event, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) presents a more enhanced Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX).
With the theme #PHITEX2016: Bigger Business, the event is set to accommodate more than 200 international buyers from across 37 countries worldwide and 199 local sellers from 132 companies across the Philippines.
“PHITEX has been instrumental in boosting the Philippines’ image as a top tourist destination. The event also strengthens international relationships among the industry’s key players to further the growth of Philippine tourism,” remarked PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo.
Highlight of the event is a series of business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers. This year, the number of sessions has increased to 40 as compared to 28 in the previous years. This aims to broaden their chance of interaction and to encourage more in-depth discussions on tourism and trade opportunities.
PHITEX 2016 gives the buyers an opportunity to meet the Philippine sellers where they will be introduced to the Philippines’ best offerings in terms of travel and tourism products and services. This can be considered a momentous time for Philippine sellers for they will be given an edge to offer globally competitive tour packages to the international market and learn of other countries’ trade strategies to apply in their own practices.
Buyers from as far as the United States, Norway, Italy, Denmark and Germany and even from neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were given an opportunity to experience fun and exciting pre-tours with hotel inspections around the country’s capital, Metro Manila.
The pre-tours conducted last September 3 included a visit to the famous walled city of Intramuros to get a glimpse of history during the Spanish colonization. Buyers visited Fort Santiago, which houses the Rizal Shrine museum where memorabilia of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, are displayed. They also visited San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Museum, and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila. Buyers also inspected some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, namely New World Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Makati, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Shangri-la at the Fort and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, to name a few.
The post-tours are just as exciting since it will feature the Philippines’ premier destinations including world-class accommodations, entertainment and convention venues and business facilities. Buyers get to choose a tour that fits well with their interests and offerings. The Ilocos module includes a tour to the northern region of the country, where there is an interesting blend of local and Spanish cultures. Another module takes the buyers a trip to Southern Luzon and experience exotic beauty of beaches nestled against the jungle.
Buyers can further discover the wonders of Palawan which is recently named as the Best Island in the World. They can ride a paddleboat to Puerto Princesa Underground River, considered one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Some buyers can also travel to the east where Bicol, a region for adventures – volcanoes, beaches, coves, and lakes - will also be awaiting the guests.
The Cebu/Bohol post tour will give the buyers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of historical landmarks, a taste of lechon in Cebu, and an iconic view of the majestic Chocolate Hills in Bohol. They can also take a selfie with tarsiers in Bohol.
For a unique mix of diversity, heavenly retreat and exciting adventure, buyers may also opt to join the Davao module.
“PHITEX will only grow stronger and more competitive through the coming years with the continual commitment and dedication of everyone – our partners, buyers, sellers and exchange visitors. Your immeasurable support only fuels us to push and go further. I believe that through our cumulative effort, we create and become the greater nation,” said DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo.
Now on its 15th year, PHITEX has gained popularity and recognition in the global tourism market. By making the event bigger and better, TPB is giving foreign travelers more reasons to visit the Philippines again.
Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriot Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, SedaBonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.
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!
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) won the Overall Best Booth Award in the Domestic Pavilion at the recent Travel Tour Expo 2015.
Based on the brand campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, the booth design highlights “Visit the Philippines Year 2015,” the year-long invitation of TPB for everyone to discover and experience the country’s must-see destinations and happenings. It also features images of the country’s colorful festivals and must-see events including tasty regional treats.
Several exhibitors also signed up to support the campaign through the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 microsite: www.visitph2015.com.
Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival marks 19th year is now all set for another historic Weekend of Everything That Flies!
The Philippines’ first, foremost and longest-running gathering of aviators and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe is back for another great festival Weekend of Everything That Flies.
This year’s Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) is set on February 12 to 15 at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Earlier this year, a memorandum of agreement to hold the annual balloon fiesta was signed by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Arnel Casanova, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president, (then) chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano, and Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Foundation Inc. (PIHABF) president Capt. Joy Roa at the Asian Air Safari hangar in Pasay City.
Four full days of flying activities—including hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, powered paragliding, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting, among other aviation spectacles—await attendees and participants to the highly anticipated event.
This year’s highlights include a total of 32 hot air balloons participating from all over the world, with special-shaped balloons featuring Old MacDonald’s Farm, Maximus the Beagle Dog, Burnie the Little Devil, Upside Down Balloon, Miss Daisy, Old Lady & the Shoe, Little Girl and Little Boy, Pink Elephant, Octopus, and Vincent Van Gogh, among a host of colorful traditional balloons.
After the 6:00 AM balloon launch, attendees can also look forward to non-stop flying exhibitions which include skydiving, motorized paragliding, aerobatics, formation flying, radio-controlled model flights, kite-flying, and rocketry, before the balloons fly in again at 5:45 in the afternoon, weather-permitting.
Activities are not only limited skyward, as the festival grounds are also brimming with fun for the whole family. Watch car-drifting exhibitions while airplanes try to drop flour bombs overhead; catch firefighting and safety demonstrations by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC); discover unique goods and food finds at the “Fly Market”; see your favorite OPM bands perform onstage courtesy of Radio Republic; for would-be aviators, visit the displays of various aviation schools; learn more about birds and other animal species at the Zoocobia mini zoo; and for lovers, attend a free Valentines Concert staged by Jeepney TV on the 3rd Fiesta night, which falls on Valentine’s Day. A fireworks display and nightglow culminates the four-day event the following evening.
Beauty for a cause
As part of this year’s activities, PIHABF also launched the search for Miss Aviation. First staged in the 1970s, this one-of-a-kind beauty pageant aims to promote, advocate and inspire the youth to take up a career in aviation, and support the country’s local tourism efforts. Twenty (20) female aviation students and professionals will vie for the title which will be awarded onFebruary 10, 2015 during the Annual Aviator’s Ball to be held at the Manila Peninsula.
An outstanding pilot will also be receiving the Aviator of the Year Award during the Annual Aviator’s Ball which is a recognition given to aviators who have made outstanding contributions in upgrading the standards of safety and aviation interests in their regions. Other recognitions to be awarded during the event are: Fixed Wing Pilot of the Year, Helicopter Pilot of the Year, Flight Instructor of the Year, Female Pilot of the Year, CAAP Check Pilot of the Year, CAAP Controller of the Year and Aircraft Mechanic of the Year.
According to Captain Joy Roa, event director, the fiesta is a platform for improving the country’s aviation standing through collaboration and interaction with international aviators. “We have so much to learn from our foreign counterparts, and this fiesta is an opportunity to share and exchange cultures and ideas. Of course, this is also a chance for us to showcase the world renowned Filipino hospitality,” he said.
The PIHABF organizing committee is composed of volunteer aviation experts and industry practitioners who make sure that the fiesta is carefully planned and safety-oriented.
Roa added, “Despite the challenges and the setbacks, we are dogged in our determination to mount this event year after year because more than a spectacle, this is an advocacy for us. We want to educate everyone, especially the youth, about the beauty of aviation and the many life lessons we can learn from it.”
The PIHABF 2015 was made possible with the support of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark Freeport, Clark International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with media partners the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror, Natural 97.9 FM, DWIZ, ABS CBN, and sponsors, SM City Clark, UPS, Prudential Guarantee, Hotdog on Stick, CDO Bibbo Hotdog, Segway, Qube, Kopiko, Rudy Project, The Medical City, Yellow Cab, Tempra, Snow Cone, Flanax, Bonamine, Garant Group and Radio Republic.
Entrance tickets are at Php300 each, which is a donation to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, granting scholarships to deserving but underprivileged students pursuing an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.
Tickets may be purchased at the fiesta’s official website, at Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.
The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.
Get ready for great surprises and parties! To celebrate Malasimbo’s 5th year anniversary, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is getting ready to host thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers over two weekends.
The magic of great festivities and eco-cultural preservation is back. Last January 22, Malasimbo 2015 details was shared during the Press Conference held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is set to happen on March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is happening on March 13-15, 2015.
What Malasimbo music and arts festival that sets it apart from all other festivals?
With a lineup that will boast an array of electronic and indie acts, the festival blends 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 in 2014.
It is the Philippines’ first event of its caliber, and is a top attraction in the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.” Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is the official event featured for March on DOT’s Visit The Philippines 2015 Calendar.
This year, for the first time ever, Malasimbo awed the fans as they revealed a second weekend – March 13-15 – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival 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 really is 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 a 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 is 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.
Tom Thum, a world famous beatboxer with the most viewed TEDx video in the world with over 30 million views.
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 to watch out for the 5th Anniversary—Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimboat parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends—Malasimbo will 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 sure to have an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place to discover it.
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 to grace 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 soon to be announced.
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, 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!
The Philippines is awarded the Destination of the Year at the 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014, just a few months before the Department of Tourism (DOT) sets on to raise the country’s international profile with its Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign.
Secretary of Tourism Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. accepted the award before Asia’s tourism professionals at the Awarding Ceremony and Gala Dinner held on 2 October 2014 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center in Thailand.
“We would like to thank TTG for the invaluable support extended to our organization in our marketing and information dissemination efforts. As a trusted travel trade publication, it has been a formidable partner throughout these years in bringing the Philippines closer to our markets,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said.
The Philippines was chosen as the region’s most outstanding destination in 2014 for distinguishing itself with its proactive steps and initiatives towards the development and promotion of the travel industry. The Destination of the Year falls under the Outstanding Achievement Awards. Other categories include Travel Personality of the Year, Best Travel Entrepreneur, Best Marketing and Relationship Effort, and Best Trade Supporter. The winners are determined by TTG’s editorial team.
Organized annually by the giant TTG Asia Media’s Travel Trade Publishing group, the TTG Travel Awards has been recognizing the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel trade since 1989. The prestigious travel industry event marks an important time for the industry to recognize the exemplary organizations that raise the bar of excellence. The exclusive event honors stellar organizations and individuals in 4 categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement, and Travel Hall of Fame.
The TTG Travel Awards is now reputed as the most coveted and influential awards to be garnered in the region’s travel industry. The signature trophy, a statuette of Hermes (the god of travel and protector of travellers in ancient Greek mythology), is cast in solid pewter and plated in 24K gold. Weighing two kilograms, the Hermes trophy has since then been the icon of the annual awards.
“This award belongs to all Filipinos. It is the Filipino people that have ensured the acceptance of It’s More Fun in the Philippines as a true and accurate description of the participative and active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines. Again, the determination of the Filipino people, coupled with the support of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, is our inspiration to build a brighter tourism future for the Philippines—an industry that is more profitable and more inclusive,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.
The DOT is gearing up its efforts to promote Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 – an invitation for all to experience the enduring promise of more fun in the Philippines. Encouraging nationwide participation, DOT aims to stamp passports of 10 million visitors to the Philippines as the country hosts major events such as the Papal Visit in January and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit.
Philippines takes on a new challenge this year as hosting the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC 2014).
Air Sports Adventure Philippines (ASAP) sets in motion the history of Philippine aerial sports with the the 1st IPAC event. Paragliding pilots representing more than 11 counties around the globe will be flying down to Sitio Seguil, Bgy Tinoto, Maasim in Sarangani Province on August 22-24, 2014.
“There are a lot of paragliding competitions abroad, and with our local pilots doubling in number since we began promoting the sport in the country, we believe it is the perfect time that the Philippines staged its own," ASAP President Buko Raymundo said in a statement send to media partner, PBNet.
The Sarangani with its finest, giving competing pilots the best of its 300-day flying season this August which will as well highlight the most majestic bay south of the Archipelago. Accredited by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the competition has been sanctioned a pre-world status, and opens doors to exciting possibilities for Philippine Air Sports.
Raymundo, dubbed as ‘The Chief of Paragliding in South East Asia’ for taking home the gold medal in accuracy paragliding at the 2011 South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Jakarta Indonesia.
“For many Filipinos to learn this great sport - for them to feel, relax and experience the elements of nature while free flying through safety paragliding; for outdoors adventure seekers and airs ports athletes to recognize the beauty of our country - that is our humble mission,” Raymundo said.
“We would like to elevate the country’s position as one of Asia’s top air sports destinations while featuring the future of paragliding in the Philippines,” Raymundo continued.
Outdoors enthusiasts, in recognizing the popularity of safety paragliding and tandem paragliding as leisure and recreational activities, see opportunities in promoting Philippine Culture, Tourism and Trade.
With opening day festivities arranged for August 21, 2014 by the DOT-12, it will stage a line-up of spectacles and activities, in cooperation with the City Government of General Santos and the Provincial Sarangani Office.
Kicking off the phenomenal affair will be a motorcade with international paragliders and a meet-and-greet with the winners of Ms. Earth Philippines. Outdoors accuracy and nature adventure sports can also be experienced at the site during the 4-day event.
A trade fair will also exhibit the best offerings in food, gear, apparel, and Filipino-made products.
As preparations for this historic happening take off, ASAP continues to work with, and for the benefit of the SOCCSKSARGEN Paragliding Club, to gather support from different sectors meaning to promote Filipino excellence in sports.
With the participation of private companies, advocacy and local groups, IPAC 2014 will launch the Safi Fly-site as one of the destinations of DOT’s 12th Paradise, clearly signaling the promise to a claim -- that Paragliding can truly be more fun in the Philippines.
Ron Villagonzalo of Wahpinas.com announced recently that Philippine Bloggers Network (PBNet) is officially the online media partner of the event.
For more information on how to get involved at the IPAC 2014, and for publicity inquiries and requests, contact TuklasSining™ Creative Services and Communications Group at 0918-4248494 or 0926-6483076, or email tuklassining@hotmail.com.
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