DOT unveils a more fun website

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveils its new website on Tuesday at one of the many century-old buildings in Escolta, Manila - the HUB: Make Lab. This is part of DOT’s efforts to showcase and conserve the country’s natural heritage.

DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance A. Uyking and GTTP General Manager Rabbi Vincent Ang launches DOT’s new tourism website at Hub: Make Lab in Escolta, Manila.

The new DOT website  philippines.travel,  makes the 7,641 islands of the Philippines more accessible to both foreign and local travelers.

“Our new tourism website, philippines.travel, is a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs which includes information on our beautiful destinations to help you plan and book your next trip.” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“We have made the website very inclusive as we recognize the value of our private sector’s involvement and support in this. This is one of many efforts we are doing to encourage tourist establishments to go through our accreditation process in order to provide better service to our tourists.” emphasized Sec. Puyat.

The inclusion of an actual travel booking system on the site is in partnership with Guide to the Philippines (www.guidetothephilippines.ph). Aside from more than 500 best value travel products and counting, Guide to the Philippines also has an online library of in-depth destination travel guides to help travelers discover new places and experiences for their trips in the Philippines.

This partnership intends to link tourists to DOT-accredited tour operators and tourism establishments. As a long-term goal, the DOT aims to embed the booking system’s functions to its new website. 

“What's really exciting is that our country now has an online platform to showcase to the world, not only the popular Philippine destinations but even the lesser-known ones. It's a true collaboration of local tourism stakeholders, one that's sure to make traveling to our country a lot easier," said Rabbi Vincent Ang, Guide to the Philippines' General Manager.

According to President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Jose Clemente III, “The new website does not only provide accessibility for tourists with its travel guide, but it symbolizes how the government and the business sector can help one another to provide better services for our people.”

For its new look, the re-designed website has three main tabs: See & Do; Where to Go; and Events & Festival, which are based on unique travel behaviors.

The “See & Do” tab features six tourism products of the country, such as Dive, Nature, Sun and Beach, Adventure, Food and Hospitality, and Events and Culture. These products are also highlighted in ten large image-centric carousel banners.

Clicking on each product will lead the user to tourist destinations and activities that are readily available.

Under the “Where to Go” tab, tourists can explore the country through a virtual map, and get basic information on the 16 regions and provinces, including routes going there, nearby places to explore, and even where to stay.

For the “Events & Festival,” tourists are guided with dates, location and routes, and fundamental information about the occasion. It also informs tourists to wear cultural appropriate clothing.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Guide to the Philippines (GTTP) formalize their partnership through the newly launched philippines.travel website, which allows users to book tours from DOT-accredited tour operators and tourism establishments. In photo during the official contract signing are (L-R): DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance A. Uyking, GTTP General Manager Rabbi Vincent Ang, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and Tourism Council of the Philippines President Jojo Clemente.

The DOT also stressed that the philippines.travel, website is a timeless domain name that is not dependent on any government’s tourism campaign or slogan.

Philippines lands starring role in film tourism under DOT and FDCP partnership

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The Philippines’ cinematic arts industry is a vital part of the growth of the nation’s well-being because it promotes, enriches, and disseminates Filipino values, culture, and heritage. 

For the past hundred years, Pinoy Cinema has been the vessel of various voices and an agent of change, so much so that no less than the President acknowledged its importance by proclaiming September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020 as the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema.

In support of this cultural milestone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) broke yet another barrier in marketing the Philippines by linking hands with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in its filmmaking support program aimed at local and foreign film production partnership.

Under DOT’s Branding and Marketing Communications department together with FDCP’s Film Philippines office, the agencies crafted and launched the "Let’s Create Together" campaign to promote film tourism in the Philippines.

“The campaign aspires to feature the country’s cinematic spots and talents through the screens around the world – boosting international awareness of the Philippines as a premiere tourist destination while generating tourism-driven income for the local creative workforce in the process,,” said Howard Uyking, DOT’s Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications.

The Program shall offer two incentive options for foreign producers, provided that they work with duly-registered Philippines-based line producers or co-producers. These are: 

(1) Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), where feature films in any genre, television series, and web content may be applied for; and 

(2) International Co-production Fund (ICOF), applicable for feature films in any format (live action, documentary, or animation). To qualify, production cost in the Philippines must be at least PHP 8 million ($155,000). Upon approval, as much as PHP 10 million ($193,000) cash rebate may be availed through FLIP or ICOF.

“There is no better way to underscore the celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema than to finally give our Filipino filmmakers and the Philippines the leverage that it needs to be globally competitive," FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra says of the new Film Philippines incentive program.

The Let’s Create Together campaign was officially launched during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) this October. The possibilities are endless for creative content - from reality series, animation, and even documentaries, this campaign anchors on seven (7) key reasons why the country is a premier choice for international producers. They are:

(1) Locations – Composed of more than 7,000 islands and diverse cultural wonders, the Philippines is a broad spectrum of settings for practically every story, inspiring hits then and now from Apocalypse Now to The Bourne Legacy; 

(2) English-Speaking Talent and Crews – Blessed with a supreme English literacy, the local workforce promises better understanding, teamwork, and rapport; 

(3) One-Stop-Shop for Permits, Visas, and Tax-Free Importation – Ease of doing business has never been better with integrated services, thereby saving time and energy; 

(4) Skilled Artists and Technicians – A newly-instituted National Registry, a database of film professionals, provides a broad selection of film industry manpower; 

(5) Available and Dependable Equipment and Facilities – Smooth planning, coordination and execution of all production activities while in the country shall be ensured with the assistance of accredited Filipino line production companies; 

(6) Enhanced Security in Cities and Countryside – Assurance in safety is well-coordinated whether they be in urban or rural areas; and 

(7) A Location Incentive that Cuts your Costs – A financing grant designed to optimize the potential of a film project whether it’s undergoing pre-production, production, or post-production phase. With all these in place, there’s no wonder why it’s more fun to film in the Philippines.

For more information, visit http://www.filmphilippines.com/.

DOT celebrates the tourism’s contribution to Filipinos with new campaign

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The Department of Tourism launched its latest campaign, The Tourism Decade, with the release of its latest AVP, a microsite with stories and mini-documentaries of individuals and the preview of the multi-media exhibition, Onwards: The Philippine Tourism in Intramuros. The launch event was held at Museo de Intramuros on September 27, 2019.

The Tourism Decade campaign commemorates the 10th anniversary of Republic Act 9593, better known as the Tourism Act of 2009. The campaign focuses on how the tourism industry provides inclusive growth and sustainable livelihood that benefits every Filipino, all made possible by R.A. 9593.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat 

“The Tourism Decade celebration is an event not only to commemorate the law, but also to honor the travel industry’s contributions to the improvement of the lives of the Filipino people, and to bring attention to tourism’s functions as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat in her keynote speech.

“If not for the implementation of Tourism Act, it would have been difficult for us to see the rising impact of the tourism industry on the country’s economic progress over the years, reaching a 12.7% contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2018. This continued growth has proven tourism’s direct linkages to various socio-economic development activities that have been helping improve our people’s quality of life,” Sec. Puyat emphasized.

Since the enactment of Tourism Act in 2009, foreign arrivals have more than doubled, growing from 3 million in 2009 to 7.1 million individuals by the end of 2018. Domestic tourism expenditure also grew from PhP 508.8 billion in 2009 to PhP 3.2 trillion last year.

Sustainable tourism through comprehensive regulations

Signed into law on May 12, 2009, by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Tourism Act was authored by Senator Richard J. Gordon and 1st District of Bohol Representative Edgar M. Chatto.

Rep. Chatto mentioned that the creation of the law was aimed at espousing holistic and sustainable tourism that would guide all stakeholders in the industry.

“Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world that can bring in more jobs, more livelihood and more economic opportunities for the younger generation,” Rep. Chatto noted.

Senator Gordon, meanwhile, talked about inclusivity of all sectors in promoting and managing the programs for the tourism industry. “Tourism is a country undertaking, lahat tayo dapat magparticipate—mayaman o mahirap dapat tayong magparticipate; mayaman o mahirap pwedeng kumita dyan, kaya dapat ipaglaban natin yan,” he said.

He underscored the provisions of the law for infrastructure development, and identification of new tourism destinations or establishment of new tourism enterprise zones to enhance the income-generating capacities of the people.

People as the heart of the tourism campaign

With the launch of the “Tourism Decade Campaign,” the DOT underscores the fruits of the law’s implementation by revealing the heart-warming stories of communities and personalities who have been positively transformed by tourism.

“This tourism campaign pays homage to the people, organizations and communities who have reaped the benefits of sustainable tourism as envisioned by the proponents of the law,” Sec. Puyat shared.

DOT recognizes the narratives of our people as the heart of our tourism industry, delivering inspiration, excitement and joy to both local and foreign visitors.

The campaign features the stories of Whang-Od, the century-old Mambabatok of Kalinga; Rambo, the dog tour guide of Batad, Ifugao; the Deafinite Tour Guiding Service of Intramuros for its deaf-friendly tours; the Lake Pandin Women Rafters of San Pablo, Laguna; and Bobby Adrao, an advocate for whale shark protection in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Further down south, the campaign puts the spotlight on two Puerto Princesa locals: Angelo Cayabo, a former dishwasher who established dolphin-watching tours in Palawan; and Eva Valledor, founder of Binuatan Creations, a successful sustainable community livelihood program famous for their weaved products. It also covered the experiences of the Loboc River Choir in Bohol; Laida Escoltura, a known home cook from General Luna, Siargao; and the indigenous T’Boli people of South Cotabato who exemplify how cultural tourism can enhance Philippine living traditions.

As part of the “Tourism Decade Campaign,” video documentaries of the featured personalities and communities can be accessed online at thetourismdecade.philippines.travel.

Another highlight is the preview of Onward: The Philippines Tourism Decade Exhibition at the former site of San Ignacio Church and an outdoor interactive installation in Plaza Roma, both located inside Intramuros’ historic walls. The project is a testament to tourism’s impact on Filipino lives, that it is seen, felt, and experienced not just by those who are able to travel, but also by those whose lives have significantly improved since 2009. The exhibition is not only a celebration of these 10 victorious years, it is also an affirmation that we continue to take the right steps forward, onward.

The exhibition will soon be open to the public and will run until December 2019, and admission is free. 

To add more flavor to the celebration, there were performances from local talents such as the UP Padayon Rondalla and soprano Stephanie Quintin from the UP College of Music. The T’boli dancers of Lake Sebu, poets, and other cultural acts provided further entertainment.

Even after 10 years of the Tourism Act’s implementation, the DOT remains steadfast in its vision of developing a highly competitive and environmentally sustainable tourism industry that creates jobs and opportunities for Filipinos, bringing inclusive growth to all, and continues being a major component in nation building.

2019-2020 PRSP Board of Directors inducted : DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat leads oath-taking ceremony

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The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) 2019-2020 Board of Directors was sworn in at the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Makati City last March 11. In the photo are (from L) DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Andy Saracho, APR, of Philippine Veterans Bank, Ana Ruby Pista of Ardent Communications, Celerina Amores of Ayala Foundation, Inc., Bernard Bagaman, APR, of Resins, Inc., Janine Dario of Isentia Manila, Norman Agatep, APR, of Grupo Agatep, and PR consultant Ritzi Ronquillo, APR.

Officers and Directors of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for 2019-2020 took their Oath of Office on March 11 at the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Makati City. DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, as inducting officer, administered the oath and bore witness to the organization’s promise to strengthen the PR profession in the country while promoting the organization’s ideals and objectives.

“The PR industry plays a vital role in shaping the public’s mindset and developing our country’s image,” said Puyat. “I am glad that the Department of Tourism is fostering a relationship with the local PR industry. I know that you will be important partners in our goal to share with the world that indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines.”

This year, PRSP will focus on harnessing its internal strength, that is, expanding its base while ensuring that members get the maximum benefits from their membership.

“We will do this as we also firm up our partnership with international and local organizations to collaborate on projects and activities that will promote the welfare of public relations professionals and public relations as an industry and a potent player in economic advancement,” said PRSP President Andy B. Saracho, APR, who is also Assistant Vice President and Head of the Veterans Affairs Office of the Philippine Veterans Bank.

Aside from Saracho, the members of the newly-inducted PRSP Board of Directors are: Full Circle Communications Media Relations Head Paul Michael S. de Quiros as Vice President-Internal, Ardent Communications President Ana Ruby B. Pista as Vice President-External, Cebu Pacific Air Director for Corporate Communications Ma. Rosario L. Lagamon as Secretary, Ayala Foundation Senior Director for Corporate Communications Celerina R. Amores as Treasurer, Resins Inc. Corporate Communications Manager Bernard G. Bagaman, APR, as Internal Auditor, Isentia Manila Country General Manager Janine C. Dario, Insular Life Manager of PR Staff Jude C. Galford III, and Grupo Agatep President and Managing Director Norman Agatep, APR, as Directors. Completing the slate are Public Relations and Business Communications Consultant Ritzi Villarico-Ronquillo, APR, as Ex-Officio Director, and PageOne Group CEO Ronald F. Jabal, APR, and Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines Consultant Ramon R. Osorio, APR, as Advisers.

Sustainable tourism takes center stage in first-ever travel fair in BGC - Travel Street: Philippine Travel Mart’s 1st Green and Gold Tourism Fair

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This summer, explore the eco-cultural destinations that will indeed make you say ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’!

Bonifacio Global City, together with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and the Department of Tourism, invites everyone to take part in a unique travel fair that aims to promote sustainable tourism in “Travel Street: Philippine Travel Mart’s 1st Green and Gold Tourism Fair.” 

A first-of-its-kind outdoor travel fair, ‘Travel Street’ will be held at the Globe Iconic Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, on May 4-6 from 10am to 8pm. The event is sponsored by leading local airline Cebu Pacific.

Check out amazing travel and leisure deals from more than 50 partner airlines, travel agencies and tour operators, hotels and resorts and local government tourism units, and witness performances from local groups, and take part in talks and exhibits that will remind us of our rich Filipino culture and traditions.

Green & Gold Tourism simply means tourism that focuses on ecological and cultural conservation, respectively. These include garden or farm tours, cultural immersions, museum tours, fiestas and festivals, pilgrimage tours, and health and wellness activities. Such endeavors help provide employment and income to locals, gather funds for the improvement of protected areas and sanctuaries, as well as the creation of new and national state parks, recreation areas, beaches, marine and underwater trails, among many other natural attractions.

“BGC is thrilled to bring ‘Travel Street’ to the public, and we believe we have the perfect venue to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, especially to the millennial market. We thank PHILTOA and DOT for this partnership in presenting pristine Philippine destinations,” says Associate City Marketing Manager of BGC, Joanne Magno. 

PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz says “Through this 1st Green and Gold Tourism Fair, we put the focus on sustainable tourism and bring to the public carefully curated eco-cultural tourism products. We hope that with this, we are able to spark renewed interest in other tourism destinations that the Philippines has to offer and of course, raise our tourism revenue.”

Don’t book your trips just yet! Invite your friends and check out what deals await you in BGC and PHILTOA’s first-ever ‘Travel Street.’ 

For the complete program, visit the official Facebook pages of PHILTOA at https://www.facebook.com/GreenandGoldTourism/ 

or BGC at https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph/ and https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/ 

Boracay to be closed for 6 months for rehabilitation

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Philippine resort island Boracay to be closed for 6 months for rehabilitation. President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of three government agencies to close Boracay down completely for six months beginning April 26 to start its rehabilitation.. 

"Boracay [is] closed for six months effective 26 April," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said. Harry Roque shared that Duterte made the order during a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace late on Wednesday. The recommendation was made by the task force composed of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The temporary closure is seen by the National Government as a short-term solution to address the environmental woes hounding Boracay.

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed Roque's statement, saying that Duterte has indeed approved the "total closure" of the country's most famous tourist destination.

Guevarra said a calamity fund will be activated to help those who will affected by the shutdown, including the residents and the thousands of resort workers who will be displaced.

The island, which has a total land area of 1,064 hectares, has more than 56,000 population, according to government figures.

Duterte has earlier said that he supports the recommendation of three government departments to shut down Boracay for six months to give way to the massive clean-up on the island.

Duterte, who likened the island to a "cesspool," has ordered a crackdown on the island after learning that many of the establishments there have no proper sewerage system and emptying their waste directly into the sea.

Since Duterte gave the order, the government started dismantling illegal structures erected in forest lands and on the beach.

The popular resort island's powdery white sand and calm blue waters attract 2 million visitors yearly.

Watch the Skies at the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

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The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is all set to celebrate the 22nd year of the much-awaited Weekend of Everything that Flies, happening on February 8-11, 2017 at the Omni Aviation Complex in Clark, Pampanga. 

This year’s festivities will showcase 26 colorful hot air balloons from all over the world, featuring a big number of new special-shaped balloons: Happy Heart, Matryoshka Russian Doll, Queen’s Guard, Giant Strawberry, Buddy Balloon, Captain Jack, Princess Nellie, Vostok Balloon, Master Yoda, Morris the Donkey, Bruno the Clown and Pepe the Hedgehog.

Early morning balloon flights are followed by non-stop flying activities – including paragliding, skydiving, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flights, balloon bursting competitions and kite flying. 

Twinz Acrobatic Paragliders jumping from a hot air balloon

A special sight to watch out for this year is the exhilarating performance of the world-renowned Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, who consider themselves “the world’s only aerobatic formation wingwalking team,” performing for the first time in the Philippines.

Fearless females doing stunts while strapped to Stearman aircraft in flight

The audience will be treated to the sight of two Stearman biplanes flown in an energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics doing loops, rolls, stall turns and inverted flights – while two fearless female wingwalkers do their own acrobatic moves and handstands while strapped to the aircraft’s wings. It is a spectacular aerial show not to be missed.

Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers performing for the first time in Philippine skies

Those interested to see Clark through the eyes of a pilot can book discovery flights, such as hot air balloon rides, tandem skydiving, tandem paragliding, airplane and helicopter rides, and aerobatic flights – all supervised by expert aviators. Discovery flight tickets should be booked through the Fiesta’s official website prior to the Fiesta. 

British Skydivers will be seen at the Fiesta 

On ground, full-on entertainment is guaranteed for the whole family. Watch supercar drifting exhibitions as airplanes drop flour bombs overhead; catch some drone racing and RC control line flying exhibitions; satisfy your palates and take home unique finds from the Fly Market; or try out archery, horseback riding, camel-riding, and animal feeding. 

In the evenings, musical artists from different countries will perform side-by-side with local talents at the One World Music Cultural Exchange Concert. ABS-CBN artists will also stage performances throughout the weekend, with a fireworks display and balloon nightglow that will illuminate the last night of the Fiesta. 

Beyond all the flying exhibitions, the PIHABF has made it its mission to annually gather pilots from the world over to show them the beauty of the Philippines, and allow Filipinos to learn from other cultures as well. The Philippines will be hosting the Airsport Federation of Asia (AFA) conference this year at the fiesta, to promote and strengthen air sport events within all member nations. 

The Balloon Fiesta is the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia, annually boosting tourism in Clark, Pampanga and the Philippines. For over two decades, it has stayed true to its longtime objectives: to spark interest in aviation; to instill discipline in young pilots; and to impart a spirit of volunteerism to the whole community. 

Entrance tickets are at Php 500 each, a percentage of which goes to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, granting scholarships to underprivileged but deserving students who want to pursue a career in aviation. Tickets are available through the Fiesta’s website, Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates. 

For more details, visit philballoonfest.net, follow @philballoonfest on Twitter and Instagram, and like @PIHABF on Facebook. 

DoT Launches Bring Home A Friend

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The Department of Tourism will be officially holding its Grand Launch of our BRING HOME A FRIEND program this Oct.14, 2017 that aims to invite more tourists to visit the Philippines while providing you and your invitees a chance to win attractive prizes!

DOT said the launch of the BHAF program is timed with the onset of the Christmas season, which in the Philippines usually lasts from October until January.

“We would like to close the year strongly for the tourism industry in terms of visitor arrivals and carry the momentum into the coming year,” the DOT chief said. The program takes after former Tourism Secretary Mina T. Gabor’s own BHAF implemented in 1994 by the DOT, and is meant to encourage Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to come and visit the Philippines.

Any Filipino, residing in the country or overseas, stands to win an array of prizes under the program that will run for six months from October 15, 2017 up to April 15, 2018. Among the prizes are a condominium unit from Megaworld Corp., a brand- new Toyota Vios and a P200,000 gift certificate from Duty Free Philippines Corp. Their “friends” or foreign guests can win round-trip international flight tickets and tour packages to Palawan, Cebu and Davao.

Home-grown performers and the newest Tourism Ambassador who will be revealed singing the official Bring Home A Friend jingle in a music video this Saturday at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila.

For more updates, visit, follow and share the official BRING HOME A FRIEND accounts on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BringHomeAFriendPH/

Website: bringhomeafriend.online

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bringhomeph

Instagram: bringhomeafriendph

#BHAF2

#ItsmorefuninthePhilippines

Team Juanton of Davao wins Cebu Pacific’s Juan for Fun 2017 Backpacking Challenge

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“The Philippines is a beautiful country and many Filipinos have not had the opportunity to explore their own country. Juan For Fun is our way of advocating travel within our own country—especially for young Filipinos. There is much to see and do in the country and this one of the reasons why we continue to expand and offer flights to destinations in the Philippines. We want to make air travel easy, affordable and accessible for everyJuan,” said Charo Logarta-Lagamon, Cebu Pacific Air corporate communications director, as she congratulated the finalists at the Juan For Fun (JFF) Awarding event on July 24, 2017 held at the Mallorca Sunken Outdoor Club, Ibiza, BGC.

A WHOLE NEW ADVENTURE. Juan for Fun Team Juanton members Geia, Dominic and Chin take home the grand prize of one-year travel-all-you-can passes to Cebu Pacific’s local and international short-haul destinations. 

After seven days of setting off to an adventure of a lifetime, Team Juanton of Davao is named Cebu Pacific’s Juan for Fun 2017 Ultimate Backpackers.

Team Juanton  -  Three graduating college students from Davao City won the Juan For Fun (JFF) - Geia, Dominic and Chin take home the grand prize of one-year travel-all-you-can passes to Cebu Pacific’s local and international short-haul destinations.

Team Juanton beat four other teams—Team Phun of Bacolod City; Team Malackai of Baguio City; Team Patsada of Cagayan de Oro and Team Barbie from Metro Manila, with an adventure travel itinerary that covered Dumaguete and Siquijor—destinations never before visited by JFF contestants.

Team Juanton ventured to the waters with island-hopping and scuba diving before proceeding to Cebu and then to Legazpi. They also took home minor prizes for the Chippy Kada Challenge and Smart Challenge. The Davaoeño team is also the youngest among all the competitors.

​​
 

2017 Backpacking Challenge, each taking home a Cebu Pacific Travel All-You-Can pass for unlimited local and international short-haul destinations for one year, plus pocket money from co-presenters GetGo and Union Bank. The three students—18-year-old Gloria Andrea Mendoza; and 19-year-olds Christian Dominic Ang and Chyn Ira Crisostomo, comprised Team Juanton in the annual event presented by Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier.

YOUNG AND WELL-TRAVELED. Juan for Fun 2017 finalists rejoice after seven days of experiencing the best of the Philippines.

The Juan For Fun Backpacking Challenge, mow on its sixth year, brought teams of young adventurers on an epic, seven-day fun race across the country, with P40,000 in pocket money, Boreas backpacks, and Oppo camera phones. This year’s JFF run had the final five teams locked in over 300 activities, done in over 25 locations, in just seven days—the most number of activities registered in Juan for Fun history.

Throughout the seven day-adventure travel challenge, the top five JFF 2017 sought to experience the Philippines’ vibrant cultural tapestry as seen in the regions’ different modes of transportation, specialty dishes, and local practices, transporting their followers on social media with enthralling images. 

Team Patsada of Cagayan de Oro - 2nd Place

Team Patsada of Cagayan de Oro came in second, with friendship nurtured on the road, after visiting Coron, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao. Team members Ron, Rene, and James are now intent to see more of the Philippines by travelling.


Team Barbie  -  3rd Place

In third place was Team Barbie, with members Marlou, Adonis, and Carl posting photos and videos frolicking along the shore of Puerto Princesa. Donning their signature straw hats, the team paddled their way to Siargao and Boracay before heading back to Manila.


Team Phun of Bacolod City and Team Malackai of Baguio City shared (4th)fourth place. 

Team Phun 

TeamPhun members Bryan, Alfed, and Josh boosted their team work as they made their way from Cebu to Davao and Camiguin. They wowed their followers with Amsterdam-like views, creative lighting effects on a field of roses, trick eye exhibits and natural wonders, showing travelers they don’t need to wander far to see delightful views.

Team Malackai

The boys of Team Malackai—Kahel, Ian, and John—were pumped up with their “great outdoors” itinerary. After winning the Coaches’ Choice Award, they went off to Bohol, Cebu, Surigao and Surigao del Sur to find the best experience whether in the air, on land, or at sea.

This year’s travel content expert coaches also rallied the teams with their travel tips and backpacker challenges. YouTube Vlogger Wil Dasovich, Becoming Filipino advocate Kyle Jennermann, Beautiful Destination Social Media Strategist Ren Sapitan, international blogger of JustOnewayTIcket.com Sabrina Iovino, and returning coach and travel writer Jude Bacalso were onboard, urging the five finalists to have the most epic ride with Cebu Pacific.

The Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2017 has Boreas Gear as the official travel gear and Oppo camera phone as the official camera. The challenge is also endorsed by the Department of Tourism.

Enjoy the wonderful world. Take more adventures and look what's the best way to travel across the Philippines with Cebu Pacific.

Retrace the adventures of the Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2017 teams by visiting www.facebook.com/cebupacific and stay updated on the airline’s new and exciting programs by following Cebu Pacific’s official Facebook and Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) pages.

‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire

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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 of Cagayancillo 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.

65th Miss Universe Updates

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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.

Visit www.missuniverse.com for event updates. For tickets, visit smtickets.com.

* Updated after visits to Albay and Iloilo were cancelled due to the effects of Typhoon Nina

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific 2016: A taste of the Philippines

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Delegates of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific 2016, the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators, and tourism industry professionals, had a feast as they discovered Philippine cuisine. 

 

Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in coordination with NMX Events, their journey of discovery began with a 15-hour food tour where they travelled to Pampanga, “the culinary center of the Philippines”, to try iconic Filipino dishes such as lechon, sisig, chicken inasal, and sinigang. They then went to Binondo to experience the country’s Chinese culinary influence on food.

The contingent was served an array of grilled fish, prawns, squids, and clams and tasted some of the native delicacies such as barquillos, turones, kutsinta, halo-halo, rice cakes including bibingka, cassava cake, and puto. 

The country’s tropical fruits were also a hit as the visitors sampled the sweetest mangoes, rambutan, lanzones and marang. Calamansi was a surprise to them for its versatility – from a refreshing fruit drink to an additional flavor to condiments. 

To complete their Filipino food experience, they were served some of the country’s exotic foods including balut, pako or fern salad, and sea urchin.

“I find it very interesting that the Filipino cuisine is influenced by so many other cultures and it creates a fascinating mix,” said Maria Haase who travelled all the way from Germany. “This food trip was very interesting and inspiring for me.”

Further making Filipino meals fun, the delegates experienced boodle feasts, which urged them not only to share their food but to interact and converse with one another. Trying Filipino dishes in this unique way was something the first-time visitors were able to enjoy. “This is such a simple pleasure to enjoy. It’s amazing that we get the time to eat together. I love this kind of culture,” said Chicago-native Rosemary Kimani.

TBEX Asia Pacific 2016 was made possible with the support of Philippine Airlines, Globe Telecom, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Duty Free Philippines. Other sponsors included Amorita Resort, The Lind Boracay, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Primer Group of Companies, The Funny Lion Palawan, Merrell Philippines, Lakan, Banana Peel, Le Spa at Sofitel, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Luna, Bluewater Maribago Resort and Spa, Sonya’s Garden, Museo Orlina, and Grab Philippines. 

The event was also made possible through the participation of volunteers from the University of the Philippines, Centro Escolar University, University of Santo Tomas, and Philippine Women’s University. 

The amazing variety of food – from savory dishes to sweet delicacies, and our wide array of fresh ingredients, diverse cultural influences, proves that the Philippines can stand out as an exciting culinary destination.