Philippines hosts Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016

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DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez joins other ASEAN Tourism Ministers in a ceremonial launch of Cruise Southeast Asia 

The Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 which gathered all the member countries’ tourism sector representatives, showcased the ASEAN region as a prime tourist destination. 

The Philippines played host to 10 ASEAN member nations for the biggest regional event in the travel industry this year with the theme ‘One Community for Sustainability.’

ATF 2016 aimed to project ASEAN as a beautiful and versatile single destination that will attract more tourists and strengthen ties among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry. 

Joining the annual event were the tourism representatives of the 10 member nations including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), TTG Asia, the Asean Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the forum also gave the Philippines the opportunity to highlight the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign which aims to entice local and international travelers to visit and experience the country all over again.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. 

Welcoming guests were DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. together with TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III. Also joining the event were 35 VIPs from the member nations.

(L-R) TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Congressman Rene Relampagos and Congressman Dakila Carlo Cua 

(L-R) Warren Palacios, Soleil Tropicales, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. and Erwin Balane 

 

(L-R) Butch Garcia (PICC), Darren Ng (TTG) and Joselito Gregorio (TPB) 

Peng Ee Ooi (TTG), TPB’s Susan Del Mundo and Arnold Gonzales 

 

(L-R) TPB Board members Margarita Villarica and Edwin Vincent Ortiz, Pamela Pascual (WTC) and Margarita Munsayac 

(L-R) Elton See Tan (Intl SKAL Manila), PATA CEO Mario Hardy, Helen Marano (WTTC), Anita Mendiratta (CNN) and Jae Pil Sho
“Hosting the ATF 2016 was such a proud moment for all of us. Beyond the conference walls of the meeting, the delegates experienced our country in different ways—from our diverse natural wonders to our rich cultural heritage and the warmth of the Filipino people. The forum allowed the exchange of ideas for the progress of the ASEAN economies, and built stronger friendships between the nations,” shares Jimenez.
 “We were honored to have hosted one of the biggest travel events in the ASEAN region, the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016. We gave our best to ensure the success of this event, but most importantly, we made sure that our delegates had a great and memorable experience in the country,” Enerio said.

LARGER THAN LIFE: Epson promises to answer the digital imaging needs of Cebuanos

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Digital imaging leader Epson Philippines displayed its heightened commitment to Cebu by joining the recent Sinulog festival. Epson’s unique float featured a giant Epson inktank system printer along with Epson Cebu employees and 2015 Ms. Cebu 2nd runner-up Aivy Mae Castro. 

“This is our first time to join Sinulog and our participation echoes our aim to bring world-class, pioneering digital imaging technologies to the VisMin region and Cebu City in particular by bolstering our presence in the Queen City of the South. On a macro scale, this is aligned with our strategy of strengthening our presence outside Metro Manila to confidently offer our services to the expanding economies of the different regional centers in the country,” said Carlo John Ortiz, Head of Epson VisMin. 

Just last December 7, Epson inaugurated its new Cebu office at the 4th floor of the NIC 2 Bldg., at Capitol Square, N. Escario Street, Cebu City. Along with its regional warehouse and depots also stationed in Cebu, Epson’s new sales office signifies the company’s big plans for the region.

“Epson’s investments in Cebu are just the beginning. With improved initiatives that will excite the market, the support of our regional trade partners, and by providing new, innovative, cost-efficient products, we are confident that Epson will be more responsive to the different needs and requirements of our customers and become the brand of choice in Visayas," added Ortiz.

Singapore Airlines to add flights and launch new destination during Northern Summer and Peak Season

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Singapore Airlines will add a sixth daily flight to Bangkok in March, up from five daily flights, alongside flight frequency increase to favorite destinations such as Colombo, Milan, Rome, Sydney, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai during the Northern Summer schedule (27 March 2016 – 29 October 2016) and peak-season. 

Düsseldorf will also become the newest destination in the Singapore Airlines network from 21 July 2016. Flights to Düsseldorf will be operated three times per week with the all-new Airbus A350-900 fitted with Singapore Airlines’ latest cabin products.

The sixth daily Bangkok service will be introduced with effect from 27 March 2016 to meet growth in demand for travel to and from the Thai capital. An Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be operated, adding nearly 2,000 seats per week on the route, which is popular with both business and leisure travellers. Flight SQ982 will depart Singapore at 5:35PM and arrive in Bangkok at 7:00PM. The return flight SQ983 will depart Bangkok at 08:05PM and arrive in Singapore at 11:30PM (all times local). 

Due to the Northern Summer schedule, frequency to Colombo will increase to 10 per week from the usual seven. While, Milan services will also increase to six per week from the current five, including two flights that continue to Barcelona in Spain. 

To cater to peak-season travel demand, five weekly flights will be operated to the Italian capital Rome from 25 June to 30 July 2016, up from the current three flights per week. Services to Sydney in Australia will increase to 35 per week between 23 June and 4 September 2016. In addition, the Indian city of Ahmedabad will be served four times per week between 30 April and 4 June 2016, up from the current three weekly flights, while 18 weekly flights will be operated to Mumbai from 21 April to 6 June 2016, up from the current 17 flights per week. 

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily, which conveniently connect to onward flights to the rest of the world. Passengers traveling from Cebu, Davao and Kalibo can fly to Singapore via SilkAir, which flies 12 times weekly from Cebu, nine times weekly from Davao and 3 times weekly from Kalibo.

Book your tickets via singaporeair.com or SingaporeAir Mobile app. 

You can also call SIA reservations office at 756-8888 or visit the ticket office at 33F LKG Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

Singapore Airlines brings Christmas to NAIA

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Singapore Airlines spreads the yuletide cheer to its passengers with a surprise performance rendered by SIA's ground personnel and staff while ice cream in popular Filipino flavors were served. 

Pasko sa SQ is the airline’s way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with its customers.

Christmas Surprise from Singapore Airlines. 

Pasko sa SQ. Singapore Airlines adorns the airport with a belen and colorful lanterns that were creatively designed by Singapore Airlines ground staff using only local and recycled materials. Passengers were also invited to vote for their favorite lantern.

Singapore Airlines staff in Filipiniana attires for the airline's Christmas surprise to its loyal passengers. 

This special treat has been a tradition of Singapore Airlines over the years to celebrate the spirit of this well-loved season in the Philippines. 

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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. 

Enjoying Travelling and Photography with ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser, see what others can't see

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Travelling and photography are my great passions in life. There is nothing more fulfilling to me than seeing, discovering, exploring and capturing beautiful things and images in many places around. 

ZenFone 2 Laser 5.0, one of their latest phone offerings of ASUS that looks so light, beautiful, neat, stylish and fashionable. 

Simpler, and smarter...it’s very easy to hold, 5-inch, very prominent curved back, a brushed aluminum finish that gives the phone an extra premium feel.

Pursuing my passion, with ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser, smartphone photography has never been this great. Point-and-shoot with ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser I'm so enjoying on my hand, that I can take breathtaking photos without worrying about blurred shots. 

ZenFone 2 Laser comes with fast, rapid laser auto-focus and durable Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. This phone brings clear photo and a fast camera shutter, with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter, and laser auto-focus technology empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.3 seconds.

Here are some photos captured by ZenFone 2 Laser:

Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. 

When a flash is preferred, ZenFone 2 Laser is equipped with a Real Tone flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color.

ZenFone 2 Laser’s PixelMaster camera also has Backlight (Super HDR) mode to capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. Pixel-enhancing technology increases contrast by up to 400%, ensuring that foreground subjects stand out clearly and are free of shadows.

ZenFone 2 Laser gives everyone the ability to completely customize its interface to match their personal style and usage preferences, including ZenUI's launcher, themes, fonts, icons, and more.

Unboxing ZenFone 2 Laser ZE500KL

Tech Specifications: 

Processor: Qualcomm

Snapdragon S410

Quad-core

1.2GHz

Screen Size : 5-inch

Weight (gram) 140g

Screen Resolution : IPS LED Backlight TFT screen with 178⁰ wide view angle

Pixel Per Inch : 294

IPS Panel : Corning Gorilla 4 glass with 178⁰ wide view angle

Rear Camera : 8MP Aperture, 5-element lens, Auto focus, Dual Color Flash

Front Camera: 5MP, f/2.0 Aperture, wide-angle 85˚Pano Selfie

3G Network : DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps

LTE Network: LTE CAT4 (DL/UL): 150/50Mbps

3G Quad Band Support

(850/900/1900/2100 MHz)

850/900/1800/1900

Operating System : Android Lolipop 5.0

RAM 2GB

Storage 16GB

WebStorage/Google drive/Dropbox bundle (Y/N)

- 5GB lifetime for free

Dual SIM-Card Support

Maximum Micro SD Card support size 128GB

Bluetooth : BT 4.0

Navigation System: A-GPS and GLONASS

Sensor

1.  Accelerator

2.  E-Compass

3. Proximity

4. Hall sensor

5. Ambient light sensor

Battery : typ 2070mAh Polymer battery (removable)

#QCBlogventure : Historical travel and adventure is available right here in Quezon City

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Enjoying the wonderful world of Quezon City as it celebrates this month of October its 75th Diamond Jubillee Anniversary.

It’s always more fun in the Philippines and traveling within the city I think is a must and discovering good spots in Quezon City is a journey. And here's a part of our historical and fun experience in this years #QCBlogventure to celebrate Quezon City’s 75th Diamond Jubillee Anniversary.

I am one of the bloggers in the group that assigned to journey with the nature and arts in QC.

The first adventure is at the Ecopark at La Mesa Dam La Mesa Ecopark and La Mesa Watershed Nature Reserve.

The Ecopark at La Mesa Dam, what used to be the virgin forest beside the road has been adopted by ABS-CBN Foundation and was lately given a new facelift, converted into an Ecopark.

Now open to the public, undeniably, the most complete family-oriented Nature Park in Metro Manila.

The Ecopark offers a lot of family-oriented activities like Boating Lagoon, Bicycle rides, Swimming Pool, Fitness Trek, Fishing Pond, Camping Ground, Open Amphitheater.

ABS-CBN Foundation's Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) Project collaborated with Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System (MWSS, the government agency that owned La Mesa Watershed) and the Quezon City government to stop illegal settling, poaching and logging through a proactive Bantay Kalikasan Project that aims to rehabilitate, reforest, preserve and protect the area. The Adopt/Protect-A-Tree/Hectare Program was so successful that out of the 1,500 hectares that needed reforestation, only about 158 hectares remain to be planted, providing children and adults with experiential learning about environmental and biodiversity conservation.

La Mesa Ecopark has become a center for Bantay Kalikasan's environmental advocacies and causes. La Mesa Ecopark continues to be a venue for both recreation and raising environmental awareness.

We were lucky and I am really glad that our next adventure is for the first time to see one living hub and nerve center of the arts within a place in Quezon City.

Erehwon Center for the Arts 

The Erehwon Center for the Arts devoted to the Arts, aims to bring together artistic energies of the Filipino here and around the globe, and create a new brilliant rebirth of the arts, which the opportunity of working together with both traditional and modern concepts, media, tools and resources will inspire. This is a living hub and nerve center of the arts in the Philippines and in the region as a whole.

According to Erehwon Chairman and CEO Mr. Rafael Benitez, "it is a space which will provide a multi-sided colloquium of artists eager to advance art to a new and higher level in our world and to strengthen art as a means of communication and understanding among people throughout our contemporary world."

To achieve this, the Center opens a project of space residency for working together in a non-formal education program, exhibiting in large and small shows, as well as storing and documenting artists’ works. 

The Center hopes to stimulate and invigorate art-making in the region, and will give the needed boosts to artists and to their role in the contexts and in the region as a whole.

The company, Erehwon Artworld Corporation is a business enterprise offers integrated publishing, design and modern printing services.

The Erehwon Center for the Arts Building is located #1 Don Francisco Street, Villa Beatriz Subdivision, Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City.

After the journey at the arts, we just had a quick sneek at the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center.

Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center, a 64.58-hectare (159.6-acre) zoological and botanical garden located in Diliman, Quezon City. It was named after Benigno S. "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. The Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center has a lagoon, an aquarium, a playground, botanical garden and a Wildlife Rescue Center, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources uses as a temporary shelter where confiscated, retrieved, donated, sick, abandoned, and injured wild animals are placed to be taken care of. The park houses several indigenous plants and animals such as crab-eating macaques, water monitors, Philippine deer,binturongs, Palawan bearded pigs and several varieties of birds.(Wikipedia)

Quezon City is really one of my comfort places in the country. As the final bloggers adventure is the foodtrip, food journey with side trips to some of the attractions in the vicinity.

We had our snack time or early dinner at Kenny Rogers Roasters at the Matalino St., Brgy. Central, Quezon City.

Kenny Rogers a casual dining restaurant that offers friendly service in a comfortable setting of serving home-style family foods. Kenny Rogers Roasters is well known as "the favourite place for rotisserie roasted chicken.” And it also makes healthy lifestyle choices.

Known for all-time favorites, like Round-up Platter, a medley of 3 side dishes complemented with 1 Kenny's Home-made Muffin.

We also witnessed the Grand Parade of Lights at the Quezon City Hall where we started and ended up the #QCBlogventure this October 10, 2015.

The whole Saturday is not enough to do blogdventure around Quezon City to celebrate the city's 75th anniversary. And on Sunday, I joined the Concert and parade of lights held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle with celebrities and Mayor Herbert Bautista. (Watch out for more updates in the coming stories here)

There are many places worth visiting in Quezon City, Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park and a national shrine, Quezon Memorial Shrine, an entertainment capital and media houses TV and radio buildings, education as UP in Diliman, Ateneo and more.. a shopping destination too, a health and wellness center and hospitals, like Heart Center and many places of government operations, places or restaurants, streets where people can take their foodtrip and festivals… and more.

#QCBlogventure Bloggers group at the rooftop of Erehwon Center of the Arts Building with Erehwon Head and staff (photo: Martin Andrade)

With all these happenings and celebrations, I agree to Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista as he said in one of the events before:

“The 75th Diamond Jubilee of cityhood gives us the perfect opportunity to show off what Quezon City has to offer not only to the country but also to the world, and this can only be achieved successfully if we work hand in hand.”

This is one fun and awesome historical adventure and educational trip! We have seen some and experienced what Quezon City achieved. More great opportunities, travel and adventure is available right here in Quezon City.

Thank you very much to the organizer of ‪#‎QC75‬ ‪#‎QCRocks75‬ #QCBlogventure #‎QuezonCity75thJubileeAnniversary who invited us bloggers to become part of Quezon City’s celebrations.

Happy 75th Anniversary Quezon City!

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) bags Best Marketing and Relationship Effort 2015 award

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), bagged the Best Marketing and Relationship Effort during the 26th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2015. This prestigious award is given to the organization that demonstrates outstanding, exemplary and inspirational marketing and relationship-building efforts in the travel trade industryin the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia, the TTG Travel Awards is the most prestigious annual travel industry awards in Asia-Pacific. It recognizes the best organisations and individuals for their achievements and contributions in four categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement, and Travel Hall of Fame. This year, all winners were honored at the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand last October 1, 2015.

“It is a great honor to receive the Best Marketing and Relationship Effort Award from TTG Travel Awards. This recognition will definitely inspire us to work harder in promoting the country’s international profile for years to come. We would not be able to achieve this without the support of various stakeholders in the travel trade industry. This award is also for everyone who makes the Philippines one of the best tourist spots and vacation destinations in the world,” says TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

TPB spearheads Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, a year-long campaign that highlights exciting and major events in the country that attract international tourists from all over the world, from music, arts and entertainment shows; lifestyle, sports, adventure and ecotourism activities; and business, historical and cultural showcases.

Since the launch of VPY 2015, the country has registered a total of 3.11 million international visitors from January to July 2015 alone. The country has also earned 130.2billion pesos in tourism earnings for the same period.

While continuing to forefront and support international events that attract foreign visitors this year, TPB is also gearing up for more fun and exciting tourism campaigns next year with the recent launching of its newest campaign, “Visit the Philippines Again 2016.” 

Offering more fun that keeps foreign travellers coming back for more, VPA 2016 will treat returning tourists to new rip-roaring and top-notch attractions, spectacular travel destinations and world-class events that will make their stay in the country worthwhile and productive. The line-up includes the Asean Tourism Forum 2016, Routes Asia 2016, Madrid Fusión Manila 2016, Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2016, and the MTV Music Evolution 2016. Returning visitors will also be given exclusive travel deals and special incentives discounts on flights, hotel accommodations and tour packages after simply presenting proof of previous visits.

“We are committed to promoting and upholding the boom in the inbound tourism industry by constantly making effective campaigns. Our upcoming promotions will not only make foreigners choose to visit the Philippines over other destinations in the world but will also make them want to come back to the country over and over again,” says Enerio. 

Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Show makes waves in the Philippines; Visit DRT Expo at SM Megamall this weekend

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The Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Show, the largest international diving and resort expo in Asia Pacific, has finally reached the Philippine shores after making waves in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Okinawa over the past years.

The DRT Show is considered to be the largest gathering for diving enthusiasts, marine conservationists and anyone with a passion for the underwater world. The DRT Show has been met with an overwhelming response as an important regional event.

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With the Philippine Department of Tourism, the LX Development Group, a premier exhibitions organizer based in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taiwan,  the DRT Show will run in the country for the first time on September 11 to 13 at the SM Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong City.

Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. at the Diving Resort Travel Show, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, September 11, 2015.

The DRT Show Philippines is a ‘must visit' diving destination event as it features top-level exhibitors such as leading dive equipment manufacturers, water sport equipment manufacturers, dive resorts, national tourism organizations (NTOs), as well as marine conservation and diving organizations, providing the latest information, happenings and innovations that will appeal to anyone with a passion for the underwater world. The expo will also include travel trade activities such as a by-invitation-only business-to-business (B2B) meetings between foreign buyers and sellers, a Philippine underwater photo exhibit, plus a five-day post familiarization tour for buyers.

Tieza Assistant COO Jethro Lozada; Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.; DRT Show Head Jason Chong; and Tourism Promotions Board COO  Domingo Ramon Enerio III

The DRT Show greatly promote trading and export business and has become the most important and 'MUST VISIT' diving equipment and diving destination event in Asia Pacific, with the top-level exhibitors and leading dive equipment manufacturers, water sport equipment manufacturers, dive resorts, tourism boards, marine conservation and diving organizations.  The DRT Show’s arrival to the country is much anticipated as it brings together diving enthusiasts, marine conservationists, dive industry stakeholders, international dive media as well as national tourism organization NTOs; which will greatly help heighten global awareness about the Philippines as one of Asia’s best diving destinations.

Across the Asia Pacific, DRT Shows have been met with an overwhelming response and are now considered highly important regional events promoting trading and export business. Each year, LX Development Group organizes 4 diving and resort exhibitions, generating a total of 600 exhibitors from 48 countries, and more than 50,000 registered visitors from 56 countries.

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The DRT Show is the only professional dive exhibition in the region supported the by General Administration of Sport of China (HR Resources Development Center), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBP), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Okinawa Prefecture Government, Okinawa Convention & Visitor Bureau (OCVB), Japan Recreational Diving Association (JRDA), Japan Wetsuits Manufacturers Association (JWMA), and Japan Scuba Association (JSA).

Don’t miss the chance to take part in this pioneering dive and resort travel event. 

For more information, please check out the website - http://www.divingandresorttravelexpo.com/ or direct queries to Wen Sorioso of DOT Dive-MDG at 459-5200, loc. 520 or e-mail at phdiveteam@gmail.com.

Photos: Arts &Travel Magazine and
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Experience Iloilo: PNoy to lead inauguration of Iloilo Convention Center

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President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to lead the inaugural rites of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) on September 14 in Iloilo City.

Iloilo Convention Center  is part of the effort to develop and promote tourism in the province of Iloilo particularly Region 6 and other Visayas provinces.

The P700-million, two-storey ICC will be the main venue of the three important meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) here in Iloilo City slated to start September 21 until October 6, 2015.

Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Edilberto Tayao confirmed Aquino’s attendance after receiving a word from Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Aside from ICC, Tayao said Aquino will also inaugurate the new bridge linking Lapuz district and the new ferry and fast craft terminal to the city proper.

Tayao said that the ICC was completed last August 31 and its second phase is soon to be completed with furniture and furnishing.

Expereince  and enjoy Iloilo City. It's more fun in the Philippines!

*ExperienceTravel.Ph 

Let's travel and say 'arigatou' to peace with Tagaytay Highlands’ Katsura community

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An exclusive mountain resort community offering a sophisticated lifestyle with its world class amenities, themed residential communities, luxurious and innovative condominiums, and its classic log cabin homes - Tagaytay Highlands.

The frenzied metropolitan life can be remedied by a quick getaway to Tagaytay. Barely a two-hour smooth ride away, the coveted spot's accessibility makes it a frequent destination for casual getaways and even better - for a luxurious escapade. Who would not get allured by the image of vast greenery and the figurative caress of fresh air?

Each development within the property offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and comfort, providing homeowners the ultimate weekend getaway destination.

Those who are adherent with the Japanese culture will be enthralled with Katsura, the Japanese-themed residential community stretched across 14 hectares of rolling terrain. One can now be pampered and revel in the stretched space of God-made wonders incorporated with man-made sanctuaries.

Katsura’s best kept secret is Yume, a secluded enclave in an already exclusive community.

Katsura values the forgotten essence of life - redirecting people to elegance of simplicity with its traditional and contemporary Japanese homes. It promises a sophisticated experience through beautiful manifestations of imagery. For one, mountains are represented through its steep-angled roofs. And to complement the vista, well-kept Japanese gardens sprawl the area which emit a more traditional atmosphere.

Set within the community to give a more authentic oriental ambiance are “KOENs” which are small parks or pocket gardens. In Japan, KOENs are symbolic of tradition and inner peace. The hues of green and yellow plants help you relax and be one with your inner self. Each park has unique elements that exhibit harmony and balance, representing the Japanese arts and culture. Two of the gardens are surrounded by white striped bamboos and have a torii gate that opens to wide steps leading to a pavilion, creating an imperial feel. While one of the gardens has a pond and a wooden deck where you can admire the beauty of serenity. There is also a rock garden where pebbles are scattered and boulders are essentially placed for design and convenience. The other gardens have benches and walkways that are perfect for afternoon strolls.

Katsura’s best kept secret is Yume, a secluded enclave in an already exclusive community. Overlooking Katsura, it offers a wonderful view of the Taal Lake. One can grasp more intimacy through its premier location and security.

Yume means "dream" in Japanese and true enough, it is artistic, still, and luxurious in nature. 

The abode serves dual purpose - as a union and as a function. Guests will be captivated by its sophisticated interiors and the majestic outdoors surrounding it. 

Katsura values the forgotten essence of life - redirecting people to elegance of simplicity with its traditional and contemporary Japanese homes.

Yume lies in a three-hectare of lush land that extends the vital peace embodied by Katsura. Imagine experiencing the Japanese way of life without the hassle of travelling far.

Aside from the community’s exclusive amenities, homeowners may also enjoy the different Club facilities such as the country’s first cable car and Swiss funicular train, ATV rides, horseback riding ring, swimming pools with Jacuzzis, different sports facilities at the Sports Center, and Tagaytay Highlands’ very own zoo, the Animal Farm.

Upon purchase, proprietary shares to Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club will also be granted to homeowners.

Katsura is a Japanese-themed residential community stretched across 14 hectares of rolling terrain.

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Nestled along the highest elevations of Tagaytay lies a premier leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury. Where stunning nature views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation. Where golf and country clubs, a selection of restaurants, world-class amenities, and a variety of premium residential communities reshape your idea of a weekend getaway.

For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com or call (632) 5052422 and (63917) 5150158.