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.

  

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) presents #PHITEX2016: Bigger Business

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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.

TPB and Color Manila Run celebrate fun with Blacklight Run

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An enthusiastic crowd of 700 gathered to participate in the first ever black light edition of Color Manila Run held at the SM Lanang grounds in Davao City. Co-organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), Color Manila Run is part of the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign as one of several activities lined up throughout the year to entice travellers to come to the country and participate in their favorite sports while enjoying the breath-taking natural wonders found throughout the archipelago.

The event started with a rousing Zumba to warm up the runners. To help them navigate through the race routes, LED headlamps were distributed to the participants along with Color Manila Run’s signature color powder packs. Davao favorites Tribu K’ Mindanawan and DJ Torch Gacuma pumped up the crowd by providing riveting entertainment, which culminated in a lively dance party with the runners glowing with different splashes of color. 

“Color Manila Run offers tourists a chance to experience how a unique athletic activity can be more fun and memorable with the help of Filipino creativity”, shared TPB’s Chief Operating Officer, Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III. “The Tourism Promotions Board is happy and proud to support these kinds of events as they highlight both our people’s innate love to share happiness and our goal of creating the Philippines as a top choice for sporting and wellness events,” he added.

Southern Mindanao Regional Director of the DOT Roberto P. Alabado III welcomed the runners by saying, “Color Manila Run is important for us in Davao because we need to be reminded of the region’s rich biodiversity. DOT and TPB invite you to plan trips to experience the wealth of natural wonders our country has to offer.”

For the rest of 2016, health buffs can look forward to more local and international adrenaline-filled activities happening in the Philippines such as Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, MAYON 360 Albay Ultramarathon 2016, and Sky-athon 2016 Boracay Beach Run among several others. 

To know more on upcoming sports-related events, visit www.tpb.gov.ph and www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com.

Tourism Promotions Board: Philippines Celebrates Food Month this April

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April is sure to delight the palates of foodies as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)and Department of Tourism (DOT) launch Food Month with a delicious line up of gastronomic events and activities.

Kicking off the Food Month is the Flavors of the Philippines, a nationwide, month-long cultural and food festival showcasing the best of each region’s culinary specialties. A prelude to Madrid Fusión Manila (MFM) 2016, Flavors of the Philippines celebrates regional cuisines through various activities such as food tours and tastings, and weekend markets, among others.

The Flavors of the Philippines started with the Paella Gigante Festival last 12 March 2016 at Greenbelt 3, where the country’s largest paella measuring 10-feet in diameter was served. Cooked by some of the most brilliant and renowned chefs in the country, the giant paella was filled with over 600 kg of savoury and flavourful ingredients.

The highlight of Philippine Food Month is MFM 2016 happening on April 7-9 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The event is a gathering of the most acclaimed Michelin-star chefs from across the globe. With the theme “The Manila Galleon: East meets West”, MFM 2016 will feature the crème de la crème of the culinary field from the western and eastern hemispheres, making it the biggest and most important international gastronomy congress in Asia. It will definitely allow local and international food enthusiasts to sample and enjoy various sumptuous dishes from the different corners of the globe.

Philippine Food Month will culminate with a massive street food feast at the World Street Food (WSFC) Congress 2016 on April 20-24. Happening for the first time in thePhilippines, WSFC will feature three components including The World Street Food Dialogue, The World Street Food Awards and The World Street Food Jamboree,where 24 Top International Hawkers from around the world, including India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, USA, Thailand and Singapore, will showcase their country’s iconic street food.

Indeed, the Philippines offers not just beautiful tourist destinations but also rich and diverse culinary adventures. With the upcoming grand gastronomic events happening this April, travelers definitely have more reasons to visit and experience the country all over again.

To find out more events lined up for the Visit the Philippines Again year, go to:www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com.

TPB launches “Tag the Fun” photo contest

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Enjoying your vacation or business trip in the Philippines? Share your best travel moments on camera and join “Tag the Fun”- an exciting photo contest organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), together with Agoda, that rewards local and foreign travelers for choosing the Philippines as their destination.

Get a chance to win a holiday break in the beautiful beaches and the underground wonder of Puerto Princesa, Palawan or in the white powdery sands and clear waters of Panglao Island, Bohol! Plus, you can also take home “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” premium items.

“Tag the Fun” photo contest runs from October 5 to November 13, 2015. It is open to participants 18 years old and above and has two categories: the local category, which is open to all Filipinos, and the foreign category, which is for the foreigners and visitors residing in and outside the Philippines.

To join, simply like the official Facebook pages of “Tourism Promotions Board”, “The Philippines” and “Agoda”; upload your best travel photo on the TPB Facebook page along with an English caption of no more than 500 characters together with the name of destination where the photo was taken; share the entry on your own Facebook newsfeed along with a mention of “The Philippines” and “Agoda” and the hashtags #tpbgovph, #tagthefun, and #itsmorefuninthephilippines. Don’t forget to set your Facebook post to public. 

Submit as many entries as you wish on or before the following dates with the corresponding weekly themes—October 11: Business, October 18: Lifestyle, October 25: Sports, Adventure & Ecotourism, November 2: History & Culture, and November 9: Music, Arts & Entertainment.

There will be two winners for each week (1 local and 1 foreign) who will receive “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” premium items.

On November 13, 2015, best entries will be chosen (1 local and 1 foreign) among the 10 weekly winners to award the grand prizes. The grand winners will enjoy a free 3Day/2Night stay for two at the country’s two best beaches. The local winner will get to experience the paradise of Astoria Palawan Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan while the foreign winner will be treated to the white beaches of Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Panglao Island, Bohol.

Sharing your best Philippine travel moments has never been more fun. Join “Tag the Fun” photo contest and make your trip to the Philippines memorable, rewarding and worth coming back for more

For more information, visit the official TPB Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tpbphl and to learn about special deals or promotions on hotels in the Philippines, connect at www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com or go directly to www.agoda.com/morefunph.

Tourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) campaign VPA 2016 gains support from private sector

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"It's more fun in the Philippines!" Tourists will once again behold the beauty of the Philippines and experience a year of even bigger and more thrilling events and attractions as the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) campaign Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 gain support from the country’s private sector as they offer perks and privileges to returning visitors.

VPA 2016 will surely attract more foreigners to the Philippines and make them want to visit the country all over again.

VPA2016 is a retail-based campaign recently launched by DOT and TPB to drive urgency and excitement among foreign travelers to visit the Philippines and return for more fun, friendship, feel-good adventures, and fabulous memories to cherish in 2016. In cooperation with the private sector, selected tour operators, travel agencies and hotels are giving returning visitors blockbuster discounts on travel deals, flights, hotel accommodations, and tour packages.

Bigger, greater and more exciting events and destinations that showcase the beauty of the Philippine islands and the warmth of its people also await foreign visitors. Lots of rip-roaring, top-notch events will once again make their stay in the country worthwhile and productive, including the Asian Tourism Forum 2016 and Routes Asia 2016 for jetsetters and business people; Madrid Fusión Manila 

2016 for foodies, 2016 Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, and the MTV Music Evolution 2016 for music and concert lovers. VPA 2016’s bigger and better attractions will provide unending reasons for visitors to return to the country again and another bright year for the tourism sector. 

TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III

“VPY 2015 was truly a huge success. And with VPA 2016, we are confident that it will be another spectacular year for the tourism industry, not just with the help of the government and private sector, but also with the heart of the Filipino people. With the Filipinos as our most important asset, VPA 2016 will surely captivate tourists even more as they return next year. With our country’s magnificent attractions and the smiling faces of the Filipinos, the Philippines is definitely worth visiting over and over,” says TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III. 

This year’s campaign, Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, attracted a total of 2.6 million international visitors from January to June 2015 alone and has total earnings generated from tourism activities to P111.05 billion for the first six months of 2015. And with the continued support between the different private organizations, individuals, and the government sector, VPA 2016 will prove to be more successful.

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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A grand welcome for Fil-Ams

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Members of the Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program

World-renowned Filipino hospitality greeted the Filipino-American delegates of the 10th Ambassador, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) gala dinner held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the event served as a formal welcome for the delegates who came from different parts of the United States of America (USA) to reconnect with their Filipino roots and experience the best of the Philippines.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III

An annual excursion program for Filipino-Americans, ACGTDT organizes a special tour to popular Philippine destinations that would allow the participants to savor the foods, see the beautiful sites, learn more about the history, and experience the hospitality that Filipinos are famous for. This year, the delegates will be travelling to Cebu and their itinerary includes visits to Cebu City, Carcar, Argao, Sibonga, and Mactan Islands. 

 

DFA Usec. Evan P. Garcia, Ambassador Jose L. Cruisia and Generoso D.G. Calogne

Welcoming the excited guests were TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, Jr. and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia.

TIEZA Business Development Manager Bing Francisco, TIEZA Asst. COO Jetro Nicolas Lozada and Nanding Mendez

“We are pleased to welcome you back to the Philippines. You’re the best ambassadors in promoting the country’s tourism abroad. May this event not only deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Philippines, but also inspire your foreign friends and loved ones to come and visit the country,” says Enerio.

Lyle Cummings, Marie Cummings, Sen. Michael San Nicolas and Lynn Baker

Amidst refreshing cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and sumptuous dinner, the delegates were treated to a live jazz entertainment led by renowned Filipino saxophonist Vince Lahorra and world-class performances by Asia’s Got Talent finalists Gerphil Flores, Gwyneth Dorado and Junior New System.

James and Rose Marie Knaus

With warm vibe and friendly faces around, it was so easy for the delegates to feel at home, even for the first-timers. “I just want to see the Philippines. I think it’s a beautiful country,” says Jon Paul Puno, a US-born rising classical crossover singer. For those who have been on the tour many times, meanwhile, it’s an experience worth reliving. “We’re excited to be back,” says Rose Marie Knaus who came with her husband, James. “We’re blown away by the execution of this event. Aside from visiting beautiful places, we’re also planning to sell properties. We believe the country is rich in potential.” 

Panfilo Vallejera and Gina Berida

 Warren Gilbert Steele, Samantha Rose Steele and Aurea Steele

Welcoming as it was meant to be, the gala dinner was only the start of Philippine rediscovery for the Fil-Am delegates. Their journey will continue in Cebu, where they will experience more of the country’s grandeur and the innate warmth of the Filipinos.

Jenny Yang-Fang and Edward Lu

Gwyneth Dorado

The ACGTDT is a featured event of the Visit the Philippines 2015 campaign.

Catch more fun and exciting events happening this year at www.visitph2015.com.

Cebu brightens up with COLOR Manila Run

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More More than 2,000 fun runners joined the Cebu leg of the Color Manila Run

The Queen City of the South was painted with vibrant colors and big smiles during the Cebu leg of COLOR Manila Run. More than 2000 Cebuanos, including local and international tourists, eagerly braved the shower of water and dyes to give their early morning run a colorful twist.

The beautiful seaside view of South Road Properties (SRP) served as the backdrop as runners get color-bombed with the happiest colors of the rainbow – yellow, orange, blue, green and purple, at different designated stations. 

Participants from Korea and Japan

Aside from the standard dri-fit shirts, race bibs and bags, all participants were alsogiven colorful reflectorized sunglasses that added a funky, fashionable touch.

The race was divided into 10K, 6K and 3K running categories but therewere no clocks, checkered flags or victory lanes. Everyone ran at their own pace and those who completed the race each received a specially designed finisher’s medal.

From left: Color Manila Run’s Jay Em, DOT Central Visayas Regional Director Rowena Montecillo, Color Manila Run’s Justine Cordero and Tourism Promotions Board’s Edwin Vincent V. Ortiz 

Edwin Ortiz with wife Monette and kids (from left) Gabriel, Angelo and Rafael 

Ian Camfield and Daniel Coos from England 

Tom Sanborn from Arizona and Sarah Colton from Indiana 

From left: Jeff Oxford, Sally Angue, Sebastian Van Der Schrier, John Danielson, Frances Enriquez and Prudence Jalandoni 

From left: Ingrid Ramos, Celia Seniedo and Hope Kho 

Toshimaru Soma from Japan 

Paul Ha from Korea

Capping the race was a party like no other where the participants were showered with more colors as the event climaxed into a beautiful, colorful mess. 

Supported by the Tourism Promotions Board, COLOR Manila Run is a friendly, non-competitive run and color festival rolled into one. This one-of-a-kind run definitely captures the fun spirit of the Filipinos. Aside from Manila and Cebu, COLOR Manila Run will also be held in Bacolod, Davao and Dagupan. 

For more exhilarating events and festivities that are happening in the Philippines this year, head to www.visitph2015.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eco-cultural activities

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

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

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

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

Visual Arts

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

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

Entertainment

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

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

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

New attractions

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

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

Partners

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

5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival

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

Why two weekends?

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

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

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

Performing acts

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

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

Partners

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

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

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

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

For inquiries contact info@ malasimbofestival.com