PH to host major travel trade shows and conferences in September

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PH to host major travel trade shows and conferences in September

The Philippines is set to host the country’s biggest and most important travel trade event next month – the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX). Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in line with its Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign, this year’s PHITEX will include a 2-day, power-packed conference on general tourism and MICE marketing. It is expected to bring together the different stakeholders in the tourism industry and endorse the country as an ideal destination for various international and high-level business and economic meetings.

“The tourism industry has made so much growth this year with the number of international tourist arrivals increasing by 8.15% since the start of the VPY20125 campaign last January. This is also complimented by the boost in the local tourism scene. With this, it only proves that with enough support from the government and cooperation from the different stakeholders, the tourism industry can grow and compete in the international travel market,” shares TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III

Kick-starting the events is MICECON, the country’s largest assembly of local stakeholders in Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions, and Events/Exhibitions (MICE) industry, including hotel and resort owners, tour operators and decision-makers in the hospitality sector. Taking place on September 1-2 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the two-day conference will showcase new developments, establishments and products in the country as well as advance its capabilities in targeting and handling the MICE market.

MICECON will be followed by the 14th PHITEX, which will be held on September 3 at the same venue. An annual leading marketing congress in the country, the PHITEX aims to strengthen the country’s brand image and encourage the participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages. International buyers from Asia, the US, Europe, and other parts of the world will be attending to meet and network with local sellers. Delegates will likewise be composed of MICE industry leaders will discuss global trends in travel, tourism and marketing innovations. 

Highlighting PHITEX 2015 are the TRAVEX sessions, which are exclusive business-to-business appointment meetings between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers. These sessions will not only showcase the country’s most competitive MICE and leisure products and services but will also provide foreign buyers the opportunity to experience the fun and exciting post tours to main Philippine attractions and destinations.

Culminating this week-long event is the 26th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 4-6 to be held at SMX Convention Center. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), PTM is considered to be one of the major travel trade exhibitions in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism. The event will attract buyers from all over the world as it presents the best and most affordable tour packages in the country.

“With the upcoming PHITEX, MICECON and PTM, we will once again prove that the Philippines is truly an important destination for international tourists, as well as sustain the success and growth of the tourism industry beyond VPY 2015,” adds Enerio.

Seven heritage places in the Philippines worth visiting

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Vigan Ilocos Sur - Calle Crisologo

It's more fun in the Philippines! Explore the diverse culture of the Philippines as MyProperty.ph lists some of the most popular heritage towns and cities in the country.

If you attended a Filipino school as a kid, chances are you know that whenever August rolled around, it was time to polish your skills in declamation, singing, or slogan making in celebration of the Buwan ng Wika . As a nationalistic event, it aims to celebrate the Filipino language while also embracing our linguistic diversity.

This month is also an apt time to visit some of the country’s towns and cities that helped shape our history and heritage. You can make a holiday out of your visit to any of these sites, as many of them are located in distant provinces, although some of them are close enough to Metro Manila for a day tour.

Kawit Cavite - Aguinaldo Shrine by Antonio V. Oquias

Kawit

Province: Cavite

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Chavacano

Considered as Cavite’s oldest municipality, Kawit was founded in 1587 for the Spanish Crown and referred to by the Spaniards as “Cavite El Viejo.” Its most famous spot is the Aguinaldo Shrine, the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site where the Philippine independence from Spanish rule was declared. It is also home to St. Mary Magdalene Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines; as well as the Battle of Binakayan Monument, which commemorates a struggle between Spanish and Filipino soldiers in 1896.

Malolos

Province: Bulacan

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan

Malolos is recognized as the Premiere Heritage City of Bulacan for its ancestral houses, Spanish colonial churches and chapels, and historical landmarks. The Barasoain Church, for one, is the site of the First Philippine Congress in 1898. Also worth visiting is the neoclassic Bautista-Uytangcoy Mansion, known as home of Aguinaldo’s interior secretary Don Antonio Bautista, but is more recognizable as the site where Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. Del Pilar spoke with the 21 women of Malolos in 1892.

Pila

Province: Laguna

Spoken language: Tagalog

Pila, specifically the Pila Historic Town Center, was declared a National Historical Landmark for being an early pre-Hispanic center of culture and trade, owing to the discovery of clay potteries during excavations in Pinagbayanan in 1967. Some of the Spanish- and American-era architecture found in the locale are the 19th-century Baroque church Diocesan Shrine, and the Parish Church of San Antonio de Padua, founded in 1578 and regarded as the country’s first Antonine parish.

Taal

Province: Batangas

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Spanish

Most famous for its namesake lake and for balisong (fan knife) and barong (local garb) making, Taal has been labeled a National Historical Landmark because of its well-restored ancestral houses. One such property is the Agoncillo-Mariño House, considered a national shrine by the National Historical Institute where the national flag was first made by Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo. Other historical landmarks include the Old Taal Church ruins, where the original Church of St. Martin de Tours was built in 1575; and Escuela Pia, built in 1885 and considered the central school during the American regime.

Vigan

Province: Ilocos Sur

Spoken languages: Ilocano, Pangasinan, Tagalog

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently named as one of the New7Wonders Cities, Vigan is one of the few Hispanic towns in the country where visitors can appreciate intact buildings that display a fusion of Filipino, Oriental, and European aesthetic. Its most famous attraction is Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street flanked by Spanish-era homes and traversed by horse-drawn carriages or calesas. Other points of interest include the earthquake Baroque-style Vigan Cathedral, the history of which can be traced back to 1574; and the Archbishop’s Residence, which was built in the 16th century.

Silay Negros Occidental - Balay Negrense

Silay

Province: Negros Occidental

Spoken languages: Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tagalog

Silay is often referred to as the Paris of Negros and considered by the Department of Tourism as Western Visayas’ seat of arts, culture, and ecotourism. The city is known for its artists and numerous cultural shows, but its most prized attractions are its well-preserved heritage houses, which were built during the heyday of the Philippine sugar industry. Some of the more famous homes are Balay Negrense, a late-19th-century home that has been transformed into a museum; and Hofileña Ancestral House, which was constructed in 1934 by Manuel Severino Hofileña and continues to be occupied by one of his heirs.

Dapitan

Province: Zamboanga Del Norte

Spoken languages: Cebuano, Subanen, Zamboangueño, Chavacano, Tagalog

Known as the “Shrine City in the Philippines,” Dapitan’s popularity lies in its historical significance as the place of exile of Rizal. In fact, its most famous sites are ones related to Rizal, such as Liwasan ng Dapitan, which the national hero helped designed; Punto del Desembarco de Rizal, where he disembarked from the steamer “Cebu” in 1565; and Rizal Park and Shrine, where he lived from 1893 to 1896.

Source : MyProperty.ph,  a leading Philippine real estate online and print brand that brings property buyers and sellers together. The website’s main offerings are listings of pre-selling properties and properties for sale and for rent. Both website and magazine also provide relevant and updated industry news and information for its clients and consumers.

Visit MyProperty.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram

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.

TPB helps preserve PH environment, culture

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The first batch of Tourism Promotions Board employees getting ready for the mangrove-planting activity

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), led by TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Domingo Ramon Enerio III, encouraged its employees to participate in a series of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects lined up to help preserve the country’s environment and cultural heritage.

Mobilizing hundreds of TPB employees, the campaign kicked off in Boracay this summer, in time for the country’s busiest tourist season. TPB employees, in cooperation with the Boracay Foundation Inc., conducted a series of beach clean-ups. As one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Boracay plays host to concerts, sports events, and other major summer activities which leave its shores heavily littered.

TPB OIC for Marketing and Communications, Brand Management and Advertising Ma. Nedalin Miranda (left) with Boracay Foundation Inc. Marine Biologist Trixie Asis

They also planted acropora coral fragments in response to the destruction of coral reefs in the island due to pollution and the influx of tourist vessels, as well as natural stresses like strong current and waves. Through this restoration project, Boracay’s corals can continue to be one of the island’s attractions and home of marine creatures.

The team from Boracay Foundation Inc. explains the importance and process of replanting coral fragments

In addition, they helped plant mangroves along Lugutan Beach on the other side of the island. Mangroves play an important role in protecting the coastlines from erosion, while also serving as nursery area for fish and other sea organisms.

Planting mangrove at Boracay’s Lugutan Beach

Also lined up for TPB employees are visits to Camiguin and Bohol – areas which were devastated by natural calamities. In 2013, Camiguin and Tacloban were both hit by Typhoon Yolanda while Bohol met a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

Aside from destroying lives and properties of thousands of Filipinos, these disasters also led to the destruction of many cherished historical and cultural sites in the Philippines, including the Church of Our Lady of Light in Loon, Bohol, and the Children’s Park and Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban.

Cleaning up right after a major event

From left: Nerissa Jean Cruz, Romina Patricia Blacer, Alvin Jeffry Barcelona, Rona Jean Olaivar, Pamela Denise Cababasay, and Mikhail Camacho

“These activities show TPB’s commitment not only to promoting our many tourist destinations, but also helping preserve our country’s cultural heritage and rebuilding communities whose residents depend on tourism,” explained Enerio.

Visit the Philippines Year 2015 gets stamp approval from PHLPost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VPY2015 continues to unveil more exciting events in the country. 

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

All set for Madrid Fusión Manila

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It’s all systems go for the first ever Madrid Fusión Manila, the famed gastronomic festival from Spain! 

Gathering some of the world’s most celebrated chefs in one roof and promising a food experience like no other, Madrid Fusión Manila happens this April 24 to 26, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Madrid Fusión Manila will feature three main events, all of which present the Philippines as a rising culinary center of excellence in Asia: the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibition, and the Flavors of the Philippines.

International Gastronomy Congress - At the Congress, Michelin-grade Spanish chefs and celebrity chefs from Asia will showcase the latest culinary trends and techniques, continuing Madrid Fusión’s 12-year tradition of showcasing the future of food. 

Trade Exhibition -  takes guests to an unforgettable gastronomic journey featuring premium products from the world’s leading food and beverage companies, especially Spanish delights like wines, cheeses, and charcuterie, and Filipino treats such as chocolates, nuts, mango, artisanal salts, and liqueurs.

Flavors of the Philippines is a month-long cultural and gastronomic feast with food tours and tastings, roving food trucks, and bar crawls. All over the country, restaurants, hotels, bars, malls, and weekend markets are celebrating food with their own line of scrumptious offerings

The Congress is still open for registration to chefs, industry professionals, aficionados, and culinary students, while the Trade Exhibition is free to trade visitors and will be open to the public on the last day. 

To register as a Congress delegate, call +639175358109. To participate as an exhibitor, call +639178441217

For more information about Madrid Fusión Manila, visit www.madridfusionmanila.com or www.visitph2015.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Agoda Company Pte Ltd:

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

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

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

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It's More Fun in the Philippines! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#VPY2015 - Weekend at Puerto Galera

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

PUERTO GALERA

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

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

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

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

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

We visit the Talipanan Mangyan Village. 

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

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

Tamaraw Falls

Island Hopping  - snorkel with friends at the Coral Garden

Lunch at the Elizabeth’s Hideaway

Hiking up Mt. Malasimbo and joined the party.

White Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economy

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

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

Environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GET THERE: 

By Public Transportation

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

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

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

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

- Bus Terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

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

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

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

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

#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #VisitPhilippinesYear2015 #VPY2015

TPB booth wins Best Booth at Travel Tour Expo 2015

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) won the Overall Best Booth Award in the Domestic Pavilion at the recent Travel Tour Expo 2015. 

Based on the brand campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, the booth design highlights “Visit the Philippines Year 2015,” the year-long invitation of TPB for everyone to discover and experience the country’s must-see destinations and happenings. It also features images of the country’s colorful festivals and must-see events including tasty regional treats.

Several exhibitors also signed up to support the campaign through the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 microsite: www.visitph2015.com.