Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to host the country’s biggest travel trade event - PHITEX on September 4-6

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TPB is bringing a larger and improved PHITEX this year

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is set to host the country’s biggest and most significant travel trade event – the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), on September 4-6, 2016 at the Marriot Grand Ballroom. In line with the Visit the Philippines Again 2016 (VPA) campaign, this year’s PHITEX is set to once again promote the country as the premier tourist destination among some of the world’s biggest travel and tour buyers.

With this year’s theme “#PHITEX2016: Bigger Business”, TPB is bringing a larger and improved PHITEX with more sessions allocated for business-to-business interactions and better designed pre-tours and post-tours.

Kicking off this week-long event is the 27th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 2-3 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 of domestic and inbound tourism. The event attracts buyers from all over the world as it presents the best and most affordable tour packages in the country. 

Highlighting the event is the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which includes exclusive business-to-business appointment meetings between Philippine sellers and foreign buyers. By giving them the chance to personally meet the local sellers, buyers are introduced to the Philippines’ marketing trends and practices. In exchange, sellers are given an edge to offer globally competitive tour packages to the international market. These sessions will also provide foreign buyers the opportunity to experience the fun and exciting post tours to main Philippine attractions and destinations.

“PHITEX has been instrumental in strengthening the brand image of the Philippines,” shares TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III. “By introducing the best tourism products and services to the international market and bringing together the different stakeholders in the tourism industry, the country has become an important destination, not only for various international and high-level business and economic meetings but also for travel and trade. In fact, the country has welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors from January to May 2016. This is 13.02% higher than the accumulated arrivals in January to May 2015.”

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX has been continuously sustaining the growth that the Philippines has gained in the global tourism market.

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) lends a helping hand

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently visited Leyte, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to help the province recover from the aftermath of the disastrous typhoon Yolanda that hit the country in 2013. 

Leyte was one of the hard-hit areas in Visayas. It was engulfed by a deadly storm surge and hundreds of families were badly affected, especially those living along the coastlines. Even after three years, the province is still recovering from the disaster as thousands lost everything – their shelter, livelihood and families.

TPB started their outreach program by bringing cheer to the orphaned and underprivileged children from the Social City Welfare, as well as the elderly from the Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor. TPB employees donated school supplies, toys, books, canned goods, toiletries and clothes to children and elderly.

To help in protecting the coasts of Leyte from another fortuitous event, TPB employees also planted mangroves along the shores. 

To cap off their charitable mission, the employees visited some of Leyte’s tourist attractions, such as the Sto. Niño Church, Palo Church, Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum, San Juanico Bridge, MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park and the Leyte Provincial Capitol. They also visited M/V Eva Jocelyn, one of 17 cargo ships that was washed ashore by the storm surge during typhoon Yolanda from the waters of the Port of Tacloban City to a side of a hill in Barangay 37 which was turned into a monument and a mini-park; and the Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Palo, a Taiwanese Buddhist foundation which provides livelihood and shelter for the victims of the typhoon. 

“Apart from promoting the country’s wonderful tourist spots, we, at TPB, are also committed to help communities and preserve the environment. We hope that in our humble efforts, we not only protect our natural wonders, but more importantly, uplift the spirits of our fellow Filipinos,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

TPB’s visit to Leyte is the 2nd leg of its CSR program this year, which started in Occidental Mindoro and will conclude in Palawan. They also had similar activities in Boracay, Bohol and Camiguin last year. By setting an example, TPB’s charitable works hope to inspire not just its employees, but also other agencies and the general public to help the country in restoring its beauty and making the Philippines more fun.

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Philippines makes its mark as global entertainment destination

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The Philippines once again made its mark in the global entertainment scene as over 26,000 fans from across the globe gathered together for some explosive dance music performed by renowned local and international pop icons in this year’s biggest music event, the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016.

Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the one-night-only outdoor live music event, with the theme Can’t Stop Movin!, presented the amazing evolution of pop music and its dance influences. The Concert Grounds of SM Mall of Asia was basically on fire as fans danced, cheered and sang their hearts out on hit after hit of iconic and contemporary pop dance music.

Philippines makes its mark as global entertainment destination…

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World-renowned local artists, Mr. Pure Energy Gary V. and his son, Gab Valenciano opened up the stage with an intense set of performance. Filipino favourite teen love team, James Reid and Nadine Lustre followed, sending fans high above the love cloud with their kilig-filled performance.

American singer-songwriter, Bebe Rhexia also pumped up the stage with her hit songs including “Me, Myself and I” and “Broken Hearts”. Fans also went wild as A-Pink, one of Korea’s favorite K-pop idol female groups, flawlessly performed “Remember”, “Mr. Chu”, “Luv” and “No No No”. L.A. grown electronic dance trio Far East Movement got everyone singing, dancing and jumping with their hit singles, “Like a G6” and “Rocketeer”. The headliner, prolific hit-maker, One Republic, wrapped up their performance of “Counting Stars”, “Apologize”, “Stop and Stare” and “Secret” with an explosion of fireworks.

It gets even better as the Philippines will also be highlighted in a global telecast reaching an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries under the MTV World Stage global series. 

Only on its second year, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 proved once again that the Philippines is not only a premier global destination for arts and culture and leisure and adventure, but is also one of the world’s top destinations for world-class entertainment. 

To know more, visit www.mtvmusicevo.com or www.tpb.gov.ph.

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines with partner MTV to bring back MTV Music Evolution Manila for its second year

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ICONIC HITMAKER ONEREPUBLIC TO PERFORM ON 24 JUNE 2016

MTV Music Evolution Manila is back for more fun again in the Philippines! 

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) reprises its collaboration with MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc.  MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 on Friday, 24 June 2016. 

This will be the second year, the award-winning* show will be held in the Philippines this year 2016 on a the one-night only live music event and will celebrate pop music like never before – enabling fans to experience and discover the evolution of pop music and its dance influence that keeps fans moving. MTV Asia reveals its first act, the iconic international pop band and prolific hitmaker, OneRepublic, who returns to the Philippines for its second performance since 2013.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will showcase iconic and contemporary international music artists and the hottest new acts in both the regional and local music scenes on a single stage, while featuring the best of Philippine music and culture to international youth audiences. Further details of MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, including venue and additions to the artist line-up, will be announced in the run up to the event. The free-entry** event is recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, to an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries.

“We’re thrilled to return with MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Manila is an iconic city renowned for its rich music and dance culture. With robust music fans, Manila is naturally one of the top cities for us to return with our music events in Asia,” said Mark Whitehead, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Asia. “The 2015 history-making show was a huge success. And, it could not have been possible without the strong collaboration with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. We’re looking forward to delivering an even bigger and better experience with a celebration of pop and its dance influence at MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, bringing thousands of people from around the Philippines and across Asia.”

“The Philippines is delighted to host MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 and to make it a mainstay event on Visit the Philippines calendar. Last year’s inaugural MTV Music Evolution Manila helped put the Philippines on the map of international music and served as a global stage for the world to be introduced to Filipino acts too. We look forward to welcoming international and regional fans and artists to Manila. And we invite young people to come experience our music culture in the Philippines,” said Domingo Ramon ‘Chicoy’ Enerio III, Chief Operating Officer, Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines.

The integrated collaboration will see Visit the Philippines Again 2016 branding appear across MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 content in the run-up to, during and after the event. MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will be supported by a wide range of integrated marketing initiatives driving awareness and engagement for the event. Marketing activities with media campaigns across key targeted markets will include consumer promotions, a dedicated microsite and supporting social media and press campaigns.

MTV Music Evolution Manila is a live music event that brings to life the evolution of a music genre and enables young people to experience and discover how music styles and sounds have evolved over the years. MTV Music Evolution Manila marked its inauguration 2015 edition with a feature on hip hop, which showcased a stellar line-up of international and local acts who took to the stage in celebration of iconic and contemporary hip-hop music. Through explosive performances by HYPERLINK "http://naughtybynature.com/" Naughty by Nature, YG,  Apl.de.ap, DJ Cash Money, and the Philippines’,  Gloc-9 and Abra, MTV Music Evolution 2015 showcased the way that hip hop has shaken up the music scene throughout the years – taking the music genre to whole new levels for a live audience of more than 22,000 fans who gathered at the historic Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila.

The concert was one of the many exciting events under the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Globally, MTV has a successful history of partnering with Tourism Boards to create compelling and engaging youth experiences. 

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests that will open on 26 April 2016. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. Sponsors and partners will be giving out passes through their own promotions.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and from "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" MTV Music Evolution Manila for news updates on MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtvasia

Instagram: mtvasia

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mtvasia

Hashtag: #mtvmusicevo

Philippines is the next big thing for the Americans - United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) CEO Terry

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USTOA president Terry Dale 

“The US market is always craving for the next great destination and I sincerely believe you are it. The top selling point of the Philippines will definitely be its tourist destinations and its people. The special DNA you possess when it comes to hospitality has been reconfirmed in my mind many times over. You’ve never been pampered the way you’ll be in the Philippines,” --- United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) CEO Terry Dale 

The Philippines is the next big thing for the Americans according to United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) CEO Terry Dale as he was welcomed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) during his visit to Manila. Upon the invitation of DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Dale’s trip to the Philippines was driven by the desire to experience firsthand the abundant offerings of the country. 

The leading tour operators association in the United States, USTOA is created with the primary purpose of promoting integrity within the US tour operator industry and includes Abercrombie & Kent USA, Adventures by Disney and Celtic Tours World Vacations as some of its distinguished members. 

DOT Usec Ma. Victoria Jasmin and DFA Acting Secretary Laura Del Rosario 

Welcoming Dale during the dinner were DOT Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin, TPB Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Marketing and Promotions Consuelo Jones and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario. Also joining them were Philippine Airlines President and COO Jaime Bautista and International Sales AVP Eric Tan, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Michelle Victoria, TPB Board Directors and officials as well as some of the country’s travel trade leaders.

PAL’s Jaime Bautista and PTAA’s Michelle Victoria 

TPB’s James Sy, Hernan Narvadez, Consuelo Jones and Karem Miranda 

HRAP’s Eugene Yap and PAL’s Eric Tan 

PACEOS’ Jing Lagandaon, World Trade Center’s Pam Pascual and PHILTOA’s Shan David 

NAITAS’ Wanda Tulfo Teo and Lourdes Japson 

TPB’s Arnold Gonzales, HSMA’s Margie Munsayac, BOI Asec Fe Reyes, PHILTOA’s Fe Abling Yu and HSMA’s Christine Ibarreta 

Dale’s visit brought him to some of the most beautiful destinations in the country such as Bohol and Palawan. According to him, the Philippines is the hottest destination the Americans should experience today because of its elements of surprise and adventure, breath-taking natural wonders and the people’s innate sense of customer-centricity. Dale also highlighted that one of the country’s key assets is its people, emphasizing that Filipinos have the inherent skill to build relationships – one of the reasons why Americans would want to visit the Philippines again.

With must-see tourist spots, hospitable people, a unique culture and rich history woven together in one country, distance will never deter Americans to experience and enjoy the Philippines over and over.

DALOY IS IN MALASIMBO LIGHTS AND DANCE FEST AGAIN THIS YEAR! We are Leeroy New's Aliens of Manila!

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The best funk, hip-hop, house, and electronic music acts coupled with energetic dance crews and an amazing lights show meld together in a three-night spectacle guaranteed to get you grooving under the moon and the stars.

The first of its kind in Asia, Malasimbo Festival boasts of an entire experience unlike any other. Malasimbo blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture while working towards protection and sustainability of the environment.

The festival is held outdoors in a grass-terraced amphitheater at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay, deemed one of the "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World." Step onto Mount Malasimbo and find out why people have been so entraced by the contagious Malasimbo Magic!

MARCH 24-26 2016

Mar 24 at 5 PM to Mar 26 at 8 PM

Puerto Galera, Philippnies

Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/432351893638698/ and http://malasimbofestival.com/lights-dance-festival/ for more information!

Daloy Dance Company

Visit Daloy Dance Co.'s Official Wesbite

Watch Daloy Dance Company on Youtube

Like us on facebook: Daloy Dance Company 

Instagram: daloydanceco

Twitter: @DaloyDC

Malasimbo 2016: Where Musical Genius and Innovative Arts Unite

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Musical virtuosos, spectacular collaborations, and world-class Filipino artists come together in two weekends of the Malasimbo Festival this March 2016 on Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Now going on its sixth successful year, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is held from March 4 to 6; and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, on its second year, falls on March 24 to 26

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Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, March 4 to 6

Headlining this year’s music instalment is the acclaimed UK musician Jacob Collier. Twenty-year-old Collier is a musical prodigy backed by noted American record producer and composer Quincy Jones (who worked as conductor and arranger with Frank Sinatra and co-produced Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums). Collier, who is set to launch his debut album this year, is hailed for his stunning ability to create “a digital one-man band using contemporary technology: multitrack recording, looping pedals, and a strange Vocoder-like program that enables him to sing audacious harmonies through a Novation keyboard,” says The Guardian of the UK.

Listen to this musical prodigy in this clip.

Listen to this quick soundbite from Quincy Jones on Jacob Collier.

Highly renowned GongMyoung of South Korea returns after five years to the Malasimbo stage to electrify the audience. The “ambassadors” of Korean traditional music are favorites at numerous international festivals. GongMyoung is known for their harmonious mix of traditional Korean and Western percussion and wind instruments, creating crowd-stirring musical pieces guaranteed to leave you raring for an encore.

Malasimbo takes your world music experience notches higher with groundbreaking collaborations by local and international artists. A beatboxer with a 16-piece orchestra? That’s definitely the musical treat and visual spectacle you’ll experience with “Thum Prints” a collaboration between Australia’s Tom Thum, whose voice captures a vast repertoire of sounds which he refers to as the “orchestra in my mouth,” and members of one of Asia’s oldest musical ensembles, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) under the guidance of Brisbane composer Gordon Hamilton. Click here for a preview of Thum Prints (in miniature).

Watch out for the Brat Pack, the only blues band from Asia to ever reach the finals of the prestigious International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. First-time performers on the Malasimbo stage are the well-loved Tacloban-based Beatles’ cover band Reo Brothers, and the talented classical-contemporary guitar trio Triple Fret, who won first prize in the 27th Guitar Ensemble Festival in Shinagawa, Tokyo last year. Lachlan Mitchell, one of Australia’s best composers and jazz guitarists will collaborate on musical numbers with local artists of the Malasimbo Collective.

Malasimbo favorites—the funky Golden Sound from Australia, the spirited Filipino percussion band Brigada with their rousing Afro-Brazilian beats, soul band SINOSIKAT?—come onstage along with a vast array of up-and-coming artists that Malasimbo will showcase, in collaboration with Radio Republic, as part of their commitment to unearthing new talent. Some of them include Crwn, Reese Lansangan, Lustbass, RH Xanders, Moophs, Paolo Mallari, Asch, Soul_Brk. Local and international DJs playing cap off each evening with soulful, house music guaranteed to keep your energy up past midnight.

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, March 24 to 26

“It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world,” said Nobel peace prize winner and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. It’s this same vibe that’s replicated in Malasimbo’s second weekend, when international and local DJs renowned for their contributions to the funk, house, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, and electronic music genres converge on the Malasimbo stage from March 24 to 26.

Malasimbo is fast becoming the solid platform for under-the-radar yet brilliant local performers to make their musical works known to an appreciative audience seeking an aural experience that’s out of the usual commercial box. Keep your ears open (and your minds) to the talents of Wolf Squared, Afro x Chrizo, Aries, Diamond Heights, and more to be announced on www.malasimbo.com in the runup to the Lights and Dance festival.

Among the international DJs making their debut on the Malasimbo stage are English record producer Lapalux with his brilliant, eclectic mix of R&B and house, French hip hop beatmaker Onra, and house and techno DJ San Soda from Belgium. Returning to Malasimbo are British drum ’n’ bass guru Goldie, MBE; and Japanese hip hop DJ and turnatablist Kentaro. Dance aficionados will also enjoy the spectacle of a full moon beaming over the amphitheater fromMarch 24 through 26.

The Malasimbo Experience

The Malasimbo Festival, acknowledged by the Department of Tourism Philippines as a prime catalyst for the country’s continued advance in music, arts, and culture, is exceptional for its breathtaking venue. The amphitheater’s natural landscape greatly enhances the acoustics and sound quality.

This year, festival-goers’ listening experience will be heightened thanks to the addition of a brand new Funktion-One sound system, one of the most efficient sound systems in the world.

The festival grounds, dotted with close to 30 installations from the country’s leading visual artists (see news release “Visual Artists Capture Festival Energy”), are situated on majestic Mt. Malasimbo, which overlooks Puerto Galera bay, an exclusive member of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World” Club . White Beach, one of Puerto Galera’s more popular coves, will play host to the Malasimbo Kiteboarding Exhibition on March 5, Saturday, led by expert Filipino and foreign kiteboarders.

Malasimbo Online

www.malasimbo.com is your source for the latest updates on the official lineup of acts and performance schedules for the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival. Purchasing festival passes and booking accommodations at partner hotels or the Coleman Camping on the Malasimbo grounds are made easier on this newly revamped website, malasimbo.com.

The festivals are a production of Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc. and the D’Aboville Foundation, supported by Ipanema and Rider; with the participation of Brew Kettle, H&M Loves Music, Nothing But H20, and Toms; and the support of our official our official TV partners Solar Entertainment Corp., ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Solar Sports, Basketball TV (BTV), and CT; official radio partner Wave 89.1; official media partners: Aktivshow, ANC, Explore Philippines, Meg, Megstreetwear.ph, Radio Republic, Travel Now, Travelbook.ph, 8list.ph, Amplify.ph, Archipelago.com.ph, Inflight Traveller, Juice.ph, Myx.ph, Our Awesome Planet, PhilippineConcerts.com, Stylebible.ph, theAsianParent.com, Third Culture, Travelife, WhenInManila.com, Yelp! Manila; our official airline partner Air Juan; our official hotel partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila; and our official ticketing partner TicketWorld. Special thanks goes to Coleman, the Municipality of Puerto Galera and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, Z Hos-tel, and A-Space Philippines.

The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is produced in collaboration with Japan’s Basscamp with the support of the World DJ Academy, Okamoto Clinic Sendai, Asia Unite, and GOJA.

For more information about the Malasimbo Festival, please visit our website; or our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MALASIMBO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ABOUT THE MALASIMBO FESTIVAL

From a turnout of 1,500 adventure-seeking, nature-and-music loving individuals in its first year in 2011, attendance blossomed to some 6,000 festival-goers in 2015, among them travelers from more than 30 countries as far as Denmark to neighboring Hong Kong and Singapore. Headliners of past Malasimbo Music and Arts Festivals have included James Brown’s renowned trombone player, band leader , and musical director Fred Wesley; Rock ’n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Cliff; UK soul jazz artist Omar, MBE; Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper; the godfather of Neo-Soul and one of most sampled artists in the world, Roy Ayers; the king of latin soul, Afro-Filipino, Joe Bataan; Japan’s leading Taiko performers Gocoo; Swedish musician Jose Gonzalez; Bobby McFerrin’s son Taylor McFerrin; and Bob Marley’s son KyMani Marley, among many others who performed alongside a predominantly Filipino lineup of jazz, soul, and world musicians.

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.

1st Philippine Environment Summit : “Greening Together, Growing Better”

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The 1st Philippine Environment Summit, a celebration of the Philippine environmental movement, will be held on Feb 9 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. The 3-day event will showcase programs and projects, as well as breakthroughs and innovations that contribute to the social and economic advancement, while protecting the environment. There will also be an exhibit area featuring eco-friendly products and services.

With “Greening Together, Growing Better” as theme, the summit will feature renowned leaders of government, the church, environment, civic organizations and academia as plenary and resource speakers in breakout sessions and as exhibitors. Also attending the event are lead members of environmental civil society organizations, leaders of government and business, as well as individual and institutional environmentalists.

President Benigno Aquino III, Luis Cardinal Tagle, former SC Justice Reynato Puno, and internationally renowned environmental activists Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Vandana Shiva are some of the invited speakers, while leading Presidential aspirants in the coming national elections will be asked to present their environmental agendas. 

The Summit is co-organized by the Green Convergence -- a large coalition of environmental and developmental organizations, networks, faith-based groups and individuals -- with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR). Also supporting the event are the Energy Development Corporation, Tourism Promotions Board, Foundation of the Philippine Environment, PTFCF and Trans-Asia Renewable Energy.

The main objectives of the Summit are to disseminate information to the public on the developments, achievements, challenges, programs and projects in relation to food safety, environment and natural resource protection and conservation and sustainable economy; strengthen and energize networking between and within the public and private sector and within and across various sectors and groups, formulate policy recommendations; and showcase convergence initiatives between and /or among government, civil society, business, and other sectors of society.

“In celebrating the advancements in environmental protection achieved through private and public initiatives, we hope to create an opportunity for all sectors to unite and collaborate,” says Green Convergence president Dr. Angelina Galang. “The 1st Philippine Environment Summit is a call to government and the Filipino people to unite in accelerating the drive towards national sustainable development.” 

The Summit will be plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon, and a simultaneous three-day exhibit. Another highlight of the event is an awards ceremony recognizing LGU eco-champions. It concludes with the environment movement’s resolution for specific desired actions by the most influential sectors – government and business - that will protect the environment in pursuit of sustainable development in the Philippines.

To register for participation, join the exhibits, or know more about the 1st Philippine Environment Summit, call 225 7330 or visit greenconvergencephil on Facebook.

TPB hypes sports tourism with IPTL

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) hyped tennis fans from all over the world as they boosted sports tourism in the Philippines with the International Premier Tennis league (IPTL). IPTL is the first city-based professional league in the world and one of the most anticipated events of tennis enthusiasts all over the globe. It brought together current champions, tennis legends, upcoming talents and top-ranking tennis stars to compete in intense and never-before-seen matches. 

In line with TPB’s Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, the IPTL attracted sports enthusiasts and athletes from around the world and increased tourist arrivals in the country. Next year, the Philippines is also expected to host major international sporting events as part of TPB’s Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign with the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, Asia-Pacific Taekwondo Invitational Championships, Asian Rugby Championships, Le Tour de Filipinas, and Asian Masters Fencing Championship. Photo shows top tennis player Rafael Nadal.

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. 

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. 

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.

RED Planet REDefined: Red Planet launches value hospitality brand in the Philippines; Official opening of its 10th hotel in the country

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RED Planet REDefined.

Pioneering regional hotel group Red Planet launched its new hospitality brand in the Philippines today, coinciding with the official opening of its tenth hotel in the country.

The introduction of Red Planet Amorsolo, Manila brings the number of Red Planet rooms in the country to 1,720, reinforcing Red Planet as the largest international hotel owner/operator in the Philippines.

The new Red Planet hotel brand was specifically created to redefine the value hotel experience for domestic and international travellers in Asia by providing a high quality, comfortable and connected, technologically-enabled stay in desirable locations at attractive prices.

Red Planet also owns and operates hotels in Indonesia, Japan and Thailand.

Tim Hansing, Red Planet Chief Executive Officer

Red Planet Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hansing, said the Philippines is one of Asia’s fastest growing travel markets, and Red Planet’s hotels are targeted at the value conscious traveller. 

“It’s all about value,” Mr Hansing said. “Value for our customers in a hotel that provides a clean, efficient stay and of course staying connected through our investment in providing fast, free WiFi, which is crucial to all of our guests.

“Our commitment to bringing our brand and concept to the Philippines is for the long term and we already have a confirmed pipeline and investment strategy to open more hotels in the coming years.”

A key component of the new Red Planet brand is a highly functional mobile app. Not only is it a simple and efficient booking portal, but when guests arrive at a Red Planet hotel it activates an in-stay mode. The app then feeds information about relevant local events and points of interest directly to guest’s hand-held devices. It also facilitates room-to-room and front desk calling, as well as a chat line, along with many other innovative features.

It is a full package of assistance no other hotel group in the sector offers.

“No matter what class of hotel we are staying in, technology will always play a key part of getting the most out of your stay in the hotel and the city you are in,” Mr Hansing added. “We are always looking to add value to a guest’s stay through our investment in technology at all times.”

Arturo Boncato, Philippines Department of Tourism, Assistant Secretary

Philippines Department of Tourism, Assistant Secretary – Tourism Regulation, Arturo Boncato, attended today’s launch and welcomed Red Planet’s commitment to making value conscious travel more accessible to domestic and international travellers in the country.

“The Department of Tourism has a strong obligation to our country to work closely with international and local companies contributing to vital tourism infrastructure and we are pleased to be able to support Red Planet during the launch of their new brand in the Philippines,” Mr Boncato said.

“The Philippines works tirelessly in promoting our country to international and domestic travellers and securing this type of international investment helps our tourism industry grow and get stronger.”

Mr Hansing added Red Planet would continue to expand in the Philippines as the country “deserved a reliable hotel product in the value sector that people can trust”.

Since opening its first hotel in 2011, Red Planet has welcomed more than three million guests to its 24 hotels. The company has raised several rounds of capital from private investors and anticipates a future public listing in the region.

Arturo Boncato and Tim Hansing at the Red Planet Amorsolo, Makati City opening August 12, 2015

Red Planet’s nine other hotels in the Philippines are in Makati, Aseana City, Ermita, Quezon City, Ortigas, Angeles City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Here are some photos of Red Planet Hotel (Amorsolo)

For more information or high-resolution photography, please contact:

Mark Armsden

Senior Vice President, Sales And Marketing

Red Planet Hotels

Tel: 66 2 613 6818

Mobile: 66 84 121 4930

E-mail: mark.armsden@redplanethotels.com

About Red Planet Hotels

Red Planet Hotels was incorporated in 2010 and is a privately-owned regional hotel company focused on Asia’s expanding value hotel sector. The company owns and operates 24 hotels in Indonesia (7), Japan (3), the Philippines (10), and Thailand (4) for a total of 3,783 rooms, growing its portfolio through both acquiring existing hotels and also developing new hotels. Red Planet’s robust and scalable technology platform provides both advanced reservation software and local attraction guides for customers, ensuring a fast and efficient booking process. Red Planet comprises a stylish value hotel offering, with all of its properties centrally located and featuring high-speed Wi-Fi. Red Planet’s companies based in Jakarta (Red Planet Indonesia - PSKT:IJ) and Tokyo (Red Planet Japan - 3350:JP) are listed on the Indonesian and Japanese stock exchanges respectively.