DOT's 50th Anniversary celebration highlights “Love the Philippines”, PH's new tourism slogan

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DOT’s enhanced branding is Philippines’ Love Letter to the world

On the celebration of the golden year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials, led the unveiling of the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27)

Proudly presenting “Love the Philippines” to a crowd composed of former DOT chiefs, officials and employees of the Department's central and regional offices, heads of government agencies including Cabinet Secretaries, house representatives, tourism stakeholders, and the media, Secretary Frasco described the enhanced campaign as timely for the DOT’s golden anniversary celebration.

“As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said.

“Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated.

“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.

PBBM’s unequivocal support

Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for "Love the Philippines", saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.”

“And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused.

Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends

With the everchanging global tourism landscape post pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.

In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning and rebranding strategies is among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.

With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

“Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said.

“We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added.

Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism

According to Secretary Frasco, the world has “the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.”

This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.

Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.

The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.

As she rallied their support for the DOT’s vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”

Get Exclusive Deals from Richmonde Iloilo at CPTEx 2023 this Weekend

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Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, together with the other properties of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, joins the first ever Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) hosted by the Iloilo MICE Alliance. A project of the Department of Tourism Regional Offices of Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas, the event aims to create more awareness for the participating regions as travel destinations.

In support of this endeavor by the Department of Tourism, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo offers exclusive room deals with discounted rates and exciting perks during the event to attract more travelers to Iloilo City. Travel enthusiasts looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation where they can enjoy historical attractions, nature expeditions, regional culinary specials, modern urban landscapes, and so much more, can simply go to the booth of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts to buy vouchers for an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with breakfast buffet for two for only PhP 4,800 nett. The hotel vouchers also come with free use of the hotel’s gym and pool, Wi-Fi access, 10% discount on food and beverage orders at BizBar and Zabana Bar, 15% discount on massage services, and 15% discount on organized city and island tours. What’s more, these vouchers have no expiration date so they can be used anytime, subject to availability and blackout dates.

According to Richmonde Hotel Iloilo General Manager and Iloilo MICE Chairperson Natalie Lim, “We greatly appreciate the efforts of the government in promoting the nation’s tourism sector. In return, we are committed to supporting activities like these by presenting our best offers that would help generate more tourist arrivals in the country and our region and produce a more robust economy for all.” She further adds, “People looking for a good bargain for their next Iloilo travel adventure will not get a better deal than what we’re offering now, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of this rare bargain.”

The CPTEx happens on June 16 to 18, 2023 at the Iloilo Convention Center located inside Iloilo Business Park. Visit the booth of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts for more details about Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s voucher sale or contact +6333 328 7888, +63 917 580 9642 or stay@richmondeiloilo.com. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. R6-ILO-06-050, Series of 2023.

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Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s Voucher Sale at CPTEx

Buy Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s non-expiring room vouchers for only PhP 4,800 nett, inclusive of breakfast buffet for two and discount perks on food, beverage, massage service, and organized city and island tours.

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Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first hotel outside Metro Manila of local real estate giant, Megaworld Corporation. With its strategic location within the modern 72-hectare development of Iloilo Business Park, coupled with its world-class facilities, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo elevated the standards of the hotel industry in Western Visayas when it opened in 2015. Richmonde is among the growing number of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. 

For more information on Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelIloilo on Facebook and Instagram.

#StayForSummer for only Php 2,023 per night at these celebrity homes, exclusively on Airbnb : Grab the exciting opportunity to spend this summer with celebrity Airbnb Hosts Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mylene Dizon and Glaiza de Castro

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Summer travel is finally here! Excitement around summer continues to surge in the Philippines with searches for Airbnb Stays on the platform spiking by almost 400 percent year-on-year*, as Filipinos look forward to hitting the beach or mountains for a quick getaway with family and barkada.

This summer of 2023, Airbnb has partnered with three renowned Filipino celebrities-turned Airbnb Hosts to make their homes available for only Php 2,023 per night**!

From a private room in a luxurious villa in Quezon to bed and breakfasts in surf destinations La Union and Baler, celebrity Hosts Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mylene Dizon and Glaiza de Castro will warmly welcome you into their homes. Starting today, guests can book each celebrity’s Airbnb stay for an exclusive two-night stay for only Php 2,023 per night this May**, on these special dates:

●     Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza – May 12 to 14

●     Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu Room 8 – May 19 to 21

●     Glaiza de Castro’s Casa Galura – May 26 to 28

“For Filipinos, summer is an amazing time to rediscover the rich wonders and beautiful destinations of the Philippines, while enjoying the iconic Filipino hospitality that our Hosts offer. We hope our #StayForSummer celebrity Host collaboration will encourage Filipinos to enjoy precious time with friends and family, and create meaningful summer memories together,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

What are you waiting for? Bookings open today, fastest fingers first!

May 12 to 14: Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza

 

Nestled between swaying coconut trees and emerald rice paddies in the tranquil town of Lucban is Casa Esperanza, the beautiful weekend home of renowned singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla and her partner, famed architect Conrad Onglao. The villa offers guests an impeccably stylish and private getaway in the countryside.

“At Casa Esperanza, we warmly welcome groups and families seeking to create unforgettable memories. Take a refreshing dip in our saltwater pool, stroll through our lush garden, and savor the serenity of dining inside our greenhouse. We love seeing our guests refreshed and rejuvenated after spending a night or two in our home, and we can’t wait to host more guests on Airbnb this summer,” says Zsa Zsa.

May 19 to 21: Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu Room 8

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy La Union, which is full of hip coffee shops, delicious restaurants and exciting nightlife. But if you’re looking for a place with incredible views of the surf, check out actress-model Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu.

Mylene enjoys touring guests around and making them fall in love with Elyu, “We hope to make your stay as exciting and meaningful as when we first discovered this charming coastal town in the North. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a buzzing vacation and surfing destination in the Philippines! We welcome our guests to join us and experience the incredible beauty and laidback lifestyle of La Union, with all the comforts of home.”

May 26 to 28: Glaiza de Castro’s Casa Galura

Singer-actress Glaiza de Castro’s gorgeous bed-and-breakfast opened just in time for the summer season. Located in the quiet town of Baler, Glaiza shared that the stay reminds her of her childhood and large family reunions. The home is spacious enough for large groups and features a pool, workout area and rooftop.

Similarly, she wants her guests to create memories with their loved ones that they can look back on in future. She shares, “I hope everyone who stays in Casa Galura will make fun memories in Baler. I want them to feel relaxed and at the same time, build a more solid connection with their loved ones and friends. Some people say you really get to know more about people when you travel together and I agree! Baler has so much to offer and we are here to share how best they can explore this beautiful place.”

 

*Based on internal Airbnb data

**Price is per night and does not include service fees

 

Bring your 2023 Summer Travel goals to life with these six fascinating PH vacation spots

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The long, hot days of summer are finally here and if you’re one of the many who’s up for travel and adventure this season, there are many fascinating tourist and vacation spots around the country you can add to your bucket list.

A recent study by travel and experience platform Klook noted that 87% of Filipinos are raring to travel with many of their destinations of choice within the Philippines as booking for domestic destinations have exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Domestic travel, according to the Department of Tourism, is expected to make a full recovery this year with the country’s hotel and resorts association reporting that occupancy has breached 2019 numbers and is largely driven by domestic tourism.

With 2023 being dubbed as the year of Revenge Travel, there’s no better time to plan your trip, pack your bags and head-off for an unforgettable adventure. But before you do, ensure your travels are hassle-free by getting Travel Master Insurance with COVID-19.

“It’s summer and we’re sure that many Filipinos are already picking out the destinations they want to travel to, especially since the Philippines has so many beautiful sites to see–from beautiful beaches to beautiful towns and cities–there’s something for every kind of traveler. Traveling should be fun, stress-free, and hassle-free, this is why we created Travel Master insurance–to provide our travelers the peace of mind and protection from any kind of eventuality so they can make the most out of their trips,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Created in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master with COVID-19 provides travelers coverage including for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection.

To get the Travel Master coverage, simply access the GInsure page available on your GCash app and select Travel and Travel Master with COVID-19. Fill in the form with your travel details and it will immediately provide you with coverage benefits and the premium contribution and you’re set to go.

Travel Master with COVID-19 is available whether you’re planning to travel locally or internationally–making it a flexible and much-needed travel companion anywhere you go.

So if you’re looking for destinations to add to your vacation bucket list, here are six spots around the Philippines to get you started:

Samal Island Tourism Information Center, Facebook

Island Garden City of Samal

Davao del Norte

Located at the heart of the Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal is known as the largest resort island in the country– home to more than 30 resorts across a 118-kilometer stretch of coastline.

A mere 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, the resort island is a great stop for those who want to soak in the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the Philippines. Go snorkeling and bask in the beauty of the 150-hectare Coral Garden and Marine Park that includes the Audanao Fish Sanctuary and the Giant Clam Sanctuary. On land, travelers can enjoy exploring the 11.5-hectare government-owned botanical garden and nature park where they can see diverse flora and fauna.

The resort island is also home to the largest colony of fruit bats in the world and they can be seen in their natural habitat at the Monfort Bat cave.

Alona Beach Guide, Website

Alona Beach

Bohol

The Philippines is home to amazing beaches (it has more than 7,000 islands after all) and if you’re on the hunt for a new beach haunt that has white sand beaches like Boracay, Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol is a great spot to add to your travel bucket list.

The white sand beach stretches a good 1.5 kilometers and is in full view of the blue, blue waters of the sea of Bohol. Nature lovers and adventure seekers may also immerse themselves in the rich marine biodiversity of Balicasag Island–a few minutes boat ride from Panglao island. Here you can snorkel and view its 400-meter coral garden and marine sanctuary.

Meanwhile, those who want to get the most out of their vacation and explore more of Bohol can also visit the famous Chocolate Hills, the Mahogany Forest, or take a slow, leisurely ride and a beautiful lunch along the Loboc River with the Loboc River Cruise.

Lacson Ruins, Facebook

The Ruins

Bacolod

Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” The Ruins or the Lacson Ruins was the ancestral home of local sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built in the early 1900s in Talisay, Bacolod City. Inspired by Italian architecture, the Ruins was built in the memory of Don Mariano’s wife Maria, who died giving birth to their 8th child.

During the Second World War, the mansion was burned by Philippine guerillas to prevent it from being used by the Japanese. The mansion burned for three days straight but left behind its beautiful foundation. The Ruins has now become a popular tourist and event spot, especially for weddings because of its romantic history.

For those who want to experience more of the old-age architecture of the Philippines, they can–after visiting the Ruins–take a day trip to the neighboring city of Silay and visit its large collection of perfectly-preserved heritage houses including the Golez Heritage House and the Balay Negrense heritage house and museum.

Museo Orlina, Facebook

Museo Orlina

Tagaytay City

For those who want a more leisurely adventure in cooler climes, Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City, is the perfect place for you.

Located at Hollywood St. Hollywood Subdivision in Tagaytay City, the museum houses the many glass sculptures of famed Filipino visual artist Ramon Orlina. Spend an hour or two exploring the four-floor exhibit area including the Reflections Gallery where Mr. Orlina exhibits videos, images, and documents charting his art journey; and the Naesa Gallery which features an ever-changing exhibition featuring up-and-coming Filipino artists.

If you fancy viewing his work alongside nature, take a walk at the Sculpture Garden and Amphitheater, and cap off the visit with a spectacular view of Taal Lake at the roof deck.

Tam-awan Village, Website

Bell Church, Website

Tam-awan Village and Bell Church

As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, many vacationers travel to Baguio in search for respite from the hot weather. The cooler climate alongside the beautiful nature makes it a must-go destination for anyone regardless of their preference for adventure.

Those who’ve been to Baguio several times would undoubtedly know of its most famous landmarks including Wright Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and more. But for those who want to discover more of the city and its culture, there’s no better place to visit than the Tam-awan Village and the Bell Church.

Tam-awan Village located in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City is perfect for those interested in art and history. The village features indigenous craftsmanship and Ifugao architecture alongside art pieces made by local artists set within a sprawling and beautiful mountainside forest.

Bell Church, meanwhile, is a 63-year-old Taoist temple located in La Trinidad, Benguet. Here visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and the quaint lotus pond and even have their fortunes read by the monks of the temple.

Whether your summer plans are for adventure or relaxation, domestic or international, make your travels all fun and worry-free withTravel Master Insurance with COVID-19 available at the GCash’s GInsure marketplace.

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About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centers in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimize  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

Landco Promotes Sports Tourism in Batangas

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Through Resort Estate Club Laiya’s One-Year Hosting of Philippine Beach Volleyball Teams

Club Laiya, Landco’s Resort Estate in Batangas, serves as the official training camp of the country’s beach volleyball teams. The tourist and leisure destination becomes more vibrant and teems with excitement as the practice sessions of beach volleyball players are anticipated to attract sports enthusiasts and fans.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Landco Pacific Corporation inked the one-year partnership agreement from January to December 2023. Under the agreement, two beach volleyball courts were built at Club Laiya, with 10 of the 18 members of the national men’s and women’s teams to hold camp seven days a week in Batangas. The rest of the national athletes who are still students will be in Laiya on weekends.

Alongside heralding Club Laiya as a beautiful backdrop for active sports at the beach and a venue for sports tourism, the partnership is an opportune time to strengthen the support for Philippine beach volleyball athletes. In the recent Volleyball World Beach Pro Tours Futures, the Philippine team won gold and silver in the women’s competition.

“We gladly and sincerely appreciate this partnership with Club Laiya on the beach volleyball training camp,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “The timing is perfect, now that we achieved a breakthrough on the global beach volleyball stage.”

“It’s our privilege at Landco to support the Philippine national beach volleyball teams in Club Laiya as they undergo rigorous training and are set to make the country proud when they compete in upcoming international tournaments. Alongside our advocacy of enabling the youth to realize their full potential in sports, the practice sessions of the national beach volleyball team at the white sand beach of Club Laiya also help in promoting sports tourism in Batangas,” stated Landco Pacific Corporation President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano.

“We welcome the national beach volleyball teams as they hold their training camp in Club Laiya where they also enjoy the facilities managed by Millennial Resorts. They are billeted at the unique accommodations of Cocoons and to meet and balance the demands and discipline of their sports, they can cross-train or opt to unwind at the swimming pool of Club Laiya Beach Club and have their hearty meals at Capt. Barbozza restaurant,” said Patrick Gregorio, Senior Tourism and Hospitality consultant for Millennial Resorts Corp. and former Secretary General, Philippine Olympic Committee.

Only two and a half hours from Metro Manila and adjacent to Landco’s Playa Laiya, the sun-kissed 23-hectare Club Laiya is a master-planned and premier resort community. The sprawling property features a mix of private residential lots, buildings, commercial spaces, and tourist hubs. Each provides distinct experiences and opportunities that are part of one unified development of Landco Pacific Corporation.

Club Laiya is a top-notch choice for investors and property owners drawn to the vibrant energy of Laiya beach as a favorite tourist spot for those who love to socialize and engage in an active outdoor lifestyle, with all the conveniences of modern life.

Together with Landco Resort Estates CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach), Club Laiya is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered for the properties’ sustainability program.

At Club Laiya, investors can choose from the Seaside District, offering mix use residential and commercial lots that are closest to Laiya’s powdery white sand beach; the Premier District, the gated resort and lush forest community with a scenic view of Laiya’s mountains and greenery; the soon to be built Plaza Laiya; and soon to be launched The Spinnaker, the stunning, medium-rise beachfront premium condominium, with terraced levels and luxurious cuts, featuring an exclusive 4th level infinity pool, and positive Miami vibes.

Millennial Resorts, the hospitality arm of Landco, operates and manages the leisure and hospitality facilities of Resort Estates Club Laiya: the unconventional accommodations of the Cocoons and Camperisti; Captain Barbozza Restaurant and Bar; and the soon-to-be-built The Isle, a multi-purpose event center.

For more information about Landco Pacific Corporation and its Resort Estates Club Laiya, visit their website or Facebook page.

Flying Towards Recovery: Philippine Airlines Marks 82nd Anniversary with hopeful promise

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Manila, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) celebrates its 82nd anniversary with a heartfelt video highlighting the airline’s resilience and commitment to the Filipino people amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

The flag carrier marked its 82nd year in the midst of a recovery journey and is keen on further improving its services and enhancing the travel experience of its valued customers.

The anniversary video features PAL’s employees and frontliners who have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of its passengers despite the hurdles in the past two years. The video also showcased the airline’s efforts in transporting vaccines and connecting Filipinos across the world during these trying times.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for the continued support of our customers who have stood by us during these challenging times. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our ability to continue providing safe and reliable services amidst the pandemic,” says PAL’s director Lucio Tan III.

In line with its commitment to its customers, PAL has also announced its plans for the future. The national flag carrier is gearing up to expand its fleet amid the projected growth in passenger volume. PAL is also preparing to expand its route network and introduce new service innovations.

"At PAL, we remain committed to providing our passengers with world-class travel experiences. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we undergo improvements and innovations in the coming months that will allow us to further elevate our services.," stated PAL President and COO, Captain Stanley Ng.

DTI holds Bagsakan sa Intramuros for foreign and local tourists

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As travel and tourism go perfectly with this year’s summer season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is bringing unique products from across the country closer to tourists through the special Bagsakan sa Intramuros on March 25 to April 2 at the Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila City. In time with the grand launch of the DTI’s latest Go Lokal! Store x Manila Canvas at the walled city of Intramuros, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022, the Bagsakan will feature 30 enterprises and their local products from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Organized by the DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in coordination with the DTI-Regional Operations Group and in partnership with the Intramuros Administration and Manila Canvas, the week-long event will feature the unique Filipino products from CAR, Region 2, 3, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, BARMM, and the NCR for foreign and local tourists to enjoy.

Available for sale are regional delicacies; premium Philippine wines and healthy beverages; Filipino snacks, cookies and pastries; traditional and modern apparel using indigenous textiles; fashion accessories; handicrafts and wooden items; home decors, gifts, and souvenir items; and a full range of personal care and wellness products.

In celebration of the grand opening of the DTI Go Lokal! Store x Manila Canvas on March 27, tourists, buyers and students are invited to join exciting activities free of charge:

· March 30 - Struggles and Success: Let’s Talk Business! with speakers, Aloy Chua, CEO & Founder of Roots Collective; Wado Tan Siman, owner of Wadoughs Cake Studio; and Khaz Raza, Climate Change DRR Expert

· March 31 - Store Tour of Manila Canvas for invited Tour Operators and Tour Guides

· April 1 – Workshop: Pottery Making by Ili Likhaan

· April 2 - Heritage: Forum and Guided Tour with Tranvia by Benjamin Canapi

The Go Lokal! Store is a one-stop-shop for the best locally made products that truly capture the essence of the Philippines. The Go Lokal! Store and the Bagsakan events are great opportunities to support Filipino businesses and artisans while immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines. Tourists and resellers can directly buy from the manufacturers and place bulk orders for scheduled delivery.

The Bagsakan exhibitors are: Kenro Boutique, Four H Handicraft, Alion Kapit Bisig SEA-K Association, Amanda's Marine Products, Beakris House of Goodies, Gloria's Delicacies, Magpoc's Araro Cookies, Ruthy's Food Products, Terio's Food Products, Tess Enterprise, Willy's Cashew Nuts, Diana Stalder, Harito Food Products, JMU Belt Collection, Let Eat Go, Philia, Switsis Food Products, Sweetstyle Beadworks, Luckygemsbiz and General Merchandise, Cerra Furniture, La Herminia Pina Woven Products, JER Shellcraft. Ma. Delza’s Native Products, Angie's Yakan, Kyla Amazing Soybeans, Marc Daniel's Food Products, Moonlight Handicrafts, Philippine Craft Distillers Inc., Sanja's Enterprises, YZHNY Food Products, and Tingting Handicrafts.

For more updates on upcoming Bagsakan activities, national fairs, and programs for MSMEs, join the DTI-BDTP Community on Viber and follow us on our official social media accounts at: Facebook (@DTI.BDTP); Instagram (@dti.bdtp); Twitter (@dti_bdtp); Tiktok (@dti.bdtp); and YouTube. For inquiries, you may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

TPB and DOT wrap up ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 with over 100M sales leads

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) expect to welcome more foreign visitors to the Philippines after successfully generating over 100M Philippine pesos in sales leads and showcasing the country’s best offerings at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held from 02 to 05 February 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The ATF is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region, attracting key tourism stakeholders including policy makers, industry leaders, and tourism-related service providers. This year, the Philippine delegation was represented by 16 local exhibitors from the airline industry, tour operators, and accommodations to network and engage with 115 international buyers at the ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX).

“Over and above our impressive turnout in the number of sales leads, I am in much awe of how the participation and performance of the Philippines depicted the excellence and heart of the Filipino brand which truly brought the best of the country to the ASEAN region,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The Philippine pavilion showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage and award-winning destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, as well as Kaulayaw Coffee sampling and a dynamic cultural martial arts performance from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico who displayed the vigor and energy so symbolic of the resurgence of the Philippine Tourism Industry.

Philippine sellers and foreign delegates also had a taste of Philippine cuisine and culture through a hosted luncheon prepared by the Grand Rohan Jogja hotel which also featured a Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) cultural performance along with a musical medley by Filipino world-class talents.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the guests to the event with an invitation to explore the country’s various tourism products, “We aim to give you the best of the Filipino to remind you that while the Philippines continues to be a top-of-mind destination all over the world, there is also so much more to our beaches, our dive sites, our mountain ranges, and our underground rivers. There's our food, our living cultural traditions, and many many components that give you a window into the soul of the Filipino,” said Tourism Secretary Frasco.

Meanwhile, the Philippines garnered prestige during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, which recognized outstanding tourism businesses and destinations in the region that have complied with the international association’s tourism standards.

The recipients were Inandako's Bed and Breakfast, Gina’s Homes, Sid Homestay, Hide Away House, and Maryhilz Homestay for ASEAN Homestay Awardees; Cordillera Convention Hall, William Tan Enterprises Inc. (Caltex Irawan), DEU 818 Corporation (High Ridge Restaurant), and Shell OGI at Northwalk 2, City Environment and Management Office (Botanical Garden and Wright Public Toilets) bagged the ASEAN Public Toilet Award; Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA) received the ASEAN community-based tourism citation; while the Clinic at the Hilton Clark and Quan Spa at the Clark Marriott Hilton were recognized as winners of the ASEAN Spa Services.

TPB is keen to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 to be hosted by Laos.

Crowning Moment: Mikhaella Fernandez, Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022

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It was an exciting, appealing and interesting moment for Mikhaella Fernandez when she was crowned the new Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022.

Mikhaella Fernandez from Front Office was crowned as Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022 as she shared how she love the chance to give exceptional kind of service to promote she called "home" and shows her beauty and charisma to all.

Mr. Eugene T. Yap, Bayview Park Hotel Manila President & General Manager  

Bayview Park Hotel Manila looks for a Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022 who exudes beauty and charisma. She characterized woman empowerment. The purpose of resilience, loyalty, mutual respect, initiative, punctuality, and charity embodies the real definition of a True Queen.

Here’s the winning answer of the newly-crowned Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022

Question: You have the opportunity to promote Bayview Park Hotel Manila to your audience now. What 3 words will you use and why?

Miss  Mikhaella Fernandez: 

“BAYVIEW, OUR HOME"

These are the Three words that I think would promote Bayview, I believe that an exceptional kind of service is always felt when you’re at home and this is the environment that Bayview Park creates, a family that would make you feel valued, comfortable, secure, and loved. Bayview employees treat each other as a family which I think is an essential part to make our guests feel at home too. And for these reasons, I can say that Bayview is definitely my home, your home, and our home. Thank you"

The Judges of  Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022

Congratulations to all beauty finalists and to the newly crowned Ms. Bayview Park Hotel Manila 2022 Ms. Mikhaella Fernandez!

Bayview Park Hotel is known for its budget-friendly, first-class accommodation, facilities and amenities. In its over 75 years of existence, the hotel has since elevated to modern and international boutique hotel standards, with its romantic yet sensibly pragmatic and practical ambiance.

Whether it’s for business or leisure, Bayview Park Hotel has been one of the longest-running and sought after hotels in Manila. For business events, launches, seminars and conferences, Bayview Park Hotel Manila offers functionally-designed rooms with complete audio-visual facilities. The hotel has 15 function rooms that are able to accommodate every client requirement. The Manila Bay Ballroom can seat a maximum of 300 guests. Guests are assured of attentive hotel staff as they work as a team to make your stay as hospitable, dependable and distinguished as possible

Bayview Park Hotel

1118 Roxas Boulevard, cor United Nations Avenue,

Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Phone: (02) 526 1555

www.bayviewparkhotel.com/