Hamilo Coast takes leadership position in sustainable practices

Tweet

Hamilo Coast is a sprawling seaside sanctuary along Nasugbu, Batangas, encompassing three major mountain peaks and thirteen coves, three of which are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

SM’s premier beach resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas has once again received the Bronze Benchmark Status from EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry. 

This status recognizes Hamilo Coast’s environmental impact through its commitment in achieving sustainable operations based on global standards. Hamilo Coast received its first certification of a Bronze Benchmark status from EarthCheck in 2015.

Pico de Loro Cove is Hamilo Coast’s maiden development. Here, environmental and social sustainability is ensured in its operations to provide premier beach resort living in the country. Pico de Loro Cove was also declared a marine protected area (MPA). 

As can be seen in its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove, the design and architecture of key structures clearly show attention to energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and proper waste management.

“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Hamilo Coast’s vision of providing premier beach resort living in the country and what better way to realize this vision than being recognized with such milestone that further intensify our unfailing commitment to flourishing a sustainable beach resort community,” stated Shirley C. Ong, Executive Vice President for Hamilo Coast.

Together with WWF Philippines, coastal and terrestrial resources are also managed to protect and nurture biodiversity. Ongoing projects include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. Marine sanctuaries have also been created such as that located in Santelmo Cove where giant clams are being cultivated.

Santelmo Cove, one of Hamilo Coast’s marine protected areas (MPA), is also an important site for marine biodiversity, where preservation programs such as giant clam seeding and regular reef monitoring are being sustained.

Such initiatives are also intended to benefit neighboring communities. It is of paramount consideration to Hamilo Coast to enhance not only the areas where they live, but their sources of livelihood as well. And with the assistance of the SM Foundation, community members are involved, motivated, and educated to be prime movers themselves of these sustainability efforts.

EarthCheck CEO Steward Moore has said that Hamilo Coast has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Moore further added: “I would like to congratulate the whole team on their achievement. Hamilo Coast is an advocate of sustainable tourism who dares to make a difference.”

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

#Malasimbo2017 puts spotlight on nature and culture in one festive, family-friendly gathering of the best in music and the arts

Tweet

MANILA, Philippines – Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, the annual contemporary international music festival, the longest standing and most sustainable of its kind in the Philippines, welcomes 2017 with a strengthened and more solidified purpose. Malasimbo is produced by Volume Unit Entertainment (VUE) and hosted by D’Aboville Foundation.

Coming off with a 5,000-audience turnout last year, Malasimbo stages its seventh edition back at the picturesque Malasimbo Amphitheatre in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The festival will run from March 10 to 12, 2017, featuring a packed lineup of events and artists.

The best in local and international music

Offering an authentic experience with Mother Nature as the backdrop since 2011, Malasimbo has witnessed some of the biggest gatherings of the world’s musical greats. It has assembled artists from different genres—from jazz, soul, roots, and reggae, to dance music contemporaries, such as Roy Ayers, Jimmy Cliff, Joss Stone, José González, Ky-mani Marley, Fred Wesley, Omar, Osunlade, Mad Professor, Goldie, DJ Krush, Quincy Jones presents Jacob Collier, and many more. The festival has also been a record label platform aimed at discovering and developing local soul jazz and electronic music.

Malasimbo’s live performances will feature Afro-Cuban jazz pianist and Quincy Jones’ protégé Alfredo Rodriguez, Australian soul jazz performer Jordan Rakei, and the outstanding Canadian electronic music artist Tennyson as the biggest acts. Some of the local artists and ensembles set to perform include Apartel, Jeck Pilpil & Peacepipe, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, Similar Objects, crwn, Curtismith, RH Xanders, sKarm, Moophs, and Microphone Mechanics.

The event will feature silent disco, where music is transmitted via headphones. Participants can choose among three competing DJs and dance to their music of their choice.  International and local DJs include Lefto, Kristian Hernandez, Br3aking Silence, The Diegos, Mark Zero, Manolet Dario, and many more.

Malasimbo will hold a preview of the Silent Disco at the 10 Days of Art Celebration of Art Fair Philippines” on February 18, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Four DJs will compete at the event, with the winner set to perform at Malasimbo. 

The finest in visual arts

A big part of the Malasimbo Magic is brought by the art installations around the venue, and the colorful lighting at night that will transform the venue into a tropical wonderland. Malasimbo has staged the artworks of 60 contemporary Filipino and international artists in the past six years, adorning the foothills with a trademark look. Every year, new artists join the Malasimbo resident artists by bringing in fresh works. The works vary in materials, shapes and sizes but all resonate with the festival's creative energy and love for nature.

Malasimbo 2017 will proudly continue to host the iconic works of Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, and Olivia d’Aboville, which have been part of the Malasimbo landscape for several years. Resident artists Alwin Reamillo, Denis Lagdameo, Leeroy New, Russ Ligtas, Agus Loedin, Troy Silvestre, Hiyas Bagabaldo, Dondi and Grace Katigbak, Henri Lamy, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Raphael David and Hohana will be back with new installations. Watch out for new additions to the sculpture garden by Lena Cobangbang, Cristina Escario, Keith Ann Garcia, and group Venus Mar, Expi Perez, and Raha Rodriguez.

Heightened efforts to promote tourism and culture

Malasimbo continues to highlight its cause of boosting tourism in the Mindoro area. Philippine tourism has witnessed tremendous growth since 2012 and is the new sunshine industry. It is a key priority to the national government, which has since developed effective tourism marketing and branding, namely through the “More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. Malasimbo has partnered with the Department of Tourism since its debut in 2011. It is endorsed by the DOT as a catalyst for the advancement of the country’s culture and arts, and was chosen to be one of the 15 key events that are featured in the DOT’s “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” national campaign.

Every ticket sold Malasimbo and d’aboville Foundation will plant a mangrove seedling. Apart from promoting and caring for Mindoro’s natural sights, Malasimbo holds a conscientious regard for eco-cultural tourism promotion and development in Mindoro. The d’Aboville Foundation will continue its community program in honor of the island’s indigenous Mangyans, such as workshops on Mangyan language and their handcrafted beaded jewelry, fabrics, and baskets. Workshops will be led by prominent leaders in environmental protection and sustainability including past Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection, Neric Acosta and Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light, Illac Diaz.

Malasimbo and the d’Aboville Foundation are currently raising funds for the Liter of Light workshop, which will be a solar lamp build-and-donate activity geared to help light a Mangyan home. For P1,000, you can purchase a lamp kit online and through bank deposit. For more information, please log on to dabovillefoundation.org/2017/02/02/build-and-donate-with-liter-of-light-at-the-malasimbo-festival/.

The next hotspot for families and friends

Malasimbo 2017 is poised to be the next biggest venue for recreation among families and friends. Spanning over three days, Malasimbo has set not just activities to appeal the eyes and the ears but also to the heart and mind.

   

A six-day yoga retreat at the Malasimbo grounds will be happening from March 8 to 13 coinciding with the festival with Australia Yogi, Cameron Brown a.k.a. MC Shureshock, who will part take in hosting the event.

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival 2017 is co-presented by FOX International Channels, Star World, and Channel [V], and supported by its Official Media Partners: ANC, CNN Philippines, Explore Philippines Magazine, MYX, Our Awesome Planet, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Scout Magazine, Primer Media, Radio Republic, Rappler, Choose PH, One Music PH, and WhenInManila.com.

For more information about Malasimbo 2017, follow us on Facebook/Instagram (@malasimbofestival) and on Twitter (@malasimbofest).

TPB and Color Manila Run celebrate fun with Blacklight Run

Tweet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tweet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erehwon Center for the Arts 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy 75th Anniversary Quezon City!

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

Tweet

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. 

Singapore Night Race 2015 and Live Performances with Singapore Airlines and MasterCard Exclusive Offer

Tweet

Singapore Airlines, in partnership with MasterCard, offers exclusive Singapore Night Race package for KrisFlyer members and MasterCard cardholders. From just USD830, car and racing enthusiasts can get into the action to the much-awaited night race and live performances of international artists with an all-inclusive package that comes with round trip Economy Class flight from Manila to Singapore, 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and a Zone 4 Walkabout Pass valid from September 18 to 20, 2015. 

The Zone 4 Walkabout Pass includes access to live performances at the waterfront art center Esplanade and a variety of multi-starred shows at Singapore's biggest outdoor entertainment stage, the Padang Stage. Featured in this year's line-up are world-renowned acts Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams and Bon Jovi. The pass also gives access to numerous food concessionaires, beverage outlets, merchandise booths and activity stations. Cars racing past some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks can also be viewed through platforms located at strategic trackside positions.

This package is exclusive to MasterCard credit, debit or prepaid cardholders as well as KrisFlyer members paying cash. MasterCard cardholders will also receive an additional 3,000 KrisFlyer miles with every purchase. Be a KrisFlyer member now and sign up for free at KrisFlyer.com

The package is valid for purchase from now until 11 September 2015, for travel out of Manila on 18 September 2015. Hotel stay must be completed by 21 September 2015. To book, call the Singapore Airlines Tours Desk at 753-5151 to 52 or email at tours_mnl@singaporeair.com.sg

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily which conveniently connect to onward flights to the rest of the world. For more information, visit singaporeair.com

Cuddle up for the “Ber” month, Vivere Hotel & Resorts September Offerings

Tweet

Cuddle up for the “Ber” month is here, welcome this much awaited moment with your family and friends with Vivere Hotel & Resorts September Offerings. 

Jump-start the celebration and rekindle the bond with Vivere Hotel’s “Snuggle” room package. Enjoy an overnight accommodation in a Premiere Suite inclusive of buffet breakfast for four (4) at The Nest Dining in the Sky, complimentary afternoon snack, free use of Lama Pool & Gym, unlimited use of internet access & local calls, a free shuttle service within the vicinity of Alabang and kids get to play in Vivere Hotel’s Kiddie Playroom for free for Php7, 500nett/night. Or spend the night in a 2-Bedroom Suite with same inclusions for Php12, 500nett.

Settle in and simply relax as The Nest Dining in the Sky, an alfresco dining restaurant perched at the 31st floor roof top of Vivere Hotel serving home-style classics, comfort food of the finest taste, and international cuisines to satisfy even the most discriminating palate. Get in tune with life with the cozily lit ambience of soothing jazz music played every night & the newest drinking address no one should miss. The Nest Dining in the Sky revamped its selection of concoctions for the perfect after work antidote such as craft beers on tap, expertly mixed signature hand crafted cocktails and all time classic infusions by David Dennis.

Escape the city bustle and unwind in Anilao Batangas as Vivere Azure rolls out a blissful room promo “Beach & Breakfast”, get 25% discount on all room rates from Sunday to Thursday inclusive of breakfast for two (2), free use of the game room, and complimentary use of snorkeling gear and kayaks.

Vivere Hotel & Resorts is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest Ciy, Alabang Muntinlupa City 1781 Philippines and Vivere Azure is located at Sitio Aguada, San Teodoro, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.. 

Log on to www.viverehotel.com.ph & www.vivereazure.com or call 771-7777, for inquiries and reservations. Like us on Facebook /viverehotel & /vivereazure for regular updates.

Vigan officially inaugurated as a New7Wonders City

Tweet

The Historic Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated as The New7Wonders City recently held within the precincts of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

Vigan, established in the 16th century, represents a fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, creating a city that is without equal in Asia.

The Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay was the guest speaker at the inauguration. Binay said that the event should serve as an inspiration for how heritage preservation can be best harmonized with urban development.

“In our quest to become strong competitors in the ASEAN and global economies, we cannot be too quick to tear down the old to build the new without serious deliberation and debate,” he said.

“As Vigan has proven, prosperity is not always measured by a city’s skyline. And it is not just malls that can bring in tourists and trade,” Binay add.

Binay urged the people of Vigan to remain committed to promoting their culture and share their best practices to other regions. 

“Billions of dollars have been spent in cultural preservation and restoration. These costs would not have been incurred if peoples — past and present — had been mindful of their actions, if they had had more respect for their own and other peoples’ cultural legacies and for our own earth,” he said.

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders (left), with Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (right), holding the specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque for Vigan at the Official New7Wonders Cities Inauguration

Vigan is the first of the New7Wonders Cities been officially inaugurated, the same moment during the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque, which was cast in the Kunstgießerei München, a famous foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany.

One of the 7 that represent the global diversity of urban society, Vigan, is joined in the “canon of 7″ byBeirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and La Paz(Bolivia).

RED Hot Piso Sale with NO FUEL SURCHARGE!

Tweet

Due to public demand, RED Hot Piso Sale is back !  Now made even lower with NO FUEL SURCHARGE! ALL-IN fares start from P218 only, ROUNDTRIP!

AirAsiaPhilippines presents its highest rating, most requested sale of all time! 

Fly to/from Manila. Cebu, Kalibo, Davao, Tagbilaran, Kuala Lumpur, Macau and many more!

RED Hot Piso Sale, now WITH NO FUEL SURCHARGE, available at http://bit.ly/REDHotPiso!

Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Macau, Kota Kinabalu and many more destinations, all from base fare P1 only! ALL-IN fares start from P218, ROUNDTRIP!

Booking Period: Now till 29 March 2015

Travel Period: 1 September 2015 till 31 May 2016

Book online at http://bit.ly/REDHotPiso or via mobile by download the AirAsia Mobile App.

Pay online using your credit/debit cards or cash via our payment partners: 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, Robinsons Department Store and ECPAY.

‘Share’ with your family and friends now! smile emoticon

Our RED Hot Piso Sale starting today Monday, 23 March at 00:01 GMT+8 Register now as AirAsia BIG members Check this out! http://bit.ly/AIrAsiaMembership

Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE and COMMENT to notify your family and friends of this blockbuster hit you shouldn't miss!

Lubao International Balloon Festival 2015

Tweet

The flying experience continues! 

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival, as also called as Lubao International Balloon Festival 2015, which will take place in Pradera Verde, Barangay Prado Siongco on March 26 to 29,

The biggest international and most colorful twin events for early 2015, one in Clark and another in Lubao Pampanga.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon has scheduled two separate hot air balloon festivals in Clark and Lubao town this year.

DOT Central Luzon Director Ronnie Tiotuico said the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was set on February 12 to 15 here. The other event -- Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival  scheduled on March 26 to 29 in Lubao town, according to Tiotuico.

“Both are pet projects of the Department of Tourism,” he said.

Now on its second year, the balloon festival, which will take place in Pradera Verde, Barangay Prado Siongco on March 26 to 29, is expected to showcase 40 hot air balloons from Germany, Malaysia, Europe and the United States. It will also raise 12 special shaped balloons like Darth Vader, Yoda,Obelix, Frog, and Humpty Dumpty.

The event is organized by Pilipinas International Balloon Festival Inc. (PIBF) in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

The event will include balloon flights (fly in and fly out cum night glow), air sporting events like aerobatics, flag jump/sky diving, balloon bursting, paragliding, aero modeling, wakeboarding, local tours, among others. 

According to the organizers, this year's festival was "localized" in order to further promote the town of Lubao and the province of Pampanga.