Puerto Princesa Underground River is now confirmed as one of the New7Wonders of Nature!

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It's now official! Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now confirmed as one of the New7Wonders of Nature! Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, made the grand announcement.

He congratulated the people of the Philippines for supporting their national finalist in the global campaign.

“Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today’s confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm," said by Weber.

“When your very own President Aquino came out in support of the PPUR campaign, I knew that this country was taking the New7Wonders of Nature seriously,” said Weber.”

According to Edward Hagedorn, Mayor of Puerto Princesa,  this confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now its more fun to be in the Philippines,  in reference to the Department of Tourism’s “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan. 

“World-wide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally,” said Mayor Hagedorn.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is located some 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, on Palawan island in the Philippines. It consists of a limestone karst mountain landscape, several large chambers containing significant formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2 km. navigable underground river that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea. At the exit, a flawless lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge.

BANAUE RICE TERRACES: Saving a Living Heritage

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Join the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation and PhotoWorld Asia 2012 on a tour of Banaue and a trek to majestic Batad rice terraces, a very photogenic UNESCO heritage site in Ifugao!

Two thousand years ago, natives of Ifugao used the simplest of tools, and with their bare hands, dug into their reservoir of strength to build what the UNESCO has since recognized as a Cultural Heritage: the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces. But with progress and development looming on the side of the mountain, the Ifugaos are losing hold of their heritage. Traditions and rituals, once so deeply entrenched in the community, are slowly being forgotten or set aside. And the sense of pride of being a unique is becoming a struggle.

To make matters worse, a series of typhoons resulted in landslides that damaged the irrigation canals in some sections of the Ifugao rice terraces. The government has promised funds to help rebuild the terraces, but the Ifugaos are still waiting for the delivery of this promise. Some portions, especially in Batad (Batad is one such village and is famous for its amphitheater-like terraces rising to the mountaintops) cannot wait. Several paddies are now left parched and unutilized and there is the danger of the rocks and other debris further eroding and heading straight down to the village proper, where 45 families make their home.

With a great sense of urgency, the Ifugaos must act to tame the mountains, not only to help produce food but to provide a safe haven for its people. They must call on the spirit of cooperation called “Badchang” or “Ubbo,” that was once the driving force when the rice terraces were first built more than two thousand years ago. This time, they are no longer isolated by the mountains, and are getting offers of help – through the ubiquitous Facebook – from their native sons and daughters who now live in many parts of the world, as well as from non-Ifugao friends who share their love for Ifugao.

One such friend is John Chua, a Makati-based advertising photographer and long time friend of the Ifugaos, who is spearheading the move to revive the Bayanihan Spirit among the Ifugaos and develop Batad into a model Ifugao village – as an integrated and interactive tourist destination while preserving its cultural heritage. Following a unique tourism trend that is already happening in other parts of the world, John is bringing to Ifugao the concept of “voluntourism” (volunteerism and tourism). Volunteer-tourists will help provide manpower to rebuild the terraces, learning from Ifugao elders the technique of “rip-rap” (a way of arranging rocks to form a terrace wall), while being introduced to Ifugao culture and traditions.

To repair the damaged section of Batad Rice Terraces, the area must be cleared of the rocks, loose earth, mud and weeds left in the wake of the landslides. Then the structure must be rebuilt using the same materials that are collected. The work will be difficult because the area is sloping, quite steep and hazardous. But it is not impossible, especially since they would be under the supervision of Ifugao Elders who are experts in building rice terraces, an engineering feat acknowledged as one of the wonders of the world. Together, Ifugaos and friends of Ifugaos will work shoulder to shoulder not with paid labor, but following the traditional Ifugao community spirit of “Ubbo” or “Badchang” and today’s new world concept of “voluntourism.”

Fee to join the Banaue Trek is P3,500 to pay for transportation, meals and snacks, one night accommodation in Banaue (not that 5-star hotel!) and other incidental expenses for the 3-day event, payable now at the FPPF offices in Intramuros or at the FPPF Secretariat during PhotoWorld Asia 2012. You may also register online and pay via Banco De Oro by accomplishing the registration form below. The Banaue Trek is open to everybody, including non-delegates of the convention.

Itinerary

January 31 (Tuesday)

9:30 pm Bus Terminal

10:00 pm Depart for Banaue

February 1 (Wednesday)

6:00 am         Arrive Banaue Hotel

7:00 am         Registration and Breakfast

8:30 am         Photo Op Banaue Viewpoint

9-11 am         Ifugao Ethnic Dance and Games

1:00 pm         Lunch at Guihob Spring

1-5 pm Ritual in Banga-an Village

7:00 pm         Dinner and Bonfire with Rice Wine in Banaue

February 2 (Voluntourism Day)

5:00 am         Breakfast

6:30 am         Batad Village Voluntourism (Lunch at Tappia Falls)

3:30 pm         Leave Batad – Free Time

7:00 pm         Dinner

9:00 pm         Depart Banaue for Manila

February 3 (Friday)

6:00 am         Arrive in Manila

Check this out : 

Registration : Voluntourism in Banaue

Roman Romulo-Shalani Soledad Sunset Wedding , A Perfect Match Made in Heaven

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Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad and Pasig representative Roman Romulo tied the knot in a simple and solemn wedding ceremony  at the St. Benedict Church in Ayala Westgrove, Silang, Cavite on Sunday, January 22, 2012.

Romulo-Shalani wedding ceremony started at 5:45pm officiated by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Rev. Msgr. Bartolome Santos Jr. And Rev. Fr. Isagani Avinante at the 500-seat church.

Romulo is the son of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Mrs. Lovely Romulo. Soledad will be given away by her parents Adolfo Aguirre and Evelyn Soledad-Yumol.

The  powerhouse of 22 principal sponsors from business, political and social circles are: Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Gretchen del Rosario; PLDT-Smart-TV 5 Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and Norma Ona; Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Corazon Ong; Emilio Yap and former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar; Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua and Betty Chua; San Miguel president Ramon Ang and Bettina Aboitiz; Roberto del Rosario and Elizabeth Gan-Go; James Sy Gaisano and Lily Lee; Felix Tuikinhoy Jr. and Maria Jessica Bautista; Manuel Dy and Natividad Cheng; and Bench founder Ben Chan and Janet Napoles.

Romulo’s best friend, J. Antonio Cabangon, is the best man while Soledad’s best friend, Joy Marie Castellvi, is the matron of honor. Romulo’s groomsmen include the groom’s brother Erwin, Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Lagdameo, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, George Rafael Lorenzana and Dante Soliven.

Soledad’s bridesmaids are Catherine May Hervas, Annaliza Jacinto, Ma. Lourdes Romero, Monica Garcia and Diamond Villar.

Romulo’s sisters Guadalupe, Montserrat and Bernadette will be secondary sponsors. Guadalupe and Carlo Fernando Soledad are candle sponsors; Montserrat and Martel Francisco Soledad are veil sponsors; and Bernadette and Ramonell Soledad are cord sponsors.

Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, Ronald Singson, celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres, Mariel Rodriguez and Karen Davila were among those who attended the star-studded wedding.

Famous designer Inno Sotto designed Shalani's elegant gown and their wedding motif are green and lavender. Shalani wore a pair of shoes by Lila Almario.

Romulo wore a midnight-blue tuxedo paired with a white shirt and a gray bow tie by Hugo Boss and a pair of black leather shoes by Louis Vuitton.

Romulo-Soledad wedding ceremony lasted for over an hour, with reception at Nuvali.

The family reportedly called Soledad and Romulo “a perfect match made in heaven.”

The couple considered Rome as their honeymoon destination.

Congratulations to newlyweds Roman Romulo and Shalani Soledad!

Roman Romulo and Shalani Soledad Wedding Video

Credits: Youtube and GMANews.

The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival February 9 to 12, 2012

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The 17th Philippines Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for 9th to 12th February, 2012. The annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the most popular events in Clark Philippines.

At least 22 hot air balloons, including some specially-shaped balloons from nine countries, will be the main attractions in this year festivities during the weekend of everything that flies.

Organizers of the Philippine Hot Air Balloon said the balloonists will come from United States, Finland, Sweden, Amsterdam, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

The hot air balloon fest is one of the main sports-tourism attractions in Clark which is under the auspices of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The event is expected to attract more foreign and local tourists this year as more than 100,000 tourists are expected to flock during the hot air balloon festival.

17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Schedule of Activities.

THURSDAY -  February 9 - FIRST FIESTA DAY

5:30-7:00AM           Opening Ceremony Hot Air Balloon Flight

7:00-7:30AM           Paragliding Exhibition

7:40-8:30AM           Ultra-Light Aircraft Formation Flying

8:30-9:30PM            Ultra-Light Bomb Dropping Audience

                                  Participation

9:30-10:00AM          Skydiving Exhibition

10:00-11:00AM       Kite Flying Exhibition

11:00AM-1:30PM   AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting

                                 Competition

1:30-2:00PM            Sky Diving Exhibition

2:00-2:45PM            Aviation Flying School Fly By

3:45-4:30PM            RC Demonstration Flying

4:30-5:00PM             Paragliding Accuracy Flying

5:00-5:20PM             Ultralight Formation Flying

5:20-6:00PM             Hot Air Balloon Fly-In

FRIDAY - February 10  - SECOND FIESTA DAY

5:30-7:00AM            Hot Air Balloon Flight

7:00-7:30AM            Paragliding Exhibition

7:40-8:30AM            Ultralight Aircraft Flyby

8:30-9:30AM            Aerobatic Flight Display

9:30-9:50AM            RC Helicopter Show

9:50-10:20AM          Fire Fighting Exhibition

10:20-11:00AM        Radio Control Aircraft Flying

11:00-11:30AM        Skydiving Exhibition

11:30AM-12:30PM Ultralight Airplane Bomb Dropping

12:30-1:30PM          Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition

1:30-2:30PM            AOPA-P Aircraft Flyby

2:15-3:15PM            AOPA Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

3:15-4:00PM            Aerobatic Show

4:00-4:30PM            Airplane Banner Towing Demonstration

4:30-5:15PM            Paragliding Accuracy Flying

5:30-6:00PM            Hot Air Balloon Flights

7:00 PM                   Aviators Ball

SATURDAY - February 11 - THIRD FIESTA DAY

5:30-7:00AM            Hot Air Balloon Flight

7:00-7:30AM            Paragliding Flag Flying

7:40-8:30AM            Ultralight Aircraft Flyby

8:30-9:30AM            Aerobatic Flight Display

9:30-10:00AM          Search And Rescue Flying Exhibition

10:00-10:30AM        Helicopter Maneuverability Flight Display

10:30-11:00AM        Sky Diving Exhibition

11:00AM-12:30PM Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition

12:30-1:30PM         Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition

1:30-2:30PM           Ultralight Flying Display

2:30-3:15PM            Flying School’s Fly By

3:15-3:45PM            Skydiving Exhibition

3:45-4:30PM            Aerobatic display

4:30-5:00PM            Paragliding exhibition

5:00-5:30PM            Ultralight Fly By

5:30-5:45PM            RC Airplane Flying Demonstration

5:45-6:15PM            Hot Air Balloon Flight

6:45-7:30PM            Hot Air Balloon Night Glow

SUNDAY - February 12  - LAST FIESTA DAY

5:30-7:00AM           Hot Air Balloon Flight

7:00-7:30AM            Paragliding Flag Flying

7:30-8:30AM            Ultralight Aircraft Flyby

8:30-9:30AM            Flying school fly by

9:30-10:00AM          RC Helicopter Show

10:00-10:30AM        Helicopter Flying Exhibition

10:30-11:00AM        Sky Diving Exhibition

11:00AM-12:30PM   AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting

                                  Competition

12:30-1:30PM           Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition

1:30-2:30PM             Ultralight Flying Display

2:30-3:00PM             RC Airplane Flying Demonstration

3:00-4:00PM             Aerobatic Exhibition

4:00-4:45PM             Paragliding Accuracy Flying

4:45-5:30PM             Search and Rescue Exhibition

5:30-6:45PM             Hot Air Balloon night glow

7:30PM                     Crew and Awards Night Party

 A weekend of everything that flies! (Hot Air Balloons 2010)

How to get there: NLEX  / SCTEX

Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and continue past Dau toll plaza -- but do not take the Dau exit. Pull to the right and take the SCTEX on-ramp. From the SCTEX toll booth, take the southbound lane to Clark South exit. You will be entering Clark through the Yokohama complex. At the stop light, turn right into Roxas highway. The Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.

Look for the reference for a map: 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...a38e78d6f803a5

Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and right turn into Clark. On entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right. Car trips take about an hour and a half from Manila.

Enjoy everyone and have a wonderful balloon festival! 

It's More Fun in The Philippines - The New Department of Tourism Slogan and Logo

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Today, the Department of Tourism launched its new logo and campaign to promote tourism in the country. 

“It's more Fun in The Philippines” is the new slogan and the logo looks like Philippines set in a banig weave. The slogan is printed in different, vibrant colors.

“The slogan answers why you should come to the Philippines? ‘Cause it’s more fun here. It’s what we know -- we are known to connect with visitors and share with the laughter. -- and it’s we can deliver now,” DOT Secretary Mr. Jimenez told reporters in a briefing.

I like it. I find the logo cute, colorful, hip and modern and like an ethnic but with a refreshing look. 

It's more Fun in The Philippines ! Let’s go around the wonderful Philippines and around the wonderful world!  Let's watch out for more fun and enjoy! 

3rd Annual Philippine International PyroMusical Competition on February 11 to March 17, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia.

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The 3rd Annual Philippine International PyroMusical Competition will be from February 11 to March 17, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia. This is really the next amazing spectacular international fireworks competition to enjoy. Great fireworks to be displayed  from different participating countries.

Schedule:

February 11, 2012 - South Korea and Malta 
February 18, 2012 - United Kingdom and Spain 
February 25, 2012 - Finland and Portugal 
March 3, 2012 - China and The Netherlands 
March 10, 2012 - Australia and Canada 
March 17, 2012 - Italy and Philippines 

Ticket Prices: 
VIP (w/dinner) - P1500 
VIP - P500 
Gold - P300 
Silver - 100 

Venue: SM Mall of Asia BAY AREA (Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City)

Contact Details:

For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketworld at (63 2) 891-9999 or (63 917) 811-4001, (63 917) 513-6001, (63 2) 359-1486 or visit:  for more details.http://www.pyrophilippines.com/ 

The Panagbenga 2012 Festival

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The Panagbenga 2012 Festival , the 17th Panagbenga season have a lot of new events and activities that everybody  will definitely enjoy. Panagbenga is a Kankana-ey term that means "a season of blooming" or "a time for flowering."

Panagbenga Festival, is a major annual festival in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. This year’s festival has the theme “Community Convergence for a Sustainable Tourism Growth”  

Panagbenga Festival 2012 Schedule of Activities

February 1, 2012           –      2012 Panagbenga Opening Parade

February 11, 2012         –      Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

February 12, 2012        –      Handog ng Panagbenga sa Baguio

February 12, 2012        –      Fluvial Float Parade

February 21. 2012        –      Chinese Spring Festival

The Baguio Flower Festival 2012 highlight will be on

February 25, 2012       –      Grand Street Dancing Parade

February 26, 2012       –      Grand Float Parade

February 27  –   March 4, 2012      – Session Road in Bloom

March 2, 2012              –       Pony Boy’s Day

March 4, 2012              –       Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display

This is the new logo of Panagbenga  featuring five individuals colored differently : violet, green, red, orange, and blue. These varying colors symbolize the different sectors converging to make the annual festival's 2012 edition a success.

My New Year's Resolutions . . . for Life!

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Today, January 1, 2012  is the first day of our new life. I’m thinking new years resolutions, plans, goals and as I call these my commitments. I'm really determined to do my new years solutions and all. I've written down my guidelines and I hope that it will help me to make realistic goals.

As I’m doing my notes, most things are running inside my brain. It is just not new years resolution but simple and right things to do. Things to do forever, for life!  I'm just sharing these thoughts in my mind now. 

- Think positively. If you don't believe in yourself then no one else will. I have read and heard many times a quote and advice.  "If you believe it, you can achieve it." Positive thinking creates success. Life will get better and better as you welcome the positive. Believe in yourself and don't look back.

- Open to all possibilities. Great things will happen in our life because we are open to all possibilities. By opening ourselves up, we will be able to learn from so many people with different backgrounds. We will learn and experience amazing things.

- Trust , don't worry.  Trust is important. Don’t worry about anything but trust. Stop worrying but trust you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing. When we trust, we allow and when we allow our experiences instead of trying to manipulate them or force them into our limited vision of what should be, our lives expand and every day becomes a miracle right now. And beautiful, positive and perfect change just happens without our needing to worry about a thing.We have expectations but we should not to have many.  Learn to go with the flow. Have trust and be appreciative with the present happenings in life. Know that whatever we experience will be a great learning experience. It will give us enriching moments.

-Be Responsible. You have to start being responsible. Everyday of our lives we think of some situation we wish we had handled differently. We can make certain the actions we do every day is not filled with similar regrets. That's all we need to remember when we decide how to behave in the present. We won't be ashamed in the future, if we take charge of our present. It really is not hard you just have to be consistent in everything you do. Be dependable and responsible.To me the most important thing is always being your self.

- Be Happy. Simply do the things that make us happy, simply love the activities. Let’s be happy because we are doing what we love to do. Be happy with what we have, not just what we want. I understand. It really seems to be part of human nature to want. Just to want more and want better and want something new.

I have a very favorite quote :"The Happiest people don't have everything they want...but they make the most out of what they already have!"

Be happy by accepting the changing world. We are all part of this one being called “life as we know it” and it is always changing. Nothing really appears or disappears but it is always changing around. Every situation is temporary.

Share happiness with everyone you live with, family, relatives, friends, people we see around. Having compassion and making others happy will make you more happy.

Year 2012 is going to be "our" happy year in our wonderful world! 

Happy New Year to All !!!

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With the holiday season upon us, here's a list of some greetings to be use. 
See how Happy New Year is pronounced around the world. Enjoy wonderful world !

Arabic

Kul 'aam u antum salimoun

Brazilian

Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo means "Good Parties and Happy New Year"

Chinese

Chu Shen Tan

Czechoslavakia

 Scastny Novy Rok

Dutch

 Gullukkig Niuw Jaar

Finnish

 Onnellista Uutta Vuotta

French

Bonne Annee

German

 Prosit Neujahr

Greek 

Eftecheezmaenos o Kaenooryos hronos

Hebrew 

L'Shannah Tovah Tikatevu

Hindi

Niya Saa Moobaarak

Irish (Gaelic)

 Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit

Italian

 Buon Capodanno

Khmer

 Sua Sdei tfnam tmei

Laotian

 Sabai dee pee mai

Polish

 Szczesliwego Nowego Roku

Portuguese

 Feliz Ano Novo

Russian

 S Novim Godom

Serbo-Croatian

 Scecna nova godina

Spanish

 Feliz Ano Neuvo or Prospero Ano Nuevo

Turkish

 Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun

Vietnamese

 Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan

American

Happy New Year

Filipino

Manigong Bagong Taon! 

A Prosperous New Year!

                                                      (traditional greeting for the new year)

Maligayang Bagong Taon! (Happy New Year!)

    

Bikol

Mamura-way na Ba-gong Taon sa indo gabos!

Cebuano

Mabungahong Bag-ong Tuig kaninyong tanan!

Ilokano

Narang-ay a Baro a Tawen kadakayo amin!

Kapampangan

Masaplalang Bayung Banwa keko ngan!

Pangasinan

Maaligwas ya Balon Taon ed sikayon amin!

Waray-Waray

Mainuswagon nga Bag-ong Tuig ha iyo ngatanan!

Let us pray to God that new year will bring peace, happiness , prosperous and joy to whole world ! 
Wish you all a wonderful year 2012 !  Cheers!!! ✿◕‿◕✿