Philippine Airlines plans service to direct flights to two European cities by the end of 2013

Tweet

Here's the announcement regarding the plan to restore direct service between the Philippines and Europe, Philippine Airlines has revealed that it is likely that the carrier will only be able to mount direct flights to two European cities by the end of 2013.

Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG

Ismael Augusto Gozon, Senior Vice President of Operations for Philippine Airlines, indicated that the airline is planning direct flights to two countries in Europe by year end. The flights would be to one of the previously announced planned destinations of London, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Madrid. "We will fly to two European destination before the end of the year," said Gozon. "We will likely use the Airbus A340 or Boeing 777 for the direct flights to Europe.

The European Union lifted the ban on Philippine Airlines flights to Europe on July 12 paving the way for the carrier to restore direct service to the continent by the end of this year. "We have to apply for everything all over again. We literally have to start from zero," said Gozon. "We will really try to fly there before the end of the year."

London remains a high priority as one of the initial destinations for Philippine Airlines. It was revealed that the newly proposed target date for direct service to London will be December 2013 as the airline has faced delays in obtaining regulatory approvals. Philippine Airlines is expected to use London Gatwick airport as the airline's gateway to the United Kingdom and may initially use the recently acquired A340-300 aircraft to operate the service.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aeronautics Board has taken initial steps to reopen talks with Italy and France in order to establish fresh air service agreements that can support the expansion of Philippine Airlines. Discussions are expected to be held with Rome and Paris within the next six months. According to Carmelo Arcillo, CAB Executive Director, discussions with Rome for flights to Fiumcino Airport are scheduled for September 4-5, 2013 while discussions with France for resumption of service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is not scheduled until January 2014.

Philippine Airlines recently announced that it would be transferring the majority of its domestic operations to its subsidiary PAL Express in order to concentrate on higher yielding international long haul routes. But according to Brendan Sobie, analyst at the Centre for Aviation Asia Pacific, it is a risky move that will further strain the carrier's limited resources. "It's a high-risk venture. Re-establishing an airline on long-haul routes that are intensely competitive is an expensive proposition with huge, upfront costs," said Sobie. Ramon Ang, President of PAL, has taken a contrarian approach since assuming control and management of Philippine Airlines. The carrier reported losses of $95 million in 2012.

DOT, DSWD, and USAID launch One-Step Project

Tweet

The convergence program, called The One-Step Project, seeks to improve the lives of the poor with more direct interventions through tourism. The One-Step Project is a step to include the poor at the start of the development process and integrate communities, including but not limited to the beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid), in the tourism value chain. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has inked a partnership with the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held last August 5, 2013.

Signatories to the One Step Project (L-R): USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. and DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said the project aims to alleviate poverty by improving the “reach” and “power” of our people and to be given opportunities to succeed. “The eradication of poverty begins with the restoration of trust in leadership,” the tourism chief added.

The One-Step Project taps the potential of the 13 million poor Filipinos and the 2.1 million Pantawid households in nine priority tourism clusters. It aims to identify the poor households with greater propensity for success, particularly those living in the tourism clusters that host more than 21 million domestic and foreign tourists, and enroll them in tourism enterprises either as part of a destination community or a supplier community.

Under this partnership, the DSWD, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), will help DOT translate the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) into a community-driven eco-tourism development plan to ensure inclusive economic growth. The DSWD SLP provides opportunities to its underprivileged participants to be self-reliant by engaging in income-generating activities.

“Tourism has been identified as a major economic driver to spur job creation, income, and revenue generation, and more importantly to spread the benefits to the countryside. This project provides institutional links to ensure effective implementation.  It is providing the poor employment and business opportunities with long-term benefits.  That brings much more stability in governance and raises the emotional quotient of our nation. Inclusiveness is a strategy, not a goal,” Secretary Jimenez said.

According to USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, the deeper support towards inclusive growth is a major component of the bilateral agreement of the United States and Philippine governments.

DSWD Secretary Corazaon “Dinky” J. Soliman thanked the DOT and USAID for strengthening the Pantawid program, the government’s conditional cash transfer endeavor, as a vital poverty-reduction and community empowerment initiative.

Using the financial support from the USAID Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project, a national technical working group (TWG) will provide the general framework of the project, including the identification of the major activities to be conducted and funded. The One-Step Project will be implemented with support from an organizational structure composed of national and regional TWGs.

The national TWG is composed of the Champions, DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin and DSWD Undersecretary Parisaya Taradji; and Chairperson, DOT Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal. TWG members include Director Honorita Bayudan, Director Georgina Ann Hernandez, and Angela Mari Ferrer from DSWD; Director Rica Bueno, Phoebe Areño, and Alex Macatuno from DOT. The REID Foundation serves as its technical secretariat, while the regional TWG is composed of the regional directors of the DSWD and DOT, in coordination with other regional offices and their respective local government units (LGUs).

*WCOPA WINNER CHA-CHA CAÑETE SHOWS HER PERFORMING SKILLS IN “GOIN’ BULILIT” THIS SUNDAY*

Tweet

The world's competition’s youngest performer, child star Cha-Cha Cañete after winning two medals at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, California, brings her talents to the television screen with a fun and adorable performance in this Sunday’s (August 11) episode of the hit kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit”.

Singing and dancing to the groove-worthy tune of “Let’s Dance”, Cha-Cha is set to put even wider smiles on viewers’ faces as she gives the audience a taste of the same charm she exhibited during her stint at this year’s WCOPA. 

To add even more flare and flavor to Cha Cha’s musical number, the kids of “Goin’ Bulilit” will be accompanying her, making for an *aww*-worthy spectacle that stands as testament to the young talent that our country has.

Don’t miss out on Cha-Cha’s musical performance with the rest of the “Goin’ Bulilit” kids on Sunday (August 11) on the country’s number one kiddie gag show, “Goin’ Bulilit”, airing on ABS-CBN Channel 2 after “TV Patrol Weekend”.

Investigative Report: “The Prevalence of Lice Infestation among Filipino Children”

Tweet

Investigative Report: “The Prevalence of Lice Infestation among Filipino Children”

In a tropical country like the Philippines, head lice infestation is a common problem especially among school-aged children. In a study by the Department of Education and the University of the Philippines last year, pediculosis (lice infestation) is the second most common problem among students after tooth decay.

In 2000, it was estimated that around 9 million students or 84% of the total public school children population in Metro Manila and in some provinces, were carriers of head lice. Pediculosis or “kuto” affects children aged 7 to 12 years.  Students from Southern Tagalog and Western Visayas were found to have the largest number of pupils affected by head lice.

Head lice affects children’s performance in school and creates social stigma against those with this condition. The problem has greatly concerned education officials that the DepEd launched a program to address the problem in 2000 by giving out anti-lice treatment.

Head lice are tiny parasites that bite the scalp and feed on human blood. According to the US National Library of Medicine, lice can survive on human head for up to 30 days. Their eggs or what is called nits, hatch after nine days and the larvae mature after another nine days.

The bites from lice can cause severe scalp itching and in some cases red bumps on the scalp. Lice infestation is easily transferred through personal contact. While it is not considered as a serious condition, the social stigma attached to this condition is uncomfortable to many.

Some people connects lice infestation to low hygiene and poor economic status. But in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 6 to 12 million kids aged 3-11 years old are infested with lice every year.

Here are ways to avoid head lice infestation:

• Tell your kids to avoid sharing hairbrushes, hats, hair bands, or any hair accessories to other children.

• Inspect your child’s head regularly and look for lice or nits. If you find any that is already a sign for you to act immediately to avoid the lice from multiplying.  

• Practice proper hygiene like regularly using shampoo and conditioner to wash your child’s hair.

• It is also important for you to teach your kids to be aware of the signs of lice infestation like itching of the scalp.

Remember not to panic when you find that your child is infested with lice. Children can be very sensitive when they feel that they are being treated like they carry a contagious disease.

There are a number of treatments for head lice. You may consult your family physician for the best treatment as there are products that contain insecticide and may be harmful to your child.  One product in the market that many moms recommend is Licealiz, a head lice treatment shampoo with conditioning formula manufactured by Lamoiyan Corporation.

Heidi, 29, is a regular user of Licealiz.  A mother of three boys aged 8, 6 and 2, Heidi shared that she never imagined her boys would be affected by lice until she saw one on her eldest son while combing his hair.

“I always thought only girls can be infested by lice. I was shocked when I saw it on my son’s hair, near his nape. I don’t know if he got it from me or from his classmates or maybe from the surroundings,” said the young mother from Mandaluyong. She immediately researched on the best treatment and found the blog of another mom who tried Licealiz.

“The shampoo really smells good. Bonus is that, it’s very cheap. Everyone in the house used it until the itchiness and the lice were all gone.  I’ve been recommending it to my sisters and my in-laws ever since,” Heidi said.

Michelle, 32, noticed her daughter’s habit of scratching her head.  Bothered, she bought a lice comb and used it on her.  To her dismay, indeed, she found several matured lice. When she told her best friend about her daughter’s problem, she was advised to try Licealiz.

“My best friend Ella had tried it on her daughter, too. What I like about Licealiz is that it smells good and makes my daughter’s hair really soft. She loves it,” the mother from Cebu City shared.

Like many mothers, chances are your children may also be infested by the tiny crawlers.  Discovering lice on your child’s head should not be cause for an alarm.  Go to the nearest drugstore and grab Licealiz.

Licealiz is non-toxic and is safe to use regularly even for young children. Using it often keeps lice from coming back.  Unlike other brands, Licealiz's active ingredient, pyrethrin, is all natural and extracted from chrysantimum flowers. It not only makes your child’s hair smell good, it also nourishes and make the hair grow healthier.

Thrillathon at Resorts World Manila: 105 Days of Exciting Thrills for Everyone!

Tweet

Are you ready to experience a whole new brand of thrill that cannot be felt anywhere else?

Here's one hundred and five days.

That’s how long Resorts World Manila will be celebrating its anniversary and that’s how long you will be thrilled. Be ready for a mix of exciting events and surprises prepared for the foodies, concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers, sportsmen and everyone to enjoy!

Three months of thrills kicked off on August 2 with the remarkable performances of the Queen and King of Soul, Jaya and Janno Gibbs. Top concert artists in the country will also headline the free Thrillapalooza shows at the Newport Mall Plaza in the coming weeks with Angeline Quinto and Jay Durias on August 10, Erik Santos and True Faith on August 16, Wally and Jose on August 23 and Markki Stroem and Princess Velasco on August 30.

The extravaganza of great music will extend to September and October with your favorite bands and celebrities including The Dawn, Side A, Parokya Ni Edgar, Yeng Constantino, Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Bautista, Rachel Ann Go, Paulo Avelino, Enrique Gil, Aljur Abrenica and Kim Chiu.

While waiting for the concerts to begin, guests can have their photos taken at the Say Thrill Photo Booth. This is not your regular photo booth as we’re using a Van De Graaff generator for a truly hair-raising photo experience. Share your photos on Twitter and Instagram tagging Resorts World Manila for a chance to win awesome prizes when picked as the Photo of the Week. The picture-taking continues when you play Celebrity Dunk Tank with your favorite celebrities and FHM models at the Newport Mall Plaza.

For those in love with our ultra-posh seats at Manila’s only 24-hour weekend movie house, we’re giving everyone a 40% discount on your movie tickets at the Newport Cinemas. Get the limited passes for the PhP125 Movie Blowout now available at iGrab.ph!

If you prefer reading books over movies, a Book-A-Thon is scheduled on August 16. Famous authors will be dropping by Resorts World Manila for mini workshops, book signing sessions, a book fair, and meet-and-greet events.

Shopaholics can indulge on great finds as Newport Mall holds a week-long sale from August 26 to September 1. Foodies, on the other hand, can catch our pastry masters from Café Maxims as they collaborate with ace photographer Raymond Isaac at the Chocolate Festival. This will be followed by a delightful chocolate sale at the Newport Mall, which offers big discounts on exquisite chocolate products. Jetsetters can avail great deals at the Ready Set Travel event from September 20-22. The expo rounds up the best airline, hotel, resort, travel, fashion, and luggage deals all in one location. 

While in anticipation for your actual travels, be transported to Germany for an Oktoberfest celebration unlike any other! This absolutely fun fair will be complete with German dishes, beers priced affordably at PhP20, and the highly anticipated billiards, darts, and beer pong competitions. Winners get the chance to win up to PhP1 million per event.

For the whole family, a Halloween Mystic Carnival with fortune telling booths, toy displays for kids of all ages, and an exclusive preview of the TV cult hit The Walking Dead’s Season 4 will open in time for the Halloween. A Trick or Thrill event with acrobats, buskers, party favors, candies, face painting will complete the family’s thrilling adventure on October 27.

So, are you ready to experience a whole new brand of thrill that cannot be felt anywhere else? We’re sure no one’s going to be left out as we offer thrills for each and everyone.

Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833 for the complete line up of events and promos for Resorts World Manila’s Thrillathon.

Happy Thrillathon and Happy Anniversary Resorts World Manila!

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD MANILA:

Resorts World Manila (RWM) is the first one-stop, nonstop entertainment and tourism destination in the Philippines that features exciting recreational thrills, outstanding performances, unique events, and a wide range of lifestyle and leisure options. Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality.

The premier integrated lifestyle hub is home to three superb hotel brands: the all-suite luxury Maxims Hotel; the five-star brand Marriott Hotel Manila; and Remington Hotel which offers superb accommodations for great value. RWM is also home to the world’s finest culinary traditions.

RWM also serves as the home of Newport Mall which features high-fashion and international luxury brands. Experience a unique viewing experience at Newport Cinemas with stadium seating and ultramodern cinema technology. Watch majestic performances at the 1,500-seater Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), which boasts of state-of-the-art light and sound technology, or relax with 24/7 live entertainment at Bar 360, located at the ground floor gaming area.

Spend an entire day with the family and enjoy the many attractions offered by GameZoo amusement center such as multi-dimensional virtual rides, arcade games, a soft play area for toddlers, and exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Become a Resorts World Manila member for free and enjoy exclusive access to perks and privileges and the hottest events. 

Resorts World Manila - Nothing Compares.