Private Sector Supports DOT's Bangon Tours

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Network of Independent Travel Agencies (Nitas) members have signified their continued support for the Bangon Tours program of the Department of Tourism (DOT), saying it will help boost tourism particularly in calamity-stricken areas.

"Bangon Tours is an effective marketing program to lure tourists to come back to the Philippines, despite an earthquake and typhoon Yolanda last year," Robert Lim Joseph, founder and president of Nitas, said.

He said it’s high time that all tourism players worked together to recover from the losses incurred by the tourism sector during the calamities.

According to the Tourism Board Promotions (TBP) of the Philippines, the Bangon Tours Project supports the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the survivors.

Tourism establishments and travel companies have signified their support for Bangon Tours by signing theMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of theDepartment of Tourism. 

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) is the latest to sign up by implementing the Bangon Tour Seat Sale with travel period until April 2014. CEB also promotes these tours through communication materials provided by TPB in all its organic ticket offices and partner GSAs and WH in the Philippines. CEB has likewise extended humanitarian flights for stranded passengers in Tacloban and undertaken rehabilitation efforts to aid victims of Typhoon Yolanda. 

According to Domingo Ramon Enerio III, TPB’s Chief Operating Officer, The Manila Hotel, Diamond Hotel Philippines and EDSA Shangri-La Hotel lead the industry’s hospitality sector supporters nationwide. Members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) are also participating in Bangon Tours. These establishments prominently display the Bangon Tours poster with logo in their business premises and submit to the TPB updates related to the total amount donated to NGOs and foundations concerned. 

Other private companies, Agoda.com, one of the fastest-growing online hotel platforms worldwide, as well as government agencies like Duty-Free Philippines and local government units such as the Provincial Government of Capiz have signified their support. 

“While the affected tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas are being rebuilt, we invite everyone to travel more to the other 16 regions of the Philippines, visit as many of our fun destinations as possible and at the same contribute your share in our country’s recovery and rebuilding efforts through Bangon Tours. You also help increase domestic tourism, generate more livelihood for our fellow Filipinos, and draw us near the attainment of our target goal of 45 million domestic travellers for 2014,” says COO Enerio. 

The Bangon Tours Project is an initiative of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. This project is in line with the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the victims and survivors of calamities through the promotion of domestic tourism. It is an invitation to the Filipino market to travel within the Philippines during the holiday period (December to February), visit our fun destinations, and participate in rebuilding efforts.

Initially, 16 areas are to be featured for Bangon Tours, as proposed by PTAA and PHILTOA: Ilocos, Tuguegarao, Baguio, Batangas-Puerto Galera, Manila-Tagaytay, Puerto Princesa, Baler, Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Iloilo, Boracay, Siargao, CDO-Camiguin, and Batanes. However, Bangon Tour offerings will not be limited to these destinations.

Moreover, the project is geared towards encouraging the private sector to voluntarily share a percentage of their net income from the Bangon Tours to their chosen local foundation / NGO or any of the following charitable institutions—Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF and World Vision.

As much as practical, participating tourism establishments and companies will be featured in DOT/TPB’s website, social network accounts, online portals, print ads and other marketing communications.

According to the Tourism Board Promotions (TBP) of the Philippines, the Bangon Tours Project supports the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the survivors.

The marketing arm of the DOT said it is an invitation to the Filipino market to travel within the Philippines during the holiday period from December to February, visit fun destinations and participate in rebuilding efforts.

Cebu and Bohol were among the 16 areas initially identified to be featured for Bangon Tours, as proposed by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and Philippine Tours Association (Philtoa).

With the tagline “Bakasyon Mo, May Meaning,” the Bangon Tours runs from December 1, 2013 until February 28, 2014 with the offering of specially designed domestic tour packages in collaboration with the Philippine tourism industry’s travel trade as well as non-tourism companies and public sector agencies. 

“Participating tourist establishments are initially offering special tour packages to 16 tourist destinations nationwide and more destinations will be added. These establishments are being asked to share at least five per cent of their net income from the tour packages / room nights sold via Bangon Tours. The percentage share will be directly given to the company’s chosen non-government organization (NGO) or charitable foundation involved with the disaster-affected communities.” 

The DOT, through the TPB, promotes and publicizes Bangon Tours – its featured destinations, products, packages and participating establishments – in communications materials including its official websites and other social media, traditional media, and through interpersonal communication activities. 

For details, please contact Ms. Lia L. Fernando of the TPB’s Bangon Tours Secretariat at telephones: 525-0372 / 525-9318 to 27 local 202 or through fax 521-6165 / 525-3314 and e-mail: bangontours@tpb.gov.ph.

Kata Digital Ph Launch Kata i3 5' Super HD Display

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Kata, a mobile and tablet brand that specializes in mobile phone applications research and device design, have launched their latest product - the invincible Kata i3 at Kata Store in Robinsons Forum, Mandaluyong City last January 17, 2014.

- The Kata i3 smartphone flaunts a 5-inch Super HD display with an exceptional 1.3 GHz quad core processor and 1GB RAM thus, can deliver optimum performance.

- It runs the 4.2.2 Android Jellybean operating system and has a 13MP back camera and 5MP front camera, ensuring the best possible photos and most advanced features.

- It also has a 16GB internal memory that is expandable up to 32GB, perfect for downloading applications, saving photos and various media files.

A royal smartphone oozing with elegance. Expertly created with simplicity, be prominent and strut its splendid design. Take a glance of this sleek and smart mobile phone that offers not just extra durability but tremendous functionality.

The pleasing feel of an ingeniously sleek handset.With its striking yet elegant aesthetics, carry with you this impressively light device that offers not just a slim design but also a satisfying grip.

It only takes a touch to do a little bit more. With its improved capacitive touchscreen display, it delivers a slick response to touch. Indeed, it is the most suitable partner for all your multimedia viewing needs as it also guarantees plenty of zip for your web browsing.

The Kata i3 is now available at Kata Store in Starmall Edsa and Robinsons Pioneer with the selling price of P8,499 but you can pre-order at any Kata kiosk branches nationwide. Accessories such as leather case (that comes in different colors) and screen protector are sold separately. 

A promotional video of Kata i3 that is loaded with its superb cool features. The clip goes through the phone’s design and software and hardware perks. Let it show off some of the things that this Android smartphone can do. You may also watch the video here: http://youtu.be/zn2ucSG_5AY

With the pace of smartphone evolution moving so fast, there’s always something waiting in the wings and Kata proved that they are continuously striving to establish themselves as provider of high quality and innovative smartphones and tablets. And this 2014, they are planning to unleash boatloads of new products that will surely suit the needs of their steadfast customers.

For other news and updates, visit Kata at:

www.katadigital.com.ph

www.facebook.com/katadigitalcom

www.twitter.com/katadigitalcom

www.instagram.com/katadigital

www.katadigitalphilippines.wordpress.com

DepEd sends out guidelines for private schools wishing to offer senior high school

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Private high schools and other non-Department of Education (DepEd) schools that wish to offer senior high school (SHS) under the K to 12 Basic Education Program may refer to the guidelines sent out recently by DepEd. 

The guidelines are for the national implementation of the senior high school program in non-DepEd schools starting school year 2016-2017 and onwards under Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. SHS (grades 11 and 12) allows students to choose among four tracks – Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, and Arts & Design – which are designed to help learners prepare for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said the release of the guidelines is pursuant to Section 30 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10533.“We are sending out these guidelines to help interested private institutions that wish to be a part of this innovative thrust to upgrade Philippine basic education,” he added.

DepEd Memo No. 4 series of 2014 has identified 3 categories for institutions which may wish to offer senior high school.

Category A pertains to private schools recognized by DepEd to offer secondary education (Year I- IV) and private schools that have been granted at least Level II accreditation by any accrediting agencies of the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP). 

Category B refers to non-DepEd schools that have been issued permits by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to offer any training courses or by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to offer any higher education program. This category also includes schools that have been granted at least Level II accreditation by any accrediting agencies of the FAAP. Also under this category are other non-DepEd schools which have been granted at least Bronze accreditation status by the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission.

Category C includes other individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Application to offer SHS will only be accepted by email at kto12@deped.gov.ph addressed to the DepEd Secretary. A copy of the application [EIU1] should also be sent to the office of the concerned DepEd regional director on or before April 15, 2014.

More information can be obtained from the K to 12 Secretariat at telephone numbers 631-5057 and 638-3703 or email at kto12@deped.gov.p

Medicard-Metafit launches Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3

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A part of Medicard’s mission of enjoining the public to live healthier lifestyles, here comes the latest Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season! 

Medicard Philippines, Inc., a leading HMO provider, opens the year with season 3 of the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp at the Cul-de-Sac of the Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, beginning February 3. 

Teamed-up for Season III. Photo shows (Seating L-R): Ms. Joy Polloso, senior vice president for Retail Operations, Filinvest Corp.; Dr. Nicky Montoya, president, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; Coach Jim Saret, founder, Metabolic Fitness program; Ms. Rose Nuqui, vice president for Marketing, Exhibits, and Convention, Filinvest Corp.; (Standing L-R): Mr. Ricky Suarez, senior marketing manager, Filinvest Corp.; Kate Joaquin, marketing services manager, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; and Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret, co-founder, Metabolic Fitness program.

“We are elated that Westgate Center was chosen as venue for the Boot Camp,” said Joy Polloso, SVP for retail operations of Filinvest. “We have open spaces that are ideal for sports and other fitness activities. We hope to generate more fun through wellness events here at Westgate.”

Polloso added that the boot camp is the first of its kind at Westgate, and this would give them perfect opportunities to bring to residents in the south a proactive and healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of Medicard Philippines, welcomed Westgate as the new partner for the boot camp’s third season.

“With the success of our first two seasons, we feel that it has become our duty to continue the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “We have chosen Westgate because of its wide, open spaces and to give people living in the South a chance to experience this activity.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp, which started in February 2012 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Makati, gives participants a chance to challenge and motivate themselves for comprehensive training and high-intensity workouts, with proper guidance from and supervision of expert fitness instructors, including ABS-CBN’s Biggest Loser coach and Meta Fit developer Jim Saret, together with other coaches. Its success has produced three editions of the program across Metro Manila. 

“The boot camp is a perfect venue for health and wellness advocates as we help provide them a more comprehensive health and fitness package,” Saret said. “Meta Fit provides physical training part while MediCard provides the health service.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3’s 12-session program runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Online registration for interested participants is open until January 31, 2014, through the official Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/app 206429986046631.

Cinema One puts Kathniel in the spotlight !

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Starting things off with today’s hottest teen love team, Cinema One gives a special treat to its viewers with a month-long feature on Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s hit movie “Must Be Love”.

Produced by Star Cinema and directed by Dado Lumibao, “Must Be Love” is the first solo film of the teen tandem where they were cast in a leading role, following their appearances as part of star-studded casts in “24/7 in Love” and “Sisterakas”. It was shot in different locations around the Philippines, including Cebu and Laguna—and was even taken abroad to Berlin, Germany.

The film tells the story of two childhood friends, Patricia (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ivan (Daniel Padilla). Growing up together and discovering the changes that come with age, different possibilities open up for the two.

As they get older, Patricia begins to realize that she has feelings for her best friend, but begins to question if he feels the same way. Things get even more complicated when her cousin Angel (Liza Soberano) comes into the picture—and Ivan starts to show interest in a different girl instead.

With the two teen actors in the leading roles, “Must Be Love” served as a benchmark for the two. It even served as a platform for Daniel Padilla’s hit song “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat,” which was the film’s theme song, to skyrocket to the top of the music hit charts.

In a review from pep.ph, the film was labeled as “a welcome alternative to the slew of teen movies and romantic flicks,” setting it apart from what the Filipino audience had grown accustomed to. Writer Jennifer Dugena of the website said, “It is also a perfect teen movie recommended not just for KathNiel fans but also for adults… ‘Must Be Love’ is a rare film that is cute and light as much as it is serious and heavy.”

Don’t miss out on the KathNiel love team in “Must Be Love” airing on Cinema One this month. Catch it on January 18 at 8:00pm, January 24 at 3:00pm, and January 28 at 7:00pm.

For updates, visit and like Cinema One on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Cinema1Channel).