VPY2015: Sports Tourism Heats Up

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The Philippines has become a destination for international wakeboarding events

June was an exciting month for both local and international athletes and sports enthusiasts as Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) featured some of the biggest sporting events across the country. 

The CamSur Watersports Complex held the adrenaline-pumping triathlon adventure, the Challenge CamSur 2015, where international triathletes joined in the thrill and competed with local triathlon champions. The event was a spin-off of Challenge Philippines Triathlon, one of the country’s biggest endurance events. 

Football fans headed to the Nuvali Football Field in Laguna for the 10th European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Football Cup. Participated by employees from different companies, organizations and NGOs, the fun cup aimed to build strong bonds with colleagues and to appreciate the game of football. 

Monster trucks roared into the SM Mall of Asia Arena for the country’s first Monster Jam. Fans from around the globe came to see the world famous monster trucks and their drivers as they competed in racing and freestyle events. Aside from enjoying the roaring engines and crushing actions, spectators took turns taking selfies with El Toro Loco, Grave Digger and other famous monster trucks. 

Sailing enthusiasts were treated to a fun sailing and navigation challenge for catamarans, yachts, jet skis, and kayaks at the Romblon 3 Islands Challenge in Romblon City. Windsurfers, meanwhile, traveled to Anilao, Batangas for the Philippine Windsurfing Camp. 

Cooling down the adrenaline were running events that promoted fitness and socialization for everyone. Pro and amateur runners celebrated Father’s Day with their families at the Run with Dad 2015 marathon in Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand. Marathoners were also in full force at Bonifacio Global City for the Fortune Care Run for a Healthier You, a fun run for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

With all these fun and energetic sporting events for local and foreign tourists to enjoy, this is indeed a dynamic time to visit the Philippines. 

Check out more exciting events and festivals that bring out the fun in you at www.visitph2015.com.

JBK’s inspirational pop single “Damang-Dama” now an online hit

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Filipino boy band JBK has scored an online hit with their inspirational pop song “Damang-Dama,” that has so far garnered over 400,000 views on Facebook. Camella Tierra Nevada provides a beautiful setting for the music video of “Damang-Dama”. (From L-R: Kim Lawrenz Ordonio, Bryan del Rosario and Joshua Bulot).

Emerging Filipino boy band JBK has scored an online hit with their inspirational pop song “Damang-Dama,” the carrier single of their upcoming self-titled album that is scheduled for release in August.

Choreographer Mich Garong trained Filipino boy band JBK (Joshua, Kim, Bryan).

In less than a week, “Damang-Dama” successfully garnered over 400,000 views on its Facebook posting, and has so far reached over 2.5 million people on the social media platform, according to JBK’s talent manager Chris Cahilig.

“The music video of ‘Damang-Dama’ quickly drew attention on Facebook where it was first posted, reaping praises and positive reviews from netizens because of its optimistic message, beautiful melody, and danceable choreography,” says Cahilig.

Composed of three exceptionally talented singers—Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario, and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio—JBK was one of the grand champions of the McJim Dreams Get Real: The Search for The Next OPM Star along with Fifth Dynamics and Neo Domingo. They became an online sensation after posting a series of a capella videos that the group filmed on a fire exit, thus earning them the moniker #FireExitBoys.

“Damang-Dama” is sponsored by Camella Homes under its music advocacy campaign, MusiCamella. The master-planned community of Camella Tierra Nevada in General Trias, Cavite, provided a picturesque setting for the viral music video.

The boys of JBK composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio.

The upbeat song was penned and arranged by acclaimed composer Jonathan Ong. Its music video was directed by award-winning filmmaker Lem Lorca, while its infectious choreography was conceptualized by Mich Garong.

‘Damang-Dama’ is a song for every Filipino who aspires for a better life for himself and his family,” Del Rosario explains. “It talks about the joys of realizing one’s dreams.”

JBK is supported by Camella Homes, McJim Classic Leather, and Bing Dio Salon. Interested parties may book JBK by sending an inquiry at chriscahilig@gmail.com or by visiting their fan page on Facebook.

Canadian Dignitaries Get a Taste of Home in Manila at Triple O’s

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A TASTE OF CANADA IN MANILA. Filipino-Canadian Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. (left) and Canada’s Minister for International Trade, Ed Fast (right), are all set to enjoy Canada’s best burgers and milkshakes at Triple O’s SM Megamall.

For any Filipino who has ever spent some time in Canada, Triple O’s by White Spot will surely be a familiar name. The good news is that Triple O’s claim of having the “sauciest, juiciest, tastiest, bestest burgers around” has already been validated in the Philippines as well, courtesy of jam-packed branches in SM Megamall, SM Aura, and the UP Town Center Mall.

For those who have a hankering for something other than a fantastic burger, Triple O’s also provides a selection of other mains, such as chicken, pasta, and fish dishes. Another staple that has achieved a cult-like following are the hand-scooped Triple O’s milkshakes made with 100% premium ice cream.

Recently, the Triple O’s branch in SM Megamall welcomed some very special guests for a surprise lunch. Canada’s Minister for International Trade, the Hon. Ed Fast, joined the first Filipino-Canadian Senator, Tobias Enverga, Jr., and Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder for a taste of home in Manila. The dignitaries made time in their busy schedules to enjoy Canada’s best-loved burgers and milkshakes, while delighting both the staff and walk-in diners with trivia and other tidbits about the brand.

To find out what the hype is about, visit your nearest Triple-O’s outlet, log on to www.tripleos.com.ph, or join the conversation via @tripleosPH on Twitter and Facebook.

GrabCar First and Only Transport Network Company legalized by LTFRB

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The first and only Transport Network Company legalized by the Philippine government, GrabCar, the private hire vehicle booking service available through the GrabTaxi app.

GrabCar is the first and only service of its kind in the Philippines to be fully accredited as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) by the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Natasha Bautista, Head of GrabCar Philippines, said this GrabCar accreditation validates the company’s efforts in providing the safest and most convenient rides for passengers in the Philippines.

“With full accreditation, more Filipino commuters will be able to use GrabCar and be confident that we offer a legitimate and safe private hire service. We will now focus on rapidly expanding our GrabCar service to serve more passengers across the Philippines,” said Bautista.

“Our GrabCar accreditation by LTFRB is a historical occasion. We commend the Philippine government for collaborating with our team to revolutionize transport in the Philippines through the development of game-changing regulations that champion innovation and public safety for society,” she added.

First and only legal service

When GrabCar first entered the market, the service operated on par with the current industry standards. In May 2015, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced that it would create a new classification to accommodate mobile app-based booking services. On July 3rd, GrabCar became the first company to complete all the requirements and receive full accreditation as a TNC.

The requirements for TNC accreditation include: business permit, certificate of registration duly issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), business model proposal with proposed fare rates and service charges, and complaint mechanism against vehicle owners and drivers.

Safety remains top priority

“The stringent safety and training process we’ve implemented since day one has ensured that GrabCar complies with the new TNC regulations seamlessly and can be the first to be fully accredited by LTFRB. We are committed to screening and training our GrabPeer drivers for GrabCar in full compliance with the TNVS accreditation requirements set by LTFRB. In fact, we’re working with our Regional Head of Safety and the LTFRB to consistently ensure that our screening and safety measures are of the highest standard possible,” said Bautista.

“GrabCar has been very collaborative. Since day one of operations, they have been working closely with us to ensure that the policy on TNCs prioritizes passenger safety. We are happy to announce that GrabCar has already been accredited upon meeting all government requirements, and we are positive that this will revolutionize the Philippine transportation industry,” said Roberto Cabrera, LTFRB Executive Director.

GrabCar aims to complement the current transportation options in the country and provide passengers with another safe and affordable ride option. GrabCar believes that with full accreditation by the Philippine government, TNCs will be able to provide a fast, safe and convenient transport option for passengers.

Celebrate GrabCar’s Accreditation

To celebrate its full accreditation by the Philippine government, GrabCar is giving away an unlimited P100 discount on all GrabCar and GrabCar+ rides! 

Just use the promo code LEGALLYGRAB on every booking from July 7 to July 21, 2015.

Happy Anniversary GrabCar ! 

SM, Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey

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SM Supermalls was recently awarded at the annual Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey, garnering recognition in the shopping center category. The award solidifies SM’s reputation as a top-notch valued brand in the region. Receiving the award for the mall giant are Grace Magno, Vice-President of Advertising for SM Supermalls, Annie Garcia, President of SM Supermalls, and Ian Mathay, Assistant Vice-President for Operations of SM Supermalls. Presenting them with the award is Sheron White of Reader’s Digest (second from left).