DOT unveils a more fun website

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveils its new website on Tuesday at one of the many century-old buildings in Escolta, Manila - the HUB: Make Lab. This is part of DOT’s efforts to showcase and conserve the country’s natural heritage.

DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance A. Uyking and GTTP General Manager Rabbi Vincent Ang launches DOT’s new tourism website at Hub: Make Lab in Escolta, Manila.

The new DOT website  philippines.travel,  makes the 7,641 islands of the Philippines more accessible to both foreign and local travelers.

“Our new tourism website, philippines.travel, is a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs which includes information on our beautiful destinations to help you plan and book your next trip.” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“We have made the website very inclusive as we recognize the value of our private sector’s involvement and support in this. This is one of many efforts we are doing to encourage tourist establishments to go through our accreditation process in order to provide better service to our tourists.” emphasized Sec. Puyat.

The inclusion of an actual travel booking system on the site is in partnership with Guide to the Philippines (www.guidetothephilippines.ph). Aside from more than 500 best value travel products and counting, Guide to the Philippines also has an online library of in-depth destination travel guides to help travelers discover new places and experiences for their trips in the Philippines.

This partnership intends to link tourists to DOT-accredited tour operators and tourism establishments. As a long-term goal, the DOT aims to embed the booking system’s functions to its new website. 

“What's really exciting is that our country now has an online platform to showcase to the world, not only the popular Philippine destinations but even the lesser-known ones. It's a true collaboration of local tourism stakeholders, one that's sure to make traveling to our country a lot easier," said Rabbi Vincent Ang, Guide to the Philippines' General Manager.

According to President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Jose Clemente III, “The new website does not only provide accessibility for tourists with its travel guide, but it symbolizes how the government and the business sector can help one another to provide better services for our people.”

For its new look, the re-designed website has three main tabs: See & Do; Where to Go; and Events & Festival, which are based on unique travel behaviors.

The “See & Do” tab features six tourism products of the country, such as Dive, Nature, Sun and Beach, Adventure, Food and Hospitality, and Events and Culture. These products are also highlighted in ten large image-centric carousel banners.

Clicking on each product will lead the user to tourist destinations and activities that are readily available.

Under the “Where to Go” tab, tourists can explore the country through a virtual map, and get basic information on the 16 regions and provinces, including routes going there, nearby places to explore, and even where to stay.

For the “Events & Festival,” tourists are guided with dates, location and routes, and fundamental information about the occasion. It also informs tourists to wear cultural appropriate clothing.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Guide to the Philippines (GTTP) formalize their partnership through the newly launched philippines.travel website, which allows users to book tours from DOT-accredited tour operators and tourism establishments. In photo during the official contract signing are (L-R): DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance A. Uyking, GTTP General Manager Rabbi Vincent Ang, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and Tourism Council of the Philippines President Jojo Clemente.

The DOT also stressed that the philippines.travel, website is a timeless domain name that is not dependent on any government’s tourism campaign or slogan.

Miss Earth 2019 National Costume Competition held at Century Park Hotel

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Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest hotels in Metro Manila, recently hosted the very festive Miss Earth 2019 National Costume Competition round at its Grand Ballroom.

Former Miss Earth winners (L-R) Miss Angelia Ong (2015), Miss Nguyễn Phương Khánh (2018) and Miss Karen Ibasco (2017) graced the affair and awarded the medals to the winners.

More than 300 guests witnessed a visual spectacle of colors as over 90 delegates from various countries proudly displayed their national costumes for everyone to enjoy. The competition is one of the most anticipated and most celebratory pre-pageant contests. Relevant environmental issues like forest fires, recycling and climate change were integrated in the costumes.

The event was made possible in cooperation with Carousel Productions, Inc., the official organizer of Miss Earth. Guests from the government sectors as well as ambassadors from different countries were also in full attendance.

The winners in Best National Costumes per region were as follows:

Africas

Gold – Kenya, Ms. Susan Kirui

Silver – Zambia, Ms. Venus Vlahakis

Bronze – Nigeria, Ms. Modupe Susan Garlan

Asia and Oceania

Gold – Mongolia, Ms. Azzaya Tsogt-Ochir

Silver – Philippines, Ms. Janelle Tee

Bronze – Vietnam, Ms. Hoàng Thi Hanh

Americas

Gold – Chile, Ms. Fernanda Mendez Tapia

Silver – Panama, Ms. Marianna Fuentes

Bronze – Peru, Ms. Alexandra Caceres Drago

Europe

Gold – Spain, Ms. Sonia Hernandez

Silver – Czech Republic, Ms. Klara Vavruskova

Bronze – Crimea, Ms. Anastasia Lebediuk

The international pageant will be held on October 26, 2018 at Cove Manila at Okada, Manila.

At the forefront of technology with Taiwan Excellence

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Dubbed as the heart of Asia, Taiwan beats with a fiery passion that attracts many Filipinos.

In fact, the number of Filipinos who visited the island republic increased in 2018 by 44.13% from 2017. 

For some, Taiwan is a food destination and picturesque views. To many others, it is the home of cutting-edge technologies and life-changing innovations. 

Over the past year, Taiwan has grown into a global leader in innovation by supplying solutions to our modern problems. The value they provide is so gigantic that the Taiwanese economy lists global powerhouses such as Google, Apple, Microsoft and IBM as part of its clientele. 

It's easy to get lost at the rate Taiwan churns out game-changing products. So, for those who are looking to get the best Taiwan can offer, look for the seal of the Taiwan Excellence Award. 

"Products selected for the Taiwan Excellence Awards serve as shining examples for the domestic industry. Apart from the distinction, these products and brands are also promoted by the Taiwanese government on many international stages," said Tony Lin, deputy director of the Strategic Marketing Department of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). 

The Taiwan Excellence Awards covers different products that are used in various sectors such as manufacturing, education, healthcare, transportation, e-commerce, smart living, green energy, and public service. 

"Taiwan Excellence works to connect people through innovation and excellence, which they can feel in their lives every day," Lin added. 

Real world innovations 

Under its umbrella are companies and brands that provide concrete solutions to real world problems, effectively transforming the dreams of a smart future into reality. 

For one, tech giant Acer has been developing a self-driving car that will usher in a new age in smart transportation. During the project, they partnered with Yulon Group, one of Taiwan's top car makers. 

In the realm of robotics, there is the TTRobotix's SeaDragon XLR, a remote-controlled robot and submarine, that can dive 300 meters deep to aid in surveillance, rescue, or marine research. 

Also updating the way we learn in the classroom, Everest Display Inc. boasts it Cloud Touch Projector. Unlike traditional projectors, the device can be used independently with its built-in Android system and a range of unique functions and features. 

Revolutionizing personal hygiene is the Eleclean disinfectant spray, made of 100% pure water with no chemical additives. Housed in a compact device, the water is electrolyzed to create reactive oxygen species that are strong enough to kill most disorder-causing microorganisms, while remaining gentle so that it doesn't cause skin irritation. 

To help people adjust to rising air pollution rates, Edimax created EdiGreen Airbox, a smart air quality detector with temperature and humidity sensors. It accurately measures the levels of harmful miniscule particulate matter present in the air. 

A triumph in the field of smart healthcare is being developed by AmCad Biomed. Their AmCadUT Thyroid Cancer detection machine uses the power of algorithms to automatically classify thyroid tumors. According to Peter Wu, president of AmCad, the machine can analyze whether a tumor is benign or malignant. In addition, it has an average accuracy of 90 percent, 15 to 25 percent higher than that of the most superior experts. 

Unparalleled excellence for the world 

With so much innovation to offer, Taiwan, with the help of Taiwan Excellence, is improving lives all over the world. Later this year, Taiwan Excellence will showcase some of its great products for Filipinos to enjoy. 

To experience many other wondrous innovations, Taiwan Excellence is inviting everyone to the Taiwan Expo, which will highlight Taiwan's experience and expertise in various industries such as technology, agriculture, design, medical care, education and tourism on November 8-9 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao.

Philippines lands starring role in film tourism under DOT and FDCP partnership

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The Philippines’ cinematic arts industry is a vital part of the growth of the nation’s well-being because it promotes, enriches, and disseminates Filipino values, culture, and heritage. 

For the past hundred years, Pinoy Cinema has been the vessel of various voices and an agent of change, so much so that no less than the President acknowledged its importance by proclaiming September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020 as the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema.

In support of this cultural milestone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) broke yet another barrier in marketing the Philippines by linking hands with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in its filmmaking support program aimed at local and foreign film production partnership.

Under DOT’s Branding and Marketing Communications department together with FDCP’s Film Philippines office, the agencies crafted and launched the "Let’s Create Together" campaign to promote film tourism in the Philippines.

“The campaign aspires to feature the country’s cinematic spots and talents through the screens around the world – boosting international awareness of the Philippines as a premiere tourist destination while generating tourism-driven income for the local creative workforce in the process,,” said Howard Uyking, DOT’s Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications.

The Program shall offer two incentive options for foreign producers, provided that they work with duly-registered Philippines-based line producers or co-producers. These are: 

(1) Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), where feature films in any genre, television series, and web content may be applied for; and 

(2) International Co-production Fund (ICOF), applicable for feature films in any format (live action, documentary, or animation). To qualify, production cost in the Philippines must be at least PHP 8 million ($155,000). Upon approval, as much as PHP 10 million ($193,000) cash rebate may be availed through FLIP or ICOF.

“There is no better way to underscore the celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema than to finally give our Filipino filmmakers and the Philippines the leverage that it needs to be globally competitive," FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra says of the new Film Philippines incentive program.

The Let’s Create Together campaign was officially launched during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) this October. The possibilities are endless for creative content - from reality series, animation, and even documentaries, this campaign anchors on seven (7) key reasons why the country is a premier choice for international producers. They are:

(1) Locations – Composed of more than 7,000 islands and diverse cultural wonders, the Philippines is a broad spectrum of settings for practically every story, inspiring hits then and now from Apocalypse Now to The Bourne Legacy; 

(2) English-Speaking Talent and Crews – Blessed with a supreme English literacy, the local workforce promises better understanding, teamwork, and rapport; 

(3) One-Stop-Shop for Permits, Visas, and Tax-Free Importation – Ease of doing business has never been better with integrated services, thereby saving time and energy; 

(4) Skilled Artists and Technicians – A newly-instituted National Registry, a database of film professionals, provides a broad selection of film industry manpower; 

(5) Available and Dependable Equipment and Facilities – Smooth planning, coordination and execution of all production activities while in the country shall be ensured with the assistance of accredited Filipino line production companies; 

(6) Enhanced Security in Cities and Countryside – Assurance in safety is well-coordinated whether they be in urban or rural areas; and 

(7) A Location Incentive that Cuts your Costs – A financing grant designed to optimize the potential of a film project whether it’s undergoing pre-production, production, or post-production phase. With all these in place, there’s no wonder why it’s more fun to film in the Philippines.

For more information, visit http://www.filmphilippines.com/.

Cherry Prepaid Launched Ganda Data Promos and Vice Ganda as brand Ambassador

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Cherry Prepaid has officially launched the phenomenal comedian, TV host Vice Ganda, as its newest ambassador and their latest “Ganda Promos”. 

Set to level-up the mobile data experience of its users, Cherry Prepaid, a data-centric prepaid sim, has further enhanced its offerings from the very affordable rates of CMSurf to its newest and leveled-up version, the ‘Ganda Promos”.

Powered by one of the telecommunication network giants in the Philippines, Globe Telecom, Cherry Prepaid was launched last 2015, becoming a sulit telco provider with affordable data, call and text promos. 

Vice Ganda and Jacy Chua

During the Ganda Data Promos grand launch held at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta City,  Jacy Chua, Chief Finance Officer of Cherry Mobile Communications Incorporated’s (CMCI), shares “Since Cherry Prepaid’s inception in 2015, we have activated more than 5 million subscribers nationwide. Our goal for Cherry Prepaid is to provide Filipinos with a diversified prepaid mobile service from data, call and text packages at affordable prices allowing them to be connected every day of the year. Our CMSURF packages offer the most affordable rates for data connectivity given its long validity. Now, with the new “Ganda Promos”, we are able to further enhance the data experience of Cherry Prepaid subscribers by providing even more data allocation with the same long validity Cherry Prepaid promos are known for. We are extremely excited to have Vice Ganda as Cherry Prepaid’s newest ambassador as we feel Vice best embodies the value that the ”Ganda Promos” represent, which is SULIT!”.

Ganda Promos

Knowing the Filipinos to be heavy internets users, the Ganda Promos are said to be the upgraded versions of their top data promos. It is comprised of three (3) packages: Ganda15, Ganda30 and Ganda60. 

Stay updated with the latest happenings on Facebook with Ganda15 which has 250MB for 3days for only Php15. 

They can also browse through the internet and answer emails and messages on the go with Ganda30 that comes with 550MB consumable in 7 days for just Php30. 

You can watch the latest trending video on YouTube, stream their favorite songs on Spotify, or play day and night on Mobile Legends when they register to Ganda60 which has 1.3GB worth of data valid for 15 days for only Php60. 

These promos are indeed sulit especially for those who heavily rely on their mobile data connectivity on a daily basis. Cherry Prepaid users can now enjoy bigger data and longer validity at an affordable price. 

‘’I am happy to be part of Cherry Prepaid family. The three (3) Ganda Promos were specifically created for the Filipinos so they can enjoy surfing the internet longer at very affordable prices, SULIT! to be exact’’, says Vice Ganda.

Together with Vice Ganda and the Ganda Promos, Cherry Prepaid is set to make internet surfing more exciting through these affordable packages.

For more details on Cherry Prepaid’s Ganda Promos, and other updates from the brand, visit:

Website: www.cherry.com.ph

Facebook: facebook.com/cherryprepaid

Instagram: @cherryprepaid

Cherry Mobile Communications Incorporated (CMCI) is the company of the telecommunications network service of Cherry Mobile, the Cherry Prepaid. Powered by Globe Telecom, Cherry Prepaid was established in November 2015. Cherry Prepaid services are set to give more Filipinos the access to faster mobile internet connection and cost-efficient calls and texts rates.