The Philippines still a safe travel destination for tourists amid the 2019 nCoV scare - - - DOT and TCP

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The Philippines remains a safe travel destination for tourists amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) scare, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) said on Tuesday.

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND TOURISM CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), which represents the country's tourism stakeholders, assure the public, especially our foreign and domestic tourists, that the Philippines remains a safe destination for travel.

All preventive and precautionary measures are being put in place by the national government to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) including the temporary entry ban for tourists coming from China, its Special Administrative Regions (SARs), Hong Kong and Macau, Taiwan, and the 14-day quarantine for Filipinos coming from the said places.

Even before the temporary ban, the tourism sector already implemented safeguards in light of the nCoV. Earlier, the DOT released guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterprises during this global emergency. In our airports and some tourism establishments, temperature are taken via infrared thermometers before allowing guests to enter, and more hand sanitizers have been made available for use.

The safety of the public, especially our tourists and employees in the tourism sector, remains the priority of DOT and TCP.

As we monitor the situation closely, we remind the public to maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, wear a surgical mask when going to crowded areas if you have a cough or a cold, and stay indoors or seek medical help if you have a fever.

To mitigate the economic impact of the nCoV crisis, the tourism sector has agreed to roll-out a tactical program that will offer more value-added tour packages, discounted accommodation rates and marked-down prices for domestic flights.

Likewise, the DOT will intensify its marketing and promotions domestically and internationally, in key markets such as South Korea, the United States and Japan, and opportunity and emerging markets that cover Western Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, and neighboring Southeast Asian Countries.

In these challenging times, the tourism sector spanning airlines, hotels and tour operators, have banded together for the continued growth of the industry. It is because of this support from both the public and private sector that we reiterate that the Philippines remains a vast, diverse and most importantly, safe destination for international and domestic travelers alike.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of these special offers and continue to experience why it's still more fun in the Philippines.

Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy

Philippine Department of Tourism

351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., 1200

Makati City

Return of “The Voice Teens” and original coaches draw TV, online viewers

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Viewers tuned in to the pilot episode of “The Voice Teens” Season 2 that featured the reunion of coaches Apl.de.ap, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Lea Salonga as its first run of blind auditions last weekend debuted strongly in nationwide ratings.

“The Voice Teens” kicked off with a national TV rating of 28.9% according to the Saturday (February 8) data from Kantar Media.

“The Voice Teens” kicked off with a national TV rating of 28.9% and beat “Daddy’s Gurl” that only registered 15.7%, according to the Saturday (February 8) data from Kantar Media.

The first round of blind auditions concluded with Team Apl seizing the first four-chair turner of the season, Matt Reyes, and Yang-yang Aloya from Batangas.

Male balladeers Jay Garche and Andre Eusebio have joined Team Sarah, while Kamp Kawayan is now composed of female singers Ysa Jison and AJ Yape.

Meanwhile, FamiLea rained over the other coaches’ parade as it snatched power belter and four-chair turner Pia Banga, with the assist of coach Apl as he used the first block of the season against coach Sarah.

Using the Block Button, the coaches can user their power to block or prevent another coach from being chosen by a teen artist. However, the coaches may still get a chance to snatch their prospective talents as “steal deals” are on the table in the next rounds.

Thousands of viewers also watched the show on “The Voice Teens’” Facebook page and YouTube channel. On Twitter, netizens talked about the auditions and made the hashtags #VoiceTeens2 and #VoiceTeensPowerUp, as well as Super FamiLEA, Bamboo, The Voice Teens, Blocked, Coach Sarah Team Tala, and Coach Lea trend worldwide.

Don’t miss “The Voice Teens,” hosted by Alex Gonzaga and Luis Manzano, every Saturday and Sunday on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Watch its episodes on the iWant app (Android and iOS) or iwant.ph. For more updates, like facebook.com/TheVoiceTeensABSCBN, follow @TheVoiceABSCBN on Twitter, and subscribe to the The Voice Teens Philippines channel on YouTube.

BRIA Homes inspires with “Panata” video, hits 5 million views

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Over six million Filipino families know the challenges of not having their own home. They toil in jobs to pay their rent, pouring hours of their time into work so they can have a place to sleep at night. It is a familiar struggle for millions of ordinary Filipinos all over the country who just want a roof over their heads. 

It’s this experience that is poignantly portrayed in BRIA Homes’ video “Panata” which has now garnered over five million views online. Set to a gripping poem by award-winning author Louie Jon A. Sanchez, “Panata” depicts the life of ordinary Filipinos and their families and the sacrifices they make to pay the rent on time. 

Comments have poured in from Filipino netizens who were touched by the video’s relatable story. “Nakakaiyak! Tagos sa puso!” wrote Facebook user Rachel Laguna. Meanwhile, Facebook user Lianne Roannie Saavedra called it a “Must watch!” 

“Panata” showed its millions of viewers how they can find relief and the fulfillment of their dreams from Bria Homes. With the affordable and high-quality dwellings that the mass housing developer offers, families can now live in homes they can call their own. The video certainly serves to reiterate BRIA Homes’ dedication to being the “Pambansang Pabahay” of the Philippines, giving families a foundation on which to build better lives for themselves and the nation.

The video, which can be viewed on the Bria Official Facebook page, stars Jal Galang, Zarah Pagay, Star Orjaliza, Dido de la Paz, and Maricor Canlas with Skye Aguila, Jhedd Geraban, Raymond Rinoza, Aylwin Salazar, Kylie Velasco, Anne Dizon, Jefferson Ducanes, Daniella Gestiada, and Marijoy Cacho in supporting roles.

“Panata” was made possible by Insight 360 (Production Company); Christopher Cahilig (Producer); Ice Idanan (Director/DOP); Louie Jon A. Sanchez (Writer/Poet); Lorraine Intes (Script/Production Manager); Jay Castillo (Line Producer); Sue Aspiras (Assistant Director); Yvette Mijares (Production Coordinator); Christine Galia (Production Assistant); Patrick Ostrea (Drone Operator); Kenneth Amparo (Editor); Richard Gonzales (Musical Scorer); Kat Salinas (Sound Designer); and Joe-Nico Ebora (Colorist).

Bria Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN BRIA Holdings, Inc., considered the third largest real estate company in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P250B. The fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, Bria Homes is primed to bring affordable house-and-lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into Bria’s homes. 

To know more about Bria Homes, call (0966) 277 5944, like “Bria Official” on Facebook, and follow “@TheBriaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram.

Sarah Geronimo joins Anne Curtis in catchy new Jollibee Burger Steak commercial

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Jollibee is starting the new year with a new LSS for you as it launches a new commercial for the beefy and saucy Burger Steak—featuring popular Filipina actress, host, and singer Anne Curtis and joined by the Popstar Royalty herself, Sarah Geronimo!

Two of the country’s biggest stars team up for an LSS-worthy new jingle!

The two icons of Philippine entertainment team up in this catchy new ad to sing a new jingle based on Geronimo’s 2014 hit “Kilometro.” In the commercial, Curtis and Geronimo display their own famous vocal talents then team up to sing about the linamnam ulam combination of Burger Steak’s 100% pure beef patty and its flavorful mushroom sauce.

“I’m so glad to have my good friend Sarah join me for this commercial!” says Curtis. “Our previous jingle based on another song of hers was such a big hit, so I am so happy to be able to sing with her for this new one to continue promoting the delicious, beefy-saucy linamnam ulam Jollibee Burger Steak.”

“Burger Steak is one of my most favorite na kainin sa Jollibee,” said Geronimo. “I’m honored to do this commercial with Anne, and I’m really flattered na kanta ko uli napili to be Burger Steak’s new jingle!”

Have the beefy-saucy linamnam ulam Jollibee Burger Steak anytime you like! It’s available in all Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru for only PHP 50.00 for the 1-pc. Burger Steak Solo. For more updates on Jollibee products, don’t forget to Like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Watch the new Jollibee Burger Steak commercial here:

Ryan Ablang rules Philippine Autocross Championship Series; set to continue winning streak in Super Sprint 2020

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Ryan Ablang of Team Autoforce made history again, tagged the Fastest Driver of the Day and the Open Class Champion in the Philippine Autocross Championship Series (PACS) Round 2 held February 8, in R33 Trucks, San Simon, Pampanga.

Also bagging the Open Class Champion title, 37-year-old racer Ablang clocked 00:38.85 seconds, followed by Jevoy Moreno at 00:38.90 seconds and Mike Potenciano at 00:39.47 seconds.

Now on its 20th season, the Philippine Autocross Championship Series founded by Danny Santiago is the farthest-reaching motorships campaign in the country, advocating for disciplined-driving and contributing challenging programs to Philippine Motorsports.

Recently, Ablang also dominated the first round of Super Sprint 2020, held at Meycauayan Commercial Complex last February 2.

Driving his Honda Civic EG Hatchback with its 2.0 B20 modified engine, Ablang won first place in the Prepped B3 Class, Prepped C3 Class, and Prepped D3 class of Super Sprint Round 1, clocking in 00:059.179 seconds, 00:59.008 seconds, and 00:57.478 seconds respectively, also winning fastest time of the day for his team, Autoforce.

In the previous year, Ablang has dominated Super Sprint, held as the champion for Prepped B 3, Prepped C 3, and Prepped D 3 class, granting him the title of 2019 Prepped Overall Champion.

For Super Sprint, Prepped Class is the category for any driver who has moderate to more experience in motorsports competitions. Other driver classifications are street, amateur, and intermediate.

So far, Ablang’s most notable wins in the motorsports industry aside from those mentioned above include 2008 Race Motorsports Club Slalom Racing Novice Overall Champion, 2017 Philippine Autocross Championship Series Novice Overall Champion, 2001 and up Category Champion in Metro Manila (2019 AAP-MSDP National Gymkhana) 2019 Golden Wheel Awardee Sparco Cup Grid Group 6, and Open Class Fastest Time of the Day in the last round of the 2019 Philippine Autocross Championship Series, timed at 00:30.94 seconds.

Ablang started the racing scene early, in 2007, participating in Race Motorsports Club Slalom Racing, and returned to his passion in 2017, after attending to building a stable family life. He dedicates his continuous wins to his family who supports his passion, and to his sponsors who believe in his skill.

Ablang is currently backed by Motolite, Keon Sondra LED PH, Denso Mandaluyong, MovNCool, Dynamics Performance Engineering, JG Remaps and Tuning, Unico Hijo Resort, Carbon Nitomura, JDM USDM Surplus Autoparts, Casa Cruz Barberia, Station Lifestyle Supply Co, OEM Auto Fab, and Dohcthor Performance by BertSpeed.