UNWTO to Lead in Bohol Tourism Recovery Roadmap Turnover

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Tagbilaran, Bohol (May 16, 2014) – United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai arrives here today to lead the turnover rites of the tourism recovery roadmap for the province, an output of a multi-sectoral collaboration to help the province recover from the effects of last year's earthquake.

The Bohol Tourism Recovery Plan (BTRP) is a collaborative project of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United States Agency for International Development under its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), UNWTO and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). It was developed following a series of fact-finding missions and extensive research over a five-month period.

The document, touted as Bohol's tourism recovery “bible,” contains strategies for marketing the province to the global community, as well as the development of new tourism products that will strengthen Bohol's position as an eco-cultural destination.

The strategies will be a guide book for Bohol not only in bringing back local and international tourists, but also in further expanding its tourism base.

“Hosting these two major international events brings honor to our country and a wonderful opportunity to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to donors and supporters. It is also an opportunity to show the world how Bohol has quickly moved towards recovery, tourism-wise, with the technical assistance from UNWTO, USAID and PATA. Bohol has bounced back quickly judging from the rising travel statistics this year. We are optimistic that Tacloban will do the same as a tourism recovery plan is soon to be implemented,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

“It also warms our heart to share that no less than Dr. Rifai himself has volunteered to come early prior to the meetings to engage in the recovery-related activities despite his busy schedule. It truly shows his genuine concern for our country’s tourism recovery, the same commitment as he would show when addressing other member countries’ crises. Through the Climate Change conference, we can learn so much and agree to institute protocols and best practices, so that all countries in the world, more so the less prepared, would be better equipped to deal with these types of challenges,” the Secretary added.

Dr. Rifai will lead the turnover of the the BTRP to Gov. Edgar Chatto in the presence of national and local tourism officials and industry key players.

“This is a very important milestone for the Philippine tourism industry. Bohol has always been one of the top tourism destinations and we in USAID believe that by helping Bohol's tourism industry recover from the aftermath of the earthquake and Yolanda, we help the whole country towards achieving economic growth,” said Acting Mission Director Reed Aeschliman. 

“The U.S. Government and Bohol has a long history of partnership and we consider this province as one of the success stories of our development assistance. We are proud to be part of Bohol’s achievements as an emerging growth center and we look forward to further advancing this productive partnership as we work towards our shared goal of achieving broad-based and inclusive growth,” Director Aeschliman stressed.

USAID has identified Bohol as one of the priority areas for USAID-COMPETE. It was under USAID-COMPETE that UNWTO and PATA came in to help develop Bohol's tourism recovery plan.

The UNWTO is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Rifai will be joined by DOT Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal, USAID Acting Director Aeschliman, and USAID-COMPETE Chief of Party Enrico Basilio.

The turnover rites will be held at the South Palms Resort in Panglao and is expected to take a spotlight as an important tourism milestone.

Joining Rifai from the global news front is Anita Mendirata, lead consultant of the CNN International Task Group, according to Bohol Tourism Office (BTO) head Josephine Cabarrus.

Rifai is coming with another UNWTO official, Xu Jing, who is the Regional Director for Asia-Pacific. The UNWTO Headquarters is in Madrid, Spain.

UNWTO’s membership includes 156 countries, six continental territories and over 400 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

Rifai and company will have a joint dinner meeting with the provincial government officials and Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) after the presentation.

The UNWTO secretary-general, also labeled the “traveling United Nations,” is set to visit the tarsier sanctuary in Corella, totally-destroyed Loboc church, Alburquerque church and Punta Cruz watchtower in Maribojoc.

Six promising OPM acts battle it out in “Dreams Get Real” talent search finals

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Getting a crack on being the next Original Pilipino Music (OPM) star are the Top 6 of “Dreams Get Real,” a music talent search organized by McJIM Classic Leather. Battling it out in the decisive grand finals slated on June 30 are Archetype, CK Arca, Dream of Pearl, Fifth Dynamics, JBK and Neo Domingo.

Would it be a band, a boy band, or a solo act? 

In the run up for the grand finals, the Top 6 have recorded and released their debut singles in radio stations nationwide and be featured in MTV Pinoy for the month of June. A jury composed of music industry stalwarts led by project head and public relations executive Chris Cahilig and multi-awarded arranger Jonathan Ong of Sonic State Studio will take into consideration radio airplay, radio chart and Youtube views as well as overall potential in selecting the grand winner.

“McJim Classic Leather initiated the competition to give undiscovered Filipino talents a chance to be heard while expanding the library of OPM with fresh melodies and lyrics that resonate the national sentiment,” says Cahilig.

“We applied McJim’s principle of quality and originality in choosing the six singles recorded by the finalists. We are optimistic and confident that these songs will help advance our agenda of enlivening the local music industry,” he adds.

In the Top 6 is Archetype from Tondo, Manila who recorded “Di Na Biro,” which is the group’s own composition. Composed of Alvin Traqueña (rhythm guitar), Ar John Patalay (lead guitar), Nikko Martin Francisco (bass guitar), Tricia May Casauay (vocals) and Zejemiah Gonzaga (drums), the band plays alternative and rock music and considers Hillsong, Paramore, Up Dharma Down and Kamikazee as their musical influences.

Archetype

“At first I thought we join into this competition just for experience, because honestly, we lack outside exposure,” says bass guitarist Nikko Martin. “But as I think of it deeper, ‘Dreams Get Real’ is a venue for us to showcase our talent, to prove that we can do more.”

CK Arca

CK Arca, on the other hand, is Calvin Khaye from Caloocan City who interpreted “Certified Good Vibes,” an inspirational song composed by Raffy Calicdan, a PhilPop finalist and a member of The X-Factor finalist Take Off. CK usually sings and plays pop, R&B, classic rock and standard music and looks up to Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Steve Perry and Aerosmith as his musical idols. He joined the competition to “gain more experience as a singer and to work with one of the best management companies here in this industry.”

Dream of Pearl

Another Top 6 entrant is Dream of Pearl, whose debut single “Panalo” is composed by Oli Agustin of Letter Day Story. The amateur band, which hails from Caloocan City, is composed of Alfonso Abrenzosa (vocals), Mark Jayson Dizon (guitar), Von Christian Vizmanos (bass) and Evan Briones (drums). Playing alternative, rock and acoustic music, the band considers Eraserheads, Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar and Silent Sanctuary as their musical influences. 

Being a part of Top 6 has been a big boost for the band’s confidence and considers the competition as a door opening to a myriad of opportunities. “We believe that ‘Dreams Get Real’ is a big break for us,” says vocalist Alfonso. “This is a chance to show our talent and our own music.”

Fifth Dynamics

Another group taking a shot for the grand prize is Fifth Dynamics, from Antipolo City, meanwhile recorded “Anyare” a self-composed piece written with the help of Cahilig, the discovered and manager of hitmaker boy band 1:43. Composed of Mark Cordovales (vocals), John Peterson Leyva (rhythm guitar), Eljon Nono (lead guitar), Daryl Jay Santos (bass guitar) and Aldrin Condat (drums), the group plays mainly pop rock and alternative rock and follows the musical lead of Rivermaya, Bamboo, Kris Allen and Boyce Avenue.

Dreaming one day of representing the Philippines in an international competition, Fifth Dynamics hopes to kickstart that goal by becoming a recording artist. The competition has proved to be an eye-opener in more ways than one. “So far our experience with ‘Dreams Get Real’ is beyond our expectations.”

JBK 

Also part of the Top 6 is JBK who released the love song “Anong Meron Ka,” composed by Urie Tesorio who is behind the hits “Hayop sa Ganda” and “Ikaw at Ako” of 1:43. Hailing from Mandaluyong City, the trio is composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Ordonio. They have a variety of influences that include The Wanted, One Direction, All4one, Boys2Men, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz and Emblem3, among others.

It was the competition that prompted the three friends to create a group and show their musical skills. “The tagline itself, ‘Dreams Get Real,’ prompted us to join the competition,” says Joshua. “We want that dream to get real. And knowing McJIM is there to back us up, we are very lucky be given an opportunity to represent an undeniably great brand.”

Neo Domingo

Last but not the least is Neo Domingo whose impressive vocals gave life to “Pagbigyan Mo Na,” also penned by Tesorio. Neo is Epifanio Domingo III from Quezon City who plays acoustic pop rock and R&B music and admires John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars and Gary Valenciano. The competition is a way for him to showcase his own composition and hopefully achieve success in the industry and “promote OPM” to a large audience.

The grand champion of the Dreams Get Real talent search will receive cash prize worth P50,000 from McJim Classic Leather, a recording and management contract, and a grant to record a single and release a music video. The Grand Winner will receive P50,000 in cash, a recording and management contract, and a grant to have the official music video of a single. The second placer will win P25,000 in cash and a trophy, while the third place winner will receive P15,000 in cash and a trophy.

“McJim Classic Leather is pulling all the stops in creating a memorable show during the Finals Night,” says Cahilig. “Having gone through an extensive, rigorous search, the Top 6 are poised to have the biggest performance in their budding musical careers. Only one will emerge as winner but I’m confident that, with the right attitude and motivation, all of them will stake their claims in the music industry.”

Like the Official McJIM Classic Leather Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM) and find out how you can support the Top 6 of Dreams Get Real talent search.

Lazada partners with PLDT

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Best deals on PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid now available in Lazada, the Philippines’ online shopping mall expands its product portfolio with the country’s leading provider of advanced communications and multimedia services, PLDT HOME, by forging a partnership to make PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid available to its shoppers.

PLDT’s 2-in-1 Prepaid service is a wireless SIM-based service that allows users to make and receive calls wherever they are in their predefined Home Zone as well as have access to 3G Broadband Internet. 

For as low as P150, subscribers get 250 minutes of local callsfor 15 days (or P300 with 600 minutes of local calls for 30days) and P5 per 15 minutes of 3G Internet access for easier connection and communication to friends and loved ones. Because it is prepaid, there are no documentary requirements to subscribe and no monthly bills to worry about. And with more than one million PLDT LOAD and SMART E-Load stations nationwide, reloading is easy and convenient.

Lazada shoppers can now purchase PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid SIMs and Load cards online and enjoy the Lazada shopping experience with nationwide cash-on-delivery transactions, free nationwide shipping, and a 30-day free return policy.

PLDT vice president and head of HOME Voice solutions, Patrick Tang, shared that Lazada’s strong following in both the urban and rural areas as a key factor in the development of the partnership.

“PLDT has always been an important part of the Filipino home,” he said. 

“With PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid and the onlinepartnership with Lazada, we are now able to reach more Filipino homes, including the rural areas, and offer apractical and convenient voice and Internet service.”

Inanc Balci, Lazada Philippines co-founder and chief executive officer, added, “We want to break geographical boundaries and make our products more accessible to consumers wherever they are in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.” 

PLDT 2-in1 Prepaid SIM cards and load cards can be purchased by logging on to www.lazada.com.ph.

For more updates on sales promo and new products, subscribe to www.facebook.com/lazadaphilippines and visit  www.lazada.com.ph

14th Segunda Mana Charity Shop Opens

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Segunda Mana, a special Donation-in-kind program of Caritas Manila where it promotes the joy of giving to help those who are in need by donating items that are no longer needed used or unused, have too much of or about to throw away which have value and may be sold.

The Donation-in-Kind Program of Caritas Manila, Segunda Mana opened its 14th charity shop last May 9, 2014 at the 5th Level of Metro Point Mall, EDSA Rotonda, Pasay City.

Rev. Fr. Roberto dela Cruz, the Archdiocesan Minister for Restorative Justice, graced and lead the blessing and ribbon-cutting of the newest branch.

Caritas Manila bring people together with the hearts of service, caring and sharing. The Archdiocese organized a social welfare for uplifting the spirit and soul of unfortunate members in community for food, clothing and medicines for distribution among our poor brethren, and the education of their children.

Pre-loved items such as clothes, shoes, bags, toys, home and fashion accessories are donated by generous companies, organizations and individuals which are offered at friendly prices in Segunda Mana stalls.

Caritas Manila 

It’s the mission of Caritas Manila to instil the value of giving as a way of life. Through its pro-poor programs and efforts, they help sustain and uphold the organization’s mission to develop and empower the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. 

Caritas Manila’s flagship program focuses on education for the underprivileged youth under its Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) which currently supports 4,000 students. YSLEP is an integrated youth development program that develops the youth’s potential in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude and trains them to become leaders. It utilizes training and formation that emphasize not just academic excellence but leadership while cultivating moral integrity and social commitment to the poor.

This is the 14th branch and the 12th mall-based store for Segunda Mana. Other branches are located at Makati Cinema Square, Isetann Cinerama Complex, Harrison Plaza , StarMall-Edsa, StarMall-Alabang, Victory Central Mall, Victory Shopping Center, Victory Pasay Mall, Farmer’s Plaza, Sta. Lucia Mall, Riverbank Center-Marikina, San Roque Cathedral and in Caritas Manila Head Office.

Metro Point Mall’s owners and management granted free space and stall for this program of Caritas Manila. 

As Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Caritas Manila’s Executive Director puts it, “Buying is the new way of giving.”

KYLA shares her journey to home through new album via Polyeast Records

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“I have come from a long journey to finally release a new album again and I can say, it feels to great to be back. This new album brings so much excitement and fulfillment in my career that now I have a family of my own, I’m back to what I love doing the most—singing and recording songs for my fellow music lovers." ---  Kyla

KYLA shares her journey to home through her new album titled “Journey” is out in the market via PolyEast Records.

After a long break from releasing music, the country’s R&B princess Kyla is back full force with a stronger R&B sound and a passion for showing emotions through her music.

Yesterday, May 15, 2014, she shared many things about her life during our exclusive blogcon (Bloggers conference) held at the Polyeast Records office in the Quezon Avenue. 

 

Her debut in 2000 up to this date have talked so much celebrated as one of the most uniquely talented artists of her generation, but the new album “Journey” via PolyEast Records proves that she still holds the title.

A jazzy song written by Francis Salazar & Jungee Marcelo, included in the first single of the album, titled “Kunwa-kunwari Lang,” is the song debuted on radio last month and has been receiving much praise for her support as it peaked #1 on RX 93.1 daily survey. Likewise to its digital format, the song entered the iTunes chart at number one upon release and is now available on www.spinner.ph.

While she took something of a risk by breaking from her norm, this 6-track project finds Kyla working with a formidable slate of songwriting and production heavyweights, including Jungee Marcelo, Francis Salazar, Yosha Honasan and Jay-R. 

“The title kind of speaks for itself, my journey of life experiences. My last album came out in 2010 and here we are in 2014, and there are a lot of things have happened, obviously. There are a lot of changes that I need to embrace as to the music industry and battle of producing quality songs. And people have seen me go through so many things in the public, whether it's my personal life or my career,” Kyla shared. 

As the album reclaims her prominence, our 33-year old R&B chanteuse brings a range of styles from “Dito Na Lang”, a throwback to the singer’s glory days or much likened to her hit “Hanggang Ngayon”; “I Got This”, a song that mirrors many of her R&B hits, with her co-writer Yosha Honasan; and “Atin ang Walang Hanggan” on slow-motion which emphasizes the album’s firm R&B roots. When Kyla sang a song written for her by Brian McKnight titled "My Heart" during her Sunday show, it has since become her wedding song which is included in the album in a duet with McKnight. 

Kyla is now married to PBA cager Rich Alvarez with a one-year-old son. 

“That part of my life plays a big role of this journey. Especially on how I see life in a much brighter perspective and how love has defined itself for me” Kyla says as she shared her anecdote to her song and composition, “Journey”, which is also included in the album with Jay-R and Kettle Mata as co-music writers.

Shortly after her return in late 2013, Kyla began recording a new album. In March, Kyla renewed her contract with PolyEast Records. 

JOURNEY Album tour dates:

May 16 5pm Mall tour Robinsons Metro East

May 25 5pm SM Fairview 

May 31 6pm Ayala Center Cebu

For more information please visit www.polyeastrecords.com. 

Follow and like on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Instagram/Twitter: @kylareal Facebook: Kyla 

Discography:

Way To Your Heart – July 2000 

Kyla – April 2002 

I Will Be There – May 2003 

Not Your Ordinary Girl – May 2004 

Beautiful Days – May 2006 

Heartfelt – June 2007 

Heart to Heart – August 2008 

Private Affair – November 2010 

Essence Of Soul (Best of) – September 2012

Journey – May 2014