INTRAMUROS Administration Launches Summer Festival and Tourism Passport

It's going to be a lot different at the walls of Intramuros in Manila as they celebrate their 46th Anniversary and the 2 initiatives, the Intramuros Summer Festival and their exciting Intramuros Passport.

Atty. Joan Padilla says "We are on our 46th year of the Intramuros Administration and as a testament for our commitment, I am thrilled to announce the two initiatives the Intramuros Summer Festival and the Intramuros Passport. This will happen on April 26th, aimed to showcase history, vibrant culture, deepening Filipino identity in one day. We have programs, projects, activities to enjoin everyone in the development of the walled city. We have partner schools who made this possible, and we are also excited to launch the Intramuros Passport. This will unlock access to key locations, allowing you to collect stamps to remember your experience here. If you avail of it, you get free access to the Summer Festival and Sinag Concert in the evening. This is an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, together with the CCP and Ballet Theatre, to perform here as this will be a commitment to the future of Intramuros. Mabuhay ang Intramuros!"

Head of Tourism Promotions Rhea Kristine Cy says "The Intramuros Summer Festival is taking place at the Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago, and will have activities in other locations too. The local businesses, schools and residents will also have collaborations with them on this day. Domestic and International tourists are encouraged to come."

7:30 Zumba Session at the Plaza Moriones, 8am Street Parade to Plaza San Luis, Performers from schools of zletran, Manila, Mapua, PLM and Lyceum will also be there. UST will have a medical mission at the same time til 12 noon. Centro de Intramuros will have Storytelling Sessions from 2:30pm, Living Museum at 2pm in Centro de Turismo, Pop Up Markets at General Luna along the Riverwalk. The grand Sinag Concert will happen at 6-10pm at Plaza Moriones inside Fort Santiago. Artists like The Itchyworms, Earl Agustin, Over October and students will perform in the concert. This will be hosted by Zephy Francisco and Boobay. 

Intramuros is currently vying for Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, so if you have time, go vote for them!

About the Intramuros Passport, Head of Business Management Dan Mendoza says "This is a milestone, a creative tourism initiative to position Intramuros as a vibrant tourism destination. To get it, you need to purchase it at ticket booths at managed sites and this will get you to Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego (8 sites) for only 350 pesos. It's non transferrable, seniors and pwd's will be given discounts. You get to earn passport stamps at each site, a rewarding cultural journey. It will be memorable, and there will be perks on pre selling starting April 26, because you get free tram rides, and the Summer Fest Sinag Concert. Discounts will be given to passport holders in participating partners like Barbara's, Tesoros, coffee shops and a whole lot more. There will be more things to come back to in Intramuros. You can scan the qr code for more information."

There will be FREE regular performances to be done by Philippine Ballet Theatre as they also partner with the Intramuros Administration, (they did this too in the 90's but it stopped in 2021 for various reasons) now they are forging shared visions to life!

Now that's just the start, there's a lot more that is going to happen in the walled city soon. More shows will be scheduled this year as they partner up with CCP and Philippine Ballet Theatre. Go get the Intramuros Passport today!

34th Philippine Travel Mart Slated This September

I know some of you haven't really had the time to go out and travel, but this is revenge travel year and the Philippine Tour Operators Association is about to.hold the 34th edition of Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The annual affair houses over 300 exhibitors from around the country (that's 17 regions) which consists of hotels, resorts, agencies, tour operators and offices on September 1-3, 2023. If you're raring to find deals and tour packages to travel in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, this is the place to be in and book it on the spot!

As you know, there's a very strong demand for tours in Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and places like Zamboanga, Quirino, Soccskargen so you've got a lot of places to discover.

The President of PhilTOA Ms. Fe Abling-Yu says "Thank you and good afternoon, in spite of the rain and road conditions you are all here. Your presence here today underscores the importance of support we need in the tourism and hospitality efforts in these challenging times. Now with great excitement, I am delighted to share with you the 34th Philippine Travel Mart. It's time to connect, our direction is to help the government to uplift the  tourism industry. Our thanks to the DOT, all the 16 regional offices across the nation. With the help of TPB, you will see them there. This industry gave us life, an industry to earn, and we are happy to say even local government units are happy to accept us as guests in their respective regions. We hope you find ways to help us take the message across to satisfy the Filipinos wunderlist especially this year."

Ms. Fe adds "The first row of pavilions will be done by DOT regional offices, and the 34th Philippine Travel Mart is a place you could see affordable tickets,  and cooperation from the DOT, TPB. Emerging destinations last year included the colors of Mindanao, apart from that, there's Borongan Samar where PAL will be flying too soon. Also in our mind is Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, tons of properties that needed to be discovered."

The very passionate Ms. Maria Margarita Nograles the COO of TPB also says "Guests, media friends, good afternoon. As we continue to navigate the challenges in tourism, and as borders open, it is crucial to support our local businesses to engage with partners and suppliers. The Philippines has delightful experiences, scenic spots and rich cuisine for everyone. 3 Million tourism arrivals, local tourism surge is happening right now (almost 7 times) versus the same period last year. It creates employment for thousands of Filipinos. Our country is rich, and the Philippine Travel Mart is helping our tourism sector bounce back stronger. The TPB is fully committed to develop our tourism portfolio for both local and international tourists and is setting bigger goals for years to come. Thank you so much for your help PHILTOA, here's to the continued success for the upcoming 34th Philippine Trave Mart!"

Ms. Mary Ann Ong the 1st VP of PHILTOA says "We have 17 regions participate in the program by presenting their local talents, do games, plus presentations of our partners lime Philippine Airlines, and some new players in the market like Chroma Hospitality, Hotel 101 group, Dusit Davao, and DOT's new call called "The Filipino Brand of Wellness" which will also be featured there."

She also talked about the new logo of Philippine Travel Mart which showcase the colors of the ASEAN. There are a lot of things lined up in the program and it will be announced a week or two before the date so stay tuned for that!

PHILTOA 2nd Vice President Arjun Shroff says "The annual Travel Mart has invigorated the industry. Hotels, airlines, tour agencies has taken advantage of servicing more Filipinos through this and this year is going to be bigger than ever before. From vibrant cities, activities, all designed to make people have unforgettable adventures, to offer something for everyone. 7600 ways to LOVE THE PHILIPPINES, to be wowed, have fun, and the best destinations will be offered on the event. Make sure you're there on September!"

The 34th Philippine Travel Mart media launch was also attended by PhilTOA stakeholders, board members, hoteliers, people from TPB, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, media outlets, bloggers and influencers. If you want to know more about the event, visit their official website philtravelmart.com and their social channels @philtravelmart on FB and IG. 

Tara travel na!

Provincial Government Launches Oriental Mindoro Online Pasalubong and Booking Portal App

While the world is slowly recovering from the pandemic, tavelers have been slowly coming back in different places in the country. For those who don't know, the local tourism industry has been greatly affected. To help with the situation, the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has worked steadfastly worked on an something that would enhance ease of travel, buying products from towns very easy with the new LAKBAY ORIENTAL MINDORO: Buying Local, Byaheng Lokal app. 

As the name suggests, it's a one stop shop for everything that you would need to get when traveling the province of Oriental Mindoro. From purchasing your favorite pasalubongs, to booking tour services and packages, you can all do it now at the comforts of your home or hotel rooms. This is the handywork of the whole provincial government headed by Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor together with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. It was launched July 12th and promises hassle free transactions, while keeping you safe as it is all contactless too. This was witnessed by national, provincial and city government officials at the Riceland Garden in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

The app has offers and promos of over 150 hotels, resorts, travel agencies, wellness centers, vehicles, tours, dive and souvenir shops which you can access ahead while you plan your itinerary or while you're in the province itself. With this as direct point of transaction for local and international travelers, balikbayans and their families, tour service providers can be accessed without you leaving your resort or hotels. That in itself is very convenient and you can download it now on the App Store or Google Play for FREE. You can also go to their website travelorientalmindoro.ph and use your email/FB account to log in. This means, you can choose services and products from the app and get the best rates. Products can be arranged for delivery at your hotel, while email confirmations can be sent if you're availing those rendered by providers which can make planning a breeze if you choose to come to the province.

You also get to earn loyalty points from your accommodation, which you can use to earn travel incentives in-app. It's easy, so you get to enjoy more time with your friends and family. Make sure you try and download the app today!

#CebSuperSeatFest with MIMIYUUUH

Just got off the fun event of Cebu Pacific as they unveiled their Super Seat Fest Be a Baryahero campaign among media guests and Manila’s cutest influencers lols. I admit, I’m one of a LOT of people who have been waiting for seat sales in the wee hours of the morning and yes I have personally got a flight to a province which I haven’t been to last night hence my 4am sleep time. Cebu Pacific and several government agencies have been working hard, partnering towards making local tourism a big thing now that international travel is slightly down due to the Covid situation. There are a LOT of places in the country where I’m sure you haven’t been to yet, and that definitely requires a lot of effort to do, make it a part of your bucketlist and enjoy with your friends and family.

Oh and yes, they also got a new Cebu Pacific Brand Ambassador in the persona of the one and only fun ghorl MIMIYUUUH. The famous YouTuber asks you to drink your water bish, and skirrrrrt to your favorite destinations at a fraction of the cost. With your Barya (chump change) you can be a Baryahero. Cebu Pacific has been offering these one peso fares years ago, they have seen they have been copied and they promise to even bring you better deals in their 3 day sale starting today. This is their #CebSuperSeatFest which happens March 3, 4 and 5 rawr!

March 3 is for Domestic

March 4 for International 

March 5  is for whatever is left on sale on both dates. 

Travel period starts from September 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021. I’m bound for Roxas City and Cauayan Isabela, places I’ve never been before. You should do the same, I’m sure you’ll create more memories. It’s affordable because it is Cebu Pacific. 

Every Juan deserves to fly!

Come Taste Flavors of the Philippines 2017

I've always have this innate fondness to Filipino cuisine ever since I've been blogging. The concept has always been simple but there's been nostalgia, history in every dish that describes us as people. This is the reason that everytime I have guests or relatives arriving from any place in the world, I make them taste Filipino food as much as I can. Now what if I could tell you that you can actually taste the dishes of 7641 islands without leaving the comforts of the city? Skeptic? Well don't worry, let me show you the way!

You see, Flavors of the Philippines 2017 was just recently launched by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. It's on it's third year and they are doing this for the whole month of April so anybody, of all walks of life could actually get to taste Filipino cuisine from the best hotels and restaurants in the country. 

Alta in BGC starts off with Alta's Spanish x Pinoy Set Menus with ingredients like Huevos, Kabute, Rabano, Pipino, Pulpo, Camote, Balatinao, Totija, Pomelo and Cocoa for a more Spanish - Filipino fusion context. We all know we have 300 years of history to go with that. Grace Park in Rockwell on the other hand has Chorizo in a Blanket, Spaghettini with goulash, sun dried tomatoes and calamaya olives, plus the famous Callos which everyone treats as comfort food. Then for Jamon Iberico treats at Lusso in Greenbelt 5, they've got that famous ham paired with baby olives, french baguettes, salad and tomatoes. They also have a Croqueta Bar complete with Bacalao, Jamon Serrano, and lovely TDF lechon (no feast is complete without it). There are tons of other bars and restaurants like The Pantry which serve lovely original concoctions made from herbs, fruits and spirits inside historic Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City. There's also Cafe Janealo's Halo Halo Smoothie and Bibingka (rice cake) in Cabildo street along the Intramuros district so you could taste a little piece of Filipino Christmas any time of the day! And if you're there, have seconds at Barbaras in General Luna Street Intramuros for various "sinaunang putaje" (old recipes) from different regions in the country. Illustrado Restaurant and Cafe in the same area also serves heritage cuisines if you are much of a history junky, take time for lunch with their Ilustrado Inaugural Feast which includes someof the things they serve before a Philippine President is sworn into office. If you want to taste the favorites, head on back to Bistro Trasierra at the AIM office in Legaspi Makati so you can get the staples in every Gilipino fiesta. 

If you are fond of "merienda" (in betwreen snacks), Milky Way in Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City has got the best Pansit Luglug, Tokwat Baboy and Arroz Caldo (we have this as meals every late afternoon). You have tons to choose from and if you can't get the time to visit ALL the islands, just head on to these establishments which assures you authentic Filipino food and experience everyday. 

For more information, visit them at http://www.tourism.gov.ph/ today and take a look at how the Philippines can be seen and felt through gastronomic experiences in just a few days! Because again, it's more fun in the Philippines!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Diving Resort Trade Show 2016 Philippines

DRT on it's 2nd year, we promise and assure you that this program will be continued because the Philippines has a LOT to offer. - Kat De Castro, DOT Undersecretary

During the Diving Resort Trade Show 2016 they reiterated how much it's MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES and they talked about how suitable it is for the country to be a diving destination. It's a big industry.

Director Verba Buensoceso of DOT says "We brought this here to position the country as a hub for diving and business. Yes, there is a B2B component that will run in 3 days and this is something that we would want to catalyze. Two of the 15 best diving sites are here in the country and we had people come in and discover 100 new marine species. This year, Mike Bartic organized the Anilao critter fest and you'll see the world record biodiversity introduction tomorrow. We also have various destinations in other parts of the world featuring the Philippines as the best diving classroom, diving photography, and we'll service the needs as come. It's possible to dive in the Philippines all year round and we welcome over 60 exhibitors, diving trade agencies, marine conservation organizations and NGO's. We are the only dive b2b meet in Asia, and we'll have familiarization trips so you'll have a first hand knowledge of what we have to offer. We have buyers from around the world and aside from the DRT we organize other events in November, we'll have the 4th Anilao Underwater Competition and we have a lot to do in the next 3 days."

This is one of the largest meets and international show supported by different international organizations. In 2018 there will be 6 DRT shows around the Asian region. It's not just the Philippines that's excited about this and EZ dive Magazine Jason Chong puts it "This is our second year and you've got more diving equipment manufacturers in the show this year, we see the potential for the Philippines to be in the resort and diving business and DRT is here to let people see the Philippines could be a unique place for diving. We can't wait for you to see everything in SM Megatrade Hall today!"

A few days before the show they had some of their experts and photographers go out in the seas of the Philippines. 

Michelle Hall a US Cinematographer and Writer says "The people of the Philippines has great support from DOT and you're lucky. We were here in the 80's and made films around the world, now we're excited to see your seas and a lot has changed. We haven't really been back until this year. In Palawan, I remember my diving gear being moved by an Ox cart. I've been in Malapascua and even though I prefer not having other divers here, it's great to see around 200 divers come down and see marine life. It's a great experience. Sign the petition for Thresher Sharks too and we're going to talk twice this week in the show so come if you want to know what we've been doing the past few years."

Author and Underwater Photographer Scott Tuason adds "Anilao was something I'd out my head in living here and have access to diving and marine environment at our fingertips and it took the world a while to understand what we have here. Now more people are pointing out the special things, like Malapascua, the reefs, it's then that they discovered it's a cleaning station, a great place to start if you want to know biodiversity up close is the Philippines."

Author and Photographer from the US Tim Rock says "You don't have to go far if you want a world class destination. To be part of the DRT today is an honor, you should see the show."

Come to SM Megamall's Megatrade Hall today as the trade show only will be here until Sunday, September 11. There are also a hundred photos from world class underwater photographers displayed so if you want visual inspiration, you should come!

KUMAGCOW

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3 Things You Didn't Know About Mark Lapid

I didn't know Mark Lapid was running for Senator. All I knew was he was the son of Senator Lito Lapid, he was Governor of Pampanga and he's part of the Department of Tourism somewhere. He's actually good looking in person, I think that's partly why women adore him. During this short interview, I learned that he's specifically the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer, an office which builds infrastructures for tourist enterprise zones and offices for it. They've built a lot of things in the past few years and they've got it on a list here to prove it. He's left that in the hopes of getting into the Senate, as he's got a knack for public service. He's also for the Freedom for Information Bill, the No Bio No Boto too which we didn't know was actually started by his Father Lito Lapid. He's done countless things in the local government of Pampanga during his term, and did more for TIEZA and Department of Tourism.

I didn't know he was running under the Liberal Party. When asked about this, he admittedly applied for a spot in their Senatorial lineup. If he didn't get in the LP, he didn't really want to run anymore. He didn't have the capacity to launch a national campaign since public service doesn't pay that much. He also believes in the goal of the party. He sternly believes in continuing good things that the administration has done and it would take a couple more years to achieve that dream of a better Philippines.

I didn't know he was so much into making the airports better. The improvements you see right now on the airport is because of their office. He also explained where the money from airport fees go to and why they are continuing to collect it. It entails change in laws and it's one of the things he wants to do as your Senator. He also believes so much in the Tourism industry and how it hastens to create jobs. Since he's into building infrastructures, he's seen first hand how it also developed communities. It's something he wants to also do more, improve, when he gets the chance to serve in the Senate.

Here's more of this interview with the Senator on video:

Part 1



Part 2

If you're still trying to find out who to vote for this coming elections, make sure you take a look at their accomplishments, their background, and what they hope to actually do as a lawmaker. I am in no way endorsing anyone, I am for free will and smarter choices. His passion, service, calling, may all be considered. He's done a lot of work for the agency he belongs too, a natural manager I think. If those are the characteristics you look for in a Senator, you should definitely ask yourself if he's worthy to be there.

You should never just base everything on popularity and TV commercials, study who you need to vote!

For more information about him:

Mark Lapid

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