DITO Made "Bayanihan" Felt in Southern Luzon

Typhoon Kristine was quite devastating especially for those who are in Southern Luzon. DITO Telecommunity knows how hard it must have been so they didn't waste time giving a helping hand to our countrymen in that neck of the woods.

They have a program called Galing DITO CampX which fits the purpose, they partnered up with Batangas State University to hold a concert and used the proceeds for BSU's fundraising campaign. The concert entitled "PB is United, PB is ONE for Batangas" raised over Php 250,000 to help with daily essentials, food, temporary shelters and relief efforts for the communities they serve. Several DITO brand ambassadors and phenomenal PPOP group ALAMAT performed that evening specifically for the cause. They also built a multi faith chapel inside the campus to serve their students too.

DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business Ms. Evelyn Jimenez emphasized how important it is to have the strength of the community be part of the efforts in rebuilding the province especially those who have been affected by the calamity. DITO stands by them and the Filipino people no matter how hard things may be for the folks there. At the DITO event, they also had students interact with their different booths, learn more about their products that's got new packages on prepaid, postpaid and home connections.

Over at Naga city, they made sure communication stands so they supported various LGU's by equipping them with needed phones and sim cards so folks from Dayangdang, Lerma and Triangulo can call for help, reach their families, and also have internet connection at the most pressing times.

In times of need, it's important for these things to become still accessible, so they could ease the hearts of worrying folks even if they are in the midst of danger there. If you want to know more about stories like these, go follow their social channels and check out their site dito.ph because everything's there!

Forest Lake Solidifies Lead in Memorial Park Development

A company that brings compassion, care, innovative services that brings customers first, one that only Forest Lake could bring.

They've been in the industry since 1997, building over 37 memorial parks in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They have grown significantly over the years, with even bigger steps taken starting 2005 up to 2015. They managed to double their portfolio from 2016 to 2020 then launched 8 more memorial parks in 2021-2023. To date, they now have 3 Billion worth of sales last year and steadfastly personifying their call of "A Better Place" where families, friends could lay to rest their loved ones.

They have strategically strengthened their collection services and increased earnings year on year. They also increased assets (20%) with plans to develop even more of it in the future, but make sure that it remains affordable despite economic challenges and inflation this year.

Alfred Xerez-Burgos III the President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc. says "We are lucky to have our core values intact to solidify our stature in this industry. Always putting personalized service, value, teamwork, continuous innovation, creativity and professionalism as part of our priorities, it made us who we are today."

With plans to expand in even more places throughout the country, they remain optimistic and bullish on growth and build more chapels, columbariums, and cremation facilities to meet the needs of Filipino families and their loved ones.

Here's to even more years of service to Filipinos!

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!