VALERIE TAN Brings You to HONG KONG Adventures on I❤️PH's 10th Season

We're a little envious with Valerie Tan as she takes another season of I ❤️ PH to the beautiful sights of Hong Kong. Together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, she's going to take you to the territories best spots, food destinations and the reasons why folks love Hong Kong. Season 10 will start this week, particularly this Sunday June 8th on GTV at 10:30am.  

It will also be streamed on Kapuso social channels and GMA Pinoy TV. Valerie says "PMPC gave us an award for travel and lifestyle. This is our 10th season and we are leveling up, it's time to rediscover Hong Kong. When I toured around the places you've might have never seen. We're excited to show you this 3 part series that shows the unique Filipino perspective. From the Giant Pandas, to the street markets, to a far island, you'll see it here!"

Valerie also mentioned another event called IRunPH which will be at the UP Oval in 3, 5 and 10K segments which they organized for their chosen charities. They will also be giving away Sharp appliances and gift bags for lucky runners. This will be on July 13 so make sure to register on this website https://tv8mediaproductions.myruntime.com/register/irunph2025. 

Liew Chian Janof the HKTB says "We have many friends in the Philippines and Valerie had many experiences in HK which coincides with HK Summer Viva, a campaign we are doing currently to promote various events happening this season. From parties in the theme park, the twin pandas anniversary, HK Disneyland's 20th anniversary, bringing parties like no other. There will also be sports events, food and drinks, merch that you can only buy during this time through their mobile app. HK Ocean Park will have 6 pandas in July and August. Horse racing is also a hit with locals, every Wednesday we have parties, games and prices included in the event. Please make sure you visit Hong Kong during these dates."

She adds "We are also doing Wine and Dine festival across cities in October and the whole month of November amidst Victoria Harbor. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope to see you in Hong Kong soon!"

Here's the press conference on video this morning:

Valerie actually felt this show was really challenging because they had to compete not just TV content but those that are on the internet. TV8 Productions has become much like family now and they are pushing for more years, to partner with more folks for the benefit of the Filipino viewers. She's so happy going to even more places, it opened up a lot of opportunities for her even if there are challenges. People are looking for more immersive experiences when visiting a country, and they hope doing these activities that are not so popular yet would open their minds in the east region of Hong Kong. You've got to look forward to the first episode because a lot of them will be there.

Make sure you watch I❤️PH on GTV this coming Sunday at 10:30AM. It will be shown on GMA Pinoy TV and other social channels a day after premiere broadcast.

Travelers, Get Ready for PTAA's 9th International Travel Trade Expo 2024!

Travel Tour Expo 2024 is happening this year with the theme "The World Within Reach".

Ms. Patria Chiong the TTE Chairperson says "With the help of our sponsors DOT, Unionbank and media partners, the Travel and Tour Expo is happening this year. People are raring to travel, with places that work with their budget, ease of travel and the DOT's "Love Philippines " campaign, PTAA is here to make sure people can make memories in the country. We are confident to exceed the goals of the DOT, people are raring to go out and restrictions are lifted. We are giving travelers choices, it just boils down to budget and in the TTE we've got that. From 3 to 5 star hotels, tour packages, special trips, we can offer to different needs of passengers and customers. We are looking forward to the future, way beyond this event and there's really no way to go but up! I would say it would be up by 20-25 percent (a ballpark figure). The ASEAN, Israel, Taiwan is going to be popular as they are Visa Free."

There will be 4 halls occupied and it has been sold out to travel boards, agents, and businesses. One side will be delegated to business to business markets and exhibitors, and all these will be open to the public on February 2 and 3. 

Sellers will include international offers for Australia, Balkan, China, Dubai, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, the US and Vietnam. 

As of now they have over 68 sellers and 220 registered buyers in the event. Gates will open 10am on the first day, and 9:30 am on the second day. The TTE secretariat wants to emphasize that we all need to help the DOT succeed as this will be a public and private sector cooperation. The Bayanihan spirit still exists. So see you at SMX 2F Function rooms because this will be big! Unionbank card holders will also get perks especially on the opening day plus some eGC's up for grabs.

There will also be raffle draws, prizes, surprises, entertainment numbers, and an auction for trips so make sure you bring your budget on the day!

Book A Hotel, Create Content and Earn with TRAVEREEL

Spent a few hours with the people from the travel industry and a couple media outlets as they launched TRAVEREEL in the Philippines. It's a social media and booking app all in one. It can even get you to earn by sharing your experience, earning through the bookings that others make too.

Travereel's Founder Ricky Sy says "I'm a tech-preneur. We could be seeing a revolution happen in the next few years. When we make travel plans, I make my kids pitch ideas and see for ourselves where that is, ask the other users which seem a little stalkerish. It's a new way of booking, you get to also share your experience when you travel and get perks in the process. We hope you get to try it too."

Vicky Rada Travereel COO adds "This is in the best position to capture a new generation of travelers. Globally, travel has already surpassed the percentages in the last three years (prior to pandemic). The millennials and zoomers are still the leading travelers, and they also spent even more time doing it. They also are digital savvy, and very active posting in social media. They also value convenience and even go through travel agencies. More people in between means more expenses, we're trying to solve that here."

15 year old Maddigan Sy says "Gen Z prefers video, instant gratification, and decisions are partly from social media. Online travel apps make it convenient for the travel hungry Gen Z's and it continues to grow year on year."

Debby Nevata the travereel CEO says "For us to validate this idea, we need to target the travelers, hotels and the content creators. Doing consumer research, we have noted there is a need to have targeted and relevant content, privacy, security, clickable links and a sign up procedure that is seamless and free. Travereel is a new booking experience that revolutionizes the way you book, meet, create content and earn as a user. You also discover and meet like minded people in the app, with the aim of helping travelers from all over the world to decide where to go next! This is an online travel agency, where you can book, with flexible payment terms, and a chance to earn from the content you share. The app currently have 3 Million partner hotels."

Lizard Global CEO Terrence Ridder talks more about it and says "We need to go somewhere, and there are so many apps out there. This makes you welcome, help you feel the true hotel experience especially if you are into scenic trips. If you are demanding, you want to see it right away. Registration should be fast, no fuss, know what the app does and its purpose. You can also use a voucher as a welcome gift, and follow people who are also into destinations you love (including those in your bucket list). This social aspect makes it tangible, you can book through it too, and share the experience with friends as well. Those things you record with the beautiful views, amenities, would come into good use. It's all user generated, validated and keep track what users are doing to keep the app updated."

Deepak Kumar of Paymongo shared information about their payment system and adds "Transactions online should be safe and secure, it allows businesses to accept from various payment methods online. We heavily invest in the technology and now include e wallets, online banks, also work with disbursements and capitals. It is convenient and smooth, easy to transfer and sync plus use conveniently on websites through secured channels. We are your partner against hackers and fraudsters. We have machine learning engine and do fight fraudsters in real time. We also have one dashboard, so the platform is easy to manage payments, disbursement and your transactions in one place."

They also allow Travel Now Pay Later options through BillEase. According to Kurt Molina, their consumer app helps  you pay it through credit limes especially if you don't have a credit card yet. There are over 4 Million users on their platform and you can use the Buy Now Pay Later options to avail services like travel so you don't go through financial strain right away. It's one of the mode of payments available at the travereel app." 

travereel is indeed a new booking experience which you can do today. Go download it on Google Play or iOS and see what wonders your wanderlust can do! 

Liza Soberano to do YT Series "Liza In Korea"

Dubbed as one of the prettiest faces in the world, Liza Soberano is set to do a new YouTube series called "Liza in Korea". If you've been following her recent appearances in Korean shows, she's always said how much she adored Korean drama, artists, idols and KPOP music too.   

The series premiere will happen on September 13th at 8PM and the consecutive Wednesdays thereafter in this 15 episode cultural and experiential tour of the land of the morning calm. This will of course be extra sweet because we'll all be seeing it through the eyes of Liza. Also in the show will be several businesses and individuals who's stories will also inspire more people through the digital production.

She will also be doing the actual narration, so you will feel like you're traveling with her and experiencing the things she's just beginning to discover. Liza will also share her experiences about entrepreneurship (with Lacimer) and talk about how it could be a viable way to improve lives in our home soil, which is pretty new to see coming from the beautiful actress.  

The first few episodes will be very exciting as she talks to top Korean content creators, the media, big networks, even a trip to world famous Lotteworld, even learn from top Korean choreographers so Liza can do a few KPOP dance numbers on the YouTube series.

To get you more excited, here's a teaser from the show!

For those who want to see the series when it comes out, go and subscribe via the PHH TV YouTube channel here. You may opt to see it on IG via the Lacimer official account which you can find here. If you're excited about what Liza Soberano is doing in Korea, this certainly will get you acquainted with what she's been up to these past few months. I'm sure just like me, you really miss her!

This is produced by JJ Global Group in Korea.

The 11th Worldmaster International Travel Mart (2nd Leg) in Quezon City

 

We just had the pleasure of covering the Worldmaster International Travel Mart 2023 which is currently celebrating their 11th year. It's a business to business forum for international and domestic travel professionals wherein they can connect with legitimate travel agencies in the Philippines. The Philippines is currently in a revenge travel state and the inamiable thirst to see more places around the world and in the country has been much higher than anticipated. This has been heavily supported not just by different travel organizations, but by the Department of Tourism and the local government of Quezon City which this was also held. This is the second leg after doing it in Clark Pampanga last May 8th which was highly successful and it will also happen tomorrow May 12th at the Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City.

As you can see much of the international sellers include those companies that offer trips to the Holy Land (Jordan, Israel, Egypt), plus destinations like Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and a surprise was the scenic route to Russia among others. Aside from the international destinations, the Philippines had offers to Bohol, El Nido + Coron in Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Southern Tagalog, the Visayas Region and Mindanao. This is a place where legitimate agencies would be able to work out arrangements from companies so the travel agencies would be able to offer them to travelers like us!

 We were also able to talk to Mr. Noi Alunan of Great Getaways (a travel agency who participated in this year's WITM B2B meetings) where he lauded WITM and how it has benefited the company he represents and the entire travel industry in the Philippines.

The Worldmaster International Travel Mart has been founded by Dr. Leilani Agana and has benefited businesses around the world and the local tourism industry. Dr. Agana was there personally meeting the companies, business owners and travel agency representatives and held a talk about the tourism industry. Representatives from the Department of Tourism and several travel groups also asked questions in a short Q and A to give us a glimpse of the future of travel in the Philippines and how Filipinos could take advantage of the various tours they offer. Part of the questions I asked about the Holy Land tours were graciously answered by Sir Noi, which means there will be more taking interest in doing their own revenge travels very soon. They also emphasize the importance of only doing reservations and arrangements with reputable businesses so they don't get scammed online.

WITM will continue with their Davao leg tomorrow and perhaps, a 12th Worldmaster International Travel Mart next year won't be too far. If you are interested, please check out their Facebook page as updates have been regularly posted there.

Can't wait to see more of the world after this! Congratulations to the men and women behind this event and to Dr. Agana who has been working so hard to make this all possible!

 

LENOVO Introduces 4 New Powerful and Sustainable Laptops for 2023

Looks like the folks at Lenovo are dishing out new laptops this month, very powerful ones for work, work and work because times need it. Equipped with AMD processors, it's performance will be even better than its predecessors.

First is the ThinkBook 15 Gen 4 that has an AMD Ryzen 5000 series Mobile Processors, AMD Radeon Graphics, 2 of the M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD and a huge 40GB DDR4 3200 storage. It's designed for pros who do heavy office work, and still want to be stylish plus flexible in terms of storage because we can't have enough of that. 

Second is the ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 which is built for performance and speed. It runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO processor and an AMD Radeon Graphics with LRO APU Driver , a huge 32 GB 6400 MHz LPDDR5 memory and upto 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage for easy in/out access. It is also made of sustainable materials and has passed lots of certifications. 

Third is the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 1 which you can carry around when traveling. Made of recycled aluminum (75% post consumer sourced), it's very light weight so it is easy. It's got an AMD RYZEN 7 PRO 6860Z processor, an AMD Radeon 680M Graphics card , 32 Gig LPDDR5 6400 memory and a 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage which can be of help if you've got so many files or presentations to make. 

Last is the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 made for progressive performance. This makes you do business anywhere, work anywhere especially for people who are on the go.

Clark Popple of SMB Segment Lead of Lenovo says "Thank you for being here, you've played a lot in our success this year and we have been driven by customer feedback. We put you in our purpose, to provide things that make people save time, and be more productive. We also have AMD here who has given our products the needed boost and power so even more Filipinos benefit from it and provide technology for all!"

Francis Judan says "For 2023 we are changing the business environment, the world has jobs and careers that automate, analyze, cloud based and even entertainment via content creation. Even marketing is driving to those changes and careers have been different for Gen Z's. No one now wants to do business that is not hybrid, majority don't even want an office which changes the game. The new workforce is now wanting more powerful devices and be on the go, become smarter, sustainable which also become a basis for our products. With the heavier workload, more hard disk capacity and can relate more to users here in the Philippines. Come 2025 we want to be compliant, to last them a lifetime, they need to invest in hardware that will last and a longer lifecycle. LENOVO had been thinking of Gen Z's and Millennials that are a huge part of the workforce and relate them to the products that they make without sacrificing security, ease of use so you can have a better experience for work or play."

Lenovo is certainly on a good path in making sure their laptops become worthwhile buddies when they dish out new notebooks, ThinkPads for their intended customers.

Save on Hotel Deals via the Blood Moon Sale on KLOOK!

This 11.11 is going to be a little hectic for a lot of people. Why not make the most out of it and take that well deserved rest and refuge amongst the different local destinations in the country. It's time to see why that Blood Moon we saw has something to do with some of the deals you can enjoy specifically til November 15. Imagine, 75% OFF on hotel bundles in places like Manila, Cebu, Tagaytay, Batangas, Baguio City, Palawan and the lovely island of Bohol.

If you haven't heard of KLOOK, it's time to download the app. It has literally helped me make my vacation in Bangkok  worthwhile since I was foreign to the activities that the city actually offers. They have packages to take you in each spot, but this one in the Philippines is special since it will get you remarkable deals at some of the best beach, tour spots and hotels in the country. One is at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel, the fabulous Hennan Palm Beach Resort, there's also JPark Island Resort and Waterpark. Aside from that, they've got deals in Quest Hotel Tagaytay, there's also one in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan for deals amounting to 75% OFF the rooms regular price. Head on to klook.com/en-PH/tetris/promo/phyearend2022 if you want to take advantage of it. Follow @Klook_PH on IG, KlookPH on FB, for those uhmazing deals this side of the world!

Gretchen Ho is your "Woman in Action"

Looks like you're in for a treat this September as Cignal, One News and One PH starts the new show Woman in Action hosted by your favorite Gretchen Ho.

Head of News Patrick Paez says "We are delighted to have Gretchen with us, she was part of our previous network work and we see promise with her talent. She has grown as a journalist, and this show is her concept, we have confidence with her and we can't wait to see her new show."

The show will feature Gretchen Ho in her element, in different parts of the world to get to know the people, what they do so you too get to know who they are from the comforts of your own home. It's like a travel/lifestyle show where she will also tell you her experiences, how to get there, the food she eats and the small costs to do it. Much of the things we saw in the preview included lesser known spots in the Philippines but she also has some clips showing other countries which surely will be interesting to see on TV.

Gretchen says "It was just in my mind for the last few years, all of us are so passionate about what we do and we want to show the Filipino heart through travel. This was something we wanted to do in 2020, but the pandemic happened. We will be having guests in the show, get to talk to people managing the tourist destinations and how they work steadfastly and help the townsfolk make a living in their communities. Woman in Action also sparks my passion in cycling, we'll see people on the road and get to also interview them, I feel this is the perfect time to do it so viewers could be inspired with their stories. The people I work with right now, they will be here including my camera man, my researchers, it won't be full reporter mode. It is also going to have a public service part, hopefully to make it also become sustainable to help people and communities. I wanted to work for NGO previously, but I didn't realize I was doing it already and I was inspired by Ms. Gina Lopez and see how it has impacted people. It brought livelihood to communities through tourism. I am in the early stages of this show but my advise to girls is to take courage, for the things you are called to do, stay true to that and you will fulfill that calling."

 

 

Gretchen Ho is not just the host, but also the producer of the show. She might be a little young, but says it won't be a challenge that will be given to her if she couldn't do it. She is also inspired with travel host Drew Arellano, hopes she also does good in making the show relatable, and do crazy things in the show.

The show can be seen on the Cignal Play app on mobile. The show will prolly start on October 1 at 7:30PM at one News and will be replayed at 8PM the day after. Make sure to watch it!

Making Memories at Club Paradise in Coron Palawan

Spent a few days at Coron, Palawan with my fam for a short R&R. It's been a while since I've been there and I've been ecstatic to have my family with me. We stayed at Club Paradise, it's in Dimakya Island in Coron which I've had the pleasure of going to a few years back. I saw it was fit for my senior Mom to go to so boat transfers and accommodations would be all accessible as the Discovery property arranges all of that.

I brought along the Samsung A73 5G (in Amazing White color) with me to keep memories. It's a beastly phone that takes 108MP photos that has OIS and a set of quad cameras. It's also got a Snapdragon 778G processor, fits in the hand at 6.7 inch Full HD+ with an SAMOLED screen. I was able to test the 5G connection in Manila and by any standards, VERY fast.It also takes amazing videos, but I reckon be of good quality at 4x zoom. I may have a lot of processing needs, but it bore the brunt of several video editing apps, photo editing apps and socials that I use almost everyday. I really didn't need the 4K video capability and opted to have lesser resolution so I can have more space on the phone. It's got 256GB space though, and I wasn't able to fill it all up with vacation photos in that 5 day retreat. You can opt for the 1TB microSD space as it can accommodate external memory too.

Photo quality is good, it won't make you look like you have plastic skin. I also took advantage of the zoom taking videos for a real wedding proposal that happened at the beach. The photos and videos in daytime, plus several food shots I took was crisp too. I'd be crazy if I didn't think this was something that was made for content creators. 

Here's a glimpse of the trip we had plus the special dinner arranged by Club Paradise in the evening. They called it a Moonlight Dinner, perfect for special occasions or if you plan to propose to someone. Ours was for fun so they also prepared a Boodle Fight, a seafood lover's dream, even those who want surf and turf. I used a different Android phone in the beginning, see how the shots changed dramatically at the 2:08 mark. If you see the proposal video at the 6:08 mark, I was super far and hiding among the trees when I took videos. Imagine, a phone that can take videos with low light and that distance?

 

Here are some shots from the phone I used, I edited colors and a watermark (to keep it safe) through Photoshop. It's a lot to take, but I guess it's all worth it!

You may order a day before to make sure you've got a Boodle Fight you'll love. Just inform the staff if you'd want to make changes and they're very nice people, they can accommodate.

The Sunset Cruise (which you should also request for in advanced) was a perfect way to end the day with. This was done before we had dinner. Needless to say, they really took good care of us while we were there. I'd like to take this bit to thank the good people of Club Paradise in Palawan, we're thinking of making this an annual thing. Who knows?! I'm glad though I got memories saved. Samsung did something good with that phone. It's a tool, and you can do wonders with it!

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!

Brace for A Different Morning Show: Ethel Booba and K Brosas for LAKWATSIKA

Looks like the morning show time slot is going in for a big surprise as Cignal Entertainment and Red Crane Studios launch this one of a kind program called LAKWATSIKA. This is going to be hosted by funny comediennes and talented singers Ethel Booba and K Brosas.

Just hearing their names tell me this is going to be a heck of an adventure, and that's not just the premise of the show because unlike any other morning shows, this includes traveling, funny antics that happens without scripts and talking to people, just like you and me.

In their first episode, they have traveled to Cauayan in Masbate. With picturesque shorelines, flora and fauna, they found a new destination for local and international tourists... places that are seldom visited and are just waiting to be discovered (of which this is what they're planning to do in the next ones). This is the same reason why they partnered with the Department of Tourism so they can take you to see places, every small city, town, a roadside stop as they promise it will be a little unplanned in each episode.

Not only  that, they'll be tasting the exotic and unique dishes... tell the story of the people they visit which is going to be very exciting to see on television. After a tiring talk and travel, they're also going to undergo several challenges in a day just to make sure they're on top of their toes, plus they'll be giving time to get to know townsfolk, which Ethel and K told us was so touching because they've never felt so welcome til they experienced it first hand in Masbate.

They also have digital hosts Queenay and Marimar Tua who will tell the stories for the digital audience because this will also be shown in TV5 and Cignal's platforms as well.

Here's our video coverage of the presscon, so please, enjoy!

 

 I love how K Brosas commented about their friendship, she didn't sugarcoat anything and told us while they were not that close (while still friends), they're getting to know more about each other now especially because they bond over parenting (Ethel gave birth recently and they talk about kids now). If you're up to it, go watch the show on April 18 at 11am. This will be shown everyday so you've got lots of time to watch it. This will surely be fun!

 

My Hometown is G.O.A.T. Philippines Premiering on AXN Asia

This morning was a nice way to reconnect with travel. The good people from AXN Asia and the Department of Tourism (Philippines) just launched their "My Hometown is G.O.A.T." series. It's an original wherein celebrities from the country showcase their part of the world and will premiere on November 4. Episodes will come out every Thursday and Friday at 8:30PM on AXN Asia (cable where available) and the AXN Asia YouTube Channel the Wednesday after at the same time. It will also be showcased in AXN Taiwan and AXN Korea on November 8 and 13th too.

Celebrities appering on the show include Miss World 2013 Megan Young, her husband vlogger, model and actor Mikael Daez, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris, Basketball Superstars JC Intal, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rico Maierhofer. In the show, they'll be your companion and show you around their respective hometowns to give you a glimpse on why it's the G.O.A.T.! They will be showcasing it in 6 episodes, so make sure you're tuned in on those dates!

 

 

CEO and President of KC Global Media George Chien says "During these times, we're happy to announce the new travel and lifestyle reality show in the Philippines "My Hometown is GOAT!". What makes it the best? Ask the locals, it will include 7 towns in the Philippines which they call home. You'll see delicacies, activities, as they visit their roots, share their stories, perfect for those who can't travel yet so they could see the Philippines through their eyes. The journey starts on November 4th, thank you to our guests. Stay safe and healthy!"

DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat says "Today, AXN Asia is launching their latest production My Hometown is GOAT. For tourism to go back to normal, the long wait, we're getting ready our hotels and tourism establishments are compliant with safety standards around the country. This is to ensure the safety of both guests and our workers. This would encourage people around the country, related to what we can offer. Mikael and Megan will be going to Central Luzon, Gazini Ganados will journey in Zamboanga Del Norte down south, Basketball Stars will be going to the northern corridor Pangasinan and La Union. The world premiere will happen on November 4th, more fun awaits in the Philippines! Mabuhay!"

Mikael says "I'm the one being toured around Zambales and I hope the way I fell in love with my wife there, I fell in love with the place too. It's normal to have apprehensions, but the new normal meant we can still see the sights with protocols in place, safely not just for yourself but everyone around you. The first step is awareness, new safety protocols, once you know that, you can decide. We have different appetites in travel, just follow procedures. We have shown that it is possible to do it while staying safe at the same time."

Megan shares "This was the first time we had our child in the shoot. In San Antonio, we just took a banca and have a grand time even without electricity, just food and friends, it's a great way for us to bond and meet my personal friends. Honestly, when I grew up in Subic I only thought you could ride in the Subic Yacht Club when you are a member, I didn't know you could rent one and it was an awesome expereince!"

Marc Pingris says "I feel grateful being part of this show, I was given a chance to show my team mates how great Pangasinan is. I toured them in La Union, followed protocols, and had a great time. AXN Asia staff really took good care of us, we apologize to the fans that didn't have a chance to take photos with us because we had to follow protocols. I grew up in Pangasinan as a laborer, and going to La Union, the view was different, you just have to go there and experience it for yourself. Being with the boys was just a cherry on top, I hope I get to be there with my other brothers from PBA, we didn't have to go outside the country to see how beautiful it was."

Jayjay Helterbrand says "We need to revitalize the tours, being in the motorcycle in two wheels, we saw everything raw. We saw the skyline, riding along with our PBA buddies, more fun really awaited us during our experience there! They were very adamant about safety protocols, we were prepared ahead of time and they made sure we followed road safety reminders."

JC Intal says "It was super fun and very safe. I am looking forward to more of this!"

Rico Maierhofer "We had to use websites and apps of the LGU's, and we did it ourselves. We're athletes so we're not much of hosts, but AXN made us comfortable. It was an amazing experience! We're thankful that DOT chose us to travel there. It was amazing!"

Gazini Ganados "I was excited to relive my childhood and see my hometown and parts of it that I never thought existed. The hidden gems I found there, it made me realize that I never even have to go far. It was all there all along! We took all safety procedures even before we stepped on the plane. We were also taught protocols in case someone wanted to go near us. There are new attractions, floating restaurants, the beauty under water, it was a different world doing that. It was super fun to see that side of the world!"

That's just the tip of the iceberg, so make sure you watch the show. It was awesome to see them be excited to show their respective provinces. There's so much to see in the Philippines and I hope this is just the start!

Exquisite Condo Living in Bria Homes Mactan, Cebu

I've been in these parts of Cebu - usually to go to places where friends and family do touristy stuff because the sights and the seas are absolutely scenic, like living in a city and still have beach and hotspot access whenever I need to. The same Mactan Island I've loved is going to have their own BRIA Homes in the person of BRIA Condo Mactan right in Sudtunggan in Lapu-Lapu City. If you want to go to Cebu City, it's a few minutes away and it's easy to catch a car, else, go to other nearby islands in Cebu's south which a lot of people do.

Mactan has history, a throng of world class hotels and resorts which would be the envy of anyone who would like it to be their permanent address. Think about it, if you live there and enjoy the same lifestyle as tourists, wouldn't that be nice? It's also very near the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and can soon be accessed via the viral Cebu-Cordova link expressway.

BRIA Homes President Red Rosales says "This would be ideal for young professionals and career driven individuals. The young ones are thinking about their future and if they have a keen eye, this would be a worthy investment. You need really good quality and affordable housing to coincide because monthly amortizations are not that easy to pay for if you also have family obligations."

Millenials would find this to be a good option for their first home. The amenities in BRIA Condo Mactan are good despite it being a mid rise residential build. It's got a multi purpose hall, pools, gym, a gazebo and a kids playground. They're all earthquake resilient too and very secure as it is a gated community. They've also got CCTV and near the essential services you need to raise a family. 

You've got to see BRIA Condo Mactan! If you want to know more about the property, visit https://www.bria.com.ph/ for a 360 degree tour, it's quite nice to see that before you come to the property physically. BRIA Homes by the way is a subsidiary of GOLDEN MV Holdings, Inc.

Oriental Mindoro Ramps Up Tourism Efforts: Set To Launch App and Website on July 8th

My memories of Oriental Mindoro has always been a pleasant one. This is where the rich tropical forests touch white sand beaches and clear blue waters spore an amazing amount of coral reefs that could wow divers from around the world because of the sheer amount of fish that live here. Aside from that, the region is home to huge mountains and yet to be discovered waterfalls and caves perfect for spelunking, hiking and exploring if you're into adventures this side of the world. Tourism has been one of the most affected industries in the country and to jump start things in this province, the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has joined forces with the Department of Tourism's Tourism Promotions Board to launch the new "Travel Oriental Mindoro App and Website."

What is quite different in this app is that it's a one stop shop wherein you can get details about the hottest places in Oriental Mindoro, verified information about how to visit the tourist spots and up to date travel advisories. That's super convenient, especially at this time when you need to know local government requirements so you get there faster, safer, not just for you but the people around you. The app contains endless information and historical facts about individual Oriental Mindoro towns so you could discover more of its people, world class diving spots, experience the best of local food and the province's available accommodations so you could concentrate more on what's important to you. You can easily log in with your Facebook or Google accounts with a few taps and even leave reviews for places you've been to, experienced, so others would have an idea what to expect when they arrive in the same place. You can also check several shops listed on the app wherein you could purchase and take home knickknacks and bring home as pasalubong (a customary gift after a travel) to family and friends, so they don't feel too left out, and maybe see what they're missing out since they didn't get to be with you on this trip. 

The app is powered by ITDC Systems Development Services who made it all user friendly. The Travel Oriental Mindoro App and Website will be officially launched on July 8th (this Thursday) at the Provincial Capitol grounds and will be witnessed by stakeholders from the travel and trade sectors, as well as the kind people of Oriental Mindoro. So make sure you download it by then and experience Oriental Mindoro like you've never did before. It's going to be available on the App Store and Google Play, you may also visit their official website at www.travelorientalmindoro.ph once it gets launched soon.

I can't wait to see that place again!

Top 5 Getaway Hotels that Run on Eco-Friendly Concepts

Travelers are becoming much more conscious of the environmental effect of their vacations, which is increasing the demand for eco-friendly hotels and activities especially in Asia countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and more. Thankfully, in recent years, the world has experienced an increase in sustainable travel alternatives and experiences. Most of the hotels all around the world such as in Thailand and the United States are making attempts to be more environmentally friendly. There seems to be an infinite number of choices for properties to decrease their environmental effect, ranging from using less water to building using sustainable materials.

The list that you are going to see below is the hotel that is practicing the eco-friendly theme in their hotel or resort.

1.Qi Palawan Boutique Resort, Palawan

Qi Palawan's concept has always emphasized sustainability. The resort was created with fuel efficiency and sustainability in thought, making use of bamboo, a fast-growing tree that doesn't require pesticides, as well as 100 percent local labor and materials.

Just like a few hotels in Vietnam, Qi Palawan has fulfilled its aim of becoming a genuine eco-resort over the previous year by adding 40 KwH of solar panels and 128 KwH of batteries, enough to give this boutique resort 100% electricity even during high occupancy seasons. Furthermore, Qi Palawan does not offer plastic bottles, has almost abolished the usage of plastic bags, using locally sourced utilities, and offers environmentally safe sunscreen for its island hopping and diving tours.

2. Cabins Hotel, Tagaytay 

Biophilic design ideas were being used at Cabins to integrate nature into the interiors by recognizing natural airflow and illumination. Solar electricity is also used throughout the hotel, while rainwater collection is used for cleaning and gardening.

What differentiates Cabins is that most of its structure is constructed of recyclable materials, including handmade tiles and sustainable wood for the exterior and sustainable pinewood for the mattresses in all 16 of its rooms. Cabins by Eco Hotels in Tagaytay give visitors a one-of-a-kind staycation experience in any of its 16 rooms, which are believed to be inspired by cruise ship cabins. Although much of the interior and furnishings are constructed of recycled and recycled materials.

3. Chewton Glen, Hampshire 

Chewton Glen is located in the English countryside, close to the New Forest National Park and the Solent shoreline, and is just two hours by rail from London. The estate currently features 14 eco-friendly Treehouse Suites scattered across 130 miles of land, gardens, and parkland.
These suites are built several feet above the ground, overlook the New Forest National Park, and have air-source heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy lighting, and rainwater collection. The site also has 50 active bee colonies of "extremely well-behaved bees" on the ground. There is also a Walled Kitchen Garden and Nursery, which supplies fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area.

4. Garonga Safari Camp, Limpopo  

Adventure seekers may stay at the Garonga Safari Camp, which is spread on 54,363 acres in the Greater Makalali Pidwa Private Nature Reserve in the heart of the African wilderness. The region is home to wild creatures such as elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and leopards, making it the ideal wildlife getaway. Six deluxe tents with individual decks and spectacular views of the region are available at the camp.

The Garonga Safari Camp looks to the sun for electricity and uses solar energy to meet 30% of its electric demands. To reduce their carbon footprint in the wild, they've also installed a heating pump system, water purification, a vegetable garden, and a biogas system.

5. h2hotel, Healdsburg 

The h2hotel is tucked away at the heart of Sonoma Wine Country and provides 36 eco-chic accommodations. They have covered their roof with solar panels to power the facility, which heats the swimming pool and the water in the hotel rooms.

They've also built an EcoSpace elevator, which consumes 60% less power than standard elevators. When attempting to reduce energy usage, even the windows were taken into account. The windows of H2hotel feature twin panes to minimize heat, and the window blinds are cradle-to-cradle approved.

There's a Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Pampanga

Honestly, I didn't know. I haven't been in Clark Pampanga in a while and if I do, it's almost just because of the airport. Though this is actually good news that they're opening up huge establishments especially from Hilton Hotels and Resorts group.

The Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort has 308 rooms equipped with digi keys, with Hilton’s signature Serenity bed, premium bath rooms, a fitness center with the latest equipment, an awesome outdoor pool, a Kid’s Club, an outdoor playground, walking+jogging paths, and soon a wellness center.

They also have several dining choices, Olive which is an open kitchen - all day dining place with views of the pool and the garden. They also have XI which is a modern Chinese place that serves Cantonese regional dishes. They got Treat which serves kitschy coffee, snacks, cocktails and wine.

They also are implementing the Hilton CleanStay program which they do across their other properties so you're assured of a well sanitized place to stay. Oh and have I mentioned their 1,800 square meter meetings space? Here, you can do meetings, weddings and other social gatherings (with precautions done of course). If that's not enough, they can send you to their 1,010 square meter Grand Ballroom which can fit 1,200 guests. It also includes the usual audio and video amenities, so your events would be fitting this place quite well.

This just looks like a phenomenal place in the north, I'd want to visit this place soon. Go visit them at clarksunvalleyresort.hilton.com for reservations, or simply call them at +63 45 598 5400. Tell them I sent you, I kid!