Tag Archives: Philippines

Philippine Tourism is currently participating at the Riyadh Travel Fair in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their valued travel and tourism partners to portray the many diverse offerings to the Middle Eastern travellers. Her Excellency Myra Paz Valderosa Abubakar, Undersecretary, Department of Tourism speaking with TravelTV Middle East shared the importance of the Middle Eastern markets and their focus on halal tourism. “Middle East market is a very important market for us and we are participating at the Riyadh Travel Fair as we are focusing on Muslim friendly travel from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East. Recently, in the Philippines we passed the Memorandum circular where in accommodation establishments could be Muslim friendly recognized so that they can get certificates so its very easy for our accommodation establishments in Philippines to be Muslim friendly recognized, we have 6 guidelines to follow and then 5 percent of the total number of rooms in an accommodation establishment in the Philippines should be Muslim friendly. So what do we mean by Muslim friendly, so each room will have the direction sticker (the kibla) that is very important, in our front desk, we encourage at least one Muslim employee to be able to greet our Muslim guests coming in and we have asked them to make available at the front desk a list of the prayer times as normally when you come from another country time changes so at least you have a copy of that so that you will be able to know what time to follow for prayer. Also, a list of masjids in the area or mosques so if they want to go for Friday prayers …

The Philippines is a tropical paradise with so much to offer tourists. It is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each with its unique charm and attractions. From world-renowned beaches to bustling cities, there’s something for everyone. Its stunning beaches are world-renowned and are among the most beautiful in the world, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea. The white sand beaches of Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are just a few of the many picturesque destinations that the Philippines has to offer. The event is in continuation of the talks initiated by DOT since September 2022 with the concerned agencies to take up visa concerns for key tourism markets in the hope of finding solutions affecting the flow of entry of international tourists. Beaches: The Philippines is famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Palawan’s El Nido, Boracay, and Siargao are just a few of the many beach destinations that will leave you in awe. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. Cultural Experiences: The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in it. Visit the Spanish colonial-era architecture in Vigan, see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces in Banaue, or attend one of the colorful festivals such as the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. Food: Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, and Chinese influences, resulting in unique and flavorful dishes. Try adobo, sinigang, and lechon, among others. Sample street food such as balut, isaw, and fishballs, which can be found throughout the country. City Life: The Philippines has a thriving urban scene with cities like Manila, Cebu, and …

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world to recognize the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality. In the Philippines, women have played a significant role in the tourism industry, contributing to the growth and development of the sector. Let us see how the Philippines celebrates International Women’s Day in terms of tourism. The Philippines is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and hospitable people. The tourism industry in the country has grown significantly in recent years, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Women have played a critical role in this growth, working in various capacities, including tour guides, hotel staff, and travel agents. To celebrate the achievements of women in the tourism industry, the Philippines organizes various events on International Women’s Day. These events aim to showcase the contribution of women to the sector and inspire other women to pursue careers in tourism. They also provide a platform for women in tourism to network and share their experiences, challenges, and success stories. The nation goes above and beyond in supporting and showcasing women travellers, offering them a seamless and safe experience when travelling to and from the country.   The Philippines also recognizes outstanding women in the tourism industry through awards and honours. These awards aim to recognize women’s contributions to the growth and development of the sector and inspire other women to excel in their careers. For example, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines organizes the Mabuhay Awards, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the tourism industry.   In addition to these events and awards, the Philippines promotes gender equality in the tourism industry through …

The Philippines, home to lovely beaches and picturesque mountain vistas, has a lot more to offer to the visitors. The cities of the Philippines offer fun and unique activities that can be toured in a single day, with a cosmopolitan vibe. Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is alive with sights and sounds of urban life at its busiest. It is also a contrast of the old and the new, with a mix of skyscrapers and heritage houses, and cars share the road with colorful jeepneys and horse-drawn calesas. One tourist stop in Manila should be the Walled City of Intramuros, built by the Spanish colonizers 500 years ago. Its stone ramparts are still intact, along with the other defenses such as its moats and cannons that protected the fort from both natural disasters and invaders. Visit the Casa Manila Museum to get a feel of life during the Spanish era and take a walking tour to the centuries-old churches Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church to appreciate their architecture. Fort Santiago holds historic significance as the prison where the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was held before his execution in Bagumbayan. Other structures to check out nearby are the Manila Central Post Office, a neoclassical building that has been declared as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum, the Cultural Center of the Philippines which is home to world-class performances by Filipino artists. Immerse yourself in art at the National Museum of the Philippines that houses the country’s largest and perhaps most iconic painting, the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the National Museum of Natural History that showcases Philippine flora and fauna, and the National Museum of …

The Philippines is a country full of beautiful scenery, abundant natural resources, and welcoming people. Here, everybody is welcome to be part of the fun from the captivating coastlines to the creative native crafts, to the unique gastronomic experience, you will find the kind of fun that is uniquely yours. There is always something fun to discover. Festivals in the Philippines are an integral aspect of the local culture, known for their grand, vibrant celebrations. There are plenty of festivals which are celebrated in the beautiful country Major festivals include the Ati-atihan, Dinagyang and Sinulog festivals in Akian, Iloilo and Cebu respectively. They are one/two day events primarily for the domestic market – have international appeal. Here’s a list of festivals to keep a lookout for while planning your trip to the Philippines. Buyogan Festival – Buyog (bees) dancers depict the origin of the town’s name in a well-choreographed dance/ festival. It has environmental preservation dimension importance of bees in nature preservation and man’s health. Dinagyang Festival – Dinagyang Festival is one of the biggest and world-class festivals in the Philippines. It traces the history of devotion to the Holy Child Jesus popularly known to Filipino devotees as Sr. Sto. Nino. The festival also commemorates the arrival of the Malay settlers and the legendary barter of Panay Island from the natives called called Ati. Karatong Festival – Karatong is the Waray (a native of and language in Leyte) word for bamboo. During the olden times, way before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the people in Dulag used bamboos to warn the town if there were enemies, such as pirates and tribes, who wanted to invade their lands. They would …

The Philippines is not just famous for its islands and beaches; the country also boasts of natural and scenic landscapes with the landlocked province of Benguet on Luzon Island housing a number of them. Found at the southernmost part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet is nicknamed the Salad Bowl of the Philippines, since it’s one of the main sources of fresh vegetables in the country. With picturesque mountain views, a tranquil atmosphere and cool breeze, Benguet provides a refreshing escape from the busy city life. Taste the finest strawberries Benguet’s capital is La Trinidad, where vegetables and strawberries are produced. Visitors may take the leisure of picking their own bunch of the freshest strawberries and vegetables at the farm for a fair price. Since La Trinidad is abundant in strawberries, they have treats that are strawberry-flavoured and are a must-try for those visiting. Some of the top picks include strawberry taho (hot silken tofu with sweet syrup and sago pearls), strawberry ice cream and strawberry jam. Admire colourful hillside houses Through community participation, settlements along identified barangays were painted and transformed into a giant mountain art wall that portrays images notable in the place and which signifies “re-blooming” and “re-greening” of the environment. The project was initiated through a collaboration with major paint companies, artist groups and the local community. Known as ‘Stobosa’, the initiative serves more than a beautification project: it signifies the collective desire to instil sustainable development of communities, to influence and change mindsets, and to create a living environment where the people could live harmoniously and productively. Stobosa is therefore one large mural where the vision for a better and more prosperous clean environment is …

Etihad Airways is set to strengthen air connectivity between the UAE and the Philippines this winter with an additional daily service to Manila. A second daily flight will be established on 30 October, providing guests with a total 14 flights per week between Abu Dhabi and the Filipino capital. Both daily frequencies will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in the skies. “As one of our biggest markets for point-to-point travel, Etihad is proud to offer our guests a greater choice of options and easier access between the UAE and Manila,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales and Cargo. Our double-daily service will provide the large Filipino population in the UAE with convenient access to visit family and loved ones back home and support the recovery in tourism as more holidaymakers flock to discover the stunning islands of the Philippines.” The combined double-daily flights will see Etihad offer 450,000 seats annually between Abu Dhabi and Manila, representing a year-on-year capacity increase of 75%. The additional frequency will also increase the total annual cargo capacity to almost 30,000 tonnes, opening more business opportunities and supporting the growth of bilateral trade. In Southeast Asia, Etihad will offer up to 56 weekly flights this winter between Abu Dhabi and Manila (14 weekly flights), Bangkok (14), Phuket (7), Singapore (7), Kuala Lumpur (7) and Jakarta (7.)  

The Philippines brought to life its 4,000-year story in its push for cultural sustainability at Expo 2020 Dubai, which witnessed one of its grandest National Day celebrations to date. From the flag raising ceremony at the Philippines Pavilion and the Al Wasl Plaza, to the magnificent culmination gala presentation at the Jubilee Park, the Philippines added elements of the importance of preserving and retelling the story of their rich cultural history through visual art, immersive music, and impressive artistic performances. With cheerful smiles and upbeat vibes, the Philippines filled the streets of Expo 2020 Dubai with day-long celebrations of colorful, fun-filled cultural festivities witnessed by thousands of Filipinos come came in from all over the UAE, alongside thousands more of Expo 2020’s visitors last February 11, Friday. Philippines Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and PH Expo 2020 Dubai Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos underscored that not only was the one-day event well-attended and received by Filipino expats, it likewise captured the hearts of Expo 2020’s visitors from all around the world. “It’s always a delight to see our fellow Filipino compatriots who have driven from all seven emirates to converge in Dubai for this momentous occasion that celebrates the pride of our nation. As equally astounding is how Expo 2020 Dubai’s global audiences resonated and responded with smiles and gratitude to all of our events and presentations, and joined in the excitement of our festivities,” said Gaetos. The Philippine flag was raised twice – both in the Philippines Pavilion and in the Al Wasl Dome on Philippines National Day, with many Filipinos singing the Philippine National Anthem with pride at the world’s …

Cebu Pacific has launched a new product that enables travellers to purchase unlimited one-way tickets within the Philippines for a low price of only AED 7 (Php 99) this May 5. The CEB Super Pass allows travellers to purchase all of the vouchers they want for a low one-way base fare, and fly whenever they wish across CEB’s widest domestic network.  The vouchers will only be available for purchase for a limited time, from today, May 5, until May 12, 2021. Travel dates for Cebu Pacific’s Super Pass will be any date from May 12, 2021 to May 31, 2022! This innovative, first-of-its-kind product provides flexibility of travel dates, affordability, and convenience for all passengers as the carrier continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This Super Pass, exclusively available for Philippine destinations, helps families and friends from all over the country to reconnect and discover world-class beaches and historical sites. “On our 25th anniversary, the CEB Super Pass is a timely option for guests who would want to travel whenever they want, wherever they want in the country, at a guaranteed low fare. With the widest network in the Philippines, we offer this one-of-a-kind product that enables us to fulfill our commitment of providing fast connectivity and value-for-money deals for everyone,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

The 27th World Travel Awards have recognised the Philippines as Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2020. The award-giving body also declared the Philippine Department of Tourism as this year’s leading tourist board in Asia, besting 11 nominated countries. “We are truly honoured and thankful for the accolades given to the Philippines at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia. These recognitions are certainly an inspiration to the industry as we safely and gradually reopen our destinations for tourism. These would not be possible without the combined efforts from our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and our fellow Filipinos who have tirelessly promoted our country’s attractions, products and culture,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.