Tag Archives: Philippines

With the Muslim travel market forecast to reach $225 billion by 2028, the Philippines’ government announced that boosting foreign arrivals from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations was among its priority goals. “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a big boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which is home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage and distinctive wildlife,” says Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. Recently crowned Miss Universe Queens Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub and Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin, showed their commitment to promoting halal and wellness travel in the Philippines, following the country’s win of the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year. Led by Dubai-based Filipino Josh Yugen, Founder Yugen PR & Events, the two Miss Universe queens arrived in Manila this weekend to collaborate with the Philippine Department of Tourism in promoting its ‘Halal and Wellness Tourism’ campaign inviting more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to experience the Philippines, starting with eco-luxury holistic wellness resort The Farm at San Benito. The multi-awarded resort is at the forefront in showcasing the Filipino brand of wellness, offering halal-experiences for global travelers. Since the past two decades, The Farm has been championing a way of life that prioritizes self-care, holistic healing, cultural inclusivity, while promoting the country’s serene beauty and the heartfelt Filipino service and care. “We are delighted to initiate this alliance with the beauty queens representing Arab and Muslim countries to further spread awareness of our country’s offering. It brings a greater opportunity to attract travelers, not only from the Gulf, but also from the …

The Philippines is a nation that knows how to celebrate life, culture, and tradition in grand style. Across its 7,641 islands, a dazzling array of festivals showcases the heart and soul of this vibrant archipelago. From colourful parades to religious processions, these festivals offer a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Filipino culture. Let’s uncover some of the most captivating and culturally significant Philippine Festivals that define the country. Sinulog Festival (Cebu): Held on the third Sunday of January, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City honours the conversion of locals to Christianity. It features a grand parade with thousands of participants in vibrant costumes dancing to the rhythmic beat of drums, all while chanting “Pit Senyor!” (Hail, Lord!). The Sinulog Festival is a testament to the deep Catholic faith of Cebuanos, and it’s a dynamic fusion of religious devotion and exuberant festivity. Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan): The Ati-Atihan Festival in January honours the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). This lively event commemorates the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay Island and involves participants painting their faces with black soot, donning tribal attire, and dancing in the streets to the beat of drums. Rooted in both spirituality and tradition, the Ati-Atihan Festival radiates a genuine sense of camaraderie and community, making it a unique and spirited celebration that immerses visitors in the rich history and warm hospitality of Kalibo. Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo, City): This festival is a thrilling showcase of faith and festivity as it commemorates the arrival of Christianity to the island. Expect intense drumming, captivating street dancing, and participants in elaborate warrior costumes. It’s a dazzling spectacle that engulfs visitors in the infectious energy and rich traditions of Iloilo, …

The Philippines is a land of unparalleled biodiversity and enchanting beauty. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, the country beckons those who seek awe-inspiring experiences through its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, towering mountains and vibrant coral reefs. Islands and Pristine Beaches The Philippines is world famous for its breathtaking beaches and crystalline waters. Feel the powdery white sands of Boracay beneath your toes, explore the remote coves of Palawan’s El Nido, and be mesmerized by the pink sands of the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga. You can also discover hidden lagoons, dive into vibrant underwater worlds, and bask in the sun’s warm embrace. Majestic Volcanoes and Mountains Nature enthusiasts and adventurers will find paradise among the Philippines’ majestic peaks, which serve as one of the best places to witness the sun rise or set. Opt to ascend to the summit of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country, or traverse the dramatic landscapes of Mount Pulag and Mount Mayon. Find a moment of calm and peace from atop these peaks and be rewarded with panoramic vistas that defy description. Underground Wonders A world of mysteries awaits beneath the surface. One can delight in exploring the subterranean marvels of the Philippines, such as the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate limestone formations and underground rivers that wind through captivating cave systems. Divers and snorkelling enthusiasts will be enthralled by the Philippines’ vibrant marine ecosystems. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park boasts a dazzling array of marine life, while the Apo Reef Natural Park is a haven for divers seeking encounters with manta rays and sharks. Unique Biodiversity The Philippines is …

The Philippines, a nation blessed with 7,641 islands, invites explorers and adventurers to embark on a remarkable odyssey through its diverse and breathtaking island destinations. Each island possesses its own unique allure, promising unforgettable experiences that will leave travelers in awe. Palawan: A Paradise Untouched Prepare to be spellbound by Palawan, hailed as the “World’s Best Island” by numerous prestigious travel publications. Palawan’s crown jewel, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing an underground network of caves and awe-inspiring rock formations. El Nido and Coron offer unrivaled beauty with their stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, making them perfect havens for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Boracay: Tropical Bliss Redefined Boracay, a small but globally renowned island, entices visitors with its powdery white sands and azure waters. Feel the gentle sea breeze as you stroll along White Beach, indulge in exhilarating water sports, or witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in a myriad of colors. Boracay’s vibrant nightlife, exquisite dining, and luxurious resorts make it a complete paradise for those seeking relaxation and entertainment in equal measure. Cebu: A Tapestry of Heritage and Adventure The island of Cebu seamlessly blends history, natural wonders, and thrilling activities. Explore the bustling city of Cebu, where modernity harmonizes with Spanish colonial heritage. Visit Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro, remnants of the island’s colonial past. Journey to the captivating Chocolate Hills in Bohol, home to over 1,200 mounds resembling giant chocolate drops. Dive into the azure waters of Moalboal or Malapascua Island for encounters with majestic marine creatures like thresher sharks and sea turtles. Siargao: The Surfer’s Paradise Renowned as the surfing capital of the …

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 …