The province of Guimaras is optimistic that its community-based rural tourism livelihood program will help boost its local tourism and economy.

Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan A. Nava said that community-based rural tourism (CBRT) projects all over the island-province will boost the tourism industry.

Mango Trees in Guimaras

The CBRT will definitely increase the income of the community as well as its locales, said the governor. Gov. Nava said that among the CBRT projects in the province include the eco-park village in barangay Dagsa-an, Buenavista.

The Dagsaan eco-park village is best for mountain trekking, target shooting, organic gardening and rappelling which hopes to lure foreign sports enthusiasts.

Residents in this barangay also acts as tour guide, said Nava. Most of them were also trained on culinary arts and food processing so as to sustain their livelihood projects.

Another CBRT project is in barangay Sapal in the town of San Lorenzo. The community here is famous for its mat weaving industry. It includes weaved bags, slippers, hats, cell phone holders that were made of indigenous materials found in the barangay.

These weaved products have already penetrated the national market and are being marketed by small and medium enterprises in Manila, Cebu and in other product showcases.

Likewise, the province boasts of its CBRT project in barangay Rizal, Buenavista. The community is the yacht and galleon industry center in the region.

Residents here are trained by their forefathers in sculpting and designing old-school galleon ships made of driftwood and other indigenous materials. The provincial government currently eyes the export potentials of these galleons, the governor said.

Governor Nava said that the local governments here are currently expending its CBRT projects. He hoped that all the five municipalities will have developed the local industries of its communities considering the various funding and support it receives from the provincial government.

He stressed that CBRT projects act as alternative source for fisher folks and farmers in Guimaras.

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Catch The Bloomfields all weekends of August as Enchanted Kingdom pays tribute to the iconic ‘60s rock band, the Beatles.

The Bloomfields

Reminisce the phenomenal British band’s hits as The Bloomfields play their rendition of Beatles classics like “Hey Jude,” “Twist & Shout,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Blackbird,” “My Sharona” and a lot more.

The Beatles, cited as one of the most influential rock artists of the flower power era, had an immense popularity which has spanned worldwide. Their unforgettable chart-topping music has been immortalized through the years. They have influenced pop culture in an unimaginable magnitude which can still be felt today, as evidenced by the emergence of rock bands covering their timeless songs.

The Bloomfields, widely acclaimed for covering ‘60s and ‘70s rock music, is composed of four talented individuals – Rocky Collado (drums/vocals), Lakan Hila (keyboards/vocals), Louie Pocco (bass/vocals) and Dino Pascual (guitar/vocals) who became a household name for playing “daddy music.” Antiquated yet youthful, The Bloomfields definitely gives something new to the table.

“The Beatles will exist without us,” George Harrison once quoted. True enough, The Beatles is now a legend – transcending time and time again. And as August marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles, Enchanted Kingdom will remember the music that John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr popularized that is sure to bring nostalgia to music lovers.

Other activities at the Park this August include an enthralling display of magic by Simon and Silver all Saturdays and Sundays.

Witness the kaleidoscopic Sky Wizardry, EK’s fireworks display, all weekends of August at 8:30 PM.

Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first and only world class theme Park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 9PM until August 29, 2010.

EK will also be opened on August 13 and 20 from 12NN to 7PM and 2PM to 7PM respectively.

EK Biki Waterworld, the country’s first inflatable water park, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 3PM to 9PM until August 29, 2010. For more details you may call (632) 584-3535 or 584-4326 to 29. You may also log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph.

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A grand surfing festival, dubbed as 1st Siargao Island Surfing Festival, will be held in one setting for local, national and international from September 21 to October 1.

Siargao Island Surfing Festival

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said that among the surfing sporting event that will be held at the annual festival are the National Surfing Competitions and 16th International Surfing Cup and other foreign surfing competitions held at the country’s surfing capital, Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island.

Series of activities are lined-up for the two-week yearly festival like various sports events, cultural and talent shows and tourism/trade fairs, Surigao del Norte provincial tourism officer Ivonnie Dumadag said.

Among the special guests who signified their intention to attend the first surfing festival were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Dumadag said.

Dumadag said the festival will have a grand launch tomorrow (August 5) at Paseo Cabuntog, General Luna town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

“At the grand launching, we will explain to media and invited guests why the festival was conceptualized and what are other activities at the festival to attract local and foreign tourists as we expect this year’s surfing festival will be big bang to our local tourism industry”, Dumadag said.

Governor Matugas, for her part, said re-invigorating Surigao del Norte tourism industry is one of the priority development agenda of her administration.

“We have huge potentials in tourism and we already created an international niche in the industry as we aimed more because we have not fully showcased the best of the best in Surigao tourism,” the governor said.

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Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has welcomed the report that central Philippine island province of Cebu was ranked third best island in Asia recently by New York based travel magazine Travel + Lesisure.

Cebu Island

It followed Bali, which ranked first, and Maldives, second.  Cebu got a rating of 87.5 points, eight points up from last year’s 79.68 point.

Garcia said this could not have come at a better time, given the celebration of the Province’s 441st founding anniversary on August 6.

She said Cebu’s inclusion in the list was significant and rewarding because the provincial Government has been promoting the component towns and cities and Cebu was recognized as an island-province in the magazine.  She acknowledged the local government units (LGUs) that participated in the Expanded Green and wholesome environment that Nurtures (e_Gwen) project.

It is a five-year project that awards LGUs based on cleanliness, sanitation and health, greening, protection and enhancement of the environment; creativity, artistry and aesthetic impact; and promotion and nurturing culture and heritage.

She said with continuous effort, Cebu could hopefully get to the top of the list.

Travel + Business magazine recently released the results of the survey, which covers hotels, airlines, cruises, islands and cities all over the world.

Phineas Alburo, Department of Tourism undersecretary, said the good news proves Cebu has a lot to be proud of.

He noted the magazine is a prestigious American publication.

Samuel Sioson, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the ranking should be challenge to do more.

He said a lot can still be done to improve infrastructure.

Rey Calooy, president of the Filipino Cebuano Business Club, said Cebu should improve its peace and order situation to make the island more enticing for tourists.

Calooy stressed the need for more policy visibility.

The governor said promoters of Cebu should do more.

”I have been telling our travel operators to go beyond the branding of Cebu being the Queen City of the South. I would like to consider Cebu as the Philippines Top Island Destination,” the governor said.

”We will continue to push that bar of excellence. Good enough is not good enough,” she added.

In the survey, respondents were asked tor ate the islands based on their natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurant and food, people and value.

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The Malay Aklan local council is geared into regulating the tour guide operations in this resort island.  Councilor Jupiter Gallenero, a former broadcaster of Bombo Radio, said that several freelance tour guides in this resort island have been deceiving both foreign and local tourists, giving this resort island a negative impression.

Boracay Island

“Fake tour guides are asking for down payment for their probable clients but upon payment many of them fail to show up during the scheduled service,” said Gallenero.

Part of the regulations is to identify who among the tour guides in Boracay are legitimate and who are not. Existence of the fake tour guides have been a perennial problem by many stakeholders here.

Gallenero said that he want the local government unit to provide accreditation cards to the legitimate tour guides.

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This year, everyone has the chance to experience the best travel destinations in the Philippines.

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the largest association of registered inbound and domestic tour operators together with the Department of Tourism, invites everyone to attend the much-awaited 21st Philippine Travel Mart 2010 (PTM). This event will be held on September 3-5, 2010 at Megatrade Hall in Megamall, Ortigas.

2010 Philippine Travel Mart

Different tour operators, regions and provinces and various tourism sectors will be present to offer tour packages that cater to the travel needs of different organizations. These packages include some of the most must-visit places in the country, giving travel enthusiasts something to smile about. In addition to that, this lively and engaging event will have seminars and cultural performances showcasing the splendor of the Filipino culture.

Aiming for a Better Philippines
“In line with the new administration’s vision for a better Philippines, we are constantly finding ways to promote Philippine tourism,” said Cesar Cruz, President PHILTOA. “The 21st Philippine Travel Mart is the perfect venue for Filipinos to be aware of endless tourist attractions and destinations the country has to offer.”

Philippine Travel Mart 2010

One of the many things to look forward to at the event is the Local Corporate Buyer’s Program. Company buyers who are planning to organize fun teambuilding activities for businesses or any incentive travel for employees will want to take advantage of the great deals the travel sellers are offering. With plenty of options for travel adventures, trips, and tours, company buyers will find it easy to organize the perfect corporate outing and incentives.

To give guests a fun learning experience, there will be educational seminars for those who would like to know more about the travel industry. In addition to that, there will be a Tourism Quiz Bee, which encourages friendly competition among its contestants as they find an engaging way to learn more about the Philippines. A screening for the WOW Tour Guide contest will also take place as part of the advocacy to groom destination guides around the Philippines.

Showcasing the Beauty of the Filipino Culture
The Philippines is also known for its unique and wonderful culture, and the event also aims to pay homage to this by having

a Cultural Dance Competition. This is open to high school and college students who will perform traditional dances with a contemporary feel to it, allowing the audience to appreciate the fusion of the old and the modern. Guests can also look forward to the Eco-Chorale, which is a group ensemble singing competition featuring the finest local talent from high school and college students. Lastly, local fashion designers will showcase their talent by recreating the traditional baro’t saya using untraditional and indigenous materials.

The most eye-catching booths at the PTM will be recognized at the event’s Best Exhibit Display awards. Participants of the PTM are encouraged to use their creativity in order to win amazing prizes from PHILTOA.

With so many fun activities and great travel deals in store for guests, the 21st Philippine Travel Mart is the perfect event to attend for people who want to rediscover the Philippines. Everyone is invited to come and show their support, appreciation, and pride for the numerous wonderful things the country has to offer.

The event is held in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Promotion Board, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Primer Group of Companies, Resorts World Manila, Smart Communications, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Tourism Infrastracture and Enterprise Zone Authority, Citibank, Jeepney Tours and San Miguel Brewery. Patio Pacific Boracay, Marco Polo Davao, Two Seasons Resort Boracay, Shangri-La Mactan, The Legend Palawan, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel and Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa.

The Philippine Travel Mart will be held on September 3-5, 2010 at the SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall. For more details please visit www.philtravelmart.com.

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Proud of their rich culture and heritage, the Mandaya people coming from different parts of the Davao Region hummingly trooped to this beautiful coastal town of Davao Oriental to celebrate their uniquely colorful and soulful songs and music which they aim to popularize in mainstream media in a bid to strengthen their sense of identity in this culturally-diverse society.

Mandaya Songs Festival

The Mandaya Songs Festival staged recently in this town was the first of its kind in the country.

Popular and budding Mandayan artists and singers throughout the country graced the momentous event that enriched their unique culture that emanated from the province of Davao Oriental.

The overjoyed Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, herself a full-blooded Mandaya, also graced the event that showcased the Mandaya people’s unique creativity and ingenuity in belting out their passionately romantic and soulful songs and music that very clearly reflect on what is inside their hearts and minds.

“The Mandaya Songs Festival features a song-writing contest with its lyrics written in Mandaya language and blended with our national language which is Tagalog,” said Ramon Ramos, one of the organizers of the event.

“It is considered the first of its kind of Mandaya-inspired popular songs presentation. This initiative is focused on preserving the Mandaya culture that includes the enrichment of the native literature utilizing the resources and talents of the indigenous communities from different municipalities of Davao Oriental and other areas within the Davao Region,” Ramos said.

“The idea of combining the lyrics in Mandaya and the national language which is Tagalog gives the Tagalog-speaking people a chance to understand the song compositions. All the selected 12 entries shall be arranged by a popular music arranger, Rebel Magdagasang, of the GMA Records who is himself a full-bloodied Mandaya lumad. All the arranged 12 songs will be submitted for recording, production and distribution for local and perhaps international market,” he added.

In judging the numerous entries for the song-writing contest, a panel of judges used the following criteria: originality, 50 percent; musicality, 40 percent; and timing, 10 percent.

The first prize winner for the songwriting contest bagged P30,000 in cash, the second prize winner got P20,000 and the third prize winner, P15,000.

For the pop dance contest, the first prize winner received P15,000; second prize winner, 10,000; and third prize winner, P5,000.

“This activity would hopefully mark the beginning of an annual Mandaya Songs Festival as we expect it to greatly contribute to tourism-related industry development. And consequently, this will inspire people from different places in the country to come to Cateel to witness the Mandaya-inspired songs festival either as participants or spectators,” Ramos said.

Organizers of the event hope that the resounding success of the first Mandaya Songs Festival in Cateel, Davao Oriental will encourage their sponsors to continue to help them stage the same event next year.

Cateel Mayor Camilo Nunez was very grateful for the full support and cooperation extended by his constituents to the first Mandaya Songs Festival in his town.

The successful event was also the initiative of the Cateel Mandaya Tribal Council of Elders and Leaders (CAMTRICEL) and the Anak-Cateel Association of the Philippines.

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Cebu Philippines, was named ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ at the Awards Night, of the recent World Trade Fair 2010 held in Shanghai, China.

Maribago Bluewaters Beach Resort in Cebu

The win was declared after a public vote and a strict evaluation process undertaken by professional jurors from the Shanghai Tourism Municipal Administration, VNU Exhibitions Asia, and Shanghai International Conference Management Organization.

Tourism Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano welcomed the award as a well-deserved tribute to the country’s very own “Queen City of the South”.

“As the second most visited destination in the country, next to Metro Manila, Cebu continues to draw more people to add to the 435,987 tourists that it posted in this year’s first quarter. We are not surprised that more and more travelers, especially couples, are finding its pristine white beaches, romantic resorts and breathtaking views, coupled with the innate warmth and friendliness of our locals, a perfect treat for their honeymoon trip,” he said.

Regarded as the most famous integrated travel resource in China, the World Trade Fair brings together hundreds of participating countries and organizations all over the globe.

In attendance in this year’s expo at the Shanghai Exhibition Center were about 500 trade buyers from tourism association, outbound travel agencies and tour operators.

Added Durano, “For one of our provinces to be recognized at such a prestigious international event is a noteworthy indication of the country’s growing tourism charm among many travelers across the world. It also opens an opportunity to further promote our sites.”

At present, Cebu enjoys a steady influx of travelers, with top markets including Korea (28 percent), Japan (23 percent), USA (10 percent), and China (6 percent).

Apart from Cebu’s attractive sites and diverse excursion activities, Durano also acknowledged the country’s competitive tour pricing and the continuous development of the transportation sector as influential drivers of tourism growth in the island-province.

Arlene Alipio, head of DOT Team China, shared that charter flights from Shanghai to Cebu and Boracay have helped spur inbound travel growth to Cebu, “Convenience of travel makes tourists from China more likely to visit the island and take more time to enjoy their stay.”

Furthermore, she noted that regular flights to Cebu are also issued by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific twice a day.

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. expressed enthusiasm and pride over the recent award bagged by the country, calling it “an affirmation of the country’s world-class tourist spots and its unfailing efforts to reach out to new markets”.

Last year’s World Trade Fair, held also in Shanghai, had also been highly memorable and optimistic as the country clinched the “Most Popular Destination in Asia” award, the highest recognition given during the event.

Shanghai-based Philippine Tourism Attaché to China, Gerry Panga, said, “The Philippines has increasingly become a choice destination among its Asian neighbors as well as the world, owing to the relentless programs and campaigns that allow travelers to discover and fully appreciate our islands.”

While total China outbound travel grew only by three to four percent in 2009, outbound travel from Eastern China to the Philippines has been growing at an average rate of 40 percent in terms of visa issuances since the opening of the new Philippine Tourism Office in 2007.

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The Philippines’ participation in the 2010 International Tourism Bourse (ITB) held recently at the 160,000-square-meter Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds in Germany brought to the spotlight the country’s rich and colorful culture.

El Nido Palawan Philippines

One of the world’s leading trade shows, the 44th ITB Berlin had over 110,000 trade visitors and over 11,000 travel stakeholders from 187 countries.

The event opened with a grand performance by the partner country, Turkey, of the Fire of Anatolia, a popular Turkish dance group which presented SUN, a colorful show which brought the Western and Eastern cultures together.

The successful exhibit was well represented from all tourism segments, which were largely leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits), and business travel. Tourism stakeholders, which included tour operators, airline companies, hotels, new technology, services and suppliers also, showed a strong presence.

More than 7,000 accredited journalists, tourism media and communication professionals from 90 countries covered the five-day event.

According to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, “We are proud to be part of the world’s leading tourism trade event. It is an important platform where Europeans and international guests can get a glimpse of our country’s distinctive culture.”

The world’s leading trade fair for the international travel industry revealed an extremely positive situation for the year.

David Ruetz, senior manager of ITB Berlin, said, “One welcome development is the fact that the proportion of foreign trade visitors from Asia and Africa has more than doubled. This is largely attributable to the impending FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and to the ITB Asia.”

Meanwhile, DOT Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said, “For this year, the ITB is tapping the luxury spending market, from the segment of wealthy European holidaymakers.”

On the part of Director Verna Buensuceso, Team Europe head, she said, “We have acquired much needed information on web travel. The market for mobile travel services is growing at a breath-taking pace, and ITB Berlin is the first trade fair for the travel industry that is providing it with a separate platform.”

The DOT presented the country’s 7,107 islands of sun, sea and sand – a welcome destination for European travelers escaping winter. More than diving, trekking, caving, and other adventure sports, the DOT also offered newer tourism packages like bird watching.

The Philippine booth featured the colorful culture of the South. A performer playing the musical instrument, Kulintang, and a traditional B’laan weaver were among the highlights of the exhibit.

Another colorful sector that stole the show at the ITB was the Lesbian and Gay travel segment, which featured interesting characters, dressed in flamboyant outfits.

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If there’s any recreational sport sport that’s environment-friendly, it’s kayaking which is one of the Philippines’ most popular outdoor nowadays among families and individuals seeking for thrill and relaxation in the oceans, seas and lakes that surround the beautiful and scattered more than 7,000 islands.

Cher Huey

What’s more, kayaking supports the country’s extensive tourism campaign that shows colorful and unique Filipino arts, culture and history to foreign and local visitors the whole-year through.

The Philippine Kayaking Association headed by Val Camara and his wife Didi always see to it that that eco-tours are conducted whenever and wherever an event or two is held.

The couple organizes side trips to places to plant mangroves to save corrals, fishes and water creatures that depend on seagrass for food.

Local residents are also informed to take care of the environment and avoid abusing the seas and its friendly animals like the sea turtles, whales and dolphins that attract people to visit the different islands.

More often than not, foreigners seem to appreciate better what the Philippines can offer in terms of sports, tourism, food, cultural exchange and camaraderie among different countries worldwide.

For instance, Kayakasia’s Cher Huey of Singapore who brought along him a 10-man delegation in the recent Canon Power Shot kayak Explore Anvaya Cove-Subic Bay kayak marathon said if he were to chose a place where a regional double-paddling competition would takeoff, his choice would be the Philippines.

“You have clean waters to race with biodiversity, endless beautiful places to explore, nice people around and strong Asian cultural link that puts strangers at ease,” said the 20-something B.A. social science/ psychology graduate who teaches fellow Singaporeans the basics of kayaking.

Huey, whose family is into kayak boat manufacturing and selling fiberglass kayaks and paddles all over Asia, has been in the sport for the past two years.

“I love kayaking; I believe we who live in Southeast Asia should bond together and make it our regular family and individual event to be anticipated every year,” he said.

There is, indeed, a plan for a regional circuit to be hosted by the Philippines in 2011, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other SEA countries in the following years, according to Didi Camara.

And Huey is trying to learn the ropes from the original organizers so his country could be ready in 2012 when the key is turned over to them.

Huey and Co. arrived an hour late for the 25 kilometer race due to over- subscribed plane booking. Nevertheless, he and his Filipino partner managed to place seventh with a time of 4:37:14!

The 25K race was won by Alexis Atutubo and Romeo Castro by clocking an impressive time of 3:48:35 while the novice was captured by the amazing mother and son pair of beauty and wellness spa manager Alfie and 10-year old Lance Argana from Cagayan de Oro City with nine minutes 33 seconds.

The Arganas towed along 12 supporters who cheered on them all the way from Subic to Anvaya Cove and Sabang where a lecture on taking care of the environment and sea turtles was conducted.

What matters is Huey and his compatriots enjoyed every moment of their stay in Subic with the local contingent, media and sponsors. There’s always a second time around anyway.

What’s more, they had the rare chance of kayaking over Subic Bay Freeport in the moonlight with some five brave local souls.

“Gosh, that was a fantastic experience,” he gushed.

Would Huey be better prepared and come back for the 25K title next year? “You bet,” he said as he twirled his double-bladed paddle.

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