Travel Central Philippines

Bohol in our iPhone App

2012-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a screenshot of the iPad version of our app, My Travel Philippines. Its a product of more than 15 years of continuous research on the tourist attractions and destinations in the country. The photo shows the map of Bohol with all the attractions, hotels and resorts.

If you don't have it yet in your device, just search for MY TRAVEL PHILIPPINES in the app store. Here's the weblink - http://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/mytravelphilippines-com/id376830684?mt=8

You can also see the information in our website - www.mytravel-asia.com

Bayanihan Parade

2012-01-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

For almost a decade, I held on to this idea of an event that is uniquely and proudly Filipino. It would be a very compelling moment that should leave the participants ecstatic and the audience bewildered.

Friends told me to keep this idea secret and shared only to those who are in the position to make this into a reality... and with me in it.

I did keep it confidential and shared only to a very few people.

But I guess a decade of confidentiality and waiting is long enough. And I bet, this is not a unique idea. Some may have already thought of this. Also, many more would claim that this was originally their idea once they read this.

Actually, I don't care. People, government agencies or private entities can take this, steal this, share this.... I just want this done by whoever and wherever.

I will not go into details, but show the pages of the powerpoint presentation I already shared to some (just excuse the watermarks that serve as shallow claim to ownership and opportunity to show my other tourism advocacy).

The Philippines and the Filipino people deserve this kind of an event to remind them of their true spirit.

My Perspective - Philippine Tourism History (Part 1)

2012-01-06T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hi. I'm Caloy Libosada. Im almost 44 years old and I've been stuck in the Philippines tourism industry for more than 21 years (actually, I could use the phrases - I have been a tourism advocate, i love this country, etc. but that would be too.... whatever)

And I'm gonna try to write a compelling, dramatic, historic, fun, funny article on tourism in the Philippines.

First, the disclosures - 1). that I am writing this article because I was stupid enough to challenge my facebook friends to convince me to write this (I know, very stupid....). 2). I am writing everything from MY own perspective. I don't care how other so called industry people and "experts" regard my thoughts as stupid, they should write their own stuff from their own limited views.

Second, to establish my credibility - I worked with the Department of Tourism for seven (7) years as a research officer (yes, using the people's money to travel around the Philippines to discover destinations and tourism products), a faculty member teaching tourism courses in the University of the Philippines and the Development Academy of the Philippines, a travel book writer, a tourism planning consultant, writer, blogger, travel iPhone app developer (My Travel Philippines - in charge of the content), and read this - a professional bum. Well, to summarize my crazy career, I have been hovering over the tourism industry as a player, academician, and advocate (sorry, had to use that word).

And what made me an advocate? Simple - my travels opened my eyes to the realities of poverty, environmental challenges, and economic opportunities. There were places I visited where people could not rely on agriculture (the soil is too thin), the people had to kill off the wildlife to feed their kids, and the only industry that could leverage those challenges is tourism.

I've seen how the provinces of Bohol and Palawan were able to punch through low economic character into two of the top provinces because of tourism. And don't get me started about Cebu and Camsur.

For many who are reading this, I bet that you don't have an idea what the tourism industry of the Philippines was 5 years ago. And some may have some sepia memories say, 10 years ago?.... So lets start with this article (he he.... talk about a riveting intro).

The 70's (i have to admit, much were taken from readings and informal talks with people in that decade)

Many oldies would claim that the Marcos years was the golden years of tourism in the Philippines. And at the helm was a guy named Joe Aspiras. Through sheer "yabang" or whatever willpower, they were able to bring in Ms. Universe and the Ali-Frazier fight "Thrilla in Manila" to the Philippines (which made the country quite famous). Back then, the very few tour operators and tourism people were a real happy bunch. Plane loads of tourists would come to the country and some don't have a place to stay (have you tried to imagine a tourist sleeping in a hotel restaurant or lobby). Of course, the opportunity to build more hotels was there.

Back then, only the Ministry of Tourism had the power to give permits to tourism businesses. It was a very powerful government agency that classified whether an accommodation facility was a hotel or a motel (ask a Bohol hotel about this :D).

It was party every week, every night, and in every hotel rooftop. It was the life many of us may want to live! It was the life many of us could not imagine....

And tourism was unheard of in many Asian countries. They drooled at the Philippines as it built the PICC, those big hotels and resorts in Cavite. The Philippines was way ahead of the game! And no other Asian country (well, except Japan) could stare at the Philippine and not blink.

The first tourism institute in Asia was built. That's why the Philippines was confident enough to name it - Asian Institute of Tourism under the University of the Philippines. (but many in the UP system, yes, including faculty members, derided the institute and called it many names). Its students suffered varying degrees of discrimination (its not real business, its not science enough) which stayed for about two decades. But I'm happy to report that its not the case anymore.

But we have to go back to the reality that it was also the time of dictatorship, martial law, curfew, and growing communist and Muslim separatist rebellions. The tourists who come by the hundreds of thousands were actually crowded in a few areas that include Manila, Ilocos Norte, a few in Cebu, and a dwindling number in Zamboanga City. The only exception outside Manila was Baguio City.

The American servicemen traipsed in the bars of Angeles and Ologapo and the shores of La Union and the two Ilocos provinces.

And yeahhh....... the beaches in Batangas and Cavite become virtual Divisoria during summer weekends, as well as the resorts in Calamba, Laguna.

And what about the other destinations? They have accommodation facilities - mostly for travelling salesmen.

End of Part 1 -

Will just continue when I have the time :D

Puerto Princesa Underground River and Vicinity Tour Package

2011-12-06T07:27:00.001-08:00

With the enhanced popularity of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), more people are getting curious how the place really looks like.

And if you have three days to spend in the area, you can actually do a lot of things and discover more intimately this world's natural wonder.

This scene is now very rare - where the forest meets the sea

I made a simple itinerary that is focused on the national park and its vicinity. For those who have been in Puerto Princesa, this is a refreshing option to see more of the beauty of Palawan. Just be ready to do some serious, 4-kilometer trekking through limestone walls, thick forests, and beach coves. Some added bonus would be witnessing the wildlife in the area that include endemic parrots and other birds, watchful monkeys, and probably even pythons resting peacefully (and safely!) on tree branches.

You can do this on your own. Or if you prefer to do this edgy activity with some help, just click this LINK so my colleagues can help you book your tour.

The best place to spend the night is in Sabang Beach which is just

outside the national park

Here's the detailed itinerary:

Day 1
Arrive Puerto Princesa Airport
Proceed to Sabang
Check-in Resort

Rest/Free time
Swimming or snorkeling in the beach

Day 2
Early Morning - Boat to the underground river

After the cave exploration onboard a small boat, trek back to Sabang for about 4 kilometers trough forest trails that also pass through limestone "forest", and tiny beach coves

Option - on the border of the national park, one can take a river tour that goes inside a forest of mangrove trees (highly recommended!)

Day 3
AM - visit Ugong Rock and do ziplining
PM - Back to Puerto Princesa

Very important!! - If you're doing this trip on your own, make sure that you get a permit first in Puerto Princesa City. The park managers are observing the carrying capacity of the area and they can only allow a certain number of people to enter the area per day.

A highly recommended activity is to go on mangrove river paddling tour and wonder in awe at the very tall mangrove trees and surreal-like forest. You might also get to see some interesting wildlife here. This is located between Sabang Beach and the national park.

Green Vehicles in Cebu

2011-12-05T19:12:00.001-08:00

Just the other week, I was quite lucky to be invited as one of the resource persons to talk on sustainable tourism for Shangri-la's Mactan Resort's CSR (corporate social responsibility) event called Green on the GO in Cebu.

The event was packed with a lot of participants and some items and programs were also exhibited. What caught my attention were the "green" vehicles which were either electric tricycles and a used-to-be volkswagen beetle/plus some Porsche parts that magically transformed into a 'coconut" car! You have to read the write-up in the photo to understand what I'm trying to say.

Also on display is an e-trike that I wanted

to test-drive and bring back to Manila

I think I can still have the chance to see in my lifetime a scene where the roads are filled with more environmentally-benign vehicles and get to savor fresher air compared to what I'm inhaling right now.

Crossing my fingers here!!

Remington Hotel - Define Value for Money

2011-11-19T08:47:00.001-08:00

And you think Resorts World Manila offers nothing but expensive hotels like Maxims and Marriott? Better step back to get a better picture.

Last November 11, the newest hotel in Manila was launched amidst a good crowd and dashed with foreign entertainers most of whom are regular performers in the various venues in the complex.

Remington is being positioned as a more affordable accommodation in this part of the region. Yup, I'm thinking very hard to use the hotel when I launch an education-based travel program.

You can see the entry of the hotel in our website here.

And below is the full description of the hotel:

Resorts World Manila (RWM) introduces its newest addition to RWM’s lodging brands for the discerning travelers. The introduction of Remington Hotel offers guests a comfortable and affordable stay right in the heart of Asia’s hottest playground, Resorts World Manila. The hotel offers top quality, value-for-money accommodations within RWM’s 24/7 entertainment and lifestyle facilities.

Remington hotel has 623 standard rooms and 89 units of serviced apartments. With an average room size, of 21 square meters, the standard rooms have two queen-sized beds, air-conditioning, in-room WiFi, in-room safety box, shower and bathroom, hot and cold water, power sockets on the wall, electronic key lock, telephone, luggage storage and daily housekeeping services.

The serviced apartments, on the other hand, features a one-queen size bed, sofa bed, dining table, cooking facilities, microwave oven, and refrigerator. The hotel is also equipped with electronic access key room cards, CCTV cameras, and trained round-the-clock staff. Meanwhile, high-quality mattresses and linen ensures a restful sleep, making Remington Hotel a home away from home

Remington Hotel is RWM’s third lodging brand, along with the luxurious Maxims Tower, and the 5-star Marriott Hotel. Opening its doors in November, Remington Hotel is a great option for the savvy and cost-conscious traveler either for business or leisure. At the same time it is also ideal for family and friends, both here and abroad, who desire affordable hotel accommodations without compromising on quality and service.

Philippine Countryside (and Charice's Lighthouse song)

2011-11-11T03:26:00.001-08:00

How can you not be proud of a fellow Filipino who has made a mark in this world as undeniably one of the best singers this world has seen in this century?

Her song, Lighthouse evokes a very deep meaning of finding one's corner, his own home.

And what's a good way to pay homage to the singer, her song, and her home? Yes, this one I can say that I have tried with whatever little photo and video talent I have.

This video showcases the countryside scenes in some of the tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Oh, I have to list them as they're not included in the video:

Bojo River in Aloguinsan, Cebu (the river with boats and locals swimming)
Villa Salvador Resort Farm in Bohol (the bahay kubo houses)
Day-asan Floating Village and Mangrove Lagoon in Surigao City (sunset)
Mabua Beach in Surigao City (intro video)
Apulit Island Resort in Palawan
Lagen Island Resort El Nido, Palawan
Small Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan
Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon (the pyramid-shaped church)
Tinuy-ay Falls in Surigao del Sur
Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte (small island and kayaks, 3 kids)
Kayaking in Bohol
Sliding kids in Lila, Bohol
Farm fields in Bohol
Balanga Bataan (boys with kits)
Sulfa Island in Cebu
White Island in Camiguin
Camotes Islands in Cebu (beaches, lake, country road, pigs on boat)
Islands (from plane window) in Busuanga, Palawan
Boracay Island
Macahambus Forest Walk in Cagayan de Oro City
Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental (kid doing back flip and kids on skim boards)
Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur
Foot of Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon (on horses)

The Future of MICE Entertainment?

2011-11-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

Some months ago, I witnessed something new (at least for me) in travel entertainment. On the stage of Marco Polo Cebu's ballroom were entertainers who did not just dance, but created a story... and some amazing fusion of light and dance movements.

And while watching, I told myself that perhaps this is the future of tourism's MICE sector (that's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events.. or Exhibits... whatever..).

Ot perhaps of the entire tourism industry -- where aside from showing and entertaining, you awe your visitors with something new, something unique..... and with a story to tell.

I wonder what will be the face of the tourism industry 5 or 10 years from now?

I just hope that the Philippines won't be left behind and get stuck to the paradigm of the 90's.

2011-11-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

We now have a web support for the various travel iphone apps we developed! Just go to www.mytravel-asia.com and you will see how comprehensive our travel information is.

Another good thing is we are continuously adding new records such as tours, promos and events. And need I say that you can actually book your hotels in the website?

We're also inviting destinations and properties to have their info included in our database by just posting them in our Facebook group.

Please check it out and maybe you would consider bookmarking it or booking your tours there? :D

Brochure - Medical Tourism

2011-10-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a short blog on Medical Tourism. Its a brochure (or primer?) on Medical Tourism in the Philippines made by the Department of Tourism. The country is a bit late-comer compared to its other Asian neighbors. But hey, there is always time to catch up!

Open publication - Free publishing - More clinic

The Sound of Music in Manila!

2011-10-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Resorts World Manila is showing the way in the Philippines that entertainment tourism should be treated very seriously in this country.

Debuted only last October 15, the Filipino performers are proving once again that theater can easily be done....if..... only...... we have the venues......

You can see the weblink of the musical here.

When I was teaching Tourism Planning, I kept asking my students to think of the Asian country that would have the best chance of developing a theater-based tourism product, that is, if we only consider talent and immense flexibility of the actors. Hands down, and with no emotional bias, they can only think of the Philippines. Alas! we could hardly develop that product based on talents alone! Two-thirds of them actors and musicians are scattered all over the world.

I remember when Ms. Saigon was shown in Manila many years ago, the hotels near the Cultural Center of the Philippines were filled with tourists who came to the country just to watch the musical. Its as clear as the sunny skies - bring a well-loved musical or program, mix it with great talents, and put them in a good venue..... ahhh.... the ending is so predictable.

I'm hoping that Resorts World Manila would succeed in this endeavor and let the country's tourism industry (and the government!) see the great potential of developing entertainment tourism. Crossing my fingers here.

Oh, about the musical (he he..). It was great! My only regret was I was so far away from the stage that I could not see the facial expressions of the actors. Plus, taking photos and videos was not allowed. I had to go guerilla-type by covering my small camera's LCD, make some quick draws and praying that I get some decent shots (obviously, I did not get any :D). Now, you are warned - cameras are not allowed inside (I don't know about cel phones with 8 megapixel cameras.....:D )

Below are some of the guerilla-photos (read - real crappy, as in, asa pa). I hate deleting them without making use of them first. Talk about visual pollution, lol!....

Water Glide in Lila, Bohol

2011-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

In my tourism advocacy, I always say that one of the easiest things to do in the industry is PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Just look for that unique definer, the most interesting story you can dig out, and you can have that product!

Take a look at this waterway that was actually built as an irrigation canal in Lila, Bohol. The headwater comes from a spring and flows through more than a kilometer of concrete line. And guess what? The kids in the town are having a great time sliding with the water and having a most unforgettable time of their lives!

The last time I visited the area, the town mayor wanted to make this into a tourist attraction. The canal leads all the way to the beach area. Check this out! It should be very interesting to spend a few hours sliding through this attraction in the probins!

Lila is less than an hour away from Tagbilaran City, going to the east.

Here's another interesting trivia on the town - When I was involved in marine mammal conservation programs (and there was no law yet banning the capture and killing of whales and dolphins in the country), the beaches of Lila used to be the place where captured marine mammals were slaughtered. Back in those days (up to mid 90's), if you walk on its beaches, you would see bones of big whales and dolphins. We even dug up an entire jawbone of a Bryde's Whale!

Of course, these days, the killing of marine mammals has stopped and they are slowly recovering in the more friendly waters of Bohol.

Mabua Beach in Surigao City

2011-10-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

How do you enjoy the moment in the beach? In Mabua Beach in Surigao City, you can just sit on the pebbles and listen to the symphony of rolling waves and rocks. Of course, you can also have fun swimming and challenging the crashing waves.

Tourism Lecture Walks

2011-10-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm bringing my tourism advocacy to another level!

Called Tourism Lecture Walk, the activity is designed to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of tourism students in the Philippines.

You see, the tourism course in the country is experiencing exciting and at the same time a bit worrying growth. Tourism as a college degree has become a preferred path for many. The number of teachers could hardly cope up with the demand.

I figured that given what I know about a good number of destinations in the country, I could help enhance their learning by bringing out their classroom to the largest map of the Philippines - in Rizal Park. I've done some test groups and the feedback has been very encouraging!

The Rizal Park module will be for Domestic Tourism.

Im still thinking the best place for a lecture walk for Ecotourism. Possible candidates are the pocket gardens of Rizal Park, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City, or the La Mesa Ecopark. I guess this module will have to wait a bit.

Here are the details of tourism lecture walk for Domestic Tourism:

1. Designed for - tourism students; those with other courses and non-students can also attend
2. Rate - Php300 for students; Php500 for non-students
3. Minimum - 10 people; Maximum - around 40 people (roughly 1 class size)
4. Duration - 2 hours
5. Schedule - per appointment; Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
6. Time - Choice of 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. or 3:00 - 5:00 PM
7. Meeting Place - DOT (Department of Tourism) steps, in front of Agrifina Circle (the giant statue of Lapu-lapu), Rizal Park, Manila

How to contact me - Text - +639274104151 or email me - pinoytourist@gmail.com

A Look at Surigao City

2011-10-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

The face of tourism has been changing over the years. Slowly and consistently gaining speed, local government units are understanding and appreciating the role of a well-managed tourism industry in the development of their areas.

Got the chance to be the resource person for a seminar in developing a tourism master plan for Surigao City, the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte just a few days ago. The good thing is I do not have to write any portion of the master plan. I just had to give them inputs and ideas that they can use in crafting the document. The city government has appointed a technical working group composed of a very good mix of both government and private personalities. I am now hoping that they will do a good job for their city and their people.

And in the middle of a busy event, I managed to sneak in into my schedule a few tourist attractions and had a (literally) great taste of culinary out-of-control escapades!

I actually missed a lot like the islands and beaches, some rivers and caves, plus the whirlpool that can easily be seen from one of the island villages. That should be a very interesting site to see. I have to keep that in my checklist the next time I visit the city.

Day-asan Floating Village
The Day-asan Floating Village is a great revelation! In fact, I had a hunch that there is something wrong with the name (which Ricky Amores, the local tour operator who brought me to the place, agreed). Its definitely more than a floating village. One can take a boat ride in the calm and clear waters that formed like lagoons flanked by mangroves. Jump into the water and snorkel, or have a picnic lunch in any of the pocket beaches. At dawn or dusk, the place is definitely a photographer's delight.

One of these houses is an ideal stop for lunch prepared by the homeowner.
This can make the experience of the tourists and visitors more memorable.

A bridge that makes Day-asan an interesting place to visit.

Come at dawn or dusk and your camera will never fail you.

My point and shoot camera, together with very low light could not capture an event I witnessed when the high tide was coming in. The waters appeared to be boiling and my wild imagination made me think of thousands of jumping and frantically swimming fishes disturbing the calmness of the waters. Had a great moment there!

Mabua Pebble Beach

This is something else. I was actually not that excited to see a pebble beach since I knew that it won't be that attractive and swimming might be next to impossible (only people with thick, calloused feet can walk barefoot in pebbly beaches, believe me).

But I was in a big surprise. The whole place was not only scenic, But I was really, really tempted to jump into the water after seeing the kids having great fun in the waves.

Sheds line the beach area of Mabua

Choose your "panghilod" Other countries are just discovering
the wonders of "pumice rock" for beauty and health purposes.
That's old news to the Pinoys :D

The tourism technical working group that will draft the tourism master plan, together with Mayor Ernesto Matugas (seated, 4th from left) and the city tourism officer and FB friend, Rosely Merlin (seated, in red)

Mineral Rock Museum

I was pleasantly surprised when we took a few minutes to visit a rock and Surigao heritage museum. Seeing the private museum and talking with the people involved in this, you could easily conclude that this is a real labor of love.

Surigao's history is very rich and yet, relatively
unknown to many. On display are some of
the secondary burial jars discovered in the region.

A crab fossil!

Rock of all sizes, colors, and value

These "wooden pans" brought modest riches
to the local gold panners in the region

It was a pleasant surprise to meet facebook friends who take care of the museum - Jun Ramirez (2nd from right) and Jose Karlo Minglana (right)

Places to Stay

For a place like Surigao City, you might think that it could hardly offer rooms beyond the economy range?... Wrong.

I'm glad that I was billeted in Almont Hotel. Its definitely a very good crib with spacious rooms and a great view of the sea. The staff were always ready to greet me with a smile. Only, I could not understand their Visayan language which I later found out to be a bit unique.

Its a few minutes from the city proper which should attract those seeking quiet while on vacation.

I also got to take a peak of some accommodations facilities in the city proper:

Tavern Hotel is the high-end hotel in the city.

Fiesta Resort is quite interesting. It has a large pool
and designed like a Florida resort you see in
American movies. This is located in the Mabua beach area.

Food!

Obviously, this is where I really got crazy. Surigao City is where I tasted some of the freshest and really affordable meals one can wish for. Had kilawin and sashimi almost every night in places like Island Seafood Restaurant, Ocean Bounties, Tavern Hotel, and of course, my nest for a few days, Cafe Maharlika Restaurant in Almont.

My food adventure was capped by a hot cup of brewed coffee in a real coffee house (because it has a real espresso machine :D) called Bean, Green and Cream. That's for the coffee, tea, and the gelato/ice cream)

Angel in disguise.... the devil you know....

It takes a good barista to claim you're a real coffee house.

The chicken and the pig have been married (again!) in Surigao City's version of fried chicken and crispy pata. Had a good brunch on my way to the airport.

Uhhh........ scary.... a few bites won't hurt.....

As a last frame. Let me show you a fruit that I haven't seen in many years. A bunch of rattan fruits being peddled by this kid.

From Malaysia to the Philippines - One Shout Away

2011-09-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

It feels a bit weird for a Filipino to be standing on a Malaysian island and looking at another small island that is part of the Philippines. Yes, in the Turtle Islands, the Philippines is just a shout away from Malaysia.

There are nine landforms that belong to the Turtle Islands in this frontier area. Six belong to the Philippines and the other 3 are in the territory of Malaysia. The Philippine side is actually a municipality whose people depend mainly on fishing. It belongs to the province of Tawi-tawi (which is another major tourism treasure just waiting for its right time).

Both countries have agreed on a pact to cooperatively protect the area which has been classified into an international heritage site because it has become one of the very few remaining major turtle nesting grounds in the world.

The islands are only 45 minutes away by speedboat from Sandakan but a good 12 hours by slow boat from any take off point in the Philippines.

Malaysia has been successfully operating turtle watching as an ecotourism program in one of their islands for 30 years now. With high demand on turtle watching (many tour operators book the tours one year in advance), the Philippines can become an ideal expansion area.

It is an exciting possibility! The two countries working together for economic development and environmental protection, the frontier community of Turtle Islands finally getting a shot for their own socio-economic upliftment, providing them added and enhanced livelihood, and the turtles can become better protected.

I would really like to see that scenario in my lifetime.

(I also have an article on Dispatch Magazine. For the customers of ROX and its sister stores under Primer, ask the store crew if they already have a copy they can give you. Wait also for the PDF copy of the article to be uploaded in www.dispatchmagonline.com)

The Patango.... Bow.....

2011-09-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

I know, this may not seem like anything related to tourism. But give me the (2 minutes) benefit of the doubt.

Patango is a tagalog word for this some kind of a beetle. The rough English translation is "something you can make its head bow" or "to bow one's head."

You see, going to the province and seeing those great attractions like breathtaking views, white sand beaches and good food can be a rather typical activity.

And how do you make an entirely new and unforgettable visit to the rural area? Join the kids in the fields!

Fly a kite, climb up a mango tree, chase grass hoppers, grab some wild guava. And yes, get hold of this quite funny insect that violently bows its head when you hold it. Ask it some questions answerable by Yes or No. Ask it if your crush has the same feeling towards you, if you're going to be rich, or if you will have the chance to come back to this piece of rural paradise you found. Then you set it free.

When you travel, you can have the choice to experience something extra ordinary by going very ordinary, by going very local.

Mangrove Planting

2011-09-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Went back to my photos for the mangrove planting ecotourism activity in Calatagan, Batangas. It was actually a project under Conservation International - Philippines and was designed to achieve several things - promote Calatagan as an ecotourism destination, involve a local people's organization, and showcase that an activity like this can become a major tourism offering.

You may wonder why the participants are scattered like there is no order in planting the mangroves. The activity was more of a replacement for the mangrove seedlings that died due to debris and seaweed smothering. What usually happens is that seaweeds and debris (plastic!) would cling on the fragile seedling which eventually break and kill it. Its not really that easy to help the environment!

Also did some photoshop experiments.

Majestic Eagle in the City

2011-09-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Meet Girlie. A Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) that is being kept in the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City. Inspite of almost 30 years of efforts to study and save this endemic and majestic raptor. Not much is known about their true condition in the wild. Scientists estimate that probably less than 300 remain in the wild. With the continuing destruction of the few remaining forests that serve as the eagle's refuge, its future remains depressing.

There's Girlie in the park. Try to give her a visit, and maybe say sorry to her for what we have been doing to her kind and to her home. And if you're up to it, try to see that obvious link -- that her home also serves as our home. That we're on the same boat!

Here's also a video I made about 3 years ago.

Tagaytay on a Cloudy Day

2011-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

With an increasing number of routes to Tagaytay City (there's now Cavitex which should bring you through the towns owned by the locals and less explored by travellers), it is becoming easier to decide going to the place.

On my way to deliver a talk on ecotourism to Cavite State University's Silang campus, I had to take that precious lunch first. Got to check out Max's Restaurant by the ridge and was afforded this great sight.

Here's a tip if you want to really enjoy your road trip to Tagaytay City. Do it any day, except Sunday. If you do it on a Sunday, you will see what Tagaytay traffic is. Or if that's only your available day, better make sure that you're driving out of the place before 3:00 PM.

Ohhh..... there are also very scenic roads that few travellers have discovered. More on those in my future Tagaytay/Cavite posts.

Micecon Opening

2011-08-10T18:43:00.001-07:00

Blogging while it happens....

This is an experiment im doing now. Currently attending the Micecon event in Cebu City. MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibits/Events) is a tourism sector that is seen as high value market.

The DOT Secretary doing the opening ceremony

Bayang Magiliw....

This lovely violinartist enthralled the audience.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia doing the welcome address. Yes, Cebu is the top island destination!

Dancing Inmates (Cebu)

2011-08-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, in your travel, you will experience different feelings happening all at the same time. You will feel amazed, lucky, happy, sad, confused, wary, and just plain dumbed by what you are witnessing.

More than a thousand prisoners - killers, thieves, rapists, robbers and all other accusations you can think of, are assembled right in front of you. They stand in attention, say a short prayer...... then...... dance!

You see some of the faces as gaunt and serious, some with shifting eyes, and others trying to keep up to the dance steps. And you see the whole ocean of faces many of which are actually smiling.

A thousand orange shirts with a capital "P" moving in perfect coordination.

You knew what you will see before you entered the prison walls - the dancing inmates of Cebu. But as your eyes actually see them, you can't help but blurt out, "what the f*@$ is happening?!"

When all the songs have ended, you get near them, a bit hesitant because of the realities of why they were there in the first place, but comforted by their friendly faces. You take pictures of them and yourself with them. You all smile for the photo op.

You shake hands with some of them. Dusts of happiness seem to have been showered in the compound. You leave the compound smiling, still shaking your head that you just witnessed and experienced an almost unbelievable event.

Me.... I was wondering what was in the heads of the prisoners while they were dancing and seeing us smiling at them.....

Si Malakas at si Maganda - How about a 20-storey monument?

2011-08-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

In an event some weeks ago, Chairman Felipe de Leon of NCCA (National Commission on Culture & the Arts) posted a challenge to come up with an idea of a monument that is truly and uniquely Filipino. I told him - how about a 20-storey monument of Malakas at Maganda? Ohhhh.... he liked the idea! What do you think?!

It makes perfect sense for this kind of project. No other country in this whole world can have a similar thing like this. Plus, the concept of Malakas and Maganda shows how the Filipinos value equality between men and women, that they were created equal.

Prof. De Leon also said that the Malakas and Maganda names were Spanish influenced and that their original names were Si Ka Lak and Si Ka Bay. Si Ka is not their name, its a reference (like Si Ka Tiago).

If actually done, this can become a major landmark and a tourist destination. Definitely worth considering to remind us who we are and show to the whole world our unique cultural heritage.

Pinatubo Buried Houses - creating a major tourism product

2011-07-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here's another unsolicited advice. This time for the province of Pampanga.

Mt. Pinatubo erupted about 20 years ago.

It is one of the very few volcanoes that almost the whole world knows.

And what (MAJOR!) tourism products can be developed out of that unfortunate catastrophy? Of course, there's the crater and the trek, plus the 4x4 adventure drive.

But what I think has been neglected or never thought of (inspite of the in-your-face opportunity) as a major tourism product are the buried houses (uhm... can I put some exclamation points?).

You see, the buried houses have great stories to tell to all the visitors. It can make the volcanic event and the lahar floods seem more personal to the tourists.

I hope there are Kapampangans reading this who have the powers and resources to make this product into a reality.

1. Find a buried house (or a village! - which is much better)

2. Dig out the dirt (or only part of the dirt) which will allow visitors to go down and enter the house. They will see up close how high the lahar was.

3. Im very sure that if properly implemented and coupled with good guiding or interpretation, this can add to the Philippine tourism map!

Anybody out there interested to take on the challenge?

The Viral Moriones (Marketing Marinduque)

2011-07-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's an unsolicited advice for the province of Marinduque.

Marketing a destination has always been a challenge and perceived to be very expensive (well, in most cases, marketing could really cost gazillions!). So here's a marketing strategy that would cost maybe 500k to pull through. That amount would go to the transport, meals and accommodation of the guys who will be involved.

You see, Marinduque has something very unique that no other province in the Philippines can claim to also have - the Moriones.

Branding-wise, its almost automatic: Marinduque = Moriones..... Moriones = Marinduque.... Much like the equation Tarsier = Bohol, except that there are also tarsiers in the islands of Samar, Leyte and Mindanao, only Bohol was quick and savvy enough to use the tarsier as its tourism ambassador.

So the idea is to go into viral marketing. Bring a bunch of Moriones to Manila (or even Cebu) and make them walk and pose in crowded areas and landmarks.

Yes, people will notice them! Take photos and videos of them and post them in their blogs, facebook walls and even google+ boards. Did I mention Youtube already?

Some might say that it would be no-different from the Ati-atihan. Yes, in a fraction of a way..... But AA has already been ubiquitous in all the cities and towns of the Philippines. While the Moriones still has that sense of mystery and definite uniqueness that will surely make people stop on their tracks and gawk on the colorful, intimidating strangers.

People don't have to go to Marinduque to see a real, live Morion. They can see them in the city, then many would be more curious to know more about the province, and still, a good number may decide to visit that destination. And that, is one guerilla-type strategy of destination marketing.

And to make things really more interesting, invite a Filipino band to join in the fun and eventually create a music video with the Moriones in the city.

And yes, invite bloggers and writers to also join in the walks of the Moriones, see the reactions of the people and get caught up in the virus of the Moriones sowing interest in the people who catch a glimpse of them.