“With this unique attraction, we hope to highlight our multi-cultural heritage of as one of the main staples in a tourist’s itinerary,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

Slated to perform in all Tuesdays of July is Sinukwan Kapampangan which will present Pampanga’s folk dances, while Sining Bulakenyo and Lahing Batangan will render Maglalatik, Sayaw sa Bangko, Singkil, La Jota Manileña, and other ethnic and rural dances in all Thursdays of the same month. Wearing sophisticated costumes and elaborate make-up, the members of the groups ease into their different roles effortlessly, amidst a backdrop of dramatic lighting.

“Kultura Filipino establishes Manila as a major cultural stop, as it will be one of the highlights in city tour packages offered by tour operators. We likewise urge interested groups to join us in our campaign to promote and preserve the Filipino artistry,” added Durano.

“As of now the project primarily features songs and dances. Although we are also exploring the possibility of using it as a venue for exhibits in sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and cinema among others,” according to Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., DOT Tourism Planning and Promotions.

Director Elizabeth F. Nelle, DOT Office of Product Research and Development said, “With the country’s different regions tapped to participate in Kultura Filipino, the audience can expect a colorful presentation from a whole spectrum of different traditions and performing arts.”

Holding these exemplary shows within the walls of Intramuros also adds an atmosphere of historic and old world charm, said Nelle.

Performances are held at Barbara’s Restaurant, Intramuros. Packaged at a special introductory rate of P495 per person, the show includes a dinner buffet.

“We have to secure our place in the top 77 candidates.  More than voting, let’s also promote our bet,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

The New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) organizers announced that after the top 77 candidates have been determined, the New7Wonders Panel of Experts, led by Prof. Dr. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, will then take over to select the 28 Finalists.  The 28 Finalist Candidates will be announced on July 21, 2009.

Bernard Weber, Founder and President of New7Wonders said, “New7Wonders is now bigger and more global than ever. By allowing 28 locations to compete as Official Finalists, we are recognizing the passionate, universal desire to participate in the campaign to chose the Official New7Wonders of Nature.”

Voting for the nominees that will be eligible to be chose as an Official Finalist Candidate closes at midnight, July 7.  Voters anywhere in the world can take part in the poll through www.new7wonders.com or via the international telephone voting line, or with a personalized voting certificate.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River has slipped to number 2 on the poll.  The Philippine entry is vying for the top spot, which is currently occupied by the Amazon River, among other 54 nominees under the category of Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves.

There are currently 261 nominees from all over the globe, competing in 7 different categories, only 77 of which will remain after voting ends in July 7, 2009.  The campaign is at its second of three stages.

The contenders have been classified into 7 groups which are: Landscapes/Ice Formations, Islands, Mountains/Volcanoes, Caves/Rock Formations/Valleys, Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves, Lakes/Rivers/Waterfalls, and Seascapes.

“More than a popularity contest, this campaign advocates the protection and preservation of our unique natural wealth,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.

Renowned as the world’s longest underground river, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also features a stunning limestone karst mountain landscape.  Inside its large chambers are stalactites and stalagmites formations, while at the mouth of its cave thrives a bustling ecosystem which includes monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels.

The New 7 Wonders of Nature is an ongoing campaign sponsored by the New 7 Wonders Foundation based in Switzerland.  The same group initiated the New 7 Wonders of the World project in 2007.

Majority of the visitors on the N7WN website has likewise voted for Manila as the venue for the proclamation of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.

The networking night was a great success for not only did the Bacolod bloggers attended but also SEO professional, e-service providers, online social network-users, Businessmen and publication staffs. Aside from that there were also visitors from Iloilo, The Iloilo Bloggers, who graced the event.

During the event Ms. Janette Toral also told us about the latest tidbits on DigitalFilipino Club. She encouraged us to participate in the following activities: Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2009 Update, DigitalFilipino Web Awards 2009 and Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2010.

Ms. Janette Toral with Negros Bloggers Core

It was a fun-filled night with great food, good music and beautiful company. Thanks to PAGCOR for sponsoring this event. Aside from that we were also given vouchers to experience playing in casino and prizes raffled too. Most of the participants won 500 vouchers and a green bag full of PAGCOR items. Most of us went inside to try our luck in Baccarat and guess what? We had beginners luck. Woot! Woot! So, nobody went home empty handed.

Opps! Before I forgot, please checkout PAGCOR’s website to know more about there event sand game schedules. I heard there’s an X-rated underwear show coming up. Sorry! That’s the only show that sticks to my mind hehehe…

With Iloilo Bloggers & Ms. Janette Toral

Well, all-in-all it was a blast! And I really hope that this won’t be the first & the last. As what I told Maricar, I’ll be a proud NegrosBlogger from now on *crossfingers*

Once again thanks Ms. Janette Toral and PAGCOR for this successful event! Until next time.

*****

More DigitalFilipino Club & Bacolod Bloggers Networking Meet-up blog post:

- Bacolod Bloggers Meet-up at casino Filipino a Success, thank you PAGCOR!
- The First Bloggers’ Event at Bacolod!!
- Iloilo Bloggers at the DigitalFilipino Club & Bloggers Meet-up hosted by Casino Filipino!

This is how the Department of Tourism (DOT) aggressively promotes the country in the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong.  The theme Romantic Philippines is set to captivate Asian couples, featuring unique getaways and exhilarating thrills.

“The country’s stunning landscapes truly make it a sought-after wedding destination.  Couples would choose only the best for life’s most memorable events, and we are certain they would never run out of exciting discoveries in our many islands,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano shares.

Fort Santiago perfect place for you wedding photo

The country’s delegation, led by the DOT, will be joined by renowned and respected industry leaders Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, The Manila Hotel, El Nido Resort, Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Le Soleil de Boracay, Hotel Seraph Boracay, Waterfront Hotels and Casino, and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

Trusted travel operators Shroff International Travel Care, Inc., Castro Travel Solutions Agency, Le Soleil de Boracay, Happy Sun Travel and Tours, and Planet Holiday, as well as leading carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, will also be represented.

The Philippine booth promises unique performances and exciting activities.  Top local acts will render Kundiman, or Filipino love songs; and unique designs by leading designer Renee Salud will be showcased.

Now on its 23rd year, the ITE has chosen the country as a finalist for the ‘New Travel Route’ competition, where finalist countries will be put to popular vote as the most preferred destinations for avid travelers.  Joining the Philippines for the list of finalists are Switzerland, Greece, Peru, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan, among others.

The Hong Kong market has continued to pose encouraging number in terms of arrivals to the country, for the past three years.  A total of 96,296 visitors in 2006; 111,948 in 2007; and 116,653 in 2008 reflect a significant 14% growth rate.

Looking on to brighter and more fruitful years for travel and tourism, especially noting the huge potential of our islands in enticing a growing number of travelers, the Philippines expects to sustain an upward trend for the Hong Kong market in the coming years.

Durian is commonly known as the “king of Fruits” due to it’s formidable look and unique yet overpowering odor. Some people regard this odor as fragrance while others, like me, find it offensive and disgusting. Sorry! It’s just my opinion. Well, this odor is the reason why the fruit is forbidden in some hotels and transportation in Southeast Asia.

Since I’m bias when it comes to the taste and flavor of durian for I can’t stand the smell of it, I’ll just copy paste instead what people think of the durian fruit from Wikipedia. But according to my durian-lover relatives, it’s really creamy and delicious. Hmm… What do you think?

Davao’s Durian

Quoted from Wikipedia regarding Durian’s flavor and odor:

The unusual flavour and odour of the fruit have prompted many people to express diverse and passionate views ranging from deep appreciation to intense disgust. Writing in 1856, the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace provides a much-quoted description of the flavour of the durian:

“The five cells are silky-white within, and are filled with a mass of firm, cream-coloured pulp, containing about three seeds each. This pulp is the edible part, and its consistence and flavour are indescribable. A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid nor sweet nor juicy; yet it wants neither of these qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to stop. In fact, to eat Durians is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience. … as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.”

While Wallace cautions that “the smell of the ripe fruit is certainly at first disagreeable”, later descriptions by westerners are more graphic. British novelist Anthony Burgess writes that eating durian is “like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory.” Chef Andrew Zimmern compares the taste to “completely rotten, mushy onions.” Anthony Bourdain, while a lover of durian, relates his encounter with the fruit as thus: “Its taste can only be described as…indescribable, something you will either love or despise. …Your breath will smell as if you’d been French-kissing your dead grandmother.”

Travel and food writer Richard Sterling says:

“… its odor is best described as pig-shit, turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away. Despite its great local popularity, the raw fruit is forbidden from some establishments such as hotels, subways and airports, including public transportation in Southeast Asia.”

According to Durano, “This year’s Phitex is envisioned as a strong avenue for tourism linkages amongst stakeholders in the industry.  In a time of economic challenges, it is important to work together to find alternative solutions and creative programs to address these.”

“The Department continually encourages travel within the country to not only stimulate economic growth, but more importantly promote a sense of pride amongst fellow Filipinos, “Durano further said.  

Scenic Batanes

Under the theme “Explore, Experience…The Philippines is made to be traveled,” Phitex highlights the country’s unique island attractions, as well as the myriad of activities which travelers can enjoy. 

At this early stage, travel-related companies all over the archipelago that are accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) may now join the annual business exchange to accommodate a larger set of participants. 

Among the travel wholesaler invitees, more than a hundred are expected from Europe, mainly Germany, plus about 40 agents from Russia, Scandinavia and Turkey, a new potential source market.   Asian Buyers are anticipated to likewise have a strong showing in the business tables with companies from China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the ASEAN countries.  Rounding up the regions, buyers from Middle East and India, North America and Australia are also participating. 

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. noted, “The country’s unique 7,107-islands are ideal for those seeking adventure, diving, history, culture, as well as dining and entertainment.  This significant event features the limitless possibilities the country offers to local and foreign tourists alike.”

Mt. Pinatubo

PHITEX ’09 kicks off on September 2, with the Educational Seminars for interested Sellers.  As with the recent episodes, DOT is tapping marketing representatives, top travel wholesalers and related authorities to provide delegates with vital information as well as updates on doing business with travel agents from key source and emerging markets. 

Event partner Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) will be conducting a choice of new pre-event tours and activities for the Buyers.   The Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), which remains the most important component of Phitex, will feature business sessions that provide participants an opportunity to establish rapport and negotiate deals and arrangements with their counterparts.   Pre-scheduled appointments will be given each delegate for the intensive business-to-business discussions, which assure quality interaction between buyers and sellers. 

“The Buyers will likewise be hosted to an experiential program organized by the DOT Marketing Teams.  The familiarization tour for Buyers is an integral part of Phitex offering the VIP guests a chance to sample the spectacular beauty of our islands and experience first-hand the famed warmth of its people,” Jarque said.

Sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Phitex ’09 forms a considerable part of DOT’s aggressive stance to attract more travelers to our shores by directly engaging the major players and big travel firms of the country’s target markets.  

Further details are available at www.wowpinoy.net./phitex or by calling the PHITEX ’09 Secretariat with telephone numbers (02) 525-7320 and 525-9318 local 269/258.

PIETA - MALATE - 1945

In memory of the people of Malate who were killed during the Second World War and the five Columban priests who stayed with them and died with them.

The compassionate figure of Our Lady of Healing calls the Church to heal our crucified world, to walk with the poor and the oppressed, and to be the voice of those who cry for justice.

Mary who inspired the women of Malter, represents the women of all thimes; women bring life into the world and most understand the sacredness of life and the insanity of war. With them, we pledge to work for a world without war where all people will live in that peace which Christ promised.

Nuestra Senora de los Remedios   February 2, 1997

Pieta can be found in Malate Church compound.

Recently, I went on a 4hr drive from Bacolod City to Sipalay, the southern Part of Negros, to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the City life. This is my 2nd time in the said City but this sleepy town of Sipalay or the “Jewel of the South” still amazed me to no end. The place really has a lot of things and places to boost of.

One of the places they can really be proud of is the Takatuka Lodge and Diving Resort. The resort is a “colorful & wacky piece of paradise”. And it is owned by the Kalitta Brothers, Marc & Kalle and their wives, Cathy and Evarose.

Takatuka Lodge: The Cave Room

Takatuka is located at Langub Beach, Barangay Nauhang, Sipalay City approximately 164km south of Bacolod City. From Barangay Nauhang, one should board a motorized banca to take you to the Beach front of Takatuka. The place is really isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city life that one could really relax and unwind in it. You have an option to relax and enjoy the beautiful of the beach or be one with nature at the back of the resort where one could also go boating around the mangrove.

Takatuka came from the popular European children’s storybook written by Astrid Lindgren, “Pipi in the Land of Takatuka”. The owners really want their paradise to have a wacky, crazy and artistic feel in it, which you can’t find anywhere else. And yes, this is the only place where you can find junk or ordinary things turned into a recycled Art. A flower pot made of radio sets and old rubber shoes. A telephone, remote control & camera turned into a light switch. Toy cars and guns turned into a chandelier. Bicycle turned into post and a cellphone cases covered post in the dining area. And one of my favorite things in this resort is there bathrooms.

Pull down the chain to turn on the faucet. Cool right?

Well, Takatuka bathrooms are really wacky, funky and artistically designed. Each one is so colorful and so wackily decorated that it gives the place a playful atmosphere. One of the attraction in the resort is the crazy bathroom of the Negrito Hut for everything in this place were designed to look crooked - the windows, mirror, tiles, doors, floors are really crazy but so creatively put. One of my favorite in this bathroom is the old water pump that was turned into a toilet paper holder. Aside from that, one of the craziest toilet seats in Takatuka was made of thumbtacks. Who in their right mind would think of this? I guess only the Kalitta Brothers and I’ll give them 2 thumbs up for this.

The owner and the staffs are really friendly and hardworking. They even gave us a house tour - Thanks to Rose!!! So, we had a chance to see all the crazy, wacky and funky designs of the 8 rooms. One of my favorite is the newly opened MadMix Room for it opens into another world - the world of madness. The room was designed with Red Horse beer bottle as a post, toilet bowl as a shower, and a lot of crazy light switch and interior arts. This room represents me best or should I say the crazy side of me?

Madmix room toilet seat  shower

Aside from the place, the food in Takatuka are really good, creatively presented and artistically named. The meals are a combination of Swiss, French, German, American and Asian Cuisine at affordable prices. My favorite is the Kikeritzel - A meat-eater’s favorite made of a crispy breaded chicken “Schnitzel” bursting with juicy ham, melting cheese, pickles and fragrant herbs, topped with “Jager Style” rich and creamy mushroom gravy. It’s really delicious!

Sorry! I can’t tell you anything about the dive school in Takatuka for I haven’t tried it when I was there, maybe next time. The diving rates in Takatuka are not that expensive and they also have an accredited diving instructor.

All in all, Takatuka Lodge is an amazing experience. And I’ll definitely recommend it to everyone. The Resort is colorful, wacky and a fun place to be. The owners and the staffs are really friendly and hardworking. And the food is great and yet very affordable. So in short: 2 thumbs up for Takatuka!

TAKATUKA LODGE & DIVE Resort
Langub Beach, Brgy. Nauhang
Sipalay City, Negros Occ.
Website: http://www.takatuka-lodge.com
E-mail: relax@takatuka-lodge.com
Tel. #: +63 920-2309174 or  +63 920-6792349
Bus Fare (From Bacolod to Sipalay) : Php 145
Tricycle Fare (From Crossing Montilla to Brgy. Nauhang): Php 30/head
Banca Fare (Nauhang to Langub Beach): Php 200/banca (Takatuka Service)
Php 150/banca (Nauhang banca)
Php 400/banca ( Takatuka Service from Sipalay-Langub Beach)

Push the button for me boy Opps!! Another unique light switch

Takatuka: Superstar Room

Dining & Reception Area

The Cave bathroom

Click here for more photos

This promo from Cebu Pacific is valid for travel from July 1, 2009 to August 31,2009. The destination for this ‘Go Lite’ fares is sold for flights in Manila to Bacolod, Busuanga, Cauayan, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa & Tacloban. And it is also available for Cebu - Siargao flight.

So, what are you waiting for? Book now at CebuPacificAir website for that budget vacation you dream of.

And the winner of this cool chick red polka dots Artwork Cap is…..

Abelle of Only in Silence

Congratulations, Abelle!!! Please email, PM or leave a comment here for your contact details, especially your mailing address where I can send your prize.

Until the next contest guys!