By Ruby de Vera
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TOURISM is a major industry in the Philippines. With our beautiful white sand beaches, old churches, and hospitality we are famous for around the world, the influx of tourists has steadily increased over the years.
They say there are almost as many malls as there are islands in this country, and the malls have become attractions themselves. The SM Mall of Asia has become such. Touted as the largest mall in the Philippines, it boasts of a unique malling experience. Because of its location, the mall is an ideal tourist destination, making it a one-stop shop for all things tourist.
From quality Filipino products and services to foreign exchange counters, not to mention countless restaurants serving Filipino cuisine, tourists are treated to our famed culture and hospitality. SM Mall of Asia’s proximity to a number of hotels makes it a short ride away for shopping, not only for homegrown products, but for a lot of international brands as well. With this in mind, Mall of Asia has introduced the Tourist Privilege Card, an exclusive benefit card for foreign visitors.
Cardholders can avail of amazing discounts, rewards and freebies at participating establishments at the mall, which includes hundreds of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment and leisure options. They get to grab VIP seats at the Cinema and iMax, straight discounts and free food items and a round of drinks at selected restaurants, more discounts and free items from retail shops and a lot more.
Cardholders also get to experience the package pick-up service so they don’t have to carry their purchases around; they can arrange to have them delivered to their hotel so they can continue shopping or just hang out at the mall. There is also a tram service shuttle that is available to take them around Manila’s hottest tourist destinations.
The unique bayside mall is not only about the generic malling experience –,its sprawling grounds are also hosts to a number of hip, hot and timely events: From art and photo exhibits, musical performances, sold-out concerts and other themed activities, it will surely make for a great, fun-filled visit at the country’s lifestyle hub.
To avail of the Tourist Privilege Card, simply present your foreign passport at any of the Concierge Stations, where the accommodating staff will be happy to help you. For more information about the Tourist Privilege card, you may call 556-0680 or log on to http://www.smmallofasia.com.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Students get a peek into the ‘real world’
By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
AMADEUS PHILIPPINES has found a way to prepare travel and tourism students for “real work” in the “real world,” while they are still in school.
And that is by forging long-term agreements with some of the country’s top colleges and universities to provide their students with e-learning courses that would train them in using the global distribution system (GDS).
Amadeus Philippines general manager Albert Villadolid said it had forged separate agreements with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College, University of the Philippines and University of San Jose Recoletos.
Under these separate agreements, Amadeus Philippines will provide all its partner schools with a wide range of e-learning courses that will be used in the training of college students on the intricacies of the travel and tourism industry.
In particular, the students will be trained to use the Amadeus GDS, a system, which is being used worldwide to book hotel reservations, airline flights, insurance and rent vehicles.
Students will also learn to use the hotel management systems and SMS systems for bookings.
“We expect our partnerships with some of the country’s leading schools to create a steady pool of globally certified travel professionals, trained in using the most widely deployed global distribution system in the world,” Villadolid noted.
In a related development, the company also said that Enderun Colleges, the Philippine affiliate of Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and the Alain Ducasse Formation in France, have entered into a similar partnership with Amadeus Philippines for the training of its students on the use of the Amadeus Property Management System (PMS).
The Amadeus PMS is directly linked to the Amadeus GDS and includes its inter-hotel chain communication capability and e-mail confirmation facility.
Villadolid said that the Amadeus platform was the popular choice among travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cruise liners and car rental companies.
Amadeus is the world’s leader in providing the travel industry systems solutions to manage the distribution and selling of travel services, covering 217 markets around the world.
It is the technology partner of 94,162 travel agency locations, 764 airlines, 76,814 hotel properties, 17 cruise lines, 43 rail companies, 11 ferry companies, 44 travel insurance providers, 22 car rental companies serving 36,000 locations and 1,000 corporations to optimize their distribution and internal operational requirements.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
AMADEUS PHILIPPINES has found a way to prepare travel and tourism students for “real work” in the “real world,” while they are still in school.
And that is by forging long-term agreements with some of the country’s top colleges and universities to provide their students with e-learning courses that would train them in using the global distribution system (GDS).
Amadeus Philippines general manager Albert Villadolid said it had forged separate agreements with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College, University of the Philippines and University of San Jose Recoletos.
Under these separate agreements, Amadeus Philippines will provide all its partner schools with a wide range of e-learning courses that will be used in the training of college students on the intricacies of the travel and tourism industry.
In particular, the students will be trained to use the Amadeus GDS, a system, which is being used worldwide to book hotel reservations, airline flights, insurance and rent vehicles.
Students will also learn to use the hotel management systems and SMS systems for bookings.
“We expect our partnerships with some of the country’s leading schools to create a steady pool of globally certified travel professionals, trained in using the most widely deployed global distribution system in the world,” Villadolid noted.
In a related development, the company also said that Enderun Colleges, the Philippine affiliate of Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and the Alain Ducasse Formation in France, have entered into a similar partnership with Amadeus Philippines for the training of its students on the use of the Amadeus Property Management System (PMS).
The Amadeus PMS is directly linked to the Amadeus GDS and includes its inter-hotel chain communication capability and e-mail confirmation facility.
Villadolid said that the Amadeus platform was the popular choice among travel agencies, airlines, hotels, cruise liners and car rental companies.
Amadeus is the world’s leader in providing the travel industry systems solutions to manage the distribution and selling of travel services, covering 217 markets around the world.
It is the technology partner of 94,162 travel agency locations, 764 airlines, 76,814 hotel properties, 17 cruise lines, 43 rail companies, 11 ferry companies, 44 travel insurance providers, 22 car rental companies serving 36,000 locations and 1,000 corporations to optimize their distribution and internal operational requirements.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Airline to invest $10M in Subic
By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines - A private airline offering domestic and foreign chartered flights is spending $10 million to set up its home base at the Subic Bay International Airport.
Pacific Pearl Airways aims to start operating out of SBIA in December this year, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza said in a phone interview. Arreza signed the memorandum of agreement last week with PPA president Kristoffer Jimenez.
Pearl Pacific is set to start operations with two Boeing 737-200 aircraft capable of seating 114 passengers for international flights, and turboprop aircraft for initial domestic flights from Subic to Boracay, Bohol, Cebu and Davao.
Local flight destinations will expand as the company establishes its presence in the local airline industry, according to Pearl Pacific’s Jimenez.
Jimenez said that the airline would be offering competitive rates without sacrificing quality service costs. He said this was made possible by tax incentives and other perks offered by the free port.
Jimenez added that Pearl Pacific would eliminate stopover hassles with its direct flights, enabling passengers to gain more savings and more quality holidays as it significantly cuts travel lag time.
Pearl Pacific also plans to fly to other destinations like Taiwan.
Jimenez noted that Subic has a “very strategic location.”
“A lot of tourists come here—foreigners and locals alike. It is also a booming place in terms of businesses,” he said.
Pearl Pacific was organized in September 2006 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with necessary permits from the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board and the Air Transportation Office.
“[Pearl Pacific is] just waiting for approvals from abroad. They want to fly to Taiwan and are awaiting government permits for that,” Arreza said.
Arreza said the investment proved that Subic was still an investment attraction despite the current global crisis.
“What we have witnessed now proves that there’s still life after FedEx,” said Arreza, referring to the US courier giant which used the free port as its Asia-Pacific hub. Last February, FedEx transferred to China, where domestic cargo volume alone exceeds that of Asia’s.
Arreza said that being an international airport, the SBIA can host just about any kind of air transport requirements, singling out Subic’s cargo-sorting capability as its edge over other airports in the country today.
Arreza said he expected more flights to and from Subic in the near future as the SBMA aggressively promotes business and tourism establishments.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines - A private airline offering domestic and foreign chartered flights is spending $10 million to set up its home base at the Subic Bay International Airport.
Pacific Pearl Airways aims to start operating out of SBIA in December this year, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza said in a phone interview. Arreza signed the memorandum of agreement last week with PPA president Kristoffer Jimenez.
Pearl Pacific is set to start operations with two Boeing 737-200 aircraft capable of seating 114 passengers for international flights, and turboprop aircraft for initial domestic flights from Subic to Boracay, Bohol, Cebu and Davao.
Local flight destinations will expand as the company establishes its presence in the local airline industry, according to Pearl Pacific’s Jimenez.
Jimenez said that the airline would be offering competitive rates without sacrificing quality service costs. He said this was made possible by tax incentives and other perks offered by the free port.
Jimenez added that Pearl Pacific would eliminate stopover hassles with its direct flights, enabling passengers to gain more savings and more quality holidays as it significantly cuts travel lag time.
Pearl Pacific also plans to fly to other destinations like Taiwan.
Jimenez noted that Subic has a “very strategic location.”
“A lot of tourists come here—foreigners and locals alike. It is also a booming place in terms of businesses,” he said.
Pearl Pacific was organized in September 2006 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with necessary permits from the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board and the Air Transportation Office.
“[Pearl Pacific is] just waiting for approvals from abroad. They want to fly to Taiwan and are awaiting government permits for that,” Arreza said.
Arreza said the investment proved that Subic was still an investment attraction despite the current global crisis.
“What we have witnessed now proves that there’s still life after FedEx,” said Arreza, referring to the US courier giant which used the free port as its Asia-Pacific hub. Last February, FedEx transferred to China, where domestic cargo volume alone exceeds that of Asia’s.
Arreza said that being an international airport, the SBIA can host just about any kind of air transport requirements, singling out Subic’s cargo-sorting capability as its edge over other airports in the country today.
Arreza said he expected more flights to and from Subic in the near future as the SBMA aggressively promotes business and tourism establishments.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tourism execs push for CamSur as tour site
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PILI, Camarines Sur—With the province earning its niche in tourism as an extreme sports site in the country, officials of the Department of Tourism (DoT) came here Tuesday to see for themselves the prospects of intensifying the promotion of Camarines Sur (CamSur) in the international market.
Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” H. Durano said DoT officials were going around top tourist destinations in the country to prepare a marketing package to increase tourist arrivals.
Durano pledged to continue providing financial support to major tourism-related activities in CamSur like international wakeboarding, dragon boat and Ironman competitions.
Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. said the DoT initiative will help push the provincial government’s continuing tourism programs.
He said next year the provincial government is again holding an international marathon that targets 20,000 participants.
Villafuerte said the success of CamSur in its tourism program is also the result of close coordination with Durano.
He said revenues from tourism have placed CamSur in the top 10 richest provinces from its 39th place two years ago.
Durano said he will push for the upgrading of the Naga Airport through the installation of modern lighting to allow night flights and extending the length of the runway to accommodate bigger planes.
Durano said CamSur’s network must be expanded by connecting it to major airports in top tourist destinations like Cebu, Davao, and Boracay.
He said the next step after packaging the top tourist destinations in the country is to sell them to ranking tourism operators abroad.
The DoT has recently ranked CamSur as the top tourist destination in the country.
PILI, Camarines Sur—With the province earning its niche in tourism as an extreme sports site in the country, officials of the Department of Tourism (DoT) came here Tuesday to see for themselves the prospects of intensifying the promotion of Camarines Sur (CamSur) in the international market.
Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” H. Durano said DoT officials were going around top tourist destinations in the country to prepare a marketing package to increase tourist arrivals.
Durano pledged to continue providing financial support to major tourism-related activities in CamSur like international wakeboarding, dragon boat and Ironman competitions.
Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. said the DoT initiative will help push the provincial government’s continuing tourism programs.
He said next year the provincial government is again holding an international marathon that targets 20,000 participants.
Villafuerte said the success of CamSur in its tourism program is also the result of close coordination with Durano.
He said revenues from tourism have placed CamSur in the top 10 richest provinces from its 39th place two years ago.
Durano said he will push for the upgrading of the Naga Airport through the installation of modern lighting to allow night flights and extending the length of the runway to accommodate bigger planes.
Durano said CamSur’s network must be expanded by connecting it to major airports in top tourist destinations like Cebu, Davao, and Boracay.
He said the next step after packaging the top tourist destinations in the country is to sell them to ranking tourism operators abroad.
The DoT has recently ranked CamSur as the top tourist destination in the country.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Iloilo, Guimaras eye P25B in tourism receipts
By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE PROVINCIAL governments of Iloilo and Guimaras target to increase their tourism receipts to P25.18 billion by 2012 from an estimated P18.24 billion in 2010, following a push to make the two provinces the country’s next investment and tourism hubs.
Narzalina Z. Lim, president of tourism consultancy firm Asia Pacific Projects Inc., said that should the planned development programs for the two provinces push through, tourist arrivals were seen hitting 718,000 by 2012, up from the estimated 595,000 in 2010.
Last year, tourist arrivals in Iloilo stood at 396,134 with receipts of P7.3 billion, while Guimaras tourist arrivals stood at 39,391 with receipts of P724 million, Lim said in her presentation at the Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum.
To achieve the targets, the local governments of Iloilo and Guimaras are undertaking a massive “sustainable development” program for the two provinces, through a partnership between the government and private sector.
These projects included the development of the so-called priority tourism circuits in Metro Iloilo and Guimaras; diversification of urban tourism products; and pilot community-based tourism and livelihood programs.
The central business district of Iloilo is likewise being revitalized through the redevelopment of key areas.
With these in the pipeline, Iloilo and Guimaras now offer more and varied investment opportunities for interested firms, such as those in real estate and construction, beach resort and resort community development projects, tourist transport, local tour operations, aqua sports equipment rentals, adventure tours and spa and wellness clinics.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has also urged companies to look into these opportunities, adding that Iloilo was the next big thing for investments.
“Our strategic location, natural beauty, rich and unique island culture are assets in itself. Iloilo is in the center of the Philippines, accessible by air, land and sea transport networks,” he said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE PROVINCIAL governments of Iloilo and Guimaras target to increase their tourism receipts to P25.18 billion by 2012 from an estimated P18.24 billion in 2010, following a push to make the two provinces the country’s next investment and tourism hubs.
Narzalina Z. Lim, president of tourism consultancy firm Asia Pacific Projects Inc., said that should the planned development programs for the two provinces push through, tourist arrivals were seen hitting 718,000 by 2012, up from the estimated 595,000 in 2010.
Last year, tourist arrivals in Iloilo stood at 396,134 with receipts of P7.3 billion, while Guimaras tourist arrivals stood at 39,391 with receipts of P724 million, Lim said in her presentation at the Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum.
To achieve the targets, the local governments of Iloilo and Guimaras are undertaking a massive “sustainable development” program for the two provinces, through a partnership between the government and private sector.
These projects included the development of the so-called priority tourism circuits in Metro Iloilo and Guimaras; diversification of urban tourism products; and pilot community-based tourism and livelihood programs.
The central business district of Iloilo is likewise being revitalized through the redevelopment of key areas.
With these in the pipeline, Iloilo and Guimaras now offer more and varied investment opportunities for interested firms, such as those in real estate and construction, beach resort and resort community development projects, tourist transport, local tour operations, aqua sports equipment rentals, adventure tours and spa and wellness clinics.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has also urged companies to look into these opportunities, adding that Iloilo was the next big thing for investments.
“Our strategic location, natural beauty, rich and unique island culture are assets in itself. Iloilo is in the center of the Philippines, accessible by air, land and sea transport networks,” he said.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Have flip-flops, will travel
By Irene C. Perez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LIKE a pair of flip-flops, photography and travel always go together. It’s a match that makes us crazy.
We stay up late to book promo fares online, line up in airline offices if Plan A fails, plan itinerary and wardrobe changes, invest in cameras and gizmos, take a gazillion photos and upload them to Facebook, Multiply, blogs, ad infinitum – for all to see that we have been there, eaten these, seen those.
Cebu Pacific feeds your passion and lets you make the most out of your travel itch by launching the Wandering Juan Travel Journal Photo Contest – an online competition where you can showcase your best shots of your favorite travel destinations.
In Amorita
“Wandering Juan” is the travel-savvy, pack-and-go tourist. He’s a smart and sensible traveler who checks out travel reviews online even before buying a ticket. And oh, he takes lots of photos and is often seen wearing tsinelas – a staple footwear that’s comfy and casual.
The web-based photo contest was recently launched at Amorita Resort in Bohol.
Amorita is a luxury resort in Panglao, Bohol. It boasts of ocean-view villas, an infinity pool, a sun deck, good food and, for those of us who get jitters when offline for long hours, reliable WiFi.
The resort is perched atop a cliff and gives you a calming view of Alona Beach which has fine, white sand; clear waters that sparkle when hit by sunlight; and a soothing vibe that can only be found in not-so-busy beaches.
‘Tsinelas’ shoots
There are three categories for the Wandering Juan online photo contest, and all require a pair of tsinelas in the picture.
Sights. Landmarks, scenery and views featuring a pair of tsinelas. Write a caption of no more than six sentences.
People. Interesting individuals, locals, prominent personalities, kids – any characters you encounter during your trip. Don’t forget to incorporate the tsinelas. Include a short description of the person and, perhaps, a quote. Provide name and occupation. Limit is six sentences max.
Travelogue. For those who can’t just have one photo. Go click-happy and make a photo essay consisting of five photographs, using the tsinelas as a focal point of the story. Each photo should have a one-sentence caption.
Prizes. For newbies, here’s some inspiration: prizes include trips to Singapore; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Bangkok, Thailand. Now there’s putting the travel lust to good use.
“We chose tsinelas as an inspiration because it’s very Pinoy. It’s something we always wear during travels,” said RG Orense, manager for corporate communications. “It symbolizes a very down-to-earth and carefree mood.”
To join, purchase Cebu Pacific tickets and register online at www.wanderingjuan.com. Take pictures from your destination until October 31. Upload your picks to the Wandering Juan website.
Photos must be at least 2MB in size, and please, no digital enhancement of any sort.
Entries must be original and not have previously appeared on print or online. Items will be judged according to creativity (20 percent); uniqueness of destination (20 percent), message/story/caption (40 percent); and overall impact (20 percent). Visit the website for complete requirements.
Multiple entries are allowed so you can showcase your terrific shots online!
“This is a good time to be a traveler and learn more about the world and our places in it, given all the affordable options and unique services that make travel dreams possible and more meaningful,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution
If you want your pics printed, Cebu Pacific also offers the Fun Prints service operated by Mozcom.
There’s a comforting thought if you have a hard copy of your digital files. You could have it framed or mounted to make sure they last long, with every photo having a story of its own.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LIKE a pair of flip-flops, photography and travel always go together. It’s a match that makes us crazy.
We stay up late to book promo fares online, line up in airline offices if Plan A fails, plan itinerary and wardrobe changes, invest in cameras and gizmos, take a gazillion photos and upload them to Facebook, Multiply, blogs, ad infinitum – for all to see that we have been there, eaten these, seen those.
Cebu Pacific feeds your passion and lets you make the most out of your travel itch by launching the Wandering Juan Travel Journal Photo Contest – an online competition where you can showcase your best shots of your favorite travel destinations.
In Amorita
“Wandering Juan” is the travel-savvy, pack-and-go tourist. He’s a smart and sensible traveler who checks out travel reviews online even before buying a ticket. And oh, he takes lots of photos and is often seen wearing tsinelas – a staple footwear that’s comfy and casual.
The web-based photo contest was recently launched at Amorita Resort in Bohol.
Amorita is a luxury resort in Panglao, Bohol. It boasts of ocean-view villas, an infinity pool, a sun deck, good food and, for those of us who get jitters when offline for long hours, reliable WiFi.
The resort is perched atop a cliff and gives you a calming view of Alona Beach which has fine, white sand; clear waters that sparkle when hit by sunlight; and a soothing vibe that can only be found in not-so-busy beaches.
‘Tsinelas’ shoots
There are three categories for the Wandering Juan online photo contest, and all require a pair of tsinelas in the picture.
Sights. Landmarks, scenery and views featuring a pair of tsinelas. Write a caption of no more than six sentences.
People. Interesting individuals, locals, prominent personalities, kids – any characters you encounter during your trip. Don’t forget to incorporate the tsinelas. Include a short description of the person and, perhaps, a quote. Provide name and occupation. Limit is six sentences max.
Travelogue. For those who can’t just have one photo. Go click-happy and make a photo essay consisting of five photographs, using the tsinelas as a focal point of the story. Each photo should have a one-sentence caption.
Prizes. For newbies, here’s some inspiration: prizes include trips to Singapore; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Bangkok, Thailand. Now there’s putting the travel lust to good use.
“We chose tsinelas as an inspiration because it’s very Pinoy. It’s something we always wear during travels,” said RG Orense, manager for corporate communications. “It symbolizes a very down-to-earth and carefree mood.”
To join, purchase Cebu Pacific tickets and register online at www.wanderingjuan.com. Take pictures from your destination until October 31. Upload your picks to the Wandering Juan website.
Photos must be at least 2MB in size, and please, no digital enhancement of any sort.
Entries must be original and not have previously appeared on print or online. Items will be judged according to creativity (20 percent); uniqueness of destination (20 percent), message/story/caption (40 percent); and overall impact (20 percent). Visit the website for complete requirements.
Multiple entries are allowed so you can showcase your terrific shots online!
“This is a good time to be a traveler and learn more about the world and our places in it, given all the affordable options and unique services that make travel dreams possible and more meaningful,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution
If you want your pics printed, Cebu Pacific also offers the Fun Prints service operated by Mozcom.
There’s a comforting thought if you have a hard copy of your digital files. You could have it framed or mounted to make sure they last long, with every photo having a story of its own.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Pagudpud beyond the beach
By Rene Guatlo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOR MOST people, Pagudpud is Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Patapat Viaduct. But the town has more to offer the intrepid traveler.
I spent the day in Pagudpud some time back – a leisurely drive before noon, with lunch at a karinderya near the town plaza.
The paksiw na baraniti (local galunggong) cooked in native onions and tomatoes was just heavenly. The pork adobo was very dry but flavorful, while the adobong sili with saluyot was its perfect counterpoint. The imbaliktad (beef kinilaw boiled for a few seconds to half-cook the meat) was just kapritso.
From the town center, it’s a 20-minute drive to Barangay (village) Ayoyo – through the well-kept dirt roads of Caparispisan, with wonderful views of the surf and sea, a small promontory with sheep and goats grazing on the grass between crags and cracks, while the view from the hills reminds you of a savannah.
In the coming months, 40 new wind turbines will be built on these hills, which will generate 80 megawatts of power, complementing the 20 turbines already standing along Bangui Bay.
There’s a resort called Hidden Treasure on a beautiful cliff. The view of the sea and the waves crashing on the rock formations below are captivating, if only they would improve the cottages.
There are also a number of beachside homes and resorts along the way.
Main livelihood
Barangay Ayoyo’s main livelihood is fishing, but you must go very, very early in the morning as they bring the catch to the town market at dawn. They also make beautiful and sturdy sleeping mats from a hardy plant called budak, a spiny and thorny plant with pineapple-like fruits. They remove the thorns using nylon string, then cut the leaves into three long strands. The strands are then softened using a dull knife. The mats and walis tingting (broomstick) provide additional income to the community.
Beyond Ayoyo is a stretch of black pebble beach and the Stingray Memorial in the adjacent Barangay Caunayan. A monument for the series of submarine drops of men and matériel for the guerrilla operations in northern Luzon toward the end of World War II features the replica of one of the submarine anchors dropped while eluding Japanese patrol boats.
The view of seemingly unending surf is a fitting backdrop to the monument. More than 1000 ha of land in Caunayan is now being used to plant coconut trees for the production of biofuel in a processing plant in the nearby town of Pasuquin.
Pagudpud’s natural gifts – a beautiful coastline, a hardworking people – are the reasons for its being recognized as an exciting center for tourism. New technologies being adopted will also provide livelihood for its people and energy for the development of the countryside.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOR MOST people, Pagudpud is Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Patapat Viaduct. But the town has more to offer the intrepid traveler.
I spent the day in Pagudpud some time back – a leisurely drive before noon, with lunch at a karinderya near the town plaza.
The paksiw na baraniti (local galunggong) cooked in native onions and tomatoes was just heavenly. The pork adobo was very dry but flavorful, while the adobong sili with saluyot was its perfect counterpoint. The imbaliktad (beef kinilaw boiled for a few seconds to half-cook the meat) was just kapritso.
From the town center, it’s a 20-minute drive to Barangay (village) Ayoyo – through the well-kept dirt roads of Caparispisan, with wonderful views of the surf and sea, a small promontory with sheep and goats grazing on the grass between crags and cracks, while the view from the hills reminds you of a savannah.
In the coming months, 40 new wind turbines will be built on these hills, which will generate 80 megawatts of power, complementing the 20 turbines already standing along Bangui Bay.
There’s a resort called Hidden Treasure on a beautiful cliff. The view of the sea and the waves crashing on the rock formations below are captivating, if only they would improve the cottages.
There are also a number of beachside homes and resorts along the way.
Main livelihood
Barangay Ayoyo’s main livelihood is fishing, but you must go very, very early in the morning as they bring the catch to the town market at dawn. They also make beautiful and sturdy sleeping mats from a hardy plant called budak, a spiny and thorny plant with pineapple-like fruits. They remove the thorns using nylon string, then cut the leaves into three long strands. The strands are then softened using a dull knife. The mats and walis tingting (broomstick) provide additional income to the community.
Beyond Ayoyo is a stretch of black pebble beach and the Stingray Memorial in the adjacent Barangay Caunayan. A monument for the series of submarine drops of men and matériel for the guerrilla operations in northern Luzon toward the end of World War II features the replica of one of the submarine anchors dropped while eluding Japanese patrol boats.
The view of seemingly unending surf is a fitting backdrop to the monument. More than 1000 ha of land in Caunayan is now being used to plant coconut trees for the production of biofuel in a processing plant in the nearby town of Pasuquin.
Pagudpud’s natural gifts – a beautiful coastline, a hardworking people – are the reasons for its being recognized as an exciting center for tourism. New technologies being adopted will also provide livelihood for its people and energy for the development of the countryside.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
In China’s Lijiang, heritage tourism sells
By Ino Manalo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE LANDSCAPE is one of wonder. Arriving in Lijiang airport, you immediately sense that there is something different in the surrounding terrain. The mountains are snowcapped, even in summer, the vistas broader than one can imagine.
I’ve had the good fortune of visiting Lijiang in the western Chinese province of Yunnan on three occasions. My first trip was almost a decade ago, for a Unesco conference on heritage resources management. At the time, I had already been so impressed with the streets of ancient houses over which towered the magnificent peaks of the sacred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Streets were bordered by canals in which sparkling rivulets constantly flowed. I later learned that some cafés would simply keep their bottles of soft drinks cool by dipping them in the icy streams! Every now and then, the canals would even be rerouted to wash streets.
Lijiang was accepted in the Unesco World Heritage List because it represented the coming together of many cultures such as Naxi, Han Chinese and Tibetan. These cultures lived in relative harmony, creating a vibrant community. This was clearly illustrated in a small village where the painted murals in the temples showed the influences of different aesthetic schools.
The amazing variety of shops sold all kinds of colorful fabrics, scarves, bags, handmade paper, tea, leather goods. I bought a finely embroidered jacket and wore it proudly to a conference reception. Everyone was too polite to tell me that my new purchase was really for women. After I found out the truth, I gave the jacket to my sister.
Excellent cuisine
Lijiang’s traditional cuisine is excellent. At breakfast one can gorge on little pancakes laced with green onions. Street peddlers will tempt you with trembling puddings steamed in large round metal trays. Usually, one sits on tiny stools before low tables to feast on a delicious array of wild mushrooms, crisp river fish and purple rice. A memorable meal is of chicken in a sweet orange sauce, eggplants coated in batter then fried, and farm fresh eggs scrambled with chives. When all else fails, there is the famous Yunnan ham!
From the city, there are trekking expeditions through the wild country which gave birth to the great riverine trinity: the Yangtze, Ganges and Mekong. The outlying villages were also a joy to visit. Their charm lay in their dreamy Brigadoon-like quality, which proved so potent that a member of our party was left behind by the tour bus in the little hamlet of Shuhe. I had to return and rescue him.
Years later, when I returned to Yunnan on my third visit, I was quite shocked to see how things had changed. Shuhe was no longer a sleepy town. Long ago, I had taken a picture of the stone bridge and the ragtag bunch of houses around it. Now, the bridge was still there but the houses had been reincarnated as chic galleries and cafés. There were landscaped parks and plush establishments serving French and Korean food. The wheat fields had disappeared. In their stead were residential estates and resorts.
Lijiang’s new urban sector had become bigger. Skyscrapers had sprouted everywhere. Yet, the old quarter had been preserved and, amazingly, also expanded.
Whole districts have sprung up with neo-antique structures that are a cross between the styles of the Manchu Empire and the “Empire Strikes Back.” All these aim to give the ever-growing number of tourists their heritage fix. When I first went to Lijiang, visitor numbers were less than a million. In 2009, that number is expected to reach six million.
Up in arms
Conservationists are up in arms. They note that the free interpretation of traditional architecture can be confusing. The issue of authenticity is raised. More importantly, there is much concern about the fact that the original Naxi residents of the old town are selling their houses to entrepreneurs and moving out.
At the rate things are going, Lijiang will lose the ethnic character and cultural mix that catapulted it to the Unesco list in the first place.
There are also complaints about the noise. The music blaring from a string of bars is disturbing homeowners as well as guests of the beautiful boutique inns the town is so famous for.
To be sure, very few are complaining about the great mass of tourists that descends on Lijiang every year. The huge numbers spell prosperity. The shops and restaurants are thriving.
Tourism channeled properly can actually help conserve heritage resources. How else can a troupe of traditional musicians be able to perform to packed audiences every night of the week?
The local government is able to generate so much from tax revenues that it can afford to restore many of the magnificent old residences of Lijiang. I had the chance to visit a few of these with two members of the Protection and Management Bureau: the dynamic Rose Ding Wen and her colleague, Leo. They showed me several elegant houses that were to be integrated into a special tour.
I suggested a creatively designed circuit which could even include performances and food. We also discussed how Lijiang could serve as a central venue for heritage management, conservation and museum workshops catering to people from the surrounding provinces.
The town’s tourism earnings also help support an interesting municipal showcase: the Lijiang Naxi Dongba Museum. Its exhibits are very sophisticated and well-organized, with a children’s section in the works.
Standard fee
Entering one of the town parks, I was a little irritated to be chased by a guard who demanded I pay a heritage tax. It turns out this was a standard fee based on a proposal made during the workshop I had attended almost 10 years earlier. The tax is a one-time payment that’s valid for an entire stay at all major tourist sites.
The remarkable influx of visitors has allowed for the blossoming of quaint inns that incorporate traditional architectural features. Everywhere one looks, there are splendidly carved entrances that open into tranquil plazas. Among the most tasteful places I saw was Zen Garden Hotel operated by Yumei He.
Zen Garden stands on a hill with views of the whole ancient district. The rooms are set around a central garden filled with cane chairs, ponds and flowering plants.
Meanwhile, a budget option is Crescent Moon Inn just a porcelain tile’s throw away from the main shopping street. Lodgers are calmed by a glimpse of lovingly tended plants in a quiet courtyard. My room featured paper lined windows and an immaculate modern bathroom.
The proprietors were so gracious that when I told them I was leaving on a short trip and would be absent for a few days, they wouldn’t let me pay until my return.
It turns out that Crescent Moon’s owners were from northern China. Such was the booming tourism business in Lijiang that it has attracted people from faraway places. More importantly, the establishments that were being set up always respected the heritage context.
Then too, the great demand for artisans who were skilled in traditional techniques helped keep the old construction methods alive, together with the industries that produced time-honored materials such as tiles and bricks.
Good idea?
Tourism brings many problems: pollution, noise, displacement, exploitation. There is even discussion on whether it is a good idea to place entire communities on the Unesco list.
But surely a balance can be found between commercial interests and the need to preserve heritage values as well as the tranquility and integrity of place.
The jury is still out with regard to Lijiang. What I do know is that there are nights when one can stand on a balcony relishing the amber glow that comes from tiers upon tiers of ancient houses. Then it does not really matter whether the surrounding structures’ connections to the past are the result of pretence or privilege.
Walking around, one is greeted by a vendor who offers pancakes so fresh and warm and yielding that for a moment cares are forgotten. There are no more discussions on the meanings of heritage, of development, of authenticity.
There are only pancakes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE LANDSCAPE is one of wonder. Arriving in Lijiang airport, you immediately sense that there is something different in the surrounding terrain. The mountains are snowcapped, even in summer, the vistas broader than one can imagine.
I’ve had the good fortune of visiting Lijiang in the western Chinese province of Yunnan on three occasions. My first trip was almost a decade ago, for a Unesco conference on heritage resources management. At the time, I had already been so impressed with the streets of ancient houses over which towered the magnificent peaks of the sacred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Streets were bordered by canals in which sparkling rivulets constantly flowed. I later learned that some cafés would simply keep their bottles of soft drinks cool by dipping them in the icy streams! Every now and then, the canals would even be rerouted to wash streets.
Lijiang was accepted in the Unesco World Heritage List because it represented the coming together of many cultures such as Naxi, Han Chinese and Tibetan. These cultures lived in relative harmony, creating a vibrant community. This was clearly illustrated in a small village where the painted murals in the temples showed the influences of different aesthetic schools.
The amazing variety of shops sold all kinds of colorful fabrics, scarves, bags, handmade paper, tea, leather goods. I bought a finely embroidered jacket and wore it proudly to a conference reception. Everyone was too polite to tell me that my new purchase was really for women. After I found out the truth, I gave the jacket to my sister.
Excellent cuisine
Lijiang’s traditional cuisine is excellent. At breakfast one can gorge on little pancakes laced with green onions. Street peddlers will tempt you with trembling puddings steamed in large round metal trays. Usually, one sits on tiny stools before low tables to feast on a delicious array of wild mushrooms, crisp river fish and purple rice. A memorable meal is of chicken in a sweet orange sauce, eggplants coated in batter then fried, and farm fresh eggs scrambled with chives. When all else fails, there is the famous Yunnan ham!
From the city, there are trekking expeditions through the wild country which gave birth to the great riverine trinity: the Yangtze, Ganges and Mekong. The outlying villages were also a joy to visit. Their charm lay in their dreamy Brigadoon-like quality, which proved so potent that a member of our party was left behind by the tour bus in the little hamlet of Shuhe. I had to return and rescue him.
Years later, when I returned to Yunnan on my third visit, I was quite shocked to see how things had changed. Shuhe was no longer a sleepy town. Long ago, I had taken a picture of the stone bridge and the ragtag bunch of houses around it. Now, the bridge was still there but the houses had been reincarnated as chic galleries and cafés. There were landscaped parks and plush establishments serving French and Korean food. The wheat fields had disappeared. In their stead were residential estates and resorts.
Lijiang’s new urban sector had become bigger. Skyscrapers had sprouted everywhere. Yet, the old quarter had been preserved and, amazingly, also expanded.
Whole districts have sprung up with neo-antique structures that are a cross between the styles of the Manchu Empire and the “Empire Strikes Back.” All these aim to give the ever-growing number of tourists their heritage fix. When I first went to Lijiang, visitor numbers were less than a million. In 2009, that number is expected to reach six million.
Up in arms
Conservationists are up in arms. They note that the free interpretation of traditional architecture can be confusing. The issue of authenticity is raised. More importantly, there is much concern about the fact that the original Naxi residents of the old town are selling their houses to entrepreneurs and moving out.
At the rate things are going, Lijiang will lose the ethnic character and cultural mix that catapulted it to the Unesco list in the first place.
There are also complaints about the noise. The music blaring from a string of bars is disturbing homeowners as well as guests of the beautiful boutique inns the town is so famous for.
To be sure, very few are complaining about the great mass of tourists that descends on Lijiang every year. The huge numbers spell prosperity. The shops and restaurants are thriving.
Tourism channeled properly can actually help conserve heritage resources. How else can a troupe of traditional musicians be able to perform to packed audiences every night of the week?
The local government is able to generate so much from tax revenues that it can afford to restore many of the magnificent old residences of Lijiang. I had the chance to visit a few of these with two members of the Protection and Management Bureau: the dynamic Rose Ding Wen and her colleague, Leo. They showed me several elegant houses that were to be integrated into a special tour.
I suggested a creatively designed circuit which could even include performances and food. We also discussed how Lijiang could serve as a central venue for heritage management, conservation and museum workshops catering to people from the surrounding provinces.
The town’s tourism earnings also help support an interesting municipal showcase: the Lijiang Naxi Dongba Museum. Its exhibits are very sophisticated and well-organized, with a children’s section in the works.
Standard fee
Entering one of the town parks, I was a little irritated to be chased by a guard who demanded I pay a heritage tax. It turns out this was a standard fee based on a proposal made during the workshop I had attended almost 10 years earlier. The tax is a one-time payment that’s valid for an entire stay at all major tourist sites.
The remarkable influx of visitors has allowed for the blossoming of quaint inns that incorporate traditional architectural features. Everywhere one looks, there are splendidly carved entrances that open into tranquil plazas. Among the most tasteful places I saw was Zen Garden Hotel operated by Yumei He.
Zen Garden stands on a hill with views of the whole ancient district. The rooms are set around a central garden filled with cane chairs, ponds and flowering plants.
Meanwhile, a budget option is Crescent Moon Inn just a porcelain tile’s throw away from the main shopping street. Lodgers are calmed by a glimpse of lovingly tended plants in a quiet courtyard. My room featured paper lined windows and an immaculate modern bathroom.
The proprietors were so gracious that when I told them I was leaving on a short trip and would be absent for a few days, they wouldn’t let me pay until my return.
It turns out that Crescent Moon’s owners were from northern China. Such was the booming tourism business in Lijiang that it has attracted people from faraway places. More importantly, the establishments that were being set up always respected the heritage context.
Then too, the great demand for artisans who were skilled in traditional techniques helped keep the old construction methods alive, together with the industries that produced time-honored materials such as tiles and bricks.
Good idea?
Tourism brings many problems: pollution, noise, displacement, exploitation. There is even discussion on whether it is a good idea to place entire communities on the Unesco list.
But surely a balance can be found between commercial interests and the need to preserve heritage values as well as the tranquility and integrity of place.
The jury is still out with regard to Lijiang. What I do know is that there are nights when one can stand on a balcony relishing the amber glow that comes from tiers upon tiers of ancient houses. Then it does not really matter whether the surrounding structures’ connections to the past are the result of pretence or privilege.
Walking around, one is greeted by a vendor who offers pancakes so fresh and warm and yielding that for a moment cares are forgotten. There are no more discussions on the meanings of heritage, of development, of authenticity.
There are only pancakes.
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