A truly amazing Kota Kinabalu

By DANIELLE DE LEON

Ocean Wing Façade of Rasa Ria

MANILA, Philippines -- I travel for a lot of reasons – shopping and sightseeing mostly. But to climb mountains and really sweat it out wasn’t my idea of fun, until my friends planned a Kota Kinabalu or KK trip. I half-heartedly said yes and groaned inside at the prospect of mountain trekking, scuba diving or bird watching, which of course, I don’t do!  But much to my surprise, KK turned out to be a totally unexpected travel adventure.

Here are a few fascinating things that I learned about KK:

1. KK as the locals affectionately call it, is the state capital of Sabah.  And that it traces its beginnings to 1881, as a tiny British settlement on one of the islands.

2. That Sabah is the world’s third largest island and is also known by the romantic name of “The Land Below the Wind.”  It enjoys a sunny tropical climate where it’s summer all year round and I heard that the locals do experience occasional rain showers but no typhoon!!

3. That some of the many attractions you will find are rainforests, mountains and fast-flowing rivers, islands with sandy beaches and coral reefs, contemporary shopping malls, luxurious resorts and spas and golf courses.

4. That Kota Kinabalu and its suburbs are cradled between the forested mountains of the crocker range and the sea.

5. That there are two Shangri-La Hotels, both beautiful world-class seaside resorts.  The fabulous Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria resort is less than an hour ride from the city and offers luxurious rooms and spectacular views of the sea and the lush tropical hills.  It is hard to think of anywhere better placed for relaxation than the famous Chi Spa, on its own tiny islet at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, ideally located in the city.

6. That it has its highest mountain in Southeast Asia, the majestic Mt. Kinabalu, and no climbing experience is required to conquer the peak of Borneo.

7. That there are five idyllic islands, making up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, one of Kota Kinabalu’s greatest treasures.  The marine park was created in the '70s to preserve the flora and fauna of the islands and their surrounding waters.  Here you can swim, snorkel, jet-ski, scuba dive, parasail or sea walk (a great way to experience the amazing marine life without getting your hair wet).

8. That the busy sparkling white marina, where local and visiting boats find safe harbor is also a departure point for the fifteen-minute boat trips to the islands.  What’s amazing is that you will see fishes swimming on the clear water of the marina.

9. That it is the best place in Malaysia for good seafood and local favorites like the Nasi Lemak (which I have learned to love) or the usual chicken and beef satay.

10. That KK is less than two hours air travel from Clark, Pampanga.

Having discovered that KK is okay, I will be going back soon, this time, to climb the awesome peak of Mt. Kinabalu, admire the rafflesia or maybe dive into some of the world’s best underwater wonderlands.      

Fly to KK via Air Asia from Clark daily. Check out Air Asia’s most reasonable rates at www.airasia.com.

Beauty and Bounty of Bicolandia

September 29, 2011, 9:01am

Limestone Cliffs in Caramoan

MANILA, Philippines -- There is certainly more to Mayon Volcano and the butanding in the Bicolandia than meets the eye. Find out as the region unveils its best-kept secrets in the grand Gayon Bikol sa OK Bikol Trade and Tourism Fair set at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall from October 6 to 9.

Organized by the regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event combines “Gayon Bikol” travel mart and the Orgullo kan Bikol One Town, One Product (OTOP) trade fair.

According to DoT V Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla, the expo will showcase the beauty and the bounty of the Bicolandia through its alluring destinations, mouth-watering delicacies, and exquisite crafts.

She describes the event as a one-stop shop for new and exciting travel destinations as it features the region’s six provinces and seven cities, all offering diverse attractions and experiences.

The Bicol’s top tourist spots include: Bagasbas surfing beach and Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte; the CamSur Watersports Complex and Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur; Mayon Volcano and Misibis Bay Resort and Spa in Albay; Donsol, butanding watching, and Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon; Puraran Beach and Twin Rocks Resort in Catanduanes; and the Manta Bowl in Masbate.

Foodies can feast on the signature pili nut, the spicy laing, pinangat and Bicol express, and other exotic local dishes which have found their way into the international market

For souvenirs, visitors can shop for elegant abaca accessories and novelty items, mat products, and native home furnishings.

Opening the event on October 6 are Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, DoT Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin, and DTI Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco.

The Municipality of Daet, Camarines Norte takes center stage in the afternoon as it launches the Visit Daet Year 2012, a year-long campaign to bring in tourists and balikbayans.

The launch will feature Daeteño celebrities namely Bing Pimentel and Sid Lucero, legendary Crispa cager Atoy Co, Jun Urbano (aka Mr Shooli of Mongolian Barbecue) and tenor Dondi Ong. All their memorabilia and artworks will be part of the Amorsolo Museum at the Daet Heritage Center.

Bicol pop artists will sizzle in a variety show starred by Lou Bonnevie, Gino Padilla, Nyoy Volante and other celebrities on October 7. Jeline Oliva, Pure Sound acoustic trio, and Color It Red with Cookie Chua will rock the night away on October 8 in a Bicol Band Explosion concert.

Festivities will draw to a close on October 9 with homegrown talent Marlon Serrano and the Karangahan Philippine Dance Company.

Tourism department urged to target long-haul tourists

By: Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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While the government should target as wide a base of tourists as possible, the Department of Tourism should exert more effort to encourage long-haul tourists, including those from Europe, to visit the country as they tend to stay longer and spend more.

According to Aileen Clemente, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, visitors from Korea, Japan and the United States still accounted for the bulk of foreign tourists visiting the country in terms of volume.

“But those statistics can’t be taken by themselves. For example, fewer European tourists come here, but they stay longer. Tourists from long-haul destinations such as Europe give us more tourism receipts,” Ms. Clemente said in an interview.

Citing government data, she said foreign tourists spent about $90 a day. The longer they stayed in the country, the more they spent. Domestic tourists, on the other hand, spend around P2,000 a day.

Apart from tourists from long-haul destinations, Clemente said the local tourism industry should also target visitors from emerging markets such as China and India—both are huge, untapped markets.

“We have to have a portfolio. We can’t just focus on a few segments. We have to cater to the strong arrivals and the emerging markets as well,” she said.

To be successful in expanding the country’s tourism portfolio, Clemente said some policy changes would have to be implemented.

“We really have to adopt a more flexible visa system,” she said.

In a letter to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration, the PTAA—together with the Philippine Travel Operators Association and Board of Airline Representatives—sought a more liberal visa policy.

The request was to make all nationalities entering the country, even those in transit, automatically eligible upon arrival. Only those coming from countries that had been pre-determined as security threats should go through the usual visa procedures.

Also, foreigners and group visa applicants from their respective home countries should no longer be required to make personal appearances at Philippine consulates and embassies. On the part of travel agents and tour operators, they should be required to submit a list of their tourists upon completion of their visa :requirements.

Seven New Wonders, a hundred million votes, one underground river

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

August 21, 2011, 10:56am

Exploring the seemingly boundless wonders of the Underground River.

MANILA, Philippines -- Stretching 32.7 kilometers, Palawan’s Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is currently regarded as the longest underground estuary in the world. On November 11, 2011, it could be known as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) – if every Filipino cell phone user would be willing to send a mere P2.50 text message to vote.

Located 50 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City and nestled underneath St. Paul Mountain, the underground river passes through glistening formations of limestone rocks, melancholic chambers, cathedral-like cavern, stalactites, stalagmites and aesthetically unique speleothems.

From 440 natural sites nominated in 2007, the list was trimmed down to 28 finalists based on unique beauty, diversity and distribution across the globe, ecological significance and historical legacy. PPUR, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only finalist from the Philippines competing against 27 other sites in the global poll.

Texting campaign 

To maximize the advocacy towards a strengthened public awareness campaign in the domestic and international fronts, President Benigno S. Aquino III recently signed Proclamation No. 182 “Declaring a National and International Promotion Campaign for PPUR as one of the N7WN”.

Under Proclamation No. 182, a PPUR-N7WN Campaign Task Force was created to vigorously promote and push for the declaration of PPUR among the N7WN. The task force will also formulate and undertake an aggressive voting campaign at the national and international levels, especially among overseas Filipinos and nationals of other countries.

“There are 80 million cell phone users in the Philippines, sending two billion messages a day. If we need a billion votes to win, that’s only half a day,” said President Aquino during his declaration speech.

In an estimation of telecommunication companies, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said Filipinos could easily generate 180 million votes until November, “That’s actually more than enough. If we get to a hundred million we can already secure a spot in the Magic 7.”

Hagedorn continued, “PPUR has consistently made it to the top list when it comes to voting trends. We know a lot of our fellow Filipinos have already voted. But their support doesn’t stop there. We also need everyone to campaign.”

Tri-media and global promotion

The next two months are expected to be crucial in the promotion and advertising activities of the PPUR before the announcement of winners on November 11. To maximize the opportunities for promotion, the government is tapping the media to yield greater public appreciation and awareness of the Underground River.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) was designated as one of the lead agencies tasked with the promotion and implementation of advocacy campaigns in the tri-media and the domestic and global travel trade.

The DoT – Southern Tagalog Region, through its Regional Director, Louella Jurilla, is tasked to promote the advocacy program and develop a series of activities that will encourage public support for the PPUR.

“We have been hosting familiarization visits to Puerto Princesa City for media practitioners and media launches in the Visayas and the Mindanao region,” said Jurilla. “In fact, we just had a successful Cebu launch where Cebu stakeholders pledged their support to PPUR.”      

According to the DoT, over the last eighteen months, outgoing Secretary Alberto Lim has carried out active promotion of the PPUR in the global market projects implemented in Canada, United States, Germany, France, Russia, and Australia.

New discoveries

On the average, 200 visitors traverse the Underground River onboard a small paddled boat a day. Equipped with a handheld searchlight to see through the dark cavern, the boat slices through calm waters amidst stunning limestone formations, a swarm of swallows and sleeping bats.

Only one kilometer of the river is open to the public during river tours which usually take an hour, back and forth. However, from February to March 2011, a group of scientists and explorers from the La Venta Esplorazioni Geografiche, an Italian research group which processes, organizes and manages geographical exploration projects, came to Palawan and discovered that there are more hidden gems in the dark recesses of the underground river.

According to the official declaration of the La Venta delegation, “while the main active branch of the river has a total of 8.7 kilometers from the main entrance of tourists, the total exploration has mapped out 32.7 kilometers of total development of the underground system.”

Along these galleries, distinctive calcite helictites or crystal formations were discovered, demonstrating the exceptional karst system of PPUR. The scientists also found a small underground river within the PPUR that can only be reached by foot, a bat burial site and an astounding well-preserved fossil of a sea mammal of the Miocene Age, confirmed by paleontologists as a Sirenia or sea cow.

Tourism boom

For such an elite search, there are no monetary prizes for the seven winning host countries. However, the economic value of being voted as one of the N7WN has been estimated at one billion US dollars over five years. The projection is based on an independent impact report released by Grant Thorton, an international organization of chartered accountants and management consultants.

Thorton’s projections were based on the campaign to choose the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World that culminated in 2007, in which 100 million votes were cast. Its report stated that the ‘measurable’ results were seen at sites which made the top seven shortlisted in the said campaign.

Likewise, Hagedorn said, since the nomination of PPUR in the prestigious search, tourism influx in Puerto Princesa has grown by leaps and bounds. “Since N7WN, both local and foreign visitor arrivals have doubled. In fact, there was even a time we had 1,200 visitors in the underground river in just one day, record breaking ‘yon.”

Puerto Princesa City had an overall total of 417,593 tourist arrivals in 2010. This year, from January to May, tourist arrivals have already reached 207,806. Good thing the PPUR is highly sustainable because of its high-thermal equation location that gives out enough energy to offset the effects of high-impact tourism.

Voting can be cast by logging on to www.new7wonders.com or through text by typing PPUR and sending it to 2861 (for all networks in the Philippines).

To vote via SMS in other countries, type PPUR then send to the following: Canada (77077), Australia (19788555), United Arab Emirates (3888), South Korea (001-1588-7715), South Africa (34874), Poland (write Puerto and send to 7155), Taiwan (type N7WPPUR and send to 55123).

Keep 'em Koreans coming: DoT taps Korean market in Busan

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

MANILA, Philippines -- May it be a bus full of tourists, students studying English, or business-savvy migrants trading their wares, South Koreans are now literally everywhere in the Philippines.

From the busy streets of Manila and Cebu, to the golden beaches of Bohol and Palawan, one can expect to see not only a huge number of Koreans but a string of Korean restaurants, groceries, spas and even pubs scattered around the area.

According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Korea is the country’s largest foreign tourist market, sending 740,622 visitors in 2010 or 21.04 percent of the record 3.52 million visitors last year. This year, a total of 429,569 Koreans visited the country from January to June, registering a 28.76 percent growth over the same period last year.

To build on this industry-leading market even more, the DoT participated in the 14th Busan International Travel Fair (BITF) held last September 2-5, as well as other joint promotional activities in South Korea.

BITF is the only travel event in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city and second largest source of tourist traffic from the country. More than 80,000 visitors and 220 exhibitors from over 30 countries participated in the event.

“As our best performer, the Korean market remains one of our focal points for the year. New direct and charter air services have been crucial in maintaining the upward trend, as have been our fruitful efforts in trade fairs where we have received much positive feedback. This year’s BITF will allow us to cement our status further as a preferred destination for Koreans,” said Benito Bengzon Jr., Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions.

The country will also figure prominently in the promotional activities of Korean companies LG Household & Healthcare (H&H) and the Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong. Six lucky purchasers of LG H&H’s ‘MINIS’ toiletry travel kit and two winners of Lotte’s “Philippine Summer Festival” shopping promo will win travel packages to the Philippines as prizes.

Direct flights to Manila and Cebu from Seoul and Busan are available aboard Philippine carriers. Charter flights to other destinations, most notably Boracay via Kalibo, are seasonal

Treasures of the Walled City

By CECILIA S. ANGELES

Baluarte de San Diego

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino chieftain Rajah Soliman had his residence here, a beautiful place along Pasig River, a thriving business area among Asian traders until Spanish conquerors who landed in Mactan on March 25, 1521 spread unlike wild fire but like winged creatures, creeping into all nooks and corners of the Philippine Islands.

These conquerors had “modern” weapons, not the bows, arrows and sling shots our forebears used for defense. There seemed to be no area in the Philippines not invaded by the Spaniards, the mighty power during that time, except the end boundaries of our southern most islands of Mindanao.   So, 327 years of being under the Spanish rule, we have acquired, assimilated, digested everything Spanish  -  food, habits, way of life, art, language, even cruelties, and more.

The fall of Intramuros gave the Spaniards full reign over Maynilad under its military leader, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.  There were threats of other foreign invaders, so the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, built thick concrete walls around the newly conquered place. In addition, a moat was also built around, stretching about 4.5 kilometers long to enclose the 64 hectares area.

To further strengthen the security of the place, entrances were equipped with drawbridges which were lifted in the evening and laid down in the early morning.  Yes, this used to be Manila, and it was filled with residential structures, churches, schools, palaces, and especially government establishments.

Spain was proud of this place, its showcase in the Far East that heralded to the world its power and might.  Then, a war with the American forces in 1898 changed history.  The Philippines became the colony of America.  Had the Americans arrived onto our shores two years earlier, Rizal would not have been executed the brutal way.

Intramuros has preserved the dark history of the Philippines.  Yes, within the thick moss-covered walls of Intramuros, painful memories remain buried today whose bitterness may not have been felt at all. Intramuros now showcases glitters in the future.  Some structures are being rebuilt and restored and  soon, the warm hearted Filipinos will spread joy and peace.

Historical.  Educational.  Amazing.  And more!  This is Intramuros today. It no longer showcases the bitter stories of the past, but better stories for writers, better subjects to talk about, better compositions for painters, photographers and artists, better venues for social gatherings, religious enlightenment for people, scenic views for promenaders.  

A special show, Lights and Sounds, is a diorama presentation of what has transpired in our history from the early barter days with neighboring Asian traders to the time Dr. Jose Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan.  Our history is presented here, segment by segment as icons talk and act. Then, later, after sometime, the next door is not exactly an entrance to another part of the electronic presentation but an exit to the show. I wipe a tear in my eye. It’s the end of the show.

Kadayawan goes bigger and brighter

By JOJIE ALCANTARA

MANILA, Philippines -- Davao’s major festival underwent a positive facelift this year.  With the private sector taking up the reins and, backed up by the local government, Duaw Dabaw Foundation Inc. was tasked to make sure this year’s revelry will be remembered as unforgettable again, rain or shine. True enough, no intertropical convergence zone or low pressure area could mar the new stage built for the performances that draw thousands of crowds from all Mindanao each year.

The island’s biggest and most pulsating celebration, Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, pays tribute to Mindanao's indigenous tribes as the focal point of the festivities. Derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” Kadayawan signifies anything that is of good value, meaning “beautiful, superior, or beneficial.”

Celebrated every month of August, Kadayawan sa Dabaw’s theme this year is “Ten Tribes, One Vibe,” focusing on the multicolored mix of Davao and Mindanao's indigenous communities as well as migrant settlers, whose identities make up the rich cultural heritage of this land.

Long ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes which used to reside at the foot of Mount Apo would converge in a bountiful harvest to celebrate a thanksgiving ceremony to the supreme beings. The rituals involve showcasing produce like fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice and corn grains as offering, while villagers sing and dance in gratitude to the year's abundance.

This traditional practice of thanksgiving is still being observed by Dabawenyos today, as it has evolved into the tribal festival once initiated in the 70's by former Mayor Elias B. Lopez, of Bagobo descent himself.

In 1986, after Martial Law, the government attempted to bring the people together through the “Unlad Proyekto Davao.”  A festival was initially coined "Apo Duwaling," derived from Davao’s famous icons:  Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak; Durian, the king of fruits; and Waling-waling, the queen of orchids. “Apo Duwaling” showcased the city as a peaceful destination to visit and to do business after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed the festival "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" in 1988 to embrace the abundance of blessings Dabawenyos were continually bestowed upon, from the bountiful harvest of flowers, fruits and other crops, to the city’s growing distinct accolades (the long list can be viewed in www.davaocity.gov.ph), and more importantly, the restoration of the peace and order.

With the young and dynamic leadership of Davao’s first lady mayor, Sara Z. Duterte, the delegation of tasks to the private sector is one way of encouraging it to fully participate in any activity the city government undertakes.

The week-long revelry showcased highly participated activities every year and the launching of new ones.  Big prizes were in store for the competitions which regularly draw participants from all over Mindanao.

The colorful contingent of Purok Sison Elementary School from neighboring Surallah, South Cotabato easily won again as champion in the open category of Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) with a whooping prize of P300,000.00, while Davao-based category champs from Magallanes Elementary School romped away with P150,000.00 cash prize.

Around 115 contingents participated in the biggest number of delegates who joined the most festive Pamulak or Floral Float Parade, where uniquely designed floats showcased the abundant vegetation of Davao Region. Abreeza Mall romped away with a whooping P500,000.00 in cash prize for the open or big category.

During this week, Department of Tourism (DoT) and leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. (SMART), launched the SMART-DAVAO DoT partnership of providing a customized SIM for Dabawenyos during the Davao Regional Tourism General Assembly at the Marco Polo Hotel.

As part of the Pilipinas, Tara Na! tourism advocacy program, the DoT Infoboard is an information technology system where tourists and locals can benefit from materials delivered right into their mobile phones, providing tourists and domestic travellers relevant SMS announcements and advisory.

The Infoboard provided by SMART enhances DoT’s capability to inform the travelling public and assist them in their travel information needs, providing them with choices for decision-making at the touch of a key and through a credible source.

Other festival highpoints were the agro-fairs, trade exhibits, sports activities, free concerts as “pasasalamat ni Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte,” various song and dance competitions, arts and culture exhibits, tribal performances, food and photo exhibits, and more.  Visit www.kadayawan.com for more information.

Tourism highlights

By PAUL EDWARD P. SISON

Manila Bay (Photo by Ronald Jayme)

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s business as usual at the Department of Tourism (DoT), more driven and motivated perhaps – fueled by the enthusiasm and passion of its new secretary – and still delivering, as usual, on the tourism front.

Here are the highlights of the DoT’s roadmap for the year until 2012:

Miss Universe. The most exciting news is that Sec. Ramon Jimenez met with Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN recently about the country’s hosting of the Miss Universe beauty contest.

The Philippines first hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1974. It was held at the Folk Arts Theater and Amparo Munoz of Spain was crowned as Miss Universe. The country hosted it a second time in 1994 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where Sushmita Sen of India won the crown. The Miss Universe pageant is the most popular beauty contest in the world with global viewership estimated at 600 million.

PATA 2012. Another positive development as reported by Sec. Jimenez is the hosting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart next year. The Philippine delegation to the 2011 PATA Travel Mart in New Delhi, India included Undersecretary Danny Corpuz, Assistant Secretary Chicoy Enerio, Dir. Betty Nelle, Stanie Soriano and Tina Flores.

 They met with PATA Interim CEO Bill Calderwood and briefed him about preparations for next year’s hosting. According to Corpuz, the country expects to have 2,500 additional hotel rooms in Manila and Cebu by then. Hotels along Roxas Boulevard, airports and even terminals are going through major facelifts. A new multi-purpose hall with a seating capacity of 20,000 persons called the Arena beside SMX at the Mall of Asia complex is already 85 percent complete and expected to be available by May 2012.

Corpuz also secured the assistance of PATA for the major markets of the Philippines to be reflected in the representation of buyers and markets to be invited. Calderwood also promised to reserve 30 percent of slots for Philippine sellers to give them ample possibilities to negotiate with foreign buyers.

Corpuz stressed that the organizing committee for the 2012 PATA Travel Mart is a perfect example of how private public partnership works to benefit the greater good. Active in planning and preparations are officers of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA), Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibit Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), PATA Philippine chapter and Philippine air carriers led by Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The 2012 PATA Travel Mart is scheduled to take place September 25-28 at the SMX Convention Center, the largest private venue in the Philippines and one of the flagship establishments of the country’s MICE industry. It is conveniently located near prestigious hotels and key public transportation systems.  

45th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank. Manila will also be the site of the ADB Board of Governors Meeting next year.  This annual meeting will be held from May 2 – 5, 2012. In the agenda are a range of issues related to economic and social progress for Asia and the Pacific.

Visa upon arrival. A technical working group composed of tourism, foreign affairs, and immigration officials was formed to fast track the issuance of procedures to relax visa policies related to the Visa Upon Arrival recommendation of several sectors.

While in India, the DoT and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) officials discussed with Philippine Ambassador Ronald Allarey the visa upon arrival recommendation for Indian nationals. Allarey advised the group to make strong representations with the Department of Foreign Affairs so this can finally be realized.

 The first half of 2011 saw a substantial increase of 50 percent in arrivals from the Indian continent ever since the four flights a week service of PAL
.