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The brand-new Toyota Lite Ace serves as Lakbay-mobility Kuwentuhan’s partner by distributing books to children

  • The All-New Lite Ace Panel Van as the Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the nation’s leading mobility company, partnered with a nearby children’s bookshop, Basa Bookstore, for its educational campaign and storytelling caravan Lakbay-Kuwentuhan. TMP is a champion of initiatives to improve the quality of life of Filipinos through the power of mobility.

For the first stage of their Lakbay Kuwentuhan caravan, Basa Bookstore traveled to various provinces using the All-New Toyota Lite Ace Panel Van to offer storybooks to kids.

Lakbay-Kuwentuhan is a program that Basa Bookstore started to commemorate International Book Giving Day last month. It aims to promote literacy among Filipino children and increase their awareness of the value of education through the distribution of locally produced books. The campaign’s goals for 2023 alone include giving away 5,000 books to public schools, reaching 10,000 children, and organizing 20 storytelling workshops for 1,000 public school instructors nationwide.

  • Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Masbate

The Lakbay-Kuwentuhan caravan visited South Luzon over the entire month of February, bringing books to kids in the Bicol provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Albay.

“When we started the book-giving caravan amidst a pandemic and after Typhoon Ulysses, Toyota was eager to support our cause. We at Lakbay-Kuwentuhan aim to bring Filipino stories written by Filipino authors for Filipino children to communities across the country to lessen the effects of the pandemic on children’s reading attitudes and in support of DepEd’s Bawat Bata Bumabasa campaign,” said Rey Bufi, Founder and Chief Storytelling officer of Basa Bookstore.

  • Rey Bufi (L), Founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Basa Bookstore

TMP has assisted the organization in reaching 12 communities in the above provinces to serve more than 3,000 pupils after traveling more than 2,430 kilometers. In its last caravan, Lakbay-Kuwentuhan was able to hold three seminars and hold six storytelling sessions. Rey continued, “For this, we and the nearby communities are extremely appreciative of Toyota’s involvement in changing our world.

  • Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Gubat Elementary School, Sorsogon

The Toyota Lite Ace, known as the “kasosyo sa asenso” of the Filipinos, aids small business owners in their efforts to succeed in raising the standard of living in their neighborhoods. The Lite Ace Panel Van helped organize the Lakbay-Kuwentuhan caravan and quickly handed books to eager kids. It is equipped with the size and ability to carry things and goods with ease and speed.

“Part of promoting better quality of life for Filipinos is nurturing young minds and providing them with the tools for continuous learning. We at TMP believe that all children deserve quality education as this will prepare them for their future and help mold them into the person they hope to become. We support initiatives such as this from Basa Bookstore and we are honored to be part of this caravan. We thank them for trusting Toyota and we look forward to more similar future activities powered by our goal of creating mobility for all,” said Elvin Luciano, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Services Department of Toyota Motor Philippines.

  • Lakbay Kuwentuhan Caravan with students and teachers from Masbate

The Toyota Lite Ace is the Filipinos’ partner in accomplishing their goals since it is easy to use and maintain, and it is affordable for MSMEs. The Lite Ace’s excellent efficiency, adaptable load capacity, and low fuel consumption enable drivers and business owners to maximize their journeys and increase savings. These models are also available in Pickup, Cargo, and FX variations. While the Toyota Lite Ace is built with dependability, durability, and lifespan in mind, further savings that can benefit their businesses are guaranteed.

To learn more about the All-New Lite Ace, stop by any Toyota dealership in your area. Visit https://toyota.com.ph/asenso for more details, or join its Viber community at Toyota PH to receive frequent updates, or follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

April 4, 2023 by
Lifestyle, Travel

Toyota provides roadside assistance throughout Holy Week

In the next few days, there will be greater traffic on the roads as Filipinos travel for the Holy Week break. Mobility leader Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is providing a free pre-Holy Week car safety inspection service to assist drivers in securely reaching their destinations.

Now until April 5th, drivers may receive a free 21-point vehicle safety inspection at any authorized Toyota dealer or service center (excluding body and paint centers). Owners of Toyotas can schedule an appointment by getting in touch with their favorite dealer or service facility. They can visit toyota.com.ph/dealer to locate a dealer or service facility in their area.

Owners of Toyota vehicles who bring them in for inspection will also get a free Caltex Saveplus Card when they use other services. At any Caltex station accepting this card nationwide, you can receive a fuel discount of P2.00 per liter for gasoline (Platinum or Silver) or P1.00 per liter for diesel (except Caltex stations located in Landers Superstores).

Preventative Maintenance check-ups, general service repairs, aircare, engine detailing, and body and paint repairs are among additional services that can be requested.

In addition, TMP will provide Roadside Emergency Help at a limited number of dealers around the nation from April 6 to April 9: 2023 March 15 – April 5, Free Vehicle Safety Inspection Promotion. Visit Toyota.com.ph/promos/pre-holy-week-032023 for additional details.

Fair Trade DTI License Number. 2023 FTEB-163119 series

For current information on goods and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events, follow Toyota Motor Philippines’ official pages on Facebook, Instagram, toyota.com.ph, Twitter, and Viber.

For all your Toyota needs, from car selection to auto care, maintenance, and upgrades, download the myTOYOTA PH APP for Android and iOS.

March 30, 2023 by
Travel

Brand Ambassadors are appointed by Banwa Private Island

Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is thrilled to announce.

Potential guests and business professionals alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique position to share firsthand experiences and information.


London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019, we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to once more be part of the passionate team.”

Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities. Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.

The island sanctuary is located in north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury, making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”

March 23, 2023 by
Travel

Brand Ambassadors are appointed by Banwa Private Island

Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is thrilled to announce.

Potential guests and business professionals alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique position to share firsthand experiences and information.

London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019, we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to once more be part of the passionate team.”

Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities. Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.

The island sanctuary is located in north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury, making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”

March 2, 2023 by
Lifestyle, Travel

Sustainability Adventures from a Tropical Island

The Aquos Foundation

‘To nurture and protect biodiversity, threatened species, fragile ecosystems and the community’

A pair of fat Mantanani Scops Owls consider their next meal as dusk settles over the lush green canopy of the garden forest on Banwa Private Island. Following a busy day burying their eggs, a line of Hawksbill Turtles amble lazily through the scorching, white sand on their way back to the cool, clear water. Tabon Birds poke their beaks into the dense underbrush in the hopes of finding appetizing meals of seeds, shoots, and helpless insects. The reef is alive all around the island. Above beds of enormous clams, trevally, grouper, and cuttlefish dance ravenously. Clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish all make an effort to avoid becoming prey. They are transformed into colorful diversions for a nursery of black-tipped reef sharks as they dart through the coral. Life is wonderful in northern Palawan as the sun dips its toes into the clear seas for its final hurrah of the day.

But it was not always this way…  

Banwa Private island is remote but not removed from the heavy hand humanity has had on nature. Banwa Private Island’s Aquos Foundation was established to turn this around. Aquos Foundation Guardian, Bernard Bonares says: “In 2016, when Palawan was supposed to have the best coral in the Philippines, I saw was rubble covered in algae, a few lonely fish looking hopeless, and a hungry Hawksbill Turtle picking at a sponge. I was heartbroken.” Something had to be done, so the Foundation was set up to restore and protect the environment. This has resulted in a growing list of now thriving (often endangered) wildlife, the lush habitat and also the island’s healthy surrounding reef. 

The Aquos Foundation is an NGO that works to ensure Palawan is preserved as “the last frontier of biodiversity” for future generations in addition to offering opulent lodging and first-rate service. The Foundation’s dedication to the environment is what distinguishes Banwa Private Island. The goal is to safeguard and enhance the diverse wildlife in and around the island’s marine reserve.

We hope to soon share with you more sustainability success stories.

January 12, 2023 by
Lifestyle, Travel, Uncategorized

NEPAL DEBUTS ABOUT MIRAAYA, ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL GOLF & WELLNESS DESTINATION

This month, Nepal’s first boutique golf retreat destination for holistic wellness and spiritual development, Miraaya Wellness & Golf Retreat, will open for business under CG Hospitality. The Farm by San Benito, a renowned, multi-awarded eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort in the Philippines, served as the inspiration for this high-end offering, which is the first of its kind in South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. It promises to offer an ultra-luxury experience ranging from wellness treatments to wellness cuisine and mindfulness.

The best place to tee off is in the lap of nature at Miraaya, where the tranquil atmosphere and spiritual elegance rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. The Miraaya heralds the restoration of tourism and hospitality to pre-pandemic levels.

The Miraaya’s unmatched offerings include 24 opulent guest rooms – lagoon villas, club suites, and villas with views of the 9-hole golf course. The property offers a 4069 yards comprising 9 holes with 32 par Golf Course, a spa & wellness sanctuary for all indoor and outdoor spa treatments, a yoga and meditation pavilion as well as new Three restaurants – Alive!, Prana, and The 19th Hole.

This exclusive premium resort nestling in the lap of Devachuli Hills is situated less than an hour’s drive from Bharatpur Airport on the strategic Mahendra or East-West Highway that connects Nepal from East to West. Other attractions include Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha; the breathtaking Chitwan National Park also home to the legendary Meghauli Serai – a Taj Safari (a CG Hospitality property) another and overlooks the spiritually enriching Shashwat Dham. Visitors to the Miraaya can visit the melting point of modern, traditional & traditional cultures at Unnati Cultural Village, another stunning offering from CG Hospitality which blends nature, culture, and spirituality in a never-seen-before combination in the neighborhood.

In its Phase 1 opening, slated for September 2022, Miraaya will open in a reinvented avatar the flagship Miraaya Wellness Spa. The brand new restaurants will offer their diners the finest culinary experience in the region. While Alive!, a vegan restaurant will advocate locally sourced, organically grown plant-based farm-to-table cuisine;, and the 19th Hole, a poolside sports bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.

Included in the complimentary activities for all guests are the resort’s yoga, meditation, and sound healing programs. In a pioneering move unmatched in all of Nepalese hospitality, the Miraaya Spa will offer traditional Nepali massage and beauty rituals using the healing properties of local medicinal plants and herbs.

In the second phase, expected to go live in the December 2022 as a grand launch, the property will open with 10 clubrooms, 8 lagoon villas and 6 golf villas with private pools, taking the room count to 24.

In the launch’s third and final phase in 2023, Miraaya will begin its medically-supervised programs such as Holistic Detox, Beauty and Longevity, Pain Management, Weight Management, Yoga and Raw Food Retreat.Miraaya promises to be a trailblazer in Nepalese hospitality as the region’s first luxury wellness, spiritual, and golf retreat that is close to Buddhist and Hindu religion centres and reverberates with tranquil healing energy.

“Miraaya embodies CG’s goal of holistic wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and cultural consciousness with its carefully curated fare”, says Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO, CG Hospitality. 

Miraaya is the place to be for everyone from the serious golfer to the wellness fanatic traveling abroad to take in the most extraordinary experiences. And the world is getting closer to this gorgeous new holistic refuge from CG Hospitality internationally with the construction of a new, top-notch international airport at Lumbini.

Visit www.miraayawellness.com to learn more about Miraaya online.

 

 

 

 

October 10, 2022 by
Travel

Prepare for your trips and exploits during the ‘Ber months

Fa la la la la, it’s once again that time of year! Christmas carols are playing on the radio, the cool holiday breeze starts to caress your skin, and houses and streets are decked out in a vibrant assortment of festive trinkets and decorations. Travel bells are ringing now that travel restrictions have been relaxed! Make sure you have all the necessary travel necessities and equipment for a smoother and more enjoyable holiday trip, whether all you want is a quiet weekend away with family or friends.

Make the most of your vacations by reading up on travel suggestions if you’re looking for your next vacation spot.

Take wonderful selfies in Baguio Christmas Village

Want to head up north? Experience the yuletide spirit of the colorful Christmas village in the City of Pines. Get your camera phones ready for some selfies or strike a pose with the vivid attractions and mesmerizing holiday lights while playing in the snow for that ultimate winter wonderland vibe.

You can also bring out the child in you and take a stroll in the gingerbread houses and candy cane displays and take photos with miniature snowmen while enjoying Baguio’s cool breeze — plus, you can visit the nearby night market and restaurants to complete the experience.

Go hiking in Sagada

Hike your way to the clouds and embrace the ‘ber-month breeze in Sagada, Mountain Province. Get your high-definition cameras ready and some drone action as you explore destinations within the mountain range.

Never miss a moment and get your powerful lenses ready to capture the famous hanging coffins, the picturesque view of Marlboro Hills, and the scenic Mt. Kiltepan viewpoint.

If you are craving more adventure, an additional hour-and-a-half away ride won’t hurt! Get your power banks ready to recharge your gears as you quest the ancient Buscalan Village, where the oldest and last mambabatok or Ifugao tattoo artist, Apo Whang Od, resides.

Hit the road to La Union

Grab your friends and have an awesome ‘ber-month road trip to La Union. Don’t forget to pack a good portable speaker to play your friendship playlists while you exchange amazing stories and share some laughs.

After indulging in San Juan’s famous beaches along with good music and sumptuous food, you can also explore La Union’s other famous destinations like the ancient Ma-Cho Temple, the historical Baluarte Watch Tower, or do some grape picking at Gapuz Grape Farm.

Catch some waves in Siargao

For those who are looking for some action, Siargao is the right travel destination for you. Have the ultimate island experience with your family and friends while immersing in the island with the locals.

If you want to learn the basics of surfing or diving, better grab your waterproof action cameras to capture fun moments beneath the splashes and waves. Ready your selfie sticks and hop on boats as you discover Siargao’s beautiful islands like the famous Naked Island and Sohoton Cove, ride motorcycles and stroll along the iconic palm tree-lined road and finally, join a party at Cloud 9 coast where great food and entertainment awaits. 

Get the full Christmas experience in Pampanga

Witness an awesome showdown of lights this December in the Christmas capital of the Philippines, San Fernando — home to the mesmerizing giant lanterns. Take clear, crisp photos of the giant attractions by bringing your night-powered camera phones with you. Capture every detail and make the vibrant colors of the lanterns pop in every shot.

If you are looking for another exciting Christmas-themed place in the city, worry not because Pampanga’s first Christmas-themed park in Mexico is open for you. After visiting the holiday destinations, satisfy your tastebuds with Kapampangan delicacies like tsokolate de batirol and bibingka at puto bumbong.

Be holiday ready with Home Credit

Take advantage of Home Credit Philippines’ accommodating payment arrangements and inexpensive rates to get ready for your vacation! Home Credit, the lifestyle companion of every Filipino, offers phones, gadgets, and other necessary travel necessities at the most competitive prices with flexible installment plans that suit every traveler’s budget.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).    have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines. Visit the Home Credit Philippines website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news. You may also follow the company’s official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Customers are urged to download the Home Credit App from Google Play in order to learn more about the newest promotions and discover what has recently appeared in the market.

 

 

 

September 28, 2022 by
Lifestyle, Travel

WWF and Hamilo Coast are partners in sustainable tourism

Hamilo Coast and WWF further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity such as the Coastal Clean Up.

The country’s most popular beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, Hamilo Coast, may be the weekend retreat of the wealthy, but it is on course to become a successful example of eco-tourism techniques that are sustainable.

Hamilo Coast, a project of SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), has 5,800 hectares of prime beachside development and thoughtfully mixes residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses throughout the vast estate. But beyond its expansive scope and breathtaking views, Hamilo Coast places sustainable tourism at the center of its philosophy and demonstrates how lovely beachfront homes can coexist with the natural world.

2022 marks Hamilo Coast’s 15th year of productive partnership with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF). Hamilo Coast and WWF have been working together on key areas for sustainability—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.

Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.

This long-standing collaboration with WWF signifies Hamilo Coast’s determination to pursue eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.

Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership’s objectives. “More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.” 

This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components on waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Apart from these, Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment.

Santelmo Cove was among those declared as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) regarded as a coastal zone where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation.

For one, Hamilo Coast and WWF’s Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast’s 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast’s scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystem and resources.

Hamilo Coast also continues to implement a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Here, Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As an effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.

Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and the ways we can protect and preserve the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity.

Likewise, the development boasts the largest volunteer effort for the ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris.

For all of these persistent efforts, WWF has given Hamilo Coast the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, honoring the development’s dedication to environmentally friendly travel and its beneficial effects on the Philippine travel and tourism sector. “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the aid of WWF,” says Francisco. This motivates us to put forth even greater effort in the hopes that our efforts will allow future generations to appreciate nature’s beauty in the same way that we do.

For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

 

September 1, 2022 by
Travel

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 6TH WORLD TRAVEL EXPO MANILA 2022 WAS SIGNED BY AD ASIA EVENTS AND OKADA MANILA

    L-R: Mr. Carlo Baldonido, Senior Manager for Destination Marketing & Partnership- Okada Manila; Ms. Miles Caballero, Managing Director – Ad Asia Events; Ms. Wendy Ni- VP of Strategic Marketing – Okada Manila ; Mr. Alvaro Ramos – AVP of Retail Okada Manila

The TIGER RESORT, LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (OKADA MANILA) and AD ASIA CONVENTIONS & EXHIBITIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP. (AD ASIA EVENTS) collaborated for the sixth installment of the eagerly anticipated travel event, THE WORLD TRAVEL EXPO. The aforementioned expo’s organizer, AD ASIA EVENTS, has selected the CRYSTAL CORRIDOR of OKADA MANILA as the event’s official location this year, taking up 5,758 square meters with 200 exhibit booths.

In order to serve as the one-stop shop for all the needs of travelers, the WORLD TRAVEL EXPO, an annual event for the nation’s domestic and foreign tourism industries, brings together major tourism organizations and hospitality industry participants. And since making a physical reappearance, it has grown to be BIGGER and more INFLUENTIAL, beginning with its new home, OKADA MANILA, which is hailed as Manila’s regal emblem and the nation’s largest integrated resort to date. It is a premier location for gaming and entertainment.

Okada Manila has been recognized as a Forbes five-star integrated resort by Forbes Travel Guide for three straight years (2019 to 2022), known for its top-tier facilities and exemplary service that personifies the unique blend of Japanese hospitality and Filipino warmth. From the luxurious hotel rooms to an exciting array of dining options, a premium Retail Boulevard, the largest and most exciting gaming floors, Okada Manila is one of the key drivers in Philippine tourism industry. Okada Manila is also home to the world’s largest multi-color musical and dancing fountain and the one-of-a-kind indoor night club and beach club, the magnificent Cove Manila.

Moreover, OKADA MANILA will offer wide range of amenities to the WTE2022 Sponsors, exhibitors and guests such as free parking, excellent Wi-Fi connection, and shuttle service to main pick-up points, providing a more convenient transportation as they visit the expo.

Likewise, the WORLD TRAVEL EXPO will prepare a better line up of amazing travel promos, deals, and packages that will help the visitors of the event achieve their best vacation without all the hassle!

The expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 21–23, 2022. The hourly shows at the Fountain, which start every day at 6 pm, will be another draw for evening visitors to the event.

For additional information, visit WORLD TRAVEL EXPO’s Facebook page at htt..m/worldtravelexpo.ph

July 21, 2022 by
Travel

Puerto Princesa: The Return of Paradise

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With strict safety standards in place, Puerto Princesa is ready to welcome visitors once more. The Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed the highly urbanized city and tourist haven in recent years, followed by Typhoon Odette. However, it is on the mend—-as gloriously as its beautiful, romantic, and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of picture-perfect Palawan, stretches for 106 kilometers along 253,982 hectares of stunning coasts. Because of its strategic geographic location, it has enough depth to accommodate ships of all sizes, earning it the title of “Princess of Ports,” or “Puerto Princesa” in Spanish.

Puerto Princesa is without a doubt one of the country’s most enjoyable destinations. A popular vacation spot for tourists, beachgoers, and hikers; a thriving business center with a rural allure; a provincial ambiance with modern conveniences; and a clean and green city known for its beautiful forests, pure air, and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020, the city of Puerto Princesa has been fighting to get back on its feet. Hundreds of tourism-related firms have closed due to a shortage of tourists, leaving thousands of people unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.”

Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.”

The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

The Last Frontier

There are numerous tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. However, many visitors to the city prioritize the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The city attracts a considerable number of travelers as the starting point for visiting the world-famous Tubbataha Reef.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege on with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and more importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Although Puerto Princesa is known as “The Last Frontier,” the city’s tourism department is certain that it will always be a top destination for visitors.

 

May 11, 2022 by