CdeO Foundation Inc. recently announced that there will be new and exciting events which will be added in the upcoming Kagay-an Festival 2009. This year, tourist and residents of Cagayan de Oro City have more colorful and exciting celebration to expect.

“Kagay-an Festival”- Cagayan de Oro City’s main fiesta attraction in honor to patron Saint Augustine, was formally launched last week by the Promote CdeO Foundation, Inc. led by its president Ruben Vegafria, in coordination with the City Tourism Board chaired by Ms. Josie Aliñabon and the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Ms. Imma Rae D. Gatuslao.

The new core events are:

“Garbo sa Oro 2009: Outstanding Kagay-anons”- a recognition of exceptional Kagay-anons who brought honor and pride to the city which will be held at the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University on August 28; “Serenata at the Park” at Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria on August 28 and the “Regional Trade Fair 2009″, a wide array of display and selling of locally-made products of the region based on “One-Town, One-Product” (OTOP) concept to be staged at the Limketkai Rotunda from August 20 to August 28.

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The Western Visayas regional office of Department of Tourism recently released a travel inspired coffee table book titled “Experience the Magic of Western Visayas in the Philippines” showcasing the various travel destinations in the region.

The said coffee table book is up for “distribution to international markets, local travel agents, tour operators and embassies so that they will have an idea of what Western Visayas is all about.”

Boracay Island

The publication introduces, among others, heritage houses or the world heritage site in Iloilo, outdoor sports, local cuisine and other delicacies and exotic fabrics. Continue Reading

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) will spearhead this years Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX ‘09) which will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia on September 02-04, 2009.

PHITEX is an annual travel marketing event to strengthen the country’s tourism brand image and to encourage local and foreign participants to promote affordable and competitive Philippine tour packages.

Mount Pinatubo

The main component of PHITEX is the Travel Exchange or (TRAVEX), whereby Sellers of Philippine tourism products meet up with international tour operators in one-on-one scheduled business appointments.

PHITEX provides a unique venue for buyers from all over the world to meet with Philippine tourism players and be introduced to a whole range of leisure and adventure activities, including resort holiday breaks, diving, glamping (camping luxury-style), birdwatching, spa and wellness, trekking, and golf. It takes place over a period of two days and is followed by specially-designed post tour programs and site inspection visits to some of the country’s top tourist destinations. Continue Reading

My Nikon D90 DSLR camera is probably one of the most expensive gadgets that i have bought from the money I earned from blogging. Investing in photography gadgets are really expensive that’s why Its important that you choose the right accessory with safety features.

While covering the Aliwan Fiesta couple of months back, A fellow travel photographer shared that his friend’s camera was snatched while inside a passenger jeepney near TM Kalaw. The camera strap was slashed and in just a snap her camera was gone.

Pacsafe Camera Strap

Some prefer to put their dslr camera inside their bag while commuting but I find it very interesting when I wear it on my neck while taking street photos, landmarks and human portraits while inside a private car or passenger vehicles. Continue Reading

Ive been traveling around the Philippines for quite a while now and on each travel, I met several types of tour guides. Some are friendly, informative and helpful but some tour guides will just tell you where you are without giving you any background or historical significance of the place. eg. We are now in Rizal Park.. (Ummm I know right? LOL)

A couple of weeks back, I joined a tour of Pasig River and Binondo during the launch of the Philippine Travel Mart 2009.

Binondo Tour

I met several members of Mabuhay Guides and they were really good. They are so informative and each information were delivered with a smile. Ive been wanting to become a tour guide and share my knowledge about our countries premier destinations but too late, I learned about the Mabuhay Guide training a week after they close the application and screening process.

Hopefully they will train new guides that will join their team… I will apply… Hopefully soon:)

After an exciting evening race in Camotes Island, we left the island for an overnight stop in Danao City in Cebu. The locals of Danao served one the best dinner we’ve ever had in the entire race. Imagine fresh Tuna sashimi and Cebu’s finest lechon – Anthony Bourdain once said “Its the best roasted pig in the world” well who doesnt agree?.

From Toledo City we left for San Carlos city at around 7am and after almost two hours, we finally arrived in San Carlos City. We were all welcomed by the local officials together with the PintaFlores Festival dancers wearing colorful costumes in the arrival area of San Carlos RoRo terminal.

RoRo Racers in San Carlos City RoRo Terminal

It was my first time in San Carlos and Ive been planning to visit this City to watch and experience the Pintaflores Festival.. good thing I saw a group of dancers performing their famous dance steps hmmm it made me decide to go back and watch the real street dancing competition. Continue Reading

Watch you favorite Pinoy celebrities together with their teams on an all-out battle for P1 MILLION in the

“Ready, Set, RORO!” DBP Interisland Race-Year 4!

Feel the heat of the competition in the “Ready, Set RORO!” DBP Interisland Race-Year 4! Witness how the teams conquered the crashing waves of Siargao. See who ruled in Boracay.

Watch the Race on Studio 23

And find out who rolled on to win P1 MILLION! Catch all the action of this 6-day, 8-legged adventure race on June 12 & 13, 2009, from 6-7 PM on Studio 23. Also watch for the announcement of the online voting contest winners!

Southeast Asian Airlines – the Philippines premiere leisure airline will be offering the lowest fares to Boracay starting on June 15 until October 15, 2009.

Travelers can fly to one of the world’s top tourist destinations for as low as PhP 350 all-in. The promo can only be availed through online reservation by visiting SEAIR’s website www.flyseair.com and tickets should be booked between June 15 and June 30, 2009.

Cheapest Airfare to Boracay

Boracay has one of the best tropical beaches in the world. The three-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear water never fails to delight many travelers to this island paradise. Apart from the spectacular beachfront, Boracay is host to a multitude and diverse selection of bars, restaurants, and hotels that caters to all kinds of tourists. Continue Reading

Last week, Enchanted Kingdom officially bids goodbye to Summer by celebrating the yearly Santacruzan. Overcast skies and heavy rains did not deter Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the country’s premier theme park, from staging its much-awaited annual event Flores de Mayo.

The parade of the Flores de Mayo queens was originally scheduled to go around the Park, like the real troupers they were, the cast members of EK staged the parade at Eldar’s Tent instead. Eldar’s Tent is a sprawling 600sqm. air-conditioned venue perfect for corporate events and personal milestones. The new location did not discourage people from flocking to the place and witnessing a colourful and grand event right before their very eyes. The show must go on!

Mariella Castillo – Ms. Bikini Philippines 2009 1st Runner Up

Accompanied with the band music of Los Baños Drum & Lyre, the beautiful sagalas along with their debonair escorts paraded in their colourful and glamorous gowns to pay homage to the Virgin Mary who took the center stage. Continue Reading

Who said Summer has ended? Its an all year round Summer in Boracay as SEAIR invites everyone to fly to Boracay with fares for as low as P350 one-way all-in. This can be purchased from June 1, 2009 to October 15, 2009 and the airfare promotion starts from June 15, 2009 to October 15, 2009 .

The Boracay experience is enhanced with SEAIR offering special service advantages to its passengers to Boracay. Aside from cheap flights, SEAIR passengers enjoy complimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay and vice versa, as well as shortest queues and check-in procedures at the airport, fastest baggage claim, and privileges for their boarding pass in partner establishments in Boracay and Manila.

Do you really want to experience Batanes?

Locals and frequent travelers tell about Batanes summer from June to August. With Batanes being nearer to Taiwan than to Luzon, it experiences 4 seasons. Fall is from September to November, winter is from December to February, spring is from March to May, and summer is from June to August. Continue Reading