Starting July 29 to August 10, 2009, Intramuros History Town formerly known as WoW Philippines will showcase the Wonders of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

The Department of Tourism will launch tourism promotion that will showcase MIMAROPA Region at Intramuros: History Town Philippines with Secretary Ace Durano and Senator Richard Gordon as the guests of honor on July 28, 2009.

The MIMAROPA region composed of the island provinces of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, with DOT’s Regional Director Louella Jurilla, leads the collaboration of efforts with the Governors, Mayors and tourism business movers to package the elements of an enriching travel experience when visiting the region.

Kayangan Lake, Coron Palawan

Home of the country’s premier adventure destinations, and finalist in the search for the New7Wonders, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the region has occupied the top slot in the domestic travel market for several decades. Read the full story

Next month, The province of Cebu will once again prove that Cebu is indeed an island of colorful festivals. Last year, I was lucky to witness the first grand Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival.

Now on it’s second year, The Festivities will start with the coronation of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival 2009 Queen on August 12 following a colorful parade of dances will showcase best of the best street dancing festivals of Cebu on August 15, 2009.

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival 2009

Last years grand price was bagged by Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island while the Haladaya festival of Daanbantayn finished second, followed by Siloy festival (Alcoy), Ani-anihan festival (Tabuelan), Banig festival (Badian), Tostado festival (Santander), Sinamay festival (Carmen)and Soli-Soli festival(San Francisco, Camotes) respectively. Read the full story

National artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco was one of the greatest Filipino visual artists and muralists, best known for his vibrant, sprawling murals specially commissioned by the Malacañang Palace, Manila City Hall, Philippine General Hospital and Fort Santiago.

His masterpieces include the Malacañang mural “Fiesta”, “Code of Kalantiao (private collection), “Blood Compact” (Yuchengco Museum / RCBC Building), “First Mass at Limasawa” (National Museum), “The Martyrdom of Rizal” (Fort Santiago), “Bayanihan sa Bukid,” “Stations of the Cross” (Far Eastern University), “The Invasion of Limahong,” “Serenade,” and “Muslim Betrothal.”

Botong was also a multidisciplinary artist, working in the movies as a scriptwriter and production designer.

Book about Botong Francisco

But more than anything, Botong was an artist who addressed the issue of national identity. Yet, despite his great impact on Philippine art, his works have grown obscure to the younger generations of Filipinos.

A GREAT SENSE OF EPIC

To rekindle interest in Botong Francisco, Vibal Foundation, Inc. (VFI) introduces a new addition to its Art Series of imprints: The Life and Art of Carlos V. Francisco. Read the full story

CALABARZON’s new adventure and wellness packages was launched by the Department of Tourism on Monday noon at the Clamshell at Anda and Sta. Lucia Sts. in Intramuros:History Town Philippines.

CALABARZON is composed of the five provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Dubbed as ‘Excite! Delight! @ the Sights CALABARZON,’ event will formally open to the public from July 14-15, where top travel stakeholders will offer their latest tourism packages to local and foreign clients.

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban Quezon

Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano said. “We have come up with some of the most unique and exciting packages with the support from the local government in CALABARZON, and business movers such as travel agencies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and travel boutiques.

“This regional showcase will likewise introduce the newest first-class hotels and resorts in the area.”

These packages, said Durano, include wellness and spa sessions, cuisines, hot spring baths, beach hopping, dive safaris, golfing, pilgrimages, and heritage exploration.

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. added: “With CALABARZON highlights which are its beaches, volcanic springs and historical landmarks, we have also put together other alternative activities that cater to a diverse market of foreign and local tourists.” Read the full story

You heard it right! The worlds most prestigious fireworks competition is back!

According to our source, The 2009 World Pyro Olympics fireworks competition will be held this year in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This event is scheduled to kick off this November and winners will be announced on the first week of December 2009.

The World Pyro Olympics 2009 is an annual fireworks competition that showcases some of the most prestigious fireworks manufacturers in the world.

The event started in 2004 but it was just considered as an exhibition event. In 2005 it was declared as the worlds largest international fireworks competition.

The first years Peoples choice winner was Show Fx. Pty from Australia and the last years winner was Parente Fireworks from Italy.

The yearly event was temporarily stopped in 2006 but in 2007, United Kingdom’s Westcoast Fireworks won while Italy’s Parente Fireworks was recognized as the best last year.

Visit this link for more World Pyro Olympics 2009 updates

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.

Read the full story

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. Read the full story

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. Read the full story

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. Read the full story