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PNVF forms coaching sataff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
Alinsunurin appointed Philippine men’s volleyball assistant coach
Seasoned mentor Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as the host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
NewJeans prepares for comeback with Japanese debut, teases world tour
K-pop girl group NewJeans is gearing up for a number of comeback projects this year, including a Japanese debut eyed to kick off a world tour......»»
Red carpet to be rolled out for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will leave no stone unturned for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 – in terms of hosting the event for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years......»»
Philippines vows hosting readiness for men’s volleyball world championship
The Philippines assured to leave no stone unturned in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 — in terms of hosting for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years......»»
Saintfiet confident, hopes for ‘miracle’ as PH men’s football team hosts Iraq
Hoping to take advantage of playing at home, the Philippine men's football team targets a breakthrough win in the joint qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup as it battles favored Iraq.....»»
Philippine men’s volleyball coach puts premium on performance for 2025 worlds
Philippine men’s national volleyball team coach Sergio Veloso said that performance will be the main factor in building the team roster for the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) men’s world championship next year......»»
Big Dome, MOA eyed for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will be the only second Asian country, next to Japan, to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship when the 32 best teams in the world converge on local soil to duke it out for the coveted volley crown on Sept. 12 to 28 next year......»»
Philippines to host Volleyball Men s World Championship 2025
MANILA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines is set to host the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men's Volleyball Championship in 2025 after winning the bid on Wednesday night. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the hosting opportunity, saying the country is looking forward to the success of the global sports event. "The Philippines' hosting of this global volleyball event bo.....»»
Chinese tourists e-visa welcomed
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco yesterday welcomed the electronic visa (e-visa) for Chinese tourists, saying it will surely improve the experience of inbound travelers and visitors, and have a positive impact on the country’s international arrivals, especially for the Chinese and Indian markets. “We believe that this will foster even closer people-to-people exchanges, cultural understanding, and vibrant tourism cooperation,” Frasco said. This developed after the visa reforms convergence meeting organized by the DoT last 24 March 2023. Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DoT, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration discussed the streamlining of the visa application process, to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. The e-visa is considered one of the ways to raise the confidence of airlines, charter operators, and travel agents to resume flights from various points in China directly to tourist destinations in the Philippines, like Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Legazpi, Clark, Laoag, Lallo, and Manila, with the projected ease and speed of visa processing. In 2019, more than 1.7 million Chinese visitors came to the Philippines, DoT data showed. As of 26 July, the agency has recorded 137,822 arrivals from China, following the recent lifting of travel restrictions for the Chinese. “Certainly, the e-visa will be a game changer for the Chinese market, which currently prefers other Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia which provide landing visas to Chinese travelers, thus gaining faster momentum for tourism recovery of those countries from the negative impact of the pandemic,” Frasco said. “One of the foremost advantages of this initiative is the positive impact it can have on revitalizing the Philippine tourism industry. Before the pandemic, China stood as the Philippines’ second top tourist market, contributing significantly to our nation’s vibrant tourism landscape with a record 1.7 million visitors in 2019. The e-visa system’s introduction holds the promise of recovering the Chinese market and opening up to the Indian market,” she said. The post Chinese tourists e-visa welcomed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT welcomes e-visa system for Chinese tourists
The Department of Tourism welcomes the forthcoming implementation of the electronic visa system for temporary visitors with its pilot implementation among Chinese nationals, to be followed by Indian nationals by yearend, as announced by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. During the visa reforms convergence meeting organized by the DOT last 24 March 2023 corresponding to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the DOT, DFA, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration discussed the streamlining of the visa application process to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. “We are grateful that the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to implement the e-visa system will soon come into fruition with DFA’s implementation as it will surely improve the experience of inbound travelers and tourists, and have a positive impact on our international arrivals especially in the Chinese and Indian markets. We believe that this will also foster even closer people-to-people exchanges, cultural understanding, and vibrant tourism cooperation,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. In 2019, more than the 1.7 million Chinese visitors to the Philippines were recorded by the DOT. As of 26 July 2023, the agency has tallied 137,822 arrivals from China, following the recent lifting of travel restrictions for the Chinese. The e-visa is seen as one way to raise the confidence of airlines, charter operators and travel agents to resume flights from various points in China directly to tourist destinations in the Philippines such as Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Legaspi, Clark, Laoag, Lallo and Manila due to the projected ease and increase in visa processing. “Certainly, the e-visa will be a game changer in the Chinese market, which currently prefers other Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia which provide landing visa to Chinese travelers, thus gaining faster momentum for the tourism recovery of these countries from the negative impacts of the pandemic,” said Frasco. “One of the foremost advantages of this initiative is the positive impact it can have on revitalizing the Philippine tourism industry. Prior to the pandemic, China stood as the Philippines' second top tourist market, contributing significantly to our nation's vibrant tourism landscape with a record 1.7 million visitors in 2019. The e-visa system's introduction holds the promise of recovering the Chinese market and opening up to the Indian market,” she added. Earlier this year, the President directed concerned government agencies to extend the e-visa to certain nationalities to encourage tourists from their countries to visit the Philippines. “The Philippines takes great pride in its diverse and captivating tourist destinations, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. We are confident that the implementation of the e-visa system will encourage more Chinese and new Indian visitors to explore the wonders of our archipelago, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories that will certainly make them Love the Philippines as a top-of-the-mind tourist destination,” said Frasco. -30- The post DoT welcomes e-visa system for Chinese tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pride takes off
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, kicked off its Pride Month celebration with the launch of its very first Pride flight on 5 June, highlighting the airline’s unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equity for every Juan. CEB Flight 5J 905, which flew from Manila to Boracay, was operated by LGBTQIA+ members and allies. The team includes Captain Bensie Tan, Captain Bettina Mercado, First Officer Lorenz Montinola, First Officer Chezka Carandang, Christopher Ian Mau, Kevin Jason Baetiong, Kimberly Naval, Niña Marudo and Mikee Vitug. Passengers on board were treated to Pride-themed giveaways, fun games, and an exclusive chance to win a free roundtrip domestic flight ticket, among others. “We take great pride in the diversity and inclusivity that define Cebu Pacific’s culture. Throughout the years, we have created a safe space for every Juan and have consistently progressed towards celebrating individuality. This year, we are thrilled to pay tribute to our moment makers from the Pride community by featuring them on a special flight — a truly remarkable way to kick off the celebration of Pride Month,” said Candice Iyog, CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer. The Pride flight is only the first installment of CEB’s lineup of events dedicated to Pride Month. Throughout June, CEB will host various training and online courses, all aimed at fostering equity and advocating for gender sensitivity in the workplace. To further support the cause, several fundraisers have been planned to help the non-profit organization Golden Gays. The funds raised from these activities will be dedicated to extending assistance to the elderly members of the Golden Gays. In 2019, CEB played a pivotal role in shaping Philippine aviation by employing the first transwomen cabin crew, Jess Labares and Mikee Vitug. The milestone serves as a testament to the airline’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. The post Pride takes off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making the most of Philippine Summer
Despite perennially reeling from the scorching heat, Filipinos nevertheless look forward to summer to take a break from the rigors of daily life and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. The months of March to May is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, as the Philippines, being a tropical country, is replete with summer destinations that local and foreign tourists go gaga about. Topping these getaway spots, hands down is the beach. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Boracay, Palawan and Siargao — all known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and stunning sunsets. [caption id="attachment_129829" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A boy ignoring warnings not to swim in polluted Manila Bay dives in to beat the summer heat as boats prepare for the fist annual regatta, 26 May 2002, aimed at increasing public awareness on the environment. The Philippine government has been taking steps to clean-up the historic bay, famed for its breath-taking sunsets, which has become a depository for trash and industrial waste in recent years. AFP PHOTO/Joel NITO (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129827" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province, central Philippines on April 7, 2018. - The Philippine tourism industry scrambled on April 6 to manage the fallout from the temporary shutdown of its world-famous Boracay island, which threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists. (Photo by AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129828" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A surfer takes advantage of the conditions at Big Wave Bay on the southern side of Hong Kong island 05 July 2001 as tyhoon 'Utor' heads nearer to the territory after lashing southern Taiwan and the Philippines. 'Utor' one of the biggest typhoons to hit the South China Sea in thirty years is expected to hit landfall in southern China tommorrow morning coming close to Hong Kong at the same time.AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129830" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A tourist goes airborne while kite boarding in the waters of Boracay island on November 9, 2008. The white sand beach resort island is in center of controversy as investors and property owners accused the government of land grabbing following the 2006 proclamation by the Philippine government that the entire island belongs to the state. Boracay island located in central Philippines draws half a million tourists each year to its spectacular beaches, more than one sixth of tourist visitors to the country. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Aside from the beach, summertime is a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and island hopping. Tourists take advantage of the summer months to explore the natural beauty of the country. [caption id="attachment_129826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] This picture taken on October 12, 2019 shows members of Myanmar's national surfing team resting during a competition on Ngwe Saung beach in Irrawaddy division, ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines. - Competitive surfing was barely known in Myanmar a few years ago but a group of super-stoked dudes and dudettes from a local beach town are riding a wave of enthusiasm to the Southeast Asian Games for the first time ever. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)[/caption] Among the more popular hiking spots are Mt. Pulag, Mt. Batulao and Mt Pinatubo which all offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Of course, we should not forget that summer in the Philippines is also a time for festivities. One of the most celebrated festivals during this season is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. The festival is held every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. During the event, the town is decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and other agricultural products. [caption id="attachment_129831" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Children on a float made of native materials and decorated with vegetables and rice stalks parade on the streets for a contest ahead of the annual "Pahiyas" harvest festival in the town of Lucban, in Quezon province, south of Manila, 14 May 2005. During the festival, residents use native plants, vegetable products and rice paper to decorate their floats, homes and vehicles in imaginative ways. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Another popular festival during this time is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held every August and is a celebration of the city’s bountiful harvest. It is a colorful event that features street dancing, music and a parade of flowers. Whatever one fancies to beat the summer heat, there is always something to look forward to hereabouts. Whether one wants to relax, go on an adventure or celebrate, one can find it here in a paradise even tourists call paradise. The post Making the most of Philippine Summer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Desalination needs private funding — group
Households in highly urbanized provinces can have more potable water from seawater through desalination only if the private sector is willing to subsidize the expensive project, an executive of Tubig Pilipinas said. “As of today, due to the high cost of desalination, it’s more feasible in areas, such as Boracay and Cebu where there are high commercial or industrial establishments that can subsidize the cost for the residential consumers,” Tubig Pilipinas president Ryan Yapkianwee said last Friday in an email to the Daily Tribune. It takes $1 million or about P55 million to set up a desalination plant to process 1,000 cubic meters of seawater each day, excluding water distribution equipment. Capital intensive To serve 300,000 people, a water provider must shell out $100 million for a larger desalination plant. Yapkianwee said Tubig Pilipinas supports the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to explore and adopt water technologies from the Middle Eastern countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change including longer drought. Yapkianwee added the government and the private sector must find ways to reduce the costs of desalinated water. “Despite the costly desalination, we are a believer that the most expensive water is having no water.” Saudi Arabia, for example, sources half of its need for potable water from desalinating the nearby Red Sea. A 2019 report by The New York Times says North Africa and many other countries in the Middle East were building more desalination plants as supplies from renewable water sources have declined. According to the United Nations, a person needs 350 gallons per day to live. In the Philippines, however, more than half, or 57 million out of 110 Filipinos lack access to potable water. In the meantime, Yapkianwee said Tubig Pilipinas are educating communities in rural areas to plant more trees to protect watersheds that store and direct the flow of water. “Trees prevent flooding by absorbing the water. On the other hand, it ensures you have sources of water in times of drought as the absorbed water goes to the rivers.” Yapkianwee shared that his water distributor and treatment company conducts regular tree planting in Mabatangen Watershed and Mount Dalara in Coron, Palawan as one of the 14 provinces Tubig Pilipinas will start serving this year. The others are Bacolod and Cadiz in Negros Occidental; Echahue, Isabela; San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Sual, Labrador and Malasiqui in Pangasinan; Trece Martires, Cavite; Nabua, Camarines Sur; Mandaue, Cebu; Iloilo City; and Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar. The post Desalination needs private funding — group appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Test Boracay workers, Aklan LGU told
Saying Boracay should remain free of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, the Department of Tourism has urged the provincial government of Aklan to test workers on the island resort......»»
GERI reports 37% profit fall, improving sales
Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), Megaworld’s integrated tourism and leisure unit, reported lower earnings in the first half of the year although sales have started to recover in the second quarter. In a statement, GERI said that, excluding non-recurring gains, the company’s net income for the first half of the year reached P728 million, down 9 percent from P801 million during the same period last year. Attributable net income dropped 37 percent to P544.8 million in the first half of 2020 from P865.13 million in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues for the first half of 2020 registered at P2.9 billion, reflecting a 29 percent decline from P4.1 billion during the comparable period last year. On the other hand, rental income weakened by only 8 percent from P377 million last year to P347 million in the first half of 2020 even if mall operations were affected by the Taal eruption in the first quarter, and the strict quarantine measures in the second quarter. Hotel operations declined by 67 percent from P484 million last year to P162 million for the first six months of 2020 due to the quarantine restrictions during the period. However, the decline in revenues from the company’s core businesses was offset by the 30 percent reduction in costs and expenses, from P3.1 billion in the first half of 2019 to P2.2 billion this year. “Boracay was closed to tourists during the second quarter but as soon as the quarantine measures were relaxed in June, we saw a steep climb on the sales of our commercial and village lots in Boracay Newcoast. Buyers now prefer residential and leisure products in nature-rich settings outside of Metro Manila,” explained GERI President Monica T.Salomon. GERI’s reservation sales of residential projects during the second quarter of the year rose to P3.6 billion from P2.2 billion in the first quarter. The firm noted that the growth was achieved even as the country was placed on strict lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. It did not provide comparative figures for 2019. Residential projects in Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Arden Botanical Estate in Cavite, Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal, and Hamptons Caliraya in Laguna comprised the bulk of sales during the first half of the year, which reached P5.8 billion. “When the news of a possible lockdown came out in mid-March, we had already braced for a conservative outlook for our residential segment,” said Salomon. She added that, “But, while the country was placed on strict quarantine, we saw aggressive take-ups of our provincial projects. In fact, on the average, our second quarter sales are 61 percent of what we have booked for the entire first half of 2020. And we still have enough inventory to address the demand for residential projects in these areas.”.....»»
PCG braces for Boracay’s reopening
The Philippine Coast Guard is ready for the reopening of Boracay after more than two months that it was closed to tourists as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease 2019......»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Meets With Singapore s Leaders
singapore - Liu Jianchao, the senior diplomat widely expected to become China's next foreign minister, said "the world needs connectivity, not decoupling," during a four-day visit to Singapore.Liu, who heads the international department of the Communist Party, was in the city-state to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the country's incoming leader, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.During a s.....»»