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Beyond slogans
The talk of the town remains to be the DoT fiasco where a lackluster slogan, “Love the Philippines”, was unveiled and which appeared to be a safe bet since it brought up similarities to previous slogans, i.e. “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “Wow Philippines.” What made things worse for the anticipated, and expensive, commercial was its use of stock footage that featured tourist sites that were not found in the Philippines. We can all admit that this was indeed a shortcoming on the part of the DoT, and Secretary Cristina Frasco has acknowledged this. Certain senators were talking at length about this, even suggesting that the new slogan be scrapped. Secretary Frasco took the high road and stood firm on the “Love the Philippines” slogan, signifying the need to move on from this fiasco, onward to more important matters, such as the implementation of tourism projects and legislation to bring in more tourists. If we compare the tourism revenues of the Philippines to our neighboring countries, we are clearly lagging behind. I was able to visit Thailand recently. From the moment you set foot at the airport, you could see that we are decades behind. The service accorded tourists is topnotch – you have a sense that the locals would not rip you off just because you are a tourist. Instead, you feel that you are a guest in their country, and guests are accorded respect in Thailand. How can the DoT address this? The DoT can identify tourism hotspots and educate the service industry on how to properly treat guests. This is a grassroots-level approach to help improve tourism, instead of an expensive and grandiose advertising campaign that is bound to be changed by the next administration in 2028. Another way the DoT can help is through national and local legislation. By offering incentives to businesses in the tourism sector, more companies would be keen to invest in Philippine tourism and set up businesses in areas that have yet to be capitalized. If you visit Boracay or Cebu, you would see a saturated tourism area, but in places like Siargao Island and San Vicente, Palawan, there may be a need for government to further support the economic development of these high-potential tourist areas. DoT can highlight activities and experiences unique to the Philippines that can be found in almost every corner. Rep. Joey Salceda was correct in pointing out that Mayon Volcano, one of the most picturesque volcanos in the entire world, was not even shown in the advertising campaign of the DoT. I have visited Mayon and it was a treat to walk around it and ride an ATV in the surrounding beautiful landscape. The Philippines can boast of its surfing and dive spots to a global audience. We can offer packages to bring in more surfers and divers who would spend months in the Philippines, longer than the ordinary tourist. As a passionate (not talented) golfer, we can promote golf tourism just like Vietnam and Thailand. Clark, by far, is the best place to promote golf with the presence of an international airport and world-class golfers just minutes away. Tourist areas such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and Bohol, would be riddled with golf tourists with spending power, if there were three to four golf courses in these areas. All in all, tourism is more than a slogan. It is the by-product of an entire government policy and ethos to make Filipinos more proactive in bringing in tourists. Perhaps, this is what the DoT and the Filipino public should focus on. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Beyond slogans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home
For many, a hotel is synonymous to comfort and relaxation, offering people luxurious amenities for a memorable and hassle-free stay. For Belmont Hotel Mactan, these experiences are taken to the next level as it extends incomparable services and first-rate amenities that not only embody class and elegance but also add convenience into the total hotel experience. Belmont Hotel Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Cebu, is the third hotel to open under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ homegrown hotel chain in the country. Under its business and leisure or “bleisure” label, Belmont Hotel Mactan is also the second hotel (after Savoy Hotel) that sits on the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. Yes, Megaworld’s townships have always been known as a city within a city that amazingly brings everything together — upscale condominiums, lifestyle malls, commercial establishments, office towers, banks, learning institutions and more — in one mixed-used development. That’s why Belmont Hotel Mactan guests in The Mactan Newtown, particularly the business travelers, are assured of this rare convenience because almost everything they need while staying at the hotel is within their reach. “Guests surely find it efficient to stay within the heart of a 30-hectare lifestyle and business hub of the township,” says Johnson Del Valle, Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager. [caption id="attachment_145632" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY VANGIE BAGA-REYES | JOHNSON del Valle (left) Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager, and Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs.[/caption] Home away from home The 20-story hotel is poised as a business travelers’ home away from home while staying in the beguiling island of Mactan. Located along Newtown Boulevard and just beside Savoy Hotel Mactan, Belmont Hotel Mactan features 550 guestrooms and suites with three room categories, namely, Junior Suite (50 sqm), Deluxe Premium (36 sqm) and Superior (26 sqm). It also has seven rooms dedicated for guests with special needs. [caption id="attachment_145629" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DELUXE Premier[/caption] All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar and wireless Internet connection. [caption id="attachment_145630" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BELMONT Café, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet offering Asian and Mediterranean dishes.[/caption] Interestingly, most units feature expansive views of the Magellan Bay and the Hilutungan Channel, a deep-water channel that separates Mactan Island from Olango Island. With regards to its location, guests arriving via Cebu International Airport will only take at least 15 minutes to reach the hotel. Del Valle says Belmont provides a logical choice for guests with a business mindset. “Since we opened, we host mainly guests who visit the area for business,” he shares. “The hotel features facilities built specifically for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), team-building, networking and corporate celebrations across our four available function rooms that can accommodate a maximum of capacity 120 guests down to 30 guests.” These function spaces are equipped with smart-control projectors and sound systems. “The Mactan Island is populated by hotels and resorts focusing heavily on leisure and wellness, so we are very excited to bring a new kind of hospitality experience through Belmont Hotel Mactan,” says Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “Just like the first two Belmont Hotel properties in Newport City in Pasay and Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Belmont Hotel Mactan will host guests who are in the area for both business and leisure.” She adds: “They can expect the usual topnotch amenities that enable rest and relaxation, but because we want to address the need for Mactan to be MICE-ready we have also built here facilities for business events. Coupled with the Megaworld brand of hospitality, we are very proud to say this kind of experience is something that cannot be found anywhere else on this side of Cebu.” Rich history Stepping inside the lobby, Belmont Hotel becomes a tribute to Cebu’s festive culture, landmarks, marine life, rich history as showcased through numerous art installations. For instance, colorful headdresses used in Cebu’s Sinulog are displayed in the walls of its all-day dining outlet, Belmont Café; Cebu’s finest handcrafted guitars in different sizes and colors are mounted in the chic hangout spot, Zabana Bar; and the room’s wall art paper features popular things Cebu is known for, from guitars to its delicacies, such as otap and puso (rice wrapped and boiled in woven coconut leaves). To relax and unwind, the central amenity area on the third floor has the swimming pool and kiddie pool, female and male wet and dry sauna, outdoor lounge with elevated deck, fitness center and viewing deck where guests can marvel at the beauty of the nearby sea and the rest of the township and the Mactan Island. In terms of food outlets, guests can also savor a variety of cuisines and delicacies from the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets. Belmont Café offers a wide variety of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as other local delicacies. Just a few steps away from Belmont Café is the Zabana Bar, where guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages. [caption id="attachment_145635" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FITNESS center.[/caption] Over on the third floor is the Float Pool Bar, where guests can sample a variety of snacks and beverages as they lounge and take a refreshing plunge at the swimming pool. Belmont Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Mactan Newtown Beach, and about five-minute walk away from the Mactan Alfresco, a hawker-type dining destination. “While in the area, don’t forget to visit the notable tourist sites much like the Mactan Shrine where the iconic 20-meter statue of Lapu-Lapu stands or the Sto. Nino de Cebu Mactan Parish Church which is noted to be shaped like the Magellan’s hat,” shares Del Valle. Largest hotel operator With the opening of Belmont Hotel, alongside Savoy Hotel, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts now has a combined room keys of 1,100, the largest number of room keys in the entire Mactan Island. At the same time, it makes Megaworld the largest developer and operator in the entire Cebu province today. “Belmont means Beautiful Mountain in French,” says Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs. “It was a name created by our chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan when we launched the first Belmont Hotel in Newport City. He fell in love with the name. He just wanted to create a new brand for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts because the first brand that we introduced was Richmonde Hotel. The second brand was Belmont.” The first Belmont Hotel was opened in 2015 at Newport City in Pasay City. It was followed by Belmont Hotel Boracay. Soon, the fourth Belmont Hotel will open in Iloilo City. Geronimo adds that Belmont Hotel will complement the Savoy Hotel inside the township because the vision of Megaworld is to be able to expand its portfolio of hotels in Mactan Island. They want to cater to more business and leisure travelers. “When we open Savoy Hotel, we notice there has been a high demand for those types of travelers who want to do business meetings here, as well as families and tourists who are on vacation in Mactan Island. We want to cater to both that’s why we are adding more rooms.” Belmont Hotel is still in the process of coordinating with the Department of Tourism for the hotel-star rating. The post Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill opens city of dreams branch, expands menu
The name alone sounds expensive and intimidating, but the owners of Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill swear it’s because they serve only the finest food. Known for its signature USDA prime dry-aged steak, the chain has opened a fourth restaurant in the Philippines with more grilled items on offer — the better to encourage people who love first-rate food and a relaxed atmosphere The new Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City had a grand launch Tuesday night attended by the founder himself, Wolfgang Zwiener, accompanied by wife Elena and son Peter, now the president of the world-renowned Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. The event was also graced by its local managing partners led by Raymund Magdaluyo (Red Crab Group of Restaurants) and Leina Bolinas (Excello Restaurant Management Group). The resto’s other outlets are in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City and The Podium in Mandaluyong City. This is also the 32nd location of Wolfgang Steakhouse worldwide. What makes this new location extra special is that this is the only Wolfgang Steakhouse with grilled offerings. New grilled dishes have been added to the menu for diners to order from brunch to late night, such as Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs, Dry-Aged Brisket Pastrami, Beef Tartar and Grilled Lemon Caper Chicken. “Wolfgang Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that serves the finest beef,” said Peter in his brief speech. “Here at the Grill, we are able to introduce more dishes using the different parts of the cow and the various ways of preparing it. This gives us an opportunity to offer those who want to eat other interesting and flavorful dishes, such as Lomo Saltado (a Peruvian dish) and chicken dishes. But, the good thing is, we still offer the regular full menu of Wolfgang Steakhouse.” Peter reflected on how the restaurant has come a long way from its first outlet in Manila in 2016. “Thanks to our fabulous partners like Raymund Magdaluyo and Leina Bolinas and their team,” Peter said. “We were very fortunate. I still remember the day I met Raymund in Japan after he called me to say he had a fabulous dinner at Wolfgang on Christmas Eve. He told me a beautiful story about his family and how they had a great dinner there. He told me he wanted to have Wolfgang Steakhouse in the Philippines. And it came to fruition many years later.” “After the pandemic, we are coming out stronger and we want to grow more rapidly in the Philippines and offer our steaks to everyone,” he added. Elegant, contemporary Boasting an intimate and cozy atmosphere with dark wooden interiors and an old-world charm, the 350-square-meter steakhouse features an intimate whisky lounge and impressive wine cellar. Popular among its steaks are the short loin, porterhouse and rib-eye. “Grill means basically direct fire. We offer more grilled items,” said Magdaluyo, adding that, “for us, the actual concept of the grill is that this place is a bit casual. Upscale but casual. Meaning, you can come as you are. You can wear shorts or beach wear and that’s perfectly fine.” Magdaluyo also shared that another Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill, with a sports grill theme, is opening at the Araneta Coliseum by October. “It’s a 40-seater place to serve the Quezon City market,” he said. Turn to page C18 Meanwhile, Wolfgang Steakhouse in Boracay will open in February 2024 at Megaworld’s Belmont Hotel, according to Magdaluyo. The steakhouse, overlooking the beach, can accommodate about 50 diners. [caption id="attachment_133452" align="aligncenter" width="1707"] photograph courtesy of wolfgang steakhouse grillBURRATA Salad.[/caption] Menu The Grill’s new offerings include the fall-off-the-bone Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Lomo Saltado (marinated strips of sirloin with onions and tomatoes) and Grilled Barbecue Short Ribs. Salad options have also been updated with Classic Wedge Salad, Burrata Salad and Arugula Salad. The USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak remains a meat lover’s dream: thick, tender, juicy and formidable right down to the very last bite. The resto’s all-time favorites include Creamed Spinach, Steak Fries, Burger Sliders, Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Lobster Cocktails and Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell, while among the must-try desserts are the New York-Style Cheesecake, Apple Strudel, Key Lime Pie and Hot Fudge Sundae. Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill is on the upper ground floor of City of Dreams Manila, Paranaque City, It is open daily, 11 am-12 mn. Visit www.wolfgangssteakhouse.ph. Meanwhile, Wolfgang Steakhouse in Boracay will open in February 2024 at Megaworld’s Belmont Hotel, according to Magdaluyo. The steakhouse, overlooking the beach, can accommodate about 50 diners. The post Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill opens city of dreams branch, expands menu 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......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
MLB season begins
Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers take center stage on Thursday as Major League Baseball’s new season gets under way on US soil against the backdrop of a gambling scandal that has engulfed its brightest star......»»
Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’
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Ati tribe fenced off in Boracay
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‘Danger’ level heat index recorded in 9 areas
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UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
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Holy Week 2024: A peek into 7 Metro Cebu churches for Visita Iglesia
The Lenten Season is also about reflection and prayer about the passion of Christ. There are days to fast and during the Holy Week on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Catholic faithful usually practice the Visita Iglesia or the tradition to visit 7 or 14 churches, where they pray and reflect and do.....»»
Live your faith
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MPL PH Season 13: Smart Omega stays winless; AP.Bren takes solo lead
It's been a bad start for Smart Omega as the barangay remains winless in the 13th season of the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines......»»
Big 4 Volleyball tilt marks successful inaugural season, eyes bigger tourneys soon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Big Four Volleyball Tournament wrapped up last weekend successfully at the Warehouse Sports Lab in Mandaue City. This grassroots volleyball tournament saw inaugural champions being crowned. The Subangdaku Trojans emerged as champions in the 13-under and the girls 14-17 divisions, while Cabancalan National High School ruled the 14-17 boys division. .....»»
Blazers emerge as masters of NCAA lawn tennis
College of St. Benilde flexed its muscle in lawn tennis after it mightily swept both the men’s and women’s division of the recently concluded NCAA Season 99 edition at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila......»»
Marian ikinumpara si Gabby sa lafang: Walang itulak-kabigin sa kanya!
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eTravel pains
You know it’s a popular season for traveling when television news outlets are already reporting live from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to check if there are already hordes of passengers preparing to leave town or the country during the Holy Week break......»»
Avoiding the play-in
The NBA regular season ends on April 14, meaning only 20 days are left to determine which teams from the East and West will figure in the dreaded play-in tournament......»»
Upson income drops despite record revenue
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Training on COA compliance for government institutions
To guide government institutions on their compliance with the Commission on Audit Circular 2020-006, the Center for Global Best Practices will be launching a two-session online training titled “COA Guidelines and Procedures for One-Time Cleansing of Property, Plant and Equipment Account Balances” on April 18 and 19, 2024 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. via Zoom......»»