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Condé Nast hails Phl islands as world’s top destinations
Readers of the world-renowned luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast, have personally picked the Philippines’ pristine islands of Boracay, Palawan and Siargao as their preferred islands among their choices. Based on the results of the survey, asking about half a million readers who registered to vote online, Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao placed third, sixth, and tenth, respectively. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco elated the good news, affirming how the world-renowned islands continue to mesmerize global travelers. “We welcome the resounding message tourists from around the world say: They Love the Philippines! From the charm of our islands, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, lush landscapes, rich heritage and culture, and the excellent hospitality of the Filipino people, the Philippine experience is always one that is filled with love and happy travels,” she exclaimed. According to Condé Nast Travel, some 600,000 readers who registered to vote took part in the survey conducted online, making the Readers’ Choice Awards sought-after by the travel industry and often seen to forecast travel trends. Taking the third spot in Asia, Boracay garnered a total of 90.74 points, while Palawan got 89.71, and Siargao with 87.37 in readers’ votes. Frasco said: “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and sustainable tourism efforts of our country, from our local communities, national and local government agencies, and stakeholders who have strived tirelessly to preserve and enhance the beauty of these islands.” Asked how this latest recognition will help position the country, Secretary Frasco said, “The awards inspire us to continue developing and promoting the Philippines as a premier travel destination in Asia and the world.” “Our commitment to sustainable tourism practices has not only captivated the hearts of travelers but has also contributed significantly to the growth of our nation’s tourism industry,” the Tourism chief concluded. It is said that Boracay and Palawan are no strangers on the said recognition, making an appearance in the list in the previous years. Last year, Boracay topped the list of islands in Asia, with Palawan ranking eight. The post Condé Nast hails Phl islands as world’s top destinations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL first-half gains bankroll fleet boost
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines or PAL reported on Friday that its net income during the first half of the year more than tripled to P13.6 billion from last year’s P4.1 billion. In a stock exchange disclosure, the company said its operating income during the period also swelled to P17.4 billion from P6.6 billion recorded a year ago. Notably, the airline’s stellar growth was driven by an 89-percent increase in the number of passengers it flew during the period, which reached 7 million as of end-June. Likewise, it logged over 50,400 operated flights, translating to a 56-percent growth from last year’s numbers. This, according to PAL, led to an 81.6-percent improvement in the average passenger load factor. Given this trend, PAL said its passenger revenues climbed to P78.2 billion from P33.1 billion last year. However, its cargo revenue dropped by 54 percent to last year due to fewer cargo charter flights to give way to more passenger flights amid a demand surge. To sustain the growth momentum, PAL said it plans to invest P176.6 billion to acquire nine Airbus A350-1000 long-range jetliners to widen its fleet. Along with it, PAL will also increase its customer care and contact center agents by rolling out a new customer relations management system before the end of the year. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in new aircraft, improved cabins, and enhanced travel experience for our valued customers,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng said in the report. “The latest positive financial results enable us to build a better, stronger, and more agile Philippine Airlines that creates greater value for our customers, and we are grateful for their continuing support and patronage.” Within the first half, PAL restored flights to several routes in mainland China and launched nonstop services to Perth along with flights from Clark to Caticlan and Boracay. In addition to an extensive network of 32 domestic destinations served from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao, PAL operated the largest network of nonstop flights between the Philippines and North America, Japan, the Middle East and Australia. The post PAL first-half gains bankroll fleet boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OFW monies reach $2.78B
Cash remittances coursed through banks increased in May following the growth in receipts from workers abroad. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Monday showed that overseas Filipino remittances reached $2.78 billion in May 2023, higher by 2.9 percent than the $2.70 billion registered in the same month last year. “The expansion in cash remittances in May 2023 was due to the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers,” BSP said in a statement. Consequently, personal remittances for the first five months of the year grew by 3.1 percent to $14.46 billion, from $14.02 billion posted in the comparable period in 2022. On a year-to-date basis, cash remittances reached $12.98 billion, 3.1 percent higher than the year-ago level of $12.59 billion. “The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first five months of 2023,” BSP said. “Meanwhile, in terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances during the period, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Japan,” BSP added. In an emailed commentary, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the continued growth in the year-on-year overseas Filipino remittances might have to do with increased holiday-related spending since the Holy Week in April 2023. “More people travel to go back to their respective hometowns in the provinces for vacations, also during the school break (June to July), spend for gatherings/reunions, as well as finance vacations locally or overseas,” Ricafort said. He added that relatively higher inflation also required sending more money to families and dependents in the Philippines. Ricafort said that further reopening the economy towards greater normalcy also led to increased spending with some pent-up demand or revenge spending by OFW families and dependents that were partly financed with the increased OFW remittances. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday encouraged overseas Filipinos to return to the Philippines, citing the “great many opportunities” for them here. During the courtesy call of 2023 Very Important Pinoy Tour participants in Malacañang, Marcos encouraged overseas Filipinos to come home and bring their children back to the Philippines so that they could learn about Filipino culture. “There are a great many opportunities for you and for the country as we try to transform the economy,” Marcos said. “I encourage you to come back and see what is happening in the Philippines,” he added. He also praised the contributions of overseas Filipinos to the Philippines, saying that they were “practically parts of their families.” “In every part of the societies that we Filipinos have decided to go to, we have made a very good name for ourselves,” Marcos said. “And for that, we thank our Filipino brothers and sisters who live abroad and continue to make the name of the Philippines shine.” Marcos added that Filipinos worldwide have become and continue to become an essential part of Philippine society and of the places where they decided to live and work. Per its website, the VIP Tour is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Rajah Tours. The current year’s travel plan blends the finest attractions of Metropolitan Manila, Iloilo and Boracay, offering participants a thrilling and educational vacation experience. The post OFW monies reach $2.78B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila Water pushes expansion program
Manila Water Company Inc., led by tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., will expand the local and international footprint of its business and services through partnerships and acquisitions. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Manila Water chief administrative officer and head for international business Roberto Jose Locsin reiterated that the company “is on the right track” on its planned expansions. “There is a deliberate approach for expansion both domestically and abroad. In the Philippines, we would like to focus on highly-dense populations or the secondary and tertiary cities,” Locsin said. “We have conversations with LGUs (local government units) all across the country. I can’t mention anything specific because a lot of this is still under discussion,” he said. Locsin noted that Manila Water is particularly interested in pouring money into local water districts large enough to also promise good investment returns. The company pursues expansions through its subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, which has water services units serving Laguna, Boracay Island, Clark, Cebu, Zamboanga City and Tagum City. As for international expansion, Locsin said Manila Water aims to have a presence in areas where Razon’s International Container Services Inc. ports are located. Overseas foray next goal Overseas, Manila Water will focus on concession-based businesses under build-operate-own, build-operate-transfer, or public-private partnership bulk water supply schemes. “We have a very strong capability in industrial through our estate water business in the Philippines. Replicating that and consolidating that allows us to talk to a lot of people,” Locsin added. Manila Water is the East Zone concessionaire that provides water distribution and sewerage services in the East Zone which spans the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila; as well as the towns of Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa in Rizal province. The post Manila Water pushes expansion program 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......»»
Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay
Globe recently partnered with the local government of Malay, Aklan in its move to encourage sustainable tourism with the return of Love Boracay (formerly known as LaBoracay) held on 28 April to 1 May 2023. Globe has been supportive of Boracay’s environmental conservation efforts by conducting offshore clean-up drives, coral reef rehabilitation, community support for prevention of untreated effluents from entering the sea and raising awareness among the youth and the community on how they can contribute to environmental conservation. "Globe fully supports the local government of Malay, Aklan in its efforts to advance responsible tourism in Boracay. At this year’s Love Boracay, we carried out activities to encourage customers to adopt sustainable practices. We hope that this event raises awareness for responsible tourism throughout our country," said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe chief marketing officer. To encourage Boracay visitors to “Go Lang Nang Go” and discover how they can responsibly enjoy the island’s beauty, Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station one. Plastics for a prize. Tourists got the chance to spin and win prizes by turning over single-use plastic bottles, plastic cups, cans or plastic bags and presenting their GlobeOne app and proof of SIM card registration. They also got a shot at the prize by donating at least P10 to the Save Philippine Seas group via the GlobeOne app or GCash. GForest signup. A GCash booth allowed customers to sign up to GForest, where actual trees are planted through points collected via activities such as walks tracked on health apps or transactions within the e-wallet, from bills payment and bank transfers to buying load. Globe At Home cash giveaway. Globe At Home gave away P5,000 in GCash credits to customers who took a photo at the Globe At Home photo wall and shared it on social media. The photo with the most likes and shares got the prize. Customers also received P50 GCash credits for turning over plastic bottles at the Globe At Home booth. Globe and KonsultaMD essentials. Globe also had booths at D’Mall and Lake Town where customers got the chance to win beach kit essentials by downloading the GlobeOne app, registering their SIM or registering to Go+99 via GCash. KonsultaMD also offered medicine vouchers, vitamin packs and other freebies to those who registered and downloaded the app. At the GCash booth, customers also got a kit with beach essentials for every proof of payment with GCash at partner establishments. For sports fans, the Globe Boracay Sportsfest proved to be a treat. The event held tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and soccer competitions at the Station 1 beachfront from Estacio Uno to Ambassador on 29-30 April. The awarding ceremony was held at the sunset session featuring a local DJ, with Globe and GCash providing cash prizes for the games. Globe also brought top DJs and bands at the Globe Love Boracay Musicfest in Lake Town. [caption id="attachment_135104" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station 1.[/caption] “GCash has been powering the Globe Group's goal of promoting a digital ecosystem in the country. For example in Boracay, you can now pay for your e-trike rides, food trip, activities and other local shopping via the GCash app. This is our way of not only promoting local tourism but also making sure that businesses in Boracay benefit from the growing digital economy," said Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Marketing Officer. To learn more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability. The post Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pampanga’s Best Western Plus redesigns for MICE tourism
The hotel industry shared the biggest burden from the lockdowns brought on by the two-year pandemic. This, however, forced hotel owners to redesign their facilities to cater to customers besides tourists. To appeal to more businesspeople, the four-star Best Western Plus hotel in Pampanga is upgrading into a lifestyle center and food destination. “The opening of the new wing of the Best Western Plus hotel came at the right time. We were building it and deciding almost every day as the pandemic unfolded. We had to decide, follow through and look past the pandemic,” Jack Uy, chairman and chief executive officer of Savers Group Holdings, Inc. told the Daily Tribune. Uy said the hotel is still being renovated to add retail shops after welcoming its first guests in March at the new wing with 186 rooms along MacArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga. [caption id="attachment_131550" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Presidential Suite.[/caption] He said the hotel has expanded through its lifestyle center, which occupies an entire building floor and features modern, luxurious and globally branded appliances and furniture for home, office and industrial. These cater to customer segments consisting of businesspeople and those in the middle to upper socioeconomic classes with more sophisticated tastes and combine business and leisure. “We call this our lifestyle center. People now shop because they build a lifestyle more than fulfilling a need. So, they’re not looking for just one or two items but everything that matches their lifestyles, from the appliance to the furniture,” Uy said. [caption id="attachment_131551" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Conference Room.[/caption] Uy said most of their guests, or 70 percent, are corporate executives and staff from local and multinational firms who gather for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibits tourism. “Unlike other provinces, Pampanga does not have a lot of natural attractions like the beaches in Boracay or Palawan. That’s why over half of our visitors check in because of company meetings, events and team-building activities. It helps that we’re located near the airport and Clark Freeport Zone, an economic zone.” Property consultancy Colliers Philippines said Pampanga housed 36 percent of all offices in the country’s provinces. Information technology and business process outsourcing firms expanded outside Metro Manila in the first quarter of this year. This industry is expected to grow further by eight percent to 10 percent each year, as the Philippines has emerged as the world’s top IT-BPO destination, according to US-based Nexford University. [caption id="attachment_131552" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lobby.[/caption] Last year, Colliers reported the Philippine Economic Zone Authority identified 42 ecozones in Central Luzon, including Pampanga, as the location for biotech centers, defense industrial complexes, halal and food production hubs, and jewelry parks, among others. The move is part of the government’s Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. The hotel also features several restaurants serving international cuisines: Mexican at Cactus Jack Smokehouse, Japanese at Namari, and Hong Kong at Legend. “Most people also visit Pampanga as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. But we want our local and foreign guests to have as diverse experiences as possible,” Uy said. The post Pampanga’s Best Western Plus redesigns for MICE tourism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sunken optic cable network rolling out
Fibernet Construkt Corp. along with Internet service provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., have submitted to the local government an unsolicited proposal to build a fully underground fiber optic cable network for Cebu City along the city’s South Road Properties’ main road. FKC is in the business of building and maintaining broadband infrastructure facilities for telecommunication operators and internet service providers In their meeting with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Converge chief executive officer and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, said he “could begin realizing Rama’s “dream of a city like Singapore for Cebu by placing all the lines of telecommunication companies (telcos) underground starting with those in the city’s main thoroughfares.” “He (Rama) asked me for my opinion. I told him it is too costly to put an underground cabling network for the whole of Cebu. It’s too expensive. Overhead expenses for underground cabling for power, for instance, is 10 to 15 times more. If you pass the costs on to consumers, they will raise a howl. So, I told him to start with telecommunications because that’s where you see a lot of ‘spaghetti wires.’ I think 50 percent of what you see are telecom wires which are no longer active,” said Uy in a media briefing during Converge’s official launch on Boracay Island recently. Bad experience “What happened during typhoon ‘Odette’ was a bad experience for Cebuanos. Utility posts were hit, and it took two months to put back on power,” he said. Thus, Uy is convinced that Cebu City badly needs to move all electricity and communication lines underground as part of its disaster resiliency strategy to prevent massive blackouts and connectivity losses during calamities like typhoons. For his part, FKC chief executive officer Jinho Kwon said FKC “intends to service the needs of the major telecommunications company and other service providers in Cebu City South Road Properties to enable them to provide full Telecommunication Broadband and Cable TV connectivity including Internet connectivity and other services in the said properties.” Unsolicited proposal Both Uy and Kwon personally went to Cebu City to present their unsolicited proposal to Rama. Kwon said the proposal is meant “ to support the Cebu City government’s direction to develop a Smart City with fully equipped and disaster resilient telecommunication network where information and communication technologies are utilized to increase operational efficiency and improve both quality of services and citizen welfare.” FKC is in the business of building and maintaining broadband infrastructure facilities for telecommunication operators and Internet providers. Moving power and telecommunication lines underground bolsters economic growth and ensures business continuity even during calamities, Uy and Kwon stressed. The post Sunken optic cable network rolling out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More cops deployed in summer, fiestas
The Philippine National Police announced that at least 6,000 tourist cops have been deployed in various tourist spots across the country as part of “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2023” campaign nationwide to ensure the safety for both local and foreign tourists at the span of the dry season and especially during the various fiesta celebrations this month. In a radio interview on Sunday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the tourist cops are already present in major tourist destinations across the country that include Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and other parts of the country. Fajardo said the police deployment includes traffic management assistance and securing transportation hubs. “Our implementation of our Oplan SumVac continues, that’s why our deployment in our major thoroughfares is there to support the management and control of traffic,” Fajardo said. “Of course, our deployment in our main terminals and hubs, our airport and docks will not be removed to make sure that we can watch over the security and safety of both local and foreign travelers,” she added. Thousands of people usually go to their hometowns during May to celebrate fiesta celebrations with friends and relatives and celebrations are sometimes taken advantage of for class reunions while some overseas Filipinos would also go home during fiesta celebrations to introduce their foreign spouses and friends to Filipino culture. “This is to make sure that all our travelers, both local and foreigners, will be secured, especially that the month of May is when various fiesta celebrations are held,” said Fajardo. Fajardo also said all police commanders have already been instructed by PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the enhanced police operations which include beat patrols are regularly done. “These enhanced police operations are being done day and night to ensure the safety and security of our kababayans,” said Fajardo. Under Oplan Ligtas Sumvac, has already instructed all regional and provincial police offices to activate their contingency plans and maximize the deployment of personnel through tourist police units in their respective areas of responsibility in coordination with local government units, local tourism councils and Department of Tourism. The post More cops deployed in summer, fiestas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CEB bolsters routes via Clark reboot
Pioneer budget airline Cebu Pacific or CEB restarted last 21 April 2023 its Clark hub by relaunching flights and increasing frequencies from Clark International Airport to strengthen connectivity for its passengers from north and central Luzon. CEB recently flew its inaugural flights from Clark to Bacolod, Boracay, Davao and Bangkok. The airline previously announced that it would operate a combined 15 destinations from its Clark hub. The relaunch allows Cebu Pacific to add 10,000 seats per month and lower fares for both domestic and international flights by 30 percent compared to the pre-pandemic average. It will also boost the airline’s network from its Clark hub and reestablish the alternate gateway’s significance for local and international travelers. 3 birds for Clark To support the expansion, CEB is set to take delivery of three additional aircraft which will be based in Clark. These are on top of the 10 new Airbus NEO aircraft that will be delivered in 2023 to expand the airline’s fleet. “The launch of our Clark flights was a fulfillment of Cebu Pacific’s mission to help make air travel more accessible and affordable for travelers in north and central Luzon. This expansion will give the traveling public more opportunities to explore the Philippines and the rest of the world,” Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer said. Noel Manankil, president and chief Executive Officer of Luzon International Premier Airport Development, the private consortium that manages Clark International Airport, reiterated its support to CEB’s initiatives to grow its network and capacity from the station. “Clark International Airport and Cebu Pacific are working closely with each other to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. Our brand-new terminal is ready to welcome Cebu Pacific passengers traveling to and from the best domestic and international destinations and serve as the window to the Philippines for visitors coming from different parts of the world,” Manankil added. The Department of Tourism lauded CEB’s efforts in helping spur travel to Clark and the rest of the Philippines. The post CEB bolsters routes via Clark reboot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG chief calls on diving professionals to join search, rescue operations for missing Aeta leader
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. has called on diving professionals to join the rescue operations for the missing Aeta leader who disappeared Wednesday night after his boat collided with a hotel speed boat in Boracay Island......»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
Baltimore bridge collapse could lead to delayed shipments, higher shipping costs
The closure of the Port of Baltimore in the US following the collapse of the Baltimore key bridge is expected to lead to shipment delays and higher shipping costs......»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
D.C.Plinado Campaign pushed
DAVAO City Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula urged Dabawenyos to continue embodying the "culture of discipline", as a legacy, and to be conscious of turning it into the key for the city's growth......»»
Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’
Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine......»»
Ati tribe fenced off in Boracay
Tension has sparked in Boracay after security guards allegedly fenced off parcels of land owned by members of the Ati tribe......»»
EAM Jaishankar visits Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday during its port call to Manila and said that India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision will continue to give it a more contemporary form. He presented his remarks at the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday and said that his visit and the ship's presence signify th.....»»
Victims of Baltimore bridge collapse include those from Mexico, Guatemala
Maryland [US], March 27 (ANI): Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday. A reporter asked Laveaga: ".....»»
UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
It’s the calm before the storm as teams embark on a much-needed pause ahead of an expected all-out race to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments Final Four......»»