NAIA 4th worst in Asia, Middle East for business travel
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been named as the fourth worst gateway in Asia and the Middle East by business class travelers, trailing its Southeast Asian counterparts that were adjudged as some of the best in the continent......»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
Expendables 4, Chris Evans among notable names for Hollywood s worst
"Expend4bles" was the runaway leader with seven nominations including Worst Picture, Worst Director for Scott Waugh, Worst Screenplay and Worst Supporting Actor and Actress for stars Sylvester Stallone and Megan Fox......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
EDITORIAL — The fourth worst
Here’s another problem that turns off foreign investors, and its solution does not call for amending the Constitution. Business class travelers – people with the type of money that can provide job-generating enterprises in the Philippines – have ranked the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the fourth worst gateway in Asia and the Middle East......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
PH Remains One of the Fastest Growing Economies in East Asia and Pacific, World Bank Says
The World Bank retains its positive outlook on the Philippine economy despite foreseen challenges. According to their April 2024 East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projects a 5.8 percent economic growth for the Philippines this year — the East Asia and Pacific region’s second fastest-growing economy. Moreover, the said update also adjusted […].....»»
US State Secretary Blinken begins Middle East tour, marks his first stop in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], March 21 (ANI): US State Secretary Antony Blinken who began his Middle East tour arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking his first stop on this trip to discuss efforts to reach an "immediate ceasefire agreement" between Israel and Hamas, The New York Times reported. Blinken's visit to Jeddah came as US President Joe Biden's administration was hoping it could convince Saudi Arabia to establish.....»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
Customs revives declaration forms for arriving international passengers at NAIA
THE filled out Customs declaration forms for arriving international passengers at the NAIA Terminals is being revived by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and is now under pilot testing. BOC-NAIA district collector Atty Yasmin Mapa said that international passengers arriving in the country are now obliged to submit […].....»»
Philippines e-commerce traffic ranked 5th in East Asia
The Philippines ranked fifth in terms of e-commerce traffic in East Asia, according to a report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific......»»
Arvin Tolentino, Batang Pier martsa sa 4th straight win
NAGLIYAB si Arvin Tolentino sa 4th straight victory ng Batang Pier. The post Arvin Tolentino, Batang Pier martsa sa 4th straight win first appeared on Abante......»»
Young Pinoy travelers willing to splurge on experience-driven tours
As the world moves past the pandemic and the chaotic period of revenge travel, a transformative shift in travel dynamics is happening right now, especially among millennial and Gen Z travelers, according to Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services Klook......»»
NAIA sale to pay debts
Amid the excitement over the successful privatization of NAIA’s rehab and operation, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto mused about the future of NAIA beyond the 15-year San Miguel concession period......»»
RSA allays last-minute NAIA review
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista was worried and feeling sick, even feverish, according to sources, from the growing speculation and intrigue regarding the awarding of the estimated P170.6-billion solicited proposal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), fearful that his long dream of finally accomplishing the privatization and much need rehabilitation of NAIA may once more be derailed......»»
East Asia and Pacific to see moderate growth
The East Asia and the Pacific region is expected to have moderate growth this year amid headwinds from tight financial conditions and geopolitical rifts, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum......»»
Agoda Unveils Asia’s Top 9 Nature Destinations
To mark the launch of Eco Deals 2024, Agoda’s flagship US$1 million partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the digital travel platform has compiled a list of some of Asia’s favored nature destinations across Asia, based on searches made on Agoda in January 2024. Enric Casals, Vice President of Southeast Asia, Agoda, […].....»»
Eight Tips for Choosing a Domain Name for Your Small Business
Choosing a domain name for a small business requires careful consideration, as it is often the first thing people see about your business. The domain name of a business is often considered a piece of real estate on the internet, or your business home on the web. It is core to the digital presence of […].....»»
Asia’s Best : Philippines up for 7 awards for 2024 World Travel Awards
The Philippines is once again among the nominees as "Asia's Best" at the World Travel Awards 2024......»»
Pistons rue ‘worst call’
Detroit coach Monty Williams slammed NBA refs for making the “worst call of the season” after the Pistons slumped to an agonizing last-gasp 113-111 defeat to the New York Knicks on Monday......»»