Visayan Art Highlighted at 10th VIVA-ExCon

Visayan art shone during the 10th Visayan Islands Visual Artists Exhibition-Convention (VIVA-ExCon) held last November 27 – 29 in various areas in Cebu City,

Known as the longest-running biennial art event in the Philippines, the event brought together artists from all over the Visayas in order to showcase the unique and multicultural potential of the Visayans as well as to highlight their achievements in their respective fields of the visual arts, like painting, mixed media, sculpture, installation, collage, performance art, video art, and the like.

The three-day event was filled with exhibitions, seminars, workshops, art demonstration classes, and self-help programs that helped participants amateur artists to develop and progress as practitioners.

A Curator’s Forum and exhibit was held on November 27 at SM City Cebu. In the morning of November 28, participants attended the Art seminar held at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Building of the University of San Carlos - Talamban campus and at the University of the Philippines Cebu College campus in Lahug. In the afternoon, delegates convened at Mountain View Park in Busay. There, the delegates came together to mount a collaborative installation art projects with the theme: "Sugbu sa Akong Panumduman" (Cebu in My Mind). These projects were exhibited together with a free concert in the evening.

During the last day of the event, three simultaneous art workshops about scrapology or creative scrap metal sculpture-making, advanced printmaking techniques, and digital photography were held at the Maribago Bluewater Resort in Mactan Island. The third and final exhibition was opened in the evening. Titled "Garbo sa Bisaya", the exhibition honored eight revered Visayan artists, whose contribution to Philippine Art is undoubted. The artists honored in the exhibition were Nelfa Querubin, Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Charlie Co, Nunelucio Alvarado, Manuel Rodriguez, Sr., Romulo Galicano, National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, and Raul Isidro.

The 10th VIVA-ExCon is organized by Pusod Inc. and supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, SM City Cebu, University of the Philippines, University of San Carlos, Kukuk's Nest, Pow! Designs, San Miguel Corporation, City Government of Cebu, and Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort.

Traditional and Alternative Medicine as Main Focus in Health Care Month Convention

With the country’s vast natural resources and rich history in alternative medicine, specialists in various fields of traditional and alternative health care discussed new developments in their respective field during the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) 5th Annual Convention held last November 19 – 21, 2008 at the Pan Pacific Manila in Malate, Manila City.

Carrying the theme "Harmonizing Traditional, Alternative and Modern Medicine for Today's Health Care”, the event, which coincided with the celebration of the Traditional and Alternative Health Month, aims to provide new insights in herbal medicine practice, increase awareness and advocate the use of effective alternative and traditional medicines that are available in the market.

During the convention, medical experts and government officials shared new information on known areas of traditional and alternative health care. Some notable personalities include Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia L. Carrion who discussed on how the Philippines can become the new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia. Award-winning chef Felix Schoener shared his mouthwatering recipes for raw food diet. Radio broadcaster and health guru Ms. Cory Quirino talked about popular natural beauty regiments. De La Salle Health Sciences Institute - Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine chair Dr. Dante Simbulan, Jr. explained about preventive medication through Hatha Yoga. Philippine Center for Traditional and Asian Medicine chairman Dr. Tan Cho-Choing introduced the use of acupuncture for neurological disorder. University of the Philippines – Diliman Medical Anthropology Professor Dr. Michael L. Tan gave an overview on the anthroposophical concept of Filipino Traditional Healing. And Filipino healing priest Rev. Fr. Efren Borromeo of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity disclosed the principle of spiritual healing.

An exhibit of the latest traditional and medical products and methods of health care was opened last November 21, 2008. Present in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were former senator and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Juan M. Flavier, current DOH Sec. Francisco T. Duque III, DOH Usec. Jade F. del Mundo, Ms. Cory Quirino and PITAHC Director General Dr. Juvencio F. Ordoña.

Republic Act 8423, otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 gave rise to the creation of the PITAHC, a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Health. The institute was created to answer the present needs of the people on health care through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective and affordable.

DOT Aims at $6.6 B Japanese Wedding Market

The Department of Tourism DOT) has been working to take part in the estimated $6.6 billion Japanese wedding market.

The initial step to tap the Japanese wedding market began last September 18 – 21 when the Department participated in the Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) World Tourism Congress and Travel Fair 2008 held at the Conference Tower of Tokyo Big Sights in Tokyo, Japan.

Based on several published articles, reports from the Japan Tourism Board, Japanese couples who hold their weddings abroad spend an average of ¥1,474,400.00 or $15,930.00 for the entire package. Couples spend an average of ¥566,000 or $6,115.00 for air fare and accommodations and another ¥215,000 or $2,320.00 for their wedding outfits. These couples spend as much as ¥791,000 or $8,550.00 for the wedding details. Most Japanese couples prefer beach and island destinations, making the country a possible venue for their special day.

DOT Secretary Ace Durano has made Cebu as the wedding capital for Japanese couples. Aside from the Queen City of the South, other destinations in the Philippines which include Boracay, Bohol and Davao are being marketed by the Department as a wedding destination.

In response, Dir. Benito Bengzon Jr, head of DOT Team Japan, said, during his interview with the press, "Compared to other countries, the Philippines offers a complete array of quality wedding products and services at a reasonable cost. Our magnificent views and picturesque beaches also offer the perfect mood and setting for weddings.” He adds, “We are certain the Philippines is indeed an attractive and ideal wedding location for Japanese couples; our beach resorts all have the necessary services such as experienced wedding coordinators which effectively caters to the needs of the clients.”

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Manila Bulletin. RP wants bigger slice of 6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Posted October 14, 2008) Retrieved December 8, 2008 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/10/14/TOUR20081014137904.html

Philippine Daily Inquirer. RP to get bigger slice of $6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Published November 2, 2008)

Business World. Manila targets Japan’s $6.6-B wedding mart (Vol. XXII, No. 54) p. 6/S1
Posted at GMANews.tv at
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126150/Manila-targets-Japans-66-B-wedding-mart

Winners Danced in Triumph at 12th National Championship

Ballroom dancers from all over the country danced their way to victory in the 12th DSCPI National Championship – Alaxan FR Cup held last November 8, 2008 at the PhilSports Multipurpose Arena in Pasig City.

Four hundred dancers joined this year’s National Dancesport Championship, organized by the Dancesport Council of the Philippines Inc. (DSCPI) Seven licensed adjudicators of the International Dance Sport Federation (IDSF) from Europe and Asia served as judges during the competition. In the end, Dancesport-Team Cebu City (DTCC) reigned supreme in the event as the group, lead by DTCC founder and director Edward Hayco, bagged nine gold, nine silver and eight bronze medals in different categories under the Latin and Standard dance sport disciplines.

As a sign of support to the event, President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo, through Proclamation 1639, declared November 3 – 10 as the National Dance Sport Week.

The 12th DSCPI National Dancesport Championship is sponsored by Alaxan FR, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Water Zone, Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, Savannah Moon, NU107, Studio 116 Dance School, and Manila Times.

Executives, Officials Ran at 25th Executive Classic

Businessmen, professionals, and government officials from all over the metro traded their suits and suede shoes for running shirts and rubber shoes and ran around the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman Campus for the 25^th Executive Classic held last December 7, 2008.

With the theme, “Human Energy for the Filipino Race”, the 25^th Executive Classic is dubbed as the oldest and only running event in the country for executives, businessmen, and professionals.

The objective of this year’s race is to promote physical fitness, energy conservation and environmental protection. Through running, participants become physically fit and, eventually, become less reliant on fossil fuels for mobility. This, in turn, harnesses human energy to beat the energy and environment crises.

The organizers, the Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX), chose UP Diliman as the site of the race because the venue has the best air quality in Metro Manila. According to RUNNEX, “They [participants] will enjoy running under the old acacia trees around the sprawling university campus and experience the December morning mist blanketing the campus greenery.”

Participants of the 5-kilometer race started at the UP Theater Oblation and ran along Magsaysay Ave. to Osmena Ave. from Guerero St., made a U-Turn at the intersection of University Ave., and Jacinto St., ran along Manuel Roxas Ave. passing through Regidor St. towards Quirino Ave, and finishing the race through E. Delos Santos St. Participants of the 10-kilometer race had to run the course twice. All finishers were given t-shirts, certificates, and freebies.

This event served as a tune-up race for the First Quezon City International Marathon slated on October 2009.

The 25th Executive Classic is in cooperation with Quezon City government and Tourism Council, Pharmaton, Adidas, BPI Foundation, and the UP College of Human Kinetics.

DOT Taps Youth Market via MTV

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has forged a partnership with MTV Networks to attract young travelers around the world to come and experience the Philippines.

MTV Networks’ new “hip contemporary” global campaign – MTV Revelations – set to be launched in February 2009, features 12 countries: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, U.K. and U.S.A.

MTV Revelations will use a series of TV spots featuring MTV VJs who will talk about their personal experiences in these countries. In addition, a variety of web activities, which include MTV's Music Mixer and MTV Video Widgets, synergized with local relevance, will reflect the different style, culture and tone of each country.

The partnership was announced by DOT Secretary Ace Durano and Bill Roedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MTV Networks International during the World Travel Market held last November 10 -14 at ExCel London.

According to Sec. Durano, as stated in his interview with the press, the partnership is a “strategic fit” because it will enable the Department to reach out to the youth who enjoys a higher disposable income as well as being the most avid travelers of today. "MTV know its demographic best. Its VJs and onscreen personalities, for instance, have the credibility to reach out to the same youth market we are targeting. “Mr. Durano adds.

On the other hand, Mr. Roedy said, “We are delighted that through the international reach of MTV, they can work with the DOT to promote the Philippines to such a targeted youth audience across so many countries."

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

PR Newswire.com Philippines Department of Tourism Partners with MTV Networks for 2009 Global Campaign (Posted November 10, 2008) Retrieved December 1, 2008
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Hein, Kenneth. Brandweek. Philippines Tourism Taps MTV (Posted November 12, 2008) Retrieved December 1, 2008
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9th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2008

Various natural health products and beauty regiments were showcased during the 9^th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2008 held last November 28-30, 2008 at the SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.”

With the theme “Your Health, Your Wealth”, the event aims to address the health, wellness and beauty concerns of the public and introduce new remedies, services, tools, equipment, and organic products that would help rejuvenate both mind and body. Furthermore, it seeks to increase the awareness and consciousness of healthy living and provide various options for the Filipinos to stay fit, healthy and beautiful.

During the 3-day event, participating professional health practitioners and medical doctors gave free consultations and conducted free health and wellness seminars. Also, over 60 companies offered various health and beauty products; organic, natural food and drinks, and fitness and wellness services to visitors. Others offered demonstration and product presentation of the latest organic, herbal and beauty products.

The event was organized by Fiera de Manila and sponsored by Health and Lifestyle Magazine, Aspendos International Corporation, Business Mirror, View Magazine, Friendly Alliances and Media Expressions Inc., HotOccassions.com, and HotWire.

Pinoy Goods Promoted in 16th Buy Pinoy Exporters Fair

SM Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City during the 16^th Buy Pinoy Exporters Fair held last November 27-30, 2008.

Organized by the Buy Pinoy Movement Foundation, the event aims to raise the level of consumer consciousness on the global competitiveness of Filipino made products, promote Filipino products locally and internationally, encourage indigenous talents and investors by showing them the advantages of locally-developed products, and promote sustainable development.

Showcasing Philippine-made products from all over the Philippines, visitors got a virtual experience of shopping in different cities and provinces of the country during the event. Shoppers browsed through more than 100 booths selling more than a thousand items and products all proudly made in the Philippines. Among the products were jewellery and fashion accessories from the provinces of Cebu, Albay, Iloilo, Baguio, and Bulacan; handicrafts, home décor, furniture, novelty items, Christmas decor, gift items from the cities of Albay, Bacolod, Tuguegarao, Antipolo, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Parañaue, and Pasig as well as products from Aurora province, Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Iloilo, Tarlac, Palawan, and Samar province

Food delicacies and native pastries such as buko (coconut) pie and kakanin, meat products, chocolates, smoked and dried fish, bangus (milk fish) and tuna products and local fruit juices and beverages were available from the provinces of Albay, Laguna, Ilocos Norte, Bulacan, Cavite, and Quezon province. Apparel, barong tagalog, baby accessories, footwear, and leather goods were showcased by manufacturers from the provinces of Lumban and Liliw, Laguna and Bulacan, and Metro Manila areas Las Piñas and Quezon City.

Buy Pinoy Movement Foundation President Marlane Villa-Real said the fair was set in time for the Christmas holidays. Villa-Real assured that the products are of export quality, durable, creative and sold at very affordable prices.

RP Resorts, Hotels Lauded by Readers of An International Travel Magazine

The Philippines has proven once again that it is still one of the best travel destinations in the world. Recently, several resorts and hotels located in the country were included in the Top Resorts, Islands, and Hotels in this year’s Readers’ Choice Award by Condé Nast Traveler, an international New York-published magazine.

Among the winners were Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu, which ranked 16th out of 25 in the Top Asian Resort Category and Cebu, which ranked 7th for the Top Islands Category. Pan Pacific Manila (44th), Makati Shangri-La (67th), and The Peninsula Manila (98th) were chosen as three of the Top Hotels in Asia.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand bagged the top spot for Top Asian Resort. Maldives was hailed as Top Island Destination in the Asia – Indian Ocean region and Oberoi Udaivilas, found in Udaipur, India was declared by Condé Nast readers as the Top Hotel in Asia.

According to Condé Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska, the Readers’ Choice Award “celebrate[s] the destinations, lodgings, and modes of transportation that manage to exceed our expectations”.

Tracing it roots in 1988, the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards is derived from its Readers' Choice Survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences in the U.S. This year, 32,633 readers participated in the survey. Selected sample of its subscribers were given questionnaires containing a list of candidates. Voters will nominate the resort, island, hotel, city, car rental agencies, and cruise line of their choice. Write-ins were allowed. The candidates that reached a specified minimum number of votes were rated based on a 5-point scale and the results were averaged and tabulated.

The three Philippine hotels were judged based on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms, and service. For the resorts, the criteria used were activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms, and service

Hotels and resorts were sub-categorized based on their location: Europe; Mainland U.S.; Hawaii; Canada; Caribbean; Atlantic Ocean; Mexico, Central and South America; Asia; Middle East; Africa; and Australia and Pacific.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Costas, Boboi. Cebu Daily News. Condé Nast Magazine's Survey. (Posted November 2, 2008) Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
http://www.cdn.ph/photostore/news_details.php?id=1134
Re posted in INQUIRER.net at
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Resorts. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Islands (Asia - Indian Ocean). Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Hotels (Asia). Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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'Condé Nast' poll rates Plantation Bay as one of the top resorts in Asia. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast rates Plantation Bay as one of the top resorts in Asia. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/Condé-nast-rates-plantation-bay-one-top-resorts-asia

Pinoy Resto Hailed in Asian Top 20 Guide

Whether it’s for a romantic dinner date with your loved one or for your wedding reception, choosing the best restaurant is a key factor to making your special day perfect. So, why not hold it in one of the best restaurants in Asia? Luckily, you don’t need to book a flight or reserve a hotel for this. One of them is located here in the Philippines, specifically in Tagaytay City.

Antonio’s Fine Dining was ranked as the 10th best restaurant in Asia out of 320 restaurants selected across 16 countries by the Miele Guide, an independent regional restaurant guide. On the other hand, Iggy’s, a restaurant in Singapore, was hailed as the best in the region.

The Guide described Antonio’s menu as “spoon-worthy as its ambience is swoon-worthy”. It further states that the restaurant “has consistently been considered among the top five restaurants in the Philippines and a favorite for proposals and intimate weddings”. This dining haven is located at Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City, about two kilometers from the main road.

Managed by Antonio ‘Tonyboy’ Escalante, this 5-year old bistro offers a wide range of salads and grilled dishes, together with its signature dalandan juice. One of the most reviewed dishes here is the Antonio’s Trio. It is a sampler of Tenderloin Medallion with Gratin of Assorted Mushrooms on Lyonnaise Potato, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Truffle Clam Sauce, and Lamb Cutlets with Cardamon Buerre Blanc with Gnocchi.

Other Filipino restaurants that were included in the Miele Guide ranking are Sonya’s Garden and Kanin Club in Tagaytay; Le Soufflé in Rockwell; Abe, Aubergine, and Bistro Filipino in Bonifacio Global City; Casa Armas at The Podium; Heat and Shang Palace at the Edsa-Shangri-la, Manila; Elbert’s Steak Room and Apartment 1B in Makati; Prince Albert at the InterContinental Manila ; Old Swiss Inn in Makati; Sugi, People’s Palace, Museum Cafe, Via Mare , Italiannis, Pepato, Sentro 1771, and Chateau 1771 in Greenbelt; The Fireplace and Li Li at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila; Lolo Dad’s Café in Manila; La Cocina de Tita Moning near Malacañang; and El Cirkulo and Tsukiji in Pasay.

Did You Know? The Miele Guide is a collaborative effort of Miele, a German manufacturer of premium domestic appliances and machines for commercial applications, and Ate Media, Singapore-based media consultancy and publishing company. The German company has helped published several Asian cookbooks such as Foodlore and Flavours: Inside the Southeast Asian Kitchen, a cookbook commissioned by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and published by Filipino company Artpost Asia. Miele’s long passion for fine dining and support for the food and wine industry, especially in Asia, paved the way for the creation of the Miele Guide

The Miele Guide ranking began in the early months of 2008. 84 Asian restaurant critics were invited to create the initial list of Asia’s best restaurants. Online voting began in May and ended on July 31. Voters were also given a chance to add more restaurants to the list. After that, a selected jury composed of food and wine professionals gave their own votes. The fourth phase involved the in-house team of Miele Guide and its contributing editors to anonymously dine at the possible winning restaurants and verify the votes gathered online and from the critics.

The country’s shortlist panel for the 2008/2009 edition of the Miele Guide were Ernest Reynoso Gala, chef-instructor at Sylvia Reynoso Gala Culinary Art Studio and contributor for Philstar.com; Jeffrey Valisno, senior reporter for Business World; Ana Marie ‘Nana’ Ozaeta, F & B World Magazine Editor; and Margaux Salcedo, food writer for Philippine Daily Inquirer (who also served as one of the contributing editors for the 2008/2009 edition).

Please visit Kasal.com Wedding Resources directory for the complete contact list of restaurants.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Salcedo, Margaux. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Filipino restos voted among Asia’s best (Posted November 12, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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Salcedo, Margauz. Margauxlicious. Filipino Restaurants That Made The Miele Guidem (Posted November 5, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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Health Aficionados Assemble for Fitness Convention

Health and fitness conscious participants gathered during the 15^th National Fitness Convention held at the Ruby Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City last October 3-5, 2008.

Guided by the theme, “Fitness in the Age of Change“, the convention featured group exercise, personal training, and fitness management topics that aim to update fitness professionals with the latest trends and studies on staying healthy

Various seminars gave trainers and instructors new insights on how they conduct their training class, which includes choosing more vibrant exercise music, monitoring heart rate, training ethics, membership retention, nutrition and hydration tips and presentation development for trainers.

These topics were discussed by some of the best names in fitness and health. Among those who shared their knowledge are Lluis Noguer, Director of Sport at Club Q in Barcelona; Randy Huntington, former US Olympic Training Center Coordinator (Track and Field); Anthony Peterson, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing at Keiser; and David Velez, International Fitness Presenter for California Fitness.

This event was presented by Fitness Network Philippines and Keiser in cooperation with Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Cybex, Sport Fit Inc., Walter Sugar-free Wheat Bread, and Business World.

Tourism Heads Focus on Climate, Poverty and Women at International Cebu Forum

Representatives from different countries tackled issues on climate change, poverty alleviation, and role of women in tourism at the 6th International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities (ITF-PLA) held last October 22-25, 2008 at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu.

Delegates from 157 countries attended the biennial Tourism Forum, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), City Government of Cebu (http://www.cebu.gov.ph/), the Philippine Congress, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo during the opening ceremony stated that the ITF-PLA should not only focus on current issues affecting the tourism industry but to attend to the dilemmas that will continue to influence and have an effect on tourism in the years to come. Furthermore, she emphasized to “keep our faith in tourism as a powerful instrument to alleviate poverty.”

UNWTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli, DOT Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, and House Representative Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia gave the keynote addresses on Policy and Legislation for Tourism Development.

First held at Cadiz, Spain in 1995, the ITF-PLA assembles tourism heads, representatives and lawmakers from 154 member states and more than 350 affiliate members categorized under Business, Destination, and Education Council.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

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10 Years and Counting – 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival --- (Press Release)

Not long ago, acclaimed director Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiliz VI took inspiration in National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s independent production firm, Cinemanila and turned it into a film festival that would nurture and present to the world the Filipino filmmakers and their stories. All he had then was a bag full of dream and a seemingly empty pocket.

But after ten years, ten years of overcoming adversities and challenges; ten years of colorful history marked by superb films from all over the world etching the minds of its viewers; ten years of paying tribute to these outstanding works and the artists who created them; ten years of exposing a new breed of film makers and giving them the venue to spread their wings; ten years of reviving the unblemished face of the Filipino Film industry, Cinemanila’s fame never dimmed. Not one bit.

Now, Dekada Cinemanila has become the “Festival of Festivals” and gives everyone a view of the true Filipino story with its theme “Raising Our Voices, Telling Our Stories” (Kuwento ng Pinoy, Isigaw sa Mundo). The opening night of the festival was held at Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City last October 16, 2008.

A crowd composed of film critics, directors, actors, press people, celebrities and movie fans gathered to watch Cinemanila’s appetizer for this year’s festival, Sparrow directed by Johnnie To, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival.

From October 17 – 29, more than 100 films will be shown under different categories which included those who will vie for the Lino Brocka Award (International Award), Ishmael Bernal Prize (Young Cinema Section) Best ASEAN Film, (SEA Competition), Digital Lokal, and Best Documentary. Other awards will also be given in the field of acting, screenplay and directing.

Seven films will square off for the Brocka Award which include works from the Philippines (Melancholia) Australia (Lucky Miles), Israel (Band's Visit), Iran (Night Bus), Iceland/USA/ Philippines (The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela), Japan (United Red Army) and Russia (Vanished Empire).

One of the country’s young filmmakers, either Joanna Vasquez Arong(Amihan), Ivy Universe Baldoza (Bunot), Carlo Obispo (Esbat), Nelson Caliguia (Inday Wanda), Vic Acedillo, Jr. (Kalawang Na Ginto), Christopher Gozum (Surreal Random MMS Texts Para Ed Ina, Agui Tan Kaamong Ya Makaiiliw Ed Sika : Gurgulis Ed Banua), Antoinette Jadaone (Tumbang Preso), Emmanuel Palo (Undertakers), Mikhail Red (Kamera) or Michael Juat (Frou Frou Ssh, Wag Mong Sabihin Kay Itay) may have the chance to place ‘Ishmael Bernal Prize winner’ in his or her resume after the awards night.

This year, Cinemanila gives its Lifetime Achievent Award to screenwriter Pete Lacaba who inscribed and immortalized Lino Brocka’s best-known works such as Bayan Ko (1984) and Orapronobis (1989). The laurel for Director in Focus will be given to multi-awarded Brillante ‘Dante’ Mendoza.

The awards ceremony of Cinemanila will commence at the Malacañang Palace on October 20.

The festival will be concluded with one of Broka’s masterpieces, Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1984) which was nominated for the Palm d’Or during the 1984 Cannes Film Festival.

Dekada Cinemanila is presented by the Independent Cinema Association of the Philippines (ICAP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). This event is supported by Gateway Cineplex 10, Screen Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Philippine Airlines.

The 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival is also made possible by Cinema One, ABS-CBN, TBWA\Santiago-Mangada-Puno, Business World, Manila Bulletin, Solid Video Corporation, Scenema Concept International, Rene Barbier Wines, Orion Chocopie, Mike & Ike Candies, NU 107, XFM 92.3, ClickTheCity.com and Philippine Entertainment Portal. Special thanks to the Office of the President, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Tourism.

Western Samar Dresses Up Locals, Roads for Tourism

Couples who are looking for an adventure-driven honeymoon may want to consider Western Samar as the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Samar governors, have been preparing the whole province to become a new tourist destination.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes stated in her interview with Business World, that Samareños have started training as kayak operators, tour guides, cave guides and rescue team members to enhance “community-based tourism” in the region.

Together with the Philippine National Red Cross and the Sohoton Services Association, residents of Basey, Western Samar were given kayaks, protective gears, uniforms, tourism-related seminars and first aid training to ensure safety and enjoyment of tourists.

The Department is primarily promoting the Sohoton National Park. This 840-hectare marvel is a combination of caves, underground rivers, waterfalls and unique limestone formations that would surely fascinate nature-loving couples. With this new project, visitors will be able to see this natural wonder through kayak rides.

Aside from cave viewing, adventurous couples can also engage in nature trekking, bird watching, swimming, boating and other outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways have posted advertisements and invitations to local contractors to bid for the 77 kilometer road work project involving the provinces of Northern and Eastern Samar which include the road leading to Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. This is to make the said tourist destination more accessible.

Also included in the priority project is the development of Guiuan Airport.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art (Vol. V – Philippine Dance) Balitaw Posted by University of the Philippines Alumni and Friends Rondalla (UPA&FR) Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://members.tripod.com/jayars/balitaw.html

Gabieta, Joey B. Leyte Samar Daily Express With Infra, EV is seen as new Tourist Destination Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://web.evis.net.ph/lgu/easternsamar/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=146&Itemid=1

Global Pinoy Travel. Western Samar. Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/wsamar.php

Meniano, Sarwell Q. Business World Weekender Community-based tourism initiatives set in Samar Retrieved October 15, 2008
http://bworldonline.com/Weekender101008/main.php?id=travel3

Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8) DOT turns over kayak, protective gears to Sohoton Services Association Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.samarnews.com/news2008/jul/f1764.htm

Rebamontan, Lucino Manila Bulletin Online Big road-concreting project in 2 Samar provinces okayed Retrieved October 15, 2008
www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/10/15/PROV20081015138031.html

Victoria, Rodrigo S. (PIA Biliran) SamarNews.com P249-M worth of concrete pavement project to be implemented next year. Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.samarnews.com/news2008/oct/f1851.htm

Wow Philippines. Things to Do and see in Western Samar Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=thingstodo&province=46

Puerto Princesa receives laurel for environment maintenance

Palawan has just given couples more reasons to consider Puerto Princesa as their honeymoon destination.

The city, in its goal in protecting its rich and vast ecological treasure earned the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award given last October 8, 2008 at Hanoi, Vietnam.

In a press release posted t the ASEAN website, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan said that “each city that received the Award tells a compelling story of how it has placed environment and nature at the core of city planning, the challenges it faced, and its resolve to ensure the cities remain environmentally sustainable as it develops and modernizes.”

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn expresses his gratitude to Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), who nominated the city, and the ASEAN for acknowledging their efforts to protect and conserve the natural beauty of the city amidst the high industrialization of other cities in the country. According to him, the cooperation of the Palaweños in all actions to safeguard its environment was the key to the implementation of his projects.

Dubbed as the Philippines’ Last Frontier, Palawan is home to vast hectares of rainforests, natural caves, high mountains, dive sites and breathtaking beaches.

Its line-up of tourist attractions consists of the El Nido Marine Reserve and Beach Resort; Tabon Cave, recognized as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization”; Honda Bay filled with islets and dive sites; the Tubbataha Reef and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which were proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993 and 1999, respectively. The latter has remained first, while the former, fifth in rank in the candidates for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Aside from natural wonders, couples can find the island a great venue for their honeymoon.Several resorts offer special honeymoon packages at very affordable prices. Its white sand beaches are also perfect for a sunset beach wedding.

To know more about Palawan, you may visit BiyahengPinas.com.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

ASEAN Press Release. Ten Cities in ASEAN Receive the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.aseansec.org/Bulletin-Oct-08.htm#Article-3

Manila Times Internet Edition. Puerto Princesa bags first environmental award. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/16/yehey/prov/20081016pro3.html

Marinay, Manny B. Manila Bulletin Online. Hagedorn: Peoples’ participation key to protecting environment. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/ENVI20081016137929.html

New7Wonders. The top 77 candidates of the New7Wonders of Nature Nominees (Live Ranking) October 18, 2008
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

Palawan.com. Puerto Princesa bags green award (original story posted at Business Mirror). Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.palawan.com/articles.php?article_id=162&PHPSESSID=f9aef7c1725bdb0b7486c38923bb043b

Palawan.com. About Palawan. Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.palawan.com/about.php?PHPSESSID=492d8fb1249d1d2d0489cccf8e268201

UNESCO.org UNESCO World Heritage List Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list

Wow Philippines. Explore Philippines – Palawan Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=famousefor&province=22

Medical Experts Come Together for the 2008 Health and Wellness Tourism Summit --- (Press Release)

In celebration of the Philippine Health and Wellness Tourism Month, the Department of Tourism, and established names in the medical industry from all over the world gather for the Philippine Health and Wellness Tourism Summit from October 22 – 25, 2008 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

With the theme, “Embracing Health and Wellness in the Heart of Asia”, the summit aims to present the latest in medical technology, procedures, and issues delivered by the best practitioners in the industry. It also takes into consideration the value of prevention of diseases and achievement of holistic health and development through the proper combination of alternative therapies and scientifically tested medication. Furthermore, it gives high importance to the value of emotional support which significantly contributes to the speedy recovery and healing of patients; this of course can only be experienced in Asia, the Philippines, in particular, due to the Filipinos’ caring and nurturing nature.

Among the list of respected speakers include Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, MSc, Philippine representative in the World Health Organization; Dr. Manuel Fernandez Jr., chair of the Philippine Board of Cosmetic Surgeons; Dr. Samuel Bernal, Director Emeritus of the Cancer Center of the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System; Renee-Marie Stephano, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Medical Tourism Association; Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, President of Health Futures Foundation Inc., and Susie Ellis, President of SpaFinder, Inc.

A pre-conference seminar was held on October 22. Plenary sessions begin on October 23. The summit will be concluded with a tour of Makati City and Gala dinner at Dusit Thani Manila.

For more information, call HIM Communications, Inc. at 440-3354/ 437-7090 or visit their website at http://www.philippinehealthandwellnesstourism.com

Department of Tourism makes Cebu as Wedding Capital for Japanese

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ace Durano plans to place Cebu at the frontlines of top wedding destinations here in the country, especially for Japanese couples.

Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is home to some of the best white sand beach resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, which has built its own wedding chapel called Ocean Pavilion and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa which offers a wedding package set underwater.

The province also has an array of historically draped churches like the Basilica Minor de Santo Niño which was built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta, who took part in the Spanish expedition back in 1565. The San Jose Parish Church, known as the Chapel of the Last Supper, is the home of the only life-sized carving of the Last Supper scene of Jesus Christ and his 12 Apostles here in the Philippines.

Did You Know? Philippine Airlines flights for Osaka-Cebu are scheduled twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday departing from Kansai International Airport to arrive at Mactan International Airport. Return flights are also scheduled on the same day.Cebu Pacific meanwhile offers the trip thrice a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

To make this more feasible, DOT has been working close hand with the Japanese Association of Travel Agents even meeting with Recruit Co. Ltd., publisher of Japanese bridal magazine called Zexy to promote Cebu along with other provinces as leisure and wedding destination.

Based on the department’s data, over 400,000 Japanese couples plan to hold their nuptial outside their country. The common wedding getaways are Hawaii and Guam. On the other hand, for the first quarter of 2008 alone, 216,000 Japanese tourists have visited the country. With such statistics plus the colorful ceremonies of Filipino weddings, Durano believes that the country can compete with these countries and offer the Philippines as another option to hold their wedding.

The secretary urges wedding coordinators, travel agencies all over the country and Visayan tour guides to come up with strategies and packages to further promote and offer the country as the new wedding haven for soon-to-be husband and wife.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Cebu Pacific News. Cebu Pacific Flies Manila – Osaka. Retrieved October 8, 2008
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Dagooc, Ehda. Cebu pushed as “Wedding Destination” Retrieved October 4, 2008
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Dept. of Tourism. Visitor Arrivals to the Philippines by Country of Residence for the month of July 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/dot/statistics.asp

Montecillo, Paolo Luis G. PAL to restore Cebu- Osaka flights Retrieved October 8, 2008
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Mozo, Malou. Manila Bulletin. DOT promoting Cebu province as ‘wedding capital’ of Asia’. Visayas section, October 8, 2008 issue

Ortiz, Margaux. RP now being pitched as wedding venue to tourists Retrieved October 7, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080914-160622/RP-now-being-pitched-as-wedding-venue-to-tourists

Reyes, Mary Ann Ll. DOT expects more Japanese tourists this year, Retrieved October 7, 2008
http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200809246&type=2