International Jazz Artists Invaded Manila for Jazz Fest 2009

The biggest names in Jazz invaded Manila and made beautiful music during the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival (PIJF) held the whole month of February until March 4, 2009.

Organized by the Philippine International Jazz Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the event has grown into the biggest and longest music festival in the country; having presented more than two hundred Filipino bands, twenty one concert performers, and ten artists from ten embassies for the past four years.

Hiromi’s Sonicbloom (Japan), Spyro Gyra (USA), Ms. Dianne Reeves (USA), Mr. Mike Stern (USA), Mr. Laurence Elder (USA), Mr. Ivan Lins (Brazil), Ms. Claudia Acuna (Chile), Sacbe (Mexico), Mr. Amir Bwirtzman (Israel), Logic Band (Australia), Mr. Mike del Ferro (Netherlands), Ms. Keiko Fukuda (Japan), Mr. Fabio Turchetti (Italy), Mr. Ray Sidney (USA), Mr. Marcel Worms (Netherlands), and Mr. Romero Lubambo (USA/Rio de Janeiro) were among the international jazz artists who graced PIJF.

Brass Munkeys, Mr. Tots Tolentino, Human Folk, Hairy Dawgs, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, Aquarela, Ms. Bayang Barrios, Bembol Rockers, Brigada, Cubanilla, Ms. Bituin Escalante, Escola de Samba de Manille, Guarana, Johnny Allegre Affinity, Juan Isip, Ms. Nyko Maca and Playground, Ted Nikollof, Sinosikat, Sitti, and Yosha were the local artists who shared their music during the event.

Jazz fans were treated to several activities during the festival. PIJF was formally opened last February 26, 2009 at the Captain’s Bar in Mandarin Hotel – Manila in Makati City. PIJF conducted mall tours and embassy shows and workshops were held in different parts of the metro.

A 300-member Black Gospel Choir performed with Juan Isip and Logic last February 28, 2009 at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City. Free Jazz workshops were held last March 1, 2009 at Dencio's, Rockwell Plaza with Ms. Hiromi Uehara and Mr. Mike Stern, and on March 2, 2009 at Dencio's, Rockwell Plaza with Dave Weckl and Charito.

The Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival is sponsored by Cream Silk, Dove, Ethan Allen, Pond’s, SieMatic, Sub-Zero, Lifestyle Network, Velvet, Metro, Metro Society, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), and Philippine Airlines. Venue Sponsors are Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta Mall, Mandarin Oriental – Manila, Power Plant Mall, and Rockwell Land. Official Radio partners are 105.1 Crossover, Dream FM 106.7, 103.5 MAX FM, and XFM 92.3.

FCBAI Gathered Bakers, Confectionery Suppliers at Bakery Fair 2009

Numerous companies involved in bakery, confectionery, food service, and allied industries gathered under one roof for the 5^th International Exhibition on Bakery, Confectionery and Food Service Equipment and Supplies (Bakery Fair 2009) held last February 19 – 21, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), the biannual event aims to showcase the best in the bakery, confectionery, and food industries of the Philippines. It also continues to improve the quality of its exhibitors and enhance the learning experiences for bakery and bakery operations of its visitors.

Bakery Fair 2009 filled up over 400 booths and attracted more than 25,000 visitors. In the three day event, participating companies showcased a wide range of products and recipe applications to meet the needs of growing as well as starting bakeries. Other companies also shared some business opportunities and marketing ideas to assist clients in expanding their operations.

Renowned Chef Heny Sison graced Bakery Fair 2009 and gave baking and pastry decorating demonstration. Other activities during the fair included cake decorating competition, bartending contest, seminars and baking demonstrations.

Bakery Fair 2009 is supported by Bakels Philippines, Inc., Besterm International Corporation, Asia Cold Storage Corporation, Sonlie International, Inc., Ferna Corporation, Puratos Philippines, Mix Plant, Inc., Middleby Worldwide Philippines, Inc., Kerry Ingredients Asia, Handyware Philippines, Inc., San Miguel Mills, Corman Professional, Unicomm Ingredients Phils., Inc., ADSIA Eurobakers Marketing Corporation, Sinmag Bakery Machine Corporation, Eagle Wings International Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation (Flour Division), Ab Mauri Philippines, Inc., Unity Marketing Corporation, U.S. Wheat Associates, Association of Foodcart Owners and Suppliers Philippines, Inc., 3A System Machinery Philippines Corporation, Jismar Equipment Trading and Services, Inc., Chocolate World, Optima Display Systems Company, Zebra Thailand (Satien Stainless Steel Public Co. Ltd.), Alatone Plastics, Inc., Sun-Maid Raisins, Torani, Conlins Coffee World, KLG International, Inc., Foodservice Division, Wills International Sales Corporation, Novozymes, RM Boxes, General Milling Corporation, California Raisins, Sanko Plastics Philippines, Inc., Foodie Magazine, Cook Magazine, Julie's Bakeshop, French Baker, Gardenia Bakeries (Phils.) Inc., and Walter Bread.

For more information about the Bakery Fair 2009, contact the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc., at (632) 2542518, 2542526, email fcbai_phils@yahoo.com.ph, info@fcbai.org, or visit their website at http://www.fcbai.org/

NCCA Concludes National Arts Month on a High Note

February was filled with a wide array of performances, exhibits, and activities, as the country celebrated the National Arts Month – Philippine International Arts Festival (NAM-PIAF).

Manila City Councilor Yul Servo (real name John Marvin Neito) was chosen as this year’s spokesperson for the NAM celebration due to his initiatives to help out-of-school youth, increase art awareness and appreciation, and authored Resolution 115, entitled “The Resolution Expressing Full Support for the Move of His Honor, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, in the Restoration of the Metropolitan Theater in the City of Manila.”

All over the country, different arts and culture groups as well as local governments held events for the PIAF with funding and support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). With the theme “Ani ng Sining,” the PIAF has evolved from Manila-centered activities to a truly national event, with key activities in all three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, involving hundreds of artists from different disciplines of arts and reaching thousands of people from all walks of life all over the world.

Activities include Pa(ng)labas, a fusion of architecture and film media exhibit; Walai-Vernacular Architecture of Mindanao, architectural drawing and photography exhibit of the vernacular houses of Mindanao culled from the Walai Pangampong project; Sinerehiyon, a showcase of nascent cinema from the regions; Sayaw Pinoy, a dance concert tour featuring local dance troupe from host cities and municipalities together with professional dance companies; Organik Muzik, a series of concerts showing the metamorphosis of elements of Philippine music from village roots to urban manifestations; Philippine Writers Festival; and Philippine Visual Arts Fest.

Ending the NAM celebration on a high note, the NCCA gathered together the Filipino artists and artistic groups that garnered gold in international arts festivals and competitions, and presented them with Ani ng Dangal awards, held last February 28, 2009, at the Centennial Hall on Manila Hotel, in recognition of their exemplary performances. This is the first time that the Commission gave such award in the 18 years of celebrating NAM.

Awards presenters and special guests during the ceremony included Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, National Artists F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Eddie Romero, and Manila Heritage Official Gemma Cruz Araneta.

Here is the list of Ani ng Dangal Awardees:

Dance

• Philippine All Stars, 7th World Hip Hop Championships
• Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, 10th Asia Pacific Dance Competition
• Quezon City Ballet, 2007 Dance Excellence Festival
• Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, 12th World Folk Dance Festival
• Janssen Knights, High School Musical: My School Rocks Competition
• Shirley Halili Cruz, most outstanding dance educator, 2008 Global Excellence Award
• Donna Miranda, jury prize winner, 2007 Yokohoma Dance Competition.

Music

• Catherine Loria, 2008 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA)
• Aria Clemente, 2007 WCOPA
• Vina Morales, First Ikon Asean Malaysia
• Reymond Sajor, WCOPA
• Las Piñas Boys Choir, 5th World Choir Games
• Kalawan Boys Choir, pop a capella category, 5th World Choir Games
• Philippine Normal University Chorale, 26th Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros Himig Singers, mixed ensemble vocal category, First Asian Choir Games
• Philippine Madringal Singers, chorale singing, 2007 European Chorale Grand Prix
• University of the East Chorale, grand pix and gold in classical and pop categories, 2007 Busan Chorale Festival and Competition
• Novo Concertante, folklore category, 23rd Takarazuka International Chamber Chorale Contest
• Mapua Concert Singers, folklore and open mixed choir categories, 2007 A Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival (AVSICF)
• Sta. Teresita Parish Chorale, 2007 AVSICF
  Chiang Kai Shek College Youth Choir, open equal voices and folklore categories, 2007 AVSICF
• Most Holy Redeemer Parish Master Chorale, open mixed choir category, 2007 AVSICF
• UP Singing Ambassadors, grand prize and gold in sacral music, folk music, and spiritual/gospel/jazz categories, 4th International Choir Festival in Mundus Cantat Sopot
• Coro de Sta. Cecilia, musica sacra a capella category, Asian Open, First Asian Choir Games
• Cebu Chamber Singers, winner of gold diplomas in the mixed chamber choirs and gospel and spiritual categories, Asian Open, in the First Asian Choir Games
• Lyceum of the Philippines Chorale, mixed youth choir and musica sacra a capella categories, Asian Open, First Choir Games
• Mandaue School for the Arts Children’s Choir, children’s choir, music of the religions, and folklore categories, Asian Championship, First Asian Choir Games
• Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, gospel and spiritual category, Asian Choir Championship, First Asian Choir Games
• Vox Angeli Children’s Choir, children choir category, 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
• University of Northwestern Philippines Choral, folkloric category, 2008 Hong Kong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
• Kjwan Band, group category, First Ikon ASEAN
• KHP Koro Techniuv, First Folklore Festival Interfolk

Literature

• Miguel Syjuco, 2008 Man Asian Literary Award
• Michael Coroza, 2007 Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award
• Elmer Ordoñez, Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award

Film

• Melancholia directed by Lav Diaz, Best Film, Orrizonti Section, 65th Venice International Film FestivalFoster Child directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, 29th Durban International Film Festival; special jury award, 4th Eurasia International Film Festival
• Tirador directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, Best Director, and NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) awards, 21st Singapore International Film Festival; caligari award, 58th Berlin International Film Festival; special jury award, 7th Marradekech International Film Festival
• Neo-lounge directed by Joanna Vasquez-Arong, Bst Documentary Film, 34th Brussels International Independent Film Festival
• Bulong by Joaquin Valdes, Best Short Narrative, 2nd New Beijing International Movie Week
• Brillante Mendoza, Best Director for the film Serbis, 6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival; golden kinaree, 6th Bangkok International Film Festival
• Ricky Davao, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film Signos, UK International Filmmaker Film Festival
• Emilio Garcia, Best Actor for the movie, Selda, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
• Cherrie Pie Picache, Best Actress, 29th Durban International Film Festival
• Yul Servo, Outstanding Actor for Independent Film, 35th Brussels International Film Festival
• Sid Lucero, Best Actor, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
• Gina Pareño, Best Actress for the movie, Kubrador, 26th Amiens International Film Festival

Visual Arts

• Jose Fernandez Datuin, 2008 Sport and Art Contest
• Bernardo Matudan, 15th Annual World Children’s Picture Contest
• Remster Bautista, Young Artists Showcase 2007
• Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Irwin and Florenze Zlowe Memorial Award, 90th American Society of Contemporary Artists Annual Art Exhibition and Award
• Ross Capili, travel journalism-travel photograph category, 2008 PATA Grand Awards

Broadcast

• GMA Network, Inc., (Reporter’s Notebook), human interest category, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion
• Power to Unite Catholic Family Bible Group, Inc., (The Catholic Family Bible Quiz), innovative music video, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion

Medical and Health Librarians All Set for National Congress

The Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) invites everyone in the medical and health library profession to take part in their 21st National Congress and Seminar-Workshop on February 25 to 27, 2009 at Tagaytay Country Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Carrying the theme, “The Challenge of Change: Partnerships and Developments Towards Globalization”, the seminar-workshop will focus on the current practices and perspectives in medical and health libraries as well as uplifting the role of librarians. In addition, the event aims to acquaint the participants to advanced developments and emerging technologies in libraries, medical and health care system; transform conventional services and practices to neo-conventional; and update the participants on the utilization of current tools and resources at-hand.

The seminar fee is PhP. 4,500.00 inclusive of 3 days/2 nights accommodation, certificate, program materials, and meals.

For inquiries, contact Ms. Lot Dorado, MAHLAP Treasurer at (+632) 743-6920 or via email, lotdorado@yahoo.com or Ms. Gina Canceran, MAHLAP Ex-officio at (+632) 526-5851 or via email, ginacanceran@yahoo.com.

First Cinema Expo in RP Gathered Local and International Players

Movie industry companies, media partners, ad agencies, film professionals, and student organizations involved in film production from here and abroad filled the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City for the CINEXPO 2009. Held last February 17 – 18, 2009, media and film companies discussed the latest cinema trends, issues, networking and partnerships, and exhibited their films, various media products, and services.

Organized by SM Cinema, the event gathered the biggest local and Hollywood film producers and distributors. Among the participants were Star Cinema, Regal Films, Viva Films, GMA Films, Pioneer Pictures, Inc., Solar Entertainment Corporation (official United International Pictures distributor in the Philippines), Warner Bros. Pictures, 20^th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures.

The two-day event was filled with presentations and seminars.

1. Mr. Alex Morrison, country manager of Hills & Associates Philippines, who discussed “Anti-Piracy: A Growing Pain”;
2. Atty. Rosendo Menesser, Optical Media Board Executive Director, who shared the organization’s anti piracy campaign;
3. Ms. Mylene Abiva, president of Philippine Marketing Association for “Consumer Behavior: Emerging Market Segments”;
4. Mr. March Ventosa, Vice President for Marketing of ABS-CBN tackled “Branded Advertising: The New Advertising”;
5. Mr. Raymund de Vera, Vice President for Ad Sales and Marketing for ACCESS and Sales Representative of AXN and Animax talked about “Cinema Advertising: Engaging the Heart and Mind of your Audience”;
6. Mr. Pete Jimenez, General Manager of Optima Digital, together with Mr. Stephen Sy, Visual Effects Supervisor, and Ms. Marilen Magsaysay, Senior Colorist shared their knowledge on “Color grading and VFX Case Studies”; and
7. Ms. Haidie Esmero, business unit manager of SM Cinema for “SM Cinema: Your Advertising Partner”.

A special screening of the recent local films “Dayo,” the first digital animation film in the country and entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and “Jay," an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed independent film from Cinemalaya served as the concluding activity for CINEXPO. SM also honored film producers, distributors, artists, and media partners in the 2008 SM Cinema Awards. The award was given to 5 top grosser films for 2008. These were “A Very Special Love”, “For the First Time”, “Caregiver”, “My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend”, and “Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat”. During the awards night held last February 18, 2009, SM Cinema gave its first Box Office King and Queen award to A Very Special Love main cast John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo.

Tags: sm cinema, movies, cinexpo 2009, smx, films, advertising, philippines, piracy

Everything Flew High at Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Living up to the event’s tagline, “Weekend of Everything that Flies”, hot air balloons, light airplanes, remote control aircrafts, kites, and even people (in the form of skydivers and paragliders), were seen hovering the sky during the 14^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) held last February 12 – 15, 2009 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Organized by the Clark Development Corporation and the Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines, the four-day event was filled with numerous activities, including paragliding exhibition, ultralight aircraft formation flying, skydiving exhibition, kite flying demonstration, remote controlled aircraft flight demo, and balloon bursting competition.

Additional activities were also held at the grounds of Clark Freeport Zone. These include car drifting show, performances by the Philippine Air Force band, and San Fernando Giant Lantern Parade.

The highlight of the PIHABF is the flight of the 25 participating hot air balloons. These propane powered aircrafts flew twice on each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Some of the hot air balloons shaped like a cola bottle, telephone book, coffee mug, and an elephant were head turners and became favorites of guest photographers.

During the evening, spectators were treated with a night glow, wherein these hot air balloons were fired up and turned into giant, uniquely-shaped lanterns.

The 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is sponsored by Cirrus Design Corporation, UPS, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Caltex, SM City Clark, Fonterra, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Rudy Project, Hotel Vida, Kellogs, 105.1 Crossover, DSV Air and Sea, Inc., Filinvest, Hotdog OnSticks, Business Mirror, NCO Group, Solar Entertainment Corporation, C/S Origin, ETC (Entertainment Central), 2^nd Avenue, Jack TV, Sci Fi Channel, Land Rover, Ford Motors Philippines, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Air Force City – Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Clark International Airport Corporation, Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Philippine Tourism Authority.

RP Tourism Laurels for 2008

Several tourist destinations in the Philippines gave Filipinos a new source of pride as they received recognition from international organizations and institutions last 2008e. Here are the top stories of tourism achievements in 2008.

RP Cities featured in Korean Travel Magazine
South Korea’s top travel magazine Ab-road began its 2008 line-up with the Philippines as its cover story and the San Agustin Church as cover photo. The article, “Insider’s Guide to Philippines”, featured three Metro cities (Manila, Pasay, and Makati) plus other interesting sites all over the country, which included the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and El Nido in Palawan. The article also gave a list of must-try Filipino dishes, interesting shopping centers such as Power Plant Mall, maps and port schedules.

Ab-road Magazine, managed by RoadABC Media is a license of Ab-road, a Japan-based magazine company that forged partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) to encourage Japanese couples to get married in the country. (read related article here)

Boracay, Palawan included in Best Holiday Destinations
Two popular destinations here in the Philippines, Boracay and Palawan, were included in the Top 10 Holiday Destinations by Smart Travel Asia. The poll, released September 2008, ranked Boracay and Palawan as the seventh and eight best holiday destination in Asia. Bali, Indonesia garnered the top spot with 14 percent of the total votes.

According to Smart Travel Asia, the poll results reflect the online voters' "substantial hands-on travel experience, word-of-mouth at dinnertime chats, as well as an idea of the brand drawn from advertising and editorial exposure in the media, which is mostly online." Smart Travel Asia is the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide.

Two Mindanao Landmarks recognized as possible UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mount Apo Natural Park and Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary were selected to be included in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites last October 9, 2008. Mt. Apo, a volcanic mountain rising to 3,143.6 meters above sea level, hosts five (5) distinct forest formations. It is considered to be one of the richest botanical mountains in the region hosting hundreds of rare, endemic and threatened species of flora. These include the Vanda sanderiana (Waling-Waling) which is recognized as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids” and recommended by plant enthusiasts as the Philippine National Flower.

Mount Hamiguitan, on the other hand, is the only protected forest noted for its unique bonsai field or ‘pygmy’ forest of 100-year old trees in an ultramafic soil. One of the endangered bird species located here is the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). It has been identified by Conservation International as one of the Philippines’ ‘hotspots’ for conservation and protection.

Cebu Hailed as one of Top Islands in Asia.
Conde Nast Traveler, an international New York-published magazine, hailed Cebu as the seventh Top Island last November 2008 for the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. (read related article here). The Visayan island bested Langkawi of Malaysia, Borneo and Lombok of Indonesia.

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”.

RP Dive Sites declared as World’s Best
Sport Diver, the official magazine of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Diving Society, named Apo Island Marine Sanctuary in Dumaguete City and Malapascua in Cebu as two of the must-see dive sites throughout the world. The two sites were part of the magazine issue, “The Ultimate Dive Destinations Presents: 100 Dives To Do Before You Die”. The United Kingdom-based magazine describes the special edition magazine as “a collection of truly awe-inspiring wrecks, reefs, and marine life encounters.”

According to DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Malapascua was chosen for its consistent sightings of thresher shark while Apo Island was chosen for its picturesque corals and marine life presence.

Philippine Destinations Nominated for New 7 Wonders of Nature
Mayon Volcano in Albay, Taal Volcano in Batangas, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, Mount Pinatubo in Pampanga, and Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan were nominated to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

For several months, several organizations, including the DOT, campaigned for these natural wonders to become part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was constantly in top position while the rest of the nominees were not far behind. The first phase of voting, done via internet, was concluded last December 31, 2008.

After months of constant campaign, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the country’s official entry for the New7Wonders of Nature. The NewOpenWorld Corporation, (NOWC), the company managing the New7Wonders campaign, released the list of nominees that qualified for the second phase of voting last January 7, 2009.

According to the New 7 Wonders website, out of the original 441 entries, 261 qualified for the second phase of voting. Then, the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts, under the leadership of Prof. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, will review the top 77 nominees and choose the 21 finalists, to be announced on July 21, 2009. Voting will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. During this time, the New7Wonders World Tour will visit each of the Finalists to allow them to present themselves to the voters across the globe. The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be announced in 2011.

---

BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Wikipilipinas. Tourism triumphs of 2008
http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tourism_Triumphs_of_2008
Re-posted at Manila Bulletin (Travel Section)
http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR20090128146708.html

AB-ROAD Magazine January 2008 Issue summary (text in Korean)
http://www.abroad.co.kr/magazine/2008_01/p1.asp

Good News Pilipinas. Top Korean travel mag features RP cities (Posted March 17, 2008)
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=744

Dizon, David, abs-cbnNEWS.com. Boracay, Palawan among Asia's top vacation spots: poll (Posted September 17, 2008)
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/09/17/08/boracay-palawan-among-asias-top-vacation-spots-poll

Smart TraveL Asia Best Travel Brands 2008.
http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Tentative List for World Heritage Sites in Philippines (Posted October 9, 2008)
http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/state=ph

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 at INQUIRER.net at
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20081102-169798/Condé-Nast-Magazines-Survey

Jaymalin, Mayen, Philstar.com. 2 more RP sites among 100 top dive spots (Posted November 18, 2008)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=416395&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Domingo, Ronnel, Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2 RP sites make it to ‘must dive’ list (Posted November 18, 2008)
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20081118-172835/2-RP-sites-make-it-to-must-dive-list

Lontayao , Rommel C. The Manila Times. Two RP diving sites among world’s best (Posted November 18, 2008)
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/nov/18/yehey/metro/20081118met6.html

ABS-CBN News. RP sites on world's top 100 diving destinations (Posted November 19, 2008)
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/19/08/two-rp-sites-worlds-top-100-diving-destinations

Good News Pilipinas. Malapascua & Apo Island among world’s top dive spots (Posted November 21, 2008)
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=3471

ABS-CBN News with reports from Abner Mercado, and Umagang Kay Ganda. RP's strong contender in New7Wonders tops list of nominees. (Posted December 31, 2008)
http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/12/31/08/rps-strong-contender-new7wonders-nature-tops-list

Business Mirror. Subterranean River represents RP to the world (Posted January 7, 2009)
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4280:subterranean-river-represents-rp-to-the-world&catid=23:topnews&Itemid=58
Re-posted at ABS-CBN News at
http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/01/08/09/subterranean-river-represents-rp-world

Department of Tourism. Puerto Princesa Underground River Makes History - Official Philippine Nominee to the New 7 Wonders of Nature. (Posted January 8, 2009)
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news/news2.asp?id=556

New7Wonders. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Live Ranking
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/

A Gathering of Talents as the Philippine International Writers Fest

For the first time ever, writers all around the country gather at the Taboan: Philippine International Writers Festival 2009 at three different venues: the Cubao Expo, the University of the Philippines Diliman www.upd.edu.ph, and the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Campus. The event was held from Feb. 11–13, in relation to the celebration of the National Arts Month.

Taboan, which in Cebuano means “assembly,” was the gathering of around 100 writers who have been recipients of grants from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and who have made and making their mark on Philippine literature, said Mr. Ricardo M. de Ungria, director and overall chairman of the Writers Festival.

Notable discussions include the labeling of "imperial Manila"; conducting regional literary contests; holding Taboan annually in other key cities; encouraging groups in the regions to register to the Securities and Exchange Commission; and submission of proposals and support for international contests, among others.

National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, challenged the writers in his keynote speech. "We are writers – what impact do we have on our history? We do not make the decisions that alter the nation's destiny. And what can the solitary writer do now that will make a difference?" The national artist also highlighted the value of literature as he urged the writers "to write as best and as honestly as we can…."

The NCCA, the University of the Philippines Institute for Creative Writing, and the Ateneo de Manila University were the organizers of the said event.

DOT Encourages Pinoys to Start Planning for Holiday Getaways

Couples who want to have a second honeymoon or simply spend some time together will have more time to prepare it this year. After the early release of the list of holidays for 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has encouraged Filipinos to begin planning their out-of-town vacations.

"We urge our countrymen to explore the 7,107 islands they haven’t seen or would like to revisit. We have the beaches, mountains, countryside, heritage sites, caves, rivers; food trips, urban verve – almost everything a traveler would want to experience, the Philippines has it. We advise people to book ahead to get the best and affordable tour packages and promotional fares,” DOT Secretary Ace Durano said in a DOT news release.

Sec. Durano adds that domestic tourism will not only strengthen family ties but will help alleviate the economic crisis being experienced by the country as well, since an increased in spending will help local businesses and in turn, will create jobs. Mr. Durano has advised hotels, spas, tour operators, and other allied industries to prepare during the long weekend and holidays to be able to accommodate the expected guests. Also, the Secretary encourages these establishments to offer group tour packages since most vacationers travel with their families and friends.

Meanwhile, Mr. Eduardo Jarque, Jr., DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, stated that while Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio, and Manila are the top destinations in the country, DOT is advocating discovery of other unexplored provinces. Other suggested sites include Siquijor, Camiguin, Quezon, Zamboanga del Sur and del Norte, Camarines Sur, Batangas, Mindoro, Dumaguete, Leyte and Negros for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts; loilo, Bacolod, and Laguna for history-inclined tourists; and Sagada, Cavite, Bataan, Bulacan, Mountain Province, Romblon, Batanes, and Marinduque for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Malacañang has released last December 24, 2008, through Proclamation No. 1699 the list of approved holidays for this year.

• April 4-6, Saturday – Monday (Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor)
• April 9-12, Thursday – Sunday (Holy Week)
• May 1-3, Friday – Sunday (Labor Day)
• June 12-14, Friday – Sunday (Independence Day)
• August 21-23, Friday – Sunday (Ninoy Aquino Day)
• August 29-31, Saturday – Monday (National Heroes' Day)
• October 31-November 2, Saturday – Monday (All Saints’ Day)
• November 28-30, Saturday – Monday (Bonifacio Day)
• December 24-27, Thursday – Sunday (Christmas Eve)
• December 30, 2009-Jan 3, 2010, Wednesday to Sunday (New Year’s Eve/Rizal Day)

Happy Holidays!

---

BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Department of Tourism. 'Plan early for long holidays,' DOT. (Posted January 20, 2009) Retrieved January 26, 2009 from
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news/news2.asp?id=558

Manila Bulletin, Plan early for long holidays. (Posted January 21, 2009) Retrieved January 26, 2009 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2009/01/21/TOUR20090121146068.html
Re-posted at Manila Bulletin Travel Mag
http://mbtravel.com.ph/2009/01/21/plan-early-for-long-holidays/#more-410
Re-posted at Positive News Media
http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_says_Plan_early_for_long_holidays.shtml

Malaya, Plan early for this year’s long holidays. (Posted January 28, 2009) Retrieved January 28, 2009 from
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb02/trav2.htm