Anime Fans Dressed up for 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

The young and young at heart showed off their love for anime by dressing up like their favorite characters during the 2^nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) held last March 28, 2009 at the Midtown Grand Atrium in Robinsons' Place Manila.

Organized by Cosplay.ph and Hobbiworx, the event gathered some of the best coplayers in the country to show off their creative style and interact with cosplay (costume roleplay) enthusiasts as well. A special awards cermony was held to honor and recognize the talented cosplayers behind award-winning costumes, which bagged laurels from previous events. Nominees were chosen based on the feedback of their peers and winners were chosen through text and online voting. The 2008 Cosplay Contest of the Year awardees are:

• Best Male: Mr. Robert Torio (Iron Man)
• Best Female: Chai Domingo (Lili Rochefort from Tekken 6)
• Best Child: Alexa Alegria (Alchemist from Ragnarok Online)
• Best Crossplay: Marky Ilano (Dark Magician Girl from Yu-gi-oh!)
• Best Mecha/Monster: Abraham Cruz (Poring King from Ragnarok Online)

A cosplay competition was held showcasing costumes depicting different characters from anime series, comics, movies, even historical figures. The winners for the 2nd PCC Cosplay Competition are:

• Best Male: Jacob Gil (Omnimon X of Digimon)
• Best Female: Jemelyn Canlas (Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHolic / Tsubasa Chronicles)
• Best Kids: Vien Testa (Robocop) and Vincent Testa (T-800 from Terminator 3)
• Best Robot/Mecha: AC Hernandez (Warmachine from Ironman)
• Best Performance: Belldandy Grimarez (Voltron)
• Best Craftsmanship: Mark David Cerezo (Marcus Fenix from Gears of War)
• Best Historical: Selwyn Alojipan (Guardia Civil Sarhento from Noli Me Tangere)
• Best Group: Lame Cosplayers

Individual winners of the 2nd PCC Cosplay Competitiion received Php. 5,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes while group cosplayers received Php.10,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes courtesy of the event sponsors. Winners of the 2008 Cosplay Contest of the Year were given a hand-crafted medallion and Php. 1,000.00 worth of gift certificates and prizes.

The 2^nd Philippine Cosplay Competition is in partnership with Midtown Grand Atrium – Robinsons' Place Manila, TV5, Toys R Us, Jack TV, Playground Magazine, RJ Underground Radio 105.9, Wish Washable Haircolor Spray, Wasabi Toys, LazerXtreme, and 2Rats.

Philippines Became First Host of World Health Tourism Congress in Asia

In the effort to place the country as the premier health and wellness tourism destination in Asia, the Philippines was the first country in Asia Pacific to host the World Health Tourism Congress held last March 26 – 28, 2009 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Organized by Aura International, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the World Health Tourism Congress is an exclusive congress where buyers and vendors of medical and wellbeing services have the opportunity to interact in a one-to-one meeting format as well as during workshops and informal gatherings.

During the event, corporate buyers, or those who decide when and where to send their citizens, client, and employees for medical travel, had the chance to meet up with solution providers, which consists of spas, hotel, medical center, and clinics, and forged partnerships in order to find cost effective institutions which can deliver the needs of their clients seeking medical attention. Also, participants were introduced to the latest news and updates about the health and tourism industry.

The first annual was hosted in Germany last May 25 – 27, 2006, the Second annual was hosted in Cyprus last March 23 – 25, 2007 and the Third annual was hosted in Spain last April 4 - 6, 2008.

The 4th World Health Tourism Congress is sponsored by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (Asian Hospital and Medical Center, The Medical City, Health and Leisure - Medical Tourism Integrator, Makati Medical Center, Asian Eye Institute, Philippine Retirement Authority, Manila Doctors Hospital, Capitol Medical Center, Tagaytay Hospital and Medical Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, and St. Francis Cabrini M.Cat), Prince Court Medical Centre, Cyprus Tourism Organization, Cebu Health and Wellness Council Inc., Jayan International, Parkway Holdings, Singapore Medicine, Take Care, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Bellevue Medical Center, ARDI Health Services Inc., Kliniken des Bezirks Oberbayern, Zulu Kingdom, and Discovery Suites.

Eco-Products International Fair 2009 a Success

The Philippines went all green last March 19 – 22 as it hosted the fifth Eco-Products International Fair (EPIF) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The EPIF is a yearly activity of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), a Tokyo-led group composed of 20 countries across the continent dedicated to the promotion of quality management and green productivity.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as the country’s National Productivity Organization (NPO) and representative to the APO, acted as the de facto host to this biggest environmental fair in Asia. The DAP was supported by the Philippine government, designating Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter B. Favila as chairman and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. as Vice-Chairman. DAP was assisted in the management of the exhibit by the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation. The Philippine Business for the Environment, on the other hand, provided the much needed linkage with the private business sector.

During the first day of the four-day event, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the EPIF. In his address, Sec. Ermita expressed the Philippine government’s pleasure to host the fifth EPIF. He said that the most pressing worldwide issue is not the global economic crisis but rather that of global warming, climate change, increased flooding and other environmental concerns that cannot be easily reversed and mitigated overnight.

President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo graced with her presence the second day of the event. President Arroyo formally launched the DTI’s Bayong Development Project, a component of the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) under the Economic Resiliency Plan as response to the global economic crisis. This project aims to create a source of sustainable livelihood and to contribute in preserving the environment through bayong weaving.

Later in the evening, DENR Secretary Atienza hosted the DENR Night: Eco-Fashion Show for the Environment. The dinner featured innovative and breakthrough fashion creations from recycled and eco-friendly materials by the fashion design students of La Salle College International. Likewise, winners of the Young Miss Earth of Department of Education (NCR-Pasig City) paraded in gowns fashioned from recycled waste materials.

Part of the night’s program is the EPIF Handing Over ceremony from the Philippines to Indonesia, which is tasked to host the EPIF 2010. Indonesia’s Vice President for Industry, Technology and Maritime Affairs Rachnat Gobel received the EPIF flag from Secretary Atienza and DAP President Antonio Kalaw, Jr. in the presence of APO Secretary General Shigeo Takenaka and EPIF Preparatory Committee Chair Teisuke Kitayama.

The third day EPIF 2009 was highlighted by several activities including the Eco-QuizBee Competition with questions focused on environment and biodiversity. Twenty-one elementary students from public and private schools participated in the said event. After a grueling battle of brains, Diana Hina R. Breboneria of San Roque Elementary School emerged as Champion, while Joshua Vicente of St. Anthony School placed as first runner-up. St. Paul College’s Frances Ysabel Reyes was second runner-up.

After which, visitors were treated with the film showing of the movie, Donsol and a musical presentation by folk music artist Grace Nono.

As a gesture of goodwill to all those who supported the event, the DAP hosted a thanksgiving dinner to end the third day of the EPIF. APO Sec-Gen Takenaka congratulated the organizers of the EPIF ‘09 for a successful implementation. EPIF ‘09 Advisory Committee Chair and Former First Lady Mrs. Amelita Ramos led the Farewell Toast before the Philippines formally turned over the task of organizing the next EPIF to Indonesian Ambassador Prof. Irzan Tandjung.

EPIF 2009 was concluded with the showing of the film, Panahon: Ang Pinoy at ang Climate Change, product demonstration by Earth Asia Institute, thanking tour by the organizers, and a mini-concert.

The EPIF 2009 was designed to accomplish two things: the advocacy of green productivity among the citizens of its 20 member-states and the dissemination of environment friendly technologies, processes, and products developed by participating companies.

Integrative Medicine Highlighted at UP Conference

Local and international doctors highlighted the benefits and effects of integrative medicine during the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students held last March 14-15, 2009 at Basic Science Lecture Room-East, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine in UP Manila.

The event, carrying the theme, “Integrative Medicine: Collaborating to Address Changing Illness Patterns” was organized by the UP College of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and UP Medicine Class '80 in collaboration with Clinica Blumea and the Invitation to Health Medical Center in Australia and France. The conference was created to serve as an avenue for Philippine doctors to learn from the experiences of doctors and practitioners working in two integrative medical centers located in Australia and France and encourage medical practitioners in the Philippines to work in an integrative manner together.

During the event, local and foreign medical practitioners shared their expertise with the conference participants. Dr. Jaime Galves Tan guided the audience back to their roots and grounding to identify the “Filipino Medicine Concept”. Dr. Isidro Sia talked on the “Evidence-based Guide to the Use of Medicinal Plants”. Dr. Penelope Caldicott from Australia presented about "Biochemistry of Mental Illness and Other Disorders". Dr. Nicole Avard from Australia discussed "Treating the Current Childhood Epidemics-Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asthma and Allergies". Dr. Richard Plet presented his experience treating autistic children through bone alignment therapies.

On the second day, Dr. Susan Ballinger, PhD of Australia, presented the first published, peer-reviewed study on “Harmonization”, showing its effects on heart rate variability, respiratory rate and brain waves (electroencephalograph). Dr. Paulita V. Baclig discussed about Chronobiology and Chronomedicine. Dr. Beatrice Milbert from France enlightened the participants on “Quantum Medicine'. Lastly, Dr. Catherine De Bartha, a Neurological Rehabilitation Medicine specialist from France, shared her experiences in providing holistic care of patients with degenerative neurological disorders.

Later, eleven workshops were conducted for the delegates for practical applications of the lectures presented during the two-day event. Aside from practical applications, additional workshop provided learning experiences to serve as reinforcement. Workshop topics include nursing home remedies, art therapy, speech and breath therapy for asthmatics, preparing healthy meals, stress management in a holistic way, and new clinic models of management in integrative medicine.

For more information about the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students, contact Clinica Blumea at (632) 474-8208 or 396-5386.

Indie Music and Film Artists Shine at PHILDIGI Awards 2009

Independent and commercial filmmakers and music artists received their well deserved spotlight at the first Philippine Digital Music and Short Film Festival and Awards (PHILDIGI Awards) held last March 11 -12, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

This music and film festival, organized by Isys Business Solution and Thumbsinteractiv, in cooperation with Blue Fish Asia and Business Mirror aims to serve as an avenue for independent filmmakers and music artists to showcase their talents and works, encourage consumers to fight piracy, give equal opportunities for artists to earn while they broadcast their music and films online and other platforms, and to give record labels and publishers borderless earning avenue in selling music and videos to consumers.

The two-day event was filled with music, film, and animation seminars and workshops. Areas of discussion include artist development and management; stage performance; copyright infringement and publishing rights; anti-piracy; marketing and distribution; trends and opportunities; short film making, directing, and making; and internet marketing and e-commerce.

Over 300 music entries and 40 short film entries from rising Filipino artists competed in various categories and the following works stood out as the best:

Music Categories Best Digital Album - Access 2 Love Best Jingle Entry - Kamandag Theme by First Circle Promising New Artist - 2 Days Ago Promising Male Artist - Njel De Mesa Promising Female Artist - Debbie Nicodemus Best Male Artist - Brenan Espartinez Best Female Artist - Yeng Constantino Best Composer - Arne Martelino Best Composition - Ang Tanging Patnubay by John Paul Dabon Best Independent Group - Sensitivo Best Music Video - Call to Life By Salamankero Best Indie Music - Isa’t Kalahating Araw by Sensitivo Best House/Electronica Music - Frequency by Emorej Best Gospel/Praise Music - Alay sa Iyo by Era Ann Oblefias Best Contemporary Christian Music - Sagip Song by Rommel Gojo

Film Categories Best Short Film - Fantasy/Horror - Parihaba by Engelbert Paculangan Best Short Film – Comedy - Salingpusa by Antoinette Jadaone Best Short Film – Documentary - Namamaybay by Erwin Escalante Best Animated Short Film - Bas Bayabas by Kid Best Animated Short Film - Fantasy/Horror - Kumot Ng Panaginip by Jedd Chris Dimaguina Best Short Film - Action/Drama - Pirata by Al Eduardo Best Independent Solo Artist - Lynman Bacolor

Sponsored Categories Entertainment Central (ETC) Category Winner - Nosebleed by Jason Paul Laxamana Jack TV Category Winner - Buy the Book: Gabay sa Ordinaryong Taong Katulad Mo by Timmy Harn

The First Philippine Digital Music and Short Film Festival and Awards is supported by 6Underground, ERAS Equipment Rental and Setup Services, Ballyhoo Records, Rode Microphones, Promac and the following media partners: Business World, Circuit Magazine, ETC, Jack TV, Muse Magazine, The Manila Times, Philstar.com, Jam 88.3, NU 107, GMA-7, The Edge Radio, TV5, and Sport Radio (DZSR 918 kHz). Online partners are hotoccasions.com, Yehey.com, ClicktheCity.com, Digijooze.com, and Musikko.com.

Government Staged First Siganid Summit for Fisherfolks

Various government councils involved in aquaculture and marine life development and research staged for the fisherfolks of Pangasinan the First National Summit on Hatchery and Culture of Siganid (Rabbitfish). The event was held last March 10 –12, 2009 at the Asian Fisheries Academy, in Binloc, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The summit was jointly organized by the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center and National Fisheries and Development Institute (NFRDI) of the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) of the Department of Science and Technology.

The summit aims to gather information on the present practices and available technologies on siganids (Siganus spp.), identify gaps in the development of rabbitfish hatchery and culture industry, identify strategies for the formulation of a five-year road map for the industry, and prepare a resolution for the promotion of rabbitfish as high-value cultivable species.

Topics discussed during the event include:

• Taxonomy and Geographical Distribution of Siganids in the Philippines
• First Feeding in Wild Siganid Larvae Inferred from Otolith Microstructure
• Alge and Reproductive Potential of Domesticated Siganus guttatus Breeders
• Status of the Siganids Fry Production in Northern Mindanao
• Feed Quality and Nutrition Standards
• Nutritional Study on Siganids
• Feeds and feeding trials of siganids for culture
• Culture techniques for Siganids
• Cage Culture of Siganid
• Developments on Hatchery and Culture of Siganids
• Status & Prospects of Siganid Hatchery and Culture in the Philippines
• Broodstock Development & Hatchery Techniques
• Seagrass Ecosystems in Relation to Siganids
• Population Dynamics of Siganids
• Diseases & Emergency Preparedness
• Diseases of Siganids
• Best Aquaculture Practices Postharvest, Market & Trade, & Promotion
• Philippine National Standard for Dried Danggit
• Siganid Processing in Bantayan Island, Cebu
• Padas Processing in Pangasinan
• Improved Processing of Lamayo from Siganids in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The First National Summit on Hatchery and Culture of Siganid is sponsored by Tateh Aquafeeds.

Bisayas United at One Visayas

Bisayas (native of the Visayan region) from all over the Visayan region united their arts, crafts, and culture during One Visayas held last March 1 – 8, 2009 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, Cebu.

With the theme, “One People, One Vision”, the week-long event aims to bring together the arts, crafts and culture of the Visayan provinces. Moreover, the event serves as a celebration and tribute to indigenous visual arts, theater, film, architecture, literature and most of all, being Bisaya.

Senator Mar Roxas, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, DOT 7- Director Dawnie Roa, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Jonas Cortes, along with the leaders from 16 Visayas provinces (Aklan, Biliran, Guimaras, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Antique, Cebu, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Siquijor, Leyte, Bohol, Iloilo and Capiz) graced the opening ceremony of One Visayas last March 1.

Each festival day was highlighted with one form of art in the Visayas. Theater Arts was featured on March 2 and showcased, “Kasanag Batok Sa Sugal” of Antique; “Dagohoy, the Musical” of Bohol; and “Inodoro”, a musical production on waste management of Calbayog City, Samar.

Literature, Theater and Dance were highlighted during the third day. Dr. Alicia Magos of Antique conducted a lecture on “West Visayan Maritime Traditions” while Dr. Virgie Miquialba talked about “Mystical Siquijor”, a lecture on healing arts. Later, talented artists from Samar staged "Calbayog Lakub”. Finally, Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company of Tacloban City, Leyte presented a dance concert.

Dance was featured on March 4 and the presentations included a folk arts dance concert from Capiz; “Poseidon” by Teatro Amorseko of Negros Occidental; and “Balangiga Encounter 1901" of Eastern Samar.

Music was the tune of the day last March 5 with the “Tunog Karay-a” and “OKM Concert” of Antique; Sopranos of Capiz; and a lecture on “Cebuano Languages as Heritage” by Dr. Erlinda Alburo. This was followed by the launching of Dr. Aluro's new book, “A Dictionary of Bisayan Arts, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Waray”. In the evening, the “Pasundayag, Kulturang Southern Leyte” was presented together with the music of Pinoy rock icon Mike Hanopol.

March 6 featured Architecture and Fine Arts and showcased the “Heritage Sites and Structures of Cebu” lecture by Architect Melva Java; “Marketing for Artists” lecture by Dr. Ed Hallar; and the launching of the the book “Sukaran: The Heritage Houses of Loboc and Baclayon”, co-authored by heritage architect Inno Manalo and Marianito Luspo.

Visual Arts and other forms of arts were highlighted on March 7 before the closing ceremonies held during the last day of the festival.

RP Furniture Makers Took Center Stage at Manila Now 2009

Despite the global economic downturn, the Philippine furniture industry showed that they can keep up with the times and continue to penetrate the global market during the Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show held last March 5-8, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and managed by Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist Inc., the event gathered over 50 exhibitors from the furniture and manufacturing industry that showcased their ingenuity and creativity using imported and indigenous materials. The event aims to serve as a venue for local furniture manufacturers to introduce and offer their unique creations to the local and global market.

The event also hopes to produce more global stars like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose designs are featured in international magazines, and Clayton Tugonon, a craftsman whose work has gained rave reviews in Japan, Slovak Republic and Singapore.

Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro graced the opening ceremony of Manila Now 2009. Vice President De Castro lauded the participants for their craftsmanship in turning ordinary materials like cogon grass and driftwood to useful and world-class furniture. The first two days were open to trade visitors. It was opened to public from March 7-8.

Manila Now 2009 also served as a venue for this year’s Likhang Pilipino Awards. The winners of the Likhang Pilipino Awards 2009 are:

• Best in Furniture Design - Passad
• Best in Furnishing Design - Asia Embroideries
• Best in Furnishing Design - Kalikasan Crafts
  
• Bagong Sibol Award – Evolve Designs
  
• Best in Visual Merchandising - Azcor

The Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show is sponsored by Metrobank Foundation Inc., MADE, Furniture Shanghai, Manila Bulletin, Business World, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, AREA, SMX Convention Center, Centrex, Uratex Philippines, Inc., JIMAC, Inc., Chase Technologies Corp., Agility Logistics, Coltrans, Global POS, Makati-Shangri-La Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Century Park Hotel Manila, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Bayview Park Hotel Manila.

Manila Now 2010 is scheduled on March 3-7, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information about the event, contact CFIP at (632) 631-2834, 632-9007, 631-2977, fax (632) 637-2743, email info@cfip.ph, or visit the event website at www.manilanow.ph.

Philfoodex Gears Up For Philippine Food Expo

The Food Expo for Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (Philfoodex), the country’s biggest food organization, will be holding the 8th Philippine Food Expo at the SM Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City from March 5-8, 2009.

With the theme “Strategic Regional Cooperation Towards Food Self-Sufficiency,” the Expo will showcase over 200 exhibitors, which will exhibit new food products, technologies, raw materials and services. Realizing that a competitive food industry relies on high quality and affordable ingredients, it will also feature a supply-based food fair featuring home-grown raw materials in the co-located event Food Source Philippines.

The 22-year-old Philfoodex, as the leading organization in the food sector, will draw up a strategic framework to help the government in its pursuit of food security. Moreover, the first Asian Buyers Forum (ABF) will be held simultaneously with the four-day expo where foreign buyers from Malaysia, China and Thailand are invited to see the products of the exhibitors.

Organized in cooperation with the Philippine Agriculture Attache’ in China and the Department of Trade and Industry, the ABF will tackle important issues on cooperation between ASEAN importers and local food manufacturers, growers, farmers groups, and exporters.

The Philippine Food Expo also includes consultative workshops and business matching among exhibitors, and other relevant sessions. Awards will be given to participating regions that will showcase the best processed marine, fruit and meat products, best fresh produce, and the most innovative product and ingredient.

The 8th Philippine Food Expo is supported by the Department of Agriculture , the Department of Trade and Industry, SM Megamall, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport), and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For more information, call Cut Unlimited at 687-0654, 687-2955 or visit http://www.philfoodex.com/.

RP Architects Held Annual National Convention at CSI Stadia

Architects from Pangasinan, Manila, Baguio, Benguet, Ilocos-Laoag, Cebu, Davao, Batangas and Zamboanga attended the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) 76th Annual National Convention held last March 4 – 7, 2009 at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Organized by the Philippine Institute of Architects, the event was guided by the theme “Building Quality Architects. The event was highlighted by panel discussions on the latest trends and challenges faced by Philippine architects, exhibit featuring products and construction suppliers, and sports fest.

Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, PIA National President Architect Benedict Loy, and convention chairman Architect Theresa Velasco led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the four-day convention.

In her speech, Vice Mayor Fernandez commended all the architects for their efforts and contributions in helping transform Dagupan City as the premier center of the Northern Luzon region. She added that, through the works of architects, Dagupan City can become a clean, green, orderly, healthy and progressive city in the future.

Meanwhile, Architect Loy thanked Vice Mayor Fernandez for allowing them to hold the annual convention at CSI Stadia, which the Belen family owns, and desribed the venue as the “largest, most beautiful and most sophisticated convention center in Northern Luzon."

For more information about the event, visit the Philippine Institute of Architects website, http://pia-architects.org/.

Magayon Wedding Festival – Kasalang Filipino 2009 – Legazpi Leg

From the legend of the pride of the province, Mount Mayon, to the characteristics of the Bicolanos, Albay simply spells love and romance. On April 24 – 25, 2009, Albay invites all soon-to-wed couples to experience a magayon (lovely) wedding

Blessed by Daragang Magayon and Panganoron. A newlywed couple kisses with Daragang Magayon (Mayon Volcano) and her lover Panganoron (the clouds) as witnesses. Photo courtesy of Ariel Javelosa Photography

during the Magayon Wedding Festival to be held at the Peperland Hotel in Legazpi City.

The event is the fifth leg of Kasalang Filipino 2009 12-city wedding fair road show, which is co-presented by Kasal.com and ABS-CBN Regional Network Group in cooperation with Peperland Hotel and Pacific Mall Legazpi.

Kasalang Filipino 2009 is a nationwide wedding fair road show which ties twelve (12) Philippine cities with one goal of promoting the local wedding industry. The following are the 12 cities of the 2009 road show – San Pablo, Tagaytay, Tarlac, Dagupan, Legazpi, Dumaguete, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Bacolod, Manila, and Cebu.

Numerous activities have been lined up for attending couples such as talks on wedding planning and wedding trends, floral arrangement demonstration, wedding cake decoration and baking demo by known local pastry chef Renan Yulo, bridal makeup competition made possible by Ever Bilena, and a bridal fashion show featuring the latest collection of Fashion Literacy. Lucky couples will get a chance to win free wedding giveaways, honeymoon packages, and appliance showcases during the bridal fair.

Admission is free. Register online at www.kasal.com to take part in this nationwide bridal road show. For inquiries, contact Pepperland Hotel at (052) 481-4428, 0920-914-2349 or Kasal.com at 415-9249, 414-3596 or email kasal.com@gmail.com, info@kasal.com.

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Kasalang Filipino 2009 is co-presented by Kasal.com and ABS-CBN Regional Network Group and made possible by Max's Restaurant, Ever Bilena Cosmetics,Goldilocks, Hewlett-Packard Philippines, Ariel Javelosa Photography, QP Designs, and the following media partners: Lifestyle Network, Sky Cable, WRR 101.9, My Only Radio, Metro Weddings, Metro Home and Entertaining, Food Magazine, Foodie Magazine, Flavors Magazine, China Business Philippines, The Manila Times, Business Mirror, Philstar.com, Tsinoy.com, and LocalDirect.com.Technology partners are Touch Solutions, Toshiba, Bitstop Network Services, and Too Many Memory.

RP Foreign Visitors at High for 2008

Based on the latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), a total of 3.14 million foreign tourists visited the Philippines last year.

The increase is attributed to the increase of tourist arrivals from European countries such as Russia, which rose up to 34%, France by 19%, and United Kingdom by 10%. On the other hand, visitors from United Arab Emirates and Vietnam also increased by 28%.

South Koreans are still the most frequent visitors of the country, with 611,629 arrivals in 2008. Next in line are USA (578,246 arrivals), and Japan (359,205 arrivals).

Chinese and Taiwanese tourist arrival in 2008 expanded to 163, 689 and 118,782, respectively. The DOT worked with Chinese travel agents and airlines to mount new charter flights between Shanghai and Nanning to Cebu, Guangzhou to Clark, and Nanning and Kunming to Manila. In addition, the department worked closely with Mandarin Airlines to increase chartered flights between Taipei to Kalibo, Taipei to Cebu, and Kaoshiung to Cebu.

Other countries that posted significant increase in tourist arrivals are Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and Indonesia.

Earnings of other tourist-based industries improved with the growth of tourist arrivals. The English as secondary language (ESL) program generated PhP. 180.8 million, with Baguio and Bacolod City garnering the highest profit. Dive shop operators in Cebu and Bohol generated PhP. 8.8 million in gross receipts. The medical tourism industry also had it share of good revenue. DOT-accredited medical tourism facilities in Manila earned PhP. 108.8 million from 1, 071 foreign patient-tourists who sought medical services here in the country last year.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Department of Tourism. Philippine Tourism: Stable Amidst a Global Tourism Downturn (in PDF format) Retrieved February 6, 2009 from
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/dot/2008YrEnd.pdf

ABS-CBN News. RP tourism growth takes a hit from global crisis (Posted February 4, 2009) Retrieved February 6, 2009 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/04/09/growth-foreign-tourist-arrivals-down-15-2008

Inquirer.net (Newswire from Agence France-Presse) Tourist arrivals hit 3.14M in 2008 (Posted February 4, 2009) Retrieved February 6, 2009 from
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090204-187393/Tourist-arrivals-hit-314M-in-2008

GMA News.tv RP foreign tourist arrivals barely improve in 2008 (Posted February 4, 2009) Retrieved February 6, 2009 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147336/RP-foreign-tourist-arrivals-barely-improve-in-2008

Alave, Kristine L.,Philippine Daily Inquirer. Tourism up; 3.14 million visitors in ’08 (Posted February 5, 2009) Retrieved February 6, 2009 from
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090205-187504/Tourism-up-314-million-visitors-in-08