RP Hailed as Asia's Most Popular Destination in World Trade Fair 2009

In the advent of wedding destination, the Philippines has just given soon-to-wed couples from all over the world a better reason why they should hold their special day here. More than its beautiful churches, beaches and sceneries, professional local wedding suppliers, and popular wedding culture, the country has recently been named as the most popular destination in Asia at this year's World Travel Fair (WTF) in Shanghai, China.

Held last April 9 – 11, 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, the Philippines was recognized as the most popular destination in Asia after a public vote and an evaluation process done by professional jurors from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and VNU Exhibitions Europe.

In a statement released by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano attributed the win to the country's competitive tour pricing, the remarkable progress of the transportation sector, and the Filipino's friendliness and hospitality to visitors.

Furthermore, Sec. Durano said, “the Philippines is one of the fastest growing destinations in China’s outbound travel industry, recording a 74% month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February of this year. We are also the nearest tropical beach country for the Chinese, as Manila is only 2 hours away from Guangzhou, while Cebu is only 3 hours away from Shanghai.”

DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. added that during last year’s World Trade Fair, the Philippines garnered the Best Leisure Destination for Boracay; Top 10 Island Getaways for Chinese Summer Travel for Bohol; the only Asian entry in the list of premier destinations in the acclaimed World Traveller Magazine; and Top 10 Most Searched Destination among Shanghai online users in Baidu, the biggest search engine in China.

Ms. Arlene Alipio, head of DOT Team China, disclosed that the outbound travel of China has been profitable for the country. Ms. Alipio cited that recent statistics from the China National Tourism Administration shows that the number of Chinese travelers reached 34.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Meanwhile, Turkey was awarded as The Best Leisure Tour Destination while Switzerland was hailed as the Most Popular Tourism Destination in Europe.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Department of Tourism. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination, Makes mark in World Travel Fair 2009 (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/news/news2.asp?id=560

Philippine News Agency. RP: Asia's most popular destination. (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=199182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=destination&andor=and&mdte_arch=4&ddte_arch=19&ydte_arch=2009

Manila Bulletin. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://mb.com.ph/articles/202838/rp-asia-s-most-popular-destination

ABS-CBN News. RP most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/04/18/09/rp-most-popular-destination-asia

Travel Biz Monitor. World Travel Fair names Philippines ‘most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/world-travel-fair-names-philippines-most-popular-destination-in-asia-6112

Goode News Pilipinas. RP is voted Asia’s most popular destination (Posted April 19, 2009) Retrieved April 19, 2009 from
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=5032

Discover More Than 7,100 Tastes at IFEX Philippines 2009

Thousands of international buyers from huge supermarket chain stores, wholesale and retail shops, hotel and restaurant owners, and specialty trading houses are expected to attend the sixth edition of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines show set on May 15 – 17, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Business Park Bay City in Pasay City.

More than a sourcing hub, IFEX Philippines is distinguished for the exciting food ideas it presents every year. Agrimarine Division Chief and lead proponent of the IFEX Philippines Project Secretariat Team Mr. Jose M. Mulato shared that food importers in the know say that IFEX Philippines’ comprehensive product selection presented by more than 300 exhibitors showcase “strong international flavors.” “I think this is an edge of the country’s food products over that of the others in the global market.”

Indeed, the country’s abundant fresh produce and processed foods have secured a niche in the global food market. “There is a myriad selection of products in the market right now that are enjoying the loyal patronage of the foreign market: mango jams, biscuits, the Luzon mango, and sardines, for example, are preferred by a great number of buyers abroad”, Chief Mulato asserts. “I believe, however, that we can go beyond these as we have more to offer: the exotic and mouthwatering array of specialties from our 17 regions is a delectable mix of flavors that may be foreign, yes, but with a familiar, universal appeal”, he further stated.

He emphasized his team’s continuous and keen preparations to reinforce IFEX Philippines’ distinction as a reliable source of compliance-ready export food products. “We intend to surpass last year’s recorded export sales of US$83 million, and aim to strengthen our quality business partnerships with more thousands of highly regarded buyers from over 40 countries.“

Highlighting various lines of quality beverages, fine food and regional specialties, and organic and natural products, IFEX will also showcase certified (Kosher, Halal, cGMP, ISO, organic, and HACCP-accredited) products, meat and poultry items, marine products, and fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Snacks, biscuits, and confectionery items will also be exhibited, together with food-related products and services from here and abroad.

The product categories highlighted in IFEX Philippines will be complemented by the Partner Region Program featuring Northern Mindanao; the One Town, One Product (OTOP); Fair Trade Zone; and Natural Herbal and Organic Zone (also known as the Health and Wellness Zone) supported by BIO-Search.

Other highlights of the event include the 12-country Embassy Row; Retailers’ Zone, and the simultaneous cooking and food tasting activities by Cook Magazine in Kusinarya which will be held during the three-day show. A post-fair two-day symposium regarding issues on food regulatory requirements and market access on May 18 – 19, 2009 concludes the Show.

The first two days of the show, May 15 – 16, 2009, are open only to registered buyers and trade visitors. The general public is admitted on the last day of the event. Visitors’ admission fee is Php100.00.

For more information, contact the IFEX Philippines Project Management Team at (632) 831-1282 and 831-2201 extension 204 and 238 or e-mail agrimarine@citem.com.ph.

Caving Enthusiasts, Clubs, and Government Agencies Unite for National Caving Congress

Members of caving clubs and speleological societies from all over the country, and from Australia, United States, New Zealand, Hongkong, Great Britain and Japan packed up their gear and went to the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey, Samar last May 11-15, 2009 for the Philippine Speleological Society Cave Congress 2009 (9th National Caving Congress).

Hosted by Philippine Cave Guides Association Inc. (PCGA), together with Nature Unlimited - Leyte Outdoor Club Inc. (NULOC), Department of Tourism (DOT), Provincial Government of Leyte and Samar, and the Municipal Government of Basey Samar, the event aims to enhance the technical capability of the participants to be able to conduct a safe and more thorough cave assessment. In addition, it aims to come up with a policy recommendation for a more streamlined and dynamic cave management program that would take into consideration the connection between conservation and tourism. The congress is also a show of support for a stronger implementation of Republic Act 9072, known as the Caves and Cave Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The event, carrying the theme, “Finding the Balance between Conservation and Tourism”, was formally opened at the University of the Philippines – Tacloban with DOT Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano welcoming the delegates for this year’s congress.

Three international speakers graced this year’s National Caving Congress. They were Professor Elery Hamilton Smith, chairman of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the World Commission on Protected Areas, Mr. Pete Chandler, owner of Spellbound Caving Tours in New Zealand; and Mr. Dave Smith of the Department of Conservation in New Zealand.

Also, local speakers from the University of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOT, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Museum, and PCGA shared their insights and knowledge on cave preservations.

For more information about the event contact the PCGA at (053) 523-762 or email psscavecongress09@yahoo.com

Siargao Gears up for the 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament

The First District of Surigao del Norte (composed of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro), the Department of Tourism, and the local government of Pilar, Siargao Island jointly announced that preparations for the Siargao Invitational Game Fishing Tournament 2009 are now underway.

On its second year, the tournament will be held at the scenic coastal town of Pilar, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte from May 7-9, 2009 and is expected to draw more than a hundred local and foreign anglers from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan and the United States. Considered as a form of recreational fishing as well as a legitimate sport, the goal in game fishing is to catch the largest bony fish in the open sea.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, together with some local and foreign dignitaries, will grace the opening ceremonies of the tournament. Surigao del Norte Second District Congressman Francisco Matugas, the “Father” of the Tournament said that the event is expected to put the Philippines in the map as an important international game fishing venue. Furthermore, Congressman Matugas stated that the event can boost the island's tourism industry such as world class surfing destination Cloud Nine, gifted with pristine white sand beaches and tropical marine life-rich coral reefs. Cloud Nine is also the largest mangrove forest in the country at 8,760 hectares. Congressman Matugas is resolute that tourism is the prime vehicle for the development of the island and of the whole Province of Surigao del Norte. He believes that once fully developed, the tourism industry will be a major contributor to uplift the lives of the people of his province.

Top prizes amounting to Php. 300,000.00 await the anglers who will gather the highest weight points and heaviest catch of the 3-day international event.

The 2^nd Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament is sponsored by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Duty Free Philippines, and Philippine Tourism Authority

For information on how to be a part of the event, call Ms. Zeny Pallugna at 0929-6721508, email zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or Atty. Gordon Uy of GoodCatch Fishing Tackle at (02)303-8677. Interested parties can check the Tournament website at www.siargaogamefishing.com.

FCAP Cooks up its 6th Taste of Manila

Soon-to-wed couples, foodies, and guests are in for a sumptuous treat this May 8 to 10, 2009 as the Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP) holds its annual Taste of Manila 2009 at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall.

Now on its sixth year, Taste of Manila 2009 is a collaboration of the country’s leading food caterers, restaurateurs and canteen/food concessionaires. The event will present creative best table set- ups, sumptuous buffet, fashion show for the uniforms of their service crew, edible flower for salads and main courses, entertainment, and food tasting.

On May 8-9, 2009, Taste of Manila will highlight wedding set up and menu. On the other hand, the last day of the event will serve as FCAP’s Mothers Day celebration; with activities such as make-over for moms, pottery, painting, and a fashion show of wedding gowns and party outfits. Mothers and their families will be serenaded by a string chamber.

Last year, Taste of Manila generated a large attendance of over 13,000 in three days. This year will surely be bubbling with more exciting food presentation styles and buffet set-ups.

The Taste of Manila 2009 is supported by Manila Bulletin, KLG International, Inc., Kasal.com, and Evian. For more information, contact FCAP at (632) 371-4830, 410-0394, 0916-1400351 or 0908-4162730.