DOT sets RP as Premier Wedding Destination at Hong Kong Travel Fair

The Department of Tourism continues to promote the Philippines as a premier wedding destination. Its latest move to tap the growing Asian market was during the 23^rd Hong Kong International Travel Expo (ITE) held last June 11 – 14, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

With the theme, “Romantic Philippines”, the Philippine delegation, led by DOT Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano, featured the country's unique wedding getaways and exhilarating thrills, which captivated Asian couples.

“Our stunning landscapes truly make it a sought-after wedding destination. Couples would choose only the best for life’s most memorable events, and we are certain they would never run out of exciting discoveries in our many islands,” Secretary Durano said in an interview.

The Philippine booth showcased the works of leading fashion designer Renee Salud alongside with top local acts performing native dances and rendering Kundimans, or Filipino love songs.

Among the participating Philippine hotels and resorts include Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, The Manila Hotel, El Nido Resort, Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Le Soleil de Boracay, Hotel Seraph Boracay, Waterfront Hotels and Casino, and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Travel operators Shroff International Travel Care, Inc., Castro Travel Solutions Agency, Le Soleil de Boracay, Happy Sun Travel and Tours, and Planet Holiday, as well as carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air were also present during the four-day event.

The 23^rd ITE, organized by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., gathered over 650 exhibitors from 50 countries and region from Africa, America, Asia, Europe , and Middle East. The event drew over 13,000 buyers, trade, and corporate visitors.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Ramos, Lily, Philippine News Agency. "Romantic Philippines" sets RP as premier wedding destination. Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=212232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=ROMANTIC&andor=and&mdte_arch=0&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=0
Reposted by Positive News Media at
http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Romantic_Philippines_sets_RP_as_premier_wedding_destination.shtml

International Travel Expo Hong Kong Press Release. ITE & ITE MICE 2009 Visitors Undeterred by Swine Flu and Financial Crisis. (in PDF format) Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.itehkmice.com/doc/press_release/Post_show_17Jun09.pdf

Koumelis, Theodore, Travel Daily News International. Hong Kong’s only international travel expo open next week. Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/31310-Hong-Kong%E2%80%99s-only-international-travel-expo-open-next-week

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

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!

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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

DOT Furthers RP as New Wedding Destination

In recent months, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has continuously promoted the Philippines as a premier wedding destination throughout Asia and the United States.

Last November 1 and 2, 2008, DOT joined the 6th and 7th leg of the Great Bridal Expo in the United States. During the event held at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles and Anaheim Convention Center in California, the Department, together with Rita Neri Events Planners, set up a booth themed “Destination Philippines” which offered the products and services of some of the Philippine’s premiere wedding suppliers, such as Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts, Club Punta Fuego, Lito Sy Photography, Palamuti by Jing Tañada (florist), Forsc Ink (sound systems), Pastry Bin (cake specialist), Imacron videos, wedding gown designers Rajo Laurel and Frankie de Leon, Printsonalities, and Wink: Written in Ink (invitations designer and printer). Philippine Airlines also supported the Philippine team for the said event.

The country’s booth stood side by side with well-known American wedding suppliers JC Penney: Wedding Registry and David’s Bridal.

All the suppliers’ brochures were placed in one “Destination Philippines” shopping bag that they gave out to interested couples. The bag also contained guidelines for getting married in the Philippines, with practical information on Catholic and legal requirements for couples, whether Filipino, foreign or military.

DOT aims to present the country to Filipino-Americans (Fil-Ams) and North Americans as a great wedding and honeymoon destination. According to Rita Neri, the mentality of Filipinos, Fil-Ams included, is that “you [Filipinos] haven’t gotten married unless you walk in the church in Manila”. She adds that wedding costs here in the country is cheaper and since a lot of Fil-Ams spend their Christmas and New Year vacations in the Philippines, most decide to tie the knot during these months.

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BiyahengPinas.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Jambora, Anne. Phlippine Daily Inquirer. RP: from nature trip to wedding spot (Posted December 3, 2008) Retrieved December 8, 2008 from
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/diaspora/diaspora/view/20081203-175816/RP-from-nature-trip-to-wedding-spot
Re-posted at Showbiz and Style Section of Inquirer.net at
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20081129-175192/Philippines-top-bridal-destination

Jamora-Garceau, Therese. The Philippine Star. Nice place for a white wedding (November 16, 2008) p. 1
Posted at Philstar.com Retrieved December 8, 2008 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=415755&publicationSubCategoryId=87

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

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
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20081112-171812/Filipino-restos-voted-among-Asias-best

GMANews.tv RP restaurant ranks 10th in Asia's 'top 20' (Posted November 4, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131149/RP-restaurant-ranks-10th-in-Asias-top-20

Miele Guide, The. Asia’s Top 20. 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
http://www.margauxlicious.com/2008/11/filipino-restaurants-that-made-miele.html

Diaz, Anton. Our Awesome Planet. Nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner @ Tagaytay! (Posted February 8, 2006) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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Lone Rider, The. Food Odyssey: Antonio’s Fine Dining. (Posted June 26, 2005) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
http://www.thelonerider.com/2005/jun/antonio/antonio.shtml

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
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Gabieta, Joey B. Leyte Samar Daily Express With Infra, EV is seen as new Tourist Destination Retrieved October 18, 2008
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Global Pinoy Travel. Western Samar. Retrieved October 18, 2008
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Meniano, Sarwell Q. Business World Weekender Community-based tourism initiatives set in Samar Retrieved October 15, 2008
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Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8) DOT turns over kayak, protective gears to Sohoton Services Association Retrieved October 18, 2008
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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

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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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