44 Places To Go In 2009

The New York Times have release its 44 places to go in 2009 last month and our fabulous island of boracay was one of the places to visit this year. Im happy that our boracay made it its just the description bein compare it to phuket makes me kinda sad. well its not bad to be compared to phuket it is one of the top destination in the world after all but i think boracay has its charm and phuket has it so the two great island should not be compared. boracay is one of god's best gift to the filipino people so i hope we will continue to love and preserve it.

anyway here is the post in the new york times website.

For The Complete List Click Here




Source: New York Times

Travel News: PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER MAKES HISTORY-Official Philippine nominee to the New 7 Wonders of Nature

The people have spoken: Palawan's Subterranean River will represent the country to the world.

Winner of the national qualifiers category, the renowned Underground River will be the Philippines' bets in the New7Wonders of Nature race. Results of the first phase of voting in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign were revealed today at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters.

"We are proud to announce that the Philippine marvels have stood strong in the first round of voting. This affirms us of the support of Filipinos as well as other tourists in helping our natural sites make their mark in the global scale," Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Recently awarded for his efforts and advocacy in ecological tourism, he added, "With billions of supporters all over the globe, promotion of spectacular sites from all over the world has been set to greater heights. It is also very important to call on the sustainable promotion of these tourism sites, which are nature's blessings."

The first stage of the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign officially ended with the old year. At midnight on December 31, 2008 on the International Date Line, all voting was suspended on the New7Wonders website until today, January 7th, for the organizers to tally and verify all votes.

Tia Viering, Head of Communications for New7Wonders, says "We congratulate the successful qualifying locations from the Philippines and wish them the best of luck in the second phase of voting."

She added, "We also at this time highlight the strong and enthusiastic participation of the other national nominees that are not proceeding—many have already benefited from a significant increase in worldwide awareness, which in itself is a recognized important benefit for all involved in the New7Wonders campaigns."

According to the Foundation, these magnificent natural sites are amongst the 261 nominees now one step closer to potentially being chosen one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature by the people of the world.

"The Philippines' wonders besting the others truly give us more reasons to strengthen not only the promotion, but the preservation of our natural sites," Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions remarked.

Jarque further said, "The New 7 Wonders campaign, gaining participation from numerous supporters will inevitably translate to increased interest in seeing these magnificent places. We thank and congratulate all Filipinos who have made their voice heard through the online polls."

The Philippines' Underground River shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant. Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world's top priorities for marine conservation.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180, or more than 40%, were eliminated as the next stage begins today until July 7, to select the Top 77 - the pool from which the 21 Official Finalists are chosen.

The qualified 261 national and multinational nominees from the 222 participating countries feature iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Loch Ness, the Black Forest, and Mount Fuji, alongside the Amazon, the Danube, the Dead Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, the Kalahari Desert, Mont Blanc, and Niagara Falls.

As in the original successful campaign that chose the Official New 7 Wonders of the World thanks to more than 100 million votes, the N7W Panel of Experts will select the 21 Finalists from the top 77, which will be announced on July 21, 2009.

At that time the third and final phase of voting will begin, and the people of the world will then have approximately 2 years to vote amongst the 21 Finalists for the Official New7Wonders of Nature, to be revealed in 2011. Over 1 billion votes are forecast.

Source: tourism.gov.ph

Destination : Bantayan Island Cebu

Bantayan island is one of cebu's not so best kept secret. it is located off the northwest of cebu mainland. the island is still not that developed if you compare it to the sprawling island of boracay and bohol so it is definitely not overcrowded and over priced so this place is definitely for people looking for a great beach like boracay but hates the crowd and noise of the island and just want a total relaxation. aside from being a great beach destination the island is also consider as a lenten destination for catholics devotee during the holy week people gather in the town center of the island to witness one of the most solemn holy week procession in the country so reservation to the island during this period is a must. the town of bantayan is also known for its mouth watering dried fish and freshly catch seafoods like squids,lobsters and crabs. and also the island is rich in history and other natural wonders some of the oldest churches in the visaya is situated in the island. now i think thats just enough reason for you to visit the island great beaches great food and i forgot to mention bantayanons are simple hearted and friendly...

Getting There:

To get to bantayan you can take a 30 mins plane ride from cebu city mactan airport via SEA Air(temporary suspended) or you can go by land by taking a bus at north cebu bus terminal traveling by land may take 2 to 3 hours to hagnaya and then take a ferry boat from hagnaya to sta fe where most of the beautiful beach of bantayan is located.

Where To Stay:

Marlins Beach Resort
Prices: US$20-40
Address: Santa Fe

Kota Beach Resort
Prices: US$20-40
Address: Santa Fe
Contacts: (63)32- 4196135, (63)32-4389042

Budong Beach Resort
Prices: Less Than $20
Address: Santa Fe
Contacts: (63)32-4389040

St. Bernard Beach Resort
Prices: 40 to 80$
Address: Santa Fe

Sugar Beach Resort
Prices: Less Than $20
Address: Santa Fe

Photo Gallery Of Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island










Old Churches







Marlins Beach Resort

Cross-Country Bus Terminals in Metro Manila

Planning an out of town trip by land? and you dont wanna drive? then ride a bus. there are several bus company that travel in and out of metro manila from north to south all you need is a lot of time and a lot of patience as some of the journey will take you more than 10 hours. anyway here are some of the bus company that do a cross-country journey in the country.

Alladin Transit
Destination : Cagayan Valley
Terminal: Cayco Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)781-9168

Autobus Transport System
Destination: Baguio, Laoag, Cagayan Valley, Dagupan, Ifugao, Kalinga and Isabela
Terminal: Dimasalng cor. Laong Laan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)735-8098

Baliwag Transit
Destination: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabel, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pampanga
Terminal: New York EDSA Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)912-3343

BLTB
Destination: Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Leyte and Samar
Terminal : EDSA Pasay City, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)833-5508

Dagupan Bus Line
Destination : Pangasinan and Baguio
Terminal : Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)727-2330

Dangwa Tranco
Destination : Baguio City, Ifugao and Kalinga
Terminal : 1600 Dimasalang Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-2879

Dominion Transit
Destination : Abra, La Union and Ilocos Sur (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : New York Street, Cubao Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)741-4146

Eaglestar Transit
Destination : Samar, Leyte
Terminal : Ali Mall 1, Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)913-1510

Fariñas Transit
Destination : Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Laong Laan cor de la Fuente Sts., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4507

Franco Federico Lines
Destination : Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Terminal : Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4473

JAC Liner
Destination : Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA cor. Kamias St., Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)682-5750

JAM Transit
Destination : Batangas, Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : Timog Ave. cor. EDSA, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)541-4409

Maria de Leon Transit
Destination : La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Dapitan cor. Gelinos St, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4907

Partas Transit
Destination : La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)725-7303

Philippine Rabbit
Destination : Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Rizal Avenue, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)734-9838

Philtranco
Destination : Bicol region, Samar, Leyte, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo; Shuttle bus to and from Diosdado Macapagl International Airport (Clark International Airport) in Angeles City, Pampanga
Terminal & Tel No: EDSA: 63(2)851-8077, 8079; & Cubao: 63(2)722-7567

RCJ Transit
Destination : La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : España St. cor. Gov. Forbes Ave., Sampaloc, Manila; Tel No: 63(2)731-4907;
For Schedule Information Only: Libis, Quezon City; Tel No.: 63(2)912-9378, 911-3978

Saulog Transit
Destination : Cavite, Bataan and Olongapo
Terminal : 1377 Quirino Ave., Paranaque
Tel No: 63(2)825-2926

Tritran Transit
Destination : Batangas, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
Tel No: 925-1758

Victory Liner
Destination : Olongapo, Zambales, Tarlac, La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Isabela and Cagayan
Terminal : 561 EDSA Pasay City
Tel No: 63(2)833-0293

Viron Transit
Destination : Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Sur
Terminal : 1209 Blumentritt cor. Dapitan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)741-6588.

Travel News : Philippines, ‘Ecotourism Destination of the Year’ awarded by FRANCE

MANILA, Philippines - The French can’t seem to get enough of the Philippines these days.

Fresh from being featured in two seasons of “Koh Lanta,” the French version of “Survivor,” the country recently clinched another honor: the coveted “Ecotourism Destination of the Year” title in the 2009 edition of Nature, one of France’s biggest travel fairs.

A jubilant Joseph Ace Durano, secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism, broke the good news at the recently concluded Top Resa travel fair in Paris.

Colleagues from DOT and the Philippine Tourism Authority as well as representatives from the government and private sectors, which included some of the country’s biggest tour oper ators and resort establishments, joined him in the four-day fair.

The country’s participation culminated in a cocktail party hosted by DOT for France’s top travel executives. Dubbed as “Mabuhay Night,” the affair was hosted by Frenchman and “Koh Lanta” star Denis Brogniart and featured the Bayanihan Dancers, May Bayot and Acoustic Jive, champion bartender Ryan Burgos and “Koh Lanta” finalists.

Unlike Top Resa, which marked its 30th year, Nature appeals more to direct consumers as opposed to industry movers. The Philippines has been joining Top Resa for the past three years, and will debut next year in Nature. As the sole featured destination, all eyes will likely be on the Philippines.

“An adventure travel fair like Nature mirrors the French people’s preference for ecotourism,” said Durano. “It combines nature-based travel with a bit of physical activity and cultural immersion.”

Unprecedented

Durano attributed this latest development to a number of factors, foremost of which is the country’s selection as site of “Koh Lanta” for two years in a row. After shooting in El Nido, Palawan, in 2006, the show’s producers were back in late 2007, this time in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, with a new batch of competitors.

“This is unprecedented in ‘Koh Lanta’s’ history,” he said. “Since it debuted a few years ago, the show is watched by almost 8 million people every week.”

Images of the Philippines are likely to linger in French living rooms a year or two from now, as Durano finalizes details with producers of the French version of “Great Amazon.” The show, which reportedly has a bigger following than “Koh Lanta,” also wants to shoot an entire season in the Philippines.

“Based on exit surveys we did, foreign tourists spent close to $4.8 billion in the Philippines last year,” said Durano. “This figure doesn’t include plane fares and hotel accommodations, which they usually buy in their respective countries, and other miscellaneous expenses.”

After exceeding last year’s target of three million tourists by close to 100,000, the country, despite dire global developments, seems poised to meet its current target of 3.5 million tourists by the end of 2008.

Faced with a financial meltdown, the US market has begun to slow down. The same condition applies to Japan and other key European markets, except France and Russia.

“While global tourism continues to contract, the French market, as far as we’re concerned, grew by 29 percent in the first seven months of the year,” he said.

French arrivals to the country was in the red as recently as three years ago, making such a feat all the more impressive, Durano added.

Only the Russian market, which posted a 34-percent growth rate within the same period, did better. Both groups are known to visit a particular country for an average of two weeks.

“Europeans spend more as a whole because they stay longer,” said Durano. “Although the average amount they spend is lower than short-staying tourists, they end up spending more during their two- to three-week stay.”

Personalized service

But unlike Russians, who love to stay in big hotels that promote luxury travel, the French prefer small and quaint resorts where service is more personalized.

This explains why big players, with the exception of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, from such mature destinations as Manila, Cebu and Boracay were absent in Top Resa. In their place were relatively remote properties from Palawan, Camarines Sur and Bohol.

“We’re very careful not to position the Philippines in France as a place known primarily for big-city hotels,” said Durano. “The French have always been trend-setters when it comes to food, clothes and, as we found out, also travel.”

With a relatively minuscule promotions budget compared to that of Thailand, Malaysia and India, DOT has learned to become more selective and creative in its marketing thrust.

In lieu of major ad placements in CNN and BBC, for instance, Durano and his team led by Undersecretary Edu Jarque, Assistant Secretary Theresa Martinez and Team Europe head Verna Buensuceso have chosen smaller but more focused marketing venues to get the country’s message across.

DOT has tapped Frenchman Blaise Borezes, PR manager for the Asian market of Interface, a leading PR and advocacy firm in France, to promote the country as a tourism destination.

It was through Interface’s efforts that the country gained the attention of people behind “Koh Lanta.” The company is also responsible for identifying and inviting French travel journalists to go to the Philippines on familiarization tours.

After years of being relegated to the fringes through expensive tailor-made tour packages drawn up by a handful of French experts on Asia and such activities as diving and trekking, the Philippines is now slowly inching its way into the mainstream.

For one, said Borezes, a growing number of tour operators in France now include the Philippines in their window displays. They likewise offer the potential French traveler a choice between costly tailor-made tours and more readily available and affordable group-tour packages to the country.

Serious efforts

The country’s 83-sq m booth this year, although similar in look with previous efforts, was much bigger to accommodate all participants than when DOT first joined Top Resa. It only goes to show, said Borezes, that the country is serious in its efforts to promote tourism and has now joined the ranks of major players.

“Interest in the Philippines is bound to intensify after Jet Tour and Bacamces Tramsat, two of France’s best tour operators, recently launched the Philippines as one of its major destinations,” he said.

The French, he added, are always on the lookout for newer, more exciting destinations in Asia. Those who first stumbled on the Philippines were pleasantly surprised to find out the country, apart from its postcard-pretty beaches, has an interesting Latin heritage that’s totally unique in Asia.

“The French are always looking for culture in a country,” he said. “They love visiting old churches and going to markets to experience how life is in a particular place. If you travel so far, you need to find something different yet familiar. You don’t travel for 15 hours just to see a nice beach.”

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:48:00 10/05/2008