Department of Tourism (DOT) announces that the Philippines is Asia's leading beach destination

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) announced today that the Philippines is, once again, Asia's leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination at the 28^th World Travel Awards (WTA). 

“We are elated that the country’s pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots have once again been cited as the best in Asia by the prestigious 2021 World Travel Awards. We share this recognition with our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and all Filipinos who have been helping us promote our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Panglao Island, located in Bohol Sea in Central Visayas, is a famous tourist destination known for its

white sand beaches and world-class diving sites. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This is the Philippines’ fifth time to win Asia's Leading Beach Destination and the third time in a row since 2019 to win the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award. 

The Philippines is still in the running for the following World categories of the 28^th World Travel Awards: 

●      World’s Leading Beach Destination 2021: Philippines 

●      World’s Leading Dive Destination 2021:  Philippines 

●      World’s Leading Island Destination 2021: Siargao, Philippines 

●      World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2021: Intramuros, Philippines 

●      World’s Leading Tourist Board 2021: Philippines, Department of Tourism  

 

Voting runs until midnight of October 25, 2021 via https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

 Siargao Island, a popular surfing destination, is home to unspoiled white sand beaches. Photo by Beautiful Destinations, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The WTA aims to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. 

“This will boost our efforts to keep the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination for foreign tourists as we await the resumption of international leisure travel to the country, consistent with our “More Fun Awaits” global campaign,” said Puyat.

Some of the country’s top beach destinations, such as Boracay in Aklan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and El Nido and Amanpulo in Palawan, have already opened to domestic tourists and are ready to welcome foreign tourists once international borders reopen.  

El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan Island. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines for its absolutely stunning islands and beaches. Photo by Erwin Lim, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Moreover, the PDOT has developed many of the country’s beach destinations, as well as new and existing dive circuits and is constantly identifying potential destinations that may be developed for dive tourism. Top diving spots in the country include the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, Anilao in Batangas, Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu, Balicasag, Panglao and  Anda in Bohol, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.

Tubbataha Reef is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, abundant marine life, and breathtaking drop-offs into the open ocean. Photos by Robert Yin.

Anilao in Batangas has some of the best scuba diving for underwater photography in the world, particularly for rare underwater critters and new species of fish. Photo by Evelyn Go, courtesy of the Department of Tourism. 

Sombrero Reef in Batangas is a diving site where gorgonians, black coral, shells, rays, grunts, jacks, snappers, and a great variety of soft corals are scattered all over the place. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The Department also ensures that the safety of visitors remain is prioritized with the strict implementation of health protocols in destinations that have opened their doors to guests. Meanwhile, more than half or about 65.53% of tourism workers in the country have already received their Covid-19 jabs as of October 16. 

For more updates and information on the DOT’s campaigns and programs, please visit  www.morefunawaits.com.

Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Holds "September Online Sale" the Biggest Tourism Sale of 2020

With the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions around the country,  Filipinos are raring to pack their suitcases and travel, albeit more cautiously, to once again enjoy the country’s beautiful destinations with families and friends.

The Department of Tourism recently came up with a campaign to feed every Pinoys’ wanderlust: “Wake Up In the Philippines,” which showcases a series of online videos that feature all of the country’s picturesque beaches, breathtaking mountains, and mouthwatering cuisine. The virtual experience easily inspires one to start planning their next trip in the Philippines, be it in Batanes, Bohol, Boracay—or just about any place they want to visit soon in the country.

And with tourism being one of the hardest-hit industries--not just here, but all around the world--a local association of hotel marketers is holding a pivotal event aimed at further jumpstarting the Philippines’ hotel and hospitality industry: the September Online Sale, or S.O.S. Organized by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines, with the support of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), S.O.S. is a two-week online sale of 89 hotel accommodations and other offerings across the country, to be held on September 15 to 30, 2020. Through HSMA’s website, www.hsma.org.ph, travelers can find exclusive discounts of up to 70 percent off on regular rates of hotels in each of the featured destinations.

“Some of the promos are valid for up to a year—and even more-- while the others even have no expiration on their validity,” says Pearl Maclang, spokesperson for HSMA. “For travelers, the S.O.S. is both a limited-time offer that can help them save on their next trip and a chance to help the Philippines’ tourism industry bounce back from Covid-19.”

And speaking of Covid-19, HSMA Chair Margarita Munsayac assures S.O.S. buyers that all properties featured in the event have passed stringent health and hygiene safety protocols, all of which are also being communicated through their respective social media and digital platforms.

“Most hotels and resorts are ready with all health, safety, sanitation protocols, and are well-prepared to welcome guests again,” Munsayac says. “Months of quarantine have enabled these properties to plan carefully and in detail all these protocols, as prescribed by the government, to ensure the safety of guests as well as employees.”

HSMA President Christine Ibarreta stressed that this initiative offers hope for an estimated 5.7 million hospitality employees and workers.  “We have no illusions that life will be the same—if and when restrictions are lifted. But the public’s patronage and advanced bookings from the sale gives us hope that things will get better. It will also  enable us to plan ahead in terms of manpower and other operational requirements so that we will be able to hit the ground running when the pandemic scare is over,” shares Ibarreta.

The ultimate Philippine itinerary

S.O.S. offers options from 89 hotels and resorts all over the country, across eight key destinations: Manila, Pasay, Makati/Bonifacio Global City, the Ortigas Business Center,  Quezon City, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Boracay, Visayas, and Palawan/Mindanao.

Among the featured destinations and hotels during the 2-week sale are:

Boracay

Huge discounts on Deluxe Rooms (with breakfast or spa deals) at the Belmont Hotel;

Buy One, Take One massage offers at The Crimson Resort and Spa;

Buy Now, Travel Later with P6,000 resort credit promo at Discovery Shores;

Three Days, Two Nights packages at the Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center, and at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa; and

A free night at The Lind, for a minimum paid two-night stay

Visayas

For families, Bluewater Resorts in Maribago, Panglao, and Sumilon offer up to 60 percent off on their Deluxe Room rates (with breakfast) for a three-day, two-night stay

The Bellevue Resort Bohol has promos for an overnight, two-night, or three-night stay, which include a 10 percent discount on boat rentals.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan has extended its Forever Summer room rates at includes a 40% spa services discount at its AUM SPA

In Cebu City, locals can avail of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Staycation Spree deal for two or three nights.

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa will also be offering their own two-night staycation package, while

Savoy Hotel Mactan has a Welcome Back promo for an overnight stay.

Radisson Blu Cebu offers an Intimate Garden Wedding package for 20 persons, which includes an overnight stay for the couple.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, is welcoming back its guests with both dining and overnight stay discounts.

Palawan/Mindanao

Club Paradise Palawan: Break Free vouchers for three-day, two-night stays, inclusive of P6,000 resort credits for use in restaurants, spa, gift shop, and select island tours

Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts): Deals on four-day, three-night stays, with daily full-board meals

Seda Lio: Overnight stay for two, with P4,000 worth of food and beverage credits

Best Western The Ivywall: Overnight and three-day, two-night stay deals with discounts on local cocktails

Overnight stay with half-board meals at Aziza Paradise Hotel.

Davao

Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort offers discounted room rates for its Day Experience package inclusive of set lunch; and wedding packages for 25, 50, or 100 persons with a P30,000-50,000 discount

Dusit Thani D2 Davao will offer meeting room packages on a per-person rate, inclusive of special discount promos for room, food & beverage and wedding banquets  

North of Metro Manila

In Baguio City, there are huge discounts on accommodations and degustation menu for two persons at Grand Sierra Pines Hotel;

Costa Pacifica in Baler, Aurora offers special discounts on wedding package for 30 persons, as well as Buy Now, Stay Later vouchers;

Discounted weekend packages on rooms at Aureo La Union and jacuzzi villas at Vitalis Villas;

55% off on room rates at Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan inclusive of a heritage walking tour. 

Discounted room prices at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark in Pampanga

South of Metro Manila

Acacia Hotel Manila offers special rates for banquet and meeting functions for a minimum of 30 persons.

Extended Forever Summer hotel room rates and special banquet packages at  Crimson Hotel Filinvest City

Assorted room vouchers at The Bellevue Manila

The Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay city offers room discounts for two, while Quest Hotel also has its own version of a Forever Summer package

Seda Nuvali has an overnight accommodation promo for two

Overnight Deluxe Room vouchers at The Bayleaf Cavite.

Participating Metro Manila properties offering heavily-discounted overnight and staycation packages include: 

Manila, Pasay:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Conrad Manila, Diamond Hotel Manila, Golden Phoenix Manila, Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Hotel 101 - Manila, Jen Manila by Shangri-La, Kabayan Hotel, Midas Hotel and Casino, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, The Bayleaf Intramuros, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Winford Manila Resorts and Casino

Makati, Bonifacio Global City

Discovery Primea, Dusit Thani Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila,  Holiday Inn and Suites Makati, Hotel Celeste, Makati Shangri-La Manila, New World Makati Hotel, Oxford Suites Makati, Seda BGC, Seda Residences Makati, Shangri-La at The Fort, and Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel

Ortigas and Quezon City:

Ace Hotel and Suites, Astoria Plaza, BSA Twin Towers Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Microtel by Wyndham - UP Technohub, Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites.

With the help of S.O.S, HSMA believes there is hope yet for the Philippines’ tourism industry to bounce back sooner rather than later, and come out stronger than ever, too.

“We believe that we will see the opening of domestic travel corridors by October, and more by December,” says HSMA vice president Benjie Martinez. “Come summer of 2021, we can expect the hospitality sector to be in a fairly better situation, as more people find ways to wake up in different parts of the Philippines.”

Book your ultimate vacation now! For a full list of participating hotels and resorts and their offers, visit  www.hsma.org.ph.  HSMA’s September Online Sale will run from September 15 to 30, 2020.  The vouchers are valid from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.  

Watch the S.O.S. webtalk on HSMA’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HSMAPH featuring Atty Tonette Allones of Tourism Promotions Board, Wil Dasovich, and David Celdran initially aired last Friday, September 11.

HSMA’s SOS is presented in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Atlantis, with special thanks to Isentia.

Celebrate Northern Cuisine at MarQuee Mall’s Big Bite!

Food fans gear up for MarQuee Mall’s Big Bite! The Northern Food Festival on October 16, 17 and 18.

In partnership with Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Angeles City Tourism Office, North Luzon Expressway and Lifestyle Network, Big Bite delights festival goers with food markets, "Sisig Festival", cooking demos, culinary cook-offs and live entertainment.
Now on its third year, the gastronomic feast will feature over 100 food merchants from Region I,II, III and the Cordillera Administrative Region with regional delights from condiments, spices to coffee and jams to local favorites such as the Ilocos empanada, bagnet, pastillas and longganisa.

Big Bite's main event highlight is the “Sisig Festival”. Sisig is the quintessential Kapampangan dish, traditionally made of pork parts, mixed with spices, served on a sizzling plate with a side of calamansi and chili peppers. Northern regions take part in the celebration by cooking their own version of sisig such as the bangus sisig from Pangasinan and dinakdakan from Ilocos. The “Sisig Festival” is a culinary spectacle of regional cuisine at its best.

Boosting tourism in the North, Big Bite reinforces the city’s growing reputation as the culinary capital of the Philippines and is part of Angeles City’s Fiestang Kuliat, a month-long fiesta celebration in the city.

Visitors will also see culinary masters Chef Sau del Rosario, Lifestyle Network’s “Chef Next Door” Jonas Ng and Center for Asian Culinary Studies founder Chef Gene Gonzales whip up northern favorites in the live cooking demonstrations.

Competition heats up in the three-day cook-off among top culinary schools from the region.
So come and celebrate the biggest gastronomical festival in MarQuee Mall’s Big Bite: The Northern Food Festival on October 16-18,2015.

For more information, contact (045) 304-0110 to 11. Like and follow MarQuee Mall’s social networking sites, Facebook: facebook.com/MarQueeMall, Twitter: @MarQueetweets and instagram: @iloveMarQueemall.

Ayala malls supports The Gastronomy Festival in celebration of Madrid Fusion Manila

The Ayala Malls opens up an exciting world of flavor with The Gastronomy Festival

Madrid fusion was launched last March 26 at Fairmont Hotel. Madrid Fusion Manila puts the spotlight on the Philippines as an Asian center of gastronomy, and to promote the country as a top culinary destination for 2015. Being one of the banner projects of “Visit the Philippines 2015”,

An explosion of bold flavors, exotic ingredients and mouthwatering aromas are set to tickle the palate in the most, exciting way through the first local edition of Madrid Fusion.

For more than 12 years, Madrid Fusion has been the most important international gastronomic event on progressive haute cuisine in Spain, and for the first time in history, the event will be held outside Madrid, and comes to the Philippines through the efforts of the Department of Tourism.

Ayala Malls supports this important culinary milestone with an exceptional showcase of music, film, and the best Filipino-Spanish fare through The Gastronomy Festival at Ayala Malls – part of Department of Tourism’s Flavors of the Philippines Festival, in celebration of Madrid Fusion Manila.

Food takes center stage
From April 10 to 26, select restaurants of Greenbelt, Bonifacio High Street and Ayala Center Cebu will offer Menu Degustación – specialty dishes that imbibe the spirit of culinary innovation, techniques, and deconstruction. Savor the exquisite flavours of classic dishes, as well as new culinary creations crafted by Ayala Malls’ premier restaurants. Participating restaurants include Cibo, Lusso, Fely J’s, Lorenzo’s Way, Chihuahua, Café Havana, Sumo Sam, John & Yoko, and Balboa, all in Greenbelt; 2nd’s Restaurant, Lorenzo’s Way, Nanbantei of Tokyo, Wild West Roadhouse, Beso Cucina and Vinoteka, and Wolf & Fox Gastropub, all in Bonifacio High Street; and New Orleans, Seafood Island, and Sumo Sam; all in Ayala Center Cebu.

Good food with good conversations await in Cocinas Viajeras, a stylized food truck festival featuring Ayala Malls’ premier restaurants, and the creations of top chefs, including Chef Gaita Fores, Chef Chele Gonzales, Chef Myrna Segismundo, Chef Rob Pengson, Chef JP Anglo, Chef Noel dela Rama, and Chef Sau del Rosario. Catch the Cocinas Viajeras as they tour Bonifacio High Street (April 10-12), Trinoma (April 11-12), Glorietta (April 17-18), and Alabang Town Center (April 24-25).

Even the everyday diner has a reason to celebrate with Merienda, an afternoon foodie treat at an unbeatable price. Merienda will be served from 2pm to 5pm on April 13-16 and April 20-23 at Food Choices of Glorietta, and Alabang Town Center, with Market! Market offering Merienda at both Food Choices and Fiesta Market!. Over at Ayala Center Cebu, Merienda will be offered from April 20-24.

Fiesta! Food & Music Festival 
Food is not simply about satiating appetite, it’s an all-sensory experience that excites and inspires. So to truly embrace the essence of Madrid Fusion Manila, Ayala Malls also cooked up Fiesta!, a food and musical festival that blends the fascinating worlds of gastronomy and music.

Delight in the Festival de la Paella Gigante III at Greebelt 3 Park on April 18, where you can partake of giant paella prepared by Chef J Gamboa, Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Carlo Miguel and Chef Mikkel Arriet; and enjoy live music by DJ Lean & the Patiqueros, DJ Badkiss, and BP Valenzuela, along with a dance performance by Centro Flamenco.

Indulge in the culinary and musical delights where top DJs and bands such as Pulso, Up Dharma Down, and Sinyma, fill your night with heart-thumping dance beats. Head over and party at Bonifacio High Street and Alabang Town Center on April 25, and Fairview Terraces on April 25-26.

Fiesta! also makes it way down south at Ayala Center Cebu on  April 24-26, and Centrio Mall at Cagayan de Oro on April 18 for the Kagay-anon Sinuglaw Festival, in partnership with DOT Region 10.

Pelikula: Spanish Foodie Film Festival
Ayala Malls, together with the Embassy of Spain, serve a visual feast with films that center on the art of gastronomy. Pelikula: The Spanish Foodie Film Festival will happen exclusively at the Greenbelt 3 Cinema from April 22 to 26, with films such as Mugartiz B.S.O.; 3055 Jean Leon; El Somni del Celler de Can Roca; El Pollo, El Pez, y el Cangrejo Real; and Taba. Table Game Nerua A Journey to the Essence Cooking up to a Tribute. Tickets are priced at P100 per screening and available at Greenbelt.

Bonifacio High Street will also hold an outdoor foodie film screening on April 11.


Mercado 
Excited foodies can experience a taste of The Gastronomy Festival early with Mercado — a mini marketplace that features Spanish-Filipino gourmet fare, cured meats, fresh produce, breads, wine and cheeses, and live performances by Sabor Latino, and Batu Yilmaz. Catch Mercado at Trinoma on March 27-28, Glorietta on April 10-11, Greenbelt on April 23-24, and Alabang Town Center and Fairview Terraces on April 25-26.

From time-tested culinary classics to new epicurean delights, The Gastronomy Festival offers a bite of Spain and holds no reservations in giving gourmands all that they want and need. Enjoy the food and festivities all happening at Ayala Malls. ¡Buen provecho!

For more details, please visit Ayala Malls on Facebook at facebook.com/ayalamalls; on Twitter @iloveayalamalls; on Instagram @iloveayalamalls; or log on to www.ayalamalls.com.ph.