Air Asia makes Kalibo International Airport its secondary hub

Air Asia has expressed its commitment to make the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) its secondary hub for international flights.

In a letter dated March 25, 2014 addressed to Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Marianne Hontiveros, president and chief executive officer of the Air Asia said the company plans to have international flights to China, Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

"Air Asia currently operates seven daily flights from Kalibo to Manila. The airline also operates flights to Incheon, Pusan, Shanghai and Beijing. Domestic flights will be increased 13 times a day," Hontiveros said.

The company has also plans to increase its international flights in Kalibo to cities in China by June 25 of this year. Among its planned routes are to Guangzhou, Wenzhou, Chengdu, Changsa, Ningbo, Xiamen and Hangzhou.

"Additional flights to Incheon, Pusan and Shanghai will also be operated in July," she said.

With these increases, the airline is expecting to operate 320 weekly flights in and out of Kalibo by July 2014.

But Hontiveros said these plans could not be materialized if the KIA could not meet the standards. The Air Asia needs to base a minimum of two aircraft in KIA by the last week of June.

The frequent delay of flights from Manila to KIA due to air traffic congestion is said to have seriously impacted on time performance of the airline. The lack of adequate parking bays is also contributing to the problem.

Because of this, Hontiveros is seeking an assurance from the Aklan provincial government that the KIA is capable to handle their requirements.

PHLPost launches selfie stamps

The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has launched at the La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel here personalized selfie stamps.

Enrique Tagle, manager of PHLPost’s Business Lines Department, said Boracay is one of the 12 tourism destinations in the country where the postal service’s clients can have the personalized stamps.

Those who want to have a selfie stamp must “go to the PHLPost photo booth at D’Mall” here, according to Tagle.

“After the photo session, they will be given a copy of their personalized photo stamps,” he said. “They could use the stamps when sending letters anywhere in the country via our postal offices.”

The selfie stamp service costs P250.

Tagle said the selfie stamp is one of PHLPost’s strategies to compete with the Internet.

Because of the Internet, which offers electronic mails or e-mails, PHLPost loses 10 percent of sent mails annually, he said.

But “fortunately, commercial mails such as billings are increasing,” Tagle said.

Korean saved from drowning in Boracay

The management of the West Cove Resort in this resort island has confirmed it has rescued a Korean lady from drowning while swimming at the beach of this resort island.

Ben Mobo, general manager of the West Cove Resort, said that victim swam at the area where the local government of Malay allegedly left some debris last Tuesday. The local government has demolished several structures in the said resort after receiving complaints that its structures allegedly committed environmental violations.

"We call on our tourists to be cautious in swimming at the beach where there are still some debris so as to prevent similar incident in the future," said Mobo.

The victim was reportedly considered clinically dead for five minutes. Fortunately, the staff of the West Cove successfully revived her.

"She was then brought to the nearby hospital for medical treatment," said Mobo, adding that the victim and her mother who is on vacation here thanked the West Cove for immediate help.

Cruise ship arrivals boost number of Chinese tourists in Boracay

-Continued cruise ship arrivals in this resort island have boost the number of Chinese tourists as most of them use cruise ships as medium for traveling abroad.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said that for the month of April, they are expecting two more returning cruise ships. Majority of those registered on board were Chinese tourists.

"We welcome these development as more Chinese tourists are coming to this resort island," said Maquirang.

Maquirang said that MS Superstar Aquarius will be visiting Boracay April 1 and MS Europa 1 is scheduled to make a port call April 2.

"I am told that majority of the passengers are Chinese tourists," said Maquirang.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is currently in the campaign lead to include Boracay as part of the prime cruise ship destinations in Asia.

Maquirang joined the DoT in the International Cruise Ship Conference in Miami, United States last March 10-13.

He said that after the US conference, the DoT is organizing a workshop on cruise ship marketing before this year ends.

The jetty port administrator is expecting at least 10 cruise ship arrivals for this year.

Aklan Agriculture needs upgrading for ASEAN Integration

The agriculture industry in the province needs upgrading as Aklan prepares for the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Integration in 2015.

Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco said in an interview that they are currently soliciting the help of the Aklan State University (ASU) to boosts agricultural production in the province.

The ASU is considered a premier agriculture university not only in the province but also in Western Visayas region. The Congressional District Office is allocating funds for the state university for their agricultural endeavor.

"We hope that the ASU would return to its original mandate of helping the province boosts the agriculture industry," said Haresco.

A report of the Department of Agriculture indicate that the province needs further boosts for the agriculture because of the increasing food demand. The lack of agriculture supply is being attributed to the growing tourism industry in Boracay Island.

Currently, the province consumed at least 6,000 heads of chickens daily. Chickens are being sourced out from nearby province of Capiz and Iloilo.

"The same is true for tomatoes where we source it out from nearby Mindoro and other provinces," said Haresco.

The need to boost the agricultural production also corresponds to the global report that food security must boost by 70 percent by 2050.

Boracay artist partners with Philippine Azkals

An Ilongo artist has partnered with the Philippine Azkals for his upcoming Music Television (MTV) performance during the FIFA World Cup.

Armand 'TJ' Tajnlangit said Wednesday that he met with Dan Palami, manager of the Philippine Azkals, for the project.

"The Philippine National Football Team also known as team 'Azkals' has expressed support for the project," said Tajanlangit.

Earlier, Tajanlangit said that he plans to produce an MTV dubbed as "One Island One World" as his contribution for the anticipated World Cup.

The FIFA World Cup, one of the anticipated global events, will happen in Brazil this June 2014.

Some location shootings for the proposed MTV include this resort island, the Brazilian community in Metro Manila and a possible scene together with the members of the Philippine Azkals.

Drug suspects charged Taiwanese denies involvement

Two Taiwanese and four Filipinos have been charged with possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office here.

One of the foreign suspects, however, denied involvement in drugs.

Chi Ping Chou alias “Sophia,” 44, and Chia Huei Ma alias “Chia-Chia,” 27, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Ambulong, Brgy. Manoc-manoc in Boracay Wednesday last week.

Collared along with them were Jomar Celorico alias “John-john,” 20, of Brgy. Punta Libas, Roxas City, Capiz, and Vangie Inoc alias “Jennifer,” 34, of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Rheafaye Thomas, 23, and Mariel Joyce Kiling Roxas, 20, were also arrested in another buy-bust operation last week.

Police seized from the suspects some P250,000 worth of shabu — considered the biggest haul in the history of Boracay — and illegal drug paraphernalia.

Illegal drug charges were filed against them on Saturday.

Chia, who claimed to be four months pregnant, said she was not involved in illegal drug trade.

She was hoping the Taiwanese government will help her in the case.

She also claimed to have lost P5,000 during the buy-bust operation. “I suspect the police may have something to do with it,” she said.

Police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was impossible for the buy-bust team to take her money.

Many other policemen and the media were there to witness the operation, they said.

Joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Boracay Tourist Assistance Center and the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group staged the buy-bust.

Scene of the crime operatives who examined the confiscated drugs confirmed they were shabu./

Two Taiwanese nationals arrested in Boracay drug bust

Two Taiwanese nationals and four Filipinos were arrested Wednesday night in separate entrapment operations against illegal drugs in the island resort of Boracay.

Police identified the suspects as Chi Ping Chou alias Sophia, 44; Chia Huei Ma alias Chia-Chia, 27; Jomar Celorico y Degala alias John-john, 20; Vangie Inoc; Rheafaye Thomas; 23; and Mariel Joyce Kiling y Roxas, 20.

Recovered from the suspects were volumes of suspected illegal drugs worth P250,000 and drug paraphernalia, among others.

The raid was conducted in joint operations headed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Group; and the Boracay Tourists Action Center.

Police Senior Inspector Mark Evan Salvo said a thorough investigation is still ongoing.

Bisexuals still 'hiding in the dark' while in Boracay

 This resort island may be considered as the most romantic tourism destination in the country, but bisexuals are reportedly still afraid to come out into the open, preventing them from maximizing their enjoyment.

Among the fear of bisexuals is the possible rejection and discrimination by the society but in Boracay this seems not to be an issue.

Robbie Bastareche, president of the provincewide gay group Butterfly Brigade, said the government now is doing its best to extend efforts to help especially those who are members of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and the Transvestites).

The Aklan Provincial Health Office had been training them for peer counseling in the province and also to promote sexual responsibilities. Part of their peer counseling is through the social media and gay websites around the world.

In February, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Iloilo City has conducted a region wide training understanding the LGBT. The training skill though is yet to be adapted in this resort island.

Bastareche said they also promote this resort island.

"LGBT's around the world also prefers Boracay as one of their favorite destinations," said Bastareche, adding that many LGBT's are rich.

In fact, several wedding organizers and resort owners said that same sex marriage are secretly held in different hotels here for several years. Some of the same sex weddings use chopper as an added effect to the celebration of their marriage.

Ben Mobo, manager of the West Cove Resort, said that they have held a same sex wedding in their hotel once but it never happened again. Although, the resort noted some LGBT's are coming to their hotel.

In Boracay, there were no firms yet that have been known to be a place for LGBT's. This maybe because they are welcome anywhere they go.

Even the Catholic Church known for their conservative opposition against the operation of casino and Reproductive Health Bills in this resort island does not mind the existence of LGBT's here. Reports even indicate that there are already local gays in Boracay who have transformed themselves into transvestites.

Atty. Chris Gonzales, a government prosecutor, said that although the Church only recognizes male and female sexuality.

"But our government now recognize that LGBT's are sexual preference of many and is considered a human right," said Gonzales.

One of the possible reasons why there maybe a fear or stigma and social discrimination is because the Boracay society are getting aloof among LGBT's. In 2011, the Philippine National Police reported that some gays or the so-called lady boys are harassing foreigners and locals just to gain attention.

Jones Arrieta, president of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) said that they are currently on the move of organizing the local LGBT's in Aklan.

The MOVE is a group of men in Aklan publicly denouncing the violence against women and children. In 2012, the MOVE had also organized the PNP-MOVE chapter which until now is active

Malay mayor faces graft raps before the Ombudsman

A lawyer from nearby San Jose, Antique province filed graft and corruption charges against municipal mayor of Malay town and the local assessor before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Pelagio Apostol said in their 14-page document that he has forwarded the complaint to the Aklan Provincial Board for it to act on.

Apostol said that the Ombudsman decided to refer to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the complaint filed by lawyer Mariano Pefianco since the case is under the jurisdiction and competence of the Aklan Provincial Board.

In his complaint, Pefianco claimed that Malay mayor John Yap and municipal assessor Erlinda Casimero harassed the cadastral surveyors relocating the boundaries of his property which the management of Hotel Del Rio in Iloilo City is reportedly interested to buy.

"The land was given to me by the father of John Yap as part of my lawyer's fee. It was awarded to me by the Kalibo Regional Trial Court. His father Jose Yap did not object to the said transaction. I am planning to sell the property since I could not afford to develop it," Pefianco said.

The camp of Mayor Yap could not be reached for comment as of press time.

2,300 Chinese media in PHL to promote tourism

Some 2, 300 members of the Chinese media and their families have arrived in this resort island for a sortie as they traveled through the MS Costa Atlantica Tuesday morning.

Tim Ticar, officer in charge of the Department of Tourism, said that the Chinese media on board the Cruise Ship came from Shanghai, China. Before Boracay, the delegates came from Metro Manila.

After their Boracay sortie for several hours, they are expected to resume their voyage via South Korea and Okinawa, Japan.

"We hope that the visit of the Chinese media here would produce positive promotion for Boracay," said Ticar, adding that Chinese media may came from print, broadcast, bloggers and television.

Ticar said that the visit of the Chinese media here will be a big boost to the promotion of Boracay tourism. He hopes that Chinese tourists would surpass South Korean tourists for this year.

In January and February this year, Chinese tourists top the foreign tourism arrivals with 52, 740 while South Korean tourists registered 40, 511.

Boracay is considered by the Chinese as top 16th favorite romantic tourists destination.

Chinese tourist tops Boracay arrivals

Chinese tourists topped the foreign arrivals during the first two months of 2014 replacing then South Koreans who for several years registered as the most in number.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said Monday that Chinese tourist arrivals reached 52, 740 followed by South Korea with 40, 511. Taiwan ranks third with 6, 387 arrivals.

"Many of these Chinese tourists come to Boracay during the Chinese New Year," said Maquirang, adding that Chinese now considered this resort island as one of their popular New Year destinations.

On March 11, Mandarin speaking Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in this resort island on board the MS Costa Atlantica Cruise Ship. The Italian vessel with 15 floors deck is considered as the biggest cruise ship to have so far sailed to this resort island.

On March 20, another cruise ship MS Europa 2 of Hapag-Lloyd is also set to sail for this resort island for the third time on board more Chinese tourists.

Boracay is being considered by the Chinese as their 16th favorite tourism destinations.

Aklan province seeks 200% increase on BVM for Boracay properties

The Aklan provincial government is seeking a 200 percent increase for the Base Market Value (BVM) of commercial lands in this resort island for 2015.

In a presentation prepared by the Provincial Assessor's Office, it proposed P5,280 per square meter in a Base Market Value (BVM). Currently, the provincial government only collects P2, 640 for first class BVM for commercial areas in this resort island.

The Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan set Thursday, March 6 as the schedule of the public hearing for a real property tax increase. However, since only few resort owners attended the consultation the SP decided to suspend the hearing.

Provincial board members then agreed to re-schedule the consultation, and the session will be held in Boracay.

"We had decided to make a public hearing in Boracay so that every one could attend the hearing," said provincial board member Jose Enrique Miraflores, chairman of the committee on tourism.

For residential lands, the assessors had proposed 156 percent increase from P440 in 2005 to P950 in 2015.

Miraflores said the Aklan provincial government decided to increase the real property tax in 2015 since the last increase was effected in 2005.

Police tighten security for Boracay Aetas

The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) has tightened security at the Aeta village in this resort island after the alleged gunman in the killing of their spokesman has been arrested.

PO3 Nida Gregas, police information officer of APPO said that the suspect Daniel Celestino was arrested by the operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division-Western Visayas and Laguna PNP Monday night.

"After the warrant of arrest was released by the Kalibo Regional Trial Court, Celestino went in hiding in Barangay Sta. Cruz Palasan Laguna," said Gregas in an interview Wednesday.

The victim Dexter Condez was shot dead in Sitio Lugutan, Barangay Manoc Manoc Boracay on February 22, 2013. Condez's companion during the killing identified the suspect as Celestino, a security guard.

He is now detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Barangay Nalook, Kalibo.

Aklan Jetty Port now a disability-friendly facility

The Aklan provincial government is now developing its infrastructure in this resort island into facilities which are friendly for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Before this, PWDs are having a hard time going to this resort island because of their difficulty in coming to Boracay through motor bancas.

The Batas Pambansa 344 or accessibility law mandates government and private institutions to make their facilities friendly to PWDs.

"As proof of our efforts we have now a comfort room specially prepared for PWDs in Caticlan Jetty Port," said Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator.

Currently, the jetty port in Cagban does not have such facility because of budget constraints.

"We are doing everything to make our facility friendly to PWDs so they may also enjoy Boracay, said Maquirang.

flash: Rey Dela Rosa

Boracay friends reported that Mr. Rey dela Rosa, former chair of the defunct Emminent Persons Group-Boracay died Tuesday noon of an illness.

Boracay priest lauds gov't for taking care of Aetas

 A Catholic priest based here lauded the national government for taking care of the Aeta's in this resort island.

Rev. Fr. Arnaldo Crisostomo of the Holy Rosary Parish here thanked the national government for ensuring the safety and security of Aetas who have been continuously harassed by some private land owners.

Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas visited last week the Aeta village at Sitio Tulubhan, Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay.

"We are thankful since the government has assured the Aetas of their full support for their welfare," Crisostomo said, adding that police personnel are now manning the Aeta community.

During the visit, Roxas also ordered the Philippine National Police to exert extra efforts to locate the wanted security guard Daniel Celestino who has been tagged as killer of former Aeta spokesman Dexter Condez in 2013.