Tourism to strengthen ties between Philippines, Malaysia -- consul says

The Philippines and the Malaysian governments are expected to strengthen ties for tourism, a ranking Filipino diplomat said Tuesday.

In an interview, Consul General to Malaysia Medardo G. Macaraig said that as of 2013 around 500,000 Filipinos entered as tourists in the different parts of Malaysia.

"The Philippine and the Malaysian governments had been friends for several years. Tourism is one of the key factors why we hope for a strengthened partnership in the years to come," Macaraig said.

This developed after the Air Asia recently opened new routes from the Kalibo International Airport direct to Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

"With these developments, we expect tourism boom between the two countries," he added.

Meanwhile, MD Saad Mahsah, tourism chief of Selangor, Malaysia said Selangor is just one of the few states in Malaysia that Filipinos could visit.

"We have recently launched the 'Visit to Selangor' campaign. We hope that Filipinos will come as tourists," Mahsah said, adding that they expect some 6.8 million visitors would visit their state next year.

With the theme 'Selangor has More!' the state offers different tourism attractions such as the interactive wax museum, home stay program, horror house, trick house, among others.

"For this year, the Malaysian government suffered tourism loss due to the missing Malaysian Airlines controversy. However, the Malaysian government expects to recover tourism at the second half of this year," he added.

Both the Malaysian and the Philippines are looking forward to the upcoming ASEAN Economic Integration for tourism boom next year.

Tattoo holds an unforgettable Labor Day weekend in Boracay on May 3 and 4

Tattoo gears up for another unforgettable party experience and the partyphiles are all set and excited for the most anticipated Tattoo Labor Day Weekend yet! Hosted by Republiq, celebrate that well-deserved break with exceptional and exhilarating parties amid the most popular white sand beach in the world, Boracay.
Set to bring an electrifying energy to complete your EDM party experience are the psychedelic beats of spin-master Cedric Gervais on May 3 and Grammy-nominated producer and DJ, Steve Aoki on May 4 all at EPIC Beach Front, Boracay. Get ready to drown yourself in fist-pumping music while enjoying the carefree vibe with your friends at this summer’s best beach party!
“We’re just as excited as our customers for this upcoming party experience! Our parties are our way of giving our loyal customers the total Tattoo experience from the product down to the lifestyle. Coupled with the best products and services like consumable mobile internet and a wide selection of tablet bundles, we give our customers a way for them to enjoy and maximize their surfing experience”, shares Globe VP for Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business Dong Ronquillo.
Get access to the most happening beach event!
Make your Labor Day weekend one for the books and share anything and everything exciting that happens right on your tablet as Tattoo makes sure you stay connected with the best-value prepaid and postpaid tablet bundles! Upon purchase of these Tattoo products at the Globe store in Boracay, customers may receive up to 3 tickets for free, to the most happening weekend!
Get 1 free ticket for a purchase of a Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi; 2 tickets for a Tattoo Postpaid Mobile WiFi or a Tattoo Prepaid Tablet bundle that comes with a Skyworth S73 or Cloudpad 705W with a free mobile WiFi device; and 3 tickets when you avail of a Tattoo Postpaid tablet offers with a free Mobile WiFi!
And to top it all off, take your Tattoo Labor Day weekend experience further and create and share your Boracay party playlist with GoSURF and Spotify! GoSURF is the brand’s new consumable mobile internet data plan. Register to GoSURF50 for only P50 with 250MB of data for 3 days and free access to 30 Million songs on Spotify! You even get 1 more additional ticket to the event with your subscription!
Present your proof of purchase and claim your tickets at the Tattoo Booth at EPIC, Boracay on May 3 and 4 from 12 NN to 12 AM. Free tickets are only entitled to Tattoo products purchased at the Globe Store in Boracay together with its satellite outlets in the area. Proof of purchase is required to claim the free tickets.

More promotion in ASEAN countries for Boracay urged

The Caticlan Jetty Port urged tourism stakeholders to increase promotion efforts for Boracay in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said Tuesday that ASEAN countries especially Singapore and Malaysia should increase their tourism arrivals in this resort island.

"Already, the Air Asia is now on the lead in these countries. I hope other tourism stakeholders will do the same," said Maquirang.

The Air Asia recently opened its direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Kalibo International Airport. It also vowed to open other flights from different ASEAN countries, she added.

Based on current statistics, China has been consistently on the top among ten foreign countries in the tourist arrival list, Maquirang said, adding that from January to March, Chinese tourist arrivals registered 73, 121.

He said that tourism stakeholders in this resort island should take advantage of the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Integration before the year ends.(

Study on proposed Boracay bridge starts

The feasibility study on the proposed bridge that will connect mainland Malay and this island resort has started, Malay Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito revealed.

Daewoo, a firm based in Cebu City, is conducting the study, Gelito said.

He said the Malay municipal government entered into a contract with Daewoo with the benefits of the bridge in mind.

One of the advantages of having the bridge is the easy transport of electricity and water supplies from the mainland, and solid waste from Boracay, said the vice mayor.

He also said the municipal government will manage the vehicles that will ply the bridge.

But based on the contract, Daewoo will keep the result of the feasibility study confidential for two years. The vice mayor did not explain why.

Sangguniang Bayan members reached for comment also refused to speak on the matter.

All Gelito said was that the local government will hold Daewoo accountable in case any lawsuit springs from the project.

The proposed Boracay bridge will be constructed under the build-operate-transfer scheme.

Reports had it that the Aklan provincial government was opposed to the plan./

Globe Telecom kicks off wonderful summer season with Adventure Race in Boracay

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom gears up for the summer season as it brings a wonderful world of adventure and exciting activities to one of the country’s premier summer destinations Boracay Island from April 17-20, 2014.

Globe was the first telecom company in the country to open a full concept store in Boracay in March 2013 on the back of a stronger and more intensified network complete with Long Term Evolution (LTE) coverage. The Globe Store located at D’Mall in Station 2 in Boracay is a one-stop telecommunications shop showcasing the unique store concept of Globe, offering top-of-the-line gadgets and accessories, as well as superior customer service and after-sales support.

Dubbed as “The 2014 Globe Adventure” in Boracay, the adventure-filled summer event is a race-like activity open from 11:00am-9:00pm daily, where participants can secure stamps from finishing tasks in each of the stations around the island as well as take home Globe freebies upon completion of the activities.

The adventure starts at Budget Mart in Station 2 where participants can upload their photo “selfie” at the Globe Booth with the hashtag #GlobeBoracay2014 and get a must-have summer freebie upon task completion. The second station, located at the Globe Rotonda in Station 2, will require participants to download Spotify, the country’s latest music streaming service, and share their favorite song on Facebook using the telco’s fast LTE network in the island. Free sunglasses are up for grabs for those who can finish the task.

The third station, located in Nandana Resort in Station 1, will need participants to like the CloudFone web page and post any photo on their Instagram accounts with any CloudFone merchandise or branding, allowing them to get an Instaprint of the photo taken.

Rounding up the tasks is an activity at the Boracay Beach Chalets in Station 3, where participants will need to play the popular game “Minute to Win It” in order to get a free Chori Burger or Jonas Fruit Shake upon successful completion.

Participants with complete set of stamps will automatically get exclusive VIP passes to the Globe Wave Party on April 17 and 19 at the Wave Bar with free drinks and a chance to win handsets from device partners from the raffle festivities.

“Experience a wonderful summer season with Globe as we fuel up the energy in Boracay with an exciting adventure race for everyone to try out, lots of Globe freebies, and an exclusive VIP party complete with free drinks. Our Globe Store is also open to accommodate customers should they need immediate assistance on our services, from mobile, broadband, to GCASH transactions,” shared Joe Caliro, Head of Retail Transformation and Management at Globe. “As Globe further heats up the summer season, we invite all Boracay patrons to participate in our festivities and enjoy a wonderful #GlobeBoracay2014.”

On top of the adventure, Globe subscribers are also entitled to a free multi-cab ride from Cagban Port to Budget Mart. Non-Globe subscribers can still take advantage of the free boat ride with the purchase of a Globe prepaid SIM or activation of a new Globe postpaid line.

As the first of its kind concept store in the island, the Globe Store in Boracay offers live demo units of the latest smartphones that customers can try and test, and enables customers to do various transactions such as account opening, account management, payments, top ups, and GCASH transactions. It also has a self-help area for customers who want immediate answers or who need a copy of their bill. In addition, friendly and courteous store specialists are on hand to provide consultations and solutions to customers. The store’s design layout was done by J. Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants with accent chairs by Kenneth Cobonpue and uniform design by Charina Sarte.

Ties with Army, Navy for coral reforestation eyed

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) is considering a partnership with the Army and the Navy for a massive coral reforestation project in at least eight sites in the country.

Jose Rodriguez, an official of the cooperative, said they will soon provide the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) central office a presentation on the proposed partnership.

Under the “Code Blue Project,” the DOST authorized the SPC to spearhead reforestation initiatives to revive dwindling coral reefs across the country.

The cooperative, with the help of various partners, had already carried out coral reforestation in Camiguin, Cavite and this island resort.

Rodriguez said that, primarily, they wanted the help of divers from the said Armed Forces units.

“The SPC has only eight divers, and we could not cover all the required sites for reforestation,” the cooperative leader said.

According to Rodriguez, the coral reforestation project aims to eventually improve tourism and food security.

While leading an environment-saving program, the SPC was not spared from criticisms.

Rodriguez said they consider doubts on the cooperative’s ability to lead the project a roadblock in achieving their goals.

“If the critics wanted to handle the project — if they are really interested and capable — we can give it to them,” he stressed.

One of the areas the group is focusing on is Zamboanga, which boasts of a pink-sand beach./

Grammy award winner to perform in Boracay

Grammy award winning disc jockey (DJ) Cedric Gervais, 34, is expected to perform in this resort island on May 3-4 to promote environmental awareness.

Pia Miraflores of the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) said Gervais will be performing at the Epic Station Bar. He will be accompanied by DJ Steve Aoki, also a Grammy nominee.

The said event is in cooperation with Nestea dubbed as "Love the Beach" campaign.

"Nestea will be selling pitchers throughout the weekend. P5 from each pitchers sold will be used for the BFI Coral Reforestation Project," said Miraflores, adding that Nestea will be doubling the gathered amount for the said cause.

The back to back event aimed to lure tourists to enjoy Boracay through beach party and at the same time help in the environmental conservation of this resort island.

Gervais is a French DJ based in Miami, Florida USA.

Boracay undergoing 'selfie' development

This resort island is undergoing 'selfie' development in order to ensure environmental sustainability, said by an official of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force.

Mabel Bacani, of the redevelopment task force, said that the current summer 'selfie' shots are trending both with local residents and tourists coming here.

"We took 'selfie' shots in order for us to know what and who we are. In the same manner, we in the government took some focus on Boracay in order to determine how we could be able to improve the tourism industry," said Bacani.

At present, the task force reported that there are only two establishments in the front beach which has illegal structures to be demolished. The massive demolition of hundreds of illegal structures started last year.

"As soon as we finish the demolition process, we will be moving to Phase two of the program," she said.

The Phase 2 includes demolition of illegal structures in resorts affected by the 25+5 easement rule of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Bacani said that residents affected by the easement rule will be exempted from demolition as ordered by the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The redevelopment task force includes DENR, DoT, Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police and local government of Malay, among others.

NGCP Goes 'Smart' for ASEAN Integration in 2015

 The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is now focused on the piloting of the smart grid technology substation as one of its features for the forthcoming ASEAN Integration in 2015.

In a press conference here Monday. Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said the technology will be commissioned by 2016 in Antipolo, Rizal.

The NGCP has invited the local media here for inter action to update local stakeholders and residents on their projects and programs.

"For the ASEAN Integration, connecting our power grid to nearby ASEAN countries is still not in horizon. What we can do now is we continue to improve our system to be able to be competitive with other countries," said Alabanza.

The state of the art technology is being provided by the State Grid of China Corporation (SGCC). It aims to accept renewable energy sources into the grid.

ASEAN epidemiologists in Boracay for a conference

 Epidemiologists from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are now in Boracay for a conference.

This was bared Saturday by Department of Health undersecretary Eric Tayag.

Tayag said in an interview that the delegates will discuss how epidemiologists from the ASEAN will be able to help in terms of disaster preparedness and management.

"We may also discuss concerns about the E-Bola Virus that is now existing in other parts of the world," said Tayag, himself an epidemiologist.

He bared that while there are no travel advisories all over the world on E-Bola virus, everybody is still welcome to visit different tourism destinations in the country.

Meanwhile, Tayag added that part of the agenda is the role of health in the ASEAN Economic Integration in 2015.

Jetty Port receives commendation from Cruise Ship Security

 The Caticlan Jetty Port together with several government agencies were commended by the security manager of the MS Superstar Aquarius ‘for best tendering experience.’

Kenth Susuki, security manager of the said cruise ship, sent a letter of commendation to the jetty port administration saying that the tendering experiences they went through is VG (very good).

The MS Superstar Aquarius made a port call at the Caticlan Jetty Port Wednesday. The cruise ship has on board 1, 200 tourists from Taiwan. Aside from the jetty port administration, the cruise ship was also warmly welcomed by the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Department of Tourism, among others.

This is the second time that the said cruise ship docked in this resort island. The first was on November 2013.

Susuki said that he considered the tendering so far the best ever he experienced.

“Among the examples why we graded very good for the tendering are the zero incidents during the entire visit, good team work. For instance, we had several passengers slipping on the link between pontoon and jetty. As soon as the agents were informed, a red carpet was put up in five minutes,” said Susuki.

For his part, Niven Maquirang jetty port administrator said that they consider it important that they received the commendation.

“It just goes to show that Boracay is fun for cruise ship tourists and staff,” said Maquirang.

Business Group promotes Grand Boracay Flowers of May

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) is promoting the Filipino tradition 'Flores De Mayo' as one of the tourist attractions in this resort island this summer.

Dionisio Salme of the BFI said this is the second time they will be celebrating the festival. This year's Grand Flores De Mayo will be held on May 24 at the front beach.

"Currently, the BFI is accepting finalists for the Grand Flores De Mayo as deadline of applications for the participants is set on April 20," Salme said.

In the initial schedule of activities, the festival will start at 3 pm through a mass to be held at the Holy Rosary Parish. After the mass, the Boracay version of the 'sagala' will commence towards Willy's Rock. An awarding ceremony will then be held.

"The BFI is mandated to market the island as the best destination and to promote sustainable tourism development. That is why the marketing committee of Boracay explores all the best alternatives to promote tourism," Salme said.

The BFI decided to continue the Grand Flores De Mayo Festival as it received enormous success last year.