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Save The Banaue Rice Terraces
Manila Bulletin
By Cecilia S. Angeles
Feb. 19, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Time travels so fast or so slowly that I personally think some traditions should not go with it in the same speed. We have observed the growth of living and non-living things. For example, some rice fields have been converted into residential areas. Man effects this change. Nature is also capable of bringing about change, and together with man sometimes change becomes advantageous. At other times, disastrous.

At last, I saw my Shangri-La
The Philippine Star
By Arlene M. Perez
Feb. 19, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Months before my solo balikbayan trip to the Philippines, I was looking through Shangri-La Mactan Hotel’s awesome pictures on the web. My mind would wander around stunning shots of the hotel grounds, swimming pools and especially the beach.

It's more fun at Punta de Fabian
The Philippine Star
Feb. 19, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - With summer fast approaching, people would want to spend holidays in places that refresh and revitalize tired bodies and spirits. One such place is Punta de Fabian in Baras, Rizal.

Benguet carver tops bamboo contest
The Philippine Star
Feb. 19, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - A semi-retired wood carver from Benguet bested 41 other entries to emerge as champion in the first-ever Philippine Bamboo Carving Competition in the country.

A Miraculous Lady In Batangas
Manila Bulletin
By Ma. Glaiza Lee
Feb. 16, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — For fisherman Juan Maningkad, that fateful day in 1603 was just another opportunity to cast his net into the Pansipit River in Taal, Batangas and catch whatever he could for his family’s consumption. Little did he imagine that his innocent daily routine of fishing early in the morning would change not only his life, but also the whole town’s.

AirAsia opens Tune Hotel in Angeles
BusinessMirror
By Joey Pavia
Feb. 15, 2012

ANGELES CITY— A 160-room hotel here designed to serve the growing number of passengers at the Clark airport opened on Feb. 10, reducing accommodation problems during peak seasons.

'It's more fun' campaign gains ground
The Philippine Star
By Mayen Jaymalin
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Just a month after its launching, the new Philippine country brand “It’s more fun in the Philippines” is now soaring in popularity.

Valentine's Day treats
The Philippine Star
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember: spend it at Centara Hotel Manila, where the city’s most exciting and meaningful offerings are in store.

How about a Valentine's staycation?
The Philippine Star
By Scott R. Garceau
Feb. 12, 2012

With all the hectic activity in your life, you might not have the option of heading to Tagaytay or Bagiuo for the weekend to get away from it all. And with Valentine’s Day here, you may be looking for a cool place to nestle as a couple.

How about a staycation in Quezon City?

Tour-rific deals at Travel Expo 2012
The Philippine Star
By Ching M. Alano
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - All roads may as well lead to the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City on Feb. 17-19 when the three-day 19th Travel Tour Expo 2012 gets rolling. Bigger and better — you bet! — than last year’s expo, this one-stop shop to the world is a must-see for assorted travel bugs and budgetarians.

Marvel at Asia's cultural wonders with Cebu Pacific
The Philippine Star
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Step outside the comforts of your homeland and immerse yourself in the distinct cultures of your Asian neighbors ¾ spectacular destinations with well-preserved remnants of a colorful past. Experience what Asia has to offer, and celebrate the wonder and diversity of this magical continent.

Juan lands in Palawan
The Philippine Star
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Palawan’s successful bid to launch the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the newest Seven Wonders of the World has catapulted the province to one of the top destinations of choice.Apart from the Underground River, Palawan also boasts rich marine biodiversity that attracts beach lovers and underwater explorers. Puerto Princesa is lauded for beautiful beaches and friendly locals, and is also known for being the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines.

Philippine Resorts Win Big At The Asean Green Hotel Awards
Manila Bulletin
By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Vacations aren’t just more fun in the Philippines, They're greener too.

Discovering Batangas' Best Kept Secret
Manila Bulletin
By Claro G. Ganac
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Where the Tagaytay ridge slopes down and meets the balmy shore of Taal lake lies a wondrous place. It seems like the perfect hideaway for a romantic weekend interlude. It could also be an idyllic reception place for that once-in-a-lifetime dream wedding. It is also a first-class venue for corporate team building sessions and planning meetings. And then again, it is an ideal retreat for the family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Fun From The Ground Up: Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012
Manila Bulletin
By Duanne Allman R. Dizon
Feb. 12, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Visitors to the recent 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012 witnessed an unusual sunrise as hot air balloons of differing designs and sizes crowded the early morning skies of Clark Freeport, Pampanga. This year’s Fiesta re-ignited not just the hot air balloon burners but also interests in everything in flight: hot air balloons, training aircraft, helicopters, commercial planes as well as sky diving and paragliding. For four days, about a hundred enticing hot air balloons of different fun designs from a dog, to a panda, to a huge ice cream, floated above the enthusiastic crowd.

Memories of a once-virginal Boracay
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Raymund Isaac
Feb. 11, 2012

As my feet touched the Boracay sand, the aria of Grizabella from “Cats” started playing in my head as memories of old Boracay fill my weary mind. Am I getting old, or is there a new generation of tourists invading the island?

Why Batanes is the ultimate photographer’s experience
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Mandy Navasero
Feb. 11, 2012

What is so exciting and unique about the art of photography? With brain and hands, photography seizes the moment, captures a fragment of eternity, and preserves it forever. We immortalize beautiful sceneries and memories.

Who says you can’t have a quiet holiday in Boracay?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By PJ Enriquez
Feb. 11, 2012

It seems like every year, more and more beachgoers both local and foreign find their way to Boracay, so it is a little unrealistic to expect to find a beach with no people.

In the heart of Manila
The Philippine Star
By Lester Gopela Hallig
Feb. 10, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Manila’s cityscape continues to beat with excitement. New entertainment, hospitality, commercial and cultural attractions pop up here and there, giving locals and foreigners alike more choices to enjoy the city. We love the fact that Manila is still a thrill, never mind what skeptics say. At the end of the day, the city presents new stories to tell and more memories to keep.

DOT eyes Changi as gateway for foreign tourists to Phl
The Philippine Star
By Mayen Jaymalin
Feb. 10, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - In the absence of a high-class international airport in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing Singapore’s Changi airport as a gateway for foreign tourists visiting the Philippines.

100,000 visitors expected at 17th hot-air balloon fest at free port in Clark
Business Mirror
Joey Pavia
Feb. 8, 2012

CLARK FREEPORT—At least 100,000 people are expected to grace the 17th hot-air balloon fiesta here from Feb. 9-12, organizers said on Monday.

Cooling Your Home With Plants
Manila Bulletin
By Shirley B. Sanders
Feb. 8, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — The plains of Central Luzon make up one of the hottest regions of the country. When I travel to the north, passing through the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac, I always feel the sun is closer to the ground than anywhere else. The heat here penetrates my skin and makes me feel exhausted. I guess that is also why I prefer the south where, generally, the air seems cooler. As fate would have it, however, I was tasked to do the landscape of this gorgeous home at Sunset Village in Clark, Pampanga where even the homeowners complained about the terrible heat.

Kalilangan: GenSan's Festival Of Culture
Manila Bulletin
Feb. 7, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — It will be an explosion of colors and culture as Gen. Santos City showcases its artistic side when it celebrates the multi-awarded Kalilangan Festival as part of its 73rd founding day.

First Bicol carrier to fly soon
Business Mirror
By Manly M. Ugalde
Feb. 5, 2012

NAGA CITY—The first Bicol airline will soon service passengers in four of the region’s six provinces.

Davao's D'Bone Collector Museum Opens
Manila Bulletin
By Jims Vicent T. Capuno
Feb. 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — The D’Bone Collector Museum in Davao City is now open. Inside the museum are collections of different bones, skulls and skeletons of animals, marine species, birds and butterflies. Among the attractions are the huge sperm whale, the jaws of sharks, the Cambodian python (one of the longest snakes in the world) and armadillo.

Lanao Del Norte: Beyond Motocross
Manila Bulletin
By Robbie Pangilinan
Feb. 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — There is much more to Lanao del Norte than just being the Motocross Capital of the Philippines.

True, it prides itself in being the prime location for the extreme sport, with its world-class and expansive dirt track at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC). Viewers are able to watch every twist, turn and crash of the racers from the comfortable vantage point of the spacious grandstand in front of the dirt track.

Nabuklod: Pampanga’s Paradise in the Sky
Business Mirror
By Joey Pavia
Feb. 4, 2012

FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga—“Paradise in the sky.”

This is how visitors call the Aeta village of Nabuklod when they see it for the first time. It is home to at least 150 Aeta families, according to Barangay Captain Roger Apang.

A long way to go for Vigan’s ‘longganisa’
Business Mirror
By Liza T. Agoot
Feb. 4, 2012

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur—Looooong-ganisa. It is still a long way to go as the city government gears toward making it known as a product distinct from the longganisa produced in other places.

Little House In The Garden
Manila Bulletin
By Dennis Ladaw
Feb. 1, 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Beautiful houses are abundant in the city of Angeles in Pampanga. After all, the place is home to numerous furniture makers, whose pricey, exquisite-looking products are sold abroad. Their merchandise is found in some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world. Obviously, whoever makes the furniture has to live in a well-appointed house. However, a long-time resident of Angeles City – who was born and raised in Manila -- notes that one doesn’t need to be in the furniture business in Pampanga to live in a sumptuous home. “It’s in the nature of most Kapampangans,’ he says. “They like to do everything in style.”

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