Archive for the ‘Travel & Tourism’ Category
PAL Raises 17 Billion Pesos in Fresh Funds
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its authorized capital stock worth 17 billion Pesos or 85 billion common shares which will be subscribed to by PAL Holdings. The latter is also increasing its authorized capital stock to 23 billion Pesos the help fund the expansion of the carrier and accommodate the entry of San Miguel Corporation.
“SMC is buying into PAL and affiliate budget carrier Air Philippines Corp. (AirPhil) through several layers of holding companies. This will lead to SMC’s acquisition of 49 percent of PAL’s publicly-listed parent firm PAL Holdings, which in turn will give it effective control of at least 40 percent of PAL,” as reported by Philippine Star.
Read more at PhilStar.com
Photo by fraginal at Flickr.com
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Stronger Philippine Tourism Campaign in Ottawa
Filipino folk dance presentation
The Philippine Embassy participated in the recent 18th Ottawa Travel and Vacation show held on March 10-11, 2012 at the Ottawa Convention Centre in Canada. The participating travel services company includes Tours Hai International, Jade Tours, Handa Travel, and Royal Scenic, among others. At the show, there was palpable interest in selling more Philippine destinations as demonstrated by Uniktour, Travel Professionals International and Family Travel Scoop.
Besides tourism, the Philippine Embassy took the occasion to promote Philippine products and food. Filipino shell craft, baskets and the turon were the top drawers inviting queries and compliments from visitors. Philippine participation in the travel show was organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism office in New York represented by Ms. Mitchelle T. Dy, Deputy Director for Marketing.
Read more at Philippine Embassy Ottawa
Photo by pong0814 at Flickr.com
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More Fil-Ams May Seek Medical Care in Philippines
A photo of General Santos Doctors Hospital
A new bill is being drafted that will allow United States Medicare beneficiaries to travel to the Philippines for medical reasons, according to Eric Lachica, a lobbyist who is working to get the bill introduced. The new bill would allow Medicare to reimburse certain hospitals in the Philippines directly for Guam residents, thus allowing for the full export of Medicare benefits to the Philippines. Lachica said there are about 400,000 Filipino-Americans in the U.S. mainland, and about 200,000 have seriously expressed interest in retiring in their homeland to take advantage of the low cost of living.
Currently, because of proximity, Guam Medicare residents are allowed to travel to the Philippines to seek medical care for procedures not currently offered on Guam. The patient is then directly reimbursed for the medical visit.
Read more at Marianas Variety
Photo by ManilaBoy45 at Flickr.com
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There’s a Filipino Park in Vancouver, BC
The Filipino Plaza public park in Vancouver, BC
Somewhere in Vanness Avenue, west of Sky Train’s Nanaimo Station, Vancouver, BC, sits a park Filipino-Canadians call the Filipino Plaza. The open park, sometimes referred to as a linear park, located underneath the Sky Train Expo Line, was one of the dozens of open parks built in 1986 as part of BC Transit’s Parkway Program showcasing different cultural parks on the 26-kilometre path that parallels the Sky Train.
Fronting this park is the colorful Sarimanok logo and a 2,000-red brick wall donated by the Filipino-Canadians who started the endeavor in the park. Construction of the park was made possible with the bayanihan spirit of Filipino-Canadian members of the “Filipino Plaza Committee of 1985.”
This year, the Filipino Plaza will be the official site of the Flag Raising ceremony to kick off the various Philippine independence celebrations in the lower mainland of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia
Photo from Wikipedia
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New Tourism Slogan – It’s More Fun in the Philippines
The new Philippine tourism slogan: Like or Dislike?
The Department of Tourism today launched its newest tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Including a Twitter hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines, many expressed mixed feelings of optimism, caution, disappointment and a wait-and-see attitude. Some expected more creativity than what was launched while others, including this author, are more concerned with the safety, security, and convenience of tourists visiting the country for the first time than a new campaign slogan.
I wrote about Philippine tourism, “Moments of Truth in Philippine Tourism,” where I mentioned:
“Think about it! The moment a tourist boards a plane bound for the Philippines, the customer experience begins and ends the moment he steps back into an airplane bound for his country of origin. Is the customer experience what we’d like it to be if we were in his or her shoes? Today, I will stand by my observation that the customer experience in Philippine tourism experience is at its low side, not necessarily worst.”
Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., who announced the new tourism campaign slogan today, said the new brand campaign will be rolled out “this quarter in different key markets, along with its local tourism drive called #1 for fun Philippines.” He expects to attract 4.2 million tourists in 2012 using the campaign of which total project cost is still undisclosed. The tourism department’s landmark target in 2016 is to hit 10 million tourist arrivals.
The rectangular colored logo to the right of the slogan represents the Philippines using the idea of a “banig” (or a hand-woven native mat).
What do you think?
Source: Business World | ABS-CBN News
Images of photo from dot.gov.ph
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First International Skyrunning Race Set in the Philippines
Training climb at Mt. Ugo
The Pilipinas Akyathlon (Philippine Skyrunning), the country’s first ever international mountain trail high altitude race, is all set on February 18 at Mt. Ugo in Itogon, Benguet. The race will be a 32.88 km race going up the 2,150 meters above sea level summit of Mt. Ugo and back to the barangay hall of Tinongdan, Itogon.
The Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA), a non-stock, non-profit organization that started in January 2009, says this is the first of its kind in Asia to be accredited by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF). It is also part of the eco-tourism thrust of the PSA to advocate carry zero-waste and the use of recyclable and reusable materials in the said event. Thus, they have partnered with local environmentalist group, Cordillera Conservation Thrust (CCT).
Mt. Ugo is known for its annual summer climb which won last year in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ (ATOP) Search for Best Tourism Event in the Philippines under the Sports, Adventure and Wellness Category – Municipal Level.
Source: Philippine Information Agency
Photo by clariza at Flickr.com
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New Training Center in Philippines for Cebu Pacific Air
The ATR cockpit is state-of-the-art technology
Cebu Pacific Air and CAE, the world’s leader in aviation training, recently signed a joint venture agreement amounting to 40-50 million U.S. Dollars seeks to establish an aviation training center for airline companies in the Asia Pacific region. This center will be build inside the Clark Freeport Zone.
The new center will initially cater to pilot type-rating training and “wet” instructor-led type-training for the Airbus A319/320/321. Initial, recurrent, conversion and jet indoctrination training will be available to other Airbus operators. The state-of-the-art training center will be developed in consultation with CAE’s training facilities design team. It will initially be equipped with two Airbus A320 FFSs with capability to expand by two additional simulators.
The aviation academy is expected to provide training for other aviation personnel in the future, such as cabin crew, dispatch, ground handling personnel and cadets.
Read more at Market Watch (WSJ)
Photo from Cebu Pacific Air website
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Expanded Family Visa Bill in U.S. to Benefit Filipinos
United States tourist visa stamp on a passport
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure to expand the number of family visas for hopeful immigrants with relatives in the U.S. on Wednesday.
The legislation, which passed 389-15, was a rare example of bipartisan accord on immigration, an issue that largely has been avoided during the current session of Congress because of the political sensitivities involved. The bill, said its sponsor, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, “does encourage high-skilled immigrants who were educated in the U.S. to stay and help build our economy rather than using the skills they learned here to aid our competitor nations.”
Currently, the State Department issues about 140,000 such green cards a year to foreign nationals working in the United States, often after getting degrees from U.S. universities.
These visas cover relatives like sons and daughters, over the age of 21, of U.S. citizens; spouses and minor children of legal U.S. permanent residents; and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, among others.
The Obama administration in its first two years failed in several major efforts to change immigration law, and this year the issue has largely been off the table, with Republicans making clear that anything suggesting amnesty for those in the country illegally would be rejected.
The approved house bill will now go to the Senate for a vote.
Source: Balitang America | News Channel 8 | KIRO-TV
Photo from Dominica Weekly
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Something is Brewing in Greenhills
View of Greenhills Shopping Center from the roofdeck carpark
When someone wants to buy fake shoes, bags, shirts, watches, clothes, heck! Almost everything you’d imagine to be a copy. But there’s a transformation brewing inside Greenhills Shopping Center, hopefully to decongest the nighmarish traffic and improve its reputation for providing things beyond fake items.
I came across an e-mail from my high school alma mater’s (La Salle Green Hills) alumni association where it was encouraging members to invest in one of the four high-rise condominiums inside the shopping complex, in return for a portion of the list price being donated to the association’s projects like the adult night school, scholarship funds and outreach programs.
I didn’t know that for 80 years, Ortigas and Company has been developing prestigious communities such as Greenhills subdivisions, Greenmeadows and Valle Verde. There are newer development projects like the Luntala Valle Verde, Ortigas. However, Greenhills Shopping Center has been a melting pot of different religions, races and views for the past decades, and has been a hub for bargain hunters and value-shoppers, so to speak. Today, it is undergoing a redevelopment plan that hopes to transform itself into a complete live, work and play community.
The plan calls for doubling the shopping space that will enhance the “tiangge” shopping style while allowing for a wider array of well-known fashion and lifestyle brands. This will be supported by improvements in the entertainment corridor that includes more dining options, as well as cinemas that showcase the latest in digital technology. In the middle of these, the plan calls for bringing back the community gathering place feel, like the Avenida de Ortigas and the Spanish Steps. An underground parking is under development, to be operational by December this year. And soon, enjoy life in a more personal way at Viridian, the first luxury condominium to rise in Greenhills Shopping Center.
And so the saying goes, “A picture paints a thousand words.”
“Greenhills, I’m looking forward to this awesome transformation!”
Top title photo by elaineverri at Flickr.com
Other images and photos are the property of the La Salle Green Hills Alumni Association (LSGHAA) and GH Heritage Realty Inc.
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The redevelopment plan of Greenhills Shopping Center
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More shopping, dining and entertainment choices
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Artist's perspective of the redevelopment plans
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Some actual photographs
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Philippine Tourism Budget Increased for Mindanao
Colorful vinta sails overlooking Basilan Strait
The former Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), now called the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), has recently reported to allocate more money to develop the tourism industry in Mindanao. The southern region of the Philippines garnered a 35 percent share of the TIEZA budget, up from the usual seven to ten percent the past decade. This was announced by Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
She added that MinDA shall continue in its efforts to secure financing support for the Mindanao initiatives by engaging more public-private partnerships while advocating for a fair share in the national budget. According to the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), tourism development “can be a win-win for the economy and environment and must be pursued vigorously through policy reform and public investments. The promotion of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as premier ecotourism destination also provides substantial growth potential in Mindanao tourism.
Read more at Minda News
Photo by eric_m.e. at Flickr.com
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Philippines and Vietnam Sign Open Skies Agreement
Photo of Vietnam Airlines
The Philippines and Vietnam have recently signed its latest bilateral agreement in announcing an open skies deal, liberalization air rights between the two countries. Based on the new deal, Manila and Ho Chi Minh cities will both allow 2,650 seats per week of travel.
“The provision for unlimited flights to all points outside Manila is in line with the government’s efforts to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, while at the same time promote countryside development,” writes Paolo G. Montecillo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Source: Asia News Network
Photo by tuvancong2003 at Flickr.com
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TV5 and MMDA Introduces Metro Manila Traffic Navigator
InterAksyon of TV5 News and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) of the Philippines recently launched a traffic navigator that visually displays major intersections along each of the major thoroughfares of Epifano delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Espana Avenue, C5, Roxas Boulevard and the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX), and labels each according to a traffic category.
The rendition of the graphics is akin to subway and roadway maps people are familiar worldwide, like the United States, Canada and the U.K. Besides this familiar display, the “Line View” provides intersection per thoroughfare status. It also uses “Google Map” to display an actual view of the major thoroughfare and the traffic situation.
Below the page shows MMDA’s Facebook and Twitter updates.
Go to Metro Manila Traffic Navigator to experience something new
Image from the Metro Manila Traffic Navigator website
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New Philippine Tourism Video is a Remake But a Good One
Don’t get me wrong. It’s always awesome to promote your country of origin, especially doing so without expecting compensation in return. That’s exactly how these celebrities from the Philippines performed on the video. It is a remake of the old one created by the Department of Tourism but this time featuring new artists.
Is this better than the original one? What do you think?
– Like RA7 Travel at Facebook –
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Philippine Congress Backs Tourism Reforms Proposed by DOT Secretary
Visit of DOT Secretary Alberto Lim in Aurora (March 4-6, 2011). L-R: Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim.
Photo by edangara at Flickr.com
The House of Representatives of the Philippines is supporting Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim’s proposal to change and amend the rules and regulations of the Tourism Act of 2009. The reforms should inspire tourism industry to fulfill and carry out the intent of making the tourism industry a major player to the country’s economic growth.
Read more at PhilStar.com
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More Filipinos Support Local Tourism
8.4 million domestic passengers flew the Philippine friendly skies during the first half of 2010, ten percent higher than the same period last year. Cebu Pacific had 48% of the traffic while PAL garnered 34%. The rest fell on Air Philippines, Zest Air and Seair, respectively.
Read more at ABS-CBN News
Photo by kuuan at Flickr
82 Tourist Police Deployed in Central Philippines
Photo by Blackmantis (R.L.Black) at Flickr.com
Eighty-two new tourist police officers were recently deployed in tourist spots around the Central Visayas. The officers will man tourist police assistance centers in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. In addition to being trained in the usual skills to aid tourists, the police were taught scuba diving so they can assist in ocean emergencies. Another 60 officers are being trained for duty on Cebu because the province has so many beach resorts.
Source: World Travel Watch
Must-do in Boracay – Cliff Jumping!
The famous cliff jumping , snorkeling, swimming, delicious BBQ buffet lunch, unlimited drinks + Lots of Fun! at Ariel’s Point in Boracay.
Image from PRLog
Source: PRLog
Must-taste Street Food in the Philippines
Everywhere you look in the Philippines, it is common to find people crowding make shift or portable stalls in the streets. These street foods are easy to find outside school gates, churches, parks and even in malls where they offer most exotic delicacies. Let’s take a trip to the streets of the Philippines and rediscover Pinoy street food.
Photo from filipino-foods.com
Read more at Filipino Foods
Marriott launches timeshare program in the U.S. and the Caribbean
Image from marriott.com
Marriott Vacation Club on Monday launched a new points-based timeshare program in the U.S. and the Caribbean called Marriott Vacation Club Destinations.
The Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program allows owners to redeem Vacation Club points to travel within any of four Vacation Collections.
Read more at Orlando Business Journal
Philippine Airlines (PAL) Midnight Madness (again) on May 9
Taken from PAL's website
Selling and Ticketing Period from 12:01 am to 6:00 am, 09 May 2010. Valid only at www.philippineairlines.com. Limited seats only!
Below are the fares INCLUSIVE of surcharges and estimated taxes. Philippine Travel tax, other airport fees and charges are not included.
*For travel between Manila and USA, fares do not include USD56.70 U.S. Government Taxes and Fees including the September 11th Security Fee.
Note: Fare amounts are subject to change due to conversion rates.
The dates indicated in the “Book this fare” links are suggested travel dates only. You may change based on your preferred travel dates using the left hand search panel. Promo fares are on limited seats only. These fares may not be available in certain dates.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
| From MANILA |
Travel Dates |
Fare Basis |
Base Fare in USD |
Est. Taxes |
Total (Fare+ YQ+ Taxes) in USD |
|
| FIESTA (ECONOMY) CLASS Minimum/Maximum days: USA/Canada – 3 days/2 months |
||||||
| Las Vegas | 01-30 JUN10 |
BWEBNITE | 858 | 230* | 1,088 | Book this fare |
| Los Angeles | Book this fare | |||||
| San Francisco |
Book this fare | |||||
| Vancouver | 888 | 1,118 | Book this fare | |||
| Honolulu | XWEBNITE | 648 | 210* | 858 | Book this fare | |
| MABUHAY (BUSINESS) CLASS Minimum/Maximum days: USA/Canada – 3 days/6 months |
||||||
| Las Vegas | 16MAY- 30JUN10 |
IWEBNITE | 2,398 | 230* | 2,628 | Book this fare |
| Los Angeles | Book this fare | |||||
| San Francisco | Book this fare | |||||
| Vancouver | 2,428 | 2,658 | Book this fare | |||
| Honolulu | ZWEBNITE | 1,498 | 210* | 1,708 | Book this fare | |
Fare Conditions for International flights:
Fiesta (Economy) Class
- Changes are permitted at a charge of USD200
- No Show fee applies at USD 75
- Fare and surcharges are non-refundable
- No child discount/Infant without seat – 20% of adult fare
- Mileage Accrual applies
Mabuhay (Business) Class
- Changes are permitted at a charge of USD100
- No Show fee applies at USD 75
- Cancellations/Refund
Before Departure – permitted at a charge of USD 200
After Departure – Tickets and surcharges are non-refundable
Government taxes are refundable subject to Refund Service Fee - No child discount for unaccompanied minor
Accompanied child – 80% of adult fare
Infant with a seat – 80% of adult fare
Infant without a seat – 20% of adult fare - Mileage Accrual Applies
REGIONAL FLIGHTS
| From MANILA |
Travel Dates |
Fare Basis |
Base Fare in USD |
Est. Taxes |
Total (Fare+ YQ+ Taxes) in USD |
|
| FIESTA (ECONOMY) CLASS | ||||||
| Brisbane | 19MAY- 30JUN10 |
WEBNITE | 300 | 323.10 | 623.10 | Book this fare |
| Bangkok | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
80 | 103.70 | 183.70 | Book this fare | |
| Hong Kong | 85** | 65.50 | 150.60 | Book this fare | ||
| Jakarta | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
90 | 100 | 190 | Book this fare | |
| Fukuoka | 01-30 JUN10 |
350 | 100 | 450 | Book this fare | |
| Nagoya | 116.40 | 466.40 | Book this fare | |||
| Saigon | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
90 | 88 | 178 | Book this fare | |
| Singapore | 15JUN- 15JUL10 |
90.40 | 180.40 | Book this fare | ||
| Minimum/Maximum days: Australia – 2 days/15 days Japan – 2days/14 days Other Asian destinations - 2 days/8 days MABUHAY (BUSINESS) CLASS |
||||||
| Brisbane | 19MAY- 30JUN10 |
ZWEBNITE | 1,498 | 323.10 | 1,821.10 | Book this fare |
| Bangkok | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
438 | 103.70 | 541.70 | Book this fare | |
| Hong Kong | 443** | 65.50 | 508.50 | Book this fare | ||
| Jakarta | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
468 | 100 | 568 | Book this fare | |
| Fukuoka | 01-30 JUN10 |
788 | 100 | 888 | Book this fare | |
| Nagoya | 116.40 | 904.40 | Book this fare | |||
| Osaka | 118 | 906 | Book this fare | |||
| Saigon | 10MAY- 30JUN10 |
468 | 88 | 556 | Book this fare | |
| Singapore | 90.40 | 558.40 | Book this fare | |||
**Inclusive of HKG security surcharge
Fare Conditions for Regional flights:
Fiesta (Economy) class
- Flight application:
Manila to Hong Kong - Outbound valid on PR310/312 only / Inbound valid on any PR flight
Manila to Jakarta – Outbound valid on PR535 only / Inbound valid on any PR flight
All other destinations – Valid on any PR flight - Rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement not permitted
- Fare and surcharges are non-refundable
- No child discount/Infant without seat - 10% of adult fare
- Free Baggage Allowance:
Manila to Brisbane – 23K
All other destinations – 15K - Mileage Accrual:
Manila to Brisbane – 100%
All other destinations – 25% - Service Class Award Upgrade not permitted
Mabuhay (Business) Class
- Flight application:
Manila to Hong Kong - Outbound valid on PR310/312 only / Inbound valid on any PR flight
Manila to Jakarta – Outbound valid on PR535 only / Inbound valid on any PR flight
All other destinations – Valid on any PR flight - Rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement not permitted
- Fare and surcharges are non-refundable
- No child discount/Infant without seat – 10% of adult fare
- Free Baggage Allowance: 30K
- Mileage Accrual Applies
Other Midnight Specials
For tickets purchased during the promo period, get the following discounts from our partners. Presentation of the e-tickets to the participating hotels and establishments is required.
The passenger must be one of the guests availing of the hotel promotions. Partner hotel policies and terms & conditions shall apply.
| Partner Establishments | Discounts/Freebies |
| Hotels Manila |
|
| Century Park Hotel | Book 2 consecutive nights, get the third night free |
| Diamond Hotel | Book 2 consecutive nights, get the third night free. Applicable for club room inclusive of club amenities and access to the club lounge for breakfast, snacks and cocktails |
| Dusit Thani Manila | Book 2 consecutive nights, get the third night free. (3rd night is room only) |
| Mandarin Hotel | Paseo Uno – fantastic buffets to enjoy 15% discount off food; Club Suite Temptations - book 2 nights and get the 3rd night free (consecutive days stay) |
| Pan Pacific | 40% discount on Rack rates 20% discount on F & B |
| Resorts World | 25% discount on all F&B outlets at RWM (Passion, Ginzadon, Mercado, Noodle Works) will be extended to all passengers of PAL who will dine at RWM |
| Sofitel Philippine Plaza |
Book 2 nights and get the 2nd night at 50% off, based on best available rates. 10% discount on F & B and Spa. Offer valid from May 1-31, 2010 |
| The Peninsula Manila | Book 2 consecutive nights, get the third night free. |
| The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences |
One night FREE for every 2 nights stay |
| http://www.swiss-belhotel.com/ | Avail of and enjoy special rates and discounts from among the listed hotel partners |
| Bacolod | |
| Nature’s Village Resort | One free night for every two night stay |
| Batangas | |
| The Farm | Enjoy thirty percent (30%) discount on Published Room Rates |
| Boracay | |
| Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa | 50% off Best Available Rate across all room categories for stays from 1st June until 15th October. For passengers who travel to Kalibo on BUSINESS CLASS, |
| Cebu | |
| Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa | 25% discount from best available rate valid until July 31, 2010 |
| Laoag | |
| Fort Ilocandia | Book 2 consecutive nights (Deluxe Room), get the third night free. |
| Palawan | |
| El Nido Resorts | 1.Ten percent (10) discount on published rates, except during peak periods 2. Pay for 2-nights, get a third night free (2+1), except during peak periods |
| Lifestyle | |
| CATS Now and Forever | On a strictly limited basis, passengers who purchase one (1) round trip business class ticket to US, Canada, Australia or Japan during the May 9, 2010 Midnight Special are entitled to one (1) free ‘CATS Now and Forever’ orchestra ticket |
| Travel Club | 15% discount to customers who will purchase a minimum of P1,000 which will be valid for 6 months. |
Click here to know the complete details.
Keep on flying with PAL’s Soaring to 70 celebration!
Source: PAL Website
The Second Philippine Airlines (PAL) Midnight Sale
PAL is going to run another midnight sale on May 2, 2010, starting 12:01am up to 6:00am, Manila time.
Banner from PAL's website
Interested people are advised to visit PAL’s website starting May 1, 2010, at 6:00pm, Manila time, to know more about what’s at stake for their Midnight Special promotions.
Source: Philippine Airlines.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) Promo Ends in 3 hours
Promotion ends 6:00 AM today, April 25, 2010, Manila time. Go to http://www.philippineairlines.com
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL FLIGHTS
| From MANILA | Fare Basis |
Base Fare in USD |
Est. Taxes |
Total (Fare+ YQ+ Taxes) in USD |
|
 By Pinoy Nikonians at Flickr.com Travelling Period: San Francisco - 07May10, 08 May10 and 09May10 Australia and Asian – 26 April to 09 May10 Minimum/Maximum days: |
|||||
| Los Angeles | KWEBNITE | 798 | 287* | 1,085 |  Book this fare |
| San Francisco | Book this fare |
||||
| Brisbane | WEBNITE | 300 | 322.80 | 622.80 | Book this fare |
| Bangkok | 80 | 103.70 | 183.70 | Book this fare |
|
| Hong Kong | 75** | 65.50 | 140.50 | Book this fare |
|
| Jakarta | 80 | 100 | 180 | Book this fare |
|
| Saigon | 80 | 88 | 168 | Book this fare |
|
| Singapore | 80 | 90.30 | 170.30 | Book this fare |
|
- Valid for round trip travel on fiesta (economy) class
- Tickets and surcharges are non-refundable
- Rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement not permitted
- Child discount/Infant discount:
Los Angeles/San Francisco – No discount for child and infant with seat; Infant without seat - 20% of the fare
Regional destinations – No discount for child and infant with seat; Infant without seat - 10% of the fare - Free Baggage Allowance:
Los Angeles/San Francisco - 2 pieces at 50 lbs each
Australia – 23 kgs.
Asia – 15 kgs. - Mileage Accrual:
Australia – 100%
USA and Asia - 25% - Service Class Award Upgrade not permitted
DOMESTIC
| From/To MANILA | Base Fare in PHP ONE-WAY (PPS) |
Base Fare in PHP ONE-WAY (PMS) |
|
| Travelling Period: 27 April to 31 May 2010 |
|||
| Bacolod | - | 788 | Book this fare |
| Cagayan de Oro | - | 1,388 | Book this fare |
| Cebu | - | 788 | Book this fare |
| Cotabato | 70 | 788 | Book this fare |
| Davao | - | 1,388 | Book this fare |
| Dipolog | 70 | 788 | Book this fare |
| General Santos | - | 1,388 | Book this fare |
| Iloilo | - | 788 | Book this fare |
| Kalibo | 70 | - | Book this fare |
| Zamboanga | - | 1,388 | Book this fare |
| From/To Cebu | |||
| Davao | 70 | 788 | Book this fare |
- Valid for one way and combinable for roundtrip travel on fiesta (economy) class
- Fare includes surcharges and 12% VAT but excludes Aviation Security Fee
- Restricted for sales and ticketing in the Philippines
- Tickets and surcharges are non-refundable and non-reroutable
- Upgrading to higher fare is permitted provided that non-refundable amount remains non-refundable
- Rebooking due to upgrade is at PHP600 per coupon. Rebooking on the same booking class is not allowed
- Re-issuance is allowed at PHP600 per ticket
- No Show surcharge is PHP600 per sector
- Child discount/Infant discount
Infant without seat – 75% of the accompanying adult fare - Free Baggage Allowance is 15 kgs.
- No Mileage Accrual
Other Midnight Specials
For tickets purchased during the promo period, get the following discounts from our partners. Presentation of the e-tickets to the participating hotels and establishments is required.
Terms and conditions apply.
| Partner Establishments | Discounts/Freebies |
| Hotel | |
| Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa | 25% discount from best available rate |
| Makati Shangrila Hotel | Get one (1) complimentary Dim Sum Plus when you feast with six or more guests at Shang Palace of Makati Shangrila Hotel – Manila. Available for lunch from Mondays to Saturdays (except holidays), for only Php 810* per person. May 1 – June 30, 2010 |
| Mandarin Hotel | Paseo Uno – fantastic buffets to enjoy 15% discount off food; Club Suite Temptations - book 2 nights and get the 3rd night free ( consecutive days stay) |
| Pan Pacific | 40% discount on Rack rates 20% discount on F & B |
| Resorts World | 25% discount on all F&B outlets at RWM. Valid from May to December 2010 |
| Sofitel | 10% discount on all room rates. F & B and spa. |
| The Farm | 30% discount on Published room rates (SULU terraces or PALMERA Suites); Book a Garden Villa and get 1 night FREE |
| www.swiss-belhotel.com | Avail of and enjoy special rates and discounts from among the listed hotel partners |
| Lifestyle | |
| Travel Club | 15% discount to customers who will purchase a minimum of P1,000 |
U.S. State Deparment and Embassy in the Philippines Issues Travel Warning
Logo from US State Department webiste
The Embassy of the United States in the Philippines issues a travel warning to all American citizens in or about to travel to the country. The message relays warnings of caution for the following areas:
- Central and western portions of Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago due to bombings and sporadic clashes between lawless groups and the Philippine Armed Forces. U.S. Government employees must seek special permission to travel to these areas;
. - Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines;
. - The Philippine government declared a state of emergency for the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, and Cotobato City as a result of election-related violence;
. - Exercise hieghtened caution in public gathering places where events may occur in relation to the May 2010 elections and June inauguration
The warning also encourages U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S Embassy in Manila through the State Department’s travel registration website or visit the Embassy office in Manila. The 24-hour telephone number in Manila is +63 (2) 301-2000.
Source: U.S. Embassy, Manila Philippines
New Security Checks for Flights to the United States (USA)
Photo by Reto Kurmann at Flickr.com
President Obama has signed off on new security protocols for people flying to the United States, establishing a system that uses intelligence information and assessment of threats to identify passengers who could have links to terrorism, a senior administration official said Thursday.
The new approach will replace a broader layer of extra scrutiny that had been imposed recently on all passengers from 14 countries, most of which are Muslim.
The change, which will be announced Friday by the Department of Homeland Security, is the result of a review of security at international airports ordered by Mr. Obama after the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit. The system, which will be put in place this month, applies only to travelers flying into the United States.
Read more at the NY Times.
6 Canadian Cities Out of 50 Attract More Migrants
Photo by Great Beyond in Flickr.com
Calgary, Waterloo, Ottawa, Vancouver, St. John’s and Richmond Hill have what migrants are looking for when choosing where to locate, according to the Conference Board’s second report assessing the attractiveness of Canadian cities. The performance of these cities is compared on 41 indicators grouped across seven categories: Society, Health, Economy, Environment, Education, Innovation, and Housing.
For migrants with a university degree, the Education category matters the most (21 per cent) in the decision to locate, followed by Society (20 per cent), Innovation (19 per cent) and Economy (13 per cent). Migrants without a university education consider, in an overwhelming fashion, that the Economy category matters the most (33 per cent) and followed by Society (20 per cent).
Read the details of the overall grades and performance by category at the Conference Board of Canada of CNW Group Ltd.
