Hong Kong Casino Giant Melco May Partner with Henry Sy Jr.

News broke today that casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (MPEL) is exploring options to open a casino in the Philippines. The company is said to be partnering on a billion-dollar casino resort in Manilla, the capital city. The latest rumors have Melco partnering with the Philippines’ richest man Henry Sy Jr. The deal would see a 50-50 joint venture between the casino, hotels, and entertainment available at the property.

The city, which had 1.7 million people as of 2010, is the second most populous city in the nation. The Philippines are hoping to turn a portion of the Manilla region into a gaming area similar to the Las Vegas strip.

Read more at Seeking Alpha

Photo by paomont at Flickr.com

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More on How to Help Typhoon Sendong Victims

More updates on how to help Typhoon Sendong (Washi) victims in Mindanao through the United Nations, Canadian Red Cross and the La Salle community – donations, volunteers, wire transfer and bank deposits. PLEASE SHARE!

Image from various sources

Image from various sources compiled by Raffy Pekson II

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Filipina Baby is 7th Billion Inhabitant

Danica Camacho seen with her mother Camille

Newly-born baby girl Danica Camacho is the world’s symbolic seven billionth baby who was born at Fabella Maternity hospital in Manila, Philippines today, Monday October 31, 2011. India also greeted its version of the 7 billionth person on earth.

It took only a dozen years to make the leap from 6 billion. And according to the same projections found in this year’s State of the World Population report from the UNFPA, the population will top 9 million by 2050 and 10 billion by the end of this century.

Total population is still climbing, but the rate of growth peaked in the 1960s at about 2 percent. It has steadily declined since then, although it remains well above replacement level in places like sub-Saharan Africa, where it still tops 2 percent.

Read more at The Christian Science Monitor

Photo from The Christian Science Monitor

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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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Paris Hilton to Visit Philippines Soon

Photo from ParisHilton.com

Paris Hilton will soon be visiting Manila and is looking forward to seeing her fans out there! Check back on her website for more updates and an official announcement on August 17th!

The Paris Hilton Brand already has three existing stores in the Philippines: Robinson Place, Newport City Mall and Abreeza Mall in Davao City. These stores offer her Handbags & Accessories line, including fragrances and watches.

Last week, her website announced a brand new Paris Hilton store that opened it’s doors for the first time this week in SM MegaMall. This will be the 4th store to open in the Philippines.

Source: ParisHilton.com

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Filipina-American Continues to Help Her Native Philippines

Made in the Philippines

Photo by famapa at Flickr.com

At 75, Linda Hoops, the wife of H. Ray Hoops, the former president of the University of Southern Indiana, is constantly on the go. Last month she led a session at a panel discussion of chefs on emerging trends in Colorado and she recently helped arrange for an internship for a Philippine student to work at Zuki restaurant in Evansville.

When Hoops saw a successful program in her native Philippines, she felt compelled to find a way for the same program to make a difference in Evansville. The program was the brainchild of childhood friends in Manila. Lulu Trinidad-Ocampo adapted a technique of weaving folded newspaper sheets into bags and wallets. She realized the skill could be a source of livelihood for those in need and developed it into the “Bags for Life” program.

Hoops learned of the program on one of her yearly visits to the Philippines. She brought back a suitcase full of the bags to sell and use for not-for-profit auctions here. But she believes it could become a cottage industry here as well.

Read more at Evansville Courier & Press

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The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Manila on June 24

Photo by christinyca at Flickr.com

Lunchbox Theatrical Production Limited is bringing to Manila the musical presentation simply billed as “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) starting on June 24, 2011. With its state-of-the-art technology and great images and footages to go with the songs, audiences will definitely fall in love again (as we did!) with the master’s music from 14 of the world’s best-loved musicals. The show is directed by Stuart Maunder.

“The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” will be at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo until July 3. Tickets priced at P700 to P6,000 are available at all Ticketnet outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall and Starmall Pampanga), and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 5, and Trinoma Mall cinema booths) and Ticketworld Office at 6793 Ayala Ave., Makati City. A Family Package is available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows only. Senior citizens and students get discounts too.

To read more, go to Manila Bulletin Online

Vonage Offers Unlimited Calling to the Philippines and USA

Image from Vonage.com

Vonage gives you exactly what you need to stay in touch with everyone you know – and keeps it simple with a flat, low monthly rate. From from Manhattan to Manila, Los Angeles to Makati City, now you can call for less. That’s the promise of Vonage and the beauty of VoIP.

VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make phone calls using your high speed Internet connection instead of a phone line. Vonage converts sound into data, sends it over the Internet, and converts it back into sound at the other end. The people you talk with will never know the difference, because a VoIP call sounds just like a regular phone call. We connect your phone to the Internet, helping you to reach anyone anywhere for less.

In order to use Vonage service, you will need the following:

• A high speed Internet connection such as Cable or DSL
• A US or Puerto Rico billing and shipping address
• A Vonage Phone Adapter
• Any touch-tone phone, corded or cordless

No contract. No commitment.

For a limited time, sign up online and save more than $100

• Free phone adapter
• Free priority shipping
• Free activation

Standard Included Features

• Caller ID with Name
• Call Waiting
• Voicemail Plus®
• Call Transfer
• Enhanced Call Forwarding
• 3-Way Calling
• Caller ID Block
• Call Return
• Do Not Disturb
• Anonymous Call Block
• Repeat Dialing
• International & Directory Assistance Block
• Call Hunt
• Ring Lists
• Vonage Access
• Bandwidth Saver®
• Network Availability Number®
• Click-2-Call®
• Vonage Online Account
• 211 Dialing
• 311 Dialing
• 411 Enhanced Dialing
• 511 Traveler Information
• 711 Dialing
• 811 Dialing
• 1-700-WEATHER
• 1-700-GREETINGS

For more information, visit Vonage

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

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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

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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, booking in a Deluxe room will be automatically upgraded to a Deluxe Seaview subject to space availability. Passengers must confirm hotel booking (036 288 4929 or reservation.slbo@shangri-la.com) within 2 weeks of purchasing PAL ticket to Kalibo.
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

Manila’s The Ultimate Taste Test Season 4 – Are You Ready?

Popular Manila food, travel and lifestyle blogger Anton Diaz is now running this seasonal food rave at a much bigger scale – the NBC Tent inside The Fort. It is set on May 14 to accommodate 1,000 guests to be wined and dined by 45 food providers, from 9 providers of starters and appetizers to 13 providers for the main course and ending in 16 supplliers of desserts, mixed with 6 drinks suppliers’ beer, soda, coffee and water.

Poster by OAP at Flickr.com

“It’s a gastronomical entourage of a different kind of binge!” I laughed when I heard that phrase from someone who once went to Anton’s UTT fest. You have to reserve to get invited.

Read more at Our Awesome Planet and fancy going to a chance in a lifetime event. I am

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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

Typhoon Mirinae Is Coming To Town (Philippines)

Click the image to enlarge.

Path of Typhoon Mirinae to the Philippines

Why Cruise Ships Do Not Pass-by the Philippines

My uncle in the U.S. recently forwarded this e-mail message to me. After I read it, I realized it answered a long forgotten question in my mind why Manila was not a destination-of-choice of the cruise ships. I recently got involved with the travel service business and wished there were cruise ships that stopped by the Philippines.

I do hope that our electoral bets for the 2010 elections could find a way to fix this erring and embarrassing situation because I’m not banking at the current administration for a “change for the good.” The writer is right to say that each ship brings thousands tourists wherever they stop. Even to stopover for two nights or so already brings in thousands of tourist Dollars that could help further boost our tourism industry. Please share this story to them.

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Hmmmm… I’m not really sure (if this) is the only reason: I know there’s the security involved for the American passengers (remember the kidnapping scandals?) At least, that’s what Tess Tumaneng’s version was (from Princess Cruises). There is a large presence of Al Queda members in our country plus our famous “mandurukots,” of course. Judge for yourself and please read below. When you think of it, why are cruise ships docking at Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Korea and other (cities), and they’re no better than Manila or Cebu?

This was written by a Pinoy couple who now lives in the US.

(I) would like to share with you what we found out as the reason why cruise ships of the big cruise companies skip Manila. My wife and I are regular cruisers and we always talk to the Filipino crew. When we took the 12-day Mediterranean cruise I asked the Pinoy waiters (because we are in a big group, we usually request for Pinoy waiters to be assigned to us) why all their Asian cruises skip Manila when they go to all the neighboring countries of the Philippines. “Tanong ko bakit ba wala sa itinerary ninyo ang Manila?“

Ang sagot sa akin: “Noong una ho may cruises kami na humihinto sa Manila (subali’t) masyado hong matakaw ang mga taga Customs sa atin kaya ang management ho namin nag decide na i-skip na ang Manila. When inspection time comes upon our arrival and departure, yung mga Customs inspectors ho kasama ang mga pamilya nila para kumain ng libre sa ship namin. Tapos bago magbigay ng clearance para maka-depart ang ship namin maraming hinihingi ng sigarilyo at mga alak. Sa Manila lang namin na experience ang ganoon kaya nahihiya ho kaming mga Pinoy dito sa ship. Sa ibang ports sa Asia wala hong nanghihingi.

The new cruise ships have an everage of 2,000 to 3,000 passengers. Imagine the loss of tourism revenue for the Philippines because most cruise ships do not go to the Philippines. WHY???

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How can the back crawl?

Qantas Holidays and Viva! Holidays in the Philippines

Qantas Holidays and Viva! Holidays announce the release of the new Philippines product range. As the only major wholesaler currently selling the 2009/2010 range of Philippines holiday packages, the focus is on offering a ‘one stop shop’ option for agents and their clients. A comprehensive selection of almost 30 different hotels spread across regions including Manila, Cebu, Mactan Island, Boracay, Palawan and Bohol, giving agents the opportunity to create unique and varied holidays for honeymooners, couples, adventure travellers and families. Options include packages such as five nights accommodation including breakfast at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort from $460 per person, twin share. Valid for travel on selected dates from 31 August – 30 September 2009.

For more information or to book, call 13 27 87 or visit qantasholidays.com.au/agents.

Source: Travel Blackboard.

Asia Journalism Internships

The Asia New Zealand Foundation (www.asianz.org.nz) is offering three journalism internships at Asia-based news media organisations. Applications are now open for the two or three month long internships which are to be undertaken in 2010. The three host media organisations are the Philippine Star in Manila, CNBC Asia in Singapore and the International Herald Tribune in Hong Kong. Note that the internships are unpaid. The Asia New Zealand Foundation will provide $NZ5000 to cover return flights with the balance to go to accommodation and other expenses. Participants will be generally responsible for their own travel, insurance, accommodation and living expenses during the internships.

For more information, click here to read the New Zealand site Scoop.

Old Manila Walks

The website introduces itself like this: “We’re a bunch of passionate, obsessive and saucy ‘street walkers’(!) determined to walk and talk about one thing: the history, the culture and the heritage plus everything over, under, outside, inside this city of our affections – Manila.”

Old Manila Walks operates on a simple principle: to have you experience the best of historic Manila – one step at a time.

Click here to go to Old Manila Walks.

MTV Exit 2009 Concert Tour

The MTV Exit 2009 concert tour starts on May 22, 2009 at concert grounds of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), starting at 2:00 PM. The main concert starts at 6:00 PM. Entertainers include Bamboo, Callalily, Christian Baustisa, Duster, Gary Valenciano, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Kitchie Nadal, Kjwan, Moy Moy Palaboy, Parokya ni Edgar, Pochoy Labog, Pupil, Rico Blanco and Spongecola. Visit MTV-Philippines to get your free tickets.