Travel and Tourism

Gen. Santos City – long regarded as the country’s Tuna Capital – is fast earning a new reputation: farm tourism hub of Mindanao. The recent 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference, organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) with support from the City Government of Gen. Santos, made this possible. “At the heart of farm tourism lies a simple …

Batan Island – gateway to Batanes – is one of three main islands of the province (the other two – Sabtang and Itbayat). It is also site of four of the province’s six municipalities, including Basco, the provincial capital.   Visitors can circumnavigate the island in less than a day but touring the island should be done at leisure, the north …

Looking for a different kind of family getaway this summer? Alaminos, Pangasinan, just might be for you. Alaminos offers a unique balance between relaxation and adventure – away from the maddening crowd that accumulate at well-known tourist destinations. With its scenic beauty and laid-back charm, it allows you to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy a rustic environment without venturing …

An Austrian company called CycloTech has developed a new technology – called CycloRotors – the latest flying car innovation with engines that let the vehicle move easily in any direction — up, down, forward, or sideways. CycloTech recently introduced a flying test vehicle named BlackBird, an electric vehicle designed for vertical take-off and landing. Hans-Georg Kinsky, CycloTech CEO, said, “With …

Leading corporate executives expressed support for the fare increase in Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), reasoning that it is within the operator’s contract with government. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), which comprises the country’s tycoons and business leaders, said it “stands for the sanctity of contract and the rule of law.” “MAP favors the approval of the …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is searching for a general consultant for the EDSA Greenways Project, a 4.7-kilometer elevated walkway along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare. DOTr said the general consultant will help manage the project, in addition to supervising the construction. The expert will provide transaction advisory service for the selection of private sector partners who will operate and maintain the …

The government has met with aviation companies in Canada, discussing potential expansion in the Philippines, while local airlines move to bolster their maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service capabilities. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said this was critical in her itinerary on her official trip to Canada this month. Roque added that Cebu Pacific and AirAsia …

Region 2 of the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Cagayan Valley, which includes the picturesque island of Batanes, recommends that tourists refrain from engaging in “do-it-yourself” (DIY) travel, warning it may spoil their experience. DoT 2 Regional director Troy Alexander Miano said, “Batanes is not for DIY travelers. They should coordinate with our available tour operators and tour guides because …

The Philippine passport earned global recognition for its unique design, landing a spot on Hypebeast’s list of the world’s most aesthetic passports. Hypebeast – a contemporary culture and lifestyle company – praised the passport’s “iconic Philippine eagle” design, which is printed on its flip cover. The eagle symbolizes strength and freedom, making it a fitting emblem for Filipino travelers. “After …

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently renewed the lease of the 61-hectare land occupied by Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between BCDA and MIAA for the P48-billion property. BCDA Chairman Hilario Paredes – accompanied by president and CEO Joshua Bingcang, …