You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label Palawan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Palawan. Show all posts

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Palawan reigns as the 'most preferred tourist destination' for Filipinos, survey says




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The Filipinos have spoken—Palawan is their most preferred tourist destination in the country.

In the recent Pahayag 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2), the top travel destinations preferred by Filipinos were revealed, showing Palawan ranking first on the list.

“Palawan emerged as the most preferred travel destination, with an impressive 23 percent of respondents expressing their desire to visit the breathtaking province," the survey bared.

"Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity, Palawan has captured the hearts of many Filipinos," it added.

The study provided valuable insights into the travel preferences of Filipinos and highlights the diverse choices among different regions of the country.

Aside from Palawan, Baguio, Cebu, Siargao, and Aklan also claimed their spots in the Top 5.

"Baguio City, tagged as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, secured the second position, with 16 percent of respondents selecting it as their preferred destination. Famous for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Baguio City continues to attract travelers seeking a unique experience," the survey firm stated.

"Cebu and Siargao claimed the third and fourth spots, respectively, with nine percent of respondents choosing Cebu and nine percent opting for Siargao. Notably, Cebu stood out as the preferred destination among Visayans, with a significant 21 percent of respondents from the region expressing their interest in visiting the province. Siargao, on the other hand, captivated the attention of Mindanaoans, with 13 percent of respondents from the region selecting it as their preferred destination," it added.

Moreover, Aklan, home to the renowned Boracay Island, garnered eight percent of the respondents' preference.

"The stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Boracay continue to attract visitors from around the world," the firm said.

In addition, boasting its picturesque landscapes and unique culture, Batanes secured six percent of the respondents' preference, particularly favored by residents of North-Central Luzon with a significant 10 percent expressing their desire to visit.

Bohol and Davao also made it to the list, with 4 percent and 3 percent of respondents selecting them, respectively.

"Davao, popular for its natural wonders and vibrant city life, resonated well with Mindanaoans, with 10 percent of respondents from the region showing interest in exploring the province," the survey firm said.

The survey results underline the diverse preferences and interests of Filipinos when it comes to travel destinations, it was highlighted.

"The enchanting beauty of Palawan, the charm of Baguio City, and the cultural experiences offered by Cebu, Siargao, Aklan, Batanes, Bohol, and Davao have all contributed to their popularity among travelers," Pahayag noted.

"The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing the unparalleled beauty and attractions of the country with the launch of its new tagline, 'LOVE the Philippines'. This new tagline encapsulates the spirit of appreciation and admiration for the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality that the Philippines has to offer," it added.

The PQ2 is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. from June 7 to 12 2023. It is a nationwide purposive survey with 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from a market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos.

Only registered Filipino voters were included in the sample, ensuring that the results accurately represent the sentiments of the voting population, it was disclosed.

Friday, November 11, 2022

PH gets recognition anew; Palawan topped the 21st Wanderlust awards

by Jun Marcos Tadios, MB

Palawan was hailed as the Most Desirable Island in the world at the recently concluded 21st Wanderlust Travel Awards in the United Kingdom (UK), the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Thursday, Nov. 10.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the new recognition of Palawan reflects the beauty and competitiveness of the Philippines in word spectacle. 

photo: DOT

The award was given on Wednesday, Nov. 9, by the prestigious Wanderlust travel magazine.

Cebu was also nominated this year as the Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) by the award-giving body.

“On behalf of the Department of Tourism, we thank the readers of Wanderlust Magazine for their love and support for the Philippines!” said Frasco, adding, “The recognition reflects the effort of the government to revive the tourism industry.”

Frasco vowed that the DOT and its attached agencies would continue to herald the beauty and rich culture of the Filipino people.

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“Rest assured that we will continue with our mission to herald the Philippines and the Filipino brand to the world and to ensure the continued sustainability of our islands,” she noted.

The Philippine Tourism Board, through the Philippine Department of Tourism-Central Visayas Office, also placed 6th among hundreds of entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category for its Dive7 Program.

Earlier this year, Conde Nast Travel (CNT) also named the Philippines among the 40 most beautiful countries worldwide, specifically citing the remarkable cave system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the mysteriously uniform Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the panoramic views of the Banaue and Cordilleras Rice Terraces.

The following month, the renowned Travel + Leisure magazine also named the country’s tourist magnets Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu part of the 25 Best Islands in the World.

Time Magazine also lauded Boracay as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.

In September, the Philippines topped Asia’s leading dive, and beach destination, while the historic Walled City of Intramuros was Asia’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards (WTA) in Vietnam. 

The series of awards added to the country’s long list of recognitions earned at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Palawan's Ed Nido under rehabilitation


148SHARES821
Robertzon Ramirez (The Philippine Star)

No total shutdown; 22 establishments closed

MANILA, Philippines — After Boracay, the government has launched a rehabilitation program for another top tourist destination, the resort town of El Nido in Palawan.
The rehabilitation starts with the shutdown of 22 tourism-oriented establishments found violating various environmental laws, including being built too close to the  sea, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said yesterday.

Unlike in Boracay, however, there will be no total shutdown of El Nido, where several of the high-end resorts of Palawan are located.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) urged the government to study carefully the proposal to close tourist spots in El Nido and Coron in Palawan for rehabilitation.
Puyat told a press conference in Quezon City that although a total closure of El Nido may not be necessary, the government is looking at the possibility of imposing limits on the number of tourists to be allowed in the resort town. 
“The local government in El Nido, Palawan said they closed 22 establishments,” Puyat said.
Local officials of El Nido met yesterday with Puyat, Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu and Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the DILG office in Quezon City. 
Their three departments were tasked to rehabilitate Boracay when it was closed to tourists at the height of the travel season this year. 
Boracay was shut down in April and reopened on Oct. 26.
Puyat said the Palawan Interagency Task Force composed of DOT, DENR and DILG is set to conduct rehabilitation efforts for El Nido to prevent the looming pollution problem from getting worse.
Yesterday, the task force started its consultation with stakeholders and the local government of El Nido to chart the course of action in rehabilitating the town.
Año said what will be discussed or agreed upon in the series of meetings with the local government, environmental organizations and others will be the basis of the recommendation that the Palawan Task Force will submit to President Duterte.
The President had previously ordered the six-month total closure of Boracay in Aklan province, to give way to rehabilitation following massive water pollution and waste disposal problems.
Año said the overcrowding situation in El Nido is not as massive as it was in Boracay, thus the total closure of the town to tourists while undergoing rehabilitation may not be necessary. 
“With the help of the local government units, we can also come up with a security task force to guard El Nido. It has 45 islands and we must secure all of those if we want to preserve El Nido as a top tourist destination,” he added.
For his part, Environment Secretary Cimatu said he had already ordered an increased presence of DENR personnel in El Nido and the nearby municipality of Coron, to ensure environmental compliance of business establishments operating at the two tourists destinations.
“We have to be very strict in El Nido and Coron. We will dedicate a big portion of the DENR presence there to focus on environmental compliance,” Cimatu said.
Cimatu said ensuring the environmental compliance of the business establishments, particularly when it comes to the disposal of their solid and water wastes, is among the aspects of Task Force Palawan’s rehabilitation program.
“We are still finalizing the timeline for the rehabilitation program, but there will be three aspects. The environmetal compliance aspect, the DILG aspect which involves the issue of business permits and building constructions, and the tourism side,” Cimatu said.
As far as the meeting is concerned, Puyat said she is pushing local government officials to create a local ordinance that would limit the number of boats entering the lagoon. 
Puyat said the officials have promised to implement the ordinance by December this year. 

Dialogue for rehab

PCCI said the government should hold a dialogue with key stakeholders to map out rehabilitation plans before considering the closure of resorts.
In addition, the PCCI said concerned local government units should take a more proactive role in identifying and cleaning up their respective illegal waste disposal and sewer problems instead of waiting for the national government to come in and intervene.
“Closing El Nido and Coron will not be good for business, particularly for the legitimate industry stakeholders who will suffer the most from cancellation of bookings and reservations for the coming months,” PCCI said.
It added the move would affect the local communities and many jobs.
Instead, the group said the government should shut down or impose heavy fines only on establishments that are proven to have committed violations of environmental codes.
PCCI also said erring officials should be charged or removed from office.
About a million tourists visit Palawan every year, with the bulk going to El Nido and Coron.
Tourist arrivals in El Nido in particular reached 200,000 last year.
Given the six-month closure of Boracay island for rehabilitation, tourist arrivals in El Nido are expected to be higher this year.

No weapons

Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday defended Duterte’s decision to bar other countries from stockpiling weapons in Palawan, saying it would protect the province from being a “flaming collateral damage” in case conflict escalates in the South China Sea. 
Last week, Duterte said he would not allow other countries to store firearms or ammunition in Palawan, the western Philippine province nearest to the disputed areas in the South China Sea. 
Duterte, who has been accused of being soft on China on the maritime row, has said there is a “great risk” that Palawan might be caught in the crossfire between feuding parties in the area. He has also stressed that the Philippines is not ready for a war over the disputed areas.
Reacting to Duterte’s pronouncement, American analyst Anders Corr said the restriction would leave Palawan militarily vulnerable to China’s advantage.
But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo maintained that Duterte’s decision reflects the Philippine leader’s “acumen and diplomacy in dealing with the issue.”
“The President has embarked on a cautious, pragmatic, diplomatic yet independent stand on how to deal with the favorable arbitral ruling. The President has a wealth of information at his disposal, which is not readily available to ordinary citizens or foreigners, hence he is in the best position to decide on international matters that affect the welfare of the nation,” Panelo said.  – With Elizabeth Marcelo, Louella Desiderio, Alexis Romero, Catherine Talavera

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Philippine Government on top of Palawan Situation

‘Government on top of Palawan situation’

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The US and the UK have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about supposed plans by terrorists to kidnap foreigners in Palawan, including in the capital Puerto Princesa City and areas surrounding the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. File
MANILA, Philippines - The government is on top of the situation in Palawan.

Malacañang gave the assurance yesterday after the US and the United Kingdom warned their citizens against traveling to the province, citing terrorist threats.
The US and the UK have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about supposed plans by terrorists to kidnap foreigners in Palawan, including in the capital Puerto Princesa City and areas surrounding the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
The warnings came after the US, UK and several other foreign governments cautioned their citizens about kidnapping threats in Bohol, the site of a clash that left five Abu Sayyaf militants and four government troopers dead last month. 
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the military and police are working closely to thwart any terrorist activity in Palawan, a known tourist site. 
“Public safety is everyone’s concern. We assure everyone that the government is on top of the situation and authorities, particularly those in the Western Command which covers the province of Palawan, are on heightened alert to prevent any untoward incidents,” Abella said. 
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“All units and assets are being utilized to ensure maximum security to deny any terrorist group’s entry and access in the high seas and coastal areas,” he added. 
Abella said the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police and the local government of Palawan “are in close coordination in enforcing law and order.”
“We urge everyone’s cooperation, including residents and tourists, to be mindful and immediately report to law enforcement units any questionable individual or activity in the areas,” Abella said. 
President Duterte has ordered the military to “shoot on sight” Abu Sayyaf bandits, saying the situation is “a problem of security, law and order.” 
“My order to the security forces is stalk, shoot them on sight. Kill them, do not waste your bullet, then we take care of them in hospital. Expend your bullet to finish the problem because it is really a problem,” Duterte stressed in a press conference on Wednesday.
“If you encounter them, kill them. Filipinos are in great number. Next year there will be more – there will be about 125 million of us. We can always replenish the supply, do not worry,” he added. – Roel Pareño

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Slices of Boracay / Palawan Beaches in Quezon

SHARES: 507
Inquirer Southern Luzon
By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.
 “BORAWAN” is among Quezon province’s emerging destinations         DELFIN P. MALLARI III
“BORAWAN” is among Quezon province’s emerging destinations DELFIN P. MALLARI III
Dreaming of strolling on the powdery, white sand beaches of Boracay or spending a day marveling at rock formations of Palawan?
In Padre Burgos town in Quezon province, some 160 kilometers from Metro Manila, this “dream vacation” can be had without busting one’s pockets.
Padre Burgos, a quiet coastal town in the Bondoc Peninsula, has been steadily attracting visitors to its serene beaches and modest accommodations minus the boisterous crowd.
Beach lovers can explore three destinations along the Tayabas Bay—Borawan, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin—in a single package tour.
Jose Nañola, boat dispatcher at the pier in Barangay Campo, says more than 20 boats ferry 10 to 20 tourists who want to enjoy beach-hopping for P1,800.
Most tourists prefer visiting the Puting Buhangin (white sand) first, which is an hour’s boat ride from the port, followed by a 30-minute travel to Dampalitan. The final stop is a 15-minute travel to Borawan before guests are ferried back to the port.
For those choosing a single destination, the boatmen charge a lower fare.
“Tourists can even stay overnight in one place and they would be fetched by the boatman the next day using the same rate,” Nañola said.
‘Borawan’

A trip to Borawan costs P800 while beach-hopping to Borawan and Dampalitan costs P1,200. A direct trip to Puting Buhangin, the farthest of the three destinations, costs P1,800.
Borawan, one of the popular destinations located in the village of Lipata, got its name from a combination of its white sand beach and rock formations likened to the features of Boracay Island and Palawan. Locals say its name was coined by three Catholic priests who came when it was still unheard of among tourists.
The place, being operated by the Metro Manila-based Borawan Island Resort, is a 15-minute boat ride from the port.
For P150, a guest can experience a day of strolling along the white sand beach and dip in its crystal clear seas. An overnight stay would cost a visitor P220.
Students and senior citizens are charged P115 and P180, respectively. Children aged 4 years old and below are free of charge.
The resort has 22 huts, rented out for P850 to P1,200 each. It is divided into three stations: an area for huts and cottages, the “tent city” where guests stay in tents, and an area where eight air-conditioned hotel rooms featuring a restaurant and bar.
At Station 2 is a small variety store selling soda, bottled water and other food items.
A tent can be rented for P500 for 24 hours. A guest who wants to pitch their own tent would have to pay P200 to P250 for the space.
“The place may look costly for ordinary beach bums. But having a slice of Boracay and Palawan in one place is a thrilling experience,” said Ronald Garcia, a resident of Metro Manila who visited the Borawan recently with his friends.
A generator set lights up bulbs at the resort at night. Campfires are prohibited.
Beach lovers have started to notice Borawan in 2010 after a television show featured its natural charm.
Puting Buhangin
The more adventurous can trek and explore the four caves in the village overlooking the Tayabas Bay. Local tour guides are available for a modest fee.
An ideal place to commune with nature is Puting Buhangin beach in Pagbilao town, where the rock formation called Kuwebang Lampas (roughly translated, “see-through cave”) is among its iconic features.
The cave, partially submerged in clear waters, has another entrance at the other side of the rocky cliff.
Most visitors stay inside the cave for photo shoots and snorkeling. A guest is charged P80 for a day trip and P160 for an overnight stay. The place is being operated by Pagbilao Development Corp.
Dampalitan
The beach, located in Barangay Ibabang Polo, can also be reached through an 18-km trip from the Maharlika Highway. Guests have to park their vehicles far from the beach and walk for 15 minutes to reach the area.
The resort offers free tent space for guests. A tent can also be rented for P400 for a day.
For P60, a visitor can experience Dampalitan’s fresh air and pristine waters.
Its shoreline features 20-year-old agojo trees that provide shade to visitors.
The family-owned resort in Dampalitan offers simple amenities to their guests—huts with bamboo beds (papag) at P1,000 for an overnight stay; mobile phone charging  at P30; and free use of toilets and shower rooms but guests have to pay P400 for a drum of water.
Tourists are also allowed to pitch their own tents in any part of the island. A picnic table can be rented for P300 a day.
Local fishermen offer their fresh catch to resort guests. The resort staff can cook these for visitor or they can grill them beside their picnic tables.
These beach resorts are secured by private guards assisted by local policemen, barangay watchmen and local radio communication groups to ensure the safety of visitors.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Salute to Valor: Palawan - 70 Years of Freedom


Palawan to host event honoring Filipino-American WWII veterans 70 years after

Palawan is not the first to come to mind when it comes to Philippine World War II history. But for Dr Ricardo Jose of the UP Third World Center Studies, Palawan was one of the most strategic spots in the region.

“It covers the western flank of the Philippines, it covers the West Philippine Sea, and before WWII broke out, the Americans didn’t realize this. There were no significant fortifications in the area,” he said.

Palawan is actually one of the many places in the country with a grim past. On December 14, 1944, American prisoners of war numbering 139 were massacred by Japanese forces in Plaza Cuartel. By jumping off a cliff, 11 soldiers survived and were kept from harm by Palaweños.

As part of the campaign to liberate the Philippines, the US liberation forces invaded Palawan from February 28 to April 22, 1945. A Palawan special battalion composed of 1,000 Filipino guerillas joined in on the action and helped liberate the island.

To help commemorate the island’s historical significance, a public-private partnership will try to stimulate tourism growth by developing places associated with the liberation.

The program dubbed “A Salute to Valor: Palawan – 70 Years of Freedom” will be held on April 21-23, 2015 in commemoration of the 70th year of liberation of the province of Palawan. Activities are lined up to be held at the Plaza Cuartel and Mendoza Park. Developed by Rajah Travel Corporation, the Salute to Valor commemorates the World War II invasion of Palawan and the fight between the US and the Japanese in 1945.

The Palawan Liberation Task Force is composed of the Department of Tourism, the provincial government of Palawan, the Puerto Princesa City local government, the United States Agency for International Development, the Palawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FAME, the Palawan Tourism Council, and the Rajah Travel Corp. The program aims to further nurture into the minds of the people the history of Palawan and Puerto Princesa which is aimed to boost the historical and cultural aspect of tourism in the province.

The event will be attended by relatives of war veterans from the province as well as those from the United States of America who were part of World War II. Heroes to be honored include Palawan’s own Dr. Higinio Mendoza and the prisoners who died in the Plaza Cuartel.

Aileen Clemente of Rajah Travel Corporation said organizers have been doing several researches about history of Palawan’s liberation and have reached out to several relatives of war veterans to make the event more meaningful. The historic event is really meant to honor the war heroes of Palawan.