PH tourism poised for robust growth

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 17, 2025 07:36 AM

  

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Tourism has long been a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, serving as a vital engine for growth and development. In 2024, the sector achieved a historic milestone, generating an unprecedented ₱760.5 billion in revenues, a 126.75 percent recovery rate from pre-pandemic levels. This remarkable performance underscores the sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in the nation’s economic resurgence. 

Despite these achievements, the Philippines continues to face challenges when compared to its ASEAN neighbors. As of December 2023, the country recorded 5.45 million tourist arrivals, placing it seventh in the region. In contrast, Thailand welcomed 28 million visitors, Malaysia 20 million, Singapore 13.6 million, and Vietnam 12.6 million. These figures highlight the competitive landscape of Southeast Asian tourism and the need for strategic enhancements to bolster the Philippines’ standing.

Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive policy reforms and targeted initiatives. During the recent  Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel forum, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco outlined key strategies in the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028 aimed at upgrading tourism infrastructure, including the improvement of airports, seaports, and road networks, to facilitate seamless travel experiences for both domestic and international tourists. While promoting our rich cultural heritage, the country’s  position as a top global destination is advanced significantly.

Secretary Frasco also emphasized the importance of digitalization in modernizing tourism services. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively developing digital platforms to provide real-time information, streamline booking processes, and offer virtual tours, thereby catering to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy travelers. 

Furthermore, the DOT is committed to diversifying tourism products by promoting lesser-known destinations and cultural experiences. This approach not only alleviates congestion in traditional hot spots but also distributes economic benefits to rural communities, fostering inclusive growth. 

The Philippines has emerged as a leading player in the regional tourism sector, surpassing its Southeast Asian counterparts with a contribution of approximately ₱4.31 trillion (or $78 billion) to the national GDP. Moreover, the sector’s resilience is highlighted by a 111 percent recovery in visitor receipts, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. She explained that domestic and international visitor receipts amounted to over ₱3.36 trillion, generating substantial revenue for businesses, supporting livelihoods, and creating tourism-related jobs. In 2023, she added, the tourism industry provided employment for around 6.21 million Filipinos, accounting for 6.4 percent of the total employment increase as compared to 2022. In turn, this has generated downstream employment for around 16 million Filipinos as reckoned in the first quarter of 2024.

Sec. Frasco expressed optimism about surpassing the target of 7.7 million international tourist arrivals for 2024. She said that while challenges such as visa policies and infrastructure development persist, the DOT remains committed to addressing these issues and expanding connectivity, including the recent Manila-Paris direct flight.

The upcoming ASEAN Summit in 2026, which the Philippines is set to host, presents a significant opportunity to showcase the nation’s tourism offerings on a global stage and accelerate initiatives to ensure that infrastructure and services meet international standards. A restored budget of  ₱500 million will go a long way toward conducting tourism campaigns, particularly in key markets such as Europe. 

While the Philippine tourism sector has demonstrated commendable resilience and growth, there remains substantial potential for advancement. By implementing strategic infrastructure improvements, embracing digital innovations, diversifying tourism offerings, and securing necessary funding, the Philippines can elevate its position within the ASEAN region and ensure that tourism continues to be a driving force for economic prosperity.

69 candidates compete for title of Miss Universe Philippines 2025

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Feb 17, 2025 11:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A total of 69 women from all over the country introduced themselves to the media in an event dubbed "The Reveal" which was held at Makati Shang-ri La hotel.

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Miss Universe Philippines officially kicked off the exciting pageant season with yesterday's press presentation of its lovely delegates for 2025.

A total of 69 women from all over the country introduced themselves to the media in an event dubbed "The Reveal" which was held at Makati Shang-ri La hotel. One of them will be vying for the much-coveted crown and a chance to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe in Pak Kret, Thailand, on Nov. 21. 

Here's the video of the Press Presentation held on Feb. 15 as posted on the MUPH official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15gaZ2B2jH/

This year's edition of MUPH is also much-awaited for having the biggest number of pageant veterans joining the 2025 competition. These include Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez who is making a comeback eight years after being the first Asian to bag the Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 title in Bolivia; crowd favorite Ma. Ahtisa Manalo who was Miss International 2018 first runner-up and finished second runner-up in MUPH 2024;  and 2023 Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana.

Avid fans coined the Tagalog term "puksaan" to describe the "annihilation" that's going to happen on the way to the grand coronation night which will be held in the first week of May.

MUPH executive vice president Voltaire Tayag commented on this, saying: "This year, there are a lot of former queens who have won both in local and international pageants. When they ask us for advice, we tell them that no one can stop them from pursuing their plans. But we also cannot promise or guarantee what the results will be. I can stand here and be very proud to say that in Miss Universe Philippines, it is always the judges that have a final say."  

Also announced was the appointment of Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up and actress Ariella "Ara" Arida as MUPH's new national director for training and development.

In her acceptance remarks, Ara stated: " I salute all the girls for joining and for pursuing their dreams. Hopefully, we get our fifth Miss Universe crown from this year's batch. And of course, this will be possible with all your effort, with all your help. And of course, with me over here. I  promise to really do my best  to help the organization, to be a leader, to inspire and to grow together with the team and together with the ladies out here."

The contestants competing for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 are the following: 

1. Rani Lachmi Dado (Albay)

2. Ira de Castro (Angeles City)

3. Louise Lian Bobe (Bacolod City) 

4. Natsumi Sekiguchi (Bacoor City)

5. Kayla Jane Usison (Bago City/ Filipino society of San Francisco)

6. Gwendoline Soriano (Baguio City)

7. Yana Ysabel Maranan (Batangas)

8. Yoshabel Lebico (Basey, Samar)

9. Maiko Ibarde (Benguet)

10. Tyra Goldman (Bohol)

11. Franchezca Mae Pacheco (Bulacan)

12. Jadine Lezz Banagan (Butuan City)

13. Maica Martinez (Cabanatuan City)

14. Allyson Ee (Caloocan/ Filipino society of Northern California)

15. Karenza de Leon (Camarines Norte/ Filipino society of Australia)

16. Shaina Ong Rabacal (Camarines Sur)

17. Larsine Grace Jensen (Camiguin)

18. Jezreal de Ocampo (Cavite)

19. Gabriella Mai Carballo (Cebu City)

20. Chella Falconer (Cebu Province)

21. Angeleyh Caballero Pasco (Davao/Filipino society of Hawaii)

22.Jazzle Shannen Taga Iba (Dipolog City)

23. Shamara Krupa (Dumaguete City)

24. Princess Luab Ibrahim (Zamboanga del Sur)

25. Valerie Claire West (Ifugao/Filipino society of New York)

26. Juliana Fresado (Iligan City)

27. Jeanne Nicole Perez Lipa (Ilocos Sur/ Filipino society of Washington)

28. Karen Nicole Piccio (Iloilo City)

29. Angeline Cordero Kailani (Iloilo Province/Filipino society of England)

30. Jarina Sandhu (Isabela)

31. MJ Fernandez (Kalibo, Aklan)

32. Eloisa Jauod (Laguna)

33. Natasha Testa (Lapu-Lapu City)

34. Rayanne Kristel David (Las Pinas/Filipino society of Canada-West)

35. Victoria Maelona Johnson (Leyte/Filipino society of Florida)

36. Pauline Rowbelle del Mundo (Liliw,Laguna/ Filipino society of New Jersey)

37. Rendelle Ann Caraig (Los Banos, Laguna)

38. Bella dela Cruz (Lucena City)

39. Taylor Marie De Luna (Malay, Aklan/ Filipino society of Southern California)

40. Jasmine Paguio (Manila)

41. Teresita Ssen Marquez (Muntinlupa)

42. Kaye Pastelero (Naic,Cavite)

43. Zoe Sofia Gabon (Naga City)

44. Franches Anne Laquibla (Negros Occidental)

45. Chanel Olive Thomas (Nueva Ecija/Filipino society of Melbourne)

46. Ain Niqyla Abad (Occidental Mindoro)

47. Rechel Hoco (Oriental Mindoro)

48. Irish Raine Sescon (Ozamis City)

49. Rhancoise Mayangitan (Pampanga)

50. Andrea Cayabyab (Pangasinan)

51. Jenny Kim Agasid (Paranaque)

52. Amanda Russo (Pasay/Filipino society of Pennsylvania)

53. Alessandra Eugenio (Pasig)

54. Zoe Honeyman (Quezon City)

55. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

56. Bianca Ysabella Ylanan (Quirino)

57. Mariah Nicole Valdez (Romblon)

58. Kathreen Kaye Dacanay (Samar Island)

59. Thelma Suzanne Dayao (San Fernando, Cebu)

60. Jessica Victoria Cianchino (San Jose Batangas/Filipino society of Canada-East)

61. Millien Joy Cabigas (Siargao)

62. Yllana Marie Aduana (Siniloan, Laguna)

63. Chelsea Fernandez (Sultan Kudarat)

64. Angela Norwillen Cabel (Tacloban City)

65. Ma. Katrina Llegado (Taguig)

66. Danelle Ann Catalan (Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur)

67. Sasha Lacuna (Tarlac)

68. Thea Samantha Lacanlalay (Tuguegarao City)

69. KC de Fiesta (Zamboanga City)

BORN IN ALICIA, Bohol: Kini Ang Akong Suliran

 BORN IN ALICIA, Bohol: Kini Ang Akong Suliran

Dra. Atty. Lourdes Libres Rosaroso (11 February 1935 – 20 August 2010) was a Filipino radio broadcaster, lawyer, and doctor. Rosaroso was also an educator, being the owner of the St. Paul College Foundation, Inc. (now the University of Cebu – Pardo–Talisay) which also had campuses in different parts of Metro Cebu.

Rosaroso was popular for her radio program Kini ang Akong Suliran (This Is My Problem), which ran for almost 35 years. The program provided assistance for underprivileged listeners with their medical and legal problems. Broadcast on many Cebu-based radio stations, the program aired longest on radio DyHP under the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN).

Aside from being a broadcaster, Rosaroso also established herself as an educator, through her St. Paul College Foundation Inc., which she formed in 1985.

reference source: wikipedia

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Experience the magic of Hans Zimmer’s Music Live with The Hollywood Orchestra

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 17, 2025 10:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Hans Zimmer’s music has defined cinematic history, and now, audiences will get to immerse themselves in his masterful compositions performed by a world-class orchestra.

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'The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others'

Manila, get ready for a breathtaking musical experience!  

The Hollywood Orchestra presents “The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others”, a spectacular live concert celebrating the timeless and iconic film scores of the legendary composer, happening on July 7 and July 8 at the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Hans Zimmer’s music has defined cinematic history, and now, audiences will get to immerse themselves in his masterful compositions performed by a world-class orchestra. 

From the heart-pounding intensity of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Inception” to the sweeping grandeur of “Interstellar,” “Gladiator,” and “The Lion King,” this one-of-a-kind concert will take you on an unforgettable journey through the soundscapes of cinema.

But that’s not all—this is more than just a concert. Expect a stunning visual spectacle featuring select film clips, breathtaking illumination and laser projections, and even surprise soloists (perhaps a familiar pirate?) who will elevate Zimmer’s legendary scores in an extraordinary way.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the full symphonic experience of Hans Zimmer’s music—live! 

This concert is made possible through the collaboration of KBEAM Events and Star Entertainment. Since 2015, KBEAM Events has been at the forefront of staging world-class music acts in the Philippines, bringing iconic performances such as Thrice Live in Manila, Bianca del Rio’s Dead Inside Tour, Aaron Carter Live in Manila, and Andy Brown Live in Manila.

Star Entertainment, a renowned international concert and cultural event producer since 1999, has organized legendary performances worldwide. Their impressive portfolio includes classical operas like Aida, Carmen, and The Magic Flute, as well as timeless musicals such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar. With partnerships spanning prestigious venues like Waldbühne Berlin, Théâtre Antique d’Orange, Salzburg Festspielhaus, DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen, and Salle Pleyel in Paris, Star Entertainment continues to elevate the global concert scene.

In addition to “The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others”, the orchestra is set to present “The Music of The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit In Concert” and “The Magical Music of Harry Potter In Concert”, promising more unforgettable nights of cinematic symphony.

Tickets are still available at Ticketmelon.com. Seats are limited so better secure your passes today.

The Last Warriors of Mindanao: A Legacy Lost to Time

In the early 1900s, at the height of colonial rule in the Philippines, three warriors stood side by side in a quiet studio, their expressions solemn, their clothing woven with the history of their ancestors. They were Bagobo warriors, indigenous protectors of Mindanao, known for their resilience, spiritual beliefs, and mastery of the kampilan— a long, single-edged sword.

The man in the center, Datu Amang, was a revered leader who had defied colonial forces in his youth. To his right stood Timoay Gani, his most trusted warrior, whose large ear ornaments symbolized his status. To his left was Kulaman, a skilled tracker and the last of his bloodline. Together, they had fought to defend their land against invaders, refusing to submit to foreign rule.

This photograph, taken by an American ethnographer, was meant to be an anthropological record—but it became something else. Days after this image was captured, Datu Amang and his warriors vanished into the mountains. No written history tells of their fate, only whispers among the elders. Some say they were betrayed, others claim they took their resistance underground.

But one thing remains certain: their legacy survived. Their descendants still tell their story, passing down the same intricate garments, the same warrior spirit, and the same unyielding love for their homeland.

Disclaimer: I do not own the image presented. The photo is provided for educational and informational purposes only and to enhance visual understanding of the topic. Rights solely belongs to the rightful owner.

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