PH exceeds goal of 4.8M international visitor arrivals, says DOT

BY JEL SANTOS

Nov 28, 2023 09:28 PM

  

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (Photo by DOT)

The Philippines exceeded its goal of having 4.8 million international tourist arrivals before the end of 2023.

This was announced by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the agency’s first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit held at Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

“As of Nov. 27, 2023, the country has registered a total of 4,822,530 million visitors who visited the country, with foreign tourists still comprising the bulk of arrivals by 91.88 percent or 4,430,725, while the remaining 8.12 percent or 391,805 are returning overseas Filipinos,” the agency said in its statement. 

According to the tourism department, South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source market for foreign arrivals which brought in 1,271,602 tourists or 26.37 percent of the total.

The USA came in second with 797,181 tourists (16.53 percent), followed by Japan with 272,735 tourists (5.66 percent), China with 242,107 tourists (5.02 percent), and Australia with 225,464 tourists (4.68 percent).

Frasco said the agency targeted 4.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2023.

“We have now welcomed over 4.82 million international visitors, contributing an impressive P404 billion in foreign visitor receipts to date underscoring the value of tourism to our economy,” she stated. 

“Tourism continues to drive growth and provide income and jobs nationwide.”

Frasco shared the report of the country’s national economic managers, which indicates that the Philippines' second-largest source of economic growth is tourism.

“This cements our position as one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy that employs no less than 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism industry sector, ensuring jobs, livelihood, and the well-being of communities all over the country,” she went on.

The chief of the tourism department said that the other factors that contributed to these accomplishments included the relaxation of visa requirements, the construction of tourist rest areas, the creation of the first-ever multi-platform tourist call center, the building of tourism roads, the growth of dive, heritage, and cultural tourism caravans, the development of cruise, education, medical, gastronomy, and sports tourism,among others.

Present during the event were tourism and golf industry leaders and stakeholders.

The summit was organized by the agency’s Office of Product Development of Golf Tourism and Special Projects.

Honoring Andres Bonifacio’s heroism more important than day of commemoration

BY MANILA BULLETIN

 

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For Filipino senior citizens who have been accustomed to the celebration on Nov. 30 of Bonifacio Day as a non-working holiday, a brief backgrounder is in order.

In 1952, President Elpidio Quirino declared Nov. 30 as Bonifacio Day, as this is the national hero’s birth date. He declared a separate observance of National Heroes Day which had been observed on Nov. 30 since 1942. In August 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 42, announcing the list of holidays for 2023. Nov. 30 was listed as Bonifacio Day. Subsequently, he issued Proclamation No. 90, which also declared the regular holidays and special non-working holidays for 2023. In this new order, he enunciated the policy of holiday economics, first implemented by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, that is, “a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country." This explains why this year, Bonifacio Day is observed on Monday, Nov. 27. 

Regardless of the day on which his heroism is recalled by a grateful nation, Andres Bonifacio’s preeminent position in the pantheon of Filipino heroes is securely assured. In the national consciousness, he is the defiant hero who held a bolo in his right hand and a pistol in his other hand as he called on Filipinos to assert their independence from the Spanish colonial rulers. At the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan City, and near Manila City Hall — and in many other town and city plazas in the country — he is remembered and honored as a militant nationalist leader who spearheaded the rebellion against Spain.

Immediately after Jose Rizal was deported in 1892, he founded the Katipunan, in full, Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Respected Society of the Country's Children). The use of the word Bayan denotes advocacy of community and nationhood.
He declared Philippine independence as early as in 1895, then again in 1896 after the execution of Rizal whom he regarded as his mentor. He is known as a nationalist proletarian, in contrast to the enlightened elite in the mold of Rizal who had the wherewithal to travel to Spain and Europe for higher education, and later, as venue for propagating the cause for Filipino nationhood. When he joined the freemasonry movement, he adopted the pseudonym May Pag-asa, or literally, there is hope. Indeed he served as a beacon of hope while rallying support for the toppling of Spanish colonial rule that flourished for more than three centuries

Andres Bonifacio floundered in the shoals of his rivalry with Emilio Aguinaldo that ended in his execution in Maragondon, Cavite. Yet, his fiery inspiration animated and inspired the thousands of foot soldiers from the ranks of the peasantry and the proletariat who joined the revolutionary forces throughout the archipelago. Even as the nascent Philippine Republic’s full fruition was thwarted by a new wave of American colonial rulers, these forces continued to offer active resistance.

Long live Andres Bonifacio, the Great Plebeian!

GOSSIP GIRL: Taking the Mount Malindang Cross border tour

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Nov 28, 2023 00:26 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao.

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After the pandemic, I realized that life is short, so I decided to travel more and see the Philippines and other countries nearby. Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao. 

A lot of tourists get afraid when they hear the word Mindanao. But our infantry battalion soldiers have been doing a fantastic job of reigning peace and order in Mindanao since the Duterte administration. Mindanao has the most amazing places in our country. The Mount Malindang Cross border packages get you to cross over Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur. 

I collaborated with Atty Jun Salatandre, the president of 1MountMalindang, hotel and resort owners of the Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour, and the owner of Villa Pablea, a natural mountain cold spring resort located in Zamboanga del Norte. 

This is the starting line of the package I availed on the Mount Malindang Cross border Tour. Villa Pablea has 25 family rooms and a convention center for 700 pax for those who want to hold events like weddings and corporate functions. This is where I stayed for two nights, and the rooms were first-class. Make sure you book the VIP Meriam Suite. 

Our first stop was Nelsa’s Agri Tourism Park, where I tasted the freshest Guyabano Juice they grew there.  We then proceeded to Highlander Farm Resort for some ATV adventure and had warm coffee in Cecilia’s Plate, which gave me the Baguio vibe since we were having coffee under tall pine trees. 

We then proceeded to Gantao Hills and Lantay View for some picture-taking. This place gave me a Tagaytay vibe, and just basking in nature was a treat. Do you know that mountain bathing (just like sunbathing, but this time you bathe in the view of the mountain) has healing benefits physically and spiritually? But my favorite of the entire tour was Viewpoint at Tinindugan. 

Let me tell you a story about how beautiful Viewpoint is. Francis Palma, a Filipino based in Los Angeles, developed a love-at-first-sight affair with the view of Mount Malindang in Tinindugan he decided to buy that piece of land and develop it as a viewpoint where he charged each tourist 50 pesos to have pictures on that Viewpoint. 

The place went viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and after a year, he earned seven million pesos from the 50-peso entrance fees of Viewpoint. He built his own home in the Viewpoint and a farm-and-table restaurant on the opposite lot of Viewpoint. The restaurant was a success, and he could purchase the lot beside the Viewpoint and build first-class villas. It is a success story from a breathtaking view. 

The last and highest point we went to was Nikka’s Ridge. It was so high that I could touch the clouds; yes, clouds are cold! My pictures look like summer, but I was shivering cold already. And clouds up close don’t look like cotton. They look like foggy mist. Just thick, thick, cold fog that will envelop you. This experience was a first for me. I wished I had more time to avail myself of the package with Dakak and other beaches. 

How to get there? Take a one-hour plane ride to Dipolog or Ozamiz. To sign up for the tour, you can check out their Facebook page, which opens on Dec. 1, and DM them - Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour. Next week, I will tell you about the new facelift Hong Kong has done during the pandemic and how wonderful it is to travel in new Hong Kong. 

When is it okay to be direct and straightforward in the Philippines?

 

Everything FILIPINO!

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Following

Answered by 

Carm Ena (Carmena)

Sun

In the Philippines, cultural norms often emphasize politeness, respect, and indirect communication. However, there are situations where it is acceptable to be direct and straightforward. Here are some scenarios in which being direct may be appropriate:

1. Business and Professional Settings: In professional or business contexts, being direct and clear in communication is generally acceptable. This is especially true when discussing work-related matters, deadlines, expectations, and negotiations.
2. Emergency or Urgent Situations: In urgent or emergency situations, being direct is important to convey information quickly and efficiently. Clarity and brevity become crucial when addressing immediate concerns.
3. Giving Constructive Feedback: When providing constructive feedback, it's often appreciated to be direct but tactful. Clear communication can help in conveying expectations and areas for improvement.
4. Decision-Making: In decision-making processes, being direct can help streamline discussions and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is particularly true in situations where prompt and clear decisions are necessary.
5. Negotiations: When engaging in negotiations, being direct about terms, conditions, and expectations can contribute to a more transparent and efficient process.

While there are situations where directness is acceptable, it's essential to be mindful of the overall cultural context in the Philippines, which tends to value harmonious interpersonal relationships. In many everyday interactions, Filipinos may prefer a more indirect and polite communication style. It's often advisable to gauge the situation, consider the relationship with the person you are communicating with, and adapt your communication style accordingly. Balancing directness with tact and consideration for others' feelings is key to effective communication in the Philippines.

Philippine Fairy Tales (VI) - Philippinische Märchen (VI)

 

VON DER DUFTENDEN BLUME YLANG-YLANG

Einst lebte ein Mann mit seiner Frau in Eintracht und in Überfluss. Sie hatten alles - ein schönes Haus und einen blühenden Garten und auch ausgedehntes Land. Zum vollkommenen Glück fehlten ihnen aber Kinder. Sie sehnten sich sehr nach einer Tochter. Tag und Nacht beteten sie zu den Göttern , sie mögen ihnen doch ein Kind schenken. Dafür waren sie bereit, sogar auf ihren Reichtum zu verzichten.

Schliesslich erschienen ihnen die Götter im Traum und sprachen: "Ihr werdet eine Tochter haben. Doch wir erteilen euch die strenge Weisung: wenn sie herangewachsen ist, darf sie keinen Mann berühren. Und gebt ihr den Namen YLANG!"

Noch ehe ein Jahr um war, kam ihre Tochter, der sie den Namen YLANG gaben, zur Welt. Die Zeit verflog, und das kleine Mädchen YLANG wuchs zu einem sehr schönen Mädchen heran, dass bald von vielen Freiern umgeben war. Das jagte ihren Eltern grosse Angst ein. Sie befürchteten, sie könnten die Tochter verlieren, deshalb fassten sie den Entschluss, sie in eine grosse Kammer einzuschliessen. YLANG kam sich dort wie ein Vogel im Käfig vor. Tage und Nächte bat sie die Götter, sie mögen sie befreien.

Und als sie nicht mehr imstande war, die Gefangenschaft zu ertragen, dachte sie sich einen Plan aus, um ihre Freiheit zu erlangen.

Eines Abends, als die Eltern nicht zu Hause waren, stieg Ylang durchs Fenster ihres Zimmers in den Garten hinaus. Ihr Herz schlug vor Freude, dass sie die Freiheit wiedererlangt hatte. Sie lief im Garten umher und pflückte Blumen. Plötzlich vernahm sie, dass eine angenehme Stimme sie beim Namen rief. Sie wandte sich um und erblickte einen stattlichen Jüngling.

"Ylang, gestatte, dass ich dir beim Pflücken der Blumen helfe", sagte der Jüngling. Ylang's Herz begann wild zu klopfen, und schon wollte sie sich entfernen. Doch der Juengling rief:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Als das Mädchen diese Worte hörte, lief es davon, doch der Jüngling nahm Ylang's Hand und wiederholte:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Da geschah das Wunder. Ylang verschwand vor den Augen des Jünglings, und an der Stelle, wo sie gestanden hatte, wuchs ein Bäumchen, auf dem weisse Blüten mit schmalen Blütenblättern prangten. Sie erfüllten den Garten mit ihrem Duft. Der bestürzte Jüngling rief mit lauter Stimme: "Ylang! Ylang!", doch niemand antwortete ihm.

Zum Andenken an das Mädchen gab der Jüngling dem Bäumchen den Namen "Ylang-Ylang". Auch heute noch schmücken sich die Mädchen gerne mit seinen duftenden Blüten.

OF THE SCENTED FLOWER YLANG-YLANG

Once upon a time a man and his wife lived in harmony and abundance. They had everything - a beautiful house and a blooming garden and also extensive land. Fortunately, they lacked children. They longed very much for a daughter. Day and night they prayed to the gods to give them a child. For this they were prepared to forego even their wealth.

Finally the gods appeared to them in a dream and said: "You will have a daughter. But we give you strict instructions: when she grows up, she must not touch any man. And give her the name YLANG!"

Before a year was over, their daughter, whom they named YLANG, was born. Time flew by and the little girl YLANG grew into a little girl, a very beautiful girl who was soon surrounded by many suitors. This scared her parents very much. They were afraid that they might lose their daughter, so they decided to lock her in a large chamber. YLANG felt like a bird in a cage there. Days and nights she begged the gods to free her.

And when she was no longer able to endure captivity, she devised a plan to gain her freedom.

One evening when her parents were not at home, Ylang climbed out of her room window into the garden. Her heart beat with joy that she had regained freedom. She ran around the garden and picked flowers. Suddenly she heard a pleasant voice calling her by name. She turned around and saw a handsome youth.

"Ylang, allow me to help you pick the flowers," said the youth. Ylang's heart began to beat wildly and she wanted to leave. But the youth cried:

"Ylang, I love you!"

When the girl heard these words, she ran away, but the youth took Ylang's hand and repeated:

"Ylang, I love you!"

Then the miracle happened. Ylang disappeared from the youth's eyes, and in the place where she had stood a small tree grew with white flowers with narrow petals. They filled the garden with their scent. The dismayed youth called out in a loud voice: "Ylang! Ylang!", but no one answered him.

In memory of the girl, the young man named the tree "Ylang-Ylang". Even today, girls still like to decorate themselves with its fragrant flowers.

(Nacherzählt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen übersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

(Retold by Jozef Genzor, translated from Slovak by Dr. Anna Fialova and published in the CSSR, German edition: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978).

Which language do you think is harder, and why?

Andreas Schmidt Mumm

A question for people who speak both English and German 

I read, write, think and dream in both, German (my mother tongue) and English (the second language). I bring it down to one fundamental difference: English is an easy language to pick up. Grammar is simple and vocabulary is pretty straight forward, at least for anyone from the Roman/ Indo-Germanic region. German is overwhelmingly ruled and structured and grammar is quite complex.

At the beginning.

As you progress with your language skills this changes. English becomes increasingly more context driven where choice if word makes all the difference. There is a different word for every situation and usually more than one. The quality of speaking becomes more and more vocabulary driven.

German is hard to begin with. There are three genders, male, female, neutral and there is absolutely no rule to what has which gender. Strangely it seems like when a new word is adapted Germans attach a gender to it like “der Computer” and everybody agrees, somehow. But German has this wonderful way of words: you can make them up. You can put words together to make new words from your basic vocabulary (yes, there are rules to it too). It’s also how German has those famously long words, but really they’re just compositions .That way German actually becomes easier as you progress.

Climate justice, a Philippine plea

Battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, our country needs to call for accountability.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 26, 2023 01:08 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming 

FIGHTING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY Climate justice warriors fight for equitable compensation considering the Philippines suffers through numerous typhoons (Photos Joemar 'Tashi' Obejas, Climate Justice Walk hero)

Climate justice is a term that resonates strongly with nations like the Philippines, a developing country grappling with the severe impacts of global warming. Despite contributing a relatively small share of CO2 emissions compared to major industrialized nations, the country finds itself at the forefront of the battle against climate change, raising questions about the fairness of the burden it carries.

 

The Philippines, often battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, holds the unenviable title of the world’s most typhoon-prone country. This vulnerability is a direct consequence of global warming, a phenomenon fueled by the collective actions of nations across the globe. Yet, as a developing nation, the Philippines is being urged to reduce its carbon emissions, prompting a crucial inquiry into the principles of climate justice.

 

While the country acknowledges the importance of curbing carbon emissions to protect the environment, the call for climate justice stems from a plea for equitable compensation. Despite contributing only a fraction of the world's CO2 emissions, the country bears the brunt of climate change impacts, ranging from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to the increased prevalence of diseases.

 

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated, with the looming deadline of 2030 serving as a stark reminder. Crossing this threshold without significant global intervention could result in irreversible damage, amplifying the challenges already faced by countries like the Philippines. Diseases, floods, storm surges—these are not abstract concepts but daily realities for millions of Filipinos, underscoring the need for swift and comprehensive action.

 

One key aspect of climate justice is the recognition of historical responsibility. Developed nations, with their industrialization and higher carbon emissions over centuries, have played a substantial role in pushing the planet toward its current climate crisis. In contrast, developing countries like the Philippines have contributed less to the problem but find themselves disproportionately affected.

 

The call for carbon emission reductions in developing nations often raises questions about economic development. Critics argue that stringent emission cuts may impede economic growth, hindering progress and poverty alleviation efforts. The Philippines, like many other developing nations, seeks a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development. Climate justice entails not only reducing emissions but also providing support for sustainable development initiatives.

 

Compensation mechanisms become imperative in the pursuit of climate justice. The Philippines advocates for financial assistance and technology transfer from developed nations to help implement sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This support can facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources, bolster infrastructure against extreme weather events, and enhance adaptive capacities.

 

The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) is central to the discourse on climate justice. It recognizes that while all nations share a common responsibility to address climate change, the capabilities and historical contributions of developed and developing nations differ. Thus, the burden of mitigating and adapting to climate change should be distributed equitably.

 

The Philippines emphasizes the importance of adaptation financing, as the costs of preparing for and responding to climate change can be substantial. Vulnerable nations need financial resources to build resilient infrastructure, implement early warning systems, and undertake community-based adaptation initiatives. Climate justice demands that those who have historically contributed more to the problem bear a greater share of the financial burden.

 

While the Philippines advocates for its right to development, it also recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving global climate goals. International cooperation is crucial in addressing the interconnected challenges posed by climate change. The Philippines participates actively in global climate negotiations, urging developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate financing and emission reductions.

 

The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming. As a developing nation with a minimal contribution to historical carbon emissions, it seeks not only to reduce its own emissions but also to receive just compensation for the profound challenges it faces. 

 

The urgency of the climate crisis demands a collective and equitable response, ensuring that the burden of climate change is shared fairly among nations. The Philippines, like many developing countries, looks toward a future where climate justice prevails, allowing for sustainable development and a healthier, more resilient planet.

DoT chief promotes Mindanao to tourists

By  Moises Cruz

November 27, 2023 20

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco urged local and foreign travelers on Friday, November 24, to reconsider their assumptions about Mindanao and to explore the island's halal food and rich culture for a multidimensional tourism experience.

This is in line with the DoT-hosted event on Tuesday at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati, entitled "Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao," which celebrated the region's vibrant cultural unity and gastronomic richness.

The undertaking builds on Secretary Frasco's campaign to completely reopen Mindanao to tourism, which she identified as a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he took office last year.

Frasco said the DoT's efforts to establish confidence within the region and raise knowledge about the security situation will also assist in persuading other countries to update or lift existing travel restrictions.

Secretary Frasco spearheaded the signing of a DoT agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in May of this year to work together to market the region as a peaceful and sustainable destination for domestic and international tourism.

"Beyond partaking of the delectable halal meals, this evening of faith, love, and the flavors of Mindanao is the start of something new that is opening your eyes and your palate to the possibilities that are endless in the promise that is Mindanao," Frasco said in her speech.

"As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled," she added.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Mindanao's intricate and diverse halal cuisine to an international audience, where ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from various foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavor-filled odyssey through the vibrant tastes of the Mindanao Islands' cuisine and an invitation to their countrymen to come and visit Mindanao.

"In the pursuit of reinforcing the country's image as a halal-friendly destination, the Department of Tourism has pursued various programs and projects started in the previous administration and continued under our President's administration," Frasco said.

Meanwhile, DoT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar sincerely thanked everyone in attendance and emphasized the value of cultural appreciation and exchange in building a more harmonious global society.