China – Page 4 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines Attracted Only 5.235 Million International Tourist Arrivals In January-November 2025 Period

December 23, 2025December 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Even though there already is a foreign tourism boom in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has literally been left behind by its neighbors as it attracted only 5.235 million international tourist arrivals for the period of January to November 2025, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines has been struggling throughout the year when it comes to attracting foreign visitors. In 2024, the Philippines attracted 5,949,350 foreign visitors which is way off the declared target of 7,700,000. A real estate advisory firm pointed to domestic travel as the key for the recovery of the nation’s tourism industry. Read my previous blog post by clicking here.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

VISITOR ARRIVALS in the Philippines fell by 2.16% in the first 11 months, amid a decline in tourists from South Korea and China, Tourism department data showed.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DoT) showed international tourist arrivals dropped to 5.235 million in the January-to-November period from 5.35 million in the same period in 2024.

Of the tourist arrivals, the bulk or 4.918 million were foreign tourists, while the rest were overseas Filipinos.

South Korea remained the biggest source of tourists in the first 11 months, accounting for 21.66% of the total. While 1.134 million South Koreans visited the Philippines as of November, this was a 21% decline from the 1.436 million Korean tourists a year ago.

The US was the second-biggest source of tourists, at 894,835 or 17.09% of the total as of end-November. This was 6.57% higher than last year’s 839,635 tourist arrivals from the US.

Japan was the third-biggest source of tourists, accounting for 406,794 or 7.77% of the total, 15.36% up from 352,630 a year ago.

Tourist arrivals from Australia increased by 16.17% to 268,892 in the 11-month period. Meanwhile, tourists from China fell by 16.55% to 248,339 as of end-November.

The other top markets were Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia, which cumulatively accounted for 793,750 of the total arrivals.

“The weaker South Korean won amid a volatile political and economic situation over the past year and slower economic growth in China, which is the world’s second-biggest economy, on top of territorial disputes partly weighed on foreign tourism numbers,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Mr. Ricafort noted that the government should improve infrastructure to make it more convenient for tourists to travel around the country.

“Challenges include the need to further expand and develop tourism-related infrastructure such as airports, seaports, accommodation facilities, and train systems, including the Metro Manila subway and toll roads,” he added.

Despite the decline in the first 11 months, Mr. Ricafort said that it is still possible for the country to surpass the tourist arrivals last year, which reached 5.949 million.

“It is still possible, considering some seasonal increase in foreign tourists during the Christmas holiday season, especially overseas Filipino workers and balikbayans, to spend the most festive time of the year, while others escape winter,” he said.

“A higher US dollar-peso exchange rate would make it cheaper for foreign tourists to come to the Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ricafort noted the growth in tourist arrivals from India and other countries, which helped “offset the decline in major traditional sources such as South Korea and China.”

India was the 11th biggest source of tourist arrivals in the January-to-November period, accounting for 85,885 or 1.64% of the total. Tourists from India increased by 17.06% from 73,369 arrivals in the same period in the previous year.

Earlier this year, the Philippines and India signed the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for the years 2025 to 2028.

For his part, Colliers Research Director Joey Roi H. Bondoc said that with only 5.235 million as of end-November, it will be difficult for the country to even surpass last year’s arrivals.

“I think it will be very difficult… We may not be able to beat that or even meet that, but of course we want to end the year stronger,” he said in a phone interview.

“We see a lot of foreign tourists still in December because of the holiday season. Definitely that optimism should spill over to next year,” he added.

As for the drop in arrivals from South Korea, Mr. Bondoc attributed this to the economic downturn and political crisis in the country.

“If you look at some integrated casinos, they were initially targeting Koreans… so they are experiencing the pinch of slower arrivals from South Korea,” he said.

Mr. Bondoc said the Philippines should try to attract tourists from other markets.

For further insight about the tourism industry problem of the Philippines, watch the CNA Insider video below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the Philippines can still beat its 2024 record of international visitor arrivals and generate huge revenues for the economy? Do you think the current administration will be able to improve the nation’s infrastructure and make travel more efficient and convenient for all tourists? Do you think the Philippines is too expensive when it comes to air travel?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Kidnapped Chinese National Rescued In Parañaque City

December 22, 2025December 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local authorities successfully rescued a kidnapped Chinese national and arrested the suspects who were involved, according to a news report by GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

A 26-year-old Chinese national was rescued in a condominium in Parañaque City after allegedly being kidnapped, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported Sunday.

In a statement, the NCRPO said authorities conducted a rescue operation after they received a report through the PNP Hotline Facebook page.

The victim was found in a condominium unit in Barangay Don Galo on Saturday with four male and one female foreign suspects.

Initial investigation showed that the victim had allegedly been detained since December 9, with suspects demanding P1 million for his release.

The victim said P500,000 had already been handed over. The suspects were placed under police custody for proper investigation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider kidnapping a serious crime? Has anyone in your local community been kidnapped over the past six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Two Wanted Chinese Nationals Arrested In Parañaque City Over Online Gambling

December 18, 2025December 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended two Chinese nationals over their involvement in online gambling, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. The suspects are fugitives wanted in China.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

Two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country were arrested in Parañaque City for alleged involvement in running online gambling websites, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Wednesday.

The BI identified the Chinese nationals as 38-year-old Wu Huifu and 48-year-old Li Yong. The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit took the two into custody during an operation in Barangay Tambo on Tuesday evening. Li is said to be an assistant of Wu.

The arrest followed information relayed by Chinese authorities, who said both men are subjects of arrest warrants.

According to BI Deputy Spokesperson Marvin Mabulac, the two have been operating multiple overseas online gambling platforms where they “manipulate betting systems to defraud players.” This, in turn, prolongs player activity and increases bets, which results in losses for participants and profits estimated at CNY8.6 million. The operation had already victimized around 500,000 players.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could still be more Chinese criminals secretly operating illegal gambling within the city? Is online gambling affecting members of your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City Over Scam Hub

December 5, 2025November 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found a new scam hub inside a condominium unit and arrested a Chinese nation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese national has been arrested in a reported scam hub in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

In a statement, the NBI identified the foreigner as Li Zhenjie who was arrested last Nov. 21 during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) by operatives of the bureau’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD). It also said that seized were “devices containing critical social engineering scripts.”

Li has been charged before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for social engineering schemes in violations of Section 4(b)(1) of Republic Act (RA) No. 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in relation to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, it added.

The NBI said its application for the issuance of a search warrant was based on confidential information on “a sophisticated scam operating from a condominium unit in Parañaque City.”

It said the information stated that “the perpetrators were using spoofed contact numbers, impersonating agents of the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut, USA, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more secretive scam operations handled by Chinese nationals within the city? Do you think the suspect could be a spy working for Communist China? What do you think makes Parañaque such an attractive destination for scam operations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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IAEA Director General Says Philippines Is At The Right Moment For Push To Nuclear Energy

December 3, 2025November 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited the Philippines, met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and revealed to the press that the nation is at the right moment to start the push for nuclear energy, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is at the “right moment” to begin pushing for nuclear energy use amid its aim to achieve energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels like coal, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi made this remark during the International High Level Forum on Nuclear Technology (NUTEC) Plastics in Pasay City on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

He underscored that the Philippines is not new to nuclear power.

“Let’s go a little bit back in history. Your country was a pioneer long, long, long before any other countries in this region and in the world were looking at nuclear energy. But the reality is that I like to say that the Philippines is not a newcomer, it’s a revisiting country,” he said in a press conference.

“It’s a country that is reviewing, taking into account its technological capacities, what was being done here in the late 70s, early 80s, and considering that it is perhaps the right moment, as many other countries in the world, to avail itself of a notion of a clean energy that is providing solutions in many parts of the world. Why not here?,” he added.

The Philippines, during the time of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., once attempted to build a nuclear power plant in Bataan. While it was completed, it was never operated because of safety concerns, political issues, and corruption allegations.

Grossi said that what the Philippines is doing today with its nuclear energy push is “extremely important,” adding that small- or big-sized nuclear projects are significant and require initial capital investment.

He also noted that banks and international financial institutions in the past have turned their backs on nuclear power plants because of their “bad image.”

“But with passage of time and the safety record of nuclear and the ability to demonstrate by the industry that banks are a conservative, of course, in what they finance, there has been an important change which was initiated earlier this year when I signed with the president of the World Bank a similar agreement,” he shared.

“So, when the World Bank sent this, you know how it happens in the economy in general, when they sign from the leading institutions, the leading financing institutions in the world that there is no problem, basically, there is really no problem, no technical problem, no fundamental problem in financing nuclear,” he added.

The IAEA director pointed out that with China, India, and Pakistan, Asia “and in particular this region, is the most dynamic in terms of nuclear growth in the world.”

Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia, he cited, are also starting their own nuclear programs, as well as African countries that need grants and loans for their own nuclear push.

“People talk about the exponential growth of renewable energy, which is a very good thing, I must say. I am very positive about renewable energies,” Grossi asserted, lamenting the lack of subsidies and access to finance in the past.

“So, I believe that we are entering now a new phase. We will see how far it goes, we will see how fast it goes, but it is clearly, in my opinion, a watershed that has happened. Very important. So, it’s a very good day in that sense,” he added.

The IAEA official also met with President Marcos on Tuesday during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.

Grossi, who assumed office in 2019, is on his first official visit to the Philippines for the International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics): Scaling Solutions and Partnerships for Global Impact.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the Philippines is ready to move forward by using nuclear power for the nation’s energy requirements?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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US Mounts Offensive To Smash China’s Fruit Market Dominance In The Philippines

December 2, 2025December 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Were you able to spot and buy fruits imported from America at the local markets here in the Philippines over the past month? The United States will soon introduce new varieties of fruit to the Philippines in what is seen as a serious effort to break China’s dominance, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The United States (US) aims to introduce new fruit varieties to the Philippines to boost its share of the import market, which has long been dominated by China.

In a market brief published last week by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), American exporters were urged to introduce innovative fruit varieties to the country to sustain the momentum in apple exports.

The USDA expects exports of fresh fruits to fall by at least seven percent to around $13 million this year from $14 million in 2024.

Despite this, the foreign agency said shipments of apples to the country will grow this year, driven by the popularity of the Ambrosia, Cosmic Crisp, and SugarBee varieties. These varieties were introduced to the Philippine market last year and have since gained traction among consumers.

“Consumers are eager to try new-to-market fruit varieties and share their experiences on social media,” the report read.

The USDA noted that only bananas and papayas are harvested year-round in the country, creating an opportunity for American exporters to fill market gaps year-round.

“The United States is widely recognized for consistently supplying premium-quality fruit, and US exporters are encouraged to leverage this reputation,” it said.

The USDA, citing Philippine government data, expects fresh fruit imports this year to grow by 25 percent to around $400 million, up from $321 million in 2024.

Last year, the US only accounted for a three percent share in the import market. Its main shipments were apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, and peaches.

In contrast, China seized 72 percent of the market last year, with its main exports being apples, grapes, mandarins, oranges, and other citrus hybrids.

Also outperforming the US were South Africa and Australia with market shares of nine percent and eight percent, respectively.

With the exception of South Africa, the USDA noted that the dominance of regional suppliers is a result of better prices, largely driven by lower shipping costs and zero-tariff advantages under free trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The Philippines does not have a preferential trade agreement with the United States or South Africa. As a result, MFN (most-favored-nation) tariff rates apply to fresh fruit imports from both countries,” the report read.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you buy any fruits in the local market that were imported from the United States of America? Does the name or image of US President Donald Trump influence your decisions on buying American fruits locally? Apart from prices, how would you compare American fruits with the ones from China in terms of taste, texture and satisfaction?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 110

November 19, 2025November 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 The Matrix Revisited – What else is there to say about The Matrix? There are some who claimed it is the greatest science fiction movie ever made. Some described it as more relevant than ever due to the wide public use of artificial intelligence (AI) today. In my experience, I saw a special re-screening of The Matrix at the old cinema of Festival Mall in December 1999 and it was entertaining but I never became a fan of its entertainment franchise. Regardless, the film continues to entertain and surprise YouTubers and you can see how by watching the selected videos below.

#2 The Horror Aspect Of Halo: Combat Evolved – It has been 24 years since Halo: Combat Evolved launched along with the original Xbox console. I played and finished the classic sci-fi first-person shooting game on rented Xbox consoles before and it remains a highly significant gaming experience to me. Original game developer Bungie did not just create a great sci-fi game but also designed it to be immersive, captivating and atmospheric. Within the atmosphere in the game is the subtle but effective use of horror elements which added to the mystery. How does the horror function in the classic game? Watch and learn from the video below.

#3 Meat & Rice Meals In Japan – Here is another food-related video in Japan. This is for those who crave for delicious meals composed of nice amounts of meat and rice The food joint in the video below not only serves the mentioned meals, it is able to cook many kinds of fried rice as well! Watch and enjoy the video below.

#4 Most Notable Episodes Of The Real Ghostbusters – As a young boy in the 1980s, I saw the classic movie Ghostbusters in 1984 and a few years later, I started watching episodes of The Real Ghostbusters animated TV series on home video and eventually on local TV. For the newcomers reading this, The Real Ghostbusters was the sequel and spin-off to the 1984 film and it had a specific title (using “Real”) as a result of a dispute with Filmation which had the Ghost Busters franchise. I lost count as to how many episodes of the animated series I saw but there were a few notable ones I still remember and Minty Comedic Arts’ recent video contained them. Watch the video below.

#5 UAE Rejects Radical Islam And The Islamists! – Islamists are an extreme and evil bunch. They cause trouble wherever they are and they are driven to overwhelm others, to bring down societies and become the one discriminating dominant force. Islamists have already infiltrated many European nations by means of mass migration (including entry as asylum seekers or refugees needing the host nation’s humanitarian assistance) and teaming up with the Satanic Leftists (to form a new Islamo-Leftist mob overseas). In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) knows how destructive radical Islam really is and they made clear that they not only reject Islamists but also remove them. Watch and learn from the video below.

#6 Japan Tightens Business Manager Visa Policy! – Recently, I blogged about Japan’s reformed policy on the business manager visa in response to the fraud and violations committed by foreigners – notably the Chinese nationals – who carried it. The requirements were drastically changed, new applicants must have at least a few years real experience of business practice, and the hiring of at least one full-time employee (who is Japanese or a permanent resident) must be done. As many of the abusers of the business manager visa were Chinese nationals, I found a video focused on the topic and what the affected Chinese holders of the visa in Japan think about the reforms done by the Japanese. Watch the video below.

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Overstaying Chinese National Arrested For Parañaque Scam Operation

November 14, 2025November 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an overstaying Chinese national who was caught in the act of running a scam operation in his residence, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national allegedly operating a cryptocurrency investment scam in a condominium unit in Parañaque City.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BI said fugitive search unit (FSU) agents, working with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) and the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime, apprehended a 41-year-old Chinese national on Monday, inside a residence along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities said the man was caught in the act of managing a computer workstation suspected of being used for online fraud. Intelligence reports earlier linked the location to another Chinese national believed to be running the operation with several accomplices.

He had also overstayed in the country, failing to extend his visa since October 2024, and was found to be working without a permit.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals illegally staying and secretly doing scam operations? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your residential community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ban On POGOs Institutionalized

November 6, 2025October 29, 2025carlocarrasco

The ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has officially been institutionalized recently as Republic Act Number 12312 has been signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Back in July 2024, the ban on POGOs was declared and there were some economic effects that followed (click here and here). POGOs are notorious for being connected with varied forms of crime and human rights abuses. It should be noted that even though the ban was in effect, there were still POGO operations uncovered in Parañaque City (click here, here and here) which itself has been a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals for many years now.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, institutionalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations and other related activities illegal.

RA 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed by Marcos on Oct. 23, repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming operations.

“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law stated.

“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful,” it added.

RA 12312 prohibits the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; the acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations; acting as a POGO gaming content or service provider; the creation and operation of a POGO hub; and the introduction, use, or possession of POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia.

The law orders the permanent cancellation of all licenses previously issued for POGO operations.

All Alien Employment Permits and certificates of exemption and exclusion issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as any visa or work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or other visa-issuing agencies to POGO workers, have also been revoked.

“Upon the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, the BI, and other visa-issuing agencies shall not be allowed to issue any visa or work permit to any person for purposes related to offshore gaming operations,” the law stated.

“The BI shall ensure that any foreign national whose visa is cancelled in accordance with this provision shall be deported directly to the country of his or her birth or citizenship, in coordination with the appropriate embassy or consulate.”

Under RA 12312, all POGOs, as well as POGO gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked, remain liable for taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and all other charges up to the last day of their operations.

These are due and payable to the government for obligations arising from or in connection with their operations.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is directed to audit persons and entities to determine any outstanding tax liabilities, despite the revocation of licenses and closure of operations.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still POGOs or even tiny POGO-like operations still operating secretly around the country right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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I Love Israel: Philippines Is A Priority Market For Israel On Tourism

November 4, 2025October 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Following the end of the 2-year war in Gaza and the return of twenty living hostages connected with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and the Middle East, there is now a renewed optimism in Israel particularly on tourism and that includes efforts to revive the travel sector while providing foreigners new opportunities to visit the Holy Land. Israel made clear that it sees the Philippines as a priority market on tourism, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, I myself had visited Israel on a pilgrimage tour with my local church in 2023. You can read some of my blog posts by clicking here, here, here, here, here and here. My faith in Lord Jesus is uncompromising and I will always stand in support of Israel and its people.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Israel sees the Philippines as a “priority” market in its efforts to revitalize its tourism sector, its tourism ministry said.

Intense promotions and trade engagement are underway in Asia following the “renewed travel optimism” seen after the Gaza ceasefire deal was signed this October, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).

The agency, during its participation at the recent Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Asia 2025 travel event in Singapore, underscored Israel’s intent to deepen ties across Asia’s high-growth travel markets and highlighted the destination’s “evolving identity that unites its heritage and modern leisure offerings.”

“The enthusiasm we’ve seen from Filipino travelers and partners at ITB Asia truly reflects how Israel remains a top bucket-list destination for many Filipinos,” Anna Oraiza Aban, marketing manager at IMOT’s Philippine office, said on Friday.

“With visa-free access for Philippine passport holders, we’re confident that more Filipinos will soon turn their dream trips into reality. The strong interest from the market and travel trade inspires us to continue developing experiences that connect deeply with Filipino travelers, whether through faith, culture, or adventure.“

In a briefer, IMOT said insights from ITB Asia 2025 will guide its regional strategy through 2026, with emphasis on joint marketing campaigns, airline collaborations, and education programs to build awareness and drive sustainable visitor growth in Asia.

Israel received 118,200 tourists in August, a 39 percent increase from July. Between January and August, it recorded 814,000 tourist arrivals, up from 672,400 in the same period last year.

“Asia has been a key market for Israel with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and South Korea leading,” IMOT said.

“This steady rise shows Asia’s growing confidence and curiosity in Israel’s mix of culture, culinary, eco-conscious, wellness, and adventure travel experiences,” it added.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties and I am confident that new travel breakthroughs between Israel and the Philippines plus other nations in Asia will happen. That means better commercial and investment opportunities, and more people in Asia will be able to visit the Holy Land in Israel and witness the Holy Bible come to life during their visit. This also means more Asian travelers – the faithful and those who are still spiritually lost – will have golden opportunities to realize that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations!

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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