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America and Japan Confirm Strong Alliance

January 17, 2026January 16, 2026carlocarrasco

As America prioritized its position in the Western Hemisphere, there is concern in Asia that a decline of American military presence in the Indo-Pacific could follow and allow Communist China to be an even bigger threat. That, however, is not the case at all as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed that their alliance remains strong and it will be backed up with action, according to a report by Kyodo News.

For the newcomers reading this, Japan is currently dealing with the aggression of Communist China. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan officially set its fiscal 2026 defense budget at 9 trillion Yen. Recently, Japan signed new agreements with the Philippines related to security and logistics support between their respective military forces. Prime Minister Takaichi will soon meet US President Trump in America.

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

The defense chiefs of Japan and the United States on Thursday agreed to reinforce the deterrence and response capabilities of the bilateral alliance amid concerns in Asia that Washington’s focus is drifting from the region.

“We confirmed that the Japan-U.S. alliance remains completely unshaken and that both countries are cooperating closely,” Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters following his meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon near Washington.

Koizumi said he was reassured that the United States remains committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, even as President Donald Trump’s administration has designated the Western Hemisphere its top priority.

While Trump has downplayed Chinese military activities around Taiwan, his administration is seeking to strengthen its position in North and South America and the surrounding waters, as evidenced by its recent intervention in Venezuela and designs on Greenland.

In some Asian capitals, Trump’s increased focus on the Western Hemisphere has prompted concerns about a potential decline in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, creating a security vacuum in the region as China accelerates its military buildup.

“Our job and our goal here is to continue…to strengthen that in every way possible,” Hegseth said as they began talks, referring to the decades-old security alliance.

After welcoming Koizumi in an honor cordon ceremony, Hegseth hailed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s resolve to increase Tokyo’s defense spending.

According to Koizumi, Hegseth did not call on Japan to raise its defense spending during their meeting, which lasted about 50 minutes.

Koizumi said he told Hegseth that Japan will do its utmost to beef up its defense capabilities and the alliance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the United States has something planned to enhance its alliance with Japan which could create a bigger challenge towards China in the Indo-Pacific region? What do you think will be announced once Trump and Takaichi meet in America?

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

Business Group Proposes New Blueprint To Solve Bottlenecks of Tourism In The Philippines

January 16, 2026January 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Things are clearly not looking good for the Philippines economically and also on international tourism. The Philippines was left behind by many of its Southeast Asian neighbors even as the region attracted more foreign tourists in 2025. Vietnam attracted more than 21 million foreign tourists last year and they are clearly benefiting from the ongoing tourism boom. That said, it is not surprising to see a local business group or federation make noise and urge the government to implement comprehensive reforms to solve the many problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines which the Manila Bulletin recently reported.

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

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is sounding the alarm on the Philippines’ lagging tourism sector, urging the government to enact sweeping reforms as international arrival figures fall behind regional competitors.

In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 11, FFCCCII President Victor Lim described the current state of the industry as a “pivotal” moment, arguing that structural changes are now an urgent economic necessity.

While neighboring nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are reporting a robust post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines is struggling to regain its footing.

“We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms,” Lim said.

Data from the first 11 months of 2025 showed that the Philippines recorded 5.24 million international arrivals, a 2.2 percent decrease from the same period a year earlier.

The end-November figure also remained 37 percent below the benchmark levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.

Lim said the decline posed a direct threat to the broader economy, noting that tourism is a critical engine of inclusive growth. The sector is a primary employer and a lifeline for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the archipelago.

The federation identified three systemic hurdles: a “hassle factor” caused by congested airports and poor digital connectivity, uncompetitive visa policies that act as a deterrent compared to the streamlined entry points of regional peers, and a fragmented marketing strategy that fails to capitalize on the country’s cultural heritage.

To reverse the trend, the FFCCCII proposed a “Blueprint for Immediate Reform.” The plan calls for an “ASEAN-competitive” visa regime and a “connectivity revolution” to modernize primary gateways and facilitate easier travel between islands.

Lim also cited the need to pivot promotional efforts toward “The Philippine Experience,” moving beyond traditional sightseeing to highlight the nation’s history and hospitality.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the FFCCCII is correct about the current state of Philippine tourism? Do you find the FFCCCII’s proposal sensible and believable? Do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) should take the FFCCCII’s proposal very seriously? Do you thinking it is inevitable that other business chambers from around the Philippines will push for tourism industry reforms?

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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Nomura Says Philippine Economic Growth May Fall Below 4% In The Near Term

January 15, 2026January 9, 2026carlocarrasco

By pointing to the effects of the flood control corruption scandal as well as other factors, Nomura Global Markets Research stated that the economic growth of the Philippines may fall below 4% in the near term, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

PHILIPPINE economic growth may fall below 4% in the near term as the billion‑peso flood control scandal drags on, affecting government spending and dampening consumption and sentiment, Nomura Global Markets Research said.

“I think going forward, these spillover effects (from the graft scandal) will also expand,” Nomura Chief Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economist Euben Paracuelles told Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Thursday.

The scandal, which curbed state spending last year, is expected to dampen household consumption and business investment amid weaker sentiment, he added.

“If the drag is now sort of becoming more broad-based, not just the drop in government spending, you’ll see growth coming potentially below 4%, at least in the near term,” he said.

Nomura now expects the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 5.3% in 2026 from 5.6% previously. This is still within the government’s recently revised 5-6% target this year.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said growth targets were lowered through 2027, after GDP growth likely slowed to 4.8-5% in 2025 amid the flood control controversy.

The government cut its 2026 projection to 5-6% and to 5.5-6.5% for 2027 from the earlier 6-7% range. The 2028 target was retained at 6-7%.

Mr. Paracuelles anticipates that the government will roll out catch-up spending plans, possibly in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, the Philippines may earn a credit rating upgrade if the government manages to resolve the flood control corruption issue within a year, Mr. Paracuelles said.

“The key for me is 12 months from here, when they need to decide on whether they need to upgrade the Philippines, I think it’s still quite uncertain,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economic growth of the Philippines is indeed slowing down right now? Would you be surprised to see the nation’s economic growth reach less than 4%? Do you think the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working sufficiently to restore its credibility?

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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83 Illegal Aliens Arrested In Parañaque City

January 15, 2026January 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a raid happened at a certain shopping mall which resulted in the apprehension of more than eighty illegal aliens, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). A great majority of the suspects were from Bangladesh.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of 83 foreign nationals during a large-scale operation at a shopping mall in Baclaran, Parañaque City.

The operation, which stemmed from intelligence reports, was carried out on Jan. 7, following weeks of surveillance and verification, according to a belated news release.

The apprehended foreigners were 68 Bangladeshi nationals, 14 Chinese and one Indian. There were 2 females in the group.

Initial records check showed that while some held valid visas, they were engaged in retail trade activities prohibited under Philippine law. The report added that 18 of the foreigners are holding tourist visas, while the identities of six are under verification.

The foreign nationals are facing charges of immigration violations including undocumented stay, misrepresentation and violation of Republic Act 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, which prohibits foreigners from engaging in retail trade without proper authority, regardless of visa status.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado explained that the possession of a visa does not grant blanket authority to work or do business in the country.

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 foreigners secretly working illegally at the nearest commercial center?

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

US State Department Imposes Terrorist Designations Against Muslim Brotherhood Chapters Of Three Countries

January 15, 2026January 14, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember a few months ago when US President Donald Trump made it clear that the Muslim Brotherhood will be officially declared a terrorist organization? America made its move by imposing terrorist designations against the Egyptian, Jordanian and Lebanese chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, as announced very recently by the US State Department.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the complete US State Department’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Today, as a first step in support of President Trump’s commitment to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that pose a threat to the United States as described in Executive Order 14362, the United States is imposing terrorist designations against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Department of State is designating the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and the group’s leader Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh as an SDGT. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood as SDGTs for providing material support to Hamas.

These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters’ violence and destabilization wherever it occurs. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this newest move by the United States will help the government of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon corner the Muslim Brotherhood chapters and bring them down somehow? Do you think the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas will be severely affected now that the Egyptian and Jordanian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been tagged by the US? Do you think America will eventually crack down on the Muslim Brotherhood’s deep connections with the pro-terrorist government of Qatar?

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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Philippines Overall 2025 Inflation Rate Lands At 1.7%

January 13, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the 1.8% inflation rate for December 2025, the Philippines’ overall inflation rate for the entire year landed at 1.7%, according to a business news report by GMA Network.

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

The Philippines ended 2025 with a year-to-date average inflation settling well within the government’s target, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday.

At a press conference, National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa said the overall inflation —which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services— clocked in at 1.8% in December 2025

This was faster than the 1.5% rate posted in November 2025.

December’s inflation print brought the 12-month 2025 national average to 1.7%, which stood well within the administration’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.

The 2025 average inflation was slower than 2024’s average rate of 3.2%. This was also the slowest annual average inflation rate since 2016 when the overall year-to-date inflation rate stood at 1.3%.

‘Resilient’ – In a statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy has remained resilient against inflationary pressures due to the government’s timely and targeted interventions.”

“Building on this momentum, the government will continue to pursue prudent fiscal and monetary coordination and advance structural reforms to sustain the downward inflation trend and support inclusive growth in 2026 and beyond,” said Balisacan.

The PSA reported that the downtrend seen in 2025’s annual average inflation rate was primarily due to the lower increase in the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index, with a rate of 1.2% from 4.4% in 2024.

Meanwhile, the uptick in December alone was attributed to the impact of Typhoon Uwan, which disrupted food production as food inflation—which tracks the price movements of food items in a “basket” commonly purchased by households—accelerated to 1.2% from -0.3% in November.

This was due to the faster increase in vegetable inflation to 11.6% from 4% to 11.6 percent on the back of increases in onions at 79% from 48.2%, eggplants at 29.4% from –6.5%, and pumpkins at 20.1% from 8.8%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will remain below 2% per month over the next 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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 118

January 12, 2026January 8, 2026carlocarrasco

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 Wagyu Beef In Japan – Have you ever heard of Wagyu? Wagyu collectively refers to four main Japanese breeds of beef cattle. All the Wagyu cattle today are the result of the cross-breeding between Japanese cattle and cattle from overseas (particularly from Europe) that happened centuries ago. When it comes to food, Wagyu beef is a premium type of meat that features marbling (referring to the streaks of fat existing within the red meat). It is of great quality and taste, it is not surprising that a lot of people enjoy it in Japan. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#2 2001: A Space Odyssey Reaction Videos –When it comes to the science fiction genre of films, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a landmark achievement and it is one of the most defining movies that Stanley Kubrick ever directed. The sci-fi epic was released long before the first Star Wars movie even came out and it influenced at lot of filmmakers. That said, it is not surprising that a lot of YouTubers made lots of reaction videos, retro reviews and analysis about it. Watch the videos posted below.

#3 Lufia Games Revisited – When it comes to Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) in the 1990s, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) had a lot of them. Among the many RPGs from Japan were a few specific games that made waves among gamers but never achieved massive commercial success. I am talking about the games Lufia & the Fortress of Doom and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals. To this day, there is a dedicated fanbase of those two Lufia titles which were overall enjoyable and immersive in different ways. It is a tragedy that the Lufia series (including handheld titles) has been dormant for a long time and Square Enix (which acquired original Lufia publisher Taito) has not shown any interested to revive it which makes it hard for gamers to play the old games. Lufia game developer Neverland went out of business more than a decade ago. To find out why the two Lufia RPGs were fun and still significant, watch the videos below.

#4 Are Open-World Games Getting Worse? – Open-world games are collectively popular as gamers always enjoy in-depth exploration, quests or activities they can participate it when they decide to, following the main story and sub-plots, and more. As many open-world games have been released over the past two decades, some people observed that game developers are making production short-cuts that reduce the depth of the gameplay experience. And there are games that have bad open-world maps. I understand that video game production today keeps getting more expensive and more stressful to do but there is something to learn from the video posted below. If you’ve been playing open-world games since before 2010, you will realize something.

#5 Scary Crosswind Landings – When traveling far away by airplane, it is only natural for travelers to be safe all the time. Still, nature has its own ways of changing randomly which means varying wind speed which in turn makes it challenging for airplane pilots to land. Some of you might have experienced the rough landing before but what you will see in the video below could scare you.

#6 Influencers Who Died On Mount Everest – When it comes to climbing Mount Everest, it is truly very daunting to do not only because of the sheer height but also because of the weather conditions, the cold, the need to be equipped and the need to work closely with other climbers. Given the significance of Mount Everest, it is not surprising that social media influencers want to make a spectacle online by climbing it and showing images or videos of themselves to their followers around the world. However, to climb the great mountain is very risky and doing something for the sake of social media mileage should be the LAST thing to do. Watch and learn from the video below.

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Meralco Plans Key Study With USTDA This Quarter

January 12, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Philippines energy giant Meralco revealed that it intends to start a crucial study with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) within the first quarter this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The topic of the study is the adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs).

For the newcomers reading this, Meralco is the most notable private entity in the Philippines with strong interest on nuclear power. To learn more about them and their nuclear pursuit, click here and here.

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

MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) plans to begin a study with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on the adoption of small modular reactors (SMR) within the first quarter, the company said in a disclosure to the local bourse on Monday.

“The study is expected to commence during the first quarter and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter this year,” it said.

The power distributor is set to issue a request for proposal this month to select a contractor that will conduct the feasibility study.

Meralco earlier secured a $2.7-million (P160 million) grant from USTDA to fund the assessment of SMR deployment in the Philippines.

The initiative forms part of Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, under which the company has been carrying out pre-feasibility work and partnership discussions to evaluate nuclear technologies suitable for local conditions.

The study supports the Department of Energy’s (DoE) goal of incorporating at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix by 2032 as part of efforts to diversify supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Starting in April, Meralco said it would begin identifying potential sites suitable for SMR facilities, in coordination with government agencies such as the DoE and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Site selection will consider technical, environmental and regulatory factors.

SMRs are designed to generate up to 300 MW each and can be built in a shorter timeframe compared with conventional large-scale nuclear power plants. Proponents say their smaller size and modular construction could allow more flexible deployment.

Aside from the technical study, Meralco said it would carry out stakeholder engagement and consultations, capability-building initiatives and support work related to the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks governing nuclear energy.

By the fourth quarter, the company expects to produce a shortlist of potential sites for submission to the DoE and Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the recently established independent regulator overseeing nuclear and radiation-related activities.

“The NEST program is in its preparatory phase, thus no material impact is expected on the company’s business, operations, and financials at this juncture,” Meralco said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you hopeful that Meralco’s planned study with the USTDA will lead to progress to achieving nuclear energy in the Philippines within the next few years? Are members of your local community aware about the current move of the country towards nuclear power?

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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Department of Tourism Claims Domestic Tourism Surged During 2025 Christmas Break

January 10, 2026January 5, 2026carlocarrasco

With the slowing economic growth and clear weakness on international tourism compared with many Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines still has domestic tourists to rely on and many Filipinos traveled around the country during the 2025 Christmas season, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) announcement published via the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the DOT announcement via the PIA. Some parts in boldface…

The Christmas long break underscored the strength of domestic tourism as Filipinos traveled across the country in large numbers, filling beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations—cementing local travel as a vital pillar of the Philippine tourism industry during the holiday season.

Leading holiday destinations saw robust visitor turnout, with Boracay Island in Western Visayas recording the highest arrivals at 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28, 2025, as Filipinos gathered to celebrate Christmas by the beach. The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls and bringing in thousands of passengers and crew, further adding to local tourism activity.

Close behind, Cebu City welcomed 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol received 62,240 tourists, reflecting sustained domestic travel to Central Visayas despite the region having faced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas saw some 25,194 overnight guests. But the most visited tourist destination in the region was Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar which registered some 56,543 tourists.

In the Cordilleras, Baguio City—long regarded as a favorite Christmas destination—recorded 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve, drawn by its cool weather, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.

In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors over the holiday break, while neighboring Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many traveling along scenic routes framed by views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.

Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic. La Union recorded 47,338 foreign and local visitors seeking a beach escape, while Ilocos Sur welcomed 32,232 tourists drawn to its heritage streets and coastal landscapes. Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya received 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel during the break.

Island destinations remained popular for a “summer in December” experience. El Nido, Palawan welcomed 40,000 tourists, while Coron recorded 17,850 visitors. Puerto Galera also drew 13,204 holiday travelers.

In Mindanao, the Province of Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN welcomed 26,191 visitors, reflecting growing interest in the region’s diverse landscapes. Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, while Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its rolling mountains and cool climate. Camiguin Island likewise welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.

In Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, as Filipinos flocked to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks. The area felt especially alive during the season, with families and groups attending Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral and enjoying festive decorations in one of the country’s most celebrated heritage destinations.

“The strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines remains a driving force of our travel industry. The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” said Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“From ridge to reef, cities to heritage towns, domestic travel helps communities recover and thrive, boosts the economy, deepens national pride, and supports more equitable tourism development across our regions.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think DOT is honest and transparent with its claims of surging domestic tourists during the 2025 Christmas season? Do you think the DOT should focus more on domestic tourism so that the nation’s tourism industry will grow better and become less dependent on tourists from abroad? Do you think the “Love the Philippines” should be replaced soon?

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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Vietnam Attracts All-Time High 21.2 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2025

January 10, 2026January 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Vietnam, a nation ravaged by war decades ago, has emerged as a major tourism magnet in both Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole after successfully attracting more than twenty-one million foreign tourists in 2025, according to a VnExpress International news report. The figure is a new all-time high. What Vietnam achieved was more than 20% higher than its 2024 foreign tourist numbers. For 2026, Vietnam is aiming high with a target of 25 million foreign visitors.

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

Vietnam welcomed a record number of foreign tourists in 2025 with 21.2 million, up 20.4% from the previous year and the highest ever, according to General Statistics Office.

Mainland China was Vietnam’s biggest source of visitors last year with 5.2 million arrivals, up 41% year-on-year, followed by South Korea with 4.3 million and Taiwan with 1.23 million.

The U.S. ranked fourth with 848,000, followed by Japan with 814,000. The rest of the top 10 were India (746,000), Russia (689,000), Cambodia (687,000), Malaysia (573,000) and Australia (548,000).

Tourism industry insiders attributed Vietnam’s strong performance to visa reforms.

*Foreign tourists welcomed in Vietnam. (photo credit: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism)*

In March the government decided to extend visa exemptions until 2028 for citizens of 12 countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.

In August it waived visa requirements for stays of up to 45 days for citizens of 12 more countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

This expanded the unilateral visa waiver list to 24 countries and the total number including bilateral waivers to 39.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong international tourism momentum it has right now, do you think Vietnam will succeed in attracting 25 million foreign tourists this year? Do you think a lot more visitors from Europe will come to Vietnam this year?

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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