Pinoy – Page 102 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Ambitious resort, casino and convention center to rise inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone

March 26, 2024March 15, 2024carlocarrasco

An ambitious resort, casino and convention center inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will rise in the near future, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

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

A world-class $300-million convention center, resort and casino will soon rise at the country’s premier freeport to further boost the tourism industry in the region.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Inc. at the Bravo building compound of Subic International Hotel on Thursday, March 14.

“In a couple of years, the Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels, which is affiliated with the Accor International Group, will be operating a world class integrated leisure and convention center in Subic Bay, which will be the very first integrated resort casino and hotel complex in the freeport,” Aliño said.

Subic Sun Convention Resort and Casino Chairman and President Pablo Edgardo Puyat, meanwhile, said the operations are anticipated to begin in 2025.

“Both the Ibis Styles Subic and Mercure Subic are in the company’s economy and midscale segments, respectively. Ibis Styles Subic is set to open in 2026 and is the first internationally branded hotel in Subic,” he said.

Ibis Styles Subic will offer 175 rooms and will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, meeting space, and a gym.

Ibis Styles is an economy hotel brand focused on in-style stays while the Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand, with both brands owned by Accor International Group. The Ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels are just part of the initial phase of the project.

Mercure Subic, set to open in 2026, will offer 250 rooms and be the second internationally branded hotel in the area. It is located adjacent to Ibis Styles Subic.

“A world-class integrated leisure and convention center will be constructed in progressive phases, encompassing a six-hectare property that will feature an integrated resort casino complex and five-star resort hotels,” Puyat added.

He said that aside from the convention center and exhibition hall, the area will also have duty-free shops, dormitels, carpark, hotel and recreation center, Americana complex, Americana seaside clubhouse, American country club, and the New Dragon Restaurant.

Aliño also said that the additional facilities inside the freeport will attract more tourists because they will now have luxury hotels to stay in.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think this development will help solve the lack of hotel rooms inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you look forward to the announced amenities as well as new duty free shops?

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

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 15

March 25, 2024April 17, 2024carlocarrasco

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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Movie reaction videos by You, Me and the Movies – When it comes to watching movie reaction videos, I enjoy what the YouTube channel You, Me and the Movies posted. Go watch the five videos of theirs that I selected for your enjoyment. I also encourage you to visit You, Me and the Movies’ YouTube channel.

#2 Minty Comedic Arts’ superhero trivia videos – In recent times, superhero movies from Hollywood became irrelevant and unexciting not because of the so-called superhero movie fatigue but because they are no longer made to be fun. That being said, now is a good time to look back at the enjoyable superhero movies from the past through Minty Comedic Arts’ trivia videos below. You will learn something new and do not forget to visit Minty Comedic Arts’ YouTube channel.

#3 Looking back at the Sega Dreamcast’s American launch and legacy – It has been almost 25 years since the Sega Dreamcast console launched in the United States. The American launch turned out highly successful with almost $100 million in sales revenue achieved during the first 24 hours. For the newcomers reading this, there was a time when Sega had consoles and the Dreamcast was the last one they had before going all-in with multiplatform publishing of games. That being said, watch these videos of the Dreamcast.

#4 Assorted videos of violations and reckless driving incidents of electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) in the Philippines – For the international readers and newcomers reading this, the amount of electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) here in the Philippines grew dramatically over the past ten years. Because of the many incidents as well as cases of careless or reckless driving of e-bikes and e-trikes that took place, authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila took action to have such electric vehicles regulated as well as banned from traveling along major roads and highways. Hopefully in the future, e-bike and e-trike riders will be required to have their electric vehicles registered and get themselves licensed to drive. To see the incidents, watch the videos below…

#5 Rita Panahi and the Leftists who embarrassed themselves – We now move on to the more serious and real-world stuff. I can say that Rita Panahi and her segment titled “Lefties losing it” is easily the most engaging one to watch on Sky News Australia. Here you will see varied videos showing the recklessness, the shamelessness and craziness of the Leftists as captured on social media and news media. Watch and listen to the videos below…

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Muntinlupa City Government warns public about highly contagious Pertussis (whooping cough)

March 25, 2024March 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government warned the public about the spread of Pertussis (also referred to as whooping cough) which already caused over four hundred cases counted in the first ten weeks of the year in the country (according to the Department of Health’s statistics), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public about pertussis, or whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

“Pertussis spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The disease is most dangerous in infants, and is a significant cause of disease and death in this age group,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 453 cases of pertussis in the first 10 weeks of 2024.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, head of the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO), said pertussis is a bacterial disease affecting the mucous membrane of the throat.

The symptoms of pertussis, he said, include persistent cough with episodes of vomiting. The cough lasts for two weeks.

“And for every cough episodes, meron siyang pagsusuka (And for every cough episode, the patient will have vomiting),” Bunyi said in a video uploaded by the Muntinlupa City government on Facebook.

He told Manila Bulletin that the Muntinlupa CHO is currently monitoring five cases of pertussis from different barangays with no clustering. No death from pertussis has been recorded in Muntinlupa.

The CHO is also doing a defaulter tracking of children who may have missed their pertussis shots, Bunyi added.

“Individuals who are experiencing prolonged and excessive cough of more than 2 weeks with fever, runny nose and with vomiting episodes after bouts of cough are advised to seek immediate consultation,” said Bunyi.

He added, “Pertussis if left untreated may lead to respiratory distress and eventually difficulty of breathing resulting to death. As of to date Muntinlupa has no fatality from pertussis.”

Bunyi advised wearing of face masks for those who were in close contact and for families with known cases of pertussis.

“As a standard measure to prevent any type of airborne infection just like pertussis, wearing of face mask is prescribed especially to those in close contacts and families with known case of pertussis or whooping cough,” he said.

He encouraged people to have their children vaccinated against pertussis.

“Since this is a vaccine preventable disease, mother’s are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest health facilities to get their pertussis shots which is given free to all public health institutions . Those who failed to complete the dose (defaulters) requirement for the shot are likewise encouraged to get immunized,” he said.

In the video, he said pertussis is included in pentahib, or pentavalent vaccine, which is a routine immunization of children in the country.

Pertussis is part of the DPT immunization, or diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that Pertussis could have infected some members of your local community? Are people in your local community aware of whooping cough?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

It’s not right for the ICC to intervene in the judicial process in the Philippines

March 25, 2024March 14, 2024carlocarrasco

We all live in a chaotic and divisive world. In this case, I’m talking about the concept of the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in the Netherlands getting involved in the internal affairs of the Philippines, particularly with the judicial process. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stood up to the ICC pointing out that the nation has a functioning judiciary, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Be aware that the Philippines severed its ties with the ICC five years ago.

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

It is a “mistake” for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in the Philippines’ judicial process, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said, as he maintained that the country has a functioning judiciary.

Marcos made the remarks during his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement on Thursday.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood firm before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines as it remains to have a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms,” Garafil said.

During the meeting, Marcos told Scholz that ICC cannot investigate the Philippines’ drug campaign under the Duterte administration because the country is capable of conducting its own probe.

Marcos said there is no need for the international court to meddle, considering that “there are too many lawyers in the Philippines already.”

“And so, it’s really a question of jurisdiction and we have our own investigations and we’re capable of conducting our own investigations and, so we are, we are continuing to do so,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the PCO.

Marcos said the ICC’s apparent intrusion into the Philippine judicial system is something that his administration has to deal with.

He said it is “unacceptable” for an international court to take control over the Philippines where there is a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms.

“Well, there is now a conflict between – in terms of jurisdiction because, in our opinion, the ICC was created when a country has no judiciary, no functioning judiciary, no police force to enforce peace and order; enforce law,” Marcos said.

“As a matter of principle, it is very difficult for the Philippines to accept that an outside court will, shall I say, dictate to our policemen, ‘who they will investigate, who they will arrest and who will say, that hey, because we don’t need that advice’,” he added, stressing that the country has a “functioning military and police force that uphold the rule of law.”

In February this year, Marcos said the ICC prosecutors could “produce as much evidence as they want but they could not act upon it in the Philippines.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the ICC and its henchmen here in the Philippines are secretly conspiring to weaken the nation’s justice system and the local authorities’ fight against crime? Do you think the latest move by President Marcos will send a clear signal to the internationalist organizations that it is pointless for them to violate the sovereignty of the Philippines?

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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Justice for APA achieved as son Nelson Antonio found guilty

March 22, 2024September 26, 2024carlocarrasco

On the morning of March 21, 2024 at Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC), suspect Nelson Antonio was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the September 11, 2013 killing of his father Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

As expected, the verdict rendered by the honorable Judge Regina Paz Ramos Chavez drew reactions of happiness and relief from the surviving members of the Antonio family who worked hard to achieve justice for the late APA. In a statement to the journalists who were present, the prosecutor Atty. Carlo Ybañez said that the verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt on Nelson Antonio was inevitable as it was clear that their side had many witnesses of the murder that happened in the Antono residence along Concha Cruz Drive, and there was also the fact that the suspect fled and hid overseas to elude justice (note: the charge of parricide was filed in late 2013) for years.

*The promulgation happened in Branch 274 of the Parañaque RTC.*

*Xialen Antonio (daughter of the late Antonio P. Antonio) spoke to the media after the judgment was rendered. With her are the lawyers and her brother Vladimir (2nd from right).*

Atty. Ybañez said they are anticipating the next move of the defense which could possibly be an appeal.

“We thank the entire community, the police and the lawyers who helped us for more than ten years in our pursuit for justice. We also thank the public officials who assisted us,” Xialen Antonio stated.

Xialen also reminded the journalists that a certain TV program aired the case of APA which caused an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East to recognize Nelson (already in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and contacted the Philippine police attache to the UAE which led to the suspect’s arrest and return to the Philippines. For a detailed look at what happened, click here.

*A group picture of the Antonio family with the lawyers and others supporters who helped with the pursuit of justice for the late APA that last many years.*

For the newcomers reading this, Antonio P. Antonio was a prominent business tycoon and he was one of the most distinguished residents of BF Homes subdivision. APA served as director and president of the old federation United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI). His sudden departure at age 63 resulted in chaos and uncertainty for the Antonio family. To know more about APA through the 10^th death anniversary remembrance I attended, click here. I also have a 2020 feature article of the late Antonio P. Antonio which you can read by clicking here.

*The late Antonio P. Antonio (1950-2013).*

As of this writing, the news of the verdict is spreading. Justice for APA posted an official update and public statement that viewers can read by clicking here. Already the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) published an online report, so click here.

For more updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

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Philippines secures at least $4 billion worth of investments from Germany

March 22, 2024March 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippines has been on a roll lately when it comes to attracting investors and sealing agreements. Following the success of attracting investment from Australia, the Philippines secured from Germany investments worth at least $4 billion (over P220 billion) as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and his team went there recently, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said amount is more than double than what the nation secured from Australia.

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

The Philippines has secured at least USD4 billion (PHP222 billion) worth of investments in various sectors during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s working visit in Germany.

“We have secured business deals worth USD4 billion in Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse!” he said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.

“Last year’s significant investments from Germany underscore their confidence in us as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific. We eagerly welcome further collaborations in climate action and energy transition.”

On Tuesday night (Manila time), Marcos became the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations.

The Philippines and Germany established their diplomatic relations on Oct. 8, 1954.

Marcos also witnessed during the business forum the presentation and exchange of various memoranda of agreement or understanding and letters of intent with different German businesses.

Marcos, in his speech, said Germany is one of the countries that the Philippines is looking forward to further fostering strong business partnerships and collaboration, being one of the biggest economies in the European Union.

He said Germany has the biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Product and population, and a global force in technology and innovation.

“Last year was a testament to the continuing confidence of Germany in the Philippines as a partner in the Asia-Pacific and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region by leading among the countries in terms of investments,” Marcos said.

The President also touted the policy reforms and key legislations made by his government to make the Philippines a reliable partner for foreign investors.

In 2022, Germany was the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner, 10th export market, and 15th import supplier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the confirmed investments from Germany will translate into new jobs and new opportunities for social and economic prosperity?

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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Bazaar, Mayor’s Gallery and other activities at Las Piñas City Hall set for March 25 and 26, 2024

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that special activities related to the dual celebrations of Las Piñas’ founding and cityhood anniversaries will take place at City Hall on March 25 and 26, 2024, according to the social media post of March 6, 2024.

On March 25, a cultural dance presentation will happen at City Hall at 7AM.

On March 25 and 26, a bazaar will take place at the City Hall Quadrangle starting 8AM up to 5PM. There will be a variety of goods that visitors will find.

On March 26 at 3PM, the unveiling of the Las Piñas City Mayor’s Gallery will take place at the lobby of the Mayor’s Office inside City Hall. At the quadrangle just outside, the Bayan ng Las Piñas one-act play will start at 5PM and last until 7PM. At 6PM, the launch of “Tahanan” will commence.

March 27 is a special non-working day as previously announced by Malacañang Palace recognizing the dual celebrations of the city’s founding and cityhood anniversaries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you plan to attend the special activities at Las Piñas City Hall on March 25 and 26? What do you expect to see at the bazaar as well as at the Mayor’s Gallery?

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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Implementation of ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads of Metro Manila to take effect on April 15, 2024

March 21, 2024March 12, 2024carlocarrasco

It is finally happening with orderly travel and the safety of many others in mind. In relation to the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on the major roads of Metro Manila will take effect on April 15, 2024, and there will be deputized traffic enforcers to implement it, 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…

Starting April 15, Metro Manila traffic enforcers will start apprehending e-bikes and e-trikes that will be caught travelling along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday, March 11.

At least 19 major thoroughfares were already identified by the MMDA as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes but local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila can still add more roads based on the ordinances that they would approve.

The initial MMDA list are C1: Recto Avenue; C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue; C3: Araneta Avenue; C4: EDSA; C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia; C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway; R1: Roxas Boulevard; R2: Taft Avenue; R3: Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway); R4: Shaw Boulevard; R5: Ortigas Avenue; R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd; R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave; R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.; R9: Rizal Ave.; R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway; Elliptical Road; Mindanao Avenue; and Marcos Highway.

These are the major thoroughfares that are under the jurisdiction of the MMDA.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said the April 15 date would be an ideal start of the enforcement as it would give them more time to conduct aggressive information dissemination drives, especially to e-bikes and e-trikes owners and users.

The enforcement against e-bikes and e-trikes is based on the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Resolution 2024-022 that was approved by all NCR mayors in a bid to regulate the e-vehicles amid mounting concerns on road safety.

“The IRR (implementing Rules and Regulations) of the MMC Resolution will be released before April 15, and before April 15 we want to have a minimum of 15 days before effectivity for information drive before we implement this,” said Artes.

He explained that the April 15 date is what was stipulated in the MMC Resolution as the start of the implementation.

The MMDA held on Monday a consultation with various stakeholders in connection with the MMC Resolution and it was during the dialogue that various considerations were raised by some stakeholders.

One of that considerations, according to Artes, is the classification of the e-bikes and e-trikes and the areas where they will still be allowed.

For instance, pedal-assist e-bikes will still be allowed on major thoroughfares provided that they stay on the designated bike lanes.

The MMC and the MMDA agreed to regulate e-bikes and e-trikes amid the rising cases of road accidents in the past few years.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that all drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must be required to have licenses in order to drive? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes get registered with the local authorities before they could be used on the roads? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike driver driving recklessly over the past two weeks?

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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COMELEC and Miru Systems sign P17.99 billion contract for 2025 automated poll system

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the 2025 National and Local Elections here in the Philippines finally happen, expect to see some differences when voting as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and new provider Miru Systems Company Limited signed the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) related to the said polls, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections and South Korean company Miru Systems Company Limited on Monday signed the contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.

The P17.99-billion contract will cover around 110,000 machines and peripherals including ballot boxes, laptops, and other printing requirements for the 2025 elections.

Miru is joined by Integrated Computer Systems and St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. in the joint venture for the Comelec procurement.

The signing was led by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Miru President Chung Jin Bok.

This came more than two weeks after Comelec announced that it awarded the contract to Miru, the lone bidder for the procurement.

Lawmakers, election watchdogs, and other groups earlier expressed concern and called on the Comelec to stay vigilant and review Miru’s track record.

But, Miru Systems said the allegations of election failures due to its technology were false.

For perspective about allegations of Miru Systems, click here. The company itself has stated that allegations against them related to elections in Iraq and Congo were false and you can read about that by clicking here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to the requirements of the contract and prove helpful in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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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Over 1.2 million international tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted (January 1 to March 5, 2024)

March 18, 2024March 7, 2024carlocarrasco

If the newest data about the 1.2 million international tourist arrivals released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the period of January 1 to March 5, 2024, is indeed true and accurate, then it looks like achieving the 7.7 million international tourist arrivals target for the Philippines for 2024 is doable. The DOT recently announced that that 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals (which includes both foreign tourists and Filipinos based overseas) were counted during the first 65 days of the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines is off to a good start in reaching its year-end arrival target after getting 1.2 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2024 alone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday.

As of March 5, international tourist arrivals to the Philippines have tallied 1,227,815.

Foreign tourist arrivals took the lion’s share with 1,160,129 or 94.49 percent while overseas Filipinos make up the remaining 67,686.

Speaking at the Philippine Pavilion at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2024 Convention in Germany, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this is 22.86 percent higher than the 999,390 arrivals received by the country in the same period in 2023.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude first to all our Philippine sellers who continue to champion Philippine tourism. As of today (March 5), the Philippines has received over 1.2 million international visitors, a robust indication of the future of Philippine tourism. Cheers to all the reasons to celebrate and Love the Philippines,” she said.

South Korea remains the country’s top source market for visitors, with 349,956 or 28.50 percent of the total, followed by the United States with 195,603 (15.93 percent), China with 85,876 (6.99 percent), Japan with 73,159 (5.96 percent), and Canada landing in the fifth spot with 50,555 (4.12 percent).

Australia took the sixth spot with 50,488 (4.11 percent), Taiwan with 42,955 (3.50 percent), the United Kingdom with 30,507 (2.48 percent), Singapore with 25,253 (2.06 percent), and Germany with 20,816 (1.70 percent).

In January, the country’s visitor receipts also grew by 4.84 percent to USD652.26 million from the USD622.14 million recorded in the same month last year.

By doing the math, 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals divided by the first 65 days of 2024 is equivalent to 18,889.46 per day. Multiply that by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 6,913,542 which is several hundreds of thousands of international tourist arrivals short of the declared target. The DOT and the rest of tourism industry’s stakeholders still have lots of work to do to ensure that more than enough visitors from overseas will come into the country and add to the nation’s economy. It should be remembered that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the reforms and initiatives the Department of Tourism (DOT) executed last year are generating positive results right now? Did you notice the lack of Arab nations among the top markets of international visitors the DOT declared? Do you think there is enough momentum and time for the Philippines to be able to attract 7,700,000 international tourist arrivals by the end of the 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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