If you constantly travel between Cavite province and Parañaque City, then you will eventually benefit from improvements as the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) announced that the travel time between Sucat (Parañaque) and Coastal Road will be reduced by 10 minutes upon the expected 2024 (first quarter) completion of the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment, 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…
The Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) announced that travel time going to Sucat, Parañaque from Coastal Road will be cut by 10 minutes once the Cavitex C5 Link Segment 2 is completed by the first quarter of 2024.
According to Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) President and General Manager Raul Ignacio, the cut of 10 minutes travel time in going to Sucat, Parañaque from Coastal Road and vice versa will make travel more efficient and seamless for motorist and daily commuters.
Ignacio said that in preparation for the completion of the Cavitex C5 Link Segment 2 R1 Interchange, counter flow schemes will be implemented at the Parañaque Toll Plaza from September 14 to 25 from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
He said the scheme will be in effect from September 15-19 for Manila-bound traffic and September 19-25 for Cavite-bound traffic. To alleviate congestion, the CIC said it will also activate counter flow lanes as needed.
Ignacio also said the R-1 Interchange is a vital 1.9-kilometer segment (Segment 2) of the Cavitex C5 Link project, a 7.7-kilometer, 2×3 lane expressway set to connect Cavitex R1 to C5 Road in Taguig.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you often travel along the CAVITEX?
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
Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the organization composed of tour operators and allied members that are actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism, was commended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Christina Frasco during their 4th General Membership Meeting (4th GMM) held recently at Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a Manila Bulletin article. Specifically they were commended for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez in attendance.
Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.
“We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I’m very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development.“
With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing “super city” with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.
To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.
She stated: “We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country’s incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry’s resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”
The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the PHILTOA deserves the commendation from the Tourism Secretary? Do you think that Philippine tourism will exceed its foreign tourist arrivals target by a wide margin before the year ends? What other activities or special events should the PHILTOA highlight to keep national tourism grow?
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
As far as the Department of Tourism (DOT) is concerned, the Philippines’ hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023 games will benefit the nation with an estimated 600,000 tourists (foreign and domestic), according to a Philippine Star news report. Take note that the Philippines is getting closer to reaching its planned target of foreign tourists for the year 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine Star news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting 600,000 spectators in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023, which will start on Friday.
In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the figure includes foreign and domestic visitors. Frasco said the number of participants in the tournament has surpassed 2,200.
She said the FIBA, which is responsible for ticket sales, would determine the exact number of spectators.
To ensure the success of the event, the DOT has collaborated with a tourism consortium that includes private stakeholders such as the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Philippine Tour Operators Association and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
The collaboration is focused on crafting FIBA World Cup tour packages that will offer discounts to both local and foreign visitors, to encourage them to also explore the Philippines’ tourist spots aside from watching the FIBA games.
“This package, which was specifically curated for FIBA, provides opportunities to visit any of our award-winning destinations as well as our beautiful resorts and hotels across these places,” Frasco said. These packages are accessible through discoverphilippines.travel.
The DOT has coordinated with attached agencies for site enhancements at the venues and other areas crucial to the participants’ experience.
Frasco stressed the importance of seamless and secure movement for tourists and participants.
Frasco said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is responsible for the physical enhancements in airports for a better experience upon entry of tourists.
She said the DOT and the TIEZA helped the DOTr enhance these sites.
The Philippines will host the games of the FIBA World Cup 2023 along with Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think the DOT’s anticipation of 600,000 tourists/spectators with the Philippines hosting FIBA World Cup games is unrealistic or doable? Do you think sports tourism events held here in the Philippines with the participation of foreign athletes will help the nation grow into a tourism powerhouse in the years to come?
If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.
Still located at a very particular large area at the 2nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…
Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.
The tables and seats are new and comfortable.
Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.
Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.
After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).
Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.
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? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?
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
Not even the embarrassment that hit the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Love the Philippines” slogan previously could stop its momentum as support for it nationwide grew, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To say the least, there were hundreds of local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders that confirmed support for “Love the Philippines” campaign.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
Nearly 900 local government units and stakeholders across the country have so far adopted the “Love the Philippines” campaign, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.
In her remarks during the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) general meeting in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco confirmed anew that the country will carry the slogan amid the previous issue with the advertising agency that conceptualized the campaign.
“Love the Philippines is an effort on the part of our national government to remind our fellow Filipinos that there is so much to love about our country. We are only one of the 18 mega biodiverse destinations in the world. We are a treasure trove of heritage, history, culture and the creative arts,” she said.
She said the campaign is a call to action to highlight “that if we love our country, we will herald the best of the best of our destinations”.
“To love the Philippines is to ask the difficult questions, to try to understand what we can do to introduce difficult but helpful solutions to programs and projects that have never been done before, but are being implemented now as our response to global tourism trends,” she said.
Frasco said nearly 900 local government units and stakeholders all over the Philippines “have expressed this deep love for the Philippines” by adopting the slogan in their own local destinations.
She called on stakeholders present to join the movement and “localize” the campaign in their towns.
“We love our country. We all love the Philippines. And it is this deep love for our country that will propel us and give us the daring to say that the Philippines deserves a much more primary position in Asia and the world as a tourism powerhouse,” she said.
The DOT terminated its contract with advertising agency DDB Philippines after discovering that it used stock footage shot abroad in the new tourism campaign video.
The advertising firm publicly apologized, saying it is taking full responsibility for the non-original materials used in the now-deleted video.
The DOT adopted “Love the Philippines” as the country’s new tourism campaign slogan in June, replacing the decade-old “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign will succeed in terms of public awareness, marketing and attracting more tourists (both local and foreign)? Is your local government’s tourism office localizing the new DOT slogan?
Have you been driving lately along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)? In case you missed the news, the MCX has officially been acquired by a company led by the influential Villar group for almost P4 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news article. Some parts in boldface…
Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a company led by the Villar Group, on Wednesday finalized the acquisition of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway from Ayala Corp. for P3.8 billion.
PAVI said in a statement it signed the implementing agreements for the acquisition of MCX after the Department of Public Works and Highways in July approved the transfer of ownership of from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group.
Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing attended the signing ceremony at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
“This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and toll ways. You’ll be surprised of the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said.
MCX is a four-kilometer controlled-access toll road linking the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa. It is the first public-private partner project under the Aquino administration.
Ayala signed the 30-year concession agreement for the operation of MCX Expressway in 2012. It invested P2.2 billion for the project including a P902-million cash payment to the government.
Ayala announced in March 2022 it would sell its entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc., which holds the concession for the MCX to the Villar Group for P3.8 billion.
“Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite which were experiencing rapid growth. MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite. The sale of MCX represents another example of our recycling capital to benefit from opportunities in our core and emerging businesses,” Consing said.
The acquisition will further expand Villar Group investment portfolio which currently includes housing, retail, food, water, power, and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be major changes regarding the MCX under the new owners? Do you constantly travel along the MCX?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine economy continued its downtrend as it grew at a slower pace in the second quarter of 2023 — its slowest pace in nine quarters since the country entered the positive territory in the middle of 2021 following a pandemic-induced recession— amid high inflation that tempered consumption during the period, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.
The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) or the total value of goods and services produced in a specific period, grew by 4.3% during the April to June 2023 period, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said at a press conference.
This is slower than the 6.4% growth rate seen in the first quarter of the year and far slower than the 7.5% GDP growth seen in the same quarter last year. Quarter-on-quarter, it posted a decline of -0.9% during the period.
This also marks the fifth straight quarter of deceleration for the country’s GDP, and its slowest footing in nine quarters since it exited the pandemic-induced recession in the second quarter of 2021.
The economy was pulled out of recession in the April to June period of 2021 with a GDP growth rate of 12%.
The second quarter print brought the year-to-date economic growth rate at 5.3%, according to Mapa.
To achieve the government’s 6% to 7% target, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy “needs to grow by 6.6% in the second half.”
“Notwithstanding the challenges, we believe this is still attainable,” Balisacan said, reading the joint statement of the economic team.
The country’s chief economist earlier floated that the second quarter GDP growth is expected to “further moderate.”
High inflation, interest rates – The slower growth came amid a still high inflation environment and the consequential costly interest rates to temper rising prices.
As of the first half of the year, inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services clocked in at 7.2%, still far above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.
To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised monetary policy rates by a cumulative 425 basis points since May last year.
“For the second quarter, the moderate economic expansion was driven by increases in tourism-related spending and commercial investments, but was tempered by high commodity prices, the lagged effects of interest rate hikes, the contraction in government spending, and slower global economic growth,” Balisacan said.
Notably, Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) contracted by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter.Likewise, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing posted a quarter-on-quarter decline of -0.97% in the second quarter.Industry and Services sectors also saw contractions of 0.7% and 1.02%, respectively, during the period
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think must be achieved to boost economic growth for the rest of 2023? Do you think the Philippine economy will achieve growth of at least 6% by the end of this year?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines has recorded more than three million international visitor arrivals seven months into the year, closing in on its target 4.8 million tourists in 2023.
The latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) recorded a total of 3,000,079 international visitor arrivals from Jan. 1 to July 19 this year.
The country’s inbound tourism receipts from Jan. 1 to June 30 also climbed to PHP212.4 billion or 502.02 percent higher than the PHP35.6 billion generated from the same period last year.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who is currently on leave, said these post-pandemic figures reflect the sector’s “robust recovery” and the gains of the Marcos administration toward tourism resurgence.
“Tourism provides employment and livelihood to millions of Filipinos. We are grateful for the renewed interest worldwide in the Philippines, which offers a multitude of reasons to love travel across our islands,” she said. “We thank as well our fellow Filipinos who continue to travel domestically, supporting our local communities and families who are all part of the tourism value chain.”
Of the arrivals, 91.36 percent, or 2,740,802 are foreign tourists and the rest are returning overseas Filipinos.
South Korea ranked the highest in the number of arrivals with 741,658 (24.72 percent) followed by the United States with 550,569 (18.35 percent); Australia with 146,062 (4.87 percent); Japan with 143,227 (4.77 percent); and Canada with 132,018 (4.4 percent).
Other top source markets are China with 129,077 visitors (4.3 percent); Taiwan with 104,211 (3.47 percent); United Kingdom with 85,847 (2.86 percent); Singapore with 81,656 (2.72 percent); and Malaysia with 54,411 (1.81 percent).
The DOT earlier said it sought to reach 4.8 million in foreign visitors by the end of 2023.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines could possibly attract 6 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end this year considering the latest numbers achieved?
The Manila Bulletin recently published a news article about the record-breaking number of Filipinos who visited Israel this year citing the Ministry of Tourism’s data. To be clear, more than 19,000 travelers from the Philippines made it to Israel this year and I myself am one of them! I really am thankful to the Lord for the pilgrimage tour to Israel with my local church.
On my blog, I posted several Israel 2023 feature articles that include the Dead Sea, Nazareth Village, the Pool of Siloam, as well as nice commercial joints (click here, here, here and here) that were all tourist-friendly. I have yet to write about the Western Wall, the Temple Mount and other significant sites in the Holy Land.
Going back to the topic of this post, to put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Israel Ministry of Tourism vowed to make progress on issues of awareness and connectivity as it welcomed the “record-breaking” number of Filipinos traveling to the Holy Land this year.
Sammy Yahia, the director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism office in the Philippines, said this after the number of Filipino travelers broke its “all-time high” record, with 19,300 Filipino tourists traveling to Israel during the first half of 2023.
Data from the ministry showed that the figure was a “whopping growth” of 40 percent from the number of Filipino travelers in Israel during the same period in 2019.
In a statement, Yahia said the year 2023 has been outstanding so far for Israeli tourism, as he noted that the Philippines has always been an important market to them.
“2023 has been outstanding and by far the best year for Israel tourism in the Philippines,” he said.
“It has been an important market for us, and we see huge potential in the Philippine market,” he added.
With this, the tourism official vowed that the Israel Ministry of Tourism in the Philippines “will continue to make progress on the issues of awareness and connectivity.”
Filipinos can enjoy visa-free travel to Israel for up to 59 days, while Israelis can enjoy visa-free travel to the Philippines for up to 59 days.
Israel has been attracting tourists as it is known as the Holy Land. For Christians, Israel is where they celebrate their faith by visiting the birthplace of Jesus Christ, walking where He preached, sitting, and just watching modern-day scenes roll out along the sites mentioned in the Holy Bible.
Very clearly, the Lord blessed both Israel and the Philippines in multiple ways that go beyond tourism statistics. This reminds me about how grateful I am to the Lord for sending me to Israel with my local church’s pilgrimage tour group hosted by a great and very caring Israeli partner. I brought the Holy Bible with me many times to the Holy Land sites.
For the newcomers reading this, you will get the most out of visiting Israel when you are faithful to the Lord and when you seek His presence at the Holy Land. Always read Matthew 6:33 in the Holy Bible and read the many references about Israel in both the Old and New Testaments. That being said, read the holy scriptures about our Lord and Savior Jesus who was in such places like Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Temple Mount and more.
On the aspect of travel and touring, there is so much to enjoy when it comes to shopping, dining and discovering new things and people there in Israel. I should also state that Jerusalem is the holiest city in the whole world and you will realize that when you make it there. Whatever blessings you received from God during your visit in Israel, always thank Him and honor Him.
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 by all. 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!
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official websites of a mentioned businesses is also used. This is not a sponsored article. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 7th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by its strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here.
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you my observations and captured images about my time at the Dead Sea area of Ein Bokek which has a huge beach and several stores, and hotels/resorts that cater to tourists. Our tour group arrived at a hotel near Ein Bokek Beach on an afternoon and we had a little over twelve hours staying time in the area.
To be very clear, there were no opportunities for me to try floating on the Dead Sea beach nearby due to the time of our arrival at the hotel and the schedule of our pilgrimage tour. After getting settled in my nice hotel bedroom, I managed to spend time at Ein Bokek Beach where I took pictures, observed the place and, for the first time ever, I touched the Dead Sea water and washed my hands before going to the nearby stores. Early the next morning, as I wanted to maximize my opportunities of discovery and learning, I revisited Ein Bokek Beach. For your reference, posted below is my YouTube video that I recorded on the morning and it should give you a glimpse of the area.
Knowing the Dead Sea
To understand the Dead Sea, it is massive body (note: a very large lake) of very salty water currently shared between Israel and Jordan. It is one of the four saltiest water bodies in the world and also the world’s lowest elevation on land estimated at around 430 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea has its very own distinct eco-system and vast sources of minerals which made it a major attraction of visitors for centuries. Apart from being a major travel destination, the Dead Sea is surrounded by places where major biblical events happened and places that have tremendous historical backgrounds.
Some interesting facts about the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea’s salinity level is over 34% and it does not pour out which is one factor why its salinity is high. The arid desert climate causes evaporation which raises the salinity. With the high salinity, no fish could exist in the Dead Sea and certainly no life could evolve in it although certain forms of bacteria and fungus could survive.
Apart from the high salinity, the water of the Dead Sea contains 26 beneficial minerals. The mineral content of both the air and the water of the area is very notable for therapeutic qualities. Even during the time of King Herod (37 to 4 BC) the Dead Sea area became a health resort. As such, the Dead Sea within Israel has many beaches where visitors can spend time not only for enjoyment but also to take advantage of the medicinal and therapeutic benefits by carefully touching the Dead Sea water and rubbing their bodies with black mud sources from the banks. With the high salinity, it is best to avoid having Dead Sea water touch your eyes, touch open wounds and touch newly shaved skin as they will cause pain and irritation. Swallowing Dead Sea water is strongly prohibited as it will negatively affect your body’s internal systems. That being said, anyone who plans to spend time at any Dead Sea beach and touch the water by means of floating – not swimming nor diving – should practice caution.
This is what Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea look like early in the morning as the sun rises.
During ancient times, there were cities located close to the Dead Sea – Zoar, Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim. Over the ages, the Dead Sea water receded and continues to do so gradually. While the Dead Sea today is physically connected with the Jordan River which itself is connected with the Sea of Galilee (AKA Lake Tiberias), its major sources of water since the 1960s are the sulfur springs and waste water along with rare drizzles and flash floods.
As little amounts of water flow in and evaporation under the harsh desert sun continue to happen, there is concern that the Dead Sea could dry up decades from now. With the decline of the Dead Sea’s water level, sinkholes have appeared in some locations which destroyed roads and even resorts.
As to how it got referred to as the Dead Sea, the very salty water makes it impossible for fish and plants to exist in it.
My time at Ein Bokek
Our pilgrimage tour group was booked at the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek and conveniently enough, it was located just a short walking distance away from the beach. The hotel room I stayed at was pretty neat and nicely equipped, its bathroom had liquid soap and shampoo with Dead Sea minerals mixed in, and I had a great view of the local area and the Dead Sea. I should state that Daniel Dead Sea Hotel also has a really nice dining area and you can see more of their facilities at https://deadsea.com/explore/where-to-stay/hotels/daniel-dead-sea-hotel/
The view from my Daniel Dead Sea Hotel window showing Ein Bokek beach, roads and other establishments during the day.
This is what the Ein Bokek area looks like at night.
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, the first thing I did after checking in was visiting the Ein Bokek beach and observing around knowing our time with the Dead Sea was limited. Walking further into the beach, I noticed crystal particles of salt on the sand. After doing a last minute check on my hands, I placed my left hand into the Dead Sea water first which you can see in the picture below.
My first time ever to touch the Dead Sea water.
After taking the photo with my smartphone, I put the device down and proceeded to wash both my hands with the very salty beach water and also used some sand and salt crystals on them. Immediately there was this rough and tingling feeling on my two hands but it was not really a problem at all. As soon as I woke up the next morning, I noticed my hands felt smoother. Most likely, the minerals of the Dead Sea water rejuvenated my hands.
Going back to the afternoon I washed my hands with Dead Sea water, I proceeded to the nearest store – the Hordus Shopping Center. Clearly established to cater to visitors as well as consumers looking Dead Sea-related products, I saw a wide section filled with soap bars and cosmetic products that had Dead Sea minerals mixed in which delighted me as our time in the area was limited and I was already looking for unique products to buy and take home. After a careful look at the products offered, I proceeded to buy some bars of Dead Sea Spa-branded soap for personal use and as gifts to my dearest friends. Within Hordus Shopping Center was a spot where customers can buy pizza, sandwiches, coffee and other food or beverages. Since dinner time was arriving and I knew that a buffet for dinner at the hotel was inevitable, it made no sense for me to order food or drinks.
This is what Ein Bokek beach and the Dead Sea looked like as the sun was setting.
This is the Ein Bokek beach parking area. On the background are hotels and other business joints.
This is the Hordus Shopping Center at the Ein Bokek beach area. Lots of nice products, food and drinks inside await visitors.
Another look at the beach on the day we arrived.
Further exploring, I proceeded to another store some meters away from our hotel which offered items similar to what I found at Hordus Shopping Center.
Later that evening at the hotel, I proceeded to the lower level where the huge dining hall and buffet were located at. Upon arriving, I was astounded to see many people around, mostly Jewish people. As it was a Friday evening, it was the night before Shabbat (Shabbat refers to the seventh day of the week for the Jews which is Saturday) and I noticed there were Jewish families and groups of Jewish people celebrating and spending quality time together. There was this atmosphere of happiness and positivity around. This was the first time I ever witnessed the Jewish celebration of the night before Shabbat and I also witnessed how Jewish family members interacted with each other passionately and their dedication to the Heavenly Father. It was a great learning experience for me personally and I thank God for it. In fact, this reminds me of what the Lord God declared long ago in the following holy scriptures below…
GOD told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you. I’ll make you a great nation and bless you. I’ll make you famous; you’ll be a blessing. I’ll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I’ll curse. All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (MSG)
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.”
Genesis 35:10-12 (NKJV)
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Exodus 19:5-6 (NKJV)
Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’
Exodus 6:6-8 (NKJV)
After getting my meal from the buffet, I finally joined our tour group at a long table that was reserved for us. Right behind me was another long table filled with Jewish guests. As I enjoyed my dinner, I also enjoyed festive atmosphere around us. This was truly a great way to have an evening in the Dead Sea area.
The dinner buffet at Daniel Dead Sea Hotel.
The next morning, I woke up early to read the Holy Bible, prayed to the Lord and revisited the beach nearby before brealfast. It was a cold morning (note: this was February 2023) that was also peaceful. I also witnessed the rise of the sun in the distance which you can see among the images posted below…
The sun rising in the far distance with the light slowly growing over the Dead Sea. I took this on Saturday early morning.
There were a lot of salt crystals at the Dead Sea beach at Ein Bokek.
A shot I took at the beach with people, the Dead Sea water, facilities and the hotels captured together.
Another morning shot I took while walking on the Ein Bokek path.
After spending some time with my tour group companions at the beach, I returned to the hotel for breakfast and proceeded to get myself ready for checking out. Upon checking out at the hotel lobby, I greeted the Jewish man behind the counter “Shabbat Shalom.” By bus, our pilgrimage tour group proceeded to the Qumran site as well as Masada and Ein Gedi. The time at Ein Bokek was not very long but I still am thankful to the Lord for the enjoyment and enlightenment I had there.
The biblical significance of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea itself has presence in the Holy Bible. Depending on the type of bible translations, the Dead Sea is also referred to as the Salt Sea or the Sea of Salt, the eastern sea and at times by ancient names. Posted below are biblical references for your enlightenment…
All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).
Genesis 14:3 (NKJV)
And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern [Dead] Sea and half of them to the western [Mediterranean] Sea; in summer and in winter shall it be.
Zechariah 14:8 (AMPC)
Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
Then he said to me, These waters pour out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah (the Jordan Valley) and on into the Dead Sea. And when they shall enter into the sea [the sea of putrid waters], the waters shall be healed and made fresh.
And wherever the double river shall go, every living creature which swarms shall live. And there shall be a very great number of fish, because these waters go there that [the waters of the sea] may be healed and made fresh; and everything shall live wherever the river goes.
The fishermen shall stand on [the banks of the Dead Sea]; from En-gedi even to En-eglaim shall be a place to spread nets; their fish shall be of very many kinds, as the fish of the Great or Mediterranean Sea.
Ezekiel 47:7-10 (AMPC)
As mentioned earlier, there were ancient cities located within the Dead Sea area. Among them are the two most notable for the big events that happened – Soddom and Gommorah. That being said, the destruction of the two mentioned cities happened in close proximity to the Dead Sea and this further makes the area a significant place for today’s pilgrims and explorers to visit and organize trips to discover the places where the destruction happened. To read about the destruction of Soddom and Gommorah, read Genesis 19:1-38 in the Holy Bible.
Conclusion
This is me at Ein Bokek beach with the Dead Sea right behind me in the morning.
I thank the Lord for our stay at Ein Bokek where our tour group got to visit the Dead Sea itself. In my experience, I realized the biblical significance of the famous body of salty and mineral-rich water. As mentioned earlier, having dinner during the night before Shabbat was not just a major learning experience, it was also God’s way of helping me realize the Jewish ways of honoring Him and being families under His watch, love and care. I truly believe in standing united with Israel, loving and blessing the Jewish people and praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
Finally, I encourage you who are about to visit the Holy Land to verify with your tour group leader the inclusion of the Dead Sea in the itinerary of your group tour. Be aware that within the Dead Sea area are Qumran and Masada. Qumran is the very location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found decades ago while Masada is where the ancient fortress is located at. Also within the area is Ein Gedi, the oasis in Israel where King David himself as a young man stayed at while keeping his distance away from Saul the King.
Author Carlo Carrasco 