travel – Page 14 – Author Carlo Carrasco

2024 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay Freeport race set for January 27-28, registration ongoing

December 5, 2023December 1, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are looking to start the new year with multisport action and competition, then you might be interested to join the 2024 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay race set for January 27 and 28, 2024. Registration for the event is ongoing as of this writing.

Right now, the registration fees are as follows: P8,500 for Standard Distance Team Relay, P5,500 for Standard Distance, P5,000 for Sprint Distance, P4,500 for Super Sprint Distance and P3,500 for Super Trikids.

The Super Trikids and Super Sprint races will start at 6AM on January 27. The Sprint and Standard Distance races will take place on January 28 at 6AM.

The start and finish will be at The Boardwalk within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The 2024 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay event is a qualifying race for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games and also a part of Triathlon Philippines’ trials and talent identification for the Philippine Triathlon Team. To learn more about the event, visit https://register.raceya.fit/event/nagt-2024

The 2024 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay event is a joint project of Triathlon Philippines (formerly Triathlon Association of the Philippines), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and FUNtastic Subic Bay. The supporters of the event are the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Standard Insurance and Gatorade.

For future events and key updates from Triathlon Philippines visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines finally surpasses 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target

December 1, 2023November 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that their set target of 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2023 has finally been reached and already hundreds of billions of Pesos have been generated, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report. To say the least, the foreign tourist arrivals-related numbers achieved by the Philippines this year is a tremendous improvement over what were achieved in 2022 and there are still a few weeks left before 2023 closes.

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 4.82 million foreign visitor arrivals, including Filipinos based overseas, breaching its target even before year end, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said Tuesday.

DOT data show that as of Nov. 28, a huge chunk of foreign arrivals comes from South Korea with 1,275,887 foreign visitors and 4,231 overseas Filipinos for a total of 26.46 percent.

It is followed by the United States with 923,409 foreign visitors and 123,828 overseas Filipinos and Japan with 323,029 and 49,299 overseas Filipinos.

Other international arrivals in the top 10 come from Australia, China, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The foreign arrivals have brought PHP404 billion to the economy.

Citing a report by economic managers, Frasco said this manifests that Philippine tourism is the second highest driver of economic growth for the Philippines.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you satisfied with what was accomplished this year with regards to foreign tourist arrivals and the related revenues? Are you confident that the Philippines is on-track to becoming a major tourism player in Asia by the year 2028? Do you trust the Department of Tourism more now that they were able to hit their 2023 targets already? Do you think foreign tourist arrivals here in the Philippines will reach the 5,000,000 mark before the end of the year? Could it be possible that the gains of Philippine tourism will help the nation achieve at least 6% economic growth 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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Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines about to reach 2023 target

November 28, 2023November 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine tourism is back in the spotlight once again as the Department of Tourism (DOT) headed by its secretary Cristina Frasco announced that the 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target of 4.8 million is about to reached and the tourism sector has contributed more than P400 billion to the national economy, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The tourism sector is the second highest driver for economic growth during the first half of the year, a result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s focus on the industry.

Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco said on Saturday that tourism has so far contributed PHP404 billion to the economy and has reached 99 percent of its goal of 4.8 million international arrivals for 2023.

The improving employment rate is the top contributor to the economy while the increase in investment registration activities and students coming back to school follow tourism.

“I am also here to deliver the good news under the President’s focus of prioritizing tourism. Tourism has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of our economy. According to our national economic managers, tourism is the second top highest driver for economic growth in the first six months of this year,” Frasco said during the opening of the 2nd North Luzon Tourism Expo at Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

She said for Marcos, tourism is a priority “and for that very reason, we have seen the strides we have accomplished in a year.”

Among the government support for the tourism industry are at least 158 kilometers of roads rehabilitated and in 2024, there will be more improvements in airports, Frasco said.

“The flight portfolio of our major international gateways is gradually recovering and we have increased the tourism experience across the country by building tourist rest areas (TRA) across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Frasco said.

She said the TRA is one of the ways the government wants to extend its welcome to tourists by giving them a special experience.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the DOT has done a good job making tourism a more vibrant and more economic sector this year? Has the increase of foreign tourist arrivals this year benefited your business? Do you think that the foreign tourist arrivals will reach 5,000,000 by the end of 2023?

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 8

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023carlocarrasco

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 Godzilla videos in preparation for the new Japanese Godzilla movie

In case you missed the news due to the excessive amount of entertainment developments, there is indeed a brand new Japanese-produced movie of Godzilla (Gojira in Japan) titled Godzilla Minus One which will open in cinemas in Japan this November and in America this December. You can check out my post about Godzilla Minus One by clicking here.

With renewed interest in Toho’s Godzilla sparked in moviegoers’ minds, here are some videos that can help you get to know Japan’s iconic giant monster better before the new movie comes out.

#2 Forza Motorsport (2023)

The much awaited big-budget simulation racing game Forza Motorsport (2023) is coming out on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass within a few days from now for its general release. The big-budget Xbox-exclusive racing game is actually available via early access to those who paid extra for the privilege via the Premium Edition. As with tradition, gaming media outlets produced several video previews and updates of the game recently as the release date came closer and here are the videos you must watch on YouTube. Already Forza Motorsport (2023) received acclaim from critics (click here, here, here and here). Take note that this is the first new Forza Motorsport video game since 2017.

#3 Stay away electric vehicles (EVs) as they could kill you

No matter what the Leftists and climate change extremists do, I personally reject electric vehicles (EVs) and the elimination of fossil fuel and the lessening of energy choices for consumers. No matter what flashy publicity and loud talking points were made, I am not convinced that electric vehicles are safe enough to use for daily travel. In fact, many EV makers don’t want you to know that when their vehicles spark into flames, the fire is much harder to put out and often requires a higher amount of water to do so. Why is that EVs spark and become major fire hazards on the street (and even burn down homes) can be realized in the videos below.

#4 Music video of New Life Music’s worship song Testimony

The music team of New Life Philippines released the official music video (note: backstage sessions specifically) of their newest worship song Testimony. Written by Nash Soliven, Camille Cuna, Erican Reyes, Timothy Mena, Charity Patricio, Josiah Patricio and Sam Mokamad, Testimony reflects the meaning of Revelation 19:10 in the Holy Bible and it was made to strengthen people’s faith in the Lord and believe He is still moving no matter how bad things are around us in this very divided world we live in. The song will remind you about having the testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Watch the official music video by New Life Music below.

#5 Visit the Pool of Siloam in Israel

As some of you may have known by now, I went to Israel on a pilgrimage tour with my local church which was hosted by a very good Israeli strategic partner who ensured everything was in order. Among the many sites we visited in the Holy Land was the Pool of Siloam which was the very place where a blind man (born with blindness) got healed because he followed the instructions of our Lord and Savior Jesus without hesitation. For reference, read John 9:1-11 in the Holy Bible.

You can read my Pool of Siloam feature article by clicking here. I also have several other Israel 2023 articles on this website and I hope they will inspire you to visit the Holy Land in Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord. It is in Israel where the Holy Bible comes to life!

Watch the videos – including my very own video at the place – about the Pool of Siloam below.

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Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines approaching 4 million

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Close to four million foreign tourist arrivals have been counted lately as Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christine Frasco confirmed, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the target for 2023 is 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals and the government intends to make the country a stronger tourism force in Asia by the year 2028.

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

The Philippines is close to hitting its 2023 arrival target after recording more than 3.87 million foreign tourists as of Sept. 19, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Wednesday.

At the opening of the 2023 Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in Cebu, Frasco said the country logged 3,877,183 inbound arrivals or at least 80.77 percent of the 4.8 million foreign tourists that the DOT targets to reach by the end of the year.

In the same period, the Philippines generated PHP316.9 billion in revenue from tourists coming mostly from South Korea, the United States and Japan.

Frasco is optimistic these figures will increase as business-to-business meetings between sellers and buyers at the PHITEX commence on Sept. 20.

She said the Marcos administration would continue working to transform the Philippines as a “tourism powerhouse in Asia”.

She shared the DOT’s plans and programs aimed at promoting ecotourism, the development of tourism communities across the country, fostering robust private sector participation to promote heritage protection, diversification of the country’s tourism portfolio and other initiatives to benefit tourism stakeholders.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? With the likelihood that the Philippines will be able to surpass its 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target of 4.8 million, do you think the number could reach 6 million by the end of the year? Did you notice any positive economic impact from the rising foreign tourist arrivals? If you own a business, did you benefit from foreign tourists’ spending?

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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Las Piñas City’s tourism council continues work on forming Local Tourism Development Plant

September 20, 2023September 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a 3-day planning workshop for the establishment of the Local Tourism Development Plant (LTDP) was organized by the Las Piñas Tourism and Cultural Office, 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 Las Piñas Tourism Council conducted a three-day planning workshop for the formation of the Local Tourism Development Plan (LTDP).

The workshop was organized by the Las Piñas Tourism and Cultural Office under supervising Tourism Officer Paul Ahljay San Miguel, with the guidance of the Department of Interior and Local Governmet (DILG)-Las Piñas under Director Mary Anne Planas.

San Miguel said the seminar for the tourism council was conducted by the Department of Tourism -National Capital Region (DOT-NCR). He said representatives of the DOT-NCR, Kenneth Ruedas and Bamba Ramos, discussed the best and effective ways to develop and formulate a local tourism plan.

San Miguel added that the LTDP will be the primary tourism guide of their office in planning projects to help boost tourism in the city.

He expressed his gratitude to the DOT Regional Director of NCR Sharlene Batin for attending the seminar and giving some guidance and support to the tourism council.

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 see the city becoming a major player in Philippine tourism over the next five years?

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

CAVITEX C5 Link Segment will reduce travel time by 10 minutes (Coastal Road to Sucat)

September 5, 2023September 1, 2023carlocarrasco

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?

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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PHILTOA commended by DOT Secretary Frasco for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism

September 1, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

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?

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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With FIBA World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Department of Tourism (DOT) anticipates 600,000 tourists/spectators

August 25, 2023August 23, 2023carlocarrasco

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?

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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Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

August 24, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

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 2^nd 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?

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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