travel – Page 9 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Opening of DFA-NCR South Consular Office inside Festival Mall commended by Muntinlupa Mayor

February 23, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the permanent Consular of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was formally opened inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, and it was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon as the facility’s many services will be helpful for the local residents and those from other cities, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the opening of the permanent Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Festival Mall in Alabang.

Biazon attended the opening of the DFA Consular Office National Capital Region-South located at the third floor of the mall’s east wing.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Ambassador Joseph Yap, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Filinvest Land president and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

“Available dito ang primary services tulad ng document verification and authentication at passport issuance, among others. Spacious, bright, at convenient din ang bagong office—hindi lang para sa Muntinlupeños kundi pati sa ating mga kababayan from nearby cities and provinces (Primary services such as document verification and authentication and passport issuance, among others, are available here. The new office is spacious, bright, and convenient—not only for Muntinlupeños but also for our countrymen from nearby cities and provinces),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

Biazon said, “this office is more than just a facility. It’s a gateway of dreams para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nagnanais makabisita, makapag-aral, o makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa (It’s a gateway of dreams for all Filipinos who wish to visit, study, or work abroad).”

Cruz said the DFA-NCR South Consular Office will serve “as the mini-OCA Aseana and DFA outpost.”

He said the Alabang office will provide “consular services that cover first time passport applications, passport renewals, authentication, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN).”

The first passport applicant at the DFA-NCR South office was a 67-year-old man who applied for his very first Philippine passport. He said he applied for a passport so he can visit his child in California.

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, do you think the upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?

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

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

Israel restaurant updates and news for foodies (January 2025)

January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Israel Foodie News January 2025

If you are traveling to Israel very soon and if you love unique, tasty and high-quality meals, I encourage you to read this blog post by Debbest Israel. I would love to visit some of the restaurants (listed in the blog post) upon returning to Israel in the near future.

Having been to Israel myself, I can say that you will find a lot of great or dynamic places to eat in. There is always something for the food enthusiast or tourist with different tastes or preferences.

Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

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

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

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

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Philippines attracts less than 6 million foreign tourists in 2024, points to tourism revenue for success

January 16, 2025January 7, 2025carlocarrasco

When it comes to the state of tourism in 2024, the Philippines achieved a mixed record by failing to reach its declared target of 7.7 million international visitors while still managing to achieve a new, all-time record with P760.5 billion in tourism revenue, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Philippine tourism earned an all-time high revenue of PHP760.5 billion in 2024, translating to a 126.75 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Revenues from inbound tourism expenditures — representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors — were 9.04 percent higher compared to the PHP697.46 billion in 2023.

Department of Tourism (DOT) data showed earnings surpassed the estimated PHP600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent.

“With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Monday.

“This achievement is not just a statistic. It translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive,” she added.

She attributed this growth to the pro-tourism policies of the Marcos administration that prioritized the sustainable development of Philippine tourism resources.

“These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities,” she said.

Based on the World Travel and Tourism Council data, international tourists spend at least USD2,073 per capita.

From an average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent are repeat visitors.

Continued collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector also garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023, the DOT said.

Tourist arrivals – While falling short of its original target of 7.7 million, the DOT said the country still recorded growth in the number of foreign visitors last year at 5,949,350, up by 9.15 percent from the 5.45 million foreign guests recorded in 2023.

South Korea maintained its position as the top source of foreign tourists, with arrivals increasing to 1,574,152 from 1,455,977 in 2023, garnering more than 26.46 percent of the total market share.

Frasco cited the country’s “effective strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced air connectivity and strengthened cultural exchanges” for the sustained number of Korean tourists to the Philippines.

“Furthermore, the Philippines’ growing reputation as a prime destination for incentive travel has played a key role in this positive trend, attracting an increasing number of Korean companies hosting their reward trips for their employees in the Philippines’ world-class tourist destinations,” she said.

The United States ranked second, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. Enhanced connectivity, including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by United Airlines and from Seattle to Manila by Philippine Airlines contributed to the growth of the market.

Japan, meanwhile, emerged as a standout market with a 22.84 percent growth in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors from its previous year’s 361,862.

The surge was attributed to aggressive tourism campaigns and strategic partnerships with Japanese travel agencies that paved further awareness and interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

Though significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figures, China showed signs of recovery with 313,856 arrivals compared to 264,922 in the previous year.

This can be attributed, the DOT said, to the increased number of flights from 2023, both commercial and chartered, including the first half of 2024, connecting China directly to Cebu, Bohol, and Davao.

Cruise ships also started to arrive during the second half of 2024, with the new visa waiver program becoming an important factor for the improved numbers.

Other consistent contributors included Australia (299,286) and Canada (269,300). Emerging markets like Taiwan and Singapore demonstrated strong growth momentum, with arrivals reaching 213,833 and 198,471, respectively.

The introduction of direct flights to Kalibo in Aklan and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, as well as the growth of niche markets such as English as Second Language (ESL) learning and diving, contributed greatly to the visits of guests from Taiwan.

The United Kingdom likewise sustained its position among the top contributors with 178,656 visitors, driven by a keen interest in heritage tourism and adventure activities. Meanwhile, Malaysia emerged 10th with 99,881 registered arrivals in 2024.

The DOT said the Middle Eastern market similarly showed promising signs of recovery in 2024.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a remarkable 668.34 percent recovery rate from its 2019 figures, reflecting increased air connectivity and a surge in interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination. Qatar followed closely, with an impressive 832.87 percent recovery rate, and Saudi Arabia with 66.54 percent growth.

Likewise, Oman and Bahrain registered more than 200 percent recovery rates from the 2019 number of arrivals, the DOT said.

Those in the top 25 source markets which have fully recovered as compared with 2019 data included Australia (102.63 percent), Canada (109.26 percent), Hong Kong (106.79 percent), UAE (668.34 percent), Italy (143.02 percent), Spain (111.08 percent), Guam (200.19 percent), New Zealand (100.50 percent) and Switzerland (102.01 percent).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is safe to call 2024 a successful year of tourism for the Philippines with regards to the record-high tourism revenue achieved? Do you think the Philippines will be able to attract at least 6 million foreign tourists 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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Immigration operatives arrest two Chinese passengers who used fake visas

January 16, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, two Chinese nationals who tried to leave the country using fake visas were intercepted by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese passengers who attempted to leave the Philippines using counterfeit visas.

According to the BI, passengers Wang Dingku, 31, and Su Zhengkun, 25, were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after trying to board a flight bound for Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday.

The BI said the travelers presented themselves at the immigration counter for departure formalities when the immigration officers noticed discrepancies in their visas. This prompted the BI officers to refer the documents to the forensic documents laboratory for checking, which later confirmed the documents as fake.

The BI said the Chinese passengers also allegedly used the counterfeit documents to enter the country.

The two will be charged with violating the Philippine Immigration Act before the BI board of commissioners, which will issue the order for their summary deportation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Chinese nationals living within your local community used fake documents to enter the Philippines and will use them to go overseas?

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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Bureau of Immigration says harboring foreign workers of POGOs means prosecution

January 11, 2025January 8, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are still over eleven thousand foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who failed to follow the December 31, 2024 deadline (for departure) and remained in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act, 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…

Persons harboring foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be prosecuted, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

“Harboring illegal aliens is a serious offense, and we will pursue violations with utmost resolve,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

He stressed that “the BI will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found violating Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.“

Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits the “bringing of alien in the Philippines who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, concealing or harboring an alien who is not lawfully entitled to enter or reside there, and attempting, conspiring with, or aiding another to commit any of the prohibited acts.”

Viado issued the warning after the BI revealed that over 11,000 foreign workers of POGOs failed to leave the Philippines on the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline.

For continuing to remain in the Philippines, the bureau said these aliens will be arrested and will face deportation proceedings, he said.

“Anyone who enables these individuals to remain in the Philippines illegally will face the consequences, and the law is clear, and there will be no exceptions,” he stressed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many foreign workers of POGOs secretly living within your local community right now? Do you think there are still POGOs secretly operating in your city?

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 51

January 8, 2025January 7, 2025carlocarrasco

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

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 The dirty business behind Caffeine – Have you been drinking coffee, or sodas or energy drinks a lot over the past twelve months? Chances are, you are dependent on caffeine for your livelihood and your own lifestyle. Sadly, a lot of people out there are not even aware about the subject of caffeine in American history, in business and health studies. YouTuber fern has this in-depth look at caffeine and why there dirty business behind it. Watch and learn.

#2 You, Me and the Movies react to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective – Despite being negatively received by movie critics in 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective still went on to become a surprise hit in the cinemas grossing over $107 million worldwide and establishing Jim Carrey as an effective cinematic comedian. The film has an effective formula on making viewers laugh with Carrey’s performance, the jokes, the unfortunate turn of events, the funny one-liners and the like. I saw the film on home video in 1995 and I revisited it by watching the reaction video of You, Me and the Movies. If you have not seen Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, go watch it first. Otherwise, the reaction video below is entertaining to watch.

#3 The hunt for Ted Bundy explained by fern – Way back in 1989, I saw The Deliberate Stranger on local TV here in the Philippines. It was an engaging portrayal of the very notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (executed in 1989) who was responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murders of several young women and girls. While a lot of documentaries about Bundy have been released, fern’s visual presentation and explanatory observation of the killer’s story is a must-see.

#4 A look at the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy – Back in the mid-1980s, I played Ikari Warriors (Japanese title: Ikari) on the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) and it was a fun game and even relatable. Why relatable? Because at the time of its release, the fictional character Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) and the Cold War were still present in our minds. As it turned out, Ikari Warriors was originally intended to be an official video game adaptation of Rambo: First Blood Part II but no agreement was made. Regardless, the game still had Rambo-inspired designs for the playable characters, an obvious Vietnam-inspired environment and lots of shooting-oriented action. It became so successful commercially, it eventually spawned two sequels. To know more about the history of the Ikari Warriors trilogy, watch PatmanQC’s video below.

#5 A look at 50 underrated arcade games from the 1990s – The 1990s was a wild time for people who love playing games in the arcades. While the decade was often perceived to be all about fighting games defining the arcade experience, there still was a greater variety of arcade games of different genres or game designs. This retro gaming video from Marvelous Gamers is a fun look back at the 1990s arcade games that got overlooked.

#6 Ashleigh Burton reacts to National Lampoon’s Vacation – If you are looking for a 1980s comedic viewing experience with a theme about going on holiday, then you should focus on National Lampoon’s Vacation directed by the late Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase. Released in cinemas in 1983, the movie became a box office hit grossing over $60 million in the American box office and it won a lot of rave reviews from the critics. If you have seen the movie and want to revisit it without the need to spend time watching it all over again, you should watch the reaction video by the jolly YouTuber Ashleigh Burton.

#7 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Quantum of Solace – I will say it clearly – Quantum of Solace was a very disappointing follow-up to Casino Royale (2006) as it was so negatively impacted by the strike of the Writers Guild of America as well as the lack of focus within the production. By the time I left the cinema, Quantum of Solace left me feeling numb and unsatisfied. That being said, I encourage you to see the reaction video of Popcorn in Bed (who also reacted to Casino Royale) and witness how the 2008 James Bond movie affected their viewing experience.

#8 Justin Trudeau officially resigns from office – I really do not like Justin Trudeau. As Prime Minister of Canada, he has been very out of touch with his people and does not seem concerned with them. Under the super woke and feminist Trudeau, the costs of living in Canada has gone way up, housing is too expensive and crime has gone up. There is also division and infighting within his Liberal Party which is not helping Canadians at all. Trudeau’s failed leadership should be a lesson to everyone that woke nuts, Satanic Leftists and outrageous liberals should not be voted to lead the government. Liberals do not care about common sense at all. Watch and learn from the videos below.

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Stakeholders and analysts perceive VAT refund limit for tourists just right to ensure small businesses will benefit

January 3, 2025December 27, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as the analysts and tourism stakeholders are concerned, the minimum purchase requirement for non-resident tourists to qualify for the value-added tax refund is just right in relation to benefiting the small businesses, according to a BusinessWorld news report. There is, however, one dissenting opinion.

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

THE P3,000 ($51) minimum purchase requirement for nonresident tourists to qualify for a value-added tax (VAT) refund is “just right” to ensure small businesses benefit, analysts said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recently signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12079, which allows tourists to claim VAT refunds on purchases worth at least P3,000 from government-accredited stores, in an effort to boost tourism receipts.

“The P3,000 is just right to benefit micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) retailers and local products,” Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto S. Claudio said. He said the purchase cap is kept to a minimum to benefit locally made products.

“I think it’s a good entry and good starting point. Some countries are still higher than P3,000 as well. I think we’re above the middle, so I think that’s a good place to be,” Tourism Congress of the Philippines President James M. Montenegro said via phone call.

Under RA 12079, the value of the locally bought goods from accredited stores must reach at least P3,000 per transaction, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase.

“This law is primarily designed to boost tourist arrivals and expenditure. Hopefully, it will also increase the sales revenue of retailers,” Mr. Claudio said.

Mr. Montenegro said the minimum purchase amount could be adjusted in the future.

The threshold is subject to review and adjustment every three years by the Finance secretary, upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, considering the inflation data from the statistics agency.

“I think the minimum rate is at par with our ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] neighbors. If you look at the minimum amounts in other countries, it is almost the same,” Eleanor L. Roque, a tax principal at P&A Grant Thornton, told BusinessWorld.

The Philippines has joined other ASEAN countries with a tax refund program for nonresident tourists. The scheme has increased retail activity, particularly in sectors such as fashion, electronics and souvenirs.

In Malaysia, the minimum purchase is 300 ringgit ($67). Singapore allows tourists to spend at least S$100 ($74), while in Indonesia, it starts at 500,000 rupiah ($31).

“It is good to have a minimum amount as it limits the refund claim to valuable expenses. De minimis spendings are normally not considered for VAT refund as it is not administratively practical. In some cases, the cost will be more expensive than the amount being refunded,” Ms. Roque said.

She said the government should tap accredited international firms in the VAT refund processing, adding that the “government should take advantage of the track record and best practices of these known companies.”

Ms. Roque said the government should ensure the goods bought are really brought out of the country.

“Physical inspection of the goods when exiting the country should be strict to ensure that local buyers do not use tourists for availing themselves of the VAT refund,” she added.

However, Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the P3,000 threshold “may not be enough to significantly encourage higher spending among affluent tourists,” especially compared with ASEAN counterparts.

“A higher or more flexible threshold might align better with international best practices and encourage larger purchases,” he said.

Mr. Rivera also urged the government to simplify the VAT refund process, rather than make it “extra bureaucratic.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the current purchase requirement for the VAT refund for foreign tourists a proper amount? Do you think foreign tourists will be receptive to the current standard for VAT refund of their purchases here in 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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Department of Tourism’s (DOT) 2025 plans unveiled

December 31, 2024December 20, 2024carlocarrasco

To keep on strengthening the drive of tourism all over the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently unveiled its plans for 2025, according to a Manila Times news report.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled its plans for 2025 to propel Philippine tourism to new heights and give travelers more reason to love the Philippines.

“Tourism will be a cornerstone of our nation’s recovery. We embraced the challenge—not just to rebuild but to innovate, not just to promote, but to develop, to transform, to lead,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said at the DOT’s year-end press briefing on Tuesday.

The DOT has formed a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) to develop Tourist First Aid Facilities and is in talks with key government agencies to establish tourist courts that will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to “resolve tourist-related crimes.”

Tourist First Aid Facilities will be established in tourist-heavy locations such as La Union, Boracay Island in Aklan, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Panglao Island in Bohol, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.

The department will also soon initiate “Layover Tours” as part of the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours program, which Frasco said “would make layovers more enjoyable and provide seamless access to our iconic attractions.”

The Philippines Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours program, which started in 2023, allows solo and group tourists to plan fast, self-guided trips using an advanced bus network and a specific smartphone app.

The DOT also plans to establish the “Golf Experience” initiative, which Frasco described as “geared to enthusiasts motivated to discover the world-class golf destinations.”

It will continue to construct more Tourist Rest Areas across the country, equipped with new features such as rainwater harvesting facilities and solar panels, in addition to basic amenities such as clean and adequate restrooms, a tourism information center, and a pasalubong center.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT’s plans for the new year will create positive results for the nation’s tourism industry? Do you think the DOT should recognize special events like car shows, fashion shows, film festivals and cosplay events so that more local and foreign tourists could join them?

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

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I Love Israel: Israel looking at the Philippines as a new market for wine

December 24, 2024December 18, 2024carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals, nobody from the political correctness extremists, and nobody from evil societies would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

A few weeks ago, a special event showcasing Israeli wine was held here in the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This development signified Israel’s focus on the Philippines as a new wine market.

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

Israel is pouring its wine into the Philippine market, confident that its products can rival the best in the world.

With a deep legacy of winemaking dating back thousands of years, Israel is now eager to share its fine bottles with Filipino wine lovers and travelers.

At the “L’Chaim! Discover Israeli Wine” event on Dec. 4, the Israeli Embassy in Manila treated wine enthusiasts, hoteliers and distributors to a curated tasting of wines from 15 of Israel’s top wineries.

“The Philippine market has matured, in my opinion. So it’s time,” Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said.

“It’s obvious that we have competition here but what Israel can offer is really the higher end of wines — and we have so much to share.”

In addition to reintroducing Israeli wines to Filipino consumers, the embassy is also aiming to inspire Filipinos to explore Israel’s wineries as part of their travel plans.

Israel, often called the Holy Land, has a winemaking tradition that stretches back over 5,000 years, with wine from Judea being traded around the ancient world during the time of Jesus.

“Israel is a country of different cultures, and so is its cuisine,” visiting Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz said.

“Tourists can enjoy Mediterranean delicacies, dishes from Arab cuisine, Jewish food, colorful markets, and wine tastings that offer an unforgettable culinary experience.”

L’Chaim, which means “to life” in Hebrew, was the first of its kind hosted by the Israeli mission in the Philippines.

“L’Chaim is more than just a toast. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the bright future we are building together,” Fluss said.

Renowned Israeli wine expert and international wine judge Haim Gan was also present to provide insights into Israel’s innovative wine industry, noting its growing recognition and numerous international awards.

This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through the business of wine as well as the opportunities for Filipinos to explore the wine industry of Israel when they travel there. Indeed, Israel-Philippines ties are essential!

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

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger in the years to come.

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

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

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