Recently, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia brought eight (8) tour agents and tour operators from North Sulawesi (Sulut) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to promote different tourist destinations from those regions. It is the first time that the sales mission went to Davao City after a round of sales mission in Manila. With this activity, every one is excited and hope to revive the direct flight from Davao City, Philippines to Manado, Indonesia.
Indonesia Cultural Dance
This year the Ministry of Tourism targets to have 17 million visitors all over the world.The Phillippines, as a neighbor, friend and brother country, the ministry targets 180,000 visitors. With much love, as of October this year, Filipino visitors have reached 179,600 or that is 99.8% of the target. That is such a very promising number and hopefully it will increase more.
As of the moment, there are three airlines flying from the Philippines to Indonesia, to wit: 1) the Philippine Airlines, 2) Cebu Pacific and 3) AirAsia. The destinations covered by these airlines are Manila-Jakarta and Manila-Denpasar routes. Most interests of Filipino visitors in Indonesia include vacation, shopping and culinary tours. Most visited places of Filipinos are Jakarta, Bali and Batam.
ConGen Napitupulu Giving a Speech
With the leadership of ConGen. Berlian Napitupulu of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, the sales mission has been made possible in Davao City. There are a lot input that ConGen Napitupulu has given to the guests, especially on exploring potentials to make the air linkage sustainable in the future. He also added that the sales mission is made to create market, create trade and create reason to travel. As such, there could be events that will exchange professionals, exchange of sport events, exchange of youth and exchange of students. In which, one example that ConGen has highlighted was the presence of a good medical school in Davao City wherein 1200 students from India have enrolled. He added that why not for Indonesians? Davao City is nearer to Manado compare to bringing the students to farther places and more expensive. Aside from that, ConGen has shared that in two (2) years they have participated nineteen (19) expos and six (6) of which are solo expos organized by the consulate. These promotional activities are done to make long term deals.
Deputy Director Pelitasari Giving Updates
Together with ConGen Napitupulu is the Deputy Director of Promotion for the Philippines and Sulawesi, Mrs. Afrida Pelitasari. She has shared that they have a challenging target for next year that is to have 260,000 Filipino visitors. However, she is hopeful with their five (5) marketing strategy approach to strengthen engagement, to wit: 1) travel mart, 2) fam trip (family or friends trip), 3) sales mission (which is the recent event), 4) Indonesia festival and 5) integrated marketing program with the cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and airlines, as well as, opening of new air routes.
Table Top Sessions for Tour Familiarization
Consul Endah with Raffle Winners
Indeed, the sales mission is a very exciting event which hopes to bring a fruitful future between the Philippines and Indonesia, especially in Davao City. There are cultural shows made by Indonesian dancers, play of tourism promotional ad campaign videos, also a healthy discussion of tour agents and tour operators from Indonesia with Davao tour operators in exploring possible cooperation and one of the most awaited part is the raffle of Indonesian made items and tour packages.
Winners of Tour Packages All-Expense Paid
Terima Kasih, Indonesia! I hope and pray that the Davao-Manado route will be revived and made sustainable in the future. For further information, visit: www.indonesia.travel.
Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines is one of the international gateways of the Philippines in the southern island. It is a welcome development when more investors are coming in and open more opportunities to explore the potential of the city. One of which is AirAsia’s new air route of Davao City to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is pretty exciting!
AirAsia currently officiated the recently launched route from Davao City to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that operates four (4) times a week. A press conference was held wherein Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio, Davao City Mayor; Eden Josephine L. David, Tourism Assistant Secretary; Aireen Omar, AirAsia Deputy Group CEO - Digital, Transformation, Corporate Services and Riad Asmat, AirAsia Berhad CEO attended.
Aireen Omar
According to Aireen Omar, “AirAsia is excited about our first international route to Davao. We do not only connect Davao to Malaysia, but we also bring Davao closer to our extensive network of destinations in ASEAN, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and the US.” I agree with her remarks as AirAsia Malaysia hub is sprawling with so much number of travelers all around the globe with its massive network. ASEAN Pass is one thing that I am very excited about - hopefully Davao route is included - very soon! Omar added, “We are committed to growing tourism beyond the most famous tourism hotspots. We look forward to work closely with the Davao City Mayor, airport authorities and government bodies to put Davao on the map of must-visit destinations in ASEAN.”
Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio
The City Government of Davao also responded that it is ready to welcome visitors from Malaysia. There are efforts of strengthening more Halal-compliant establishments, security, law and order, traffic, transportation and many other essential activities for sustainability. Really, there are high hopes for this!
AirAsia is the all-time World’s Best Low-cost Airline winner for 9 consecutive years already. Celebratory all-in-fares of one-way Davao to Kuala Lumpur route are seen at P1599 available online with flying period now until July 31, 2018.
Davao is Ready!
Flight Schedule fro Davao City, Philippines (DVO) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) are as follows:
- Flight No. AK591 DVO to KUL departs at 14:55H every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
- Flight No. AK590 KUL to DVO departs at 10:25H every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Philippines AirAsia has also connected Davao to other major destinations in the country such as Cebu, Manila, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Clark. Hoping for more destinations and more promos!
Gifts from China to the former first family of Marcos
Part 1. Tacloban City, located in the Province of Leyte, Visayas, in Region VIII, is one of the cities that I am excited to see because of some historical significance and natural beauty. Yes, there are many things that happened in this side of the country - even its political story is very colorful. It is also one of the usual passages of tropical depression in the Philippines - the strongest was Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).
San Juanico Bridge
The city is still coping up from the devastation brought by the typhoon few years back. With this visit, I really appreciate the structure of some old buildings, photogenic spots, food and people. It is a city with a cozy environment. As a visitor coming from Davao City, yes, I did appreciate the place like another home away from home.
Davao City to Tacloban City is among the newest routes of a local airline that connects Davao City to most major destinations in the Visayas group of islands. Good thing that it has opened because commuters will now have more options by airplane from Davao City.
My itinerary includes a visit to the longest bridge - San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site (the man behind the “I shall return” statement), Kalanggaman Island in Palompon and visit to a museum. As always, plans are made but not fully followed. It has changed to a visit for my DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) appointment (as I have secured one in Tacloban - at least earlier than the schedule I have previously in Cotabato City), San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site, Sto. Nino Shrine (a very rich museum, yes, literally), Palo Cathedral, Baybay City for the 16,000 blossoms at Litaon Peak (since going to Kalanggaman will be difficult due to bad weather - having an option is always a thing to consider), and Sto. Nino Cathedral in Tacloban City. Aside from that, I am very thankful to my friend who is from Tacloban City because we are also able to have food tripping! So much delicious food to taste in Tacloban City, especially seafood. That is a 4 days, 3 nights adventure. ;-)
Here are my stories…
Securing a DFA appointment is like a race to many Filipinos right now. Why? It is because the validity of the passport has extended from five (5) to ten (10) years. Who wouldn’t have that, right? Actually, good thing I have secured a flight to Tacloban through a promo a year earlier and it is just timely that a slot for an appointment in DFA Tacloban has opened on my dates of vacation, too. Coincidence? :-p
I am glad that I have my friend, Dennis, in Tacloban City during my stay in the city. He’s my exclusive guide and I am very thankful that he accompanied me to all the places I went and food tasted - all are highly recommended. I will post the food I have tasted on a separate post. ;-}
First view, the Provincial Capitol of Leyte.
Provincial Capitol of Leyte
It is so beautiful! I can’t stop to stare at it with admiration. The day is gloomy and its beauty radiates in the vicinity with its classical design in white. The place has been once the seat of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. It is indeed a special spot in Tacloban City, it has historical significance and fine architectural beauty.
Second stop, the San Juanico Bridge.
"S" Curve of the San Juanico Bridge
It is the longest bridge in the country as of this moment. It is connecting the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Seeing the bridge personally is an unlocked achievement for me. Yes, I just see it in photos and books and being able to pass through the bridge with its beautiful curves, like an “S”, is like living a dream. It has beautiful scenery that time we passed and my feeling was just so happy since I really that high hopes of going to the place and yes, I did it!
Third stop, the MacArthur Memorial Landing Site.
MacArthur Memorial Landing Site
Douglas MacArthur is one of those significant people during the World War II, he is considered a hero. He uttered the words “I shall return” departing from the Philippines, and this landing site is the place, but not the original site, where he uttered, “I have returned.” It is a commemorative place wherein a promise is fulfilled.
If you want to find an inner peace, make it happen to travel within your means. Find a place where you can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty - make a "cool story". In Davao City, there’s a number of it and one of it is the Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park.
The Team DDI with the De Vera Family Photo Credit: Janina Gantuangco
Some influencers in Davao are given the opportunity to witness the beauty and elegance of Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park. It is located at Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. It is approximately an hour road trip from downtown Davao City and it isn’t my first time to visit the place, but I still enjoy the commuting feels from a bustling metropolis towards a sanctuary with lush jungle-like environment.
The geodesic dome, cool spring pool and dining area.
Before coming to the place, it is better to contact them at these numbers, (082) 2236116, 09176212652, 09755139805 or 09182991674. Aside from their mobile numbers, reach them through their facebook page, www.facebook.com/davaobamboopark. Why? It is because going to the place commuting will need you to follow some instructions. Such as pick up time, when guests will be fetched at a mall in Calinan (Gaisano Grand).
What are the things I really like in the place, I will name you a few…
Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park
Model: Janina Gantuangco
First, as a nature lover, nature’s presence is felt everywhere with very vibrant plants, cool wind, spring water, and long bamboo trees around. You will really feel energized from being weary of every day’s job or business. It has also become an opportunity for many amateur and professional photographers to take as much photo in the sanctuary and share to social media accounts. It is really inviting!
Geodesic Dome
Second, as a person who can appreciate architectural structures, I really love the geodesic dome. Yes, the dome is 60 meters in diameter; it can cater 450 persons in an event. It is said to be the biggest geodesic dome in Davao City and assumed even in the whole country. The structure really has its identity and proudly erected in Davao City. It is like a treasure carved out from the wilderness!
Cool Spring Pool
Third, the cool spring pool, your body is refreshed once you dip in the water. Tried this in my first visit, and indeed, it is refreshing! Not only that the pool is the body of water inside the ecological park, but there’s a pond with some vegetation, too.
Orientation at the Park
Fourth, as an advocate of the environment, advocacy on bamboo use and display is a two thumbs up! It is a time to give a brief overview of bamboo’s advantages and uses - educational and good for learners! In the world, there are 1500 species of bamboo and 32 of which can be seen in the park.
Fifth, as an outgoing individual, few outdoor activities can be played! Yes, they have an archery tag (form a team of 3 members), kayaking or gondola ride, drive of ATV and fishing. Among those activities, I loved the archery tag. It is an adrenaline releasing activity, so be sure to bring an extra shirt coming to the place.
Intercontinental Cuisine Buffet
Sixth, their food in buffet is awesome! For our visit, they served us about 30 dishes and some desserts with drinks. I love the shrimps, pork, chicken, vegetables, noodles (pancit) and the moringa juice! Though I like everything that is served!
The whole area is approximately 3.5 hectares and only 1 hectare is currently developed. Soon enough, more development will be put in and roads going to the park will be improved, too. It will not only be a day tour (P250 for entrance fee) park, but also a place where people can stay overnight (room rates range from P2500 to P5200) for some activities. Events are accommodated, too!
I hope you enjoy reading this post! Let it be known to your friends, too, by sharing it.
It is in the bucketlist of many Filipinos to visit and spend a vacation in the northernmost part of the country, Batanes group of islands. It is because the place is very clean, green and arguably one of the best places to be in the Philippines! Indeed, as experienced, it is really what I expected!
Now, I will share to you how I manage to bring only two thousand pesos (P2000) pocket money for the trip. I will also share to you how I am able to afford cheaper airfare for this trip. I will also share how I survived the 4 days and 3 nights vacation in the island. :-)
First things first, find the cheapest fare and if not the cheapest, at least the cheaper rates. In the market, Skyjet Air and Philippine Airlines fly to this northernmost territory. As of my observation, one-way ticket on both airlines will not go much less five thousand pesos (P5000) on a regular fare with other fees and taxes. The best thing to do to get a chance of their promo fare is to take chances on travel exposition. I got my roundtrip ticket for six thousand one hundred ninety-one pesos (P6191) during a travel expo. It may not be the cheapest but at least cheaper with 2 months before departure date. It is not a peak season visit and it is a risk booking dates during wet season, however, just pray for the best! ;-)
Next, try to search for tours in Batanes. There are blogs which are readily available for your guide to Batanes. I tried to compare a tour package for 3 days and a contact in the island for a tour, a tour package will cost you less. I got mine for four thousand nine hundred ninety-nine pesos (P4999) under BISUMI Tours. It is a promo rate for 3 days that include North Batan, Sabtang Island and South Batan. Aside from that, there is a complimentary lunch (Ivatan food) during the tour, refreshments, van transit and boat fees, other tour fees, a tour guide who can also take beautiful photos, tour bag, airport transfers and souvenir items! Where can you find anything as such? Well, thanks to Sir Ryan of BISUMI Tours you can contact him at these numbers 09989885898 or find their page - BISUMI Tours. Good thing also that they have an attached contact for cheap, humble and decent fan accommodation that amounts to five hundred pesos (P500) each night and for 3 nights, I paid one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500). By the way, BISUMI stands for Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang, Uyugan, Mahatao and Ivana which represents the municipalities of Batanes.
Alright, what other fees that you need to prepare? Upon arrival at Basco Airport, each guest has to pay an environmental fee of three hundred fifty pesos (P350) which is intended for the island's preservation and building of restrooms similar to stone houses near to prime tourist destinations. Prepare a your budget of one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500) for food (breakfast, dinner and snacks) and for more souvenir. Then, prepare one hundred fifty pesos (P150) for bike and Ivatan weather protection attire (vakul for ladies and kaayo for the gents) rental.
Total costs:
P6191 - roundtrip airfare (via SkyJet)
P6499 - 3 days tour c/o BISUMI Tours and 3 nights accommodation
P450 - 3 days breakfast
P965 - 3 nights dinner
P20 - Kanayi rental
P40 - Bike rental (P20/hr)
P350 - Environmental fee
P500 - Souvenir and food items
Total of P14665, not bad for a 4 days 3 nights Batanes Tour!
Next posts about Batanes will be the Tours and Food!
Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com, if you like this post, like and share it to your friends! ;-)
Travel has been a "dose for sanity" to me. An acute change of environment is a brain stimulant for me - just like coffee! Also, just like some lyrics from a song, "all my senses come to life"! Though my travel adventure isn't about a love story but it is a chance to indulge another culture, experience a way of living and taste sumptuous food. Also, traveling makes me fulfill my dreams of visiting a place, especially, Japan! Yes, for an ASEAN like me, going to this country is one in the bucket list. There are four (4) seasons in this country and surely, different colors and hues will be experienced each season. Yet and yet, before coming to this country, do not forget to accomplish your visa (oh yeah, third world country problem...lol). However, it is not that difficult to get one visa, for now; just be sure to have the complete requirements processed through an accredited agency. So, Filipinos wanting to visit Japan, as tourist, should prepare the following:
1) Completely filled out Visa Application Form in A4 paper.
2) One (1) Japan Visa passport photo, WHITE background, glued at the application form.
3) Valid passport at least six (6) months before the travel.
4) Detailed daily itinerary in Japan from ARRIVAL to DEPARTURE date.
5) Original Bank Certificate
6) Original and photocopy of your latest BIR Form 2316 or the Income Tax Return (ITR), original copy will be returned
First time travelers to Japan will have additional requirements to comply, to wit:
1) Original Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly known as National Statistics Office) within one year
2) Original Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority within a year (if applicable)
For students/minors traveling to Japan, additional requirement will have to be submitted, to wit:
1) Photocopy of School ID.
Tip: Retired or senior citizen will not need to comply the ITR. If one lacks a requirement, a letter addressed to the embassy should be attached and submitted for the visa processing.
Usually, you will be advised that your visa will be available within 7 working days. Good thing that I got mine within two (2) days after submission of requirements. I have paid also nine hundred pesos (P900.00) for the visa with its processing. It should be noted that the visa processing payment by agencies may differ in cost.
After getting your visa, get ready for a luxurious visit to Japan!
My stories from Japan will be posted here in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. I hope you will share your stories, too!
Before the love month ends, it is such a beautiful story of love from a friend I have met in a hostel that I will share. I have asked his permission of writing about it and post it in my blog, but will not disclose names. A love that happened traveling solo!
Legazpi City, Albay is a Southern Luzon destination in the Bicol Region. It is home of the perfect cone volcano, Mayon Volcano. There are variety of accommodation to choose from and one of it is at a hostel named, Mayon Backpackers Hostel - a hostel not in the main road but familiar to many tricycle drivers.
Arriving in the hostel, I have met a Belgian friend who is my roommate. He is also traveling solo, but according to him, it is his first time to do a solo travel while I have been to many. We shared some stories where to go and eat in Legazpi since he has arrived a day earlier than I. We have shared some whereabouts, travel experiences and places to go in the Philippines. Such a very good conversation and then I have won a friend in him. Oh, as a new friend, a photo opportunity is a must and share of social networking sites, too!
In the hostel, he met an Austrian girl, pretty, red-haired, and traveling solo too. They get along well in the hostel as I go around the city and nearby areas to tour. I have met them both, and at the back of my mind, such a lovely couple to be.
Let's do a bit fast track, my vacation has ended and my friend is supposed to proceed to Cebu City, but he has extended to accompany the beautiful lady. Such a sweet gesture from him, but that time I have thought it is normal to some travelers like him since they own their time on vacations and be with other travelers as they usually travel for several months. But, guess what, it all started from there.
My friend traveled next around Asia - in the Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal. Along those countries, he met the red-haired girl again; they traveled together; they spent time together, and...they became officially a couple! It all started in the Philippines! Two foreign visitors met in Legazpi City, Albay and became a couple as they travel together! Lovely!
He has traveled to 7 countries during that time. Among those countries, the Philippines placed 2nd or 3rd for him. But, the Philippines moved up more because he found his love here! Isn't that amazing?!! (He is not being biased, okay! Hahaha) He never thought that it will happen, traveling solo and ending up with a partner. Glad he is my friend. ;-)
It is such a lovely travel experience I know from a friend. This may not be a post that will inspire you to go solo travel but to inspire us that love is not situated in one corner - it can be anywhere! This is just one of the things I know that started in the Philippines! :-)
I hope you enjoyed this story. Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.
One of South Korea's gateway to the world is Incheon International Airport. This is among the best airports in the world. I am glad at least I have been to it and among other best airports. Okay, you got me there, my happiness is not that high...I am okay just at the airport! LOL
Anyways, supposedly, I will ask my friend to at least fetch me in the airport so that I won't get lost on my arrival. However, I am given an instruction of how to get their place instead. Alright, that is part of the adventure then...constantly, I need to catch a free wifi at the airport so that I can message my friend: if I have arrived safely and if I have gotten into the bus at the scheduled time where I am going so that my time of arrival to the bus stop will be estimated. There you go... I am asked to ride on bus 6004 going to Gasan Digital Complex. So I need to check where the bus ticket stall outside the arrival hall and buy for the bus ticket to Gasan Digital. Finding the bus ticket stall isn't difficult after all, there are two counters one that speaks in English and the other one in Korean. Good job! I am then asked to pay KRW 10,000 for the ticket, ugh, that's is a bit pricey, but I have to abide to the instructions. LOL (Another option could have been riding a train...but since the subway system in Seoul is a bit complex at first, my friend worries that I might get lost along the transit, but it is actually more cheap!) Following the instructions given to me, isn't bad at all. I arrived safely even though the driver and I can't communicate that well - reading street signs and names really works!
On the first day of my adventure, I contacted my Korean family friend. Yeah, we met them in Cebu City at Fort San Pedro with my parents. They are pretty warm and friendly. They even told us to tell them whenever we travel in Seoul, that was way back 2013. Good thing I managed to constantly communicate with them especially, Sena, a writer. So, we met again springtime 3 years after. :-)
They fetched me at the place of where I stay and we scheduled for a palace tour, wearing a hanbuk (Korean attire), and taste authentic Korean dishes! :-)
First stop, the Gyeongbokgung Palace!
Visiting Seoul, South Korea - Spring Time
It is the biggest among the five (5) palaces preserved in Seoul. The palace gate is very wide...good thing when we arrived at the vicinity, there is this ceremonial exchange shifts of the guards. It is drawing attraction among visitors like me and even my Korean friends saw it for the first time, too. Watch the video below as part of the ceremony.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Gate
Before entering the palace gate, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee of around KRW 3,000. In the vicinity, you will witness some couples in hanbuk or the traditional Korean attire. If they wear it, they will free of charge for the entrance fee. That is cool! Some of them become an instant attraction because of their attire and additional to promote tourism in the place. This place is also a place wherein tourists do some photo shoot. From this view, at the right side of the gate is a stall wherein tourists can wear a royal guard attire for less than an hour. Thus, here I chose the general of the gate guard attire. Tick that on my list of things to do!!!
I thank the Sena and her family for being my interpreter and guide at that moment. It is like fulfilling a wishlist of a dear friend...
Me and Sena's Family at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Gate
The vicinity is also near the National Palace Museum wherein we took time to explore too. I enjoyed this place as it showcases a palace's artifacts, their early sciences and other palace essentials. I am glad to have this chance to understand a part of Korea and their culture related to other Asian race.
Entrance to the National Palace Museum of Korea and Stamps
Then, we entered the palace. We chose the English language for the Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour for my benefit which is scheduled three (3) times a day: 11:00 H, 13:30 H and 15:30 H. Our tour guide is Ms. Lee. She is also wearing a hanbuk during the tour and she speaks English very well. She also explains well during the tour.
The vicinity of the palace is comprised of several building and each building is identified according to its design and small details at the roof. Cool, isn't it? There are allot of symbols visible in every buidling such as the golden dragon, five (5) mountains and two (2) moons, the dragons forming like the yin and yang and other things that you will discover in every building.
The country experiences four (4) seasons and there are questions of how do each building and people inside survive the freezing cold winter season... Well, it is explained that there are portions of the building that is like a chimney but the heat is circulated in the building and it is absorbed by the layers of the floor of very building. That is something very scientific and an adaptive way to survive changes of season.
This is the end portion of the tour wherein we are brought to the palace banquet area for special occasions. Since it is a royal gathering, guests and members of the royal family will have to abide on rules on the do's and don'ts. You will experience serenity in this area as it is also wide, surrounded by a lake with carps, and garden around.
We also explored other parts of the palace not passed by the tour. Have some photo opportunities and well, it is tiring and making us starving...so, the next stop is for a restaurant to eat authentic Korean dishes!!!
Dinner Time!!!
My bad... I have not able to capture every food that is served but will just tell you what we ate...hahaha
As an appetizer, we have kim chi and ssam bap - the spicy fermented cabbage and lettuce as wrap for rice or bulgogi. Aside from that, we have the cold noodles (usually eaten during summer), bulgogi, bibimbap and have our tummies filled! Oh wow! That is really a sumptuous Korean treat! Indeed a treat because I attempted to cash out but I am refused to share...they are also happy that I enjoyed the food and the tour. Thank you!!!
During this day, several activities have been checked out in my list of things to do! Yehey!!! More to come in the coming posts!
