SOUTH KOREA REMAINS LEADING PARTNERS OF THE PHILIPPINES IN TRAVEL AND TOURS

KOREA TO REMAIN LEADING VISITORS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 DOT Usec. Benito Bengzon and Asec. Ricky Alegre meet with Korean travel & tour operators.

Seoul, South Korea -- The Philippine tourism sector is confident it will retain Korea as no. 1 visitor market, as the country’s delegation to the Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) in Seoul, showed high resolve to forge a stronger bond with Koreans.

In addition to the crowd-drawing stage presentations and exhibit set up by the Philippine Department of Tourism-Korea office and DOT-attached agency Tourism Promotions Board, tourism officials held “fact-finding” meetings with Korean travel executives and Seoul-based media, amidst security issues confronting international tourism.

Ambassador Raul Hernandez joins Usec. Benito Bengzon and KOTFA dignitaries for a toast at the International Tourism Forum.

(PDOT) Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, head of the Philippine delegation at Korea’s biggest annual international travel event, described as a “breakthrough in the meeting of minds” with major travel agents and airline executives.

“We look at Korea as a mutual partner in growth, in tourism and our Korean partners are convinced that the Philippines remains in fact a safe haven for foreigners,’ said Bengzon.

The Korean travel and tour, and airline executives, who met with Bengzon and DOT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre include: Kim, Seong Hoon, sales manager and Kang, Hyuk Shin, country manager, Philippine Airlines; Kang, Yoon Ho, senior manager Cebu Pacific; Yong, Sun-Ok, senior manager and Jeong, Chan Woo, assistant manager, Hana Tour; Kim Jeong Tae, Manager, Mode Tour; Um, Jong Hyun, CEO, Yoo Han Travel.

In behalf of tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, Alegre held interviews with Seoul-based news media, pointing out that the isolated incident of peace disturbance in the remote area of Marawi City was immediately placed under control, and should not in any way deter foreigners’ trips to the Philippines.

Alegre said the imposition of temporary martial law in the southern region of Mindanao merely enhances the security measures against any potential terror threat that has become a staple in modern day living in everywhere in the world.

The DOT official underscored the importance of disseminating factual information on the differing situations in the thousands of travel destinations in the Philippines and elsewhere.

“We are indeed elated by the strong interest in our tourist destinations amidst the challenges faced recently by our tourism industry, a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic,” said Alegre.

Among those who met with Alegre were Ji Won Kim, Arirang TV; Boeun Kim, Korea Times; Choe Hyun Yi, Korea Travel Times; Jepil So, KOTFA Daily; and Chung Sun Hwa, Ewha Communications.

Korean Ambassador Kim Young-sun, of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, shared PDOT officials’ optimism about continued travel of Koreans to the Philippines.

“Philippines is close to Koreans and we will continue to explore cooperation and tourism exchange,” said Young-sun, who has Manila at least four times.

South Korea remains the top tourist market for the Philippines, accounting for 24.72 percent of the 5.9 million total number of tourist arrivals in 2016. At least 305,052 Koreans have visited the country for the first two months of year alone, comprising 25.19 percent of the total foreign guests.

Koreans have consistently topped the list of big spenders, with receipts amounting to Php5.83 billion just for the month of February 2017, with the United States in second place, spending about Php2.65 billion.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez joined Bengzon, who also addressed the International Tourism Forum in conjunction with KOTFA, declaring that the Philippines beckons to the world to come and experience the country’s diversely-rich tourist destinations.

The DOT official assured the dignitaries and entrepreneurs from across the globe that the Duterte administration has embarked on a massive tourism infrastructure program to boost tourism in small and medium-sized localities, which is the theme of the international tourism forum.

“We are promoting rural tourism, including ecological and farm tourism, to achieve self-sustaining and inclusive development,” added Bengzon.

He said world-famous Boracay island in Aklan province and Panglao, Bohol are among the success stories of small town development, while protecting their natural wonders.

KOTFA delegates crowd the Philippine exhibit set up by DOT Korea office headed by OIC Lily Libosada and TPB staff.

At least 90 countries participated in four-day tourism fair chaired by Shin Jung Mok.

Among those who joined the Philippine delegation at KOTFA were DOT-Korea Office headed by OIC Liliosa Libosada and Marketing Officer Jake Velasco, and representatives of Philippine Airlines, Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, Oakwood Premier Joy Nostalg Center Manila, Okada Manila, Azalea Hotels and Residences, World Citi Leisures, El Pinoy Dive & Leisure Resort, Bai Hotel Cebu, and Plantation Bay Resort & Spa. (VerGarciaBlogs)

SMALL GOOD DEEDS AND WARMTH WILL HELP THE WORLD TO HEAL

A Good Turn Daily
Helping the World Every Day

By: Evelyn T. Du

We can all vow to make the world a better place one day at a time by being our true authentic selves.

Each of us is more than capable of helping the world, despite our fears and limitations and the uncertainty that holds us back. It is commonly accepted that it is impossible to make a difference without unlimited funding or free time, yet most healing, cleansing, and spreading of joy is accomplished in a matter of minutes.

If we vow to make the world a better place one day at a time, the true significance of small good deeds reveals itself to us. We come to see that we can be of service without dedicating our lives to recognized charities or giving up the pleasures we enjoy.

The warmth we feel when we help the world is only a tiny part of the affirmative transformations that take place when we make altruism a part of everyday existence.

We make our homes, workplaces, communities, and countries better and brighter when we think positive thoughts that echo outward, give donations of time or money, smile at everyone we meet, and lend those in need of aid our assistance.

As we learn, we inadvertently improve the universe because we can only be truly involved when we are informed. Even enthusiastically sharing ideas with others generates positive energy that then serves as the motivation for more tangible change.

Selfless and helpful deeds remind us that we exercise some degree of control over a world that can seem chaotic at times. Even the smallest of such deeds is a demonstration of the fact that we are capable of changing the world in a positive way.

So much negative energy is generated by the suffering, pain, and close-mindedness we are regularly exposed to, but we can counteract it in a constructive way by thinking and acting altruistically when opportunities to do so arise.

Helping the world often takes no more than a moment, just a wish for the world is a beautiful gesture and can be done by even the busiest of people effortlessly.

The gift you give each day need not be grand or attention-worthy because the broader benefits are the same no matter the literal repercussions.

Once a day, you can affect reality, and you can reap the rewards of knowing that you are making the world a better place, day by day.

Happy Reading : (VerGarciaBlogs)

ZOOMANITY GROUP PHILIPPINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DIBZ APP TO BRING COMFORT WITH DRIVERS

Zoomanity Group and DibZ Partnership
By: Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (TAG MEDIA)

Zoomanity group in partnership with DIBZ to bring convenience with drivers in Metro Manila.

The Theme Park giant- Zoomanity Group with its CEO, Robert Laurel Yupangco just signed a partnership with the newest revolutionary parking App in the Philippines, DibZ.

DIBZ is a mobile app that is bringing convenience to drivers in Metro Manila! With Dibz, drivers can search for and reserve an available parking space and its guaranteed that it's available when you arrive. No more circling the block in search for parking, no more waiting for other cars to vacate a parking, no more scramble for loose change and lost parking tickets! All payments are made cashless.

Dibz also operates an on-demand mobile valet service in selected areas for when you are in a hurry and just don’t have the time to park your own car or when the nearest parking space is far from your destination. With Dibz Valet, you can just pick a drop off point and a valet will be assigned to meet you there to park your ride for you! When you need your vehicle back, you can just request for it on the app and it will be returned to you within 15mins!

Dibz and Zoomanity Group partnership is about the parking spaces under the Yupangco Group of Companies in which Zoomanity Group is under. The group is managing different buildings around Metro Manila that will provide the DibZ customers the reserved parkings.

How to Download Dibz?

Currently Dibz is available on the Android platform and it’s iOS version is being tested out by a closed group of testers. The iOS version is expected to be launched to the public before mid-June! Drivers that are using Android devices can visit Google Playstore and download the app.

How to Pay for Parking Through Dibz?

All payments for your parking through Dibz are cashless! Drivers just have to purchase parking credits through credit/ debit card or through over the counter payments made available through our payments partner, Dragonpay.

What Locations is Dibz Available?

Dibz is currently available in Makati at Dela Rosa Car Park 1 and Valero Car Park 2. More locations will be added soon in Makati, BGC, Ortigas and Quezon City! For more information, visit www.dibz.com. (VerGarciaBlogs)

DPWH SECRETARY MARK VILLAR TO EXTEND FINANCIAL HELP TO RESIDENT AFFECTED BY ROAD WIDENING IN NAVOTAS CITY, PHILIPPINES

DPWH, GRANT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

TO RESIDENTS 0F NAVOTAS CITY DUE TO ROAD WIDENING

By: Josine F. Estuye

Sec. Mark Villar of the DPWH assures financial assistance to the resident of affected families in Navotas City.

More than one hundred sixty (160) residents who had been affected by the road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) since 2015 along Radial Road 10 in North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City have received financial assistance at DPWH Multi-purpose Hall.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, together with Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo and National Capital Region (NCR) Director Melvin B. Navarro, and representatives of different government agencies including Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), National Housing Authority (NHA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), City Government of Navotas, and Municipal Government of Norzagaray, led the awarding of cheques to the beneficiaries of Maryhill Northville Homeowners Association, Inc.

Villar said that the additional financial assistance on top of the government housing project is aimed to support the affected families with their immediate and future needs.

“Rest assured that we will continue to work with our partnered agencies to guarantee that the affected families will be provided with safe, adequate and affordable housing units as part of the administration’s campaign to fight poverty and uplift the lives of every Filipino,” Villar added.

The members of Maryhill Northville Homeowners Associations, Inc. have been displaced from their residence in Radial Road 10 to give way for better road connectivity of Metro Manila towards central and northern Luzon.

The construction of first community-initiated relocation site for the affected families in Norzagaray, Bulacan is now on-going through the partnership of DPWH, national and local government agencies, and non-government organizations. (VerGarciaBlogs)

EVENTS VENUE PHILIPPINES MAGAZINE.. A VENUE FOR ALL SEASON

WORLD CLASS MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET
By: Teddy Cho & Ver Garcia

 Mr. TJ Yuson events host inspired everyone to secure a copy of  the newly launched Events  Venue  PH Magazine.


Are you looking for a place or venue that would fit your tight budget, your taste or simply a venue for all season? Good news.. Right now, you have a venue that caters to all your needs when it comes to any events, management or events organizing. It's accessible, convenient, food and drinks are satisfying that is because they have gathered under one roof. The suppliers will cater to all your requirements when it comes to party needs, corporate events, seminars and workshops and other similar activities.

Events Venue Philippines (Events Venue Ph.) is totally committed to facilitate your needs in every conceivable way possible whether you're looking for suppliers or if you are planning you're social and corporate events (weddings, chrism, birthdays and others). You may log on to www.eventsvenue.com.ph for online subscribers. But, for print we have the most versatile magazine in print which you can take anywhere and everywhere because it's portable, foldable and handy. It's main feature is the suppliers checklist which can be used to plan your events rationally and systematically for it enables and empowers you.. wherein you have pages where you can place the details in order to compare the suppliers, canvass the prices, give you several options to make a choice of your own and your loved ones.

Eventsvenueph fits your requirements to a tee and they can feature all the corporate and  social events that needs to be published including bloggers events and for those operating on a tight budget you are on target. It's now available at coffee shops, bridal shops and hopefully soon at National Bookstore and Lazada which has nationwide coverage and distribution.

TEN POINTS TO CONSIDER CHOOSING AN EVENT VENUE:

A lot of decision making goes into event planning and the choice of venue for an event is probably the biggest decision of all. There are a lot of factors in choosing a venue so therefore, save yourself the stress of choosing the right venue.

1.) Cost - Make a budget and do your best to stick to it and make a lot of sourcing.

2.) Date - When you are going to hold the event. You will find that some days of the week might be cheaper than others. Events held during the peak season are definitely going to be more expensive. So be flexible on dates.

3.) Location - Will your guests be able to reach the venue easily and consider where your guests will be coming from.

4.) Ambiance - Does the venue contribute to my events team or mode.

5.) Capacity - How many people or participants can accommodate your chosen venue.

6.) Weather - Take into consideration the weather in planning your event. It is because there will be no guests coming in case of typhoons and flooding.

7.) Services and Amenities - What features of the venue do they have. How can it compliment my requirements. Is there a table, chairs, linen, audio-visual system and kitchen. These amenities are very important in choosing a venue for your event.

8.) Friendly and accommodating suppliers -  Find suppliers that can help you in all your needs and requirements.

9.) Parking - The venue must have a parking facility that can accommodate your guest and accessible.

10,) House Rules- In the event that you will cancel your event.. Is there an option that you can refund the deposit you made. All the arrangements must be made in writing.

Mr. TJ Yuson some good pointer about holding an events on you tube channel.
(VerGarciaBlogs)

PHILIPPINE HONORABLE QUEENS UPHOLDS EXCELLENCE AND FETES OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN DIFFERENT FIELDS OF ENDEAVOUR

PHILIPPINE HONORABLE QUEENS FETES OUTSTANDING MOMS IN SOFITEL HOTEL, MANILA

By: Ver M. Garcia

HAPPY FAMILY.. Reigning Mrs. Universe Philippines 2017 Marilou Tolico Villanueva had this to say.. 'at the end of the day it's the family and your children that is of great  importance'. In photo is her Mom, Ms. Charito Tolico with loving children and her very supportive husband.

                     

Reigning Mrs. Universe Philippines 2017 Marilou Tolico Villanueva, CEO and Founder of the Philippine Honorable Queens. Original Video by:  Ver M. Garcia on Youtube Channels please like and subscribe.

Part 2 of the Media Presscon with Mrs. Universe Philippines 2017 

Marilou Tolico Villanueva.. Video By: Ver M. Garcia on Youtube Channels. Please like and subscribe. A 30 minutes video presentation.

The Philippine Honorable Queens in partnership with Magarbo Events  will  be giving a  recognition  to  women who  excelled  in  their  chosen field of endeavors and have  made  themselves  outstanding  on  their  own rights  and  have shown uniqueness as  they touched other lives and serve as an inspiration and a model for change.

The  most awaited event was held recently at  the  Hotel  Sofitel  in  Manila   a  luxurious hotel  and in a tropical and  spectacular  Manila  Bay  sunset,   that  lavishly surrounds exquisite French touch of Sofitel Philippine. The only 5-  Star Resort Hotel in Manila, the Sofitel welcomes you to celebrate visual arts and  some important activities and great events.

Ms. Marilou T. Villanueva, (in the middle with a crown) CEO and Founder of PHQ with awardees. Photo by: Teddy Cho

In cognizant  with  this  awarding  event..  The  Philippine  Honorable  Queens Founder  and CEO Ms. Marilou Tolico Villanueva   said  that  'she  envisions  this award and recognition to uphold the passion for excellence of individuals who relentlessly pursue a higher performance to bring honor and pride to our country'. avers Ms. Villanueva.

It's an evening full of fun that showcased fashion shows, modern dance, singing and entertainment to the fullest. The empowered Honorable Queens awardees are the following:

Philippine Honorable Queens

Name of Awardees:

1. Ms. Joy Bufete - Empowered Woman.. a noble Filipina and an Outstanding Leader in her field of endeavour.

2. Ms. Sarah P. Deloraya - Entrepreneur of the Year Award

3.  Ms. Hadja Hanina O. Alrefai – For Lifetime Achievement Award

4.  Ms. Victoria Estacio- Logdat – For Community and Social Service Award

 5. Ms. Jennifer Sibug-Las – For Corporate Social Responsibility Award

 6. Honorary Consul Anna Marie Ablan – For Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Foreign Diplomacy

 7. Ms. Jennifer  ‘Ina Alegre’ Mindanao-Cruz (Vice-Mayor Municipality of Pola, Oriental Mindoro) Outstanding Public Servant of the Year

 8. Atty. Kaye C. Revil (Vice-Governor, Province of Masbate) 

      Local Governance and Development Programs.

 9. Ms. Stephanie Uy Tan (Eastern Visayas, City Mayor Catbalogan City, 
      Province of Samar –For Environment Protection

10. Ms. Mogene Clarito Jeffers- Outstanding Contribution in the Field 
       of Education and Exemplary Works.   

11. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar- Outstanding Senator in Public Service for 
       Livelihoods and Agri-Programs

12. Ms. Wanda Corazon T. Teo – Outstanding Secretary For Tourism Programs of the Year

13. Ms. Emelie Katigbak Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Tourism

       Advocacy and Media Personality.

14. Ms. Judy M. Taguiwalo- Outstanding Secretary for Social Welfare 

        and Development

15. Ms. Luchie Cruz Valdez- Outstanding Newscaster and Head of TV 5

16. Avon Morales – Outstanding AVP of Union Bank in the Philippines

17. Cheryl Fordan Villanueva – outstanding Teacher of the Year.

18. Wilma Facelo-  Outstanding Empowered Woman

19. Analyn Tan Sungco – Outstanding Empowered Woman

20. Marilou Go Lim – Outstanding Empowered Woman

21. Rowena Avila – Outstanding Empowered Woman

22. Kathy Kenny Ngo – Outstanding Lifestyle Blogger

23. Liza Dionaldo – Outstanding Empowered Woman

24. Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas – Outstanding Social     Media Influencer and Blogger

25. Ms. Mafae Yunon-Belasco – Outstanding Event Organizer  and Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Philippine  Honorable  Queens  grant  this  outstanding  recognition  to  people  who excelled in their  respective fields of endeavor to inspire  and  encourage them to excel and share their  God given talent. ‘No matter  where  you  are  in  life.  Inspire  and  empower  the  women  around  you.  Success is  never  reached  alone.  And  wisdom  and  wealth  are  sweeter  and  shared,  the Honorable Queens quotes'.

Other important  personalities  who  made  the  event  possible  are  members of the PHQ Core group are: 
Ms. Marilou  T.  Villanueva-  Chairperson,  Managing  Director-  
Ms. Merly Asenjo-AVP,  Ms. Lilibeth  Newham- Promotion  Driector,   Mr. Ferdie Nadera- Production Director, 
Herald Domine- Marketing, 

Atty.Reyaine A.  Mendoza  Legal  Adviser  and Dr. Ver M. Garcia- Publishing Officer.

Photo Gallery:

 Direk Ferdie Nadera with Guest.

Ms. Hadja Hanina O. Alrefai interviewed by Litrato Media.

 Beauty Queen Mafae Yunon Belasco interviewed by PTV 4.

 Husband and Wife PBA San Miguel Basketball Player Nic Belasco  and Mafae Belasco all  smile in this photo.

 Mr. & Mrs. Mafae Yunon Belasco.

Rotarian Merly Asenjo of Shawarma Republic and  Vice-President of PHQ  with awardee.

 Atty. Kaye C. Revil (Vice-Governor, Province of Masbate) Local Governance and 

     Development Programs and husband with Dr, Ver M. Garcia

 The Philippine Honorable Queens  Production Team working  overtime.

 Mr. Randy Nonato of DLSU, who acted as emcee in great  pleasantries with some of the  awardees.

Reigning Mrs. Universe Philippines 2017 Ms. Lot Villanueva with son.

Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas one of the awardee as an outstanding social media influencer.. assisted by Dr. Ver M. Garcia.

 Mr. Herald Berras Domine- Marketing with Ms. Hadja Hanina O.  Alrefai. 

 Awardees with Miss World Philippines 2003 Ms. Mafae Yunon  Belasco and emcee Ms. Veronica Arlyne Lawas Borromeo.

Dedicated to all women up there who made it to the top.. despite all the challenges in life. This instrumental love songs is dedicated to all of you.

The advocacy of the Philippine Honorable Queens is to hail and support empowered women in providing more avenue to uplift confidence and be an inspiration to others. All photos are credited to Mr. Teddy Cho- photo journalist. (VerGarciaBlogs)

A CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS DAY AT THE CENTURY CITY MALL IN MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES

Cherish The Love.. A Celebration of Mothers Day
By: Ver M. Garcia & Teddy Cho

Ms. Mafae Belasco stresses in her speech that our mother will always guide us and will always be on our side. With the beautiful Moms, during the event held recently at the Century Citi Mall in Makati City.

CENTURY CITY MALL Makati City, Philippines - Each year, we celebrate Mother's Day to commemorate our Dear Moms in our own loving ways. The simple thought that our community ,especially the mom and child, share a common bond together during this Blessed day is priceless. Through our lives we experience through happiness, trials, laughter and tears, and yet we still bind together because it’s what family is all about. Together on this special day, we recognize our mothers for being our Guardian and our true best friends.

Despite all the challenges and adversities, our mom's love is always there to inspire, to guide and to protect . A mother will always protect and guide us in everything, she will always be by our side, and that's how STRONG their LOVE is for their child.

One of the exciting activities was the blindfolded game! The children were blindfolded, then he/she will be asked to identify their moms by touching and feeling their face, hair and hands as they stand in a line beside fellow mothers! This is in collaboration with James MacKay Foundation Inc. and the Philippine National School for the Blind, who will also be sending students and their mothers to join the activities. And again, this serves as a reminder to us that despite obstacles, a mother's love is unbreakable and unfathomable!

James MacKay Foundation helping the children with there advocacy in education, livelihood and sports.

It's good to know that there are places like Parenting Emporium for dedicating so much in making the roles of a mom much easier, because as we all know, motherhood is no easy feat. It's a one-stop shop for mothers of all kind, specializing in newborn care, breastfeeding hacks, and all the necessities a mother needs to keep her child happy and healthy. Want to know more exciting news? They are also giving a talk of their own!

Century City Mall will be having a Mom's Fair at the Ground floor near Mary Grace featuring Bloombox, Flowers by Rosabella, and Mother's Day Photo Booth.

The lovely moms and families at the Mother's Day activities post for posterity

More good news!

Courtesy of CENTURY CITY MALL Century City Kalayaan Ave.,

For more details, visit Century City Mall's Facebook or inquire at their Concierge at (02) 705 6200

Makati City

The Wonderful Moms sings 'Let It Go' an ABS-CBN talent star..

(VerGarciaBlogs)