ABS-CBN launches new travel website 'Choose Philippines'

Last April 15 a new travel website, Choose  Philippines was launched by ABS-CBN Regional network groups. I was really delighted when I saw the advertisement. I'm sure it will contain a lot of useful information and tips not only for Filipino travelers but to foreigners as well. 

Here is an article from abs-cbnnew.com about the said website:

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MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos and foreigners looking for the real deal on what to see, where to go, what to eat, and where to stay in the Philippines will find the newly launched Choose Philippines website helpful.

The travel website with the URL http://www.choosephils.com/ promises to give "accurate and up-to-date information about the places, food and culture of the Philippines from a uniquely Filipino perspective," according to a statement released by the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG), which publishes the website.

Launched on April 15, Choose Philippines is touted as the first geo-social networking website on travel, places, events, food, and people of the Philippines.

Content will be sourced from ABS-CBN RNG and its 32 bureaus in the country, as well as from netizens here and abroad.

First started onFacebook (its page currently has more than 200,000 "likes"), Choose Philippines was built "because we wanted everyone, both Pinoys and non-Pinoys, to experience our country," said Jerry Bennett, ABS-CBN RNG Head.

“I love the Philippines, really! For me, it's a country like no other. It’s my bragging right, my claim to fame that I am a Filipino. I've traveled this nation from north to south, east to west and I can only utter phrases of thanksgiving for the charm and the grandeur of the Philippines!” Bennett said.

According to Charie Villa, News Head of ABS-CBN RNG, the site's objective is to entice global tourists to come to the Philippines and to make Filipinos proud of what we have in the country. "They need not go out to look for hope. The opportunities are here," she said.

At the same time, Villa said they hope to help the government in promoting tourism, and in nudging them to protect the resources we have, and improve what needs to be improved.

"The info will be honest and sincere. It's like Lonely Planet. We will tell you if there is niknik in the beach, if it will take 3 days to reach a place, et cetera," Villa said.

The site will also cover all places, and not just Boracay, Coron and other popular tourist spots.

"Our country has 7,107 islands and we intend to comb for hidden treasures and well-kept secrets. We hope you could help us. We believe Filipinos are naturally proud of their heritage: the islands they call home, their culture and even their food that they would like to share with the world," ABS-CBN RNG said in a statement.

According to the World Tourism Organization, some 1 billion tourists traveled in 2010. Fifteen million of them went to Thailand, 30 million visited Hong Kong, while only 3 million people traveled to the Philippines.

The website organizers believe tourism is a growth sector in the country that needs a lot of support.

And if tourism grows, Filipinos need not go abroad to work as local tourism can provide sustainable livelihood.

Choose Philippines will also support the hyper-local business ventures of Filipinos in the provinces. It will give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to promote and advertise their businesses "on a platform with a guaranteed and ever-growing audience."

Filipino residents and foreign visitors can register on the website for free and share their experiences about their travels, adventures, misadventures, and photos. Contributions (stories and photos) may be e-mailed to choosephils@gmail.com.

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I also am proud of being a Filipino and it is my dream to travel to all islands. I've been to a lot of provinces and cities and have seen many tourist spots in the Philippines. But I know there is so much more to see. Thanks for this new website, I know where to go once I plan my next travel.

If you like to see my other travel blog just visit: philippine tourist spots <dot>  net.

After ‘Kay Ganda,’ now comes ‘Pilipinas, Tara Na!’ campaign

Just heard about the new slogan that the Department of Tourism have made, "Pilipinas, Tara Na!"...
I really don't understand why WoW Philippines should be changed. I loved it! It was very effective.
According to DOT Secretary Alberto Lim, the slogan was made to encourage Filipinos to travel within the Philippines instead of venturing into other countries.

Do we really need that reminder? I am a Filipino and I know all the must see tourist spots in the Philippines... well, I think I know most of them.
Yes, Filipinos should be encouraged to explore our country but the DOT should focus on a wider market... I prefer a slogan that can be understood by everyone.
But I really hope this new slogan will work it's magic.

anyways, here is the news from Yahoo!

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Will the Department of Tourism (DOT) make it right this time with "Pilipinas, Tara Na!"?

After the much criticized "Pilipinas, Kay Ganda," the DOT is taking their second stab at promoting the Philippines through their new tourism advocacy campaign, "Pilipinas, Tara Na!"

In an interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia, DOT Secretary Alberto Lim said that this slogan is part of their campaign to encourage Filipinos to travel within the Philippines instead of venturing into other countries.

Lim admitted that the new slogan is actually a variation of a previous tourism slogan, "Tara Na, Byahe Tayo."

According to Lim, the initial feedback about the new slogan has been favorable. "I'm sure there'll be no objections to it," he said.

According to the 2009 Household Survey on Domestic Visitors by the Department of Tourism and National Statistics Office, there are 22.8 million domestic travelers in the Philippines.

Out of this number, 7.8 million people explored the Philippines for vacation.

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So what do you think of the new slogan?

Ifugao Tourist Destinations

There are so many tourist spots in the Philippines that I love to see and travel to. One of the most fascination place that I've always dreamed of going is Ifugao. Even as a child it has always been my dream to explore the natural wonders of Ifugao regions. For everyone who are planning for a eco adventure this summer, here is an article I've found that will surely make you want to go to Ifugao.

Ifugao eco-tourism destination

LAGAWE, Ifugao, Philippines — This world heritage province is not only home of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, but it also boasts of its virgin forests and mountains, rivers and natural environment that opens up a myriad of thrills and adventure to any audacious tourist visiting the area.

The Provincial Government here cited some tourist spots worth visiting such as the Nahtoban and Bintacan Caves. Go back in time as you travel history on the old Spanish trail, Aguinaldo trail, or follow the Yamashita trail in Hungduan and Kiangan detailing Japanese Imperial Army Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita’s last few hiding holes before finally surrendering in Kiangan then sent to Baguio City for his official surrender.

For the rider enthusiasts, try your courage and energy on a 300-kilometer dirt motorbike riding at Alfonso Lista and along the Rice Terraces Heritage Sites. Or go kayaking in one of our wild rivers in Hungduan, Banaue or Lagawe and end up with crossing Magat Dam, the biggest dam in Southeast Asia which is located in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.

The Ifugao virgin forests welcomes those who want to indulge with nature. Mt. Napulawan, Mount Kesimelan, Mount Pulag, Mount Anapawon and Mount Amuyao are but a few choices where weary urban dwellers can find solemn refuge from the haze and the noise of the cities. (Dexter A. See)

source: http://www.mb.com.ph

So to all nature lovers, make sure to take this Ifugao experience!