Philippines Supplement 2011

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Testimonial

In her own words...

British broadcaster, Carol McGiffin, fell in love with the Philippines after a twin-centre holiday to Manila and Boracay.

Here, she explains what she finds so special about the destination...

T

he only thing I knew about the Philippines was that the wife of a former president famously owned a lot of shoes. I probably couldn’t even have pointed to the islands on a map. But now, thanks to my brother, who got a job there two years ago, I know more – I’ve been there and I can’t believe I missed it so long.

There are no direct flights from the UK to the capital, Manila, but getting there is worth the trouble of a stopover – and it gives you the opportunity to experience another dynamic Asian city, be it Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul or Shanghai.

Being used to Asian cities, I thought I was prepared for Manila, but when I arrived, I quickly realised it is like no other. It’s busier than Bangkok, crazier than Kuala Lumpur, as swish (in parts) as Singapore and easily as happening as Hong Kong.

The city’s sprawling size is mind¬blowing. One big bonus is that the airport is very close – in theory it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to get to the centre of Manila, although it often does because of the traffic.

My other half, Mark, and I were staying in Makati, which is the main business district and shamelessly upmarket. Our hotel was the Makati Shangri-La, a fairly new property with one of the grandest lobbies I have ever seen.

On exploring the cosmopolitan bar scene, the prices came as a shock – after the skyscraper-high costs in Hong Kong, 2

“I love it, but I can’t help feeling I’m betraying my first love, Thailand, which it easily matches by way of hospitality, service, beauty and food.

For value though, it beats Thailand by a mile - it’s so cheap!”

- She wrote in her column for Closer magazine Manila seemed very reasonable. A glass of wine in an upmarket bar costs about £3. We took root in a bar/restaurant called Spicy Fingers, which stayed open late and had a live band. Live music is huge in the Philippines; almost every bar has a band playing and they really get into it. It was a late night. Late but cheap.

The next day, we got up to explore the shops. Manila is home to the Mall of Asia, reputed to be the biggest on the whole continent, but it seemed easier to just nip across the road where there were two massive shopping malls. Greenbelt is packed with luxury brands while Glorietta is a more realistic and affordable option.

The next morning, we sped to the domestic airport terminal to get the flight to Boracay, a small island in the Visayas region, about 200 miles south of Manila and the main attraction of our holiday.

The airport for Boracay, Caticlan, is on the island of Panay, a short ferry trip away.

As you fly in, you can see how tiny Boracay is, so narrow in the middle that you can literally walk from one side to the other in five minutes. Boracay is famous for its White Beach, consistently voted one of the best in the world. It’s certainly not difficult

to see why. The sand is like flour, as soft as feathers and, amazingly, it never gets hot because there’s no iron in it.

The beach stretches almost the entire length of the island’s west side and is the main focus for 99% of the tourist activity.

Hotels line the beach but none are overly intrusive and there’s still tons of space. And it’s cleaner than clean because there are rules and people respect them. No smoking (yes, really), no dogs and no littering.

The Philippines is famous for mangos and we enjoyed the sweetest, most delicious I’ve ever tasted. One morning, I ate five and spent the whole day racing around due to the massive sugar rush.

Fridays is one of the best places to be at sunset. Happy hour runs every day from 3pm till 6pm. They don’t mess about either – it’s simply two for one and you can have the second drink when you’re ready or, if there are two of you, have one each.

Boracay is big on happy hours. Every single bar has one and it’s very competitive, some lasting seven hours. With offers such as ‘All you can drink between 5pm and 8pm for £4’ at the Obama Grill, there doesn’t seem to be any reason not to indulge most nights.

All about the Philippines

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All about the

T

he Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travellers because of its location on the South China Sea, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it.

In recent years, the destination has grown to become a hotspot for beach lovers and city dwellers alike, but there's so much more to this fascinating country than what first meets the eye – from the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, to a plethora of dive sites just waiting to be discovered. And it's this diversity that really sets the Philippines aside from its competitors and gives agents the ability to offer something unique and tailored to their clients. The Philippines is home to 7,107 islands which are divided into three groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest island and Mindanao is the second largest. The Visayas are the group of islands in the central part of the Philippines. Each region and province has something different to offer and visitors will experience a taste of both Western and Eastern culture, thanks to the influence of several nations in the past including Spain, Japan and the USA. Whichever way you decide to promote this fascinating and endlessly attractive destination to your clients, by reading this supplement you will arm yourself with a wealth of product knowledge to sell confidently. You can be assured of one thing - it’s the people and their culture that makes the Philippines unique. And given that the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos is second to none, you may succumb to its charms yourself sooner rather than later...

Contents Carol McGiffin on her destination of choice - p2 Introduction - p3 Live life on the beach - p4 Dive right in/Whet your appetite - p5 Time for some action - p6 Useful contacts - p7 Map & contact details - p8

Published by

Fact File Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea Climate: Tropical Capital: Manila Currency: Philippine peso (PHP) Time: GMT + 8 hours Language: Filipino is the national language but English is widely spoken Visas: UK travellers are permitted to enter the Philippines for 21 days without a visa, provided that they have valid tickets for their return journey and that their passports are valid for a period of at least six months

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Lauretta Wright Email: lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Design/Layout: Genaro Santos, Ranganath GS, Prashanth AP Printed by: Premier Press Front cover/ Images: fotoseeker.com ISSN: 0956-2419

"The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling and there is an abundance of amazing marine wildlife from whale sharks to turtles and manta rays. It is afantastic holiday destinationwith a varied culture and huge variety of activities and experiences on offer, along with some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. Even the most hardened of traveller would not be disappointed."

“I spent a lot of time in the Philippines before setting up Black Tomato and it continues to be a favourite of ours. The area is a source of incredible natural beauty with the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park – a UNESCO world heritage site - regularly voted the best diving location in Asia. The Palawan islands and district of El Nido is truly unique but the island of Malapascua is my tip off as an off-the-beaten track version of Boracay island.”

Tim Johnson, Audley Travel

Tom Marchant, Black Tomato

All about the Philippines

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Beaches

Live life on the beach N

icknamed 'the Pearl of the Orient', the Philippines is well known for its white sandy beaches and stunning scenery. Although the islands offer something different for everyone, most offer crystal clear waters and a variety of water-based activities include snorkelling, diving, boat rides and a wide selection of water sports. So whether your clients are seeking relaxed and tranquil surroundings or are looking for some beach action – there's something that will appeal to everyone.

Here are just ten of the most popular hotspots for beach lovers...

1. Boracay Island, located in the northern region of Aklan province, offers more than a dozen beaches – the most popular being White Beach which offers nearly 4 km of powdery white sand. The destination is also the place for people looking to party with a myriad of nighttime entertainment and restaurants.

2. Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan boasts a 14-km stretch of white sand that can rival some of the best beach destinations in the world and is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

3. Entalula Island in El Nido, Palawan offers a small, secluded area with limestone cliffs protecting the beach. The private island is owned by El Nido Resorts, but a small portion of the beach can be publicly accessed by island-hopping tourists from El Nido town.

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"We introduced the Philippines following demand from our clients and there being only a few operators to feature the destination in the UK. It offers stunning scenery (beaches and hills), world class diving, culture, cities and resorts, making it a good multi-centre option.

It is also good to combine with other far east cities" Emma Richings, Kuoni 4. Daplac Cove on Boayan Island in Palawan remains relatively undiscovered, yet has a vibrant marine life. The island is also a nature preserve for the endangered Tabon Bird and the vulnerable Palawan hornbills and eagles.

5. The sandy beach on Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur can be compared to Boracay, while its limestone cliffs are similar to those in Palawan. The area is relatively undeveloped and is ideal for sun worshippers and those looking to relax.

6. Mahabang Buhangin on the Calaguas Islands is ideal for adventurous types and is a popular spot for backpackers looking to share stories with like-minded travellers and pitch their tents at night on the beach.

7. Club Paradise Beach in Coron, Palawan.

The island is home to a five-star resort called Club Paradise, which offers a selection of activities, but for the more adventurous types, there is a hiking trail to the topmost part of the island. As the name suggests, the beach offers crystal clear waters, white sand and stunning reefs housing exotic marine life.

8. An ideal beach option for families is Balesin on the Polillo Islands in Quezon,

with its gradual slopes and crystal clear water. There are two access routes – one via a four-hour boat ride and the other by charter flight.

9. Kota Beach in Bantayan and White Beach on Malapascua are twin-island beaches, with Kota Beach ideal for viewing nature and Malapascua Beach suited to those who prefer a quiet life.

10. Blue Lagoon on Maira-ira Beach in Pagudpud was commonly referred to as the 'Boracay of the North'. This hidden bay features calm waters and white sand and appeals to those not fazed by a feeling of isolation.

Top tips ●

Encourage clients to explore some of the lesser-known beaches by taking boat trips or taking a twin-centre break.

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If clients are on an all-inclusive holiday, make sure they are aware what type of beach activities and watersports are included in their package to avoid any surprises.

All about the Philippines

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Diving

A

sk anyone that knows and they will confirm; the Philippines is a diving paradise. Made up of 7,000 islands that offer around 40,000 sq km of coral reefs, the destination proves time and time again the wealth of marine fauna it offers and the significant part they play not just in the region but across the whole of Asia. Scientists now believe that the range of sea life found throughout the Pacific had its genesis in South East Asia and the Philippines is particularly notable.

The Philippines' seas are home to more than 450 species of hard corals and 2,000-2,500 fish species and the destination has shown in recent years how committed it is to retaining this bounty and has put steps in place to make sure that this legacy is protected and, at the same time, has ensured that its own subsistence fishermen continue to have an income and that their way of life is preserved. At each turn, they deftly walk this tightrope ensuring that the divers' experience is optimal whether novice or seasoned veteran.

Some of the most popular dive sites are located in the Visayan islands in the centre of the archipelago, including destinations such as Leyte Island, Bohol Island, Cebu and Negros Island. But there is a plethora of sites waiting to be discovered including reefs, wrecks and underwater caves.

Dive right in

Top tips ●

Diving in the Philippines is year-round but the best time is generally December to April. The hottest months are April, May and June with temperatures reaching more than 32ºC.

"The Philippines is a great choice due to its range of resort and diving opportunities – from reefs to wrecks including the possibility of Thresher and Whale Shark diving , and not forgetting the ubiquitous Frog Fish or Sardine Run diving in Moalboal. Since our first research trip to the Philippines, we have been hooked and so have our customers, returning year on year to this beautiful friendly country. In my view, the Philippines is an underrated destination in comparison to other places in the same price category."

Tom Blake, Ultimate Diving

F

Whet your appetite

Top tips ●

Encourage your clients to visit markets and street vendors to sample some of the local delicacies.

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Restaurants serve a whole range of cuisine – from traditional Filipino cuisines to other specialties including Asian, Western, Arabic and American.

All about the Philippines

ilipino food offers a unique mixture of eastern and western cuisine. With nearly 400 years of outside influences, the cuisine is a fascinating blend of Malay, Spanish and Chinese cultures. As with other Asian countries, rice is the staple food and is typically served with most meals.

Seafood is also a popular dish and is appreciated at its best when left uncooked - in a vinaigrette (kilawin) matrix, grilled (ihaw or inihaw), and sometimes stuffed with onions wrapped in banana leaf.

One of the secret ingredients of Filipino food is coconut, which is used liberally in creating exotic dishes. Provinces in the Philippines have their own specialties and dishes. Well known regional specialties include Batangas Kapeng Barako (strong coffee), Bulacan Chicharon (pork rinds), Laguna Buko pie (coconut pie) and Pampanga Longganisa (a sweet and spicy sausage).

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Adventure

Time for some action!

Adventure tours & activities

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dventure can be found in nearly every corner of the archipelago. The jungle and mountain-clad terrain of the country affords visitors fantastic trekking experiences, and walking offers one of the best ways to become better acquainted with the indigenous beauty of the islands. Wherever your clients choose to visit in the Philippines, there's no shortage of activities – from mountain biking, rock climbing and horse riding for adrenaline junkies to the more leisurely golf, fishing and sailing opportunities.

Island-trekking Trekking is one of the major adventure sports in the Philippines and is made favourable by a land of rolling terrain and dense rain forests. Hikers can take full advantage of the country's rugged landscapes with the most popular trekking destinations being Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Olongapo and Batanes.

For the more experienced mountaineer, the country's highest peak at 9,691 feet above sea level, is Mount Apo in the southern island of

Top tips

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Recommend that clients going hiking should take a guide as paths can be hard to follow.

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Clients opting for a jungle trek should check whether they can complete the route before darkness. It is also mandatory to inform the forest officials about your plans and destinations for the day.

Mindanao, where hikers can expect around four days to complete the climb.

Birdwatching With 200 of more than 600 bird species listed as endemic, the Philippines is a gold mine for birdwatching fans. Some of the top sites to spot species include Pagudpud where species found include the Philppine Duck, White-browed Crake, Yellow Bittern and the Tufted Duck; Mt. Polis – a thick forested area, home to endemic species such as the Chestnut-faced Babbler and the Mountain Shrike; and Hamut Camp on the slopes of Mt. Dos Cuernos in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, where visitors are likely to spot the Whiskered Pitta, Luzon Wren-Babbler and the Blue-breasted Flycatcher.

Golf Golf tourism has rapidly taken off in the Philippines and the destination now offers approximately 100 courses including Boracay's 18-hole par 72 Fairways and Bluewater course. The Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila is said to be the oldest in the Philippines. Built in 1907 by the US, the 18-hole par 66 course is set within the walled city of Intramuros and is popular with tourists. What sets the Philippines aside from many other destinations is its natural landscape and stunning views, and this alone acts as a magnet for both amateur and experienced golfers.

Shopping The Philippines is a shopping mecca with huge collections of malls, shopping complexes,

bazaars, fashion emporiums, trade fairs and markets all densely populating its major cities. Visitors can choose from a selection of great buys in a country known for export-quality items at reasonable prices.

These include South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, clothes, terracotta, porcelain, coral and mother-ofpearl home accessories. The Philippines also produces fine furniture, basketry, fresh and processed fruits, jewellery and gift items made of shell, wood and stone – ideal as unique gifts to take home to friends and family.

Mind the gap Gap-year and community-based projects have come a long way in the last few years, with many operators now featuring a range of opportunities for travellers looking to utilise their time wisely and try a truly authentic Filipino experience.

Opportunities such as teaching English to local children in elementary schools to working with Filipino street children are available – from as little as two weeks up to six months or more.

Most common gap year ventures consist of internships, volunteer works, language immersions, school coaching and maybe doing something for fun such as following the Philippines' vibrant and plentiful festival calendar. However, for visitors choosing to spend their time in the Philippines, one thing is certain: Filipinos are incredibly welcoming. Such is the case that gap years have been known to be spent in houses of local residents learning about their day-today activities. The other benefit of taking a gap year in the Philippines is that expenses are reasonably priced for even the most cash-strapped traveller.

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Useful Contacts A message from the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT)‌

O

ur office in London supports the trade via a number of cooperative promotions and opportunities. PDOT London offers to produce A4 flyers for travel trade partners selling packages to the Philippines which are distributed at numerous consumers’ shows in the UK and Europe and sent out as mailers to the public. We also run fam/press trips together with tour

operators and airlines to inspect the various attractions and activities the country has to offer.

Package offers from our partners are also featured on the front page of www.tourismphilippines.co.uk These offers are also featured on the 'package of the month' section of the monthly e-newsletter which go out to 12,000 subscribers.

PDOT also conducts regular on-site staff-

training and seminar-workshops for the trade.

Next year, the Philippines will again be hosting the 2012 PATA Travel Mart in Manila, where the event was first held in 1978. From 25-28 September 2012, the country will showcase its ability to host major international events and highlight its new products and tourism infrastructure.

UK tour operators to the Philippines Company

Address

Telephone E-mail

Website

Audley Travel

New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, OX29 9SX

01993-838000

sea@audleytravel.com

www.audleytravel.com

Bamboo Travel Ltd

40-42 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4PP

020-7426 9888

info@blacktomato.co.uk or enquiries@blacktomato.co.uk

www.blacktomato.co.uk

Celestial Travel and Tours

1 Lower Grosvenor Place, Westminster, London, SW1W OEJ

020-7828 3311

sales@celestialtravel.co.uk

www.celestialtravel.co.uk

Complete India and Asia

Gateway House, 16 Jacks Lane, Marchington, 01283-820467 Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8LW

info@complete-india-asia.com

www.complete-india-asia.com

Dive In Style

1B The Village, 101 Amies Street, London, SW11 2JW

020-7978 0505

info@diveinstyle.com

www.diveinstyle.com

Dive Worldwide

Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, SO24 0AA

0845-130 6980

sales@diveworldwide.com

www.diveworldwide.com

eTours-Philippines Emerald Global Group

First Floor, 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 4ND

0844-472 3166

info@etours.ph

www.etours.co.uk

Explore the Philippines

16a Axis Court, Mallard Way, Swansea Vale, Swansea, SA7 0AJ

(email for enquiries)

ben@explorethephilippines.co.uk

www.explorethephilippines.co.uk

Gifto Travels Ltd

331 Euston Road, London, NW1 3AD

020-7380 0558

sales@giftotravels.com

www.giftotravels.com

Holiday Treasures

The Croft, 19 Hall Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 1AF

020-3286 3888

sales@holidaytreasures.co.uk

www.holidaytreasures.co.uk

Imaginative Traveller

1 Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, IP5 3RH

0845-287 6454

agents@imtrav.net

www.imaginative-traveller.com

Kenwood Travel Ltd

Rivington House, 82 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3JF

020-7749 9220

info@kenwoodtravel.com

www.kenwoodtravel.com

Kuoni

Kuoni House, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 4AZ

01306-747008

agency@kuoni.co.uk

http://agents.kuoni.co.uk/

Luxury Holidays Direct

Sunset House, 6 Bedford Park, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2AP

020-8774 7299

info@luxuryholidaysdirect.com

www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com

Philippines Islands Connection

6 Southampton Place, London WC1A 2DB United Kingdom

020-7404 8877

travel@pic-uk.com

www.pic-uk.com

Philippine Trails Ltd

10a, Glenrosa Place, Ardbeg Road, Rothesay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, PA20 0NJ

01700-502739

info@philippinetrails.com

www.philippinetrails.com

Regaldive

58 Lancaster Way, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NW

01353-659999

info@regaldive.co.uk

www.regal-diving.co.uk

Sanya Travel

Never Despair Studios, Unit 2, Alton Road, South Warnborough, Hampshire, RG29 1RT

01256-863030

info@sanyachinatravel.com

www.sanyachinatravel.com

Senses Holiday

1000 Great West House, Great West Road, 020-8568 4111 Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9HH

sales@sensesholidays.co.uk

www.sensesholidays.co.uk

Scuba Travel Tony Backhurst

Smithbrook Kilns, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8JJ

0800-072 8221

dive@scubatravel.com

www.scubatravel.com

Skylord Travel

208 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RD

020-8582 1111

info@skylordtravel.com

www.skylordtravel.com

Snooba Travel Ltd

PO Box 405, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 8ZF

020-8977 7708

info@snooba.com

http://snooba.com

Symbiosis Expedition Planning

1 Frenchies View, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 6SH

0845-123 2844

enquiry@symbiosis-travel.com

www.symbiosis-travel.com

Trailfinders

215 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 6BD

020-7938 3939

(see website)

www.trailfinders.com

27 Breakfield, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2HS

020-8655 6452

info@ultimatediving.co.uk

www.ultimatediving.co.uk

38 Lee Park, London, SE3 9HZ

020-8099 2230

info@worldwidediveandsail.com

http://worldwidediveandsail.com

Ultimate Diving Specialists in Worldwide Diving Holidays

Worldwide Dive and Sail Int. Ltd.

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”The team at Scuba Travel are in love with diving in the Philippines - that's why we offer so many options, from luxury resorts in Coron, Bohol, Cebu and Malapascua to sumptuous liveaboard excursions and even island hopping diving tours so you can mix up the best of both worlds on land and underwater. Each area and island has it's own special attraction but wherever you go, the corals are incredible and the marine life abundant.

Overall, there really is something for everyone here! You can get a taste of the exotic with awesome diving too.”

Tony Backhurst, Scuba Travel “With its unspoiled, white, sandy beaches, crystalclear warm waters, dormant volcanoes and terraced hillsides, the Philippines, a 7,000 islands paradise, makes an ideal destination for travellers wanting to blend activity with relaxation. We’re not surprised that Boracay has been consistently voted as one of the world’s best beaches. What makes the destination even more special, though, is that it’s truly one of South East Asia’s ‘hidden secrets’. It may be less visited than many destinations in the region, but a traveller's experience is all the better for it.”

The Imaginative Traveller "Diving holidays are popular as the Philippines has been nicknamed ‘Asia’s Diving Capital’, and many other water sports are available. Plus there is spectacular scenery including the rice terraces and chocolate hills as well as pristine beaches, turquoise waters and bustling cities. The Philippines offers an alternative beach destination with great weather, friendly people and good value for money."

Shamira Kaumaya-Hatt, Sunset Faraway

For more information, please contact: Embassy of the Philippines Department of Tourism, 146 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4EF Tel: 020 7835 1100 Fax: 020 7835 1926 Email: infotourism@wowphilippines.co.uk Website: www.wowphilippines.co.uk

"I am often asked where is the most beautiful beach I have seen, and I always reply - the Philippines. I fell in love with the country, the people, the beaches and the culture. People also don't realise that Cebu/Mactan Island is only a two-and-a-half hour flight from Hong Kong, making it an ideal twin-centre destination - city and beach. I would definitely recommend it as one of the countries to visit."

Andrea Lovering, Kenwood Travel