Philippines has the Best Islands in Asia-Pacific

Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’

Story by Ghio Ong

28 March 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine.

DestinAsian based in Singapore listed Boracay and Palawan as among the “Best Islands” in its 17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards this year.

Boracay ranked fifth while Palawan was ninth.

A photo of paraw boats sailing amid the sunset in Boracay was featured.

Palawan was highlighted with a photo of limestone cliffs surrounded by clear blue and green waters.

In a Facebook post, the municipal tourism office of Malay town in Aklan attributed the recognition to the “collaborative efforts “ of the local government of Malay, the tourism office, stakeholders and local volunteers who make Boracay Island “better than ever. “

As of March 26, at least 499,120 tourists, 137,800 of them foreigners and 7,131 overseas Filipinos have visited Boracay this year, according to the tourism office.

Bali in Indonesia topped DestinAsian’s 10 “Best Islands” list, followed by Maldives, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, Boracay, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, Palawan, and Lombok in Indonesia.

The result of this year’s DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Award was “a roll call of 230 properties that the voters deemed to be the top places to stay in the region, compiled alongside favorite cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines and more,” the magazine said.

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's best Restaurant

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants for 2024

Story by NICK GARCIA

28 Mar 2024

Filipino restaurant Toyo Eatery in Makati made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants anew, landing 24th on this year's list.

The 50 Best websites noted in the citation that it prioritizes Filipino people and produce, fostering long-term relationships with local farmers and artisans.

It presents local ingredients in modern ways, playing with fermentation and preservation techniques to create a bold palate of flavors, it added.

Toyo Eatery, whose name is based on the Filipino word for soy sauce, placed 42nd in the Asia’s 50 Best List 2023.

It was also named the Philippines’ best restaurant in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Japan’s Sézanne topped this year’s list.

Toyo opened in 2016 along Chino Roces Avenue. It's being run by Jordy and May Navarra.

The 50 Best website said its menus are scattered with references to popular culture and elevated by clever plays on flavor and texture. 

Its signature dishes include gourmet pork barbecue skewers made with three cuts of meat and finished in bone broth, as well as a salad referencing Bahay Kubo.

Philippine economy on a roll

 Economy seen growing faster

Story by Niña Myka Pauline Arceo 
Manila Times
26 March 2024

ECONOMIC growth will likely pick up this year due to higher infrastructure spending by both the government and the private sector, economists from the University of Asia (UA&P) and the Pacific and First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) said.

First quarter growth, in particular, was forecast to hit 6.1 percent — up from 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 but slightly lower than the year-earlier 6.4 percent.

"The economy looks set to accelerate in 2024 ... as infrastructure spending goes into high gear with the national government (NG), buoyed by official development assistance funding, and public-private partnership projects gain traction," the economists said in the March edition of their Market Call report.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth came in at 5.6 percent last year, slowing from 2022's 7.6 percent and missing the government's 6.0- to 7.0-percent target.

This year's growth goal currently stands at 6.5-7.5 percent, although this could have been lowered last Friday following an economic managers' meeting. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto told reporters last week that a 6.0- to 6.5-percent could be adopted.

"With actual NG spending in 2023 exceeding program by 2.0 percent, we think the administration will start 2024 with a bigger bang compared to 2023," the FMIC and UA&P economists said.

They noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways alone had been given a P1-trillion budget this year and that the $3-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport expansion project had just been awarded.

And while inflation may have picked up in February — to 3.4 percent from 2.8 percent a month earlier — "we don't see a repeat" as rice prices abroad have started dropping and as global oil price rises will be weighed down by surplus capacity and a weak Chinese economy.

Consumer price growth could hit 3.7 percent in the first half but drop below 3.5 percent by the third quarter, and the full-year average will fall within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' 2.0- to 4.0-percent target.

The economists said the first quarter average could be lower at 3.2 percent and maintained a full-year forecast of 3.8 percent.

Exports, meanwhile, are expected to rebound this year but the Philippines will likely again run a trade deficit as imports will also remain elevated.

"We should see a modest 5.0%-10.0% increase in exports for 2024 as the global economy recovers," the FMIC and UA&P economists said.

"However, the trade deficit will remain above $4.0-B (billion) per month on average," they added.

"But hefty rice imports, transport equipment especially related to ongoing train systems expansion, and crude oil prices remaining elevated despite limited upside should boost imports."

The peso is expected to strengthen in the first half as the dollar weakens slightly but will "resume falling as economic growth takes a faster pace."

Bond yields, meanwhile, will depend on whether the impact of inflation is positive or negative, and share prices that rose up the middle of March are expected to correct in April-May "but recover with the economy and good corporate earnings for Q1 (the first quarter)."

Philippines on track to achieve upper middle-income status

Philippines on track to achieve upper middle-income status by 2025, NEDA Sec. Balisacan says

BY XANDER DAVE CEBALLOS

Manila Bulletin

Mar 25, 2024

The country’s socioeconomic planning agency remains positive that the Philippines will become an upper middle-income economy by next year.

National Economic and Development Authority Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the country remains on track to achieving an upper middle-income status in 2025 which may be attributed to a higher economic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), and slow population increase.

“The numbers are pointing at an upper middle-income status by next year if we achieve at least six percent growth of GDP, and by all indications, I think that six percent should be doable,” Balisacan told reporters.

“And there's another positive factor that we saw recently in terms of population, population numbers are actually lower, while the latest census we had showed slower population growth,” he added.

Being an upper middle-income country is to have a gross national income (GNI) per capita income range of $4,466 to $13,845 as measured by the country’s final income in a year and its population.

As per writing, the World Bank categorizes the Philippines as a lower middle-income country with a GNI per capita of $3,950.

The Marcos administration aims to bring the Philippines to "upper-middle income status by 2024" as also aligned with the World Bank’s target.

For the current 2024 fiscal year, low-income economies are categorized as those with a GNI per capita of $1,135 or less in 2022; lower middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita between $1,136 and $4,465; upper middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita between $4,466 and $13,845; high-income economies are those with a GNI per capita of $13,846 or more.

Meanwhile, the country’s ASEAN-4 neighbors Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have per capita incomes of $11,700, $7,200 and $4,900, which all lie in the upper-middle-income category.

Cut poverty rate

Before becoming an upper-middle-income country, the Philippines is urged to address its poverty rate first.

According to a report by French Development Agency (AFD) Country Risk Economist Benoît Jonveaux, the country remains below its ASEAN neighbors in terms of per capita GDP in purchasing power parity.

“In 2022, it was 50 percent lower than in Indonesia, 30 percent lower than in Vietnam, and almost two times lower than in Thailand,” he said.

“Similarly, the path towards poverty reduction (although there has been a sharp decline in poverty) and human development falls slightly below neighboring countries,” the report reads.

The poverty rate in the country was still at 18.3 percent in 2019 but was still lower than 35.3 percent in 2010, based on the World Bank threshold for lower middle-income class countries.

However, the country’s poverty rate remains below compared to Vietnam at 5.3 percent and Thailand at 1 percent, based on the report.

To resolve this, the report cited the need to address access to financing, the relatively low productivity of workers, and the cost of electricity, which is the highest in the ASEAN region after Singapore.

It also noted the need to address the country's governance as the "World Bank’s governance indicators on the rule of law, corruption, and government effectiveness have also declined since 2016 and are in the bottom half of the institution’s global rating."

Makati's Street Among the World's "Coolest"

 L.P. Leviste Lands Among the World's 'Coolest' Streets

Story by Tarra Quismundo and the SPOT.ph team 
25 March 2024

L.P. Leviste Street, a bustling stretch in Salcedo Village in the heart of Makati City, has just been voted one of the world’s coolest streets.

Time Out, a global media and hospitality brand headquartered in London, included L.P. Leviste on the cool list alongside the world’s most underrated. There's Paris’ Rue de Belleville, known for its bars and eats, the tree-lined Consell de Cent, Barcelona with its endless shops and artisan bakeries, and New York’s "other Fifth Avenue" in Park Slope, which has become a preferred third space among locals. 

What got the Makati street the crown? Time Out says while L.P. Leviste "doesn’t scream cool at first glance," it’s still a crowd drawer for its "coffee shops, thrift stores and a host of independent food and drink joints hidden inside nondescript buildings if you know where to look." 

If you’re keen on visiting this cool strip in Makati, here are some things to do in L.P. Leviste.  

Visit the Salcedo Community Market

This market, which offers food finds and other artisanal products, has become a Saturday staple among locals and expats alike. It happens at the Jaime Velasquez Park, located on the block bounded by L.P. Leviste and Velasquez streets. 

Enjoy Endless Eats 

L.P. Leviste is also a restaurant row, offering eats that will appeal to all tastes.

As Time Out recommends, there’s Elbert’s Collective, which offers a mix of European cuisines and a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas for a power lunch. Its high-ceilinged interior gives you a classic yet contemporary diner feel, with its arched booths and tile-designed tables. Elbert’s Collective is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended operations until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 

If you lingered long enough in the city in time for dinner, you can try Golden Gibbon, which offers Southeast Asian fusion cuisine in a jungle backdrop fit for nights both wild and tame. Don’t miss their nine-course degustation every weekend, and top it off with your choice of cocktail. Golden Gibbon is open for lunch Tuesdays to Saturdays at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for dinner on Tuesday to Sundays, from 6 p.m. ‘til late. 

Pablo Bistro, a Spanish resto bar, meanwhile, brings together great food with good music and a cozy interior that will urge you to let your hair down. If Mushroom Truffle Paella or Smoked Wagyu Brisket won’t make your mouth water, we don’t know what will.
Beyond being cool, L.P. Leviste Street is timeless. Whether you’re there for a quick stop or visiting for a full-on exploration, it’s worth one day of your weekend. 

Philippines first to implement e-Apostille in ASEAN

DFA launches e-Apostille service; first in Asean region

Story by Adrian Parungao
Cebu Daily News
24 March 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs (DFA – OCA) announced that it launched an e-Apostille service for civil registry documents.

DFA said the system will allow the public to apply online for e-documents and e-Apostilles from the Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) without having to appear in both offices.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Antonio Morales said that the Philippines was the first in Southeast Asia  to implement the e-Apostille system.

“It is noteworthy to mention that the Philippines was the first country in ASEAN to accede to the Apostille Convention. We have continued our leadership in this area by being the first in ASEAN and the third in the Asia-Pacific region to fully implement the electronic Apostille today,” Morales said.

e-Apostille system

DFA said that the e-Apostille system is available for the PSA civil registry documents via PSA Helpline.  But they are currently working to also include other public documents in the future.

Meanwhile, payments can be made in the PSA Helpline page and in the Landbank Link.biz portal.

DFA said the service is only available for PSA civil registry documents via PSA Helpline.  However, the service will soon cover other public documents in the next phase of implementation in coordination with other government agencies with digital processes and issuance.

Moreover, it said that e-payment options are available for PSA e-certificates via the PSA Helpline page while e-payment for the e-Apostille can be made via the Landbank Link.biz portal.

The DFA said that there are 126 contracting parties in the Apostille Convention that should accept e-Apostilles.

Filipino Recipient of Da Vinci International Art Prize

 Bohol artist to receive Da Vinci International art prize

Bella Cariaso
Philippine Star Global
24 March 2024

MANILA, Philippines — A Bohol-based visually impaired artist will hold his first exhibit in Milan, Italy as he was among the winners in this year’s Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.

In an interview with OneNews.ph, Elvin Vitor said that somebody encouraged him to submit samples of his works.

“I sent photos of my work and then after a few days, they replied, ‘Congratulations you will be joining the Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.’ Who is Elvin Vitor? A mere Boholano artist but I am grateful to God that I was included in the Leonardo Da Vinci awarding ceremony in Milan,” Vitor said.

He added that as one of awardees, he will receive a trophy and will be included in the book of Leonardo Da Vinci International Art Prize.

“There is no cash prize. You will have a trophy and you will be included in the Leonardo Da Vinci book, where international artists were included. Probably, they will provide more network of artists or more connections of collectors,” Vitor said.

He added that Milan consul general Elmer Cato has organized a solo exhibit during his stay after the scheduled awarding ceremony.

“I will be bringing small pieces, 10 pieces,” Vitor said, adding that he plans to donate half of the proceeds of his paintings to the blind and deaf community in Bohol.

“I have a disability, that’s why I have the heart to help,” he said.

Vitor needs to wear glasses or contact lenses with a grade of 1,700.

“I wear contact lenses because my eye glasses are too thick. If I don’t have contact lenses, my vision is really blurred,” he noted.

Vitor said that he wants to prove that disability is not a hindrance if one has the ability to create.

“That’s why I wanted to give inspiration to others… We have unlimited time to create good art. We just need patience, dedication and passion,” he added.

Vitor said that he got his talent from his father, who failed to pursue his dream.

“He is also an artist, but he did not pursue his dream because he decided to take up nursing and then become a teacher. I always saw his visual aids before, that’s why I was inspired by his works,” he added.

Because of his blurry vision, Vitor chooses rich and vibrant colors.

“Art can supply what nature cannot bring into finish. That is why when I am aided by the lenses, I want my work to be vibrant,” he added.

Vitor said it takes at least three to five months to finish his pieces.

“It takes longer to practice oil painting, it is layer over layer because I believe oil paint seasons over time. When paint seasons over time, it will produce more colors,” he explained.

Vitor previously worked as a layout artist but decided to leave as it affected his vision.

“That time, I had no choice but to develop painting. I wanted to focus more on the hyper surrealism".

Miss Philippines is Miss Universal Woman

 PH’s Maria Gigante thwarts Venezuela’s back-to-back dream in Universal Woman

Story by Armin P. Adina
Philippine Daily Inquirer
23 March 2024

Filipino contender Maria Gigante snagged the Universal Woman title in ceremonies staged in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Friday, March 22, edging out Venezuelan delegate Lisanda Chirinos who settled for the first runner-up spot.

The Cebuana host and entrepreneur bested 43 other aspirants to inherit the crown from last year’s winner Valentina Sanchez, who also happens to be from Venezuela. Gigante’s victory has essentially thwarted the South American country’s attempt at scoring back-to-back victories in the young competition.

The contest, whose tagline is “We are the new era of beauty,” is open to women between 25 and 45 years old, with no restrictions on height, weight and marital status. Even mothers can take part in the international pageant. The first edition was held last year in the United Arab Emirates.

Gigante also received the Universal Woman Sympathy title during the preliminary competition, and her social project was among the Top 5 chosen by the selection committee. She amassed the most votes in the online poll that earned for her the Universal Woman Social Media award during the final show.

Three more ladies were proclaimed as part of Gigante’s court in Cambodia—second runner-up Elisa Myshyne from France, third runner-up Brianna Mai from the host country, and fourth runner-up Tavera Pena Chabelli from the Dominican Republic.

Gigante is a veteran of national competitions, having participated in both the Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines pageants. She was also crowned as Bb. Cebu-Charity in the first-ever Bb. Cebu contest held in 2017.

She was appointed as Universal Woman Philippines 2024 by talent manager and entrepreneur Arnold Vegafria, the man behind ALV Pageant Circle that mounts the annual Miss World Philippines pageant that Gigante joined in 2022.

Sanchez witnessed Gigante receive her appointment in an event held at Kingsford Hotel in Parañaque City on Feb. 27. The Venezuelan beauty was accompanied by Universal Woman official Alexander Gonzalez in her trip to Manila.

During her reign, Gigante is expected to work on charitable projects with groups that the Universal Woman organization has chosen to partner with.