PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
Philippine News Agency
June 1, 2024

MANILA – The Philippines retained its title as an emerging Muslim-friendly destination for the second straight year, according to the latest citations released by Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024.

The citation for another Emerging Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nation was announced at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore on May 30.

The GMTI said the Philippines focuses on “building capacity to welcome tourists through various initiatives," including Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly amenities in major tourist spots.

“Tourism authorities have placed Halal tourism high on their priority agenda, evidenced by their action to enhance the Halal tourism portfolio and raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers,” the GMTI said.

Mastercard, the American multinational payment card services firm, said the Philippines recorded an increase in its communications score since 2023.

“Among non-OIC destinations, the Philippines has steadily increased its appeal to Muslim tourists by strategically developing their Halal Tourism portfolio, enhancing halal accreditation of hotels and restaurants, and conducting Halal awareness orientations,” it said. “This effort builds on their achievement of winning the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award in last year’s Halal in Travel Global Summit, based on GMTI 2023 results.”

Fazal Bahardeen, founder and chief executive officer of CrescentRating, said the improved score also demonstrates the “unwavering commitment of the Department of Tourism (DOT)” to bolstering Muslim-friendly tourism and advancing the destination's appeal.

According to the joint report of Mastercard and CrescentRating, the Muslim population is projected to increase from 2.12 billion in 2024.

GMTI analyzes data across 145 destinations using the metrics access, communication, environment and services.

Over time, the criteria evolved to keep pace with the changing needs of Muslim travelers.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Saturday welcomed the citation and called it an “affirmation of the Marcos administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”

"The Philippine Department of Tourism recognizes the significance and potential of Halal Tourism in contributing to the growth and diversity of our tourism industry,” she said.

“As a country known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers through the development of Halal Tourism is crucial in ensuring that we raise our competitiveness in the global tourism market," she added.

Frasco said Halal tourism presents a rapidly growing market segment and that the Philippines is committed to prioritizing it.

“[B]y prioritizing this, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos,” she said.

The travel summit coincided with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Brunei, where Frasco inked a tourism cooperation agreement with her counterpart in a bid to further develop Halal tourism in the Philippines, among others.

Halal Tourism is a priority product under the recently approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028.

On the sidelines of the recently held Arabian Travel Mart 2024, the DOT also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, committing all its properties to be Muslim-friendly.

The Philippines, likewise, signed an MOU with Qatar in April this year to boost cooperation in the aspects of mutual development, and growth of tourism and business events.

“Adapting to the changing needs of Muslim travelers by offering Halal-friendly accommodations, dining options, prayer facilities, and other services not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also showcases our respect for diverse cultural and religious practices,” Frasco said.

“This, in turn, fosters goodwill and strengthens our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive travel destination,” she added.

GCC states arrivals

Arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have already posted a recovery of 115 percent, the DOT said.

In 2019 before the pandemic, arrivals from the Middle East accounted for 68,562.

Visitor arrivals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 43,748; United Arab Emirates (UAE), 10,192 tourists; Kuwait, 6,309; Bahrain, 3,296; Oman, 2,526; and Qatar, 2,491.

In 2023, tourist arrivals rose to a total 79,014.

The UAE led the surge of tourist arrivals with 33,769, followed by Saudi Arabia (19,311), Qatar (10,438), Kuwait (6,915), Bahrain (5,886), and Oman (2,695). (PNA)

Mactan Airport Wins Prestigious Green Airports Award

Mactan Airport Wins Prestigious Green Airports Award

Story by the SPOT.ph team 
01 June 2024

For a country used to having an airport called one of the world’s worst, here’s a silver lining, courtesy of Visayas’ main gateway.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) was recently recognized for its sustainability efforts, bagging the Platinum Green Airport Recognition 2024 from the Airports Council International, an organization of airport operators from around Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The MCIA the first Filipino airport to win this award.

Besting other global bests

Now on its eighth iteration, the Green Airports Recognition this year recognized airports that used "Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions," saying this "has become crucial for preserving our planet, particularly in safeguarding local and regional biodiversity."

This is where MCIA, operated by Aboitiz GMCAC (GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation), bested other airports in the 8 to 15 million passengers per annum category. It topped the winners’ list, leading over other airports such as the King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which won Gold, and Japan's Chubu Centrair International Airport, which got the Silver.

MCIA won the award for ensuring "safe and sustainable airport operations while preserving the environment" through its use of solar energy and having green spaces.

MCIA is among a total 12 airports from the region recognized in the awards held at the ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024) last month.

Said Aboitiz GMCAC (AGMCAC) Chief Executive Officer, Athanasios Titonis: "2.5% of global carbon emissions are coming from the aviation industry. Being the second largest airport facility in the country, our role is crucial in minimizing our carbon footprint. We do this by setting operational boundaries that would directly impact the CO₂ levels of the airport." 

MCIA’s latest win follows its recent achievement as the first Philippine airport to be given Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation from the ACI, which recognizes an airport’s efforts on managing carbon emissions and reporting its footprint.

The MCIA earlier underwent a P1.8-billion renovation and stands as having one of the Philippines’ most visually striking airport terminals.

Recognizing Eco-Friendly Airports

The Green Airports Recognition was created to "promote environmental best practices to minimise aviation’s impact on the environment and recognize airport members who have outstanding accomplishments in their environmental projects."

Previous awards recognized airports for efforts in eliminating single-use plastics, carbon management, airport quality management, water management, green airport infrastructure, waste minimization, and energy management.

Philippines ranks first in Asia for budget transparency

Philippines ranks first in Asia for budget transparency

By: Jean Mangaluz - Reporter 
INQUIRER.net 
May 30, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines ranked first in Asia for transparency in the 2023 Open Budget Survey (OBS).

The OBS is a survey done by the international non-government organization International Budget Partnership, which is based in the United States. The survey measures transparency, budget oversight, and public participation.

According to the OBS Survey, the Philippines got a 75 out of 100 for transparency. A score of 61 and above indicates that a country is releasing enough material to the public to keep it informed.

“The Philippines climbed seven points in the OBS for transparency, garnering an open budget index score of 75 out of 100. This is a marked improvement from the score of 68 in 2021, beating the government’s target score of 71 under the Philippine Development Plan 2023 – 2028,” said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in a statement on Thursday.

Globally, the Philippines ranked 15th out of 125 countries for budget transparency.

The Philippines also garnered an 83 out of 100 for budget oversight, with both legislative and audit oversight being deemed adequate. The country ranked sixth in the world for budget oversight.

Lastly, the Philippines only got a score of 33 out of 100 for public participation, meaning that the OBS found that there were few opportunities for the public to engage in “meaningful participation in the different stages of the budget process.”

“This is very welcome news, especially as we are also celebrating this year’s Open Gov Week and solid proof that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. works for and with the people to promote good governance in the country. Rest assured that the DBM will continue its best practices in ensuring a transparent, participatory, and accountable People’s Budget,” Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement.

30 reasons to visit the Philippines

30 reasons to visit the Philippines

Stars Insider (Portugal)
30 May 2024

With over 7,000 tropical islands to choose from, the Philippines affords travelers some of the best beach holiday options in the world. But this archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia is also renowned for an amazingly varied interior landscape of smoldering volcanic mountains, dense verdant forests, emerald rice fields, and hundreds of pristine lakes and lagoons. Coupling a 500-year-old cultural heritage with a globally significant level of biodiversity, the country is indeed one of the most enticing tourism destinations on the planet.   

1. Palawan Island (Palawan)

The largest island of the province of Palawan has often been cited by travel pundits as the most beautiful island in the world for its abundant wildlife, jungle-clad mountains, and remote powder-white beaches. The entire length of the island forms a mountain range, its forests and grasslands home to many endemic species of birds and animals.

2. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

The marine habitat around the island of Apo, in Negros Oriental province, is a popular dive site and snorkeling destination. The island is home to over 650 documented species of fish and other marine creatures, including the protected sea turtle.

3. Siargao Island (Surigao del Norte)

Siargao Island is moored among numerous other islands and islets and lies within the province of Surigao del Norte. Siargao is renowned for its watersports options, perhaps most famously Cloud 9, one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines.

4. Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary (Bohol)

Located on the island of Bohol, the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is effectively a forested area dedicated to the protection of the tarsier, a ridiculously cute and small nocturnal primate with big, round eyes. These tiny creatures (one of the world's smallest primates), are shy, delicate, and emotionally sensitive. Visitors to the sanctuary are therefore asked to lower their voices and move slowly and carefully.

5. Banaue (Ifugao)

Resembling ripples of emerald-colored velvet, the rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras include the Batad rice terraces (pictured) and the Bangaan rice terraces, both found in Banaue in the province of Ifugao. These terraces are believed to have been hand-carved into the mountains 2,000 years ago to plant rice, and are the main tourist sites in the region.

6. Mambajao (Camiguin)

Aim to be in Mambajao in Camiguin province through October for the riotously colorful Lanzones Festival, a four-day celebration in honor of the lanzones tree and its fruit.

7. Coron Island (Palawan)

Coron Island lies within the Calamian Islands group in northern Palawan. Its clear azure waters provide underwater visibility extending up to 24 m (80 ft), which attracts divers from all over the world keen to explore the Second World War wrecks the destination is famous for. Ecotourism thrives on Coron, its lakes and lagoons among some of the cleanest in Southeast Asia.

8. Vigan (Ilocos Sur)

The delightful city of Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur, should be explored at leisure. Fusing colonial Spanish architecture with that of native Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, the destination's streets, plazas, and heritage buildings are a pleasure to discover.

9. Asik-Asik Falls (Cotabato)

Incredibly, this wondrous waterfall was only discovered in 2010. Asik-Asik means "sprinkle sprinkle" in the local Hiligaynon language, though after heavy rain the waters can turn into a cascade. The previously hidden waterfall is located near the village of Sitio Dulao, in the mountainous Alamada region of Cotabato province.

10. Oslob (Cebu)

Oslob on Cebu Island is renowned for its whale sharks. A good spot for sightings is Sogod Bay, and the best time of the year is from November through May, when these gentle giants migrate through the area. While observing whale sharks from boats on the water's surface is perfectly acceptable (pictured), resist the temptation to swim with them. The whale shark is a protected species and it is illegal to harass them.

11. MassKara Festival (Negros Occidental)

One of the most eagerly anticipated of all Philippine festivals is the colorful and exotic MassKara Festival. Held annually in Bacolod on the fourth Sunday of October, the event is influenced by the Carnival of Venice and the Rio Carnival.

12. Mayon Volcano (Albay)

The near-perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, is a cherished landmark. It looms large, 2,463 m (8,081 ft), over the island of Luzon.

13. Manila

Chances are you'll enter the Philippines via Manila, the country's busy and densely populated capital city. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1571, Manila today packs a historic and cultural punch. Spend a few days exploring its many neighborhoods including Binondo and Makati (pictured), Manila's modern shopping hub.

14. Taal Lake (Batangas)

Taal Lake surrounds the exposed cone of Taal Volcano, itself filled to the brim with what looks like green tea. The freshwater crater lake is found in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon. Regular tours of the lake are available to tourists. After crossing the lake, visitors travel to the top of the volcano island on horseback for incredible views like this one.

15. El Nido (Palawan)

El Nido region, in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Philippines, and is protected for its unique flora and fauna, and pristine geologic formations. This includes over 50 spotless white sand beaches and a network of shallow lagoons (pictured).

16. Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan)

In fact totaling 124 islands, this outstanding national park is located in Pangasinan province, in the northern Philippines. This is the place for island-hopping, so why not jump in a bangka (native watercraft) and explore the reefs and golden beaches at leisure? Remember to pack snorkeling gear!

17. Corregidor Island (Bataan)

Corregidor is one of the most important historic sites in the Philippines. During the Second World War, it was the location of two costly sieges and pitched battles—the first during the first months of 1942, and the second in January 1945—between the Imperial Japanese Army and the US Army. The ruined army barracks and military installations defended by the Americans serve as part of the Pacific War Memorial complex.

18. Tubbataha Natural Park (Palawan)

The uninhabited Tubbataha islands and reefs in the middle of the Sula Sea rank among some of the best diving sites in the world. The park is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species. As a center of marine biodiversity, Tubbataha contains 75% of the described coral species and 40% of the world's reef fish.

19. Magellan's Cross (Cebu)

A cross of tindalo wood said to encase the original cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 21, 1521 is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Menor del Santo Niño in Cebu City. On April 27, six days after planting the cross, Magellan was killed at the Battle of Mactan.

20. Batanes

This archipelagic province in the country's northernmost Cagayan Valley region is appreciated for its verdant pastoral landscape, a hilly and mountainous environment that some travelers say remind them of New Zealand. The province's three largest islands, Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang, are the only inhabited islands. Incidentally, the Japanese incursion of the Philippines during the Second World War began with the invasion of Batan Island, on December 8, 1941. Pictured is the Basco lighthouse. Its viewing deck is the perfect place to take in the whole of Batan Island.

21. Fort San Pedro (Cebu)

Built by the Spanish and dating back to 1738, this is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines. It's located in Cebu City, on Cebu Island, where the first Spanish settlement was established. Its sturdy weathered walls house an engaging museum that preserves all sorts of documents and artifacts relating to Spanish colonial rule.

22. Philippine eagle

Endemic to the country's forests, the Philippine eagle is the country's national bird. This majestic raptor, one of the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, is critically endangered, so spying one circling above the canopy will be a real privilege.

23. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Palawan)

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was voted as a New7Wonders of Nature in 2012 for its unbeatable biodiversity and the fact that the river flows directly into the sea, with its brackish lower half subjected to tidal influence, distinguishing it as a significant natural global phenomenon. The park is found on the western coast of the island of Palawan and can be visited by sightseeing watercraft.

24. Bohol Island (Bohol)

Mention Bohol and chocolate springs to mind—the Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of brown-colored limestone formations that have put this part of the Philippines on the tourism map. In fact, the entire landscape is a national Geological Monument.

25. Manila Ocean Park

Manila's amazing oceanarium teems with over 14,000 marine creatures representing 277 species, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The main attraction is the subterranean walkway tunnel (pictured), which provides a spectacular underwater view of sharks, stingrays, and other denizens of the deep.

26. Filipino cuisine

One of the great delights of visiting the Philippines is indulging in its delicious and varied cuisine. Dishes range from the very simple to the more complex. Pictured is pork adobo (or adobong baboy)—braised pork belly, with bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices—known for its simplicity and ease of preparation.

27. Street food

If eating on the go, Filipino street food will surprise and sustain you. Try shakoy, also known as pilipit—deep fried twisted donuts, a favorite dessert snack.

28. La Trinidad (Benguet)

Make a diversion to La Trinidad, the capital of Benguet province and celebrated for the first and largest community artwork project in the Philippines, "Colors of StoBoSa." Dozens of hillside residences have been decorated in rainbow hues to produce a stunning multicolored canvas, which was retouched in 2018. The painting has a projected life expectancy of five years, so visit sooner rather than later.

29. Sagada (Mountain Province)

One of the country's more bizarre tourist attractions can be found in Sagada, a destination tucked away in the aptly named Mountain Province. The people of Sagada follow a unique burial ritual whereby coffins containing the town's dearly departed are hung either inside the caves or on the face of the cliffs rather than placed into the ground. If you visit, whatever you do don't touch the coffins. Instead, observe the scene from a distance using binoculars.

30. Quiapo (Manila)

Pause at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in the Quiapo district of Manila and admire the revered Black Nazarene, a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the cross carved from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico.

📷 : All Photos from Shutterstock except Black Nazarene (Getty Images)

4 Filipino high school students win science international awards

4 Filipino high school students win science international awards

Story by Adrian Parungao 
Inquirer.net
30 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Four Filipino high school students won international awards in the field of science, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday.

From: DepEd Philippines FB

In its Facebook post, it announced the following awardees:

Michaela Rentuza, Mikaella Macabata, and Wesly Secuya who were all from the Cebu City National Science High School won the fourth award in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Division in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

Their project was titled “In vitro and in silico Evaluation of Embryogenesis Inhibition Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Chico (Manilkara zapota) Bark Against Gastrointestinal Strongyle Eggs.”

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held at Los Angeles, California, United States of America, on May 17.

The three also received $500 as part of their winnings.

Meanwhile, Arnon Guinto of the Tarlac National High School won the National Geographic Society’s Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award for her project on a rainfall-predictive system which can also identify flood-prone areas in Tarlac City.

Guinto also received the award on May 17 at the ISEF

“Patuloy nating pasiklabin ang ating pagmamahal sa pagtuklas at paglikha para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” the DepEd added.

Philippines' Kenneth Stromsnes finishes 2nd runner-up in Manhunt International 2024

Philippines' Kenneth Stromsnes finishes 2nd runner-up in Manhunt International 2024

ABS-CBN News
Published May 29, 2024

The Philippines continues to cement its position as a pageant powerhouse, with another representative delivering an impressive performance. 

Kenneth Stromsnes finished as second runner-up in the recently concluded Manhunt International 2024 in Ayutthaya, Thailand. 

He also won Best in Personality, and was one of the winners of the Chat Influencer award. 

"We made it, Philippines! We're second runner-up here in Manhunt International. Thank you so much," Stromsnes said in a video posted by Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, which sent him as the country's delegate this year.

Thailand's Kevin Dasom was proclaimed Manhunt International 2024, with the rest of the runners-up coming from France, Venezuela, and Italy. 

Clark as Philippines’ main aerospace hub

Philippines pitches Clark as global aerospace hub, training ground for next generation

BILYONARYO.COM
May 29, 2024

The government is aiming to transform Clark into Philippines’ main aerospace hub, a move seen to generate thousands of jobs and elevate the country’s standing in the global industry.

Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president Arrey Perez sees Clark’s strategic location as a key draw for international aerospace investors seeking partnerships to address the aviation industry’s growing personnel needs.

Perez recently attended the 9th International Aerospace Innovation Forum in Canada, where he promoted Clark’s marketability and encouraged global aerospace companies to establish facilities at Clark to serve the Asia region and the global market.

The forum was organized by Aéro Montréal, Québec’s cluster of key aerospace leaders. Québec, on the other hand, is the world’s third largest center of aerospace manufacturing.

Clark International Airport and its aviation complex currently accommodate aerospace investors like MRO giant SIA Engineering, which oversees airframe maintenance, Hong Kong’s Metrojet Ltd., specializing in business jets, and Lufthansa Technik, slated to construct new hangars in Clark, alongside global cargo leaders UPS, DHL, and FedEx.

“The Philippines’ aerospace sector may strategically begin with industry upgrade, starting with reputable and comprehensive pilot training programs, along with skills training in components and assembly manufacturing, and then expanding into production engineering, procurement and distribution,” Perez said.

“This approach will not only improve the local aerospace value chain, but produce skilled pilots, aeronautical engineers, aircraft mechanics, and ground support executives and operators, as well,” he added.

Perez said the development of Clark as the primary aerospace hub and a key player in the global industry will also boost export revenues, and provide access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.

Famous Filipino Teleseryes Abroad

10 Filipino Teleseryes That Became International Hits

Story by Katrina Maisie Cabral 
preview.ph
28 May 2024

Once primetime hits, tuning into teleseryes is almost routine for Filipino households. But little do most local viewers know, even our homegrown TV faves have crossed over to international waters, receiving renown abroad.

From Nigeria religiously watching Mara Clara to Marimar becoming a Cambodian favorite, true-blue Filipino shows have grown a strong following overseas throughout the years, thanks to their universal themes. Ahead, see a couple of them below!

LIST: Filipino Shows That Became Famous Abroad

1. Pangako Sa ’Yo (The Promise)

The effect of the ABS-CBN teleserye wasn’t limited to the Philippine shores. The early 2000s series, which revolved around the layered love story of Yna (Kristine Hermosa) and Angelo (Jericho Rosales), also caused a whirlwind of emotions miles away from home, finding fame in about 14 countries including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and several countries in Africa. The original series garnered 1.3 billion views in China, becoming the second-highest-rated show for local and foreign series then. 

The 2015 remake starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla also earned its share of international accolades, with Jodi Sta. Maria’s rendition of Amor Powers earning her an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress.

2. Mara Clara

Aside from Pangako Sa ’Yo, Kathryn Bernardo has gained household name status in other countries, in part due to her portrayal of Mara in the 2010 teleserye remake of Mara Clara. Alongside Julia Montes as the antagonist Clara, the series became a favorite in Nigeria that even viewers across the country flocked to their screens just to keep up with its episodes!

3. Marimar

On the GMA side, the Marian Rivera- and Dingdong Dantes-starring 2007 Marimar remake gained an audience overseas, too. The series found success in 14 countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and parts of Africa, and earned Marian a spot in Esquire Indonesia’s "hottest women" list. The two garnered a considerable fanbase in Cambodia, with even its prime minister Hun Sen requesting the stars to meet them in person!

4. Dyesebel

Another one for Marian and Dingdong’s books, the 2008 mermaid drama Dyesebel rocked countries like Malaysia, with its viewers tuning in to the show like clockwork. Its subtitled version was so eagerly watched that the pair made several appearances on Malaysian TV, as invited by the locals themselves.

5. Lobo (She Wolf: The Last Sentinel)

It isn’t all too surprising if you notice the stray GIF from 2008’s Lobo making an appearance in the internet sphere. Outside of the Philippines, the fantasy series is known as She Wolf: The Last Sentinel, perfectly encapsulating the story of fashion designer-slash-werewolf Lyka (Angel Locsin), alongside her angst-ridden love affair with soldier Noah (Piolo Pascual). The show premiered in Nigeria in 2013, and it was also the first Philippine show to air in Thailand in 2012.

6. Impostora (Impostors)

Originally aired in 2007 on the GMA network, Impostora catapulted the stardom of Sunshine Cruz and Iza Calzado even further in the local scene. Beyond the country, however, the series had a much-raved status on its own, becoming famous in 12 nations. The show about the conjoined twins Sara and Lara and their separation inspired a local adaptation in Cambodia, with subtitled and dubbed versions airing across Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and more.

7. Tayong Dalawa (The Two of Us)

The ABS-CBN series starring Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca vying for the heart of Kim Chiu's character gained traction in international seas, being the first Filipino program on Singapore's teleserye belt. The show also aired in Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya, and Cambodia. It also inspired a Malaysia adaptation titled Angkara Cinta in 2020.

8. My Destiny

The GMA melodrama top-billed by Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana had its own following in around 13 countries across Asia and Africa, with Mexico buying the rights to the format in 2016. The series was received so well that even its lead actress Carla earned the Face of the Year accolade in Vietnam.

9. Bridges of Love (Puentes de Amor)

Starring the love triangle of Maja Salvador as a dancer and Jericho Rosales and Paulo Avelino as two opposed brothers, ABS-CBN's Bridges of Love gained global acclaim with a nomination from the International Emmy Awards for Best Telenovela. Dubbed in languages like Spanish and titled Puentes de Amor, the show aired in South American countries like Peru, which even surpassed its competition on the same timeslot.

10. Carmela

The GMA series, led by Marian Rivera and Alden Richards in a drama wrought by generational turmoil, earned a must-watch status in over 12 countries, including Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Ukraine, and countries in Africa and South America. Its lead actor Alden also flew to Thailand to promote the series in an invite by the media network.