Philippine Tourism Board wins best nat’l tourism organization in Asia

TPB wins best nat’l tourism organization in Asia

Philippines News Agency
October 5, 2024

BANGKOK, THAILAND – For the second year in a row, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been named the Best National Tourism Organization in Asia at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards.

The prestigious event, held in Bangkok on Sept. 26, 2024, brought together the region’s top industry leaders to celebrate travel and tourism excellence.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed immense pride in the award, highlighting the commitment of the DOT and TPB to elevate the Philippines as a world-class destination.

"This prestigious award is a true reflection of the Department of Tourism’s and the Tourism Promotions Board’s unwavering dedication to positioning the Philippines as a premier destination in Asia, fully supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of transforming the country into a tourism powerhouse. Under the leadership of COO Marga Nograles, the TPB team’s tireless efforts have been pivotal in elevating Philippine tourism on the global stage," Frasco said in a DOT news release issued on Friday.

"Their success at the Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings Asia (IT&CMA), generating over PHP1.7 billion in initial sales leads, further highlights our commitment to establishing the Philippines as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)."

The award culminated TPB’s participation in the IT&CMA from Sept. 24-26, alongside 21 key players from the Philippine MICE industry.

The MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart program was prominently featured, further solidifying the country’s status as a premier MICE destination.

“We are extremely honored and grateful to be named ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ once again this year. This recognition serves as a testament to the trust and confidence that travel agents around the world have placed in the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines," Nograles said.

"Your votes inspire us to continue showcasing the beauty, culture, and potential of our beloved country.”

The Philippines has been joining IT&CMA since its inception in 1993 to ensure the country’s positioning at the forefront of Asia-Pacific MICE and Corporate suppliers.

TPB’s participation in the IT&CMA underlines the organization’s steadfast commitment to promoting the country on a global scale.

Notably, this year’s delegation was the largest that TPB has led for the three-day event organized by TTG.

The TTG Travel Awards, established in 1989, stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the Asia-Pacific travel industry, celebrating excellence across numerous categories, including travel suppliers and outstanding achievements.

The 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2024 recognized 106 winners, including Fairmont Makati for the Best Hotel in Manila, Conrad Manila for the Best Business Hotel in the Philippines, Okada Manila for the Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel in the Philippines, and SMX Convention Center for the Best Convention and Exhibition Center in the Philippines.

The TTG Travel Awards honor both well-established and emerging leaders in the industry, further underscoring the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism in the region. (PNA)

‘Philippines economy still fastest in Asean in 2024, 2025’

‘Philippines economy still fastest in Asean in 2024, 2025’

Story by Louella Desiderio
Inquirer.net
05 October 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is expected to remain among the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia this year and in 2025, with growth to be driven mainly by government spending and services exports, according to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus 3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

In a report, AMRO said it has retained its 2024 economic growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.1 percent.

AMRO’s forecast is above the low-end of the government’s six to seven percent economic growth target for this year.

If the forecast is achieved, the Philippines will be the second fastest growing economy in ASEAN this year, next to Vietnam, which is expected to grow by 6.2 percent.

AMRO’s growth forecasts for the Philippines and Vietnam are higher than the projected growth in Cambodia (5.6 percent), Indonesia (5.1 percent), Malaysia (4.7 percent), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (4.5 percent), Brunei Darussalam (four percent), Thailand (2.8 percent), Singapore (2.4 percent) and Myanmar (1.8 percent).

For 2025, AMRO also maintained its growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.3 percent.

While this is below the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth target for next year, it will still place the country as the second fastest growing economy in ASEAN next to Vietnam’s 6.6 percent.

Other ASEAN countries are expected to post lower growth rates compared to the Philippines and Vietnam such as Cambodia (5.9 percent), Indonesia (5.2 percent), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (4.6 percent), Malaysia (4.9 percent), Thailand (3.3 percent) Brunei Darussalam (2.1 percent) and Myanmar (two percent).

AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor said in a press briefing that the growth forecasts for the Philippines were kept “mainly because we expect government investment spending to be higher this year, together with services exports.”

He said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy rate cut and the indication that it might go for another one later this month, will also support growth.

At its Aug.15 meeting, the BSP brought down the target reverse repurchase rate to 6.25 percent from the 17-year high of 6.5 percent.

“So far, inflation has behaved pretty well. It spiked up in July and then it came back down in August. And our expectation is that it will continue to trend down,” Khor said.

South Korean President undertake state visit to the Philippines

South Korean president to visit Philippines on October 6-7

Story by Pia Lee-Brago
Philippine Star
04 October 2024

MANILA, Philippines — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will undertake a two-day state visit to the Philippines beginning Sunday upon the invitation of President Marcos, South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa announced yesterday.

Yoon’s visit from Oct. 6 to 7, his first as president of South Korea, will be the first state visit to the Philippines by a Korean president since 2011.

The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss areas of mutual interest such as cooperation in the political, security and defense, maritime, economic and development fields, people-to-people ties, as well as labor and consular matters. Both sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues and reaffirm the vibrant and dynamic relations between the two countries.

“The visit marks a pivotal moment in the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Korea and the Philippines and symbolizes our strong bond and close connection of our leaders,” Lee said.

Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will officially welcome Yoon, together with First Lady Kim Keon Hee, during the ceremonies at Malacañang Palace on Monday.

“President Yoon’s state visit epitomizes not only a celebration of past achievements but a forging of even greater partnership and opportunities,” he added.

Yoon’s visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in March 1949.

The ambassador said the visit is expected to further elevate the already robust partnership between the two countries in various areas, including political ties, security, economy, development cooperation, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. – Alexis Romero

UST singers make history at Grieg Choir Festival in Norway

Filipino singers make history at Grieg Choir Festival in Norway

ScandAsia
by Miriam Soukaina Nenni
October 4, 2024 

The University of Santo Tomas Singers have become the first Filipino and Asian group to win the Grand Prize at the prestigious Grieg International Choir Festival in Norway.

Competing against 31 choirs from 10 countries, the Filipino singers secured top honors in the Mixed Choir category and overall Grand Prix at the festival, held in Bergen from September 26-29, 2024.

The choir, led by conductor Fidel Calalang Jr., earned standing ovations for their performances, which included Filipino compositions like Nilo Alcala’s Sagayan. Though they missed the Folk Music top prize by a slim margin, their victory marks a significant moment for both the UST Singers and Filipino choral music on the world stage.

Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico Fos praised the choir, calling it a “proud moment for the Philippines.”

First Southeast Asian Disney Store opens in Manila

First Disney Store in Southeast Asia opens in the Philippines

Fe Almazan
GMA Lifestyle
October 2, 2024

The sole Disney Store in the region opens in Pasay City.

The first Disney Store in the Philippines and the only one in the Southeast Asia region so far has officially opened its doors in Pasay City.

Located at Level 1 of the North Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia, the Disney Store houses different products from beloved movies and shows of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

“In bringing Disney Store to one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, we aspire for it to become a welcoming retail destination where guests look forward to creating memories with their loved ones," International Toy World Inc. president, Rose Marie Dylim, was quoted as saying.

Disney fans will surely find solace in the Manila store as it showcases authentic toys, plushies, apparel, costumes, homeware, and other collectibles. There are also select products from Disney Parks.

At the same time, the store also features photo spots and sculptures of fan-favorite characters like the Disney Princesses, Frozen's Queen Elsa, Winnie the Pooh, Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and Mickey Mouse and Friends.

“We look forward to bringing the magic of Disney closer to home for guests of all ages, and creating happiness for them every day,” said Disney Consumer Products Asia-Pacific vice president for retail, Sara Grewal.

Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

Bernama (Malaysia)

02 October 2024

MANILA, Oct 2 (Bernama) — The Philippines aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation and is poised to become an aviation hub in Asia by 2028, lifted by its airport privatisation initiatives and the completion of its new airport.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said this advancement would be fueled by increased investment and private sector involvement in crucial areas like infrastructure, human capital, and sustainable development.

“We are in the process of privatizing the operations of selected regional airports as part of the strategy to improve airport operations and maintenance.

“The formula has been proven successful in the privatization of the operations of international airports such as Clark International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” he said on the sidelines of the 2024 Aviation Summit Philippines today.

He said the government has difficulty modernizing the port because of the procedures and investment policies that need budgeting and finance.

So, we look at the private sector to help us modernize the airport. We’re privatizing just the operations as the private sector is more efficient and customer-centric,” he said.

Recently in April, the country has undertaken the privatization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to drive economic growth and position the Philippines as a premier tourism and investment hub.

The contract was awarded by the government to the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) which offered the Philippines government a revenue share of 82.16 per cent.

Under the contract, the group, which includes the operator of South Korea's Incheon airport, would manage the Philippines' main gateway until 2039. It is the third major airport privatization in the country.

Through public-private partnerships (PPP), Bautista expects to finally raise NAIA’s capacity to 62 million from 35 million passengers per annum.

“The airport rehabilitation should generate more than 58,000 jobs due to increased tourism arrivals and spending,” he said.

The country will also see another new airport, the New Manila International Airport, which is also known as Bulacan International Airport, which is under construction on the coastal area 35 kilometers north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The Philippine economy is projected to sustain over six per cent growth through 2029 and inflation to stabilize at three per cent.

— BERNAMA

Coalition for Emerging Market Infrastructure Investment's (CEMII) picks Philippines for energy investment

PH top choice for $25B energy investments

Ed Paolo Salting 

Manila Times

01 October 2024

THE Department of Energy on Monday said it welcomed the Coalition for Emerging Market Infrastructure Investment's (CEMII) choice of the Philippines as an initial market for $25-billion worth of energy investments from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) economies led by the United States.

Last week, the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity (IP3) announced plans to launch country platforms dedicated to infrastructure investment.

IP3 Executive Director David Talbot said this new strategy would advance innovative, action-oriented approaches for quick deployment of capital.

The Philippines, he pointed out, is an ideal market for its rapid growth in energy demand and ambitious renewables targets.

For his part, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla noted the partnership aligned perfectly with the country's transition toward a more sustainable, clean and resilient energy sector.

"We look forward to working closely with the coalition to realize our shared vision of a clean energy future for the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region," Lotilla said.

The plan includes CEMII engaging in high-level meetings to identify mutual areas of interest and developing a joint roadmap to accelerate investments in clean energy infrastructure.

CEMII is convened by the IP3 and is co-chaired by investment firms Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and KKR. Members include Allied Climate Partners, BlackRock, Brookfield, GIC, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Temasek.

IP3 is a collaboration of public, private and nonprofit leaders dedicated to mobilizing capital and expertise to advance economic growth, sustainability and inclusivity among 14 partner countries of the IPEF.