Philippines is Miss Universe ‘Best Host Tour Country’

Philippines is Miss Universe ‘Best Host Tour Country’

Aremin P. Adina 
Inquirer.net
16 November 2024

The Philippines has already won even before the actual Miss Universe competition, by being recognized as the “Best Host Tour Country” during the preliminary show.

Out of all the countries that reigning queen Sheynnis Palacios visited as titleholder, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) cited the Philippines as the best host.

Miss Universe 2024: Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios (second row, center) with the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines delegates during her visit to Manila. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) President Jonas Gaffud received the recognition, awarded at the culmination of the national costume show and preliminary competition held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 14 (Nov. 15 in Manila).

“True to our famed Filipino Hospitality, the Philippines was awarded Best Host Tour Country by the [MUO]…[a]n unexpected yet welcome feather in the cap of the organization that rolled out the red carpet and led the most touching and heartwarming welcome for [Palacios] during her visit to the Philippines,” MUPH posted on social media.

Philippines made a powerful impact at ITB Asia 2024

The Philippines Shines Bright at ITB Asia 2024 in Singapore with Unprecedented Growth and Record-Breaking Sales Leads

Travel and Tour World
16 November 2024

The Philippines made a powerful impact at ITB Asia 2024, achieving record sales leads and showcasing its diverse tourism offerings to global buyers.

The Philippines, represented by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), made a remarkable impression at the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Asia 2024, which took place from October 23-25 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre in Singapore. The Philippine delegation, comprising 29 exhibitors, achieved an impressive PHP 721,649,741.20 in sales leads, marking a phenomenal 378.34% growth compared to last year.

The pavilion featured an exceptional range of tourism offerings, from renowned hotels and resorts such as Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Dusit Thani Manila, City of Dreams Manila, and Fili Hotel – Nustar Resort Cebu, to unique experiences provided by companies like GI Philippines Corporation (Biyaheko), Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours, and Luxure Holidays Inc. The display also included options for both leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) travel, with notable participants like Philippine Airlines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and the Philippine Retirement Authority emphasizing the Philippines as a top choice for both business and vacation travel.

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “ITB Asia is a key platform for strengthening the Philippines’ position as a world-class tourism destination. Our participation helps drive sustained growth and establish valuable partnerships that translate into long-term success.”

“Whether it’s for leisure or MICE, we aim to ensure that the Philippines remains a preferred and competitive choice on the global stage, driving sustained growth and transforming interest into tangible sales and partnerships,” Nograles added.

ITB Asia, one of Asia’s premier B2B travel trade shows, serves as a key platform for connecting international buyers and exhibitors. It offers an ideal setting for the Philippines to build enduring partnerships and showcase its wide array of tourism experiences.

The impressive outcomes this year highlight the increasing global interest in Philippine travel, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading destination for both leisure and business tourism.

PH investments surge over 500% in Q3

PH investments surge over 500% in Q3, driven by local investors

Story by Alden Monzon

Inquirer.net

16 November 2024

Philippine government-approved investments surged over sixfold in the third quarter of this year, with nearly 75 percent coming from local investors.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), total approved investments from foreign and Filipino sources reached P541.29 billion from July to September, up 542.1% compared to P84.29 billion in the same period in 2023.

“Approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals in the third quarter of 2024 were expected to generate a total of 33,727 employment,” the PSA said.

These investment amounts were reported by 10 government investment promotion bodies.

These are the Board of Investments (BOI), Bases Conversion and Development Authority, BOI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Clark Development Corp., Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Poro Point Management Corp., Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority.

Filipino money

Investments from Filipinos accounted for 72.9 percent of the total, reaching P394.54 billion.

This led to a whopping 599.79-percent from the P56.38 billion recorded in the third quarter of last year.

Meanwhile, investments from foreign sources accounted for 27.11 percent of the total, amounting to P146.75 billion.

Big jump

It jumped to P146.75 billion, marking a 434.4-percent increase from the P27.46 billion in the comparable period in 2023.

The PSA reported that the biggest slice of these foreign investments, at 48.1 percent or P70.57 billion, will go to the job-generating manufacturing industry.

The other two industry categories which will corner investments are the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector with P51.92 billion and real estate with P13.13 billion.

The bulk of these foreign investments came from South Korea, with P53.72 billion, equivalent to 36.6 percent.

Switzerland followed with a 35.5-percent share, amounting to P51.84 billion, and Japan with a 10.9-percent contribution, which is equivalent to P15.96 billion.

Calabarzon will receive the largest share of these foreign investments, with 40.1 percent or P58.86 billion going into the region where a big number of the government’s manufacturing hubs for private enterprises are located.

This was followed by the Bicol Region’s 35.3- percent share of P51.84 billion and Central Luzon’s 10.4-percent share of P15.20 billion.

Filipinos are best singers in the world - Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo say Filipinos are best singers in the world

Story by GMA Integrated News
15 November 2024

Even Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are big fans of Filipinos' outstanding singing skills!

In Lyn Ching's interview with the "Wicked" stars that aired on "24 Oras," Thursday, Cynthia said that she hasn't been to the country yet, while Ariana had already visited twice for her concerts.

"We'll make our way," Ariana said.

"I haven't been, and I really want to come," Cynthia said.

Lyn shared that the country has the best beaches, and Ariana followed, "And just the most loving people in the whole world."

"And Filipinos are the best singers in the world," Ariana added, with Cynthia agreeing, "Yes. No, they do."

"No, honestly, they have the best voices, too," Ariana said.

During the interview, Lyn showed them a video of Filipino singers performing "Defying Gravity," which Ariana and Cynthia called "amazing" and "beautiful."

"Those harmonies at the end. That was stunning," Ariana said.

Lyn also gave the stars custom bracelets with special quotes, which Cynthia included on a social media post.

Lyn also got to interview Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey, who also star in the film.

"Wicked" premieres in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

It follows the Good Witch Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba in their self-discovery journey in Shiz University.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News

Credit growth trend in the Philippines is improving

 Asean outlier: PH credit growth improving

Story by Alden M. Monzon
Inquirer.net
13 November 2024

Credit growth trend in the Philippines has changed for the better, becoming the country with the most optimistic position among four of its peers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

For the next quarter or two, credit trend has been “improving” compared with the “declining” trend seen previously, according to the Bank of America November outlook released on Tuesday.

The report took into consideration five credit growth indicators: system liquidity, business and retail expectations, rates and prices, as well as a range of external factors.

"The Philippines is the only country within Asean showing an ‘improving’ trend—[and] has seen a faster recovery in credit growth to 9 to 10 percent and the latest reading of the indicator implies slight improvement from current levels,” the report said.

On the other hand, Singapore and Thailand showed a flat credit outlook in the report, while in Malaysia and Indonesia, credit trend was described as “declining.”

The report said that the change in the Philippines’ directional trend was due to the increase seen in import growth and net sales index, but partially offset by lower auto sales.

The latest preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority released a week earlier showed that the total value of imported goods in September had expanded by 9.9 percent to $11.34 billion from $10.32 billion a year ago. This led to a 0.6-percent rise in the country’s total import value from January to September to $95.07 billion.

Meanwhile, the latest industry sales data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association indicated that local dealers had sold 39,542 units of vehicles in September, slightly more than the 38,628 units sold in the same month last year.

The September posting brought the year-to-date vehicle sales in the Philippines to 344,307 units, indicating a 9.4 percent growth from the past year. INQ

Miss Universe 2024 crown is made in the Philippines

Jewelmer Makes First Filipino-Crafted Miss Universe Crown

Clara Umali

Cosmopolitan Philippines

13 November 2024

Fun  fact: There's been a total of 12 beautiful crowns in the history of the Miss Universe pageant until 2023. Four among them were Asian-made crowns: the Mikimito crown made in Japan, the Vietnamese CAO crown from 2008, and the two latest crowns from Mouwad. The renowned luxury jewelry house with Lebanese origin made the Miss Universe Diamond crown and the Force For Good crown.

And in 2024, another crown from Asia is set to make an addition to the long line of Miss Universe crowns. This time, we're boasting our very own crown made in the Philippines. (Which just makes perfect sense, since we've had four past Miss Universe winners!)

The First Filipino Miss Universe Crown

International luxury brand Jewelmer is the official crown sponsor of Miss Universe 2024. Through this partnership, the brand made history as they craft the first-ever Filipino crown in the pageant's many years. The announcement on November 12 immediately sparked excitement and pride from Filipinos and pageant fans across the world.

Source: Facebook.com/Rising Philippines

Both the crown itself and its name are yet to be unveiled. To appease curiosity, a teaser of what it could look like was shared on Instagram. The caption read, "Countless hands have contributed to this masterpiece—from Jewelmer's dedicated pearl farmers to the Filipino master craftsmen—making it a striking emblem of the magic that transpires when man works in harmony with nature."

Meanwhile, in a press release, Jewelmer wrote, "As the first Filipino-crafted crown in the Miss Universe Organization's renowned history, Jewelmer is honored to shine the light on the Philippines' beauty and artistry to international audiences." Adding, "one-of-a-kind creation was handcrafted by Filipino master craftsmen trained in the traditional techniques practiced in Place Vendôme, the center of elegance in France."

Through an Instagram post, Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec, also shared his excitement about the history-making collab. The joint venture between Jewelmer and Miss Universe is just in time for the brand's 45th anniversary.

In her visit to the Philippines, reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua also had the chance to wear Jewelmer pearls with her Filipiniana. 

Jewelmer In Miss Universe Philippines

Jewelmer first became the Miss Universe Philippines pearl sponsor in 2022. Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi was the first MUPH queen to wear the Jewelmer La Mer en Majesté crown. Currently, it's placed on Bulakenya beauty Chelsea Manalo's head as she's gearing to compete at the nearing Miss Universe 2024 pageant.

Miss Universe New Zealand Victoria Velasquez Vincent and Miss Universe Great Britain Christina Dela Cruz Chalk are among the queens who have a chance at wearing the new Miss Universe crown by Jewelmer. The two half-Filipinas also formerly vied for the La Mer en Majesté crown at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant with Chelsea.

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant is happening on November 17 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico.

Why Philippines is Asia’s Leading Dive Destination

Dive Into Beauty: Discover why the Philippines is a premier dive destination

By Mindanao Goldstar Daily (MGSD)

12 November 2024

Manila, Philippines – Known as one of the world’s top diving destinations, the Philippines was hailed as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony which was held at City of Dreams Manila last September.

The Philippines is honored to host the prestigious WTA for the first time as it shows the country’s readiness to stage such international events. Known as the “Oscars” of the travel industry, the WTA was established in 1993 and rewards outstanding members of the tourism industry. Internationally recognized for being the ultimate hallmark of quality, WTA winners are seen as the benchmark for everyone in the tourism industry.

This year, the Philippines received seven awards namely, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay), Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction (Intramuros), Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign (Love the Philippines), Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu), and the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance for Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Asia’s Leading Dive Destination

In 2023, Dive Tourism contributed P73 billion to the Philippine Economy, which is almost double the P37 billion revenue generated in 2022. This outstanding achievement reaffirmed the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to continuous development and promotion of dive tourism in the country.

“As one of the megadiverse countries in the world, we are home to more than 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish. Therefore, this distinction for the Philippines we take to heart with a firm commitment to ensure not just the marketability, but more importantly, the sustainability of our dive industry,” shared Sec. Frasco.

Diverse diving experience

“We are highly enthusiastic in promoting the Philippines to diving enthusiasts all around the world. Earlier this year, we hosted the International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) at the World Trade Center Metro Manila to showcase our wonderful offerings for divers of all levels, backgrounds, and interests. Aside from being one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, the Philippines is an ideal destination for divers as it offers different types of diving experiences. As a certified diver, I can attest that diving in the Philippines is always a magical experience and something that I am excited to share with everyone in the world.” she added.

Sec. Frasco has initiated opportunities to enhance the diving experience in the country by engaging the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) on plans to establish five additional hyperbaric chambers across the country. Keeping to heart the safety and well-being of the diving community and tourists, Sec. Frasco believes that it is essential to provide such facilities in the country’s dive destinations like Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, Boracay, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Camiguin. The five new hyperbaric chambers are in addition to the existing 15 that are already available. The DOT is also working closely with the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving (PCSSD) to develop and audit dive sites across the country.

Just recently, DOT Region 10 also successfully hosted the 4th NorthMin Dive Festival in Camiguin Province, which is just one of the Department’s regional dive events that attracts local and foreign dive enthusiasts.

Award-Winning Dive Sites

The Philippines has something exciting to offer every type of diving enthusiast. Here are some of the most beautiful and award-winning dive sites that make the Philippines a must-visit destination for divers. 

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is known as one of the best dive sites in the world. Located in the Sulu Sea, this pristine marine park has spectacular coral walls, deep drop-offs, and abundant marine life like reef sharks and sea turtles. Divers who are interested in visiting should plan their trip around March to June, which is diving season, as this is the only time that the marine park is open for diving. This is to ensure that the coral ecosystem is undisturbed for the majority of the year.

Apo Reef Natural Park – the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines, the Apo Reef Natural Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers divers an incredible experience. From its underwater landscapes filled with soft and hard corals to its diverse fish species, Apo Reef Natural Park is the perfect destination for both scuba divers and snorkelers. One of the highlights of diving here is witnessing the abundant variety of large pelagic fish.

Anilao, Batangas – just a short drive from Metro Manila, Anilao is another popular dive destination frequented by local and foreign divers. It is known for macro diving, wherein divers can encounter tiny creatures like nudibranchs, frogfish, and seahorses. It offers a variety of dive sites that are suitable for different skill levels, so even novice divers will be able to comfortably explore while seasoned divers will enjoy practicing their underwater photography skills.

Coron, Palawan – frequently listed as one of the world’s best dive destinations, Coron is especially famous for wreck diving. Divers can explore numerous Japanese wrecks from World War II that have now become artificial reefs and home to various marine life. Aside from wreck diving, Coron also has stunning coral gardens making it a unique dive destination.

Malapascua Island – another globally recognized dive destination for offering unique experiences, Malapascua is perfect for adventure seekers who want a chance to swim with thresher sharks. These majestic creatures are a major attraction for divers who visit the island.

The local dive community is also very friendly and very welcoming to divers from all around the world making for a great opportunity to also connect.

From Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the Philippines is home to a plethora of dive destinations that cater to all types of divers. Aside from incredible dive sites, there is also a wide selection of resorts where divers and their companions will be able to rest, relax, and enjoy after exploring the Philippines’ rich waters. Make sure not to miss out on this experience when visiting the Philippines.

BINI bags Best Asia Act at the MTV Europe Awards 2024

BINI takes home Best Asia Act award at MTV EMAs 2024

Story by Hannah Mallorca
Inquirer.net
11 November 2024

There is no stopping BINI from reaching another milestone, as the P-pop powerhouse bagged the Best Asia Act plum at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2024.

BINI—composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena—edged out fellow nominees ILLIT, Sakurazaka46, Mahalini, and Masdo to win the award, as announced by MTV EMA’s X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, November 11.

“It’s official! @BINI_ph has taken the #MTVEMAs Best Asia Act award for 2024! Show your love in the comments and let’s keep the celebration going,” the post read.

While the group’s leader Jhoanna thanked the awards-giving body for the recognition, Mikha hoped that it would pave the way for Filipino music to be recognized internationally.

“We hope that you can keep sharing our music with you and that it tells more about Filipino music,” Mikha said.

The social media platforms of BINI also expressed their gratitude for the award.

“BINI wins Best Asia Act at this year’s MTV EMA! This honor means the world to us, seeing Filipino music shine on the global stage. Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much),” the post read.

BINI is the first Filipino group to win the Best Asia Act award at the MTV EMAs. Filipino artists who were nominated for the award include Sarah Geronimo (2014), Maymay Entrata (2022), and Moira Dela Torre (2023).

To note, this category is different from the MTV EMAs Best Southeast Asian Act, which Sarah Geronimo and James Reid won in 2014 and 2017, respectively.

Other Filipino artists who earned a Best Southeast Asian Act nod were Sarah Geronimo (2013, 2014, and 2016), James Reid (2015 and 2017), Nadine Lustre (2015), IV of Spades (2018), Moira Dela Torre (2019), Ben&Ben (2020), and SB19 (2021).

After their song “Pantropiko” blew up on social media and streaming platforms, 2024 is the year where BINI rose to superstar status, where they bagged several brand deals, held sold-out concerts, and made appearances at various events.

BINI is set to hold their “Grand BINIverse” concert from November 16 to 18 at the Araneta Coliseum. Special guests include Maymay Entrata, Vice Ganda (Nov. 17 and 18), Gary Valenciano, and Regine Velasquez (Nov. 16 and 17).

Also guesting in the concert are “Drag Race Philippines” alums Precious Paula Nicole, Maxie Andreison, Popstar Bench, Viñas Deluxe, M1ss Jade So, Angel Galang, and Hana Beshie, as well as the dance group TPM.

BINI debuted in June 2021 with the single “Born To Win.” Aside from “Pantropiko,” they’re also known for their hit songs “Salamin, Salamin,” “Lagi,” “Karera,” and “I Feel Good,” among many others.

The octet is one of the leading acts of the P-pop industry, with the members expressing on several occasions that their success is meant to show the beauty of Filipino music.