Business, tourism and migrant workers groups have hailed the forthcoming aviation talks between the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines as a major opportunity to expand and strengthen economic ties at amidst the global economic slowdown.
After a long hiatus of six years, the negotiating panels of the Philippines and the UAE are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi …

Manaoag: The Mecca of the North

The peak of Mount Pulag. (Photo from www.peakware.com)

BY ACE ALEGRE | Bulatlat

Mount Pulag is the second highest peak in the Philippines. It is home to 528 species of plants, and 33 species of animals including the endangered Philippine deer, giant bushy-tailed cloud rat and the long-aired fruit bat. It is revered as a mecca of nature lovers and mountain hikers. But now it is being ravaged.

The Foreign Chambers of the Philippines warmly welcome the increasing tourist arrivals in the Philippines, which in 2006 grew at an annual rate of 14% (twice the regional average). If fast growth continues, we believe the government’s target of five million visitors by 2010 is achievable.

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited today the importance of the administration’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) Ports system in spurring interisland farm trade, improving distribution of basic goods, reducing travel time and transportation costs,and promoting domestic tourism.

The Age: Once hunted for its soft white meat, known throughout Southeast Asia as “tofu shark,” the whale shark is now protected and has transformed this sleepy corner (Donsol, Sorsogon) into a major eco-tourism centre. (Photo by Agence France-Presse) Read the story

The Arroyo administration is strengthening the country’s collegiate education program to promote the Philippines not only as a world-class tourist destination but also as a topnotch center of higher education.

Notwithstanding the algae that covers the waters of Boracay in the summer (March to June, we were told) that can discourage a tourist from wading in, the island resort remains a top tourist destination in the world. Yahoo! and Askmen.com, in a recent poll, ranked Boracay as the 7th and 8th best beach in the world, respectively. (Photo by Carlos Conde/pinoypress.net)