Magellan Voyage Quincentennial Kick-Off, SEA Games Ceremonies Dazzle through Immersive Technology

The opening and closing ceremonies of the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Philippine Arena and Clark City still makes jaws drop whenever the sounds and sights of it come to mind.

The brave and colorful Filipino spirit came to life on stage, providing glimpses of our art and culture, our tribal roots, old society elegance, and modern soul. The impressive, mind-blowing visual images that constantly changed, evolved and defied the imagination, added a new dimension to entertainment. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

Last December, another dazzling production kicked off the 500-day countdown to the 500 years of the Victory of Mactan in Cebu. The one-hour cultural show entitled “Mangayaw; The World of Our Ancestors” showcased graceful choreography, original music, and a captivating production of dazzling visuals. The Quincentennial Celebration aimed to highlight the heroism and importance of Lapu Lapu in Philippine history.

What audiences probably do not know is that the unsung hero of both the SEA Games and the Quincentennial kick-off is immersive technology. It can make everything magical and bigger than life. Captivating visual images that were constantly changing, evolving and defying the imagination added a new dimension to the viewing experience. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

In the Quincentennial kick-off, Video Mapping Technology by IMMRSV ASIA INC. helped transformed the show from just great to stupendous. Immersive technology was the creative tool that amplified the action to retell and relive early scenes of Philippine history.

Lutgardo Labad, noted composer and multi-awarded director of music and theater who led the presentation, said he was “completely swept away by the innovative technology of projection mapping”. “Before, props were firm and set with some finality in their tones and colors. But in my first-time experience of witnessing video or projection mapping, the texture of the physical backdrop: floors, walls and ceilings, became a new breed of characters themselves. They accentuate the emotions and provide a dynamic engagement with the human characters.”

“Immersive technology is a new tool that can turn any size wall, building façade, blank space or object into a screen that tells stories, teaches lessons, conveys information or evokes all sorts of emotion. It makes audiences act and respond to the events in a positive way because the audience becomes part of the message. That’s why brands, sports and government use immersive technology these days to kick off events, launch products, inaugurate places and promote tourism or mark special occasions. It’s the best storytelling tool,” said Tony Gloria, chairman and co-founder of IMMRSV Asia who also founded and chairs Optima Digital and UxS (Unitel/Straight Shooter).

“Using creative imagination with the help of 360-degree video, virtual reality and the unique application of sound, light and projection creates eye-popping, mesmerizing experiences. This innovative creative execution never fails to wow and send the message across. How can you forget something that you have been part of, or that became a part of you?” he added.

Immrsv Asia worked on the notable 30th SEA Games closing ceremonies -- resulting in tech-driven productions that were perfect in execution, with mind-boggling visual displays and dramatic overhead shots that provided world-class entertainment for all.

Mart Miranda, CEO of Video Sonic and co-founder / president of IMMRSV Asia says immersive technology creates modern day magic. And it has a lot of applications. Museum exhibits, for example, can bring historical figures to life through augmented reality. Julius Caesar can speak and tell his version of the Ides of March to students. Prehistoric animals can roam the premises so guests can measure their height against them. Theme parks can amp up the excitement and overall experience with headsets and touchscreen magic. “In fact, any one and anything can use immersive technology to achieve any desired effect,” said Miranda, whose IMMRSV firm recreated Hogwarts using immersive technology for a Harry Potter-themed party.

Sporting events have been ahead of the curve in embracing immersive technology, Miranda shared. “That’s because sports fans demand high-impact effects so they can better listen, watch and experience the action. New immersive technologies and apps have changed the ways that fans interact with teams, players and brand sponsors. Opening ceremonies of sports events have all benefited from immersive technology.”

“We have the creative vision, the talent, technology and equipment to achieve something local audiences have never seen. We can fuse existing technologies and creative approaches to create amazing, magical effects. Trust the innate art and capability of the Filipino. And trust the forward vision of our creative and production talents,” added Tony Gloria.

Now is the time to embrace these new mediums and let the world know that immersive domes, projection mapping, virtual augmented reality, air scan technology, 3D animation graphics, LED Baton, digital graffiti, holograms, interactive videos, interactive touch walls, dynamic thoughts and laser mapping are all here to help deliver the perfect message, Miranda concluded.

TPB Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Re-Accreditation

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines once again proves its commitment towards the continuous improvement of its management systems by successfully maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 certification. The audit performed by the Certification International Philippines, Inc. showed that the quality management systems in place at TPB has seen remarkable improvements and discovered no non-conformities in the organization's existing processes on design, development and provision of Philippine tourism marketing and promotions versus the ISO standards. An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, TPB exists to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination.

Growing Philippine Tourism

The Philippines is once again at the forefront of the global tourism industry with its participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019 in Excel, London.Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines’ participation was able to generate more than P62 millionbased on partial sales leads gathered or a 35.73% return of investment.

With Korea, China, the US and Japan topping the country’s tourist arrivals, the Philippines’ participation in WTM strengthens the country’s presence in the international tourism and travel arena, particularly Europe and brought it close to its goal of attracting 8.2 million tourists by the end of 2019.

The WTM provided a platform for the Philippine private sector to conduct business-to-business meetings and renew linkages with theirtourism markets around the world.It also enabled TPB and DOT to generate marketing and promotions leads and stay abreast with the latest trends to support its bid to promote the Philippines as the preferred destination.

“The private sector always looks forward to joining WTM,” said DOT Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado III. “In fact, the Philippines gets very good tourists arrivals from the UK, with a 10% increase from last year. But our participation is not just about tapping the UK market. Through WTM, which is the Olympic of travel fairs, we are able to tap key travel and tourism markets in Europe and the rest of the world.”

The Philippine delegation was composed of industry partners and stakeholders including DOT-accredited tourism establishments led by Amorita Resorts, El Nido Resorts, Bohol Beach Club, Nature Wellness Village, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay,; travel and tour operators Baron Travel Corporation, Rajah Tours, Annset Holidays, Inc.,Intas Destinations Management, Inc., Travel Experts, Inc. as well as the Clark Development Corporation.

Meanwhile, highlights of the Philippinebooth included ‘slow fashion’featuring the colorful ancestral art of weaving from the province of Kalinga in the island of Luzon, local and bright-colored banig from Basey, Samarand intricate fashion accessories made of agsamfrom the province of Surigao del Sur.

Also making a big splash were the Itogon coffee served all day by no less than top notch baristas Kiddo Cosio and Silvester Samonte of El Union Café and Raoul Peralta of the social enterprise Henry & Sons, as well coffee pairings featuring Pili Latte and Concerva. Award-winning chefs Jam Melchorand Chef Rica Buenaflor also drew huge crowds with their vegan laing, bringhe and adobo.

And proving that Filipinos are world-class entertainers, the crowd was treated to a performance byaward-winning artists of folkloric group La Lira Filipina, headlined byvocalist Princess Virtudazo and violinist and concertmaster Merjohn Lagaya.

Through active participation in global tourism industry events like WTM, TPB is more than optimistic that the Philippines will indeed be the next must-see destination in Asia.

SM Supermalls Launches Travel Adventure with DOT

As part of its Malling is More Fun in the Philippines campaign, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched the Juan Fun Adventure at SM City San Lazaro. Through this initiative, mallgoers can “travel” to the country’s most popular destinations without leaving the metro through Instagram-worthy life-size displays called Travel Pods at SM. These picturesque displays will feature the Mayon Volcano in Albay, Calle Crisologo in Vigan, and the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River, among others. Aside from Travel Pods, Juan Fun Adventure will also feature booths with eco-friendly travel essentials, local delicacies and souvenirs. Juan Fun Adventure will run this October 2019 until April 2020 in SM malls nationwide. Photo shows SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan and DOT secretary Berna Romulo Puyat during the launch.

TPB Mounts Biggest International Travel Trade Event in the Philippines for 2019

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is set to boost tourism in the Philippines as it simultaneously mounts the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and MICE Buyers Invitational (MICECONnect) 2019 on October 20 to 27 to promote the Philippines as a prime tourist destination for both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibits/Events).

Now on its 18th year, PHITEX is considered to be the biggest travel trade event in the country, with close to 200 sellers and 200 buyers participating. The main highlight of the event is the one and a half day business-to-business (B2B) session between foreign buyers and local sellers to encourage tourism-related discourse among the participants, and open doors for business opportunities.

“PHITEX is mounted annually as a support for stakeholders in the travel trade industry,” says TPB COO Marie Venus Tan. “Instead of working as individual operators and sellers, we provide a platform for them to connect to hundreds of buyers from all over the world in one venue, which saves them precious time and money. The event also gives buyers a more comprehensive view of the different destinations and packages that they can sell to consumers, either as individual or bundled tours.”

Participants also took part in the PHITEX educational seminar where industry leaders discussed new trends in tourism marketing as well as marketing strategies in mature and emerging markets while keeping the theme of “Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth,” in mind.

Giving their insights were Thomas Graham, Co-Founder of Make A Difference (MAD) Travel, Carlos Mori Rodriguez, the Chief Innovation Officer of EON The Stakeholder Relations Group, and Nelly Nuezca Dillera, CESO III, the Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Trade Training Center - Global MSME Academy, who ended the seminar on how DTI is building capabilities for halal development and certification."

Meanwhile, MICECONnect 2019, aims to accelerate the Philippine MICE industry by gathering MICE suppliers to showcase the country as a premium destination for international events and conferences.

Happening simultaneously with PHITEX, MICECONnect 2019 is the continuation of a two-year program as a comprehensive educational seminar for local MICE stakeholders to learn new and effective global trends, approaches, and methods. This year’s focus is conducting business networking opportunities to further develop the country’s MICE industry.

MICECONnect 2019 likewise features B2B sessions for Philippine and foreign MICE buyers, and include a hotel and MICE venue inspection. Moreover, MICECONnect delegates will be treated to post-event tours to highlight some of the country's premier MICE destinations including Iloilo City, Bacolod, Davao, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Tagaytay, Manila and Batangas.

More importantly, both PHITEX and MICECONnect 2019 enable TPB to support and raise awareness on sustainable community-based tourism. Apart from promoting what the Philippines can offer, TPB also advocates for the protection of natural assets and expanding the benefits of tourism to communities that are directly and indirectly affected by the industry, consequently helping DOT towards achieving its goals for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To know more about PHITEX and MICECONnect 2019, visit the following websites: https://www.phitex.ph/, https://www.micecon.ph, https://www.tpb.gov.ph/, or https://www.facebook.com/tpbphl/.

CDO to Attract more Domestic Tourists through Regional Travel Fair

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), will expand its domestic footprint with the commencement of the 5th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro.

Supported by the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Northern Mindanao, the RTF aims to promote and strengthen domestic tourism by encouraging travelers to discover more of the Philippines year-round.

Around 100 participants from different travel trade sectors, government agencies, and exhibitors, including local travel and tour agencies, hotels, resorts, and airline operators, are expected to be onboard at the Limketkai Center from August 23-24to showcase the best of the Philippines.
The RTF program includes a 2-day business-to-consumer (B2C) expo wherein exhibitors shall offer exclusive and affordable tour packages that will ultimately increase the volume of domestic travellers around the country. Additionally, a half-day travel exchange (TRAVEX) table-top session will take place for participating buyers and sellers to generate direct sales and business leads, meet new partners and renew deals.

TPB supports Get Global Exhibition in Australia

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), as part of its strategic thrust to strengthen its Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) campaign, supports Get Global – Where the World Meets, an industry exhibition in Australia at the International Convention Center (ICC) Sydney.

Launched in 2017, Get Global has become a reputable platform that connects international MICE suppliers with buyers, including corporate meeting planners, incentive houses and professional conference organizers (PCO), and has been recognized as "Exhibition of the Year" by Meetings & Events Australia for two consecutive years.

With the assistance of DOT Sydney, the Philippines was promoted to Australia's outbound MICE market with increased exposure through Get Global's digital platforms as well as through unlimited face-to-face quality meetings within the one-day event. Participation in the event also generated new leads, established relationships, and explored new networks of contacts for the expansion of the Philippine MICE market, especially among senior buyers in Australia and New Zealand.

Australia is one of the Philippines’ top tourism markets and the month of April this year saw a 13.41 percent increase in tourist arrivals from Down Under. With improved connectivity between Sydney and Manila arising from new and increasing flights, more Australian visitors are expected to keep the upward trend sustained.

TPB Gears Up for Global competitiveness

To achieve its global competitiveness goal and attract more travelers, visitors, and investors, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is conducting a series of Tourism Marketing Educational Seminars among participants from DOT Regional Offices and local government units (LGUs), which kicked off in Batangas City this June, and will go to Cebu and Butuan in August.

The seminars will focus on skills training and upgrading competency level through workshops, case studies and collaborative research projects. This intends to boost employment rate, improve income opportunities and subsequently increase tourism arrivals and receipts.

Moreover, the seminar-workshop is expected to empower LGU’s tourism officers with greater knowledge to initiate and oversee successful tourism marketing strategies that can significantly contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

TPB will also discuss relevant issues affecting the tourism industry that may impact the market and provide opportunity to enhance performance and decision-making skills.

The seminars, which anticipates approximately 60 participants per run, is part of TPB's initiative to support the National Tourism Develop
ment Plan (NTDP) 2016-2022,aiming to build and upscale the implementation of tourism programs to deliver a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.

Full Speed Ahead for PH Tourism with the Philippine Business Mission to Japan

As part of the invigorated thrust to attract bigger tourist arrivals from Japan, the Philippines recently once again concluded a series of successful Philippine Business Mission (PBM) in Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo. Japan ranks 4th in terms of tourist arrivals, with a growth rate of 8.15% or a total of 631,801 Japanese visitors in 2018, compared to 581,180 arrivals in 2017.

The PBM continues to be one of the most important annual projects of the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. It provides the ideal business platform for suppliers of Philippine tourism products—hotels and resorts, tour operators and airlines—in the process of expanding trade relations with their Japanese counterparts while establishing new contacts in the travel trade industry in Japan.

Major components for this year’s PBM were: a Philippine Seminar that provided a comprehensive report on important Philippine travel and tourism developments; Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings wherein DOT Tokyo and DOT Osaka had a total of 400 industry players for one-on-one business discussions with Japanese travel trade and Philippines sellers; and a Philippine Reception that served as a venue for further business networking, in recognition of the strong ties between the Philippines and Japan.

Corregidor Now Urges Us to Relive the History

Corregidor Island holds historical narratives of war that nepresents the tight for the country’s freedom. Known as the “Isle of Valor" or "The Rock”, the 358-kilometer island holds more treasures apart from the history carefully preserved in the island. 

The Corregidor Foundation (CFI), the Department of Tourism through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (T PB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), unveils the new brand of Corregidor Corregidor Now. Corregidor Now seeks to entice tourists to live and experience Corregidor island in more ways than one! Corregidor Now invites guests to learn the unique story of Corregidor Island and explore spots around the island that are waiting to be experienced, making it a unique and exciting tourism destination. 

With the campaign, they seek to actively promote the island’s various attractions, such as middle-side barracks, battery grubs, Pacific war memorial complex, Cine Corregidor, Spanish lighthouse, Japanese garden of peace, Filipino heroes memorial, Malinta tunnel, and Lorcha dock. Beyond historical relics, the island boasts of a multitude of opportunities for every type of traveler to enjoy biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, island runabout, and kayaking are just some of the fun activities in the island. 

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Corregidor Foundation Inc. Chairpeison and CEO Cynthia Carrion in spearheading the new strategic campaign, dubbed “Corregidor Now," which aims to deliver a stronger and unified voice for the whole island, bringing it to greater heights as a tourism attraction. “For years, Corregidor Island seemed to be perceived solely as a popular historical site, with its idyllic features unknown to many,” Carrion said. “With our campaign, we hope that it will usher in a new era for this eco-historical location, making it known as a place of sanctuary where one can enjoy a relaxing opportunity to revel in the past." 

This initiative, according to TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan. aims to attract more domestic and international tourists to visit Corregidor Island. 

In support of this endeavor. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas said they greatly recognize the island’s historical value and strong tourism potential, which can make it a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ). 

TIEZA is developing a comprehensive master plan for the redevelopment of Corregidor and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier. Under the marketing campaign, they will implement more proactive promotional efforts in various forms of media to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the island. 

Wlth all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is the only one where you can truly dive deep into history while enjoying the best of tropical Philippines. it is the picture-perfect showcase of the variety of fun and adventure offered on its land, sea, and air. Carrion invites Filipinos to come together, enjoy, and explore the historical paradise that is an ultimate relaxation and fun adventure sanctuary. 

To book a tour or know more about Corregidor, please email info@corregidorislan­d.com.ph or visit www.corregidorisland­.com.ph or vall +632.8233281 .

TPB Intensifies Efforts to Increase Chinese Tourist Arrivals

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, recently joined ITB China which took place in Shanghai as part of its initiative to capture a bigger chunk of 129 million Chinese tourists travelling abroad in the past two years.
In 2017, about 960,000 Chinese tourists visited the country and more than 1.2 million in 2018. TPB hopes to increase Chinese tourist arrivals through its active and consistent participation in ITB China, the largest and fastest growing source market in the travel industry. For 2019, the event had an estimated 15,000 attendees, and approximately 800 exhibitors from 84 countries and 850 buyers from the biggest Chinese travel companies.

This year, the Philippines targets hitting 1.5 million Chinese traveler arrivals and an additional increase of 19.5% by 2022 upon completion of all tourism development plans, which will highlight all the natural wonders of the country.

The travel and tourism sector remains to be one of the important drivers in the country’s economic growth. It continues to create jobs and boost real estate with the influx of foreign and domestic travelers increasing demand for new properties, specifically hotels and resorts.
Through the ITB China, TPB amplified awareness on the country’s beautiful destinations and many offerings with booth activities that put spotlight on why “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”

A country made up of more than 7,000 islands consisting of beautiful pristine beaches, home to some of the most expansive shopping centers in the world, and offering a dozen of adventure-laden activities, the Philippines is, without a doubt, more than ready to open its doors for more foreign visitors.