A Taste of the Philippines from TBEX

Delegates of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific 2016, the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, content media creators, and tourism industry professionals, had a feast as they discovered Philippine cuisine.

Presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in coordination with NMX Events, their journey of discovery began with a 15-hour food tour where they travelled to Pampanga, “the culinary center of the Philippines”, to try iconic Filipino dishes such as lechon, sisig, chicken inasal, and sinigang. They then went to Binondo to experience the country’s Chinese culinary influence on food.

The contingent was served an array of grilled fish, prawns, squids, and clams and tasted some of the native delicacies such as barquillos, turones, kutsinta, halo-halo, rice cakes including bibingka, cassava cake, and puto.

The country’s tropical fruits were also a hit as the visitors sampled the sweetest mangoes, rambutan, lanzones and marang. Calamansi was a surprise to them for its versatility – from a refreshing fruit drink to an additional flavor to condiments.



To complete their Filipino food experience, they were served some of the country’s exotic foods including balut, pako or fern salad, and sea urchin.

“I find it very interesting that the Filipino cuisine is influenced by so many other cultures and it creates a fascinating mix,” said Maria Haase who travelled all the way from Germany. “This food trip was very interesting and inspiring for me.”

Further making Filipino meals fun, the delegates experienced boodle feasts, which urged them not only to share their food but to interact and converse with one another.

Trying Filipino dishes in this unique way was something the first-time visitors were able to enjoy. “This is such a simple pleasure to enjoy. It’s amazing that we get the time to eat together. I love this kind of culture,” said Chicago-native Rosemary Kimani.

TBEX Asia Pacific 2016 was made possible with the support of Philippine Airlines, Globe Telecom, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Duty Free Philippines. Other sponsors included Amorita Resort, The Lind Boracay, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Primer Group of Companies, The Funny Lion Palawan, Merrell Philippines, Lakan, Banana Peel, Le Spa at Sofitel, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Luna, Bluewater Maribago Resort and Spa, Sonya’s Garden, Museo Orlina, and Grab Philippines.

The event was also made possible through the participation of volunteers from the University of the Philippines, Centro Escolar University, University of Santo Tomas, and Philippine Women’s University.

The amazing variety of food – from savory dishes to sweet delicacies, and our wide array of fresh ingredients, diverse cultural influences, proves that the Philippines can stand out as an exciting culinary destination.

*This is Press Release

DOT and TPB welcomes the TBEX participants

 

The Department of Tourism and the Tourism and Promotions Board (TPB) warmly welcomes the arrival of the top travel experts and participants for the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Asia-Pacific happening at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on October 13-16, 2016. TBEX will serve as an avenue for travel bloggers from around the world to learn, expand their networks and linkages, and do business. It also creates a good opportunity for the participants to experience the best of the Philippines through exciting tours around the country before and after the conference. Photo shows (from left): Ivan About Town’s Professor Ivan Henares, DOT Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre, TBEX CEO Rick Calvert, best-selling author Patricia Schultz, Our Awesome Planet’s Anton Diaz and TPB Events Marketing and Services OIC Raquel Tria.

Grand Philippine tour with PHITEX 2016

 

Delegates from 35 countries were given an opportunity to experience what the Philippines has to offer in a series of fun and exciting tours. Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), these tours were conducted as part of the most important annual travel trade event in the country, the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016.

During the tours, delegates from as far as Denmark, Russia, Germany, China, US and Brazil toured around the country’s capital, Metro Manila. They visited the historical walled city of Intramuros, UNESCO World Heritage site San Agustin Church, San Agustin Museum and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila.

The group also inspected the city’s established, emerging and newly-opened luxury hotels and properties including Manila Hotel, New World Hotel, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, and Conrad Manila, to name a few.

The delegates also visited Ilocos, where there is an interesting blend of Spanish and local culture; discovered exotic and breathtaking sceneries in Southern Luzon; and rode a boat to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River located in Palawan, recently hailed as the Best Island in the World.

They also had a taste of the unique spicy cuisine of Bicol; took selfies with the tarsiers and visited the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; feasted on lechon and toured historical landmarks in Cebu; and experienced the finest of nature, culture and adventure in Davao.

“I have heard a lot of beautiful things about the Philippines and I’m so excited to experience it myself,” shared Chris Minoletti from the US. “Every region in this country has its own unique quality which, I know, will attract a lot of travelers.”

According to Roselyn Ranse from Australia, “The market for the Philippines has dramatically increased. It’s new, it’s exotic and it’s an exciting destination because there is so much to do and so much to see. After experiencing it, people just want to come back.”

“TPB has organized the tours because there is no better way to market the Philippines than to let these delegates experience it first-hand,” said PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo.

Now on its 15^th year, PHITEX continues to further strengthen the tourism industry in the country by promoting the best of the Philippines worldwide.

Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriott Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Diamond Hotel, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, Seda Bonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

Tourism Promotions Board presents bigger PHITEX 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) presents a more enhanced Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the most important annual travel trade event. With the theme #PHITEX2016: Bigger Business, the event is set to accommodate more than 200 international buyers from across 37 countries worldwide and 199 local sellers from 132 companies across the Philippines.

“PHITEX has been instrumental in boosting the Philippines’ image as a top tourist destination. The event also strengthens international relationships among the industry’s key players to further the growth of Philippine tourism,” remarked PHITEX Deputy Secretary General Susana J. Del Mundo.

Highlight of the event is a series of business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers. This year, the number of sessions has increased to 40 as compared to 28 in the previous years. This aims to broaden their chance of interaction and to encourage more in-depth discussions on tourism and trade opportunities.

PHITEX 2016 gives the buyers an opportunity to meet the Philippine sellers where they will be introduced to the Philippines’ best offerings in terms of travel and tourism products and services. This can be considered a momentous time for Philippine sellers for they will be given an edge to offer globally competitive tour packages to the international market and learn of other countries’ trade strategies to apply in their own practices.

Buyers from as far as the United States, Norway, Italy, Denmark and Germany and even from neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were given an opportunity to experience fun and exciting pre-tours with hotel inspections around the country’s capital, Metro Manila.

The pre-tours conducted last September 3 included a visit to the famous walled city of Intramuros to get a glimpse of history during the Spanish colonization. Buyers visited Fort Santiago, which houses the Rizal Shrine museum where memorabilia of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, are displayed. They also visited San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Museum, and enjoyed a brief cultural show at Casa Manila. Buyers also inspected some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, namely New World Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Fairmont Makati, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Shangri-la at the Fort and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, to name a few.

The post-tours are just as exciting since it will feature the Philippines’ premier destinations including world-class accommodations, entertainment and convention venues and business facilities. Buyers get to choose a tour that fits well with their interests and offerings. The Ilocos module includes a tour to the northern region of the country, where there is an interesting blend of local and Spanish cultures. Another module takes the buyers a trip to Southern Luzon and experience exotic beauty of beaches nestled against the jungle.

Buyers can further discover the wonders of Palawan which is recently named as the Best Island in the World. They can ride a paddleboat to Puerto Princesa Underground River, considered one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Some buyers can also travel to the east where Bicol, a region for adventures – volcanoes, beaches, coves, and lakes - will also be awaiting the guests.

The Cebu/Bohol post tour will give the buyers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of historical landmarks, a taste of lechon in Cebu, and an iconic view of the majestic Chocolate Hills in Bohol. They can also take a selfie with tarsiers in Bohol. For a unique mix of diversity, heavenly retreat and exciting adventure, buyers may also opt to join the Davao module.

“PHITEX will only grow stronger and more competitive through the coming years with the continual commitment and dedication of everyone – our partners, buyers, sellers and exchange visitors. Your immeasurable support only fuels us to push and go further. I believe that through our cumulative effort, we create and become the greater nation,” said DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo.

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX has gained popularity and recognition in the global tourism market. By making the event bigger and better, TPB is giving foreign travelers more reasons to visit the Philippines again.

Led by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, and Marriot Hotel Manila, PHITEX 2016 is also supported by TTG Asia as the official media partner, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Other sponsors include Resorts World Manila, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, SedaBonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

*This is Press Release

The Tourism Promotions Board is all set for PHITEX 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is set to welcome international delegates to the country’s largest and most important annual travel trade – Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2016. Happening at the Marriot Grand Ballroom from September 4 to 6, PHITEX will host 219 international buyers from across 37 countries worldwide, including 220 local sellers from 145 travel and tour companies, hotels and resorts across the Philippines.

The event kicks off with a visit to the 27th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center. The itinerary for the international delegates also includes fun and exciting pre-tours with hotel inspection around the country’s capital, Metro Manila, and post-tours to the Philippines’ top attractions and premier destinations, as well as oculars showcasing world-class accommodations, entertainment and convention venues including business facilities.

The highlight of PHITEX 2016 is a series of business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers from as far as the United States, Norway, Italy, Denmark and Germany and neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam to interact with local sellers, and to encourage in-depth discussions on tourism travel and trade opportunities.

Now on its 15th year, PHITEX 2016 is supported by Philippine Airlines as the official flag carrier, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, TTG Asia and Resorts World Manila. Other sponsors include Marriott Hotel Manila, Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines, Philippines Craft Distillers (LAKAN), Marco Polo Manila, Seda Bonifacio Global City, Bellevue Resort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, Plaza del Norte and The Mind Museum.

*This is Press Release

Tourism Promotions Board, Viacom inks agreement for MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)and Viacom Inc., recently ratified an agreement for staging one of the most anticipated musical events – the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 to be held on 24 June 2016 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.This year’s event will once again feature some of the most iconic artists and performers, one of which is OneRepublic, that influences the evolution of music globally. MTV Music Evolution Manila also highlights the musical talents and skills of Filipino artists as world-class performers such as Sarah Geronimo, James Reid and Nadine Lustre. In line with the Department of Tourism’s campaign “Visit the Philippines Again 2016”, TPB aims to promote MTV Music Evolution to spotlight the country’s musical prowess and position the Philippines as premiere entertainment destination.

Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 Converges East and West

Chef Nurdin Topham and Chef Enrique Olvera

Culinary figures and food enthusiasts from the east and west hemisphere converged at the world’s most important international gastronomy congress – Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia.

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Madrid Fusion Manila 2016’s theme is “The Manila Galleon: East meets West” and highlights how the Galleon Trade linked Asia to the Western World. The event also emphasized the Philippines as a culinary center of excellence in Asia by providing a unique opportunity to chefs, food aficionados, and food-and-beverage company professionals to come together to learn new culinary techniques from the most acclaimed Michelin-star chefs from across the globe.

Arum Estrategias Internacionalización Director Iñigo Cañedo and Turkish Airlines General Manager for Philippine Operations Erhan Balaban

Focusing on the influences made by the two diverse parts of the world, MFM 2016 featured esteemed chefs such as Joan Roca, Danἰ Garcia, Jordi Butrὀn, Ảngel Leὀn and Ricard Camarena of Spain, Nurdin Topham of China, Yoshihiro Narisawa of Japan, Virgilio Martinez of Peru, David Thompson of Thailand, Kevin Cherkas of Indonesia, Jungsik kim of Korea, Enrique Olvera and Jorge Vallejo of Mexico, Leah Cohen, Paul Qui, Jose Andres, Michael Voltaggio and Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of USA, and Myke Sarthou and Michael Aspiras of the Philippines. 


Making MFM 2016 another success were the DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., DOT Director Verna Buensuceso, the TPB COO Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo, Secretary of State for Trade of Spain Secretary Jaime Garcia-Legaz, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, Arum Estrategias de Internacionalización Director Iñigo Cañedo, Foro De Debate’s Lourdes Plana and Chef Margarita Fores.

Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista and DOT Director Verna Buensuceso

Indeed, Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 is not just about sharing food, culinary talents, stories and techniques, but also a celebration of camaraderie and friendship between the east and west.

The Tourism Promotions Board Hypes Sports Tourism with International Premier Tennis league (IPTL)

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) hyped tennis fans from all over the world as they boosted sports tourism in the Philippines with the International Premier Tennis league (IPTL). IPTL is the first city-based professional league in the world and one of the most anticipated events of tennis enthusiasts all over the globe. It brought together current champions, tennis legends, upcoming talents and top-ranking tennis stars to compete in intense and never-before-seen matches.

In line with TPB’s Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, the IPTL attracted sports enthusiasts and athletes from around the world and increased tourist arrivals in the country. Next year, the Philippines is also expected to host major international sporting events as part of TPB’s Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign with the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship, Asia-Pacific Taekwondo Invitational Championships, Asian Rugby Championships, Le Tour de Filipinas, and Asian Masters Fencing Championship. Photo shows top tennis player Rafael Nadal.

*This is Press Release