DOT inspires Balikbayans to Come Home with ‘Balikan Ang Pilipinas’ Campaign

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the Balikan Ang Pilipinas campaign to encourage Balikbayans to travel to the Philippines this season and visit the country's sites and destinations with their loved ones.

"With the campaign, we welcome our balikbayans back home, who now have the opportunity to be together with their families and friends. This is the chance for them to create new memories while visiting destinations that are now open and safe for tourists." DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

DOT presents virtual concert to promote Manila’s cultural heritage sites

The Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), takes a step further in promoting Manila’s cultural heritage sites, collaborating with The Manila Heritage Trail and Manila Heritage Alliance to bring a free virtual concert titled “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” bannering the music of iconic band Hotdog to performed by various OPM artists.

“The Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila concert will give us the warmth of nostalgia just in time for the holidays. Get ready to sing along to hit songs of Hotdog -- Annie Batungbakal, Bongga ka Day, Beh Buti Nga, Ikaw ang Miss Universe, and of course, Manila, which are just a few of the tracks that have contributed so much to the city’s colorful musical and cultural scene, all while visiting iconic Manila sites from the comforts of your home,” enthused Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who is set to join Mayor Isko Moreno as special guests at the online event broadcasting on December 13.

DOT and Mystery Manila Launch Gamified Virtual Tours featuring local tour guides

The Department of Tourism (DOT) partners with Mystery Manila for an online mystery tour of the Philippines titled, “Where in the Philippines is Sam San Mateo?” The gamified virtual tour employs actual tour guides, stationed in select destinations across the country, to lead the game through video streaming.

Participants can play as virtual tourists as they visit famous landmarks and destinations in the Philippines to find helpful clues that will reveal the next destination and further their quest to track down Sam San Mateo, the game’s fictional travel vlogger.

It’s Christmas time at SM!

 Christmas is almost here! Not even the pandemic can take away the beloved tradition of Filipino families to celebrate this joyous season at SM. Let the wonderful, magical and truly merry Christmas at SM drive away the blues! Sama sama tayo sa Pasko sa SM!

All throughout November and December, come and be dazzled by these exciting Holiday surprises that await you at SM:

Christmas Launches. On November 6, SM Supermalls treats everyone to a virtual, magical feast! Twelve different SM malls will light up their magnificent Christmas displays — from SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall to SM Seaside City Cebu and SM CDO Downtown Premier! SM truly brings the magic of Christmas online through fireworks, orchestra, and whimsical characters! All the SM malls nationwide follow suit with their own magical Christmas light up on November 7 and 8. Mallgoers will be delighted with a special lighting ceremony for hope and inspiration amid the pandemic, as well as singing flash mobs, cute Christmas characters, and surprise gifts.

Intramuros is now Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction

The Philippines and DOT receive accolades at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia Winners Day

The 27th World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as Asia's leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2020. The award-giving body also declared Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Philippine Department of Tourism as this year’s leading tourist board in Asia, besting 11 nominated countries.

“We are truly honored and thankful for the accolades given to the Philippines at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia. These recognitions are certainly an inspiration to the industry as we safely and gradually reopen our destinations for tourism. These would not be possible without the combined efforts from our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and our fellow Filipinos who have tirelessly promoted our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Ilocos Norte launches Phase II of “Ridge and Reef”

From L-R: DOT Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco R. Ortega,
Ms. Arlene Magalong, wife of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong,
 Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat,
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc,
Councilor Elaine Sembrano and Councilor Lilia Farinas of Baguio city,
together with Provincial tourism officers of Region 1[back row] 
during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Ridge and Reef
Travel Corridor Mini Travel Fair held yesterday (October 20)
at the Robinsons Place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte officially launched Phase II of reopening for tourism within the “Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor” yesterday, at the Robinsons Place Ilocos, San Nicolas.

Phase II of the “Ridge and Reef” is the amplified inter-regional travel bubble that includes other provinces and regions in Luzon as tourist generating areas.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who arrived earlier in the province, will grace the formal launching ceremony, along with DOT Region 1 Director Mr. Joseph Francisco Ortega at Sitio Remedios, Currimao. Among other guests, DOT officials have witnessed “Biag ni Lam-ang” and “Fiesta Empanada” cultural performances as one of the highlights of the launch.

Manual To Japan: Inuyama Castle

Welcome back to Manual to Japan, this time we head to a real life Japanese castle that is just within the Aichi prefecture, let’s check out INUYAMA CASTLE.

Located in Inuyama City, it is one of the National Treasures of Japan, as it has stood the test of time. Sitting on top of a hill and facing the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle stands at the border of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. It’s elevation makes it a vantage point to everywhere around it.

Manual To Japan: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Welcome Manual To Japan, we now continue our journey in the historical and former capital of Kyoto City. This time we went to one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto which is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Being an historical and cultural center in old Japan, Kyoto is filled with a lot of temples and sacred spaces, this also paved way for natural beauty to flourish, and this is where the Bamboo Forest got the attention of many.

Beat the Heat and Back to the Beach

After being cooped up indoors for the better part of three months, many of us are raring to go back to sandy shores to enjoy our re-discovered freedom. For that, the pristine shoreline of Hamilo Coast beckons.

For many of us who were confined to the safety of our homes during the enhanced community quarantine, staying indoors at the height of summer was a trial. Even with electric fans, air conditioners, and a steady supply of cold drinks from the refrigerator, we found ourselves craving for golden sand under our feet, sea breezes with a salty tang cooling sun-kissed skin, and cocktails enjoyed with good company beside a sparkling pool. Now, it’s time to relax and wean yourself from the stress and anxiety of the past few months. The health-giving sea breezes south of Manila beckon, along with the hot summer sun that helps knock out infections, to a place filled with activities and sights that are guaranteed to help restore one’s vitality.

DLSAA-P and TCS to hold much-awaited 11th Clark Animo International Marathon

Following the exhilarating 2019 race that saw 10,000 runners participating, the De La Salle Alumni Association Pampanga (DLSAA-P) Chapter will hold the TCS Clark Animo International Marathon 2020 on March 8. This year's event will have exciting new features that will complement the internationally certified courses and special activities.

This race is presented by Clark Global City, a UDENNA company, and a state-of-the-art central business district development in Mabalacat Pampanga.