DOT, DSWD formalize partnership to aid disaster-affected tourism front liners

Tourism workers affected by natural calamities, disasters, and emergencies can now avail of financial and training assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

This, after Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian formally sealed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program on Thursday (Jan. 23). Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Diana Rose Cajipe were also present and served as witnesses. 

Ring in a prosperous Year of the Snake at GH Mall and Estancia Mall

Are you looking for fun ways to spend your Chinese New Year with your loved ones? Ortigas Malls has you covered with whole-day events at GH Mall and Estancia Mall to ring in a prosperous Year of the Wooden Snake on January 29, 2025.

The Year of the Wooden Snake is said to be a time of growth and transformation, emphasizing luck in careers, relationships, and personal improvement. GH Mall and Estancia Mall have prepared exciting shows and activities for the entire family to make the occasion more memorable.

GH Mall (G/F East Wing Atrium)

Kicking off the festivities is a Dragon & Lion Dance at the East Wing Atrium at 10AM. This is your chance to catch a live performance featuring vibrant and colorful dragon and lion dancers. The performance features loud drum beats to ward off bad luck and help welcome good luck into our lives.

Mapping Manila’s Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto’s Directions VI

On January 15, 2025, the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel hosted the opening reception of Directions VI, a solo exhibition of Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor, honorable Yul Servo Nieto. The event celebrated the fusion of artistry and heritage, as Nieto unveiled a collection of works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

The event commenced with a warm opening remarks delivered by The Manila Hotel vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, highlighting the institution’s commitment to supporting local art and culture. Following this, the artist delivered a speech sharing his inspiration behind the art pieces and announced that proceeds from the sales will go towards purchasing vital medical equipment—such as wheelchairs, nebulizers, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, and walkers—to be donated to those in need. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also delivered a few words before joining Vice Mayor Nieto and Marvin Kim Tan for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the exhibit’s official launch.

Philippines to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

Johor Bahru, Malaysia – In a significant milestone for Philippine tourism, The Philippines represented by Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Center on January 20, 2025. The symbolic gavel was handed  over  to Secretary Frasco by  Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture  marking The  Philippines' commitment to host this prestigious event.  

The ATF is set to include the highly anticipated ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting,  which will convene in the  province of Cebu in January 2026. 

Discovery World Corporation and Discovery Hospitality Corporation hold groundbreaking ceremony for new hospitality concept in Siargao

L-R: Engr. Michael Ching of Sterling Struktures Inc.; Grace Limboc of Land Bank of the Philippines; Charlie Ledesma of Discovery World Corporation and Lucky Cloud 9 Resort, Inc.; John Y. Tiu, Chairman of Discovery World Corporation; Melito Cruz of Discovery World Corporation; Kathleen Nuestro of H1 Architecture; Lynette Ermac of Discovery Hospitality Corporation; Ace Gumafelix of AVAC Project and Construction Managers Corporation

Hotels and resorts developer Discovery World Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Lucky Cloud 9 Resort, Inc. (LC9), and its property management company, Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), are making their mark in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines as they recently broke ground for the soon-to-rise Kip&Kin Siargao on January 10, 2025.

Explore Your Next Island Getaway At Discovery Samal

Samal Island in Davao Del Norte remains to be one of Mindanao’s hidden gems. Also known as the Island Garden City, it is blessed with amazing sites where one can go snorkelling and diving or relax on its pristine beaches, making it truly a tropical getaway. 

Kickstart your 2025 travel plans early and include Samal Island on your must-visit list of island getaways and make Discovery Samal your perfect gateway to this paradise where you can visit and experience various nature activities such as marine parks and sanctuaries, and botanical gardens. 

DOT’s Philippine Experience Program now on KLOOK

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Klook Philippines on Wednesday (Jan. 15) formally signed a partnership that would make travel experience in the country more accessible for all, highlighting curated tour packages of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a flagship tourism program that was developed and launched under the Marcos Administration.

With the unveiling of the latest collaboration between the DOT and one of Asia’s leading platforms for experiences and travel services comes a pioneering roster of PEP tours on the platform offering tours across the country. It also aims to accelerate the digitalization of Philippine tourism.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at The Manila Hotel

As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join in the celebration of the Year of the Snake. Join the festivities and experience the rich traditions that may bring good fortune and joy to all.

Signature Tikoy for a Sweet Start

To honor this auspicious occasion, The Manila Hotel presents its signature Tikoy or Nian Gao until February 2, 2025. Available in two delightful flavors—Almond and Red Bean—these traditional Chinese New Year cakes make for a thoughtful gift or addition to the holiday feast. Each box is priced at Php 988 nett. Take advantage of the Early Bird Offer and enjoy a 30% discount with a minimum purchase of five (5) boxes for orders placed until January 19, 2025. For bulk orders made between January 20 and 31, 2025, the following discounts apply: 10% off for orders of 5 to 9 boxes, 15% off for orders of 10 to 19 boxes, and 20% off for orders of 20 boxes and more.

Discovery Invites Couples to Create Unforgettable Memories at the Getting Married Wedding Fair 2025

Have you ever imagined exchanging vows on a pristine beach, surrounded by crystal-clear waters or celebrating in an elegant ballroom overlooking the city skyline? The possibilities are endless at Discovery hotels and resorts! Find out how you can achieve marital bliss and have the wedding of your dreams at the Getting Married Wedding Fair 2025 on January 18 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 

The wedding fair presents an exclusive opportunity for couples to discover exceptional wedding packages, captivating venues, and extraordinary offers at some of the country's most sought-after destinations.

Hidden Gems in Japan and South Korea: Must-Visit Spots for Filipinos in 2025

Planning your next travel adventure? Japan and South Korea remain popular destinations, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Agoda noted that they are some of the countries most visited by Filipinos.  Interestingly, 2025 marks a year of exploration, with an Agoda survey revealing that 84% of travelers are eager to discover new destinations. This trend adds to the allure of exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path locations within Japan and South Korea, offering fresh experiences in these beloved destinations, especially if you’ve been here a couple of times.

For those seeking unique experiences away from the usual crowds, these spots in Japan and South Korea offer the perfect opportunity to explore something fresh and extraordinary. Both countries offer a blend of traditional and modern experiences that resonate deeply with Filipino travelers, who appreciate the accessibility, vibrant cities, and family-friendly attractions. For 2025, consider adding these hidden gems to your travel list for a unique and unforgettable experience.

GH Mall hosts first Lion Dance Competition with P100K grand prize for Chinese New Year

As we welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake this coming Chinese New Year, many are already preparing to celebrate this auspicious holiday. If you’re eager to experience the festivities early, GH Mall, in partnership with Pawchester and Huang Lion & Dragon Dance Group, is hosting the country’s first-ever Lion Dance Competition with a grand prize of P100,000 at the East Wing Atrium on January 19, 2025.

The exhilarating competition will feature 10 Lion Dance teams from the Chinese community. They will showcase their talent and creativity in adding their own flare to the well-known cultural performance. It will be a display of impressive acrobatic stunts, colorful props, and heart-thumping drum beats that GH Mall visitors shouldn’t miss.

The Lion Dance Competition will have five categories: Snake, Centipede, Bridge, Drunken, and Scorpion. 

“We're so excited to share our culture to everyone and for them to watch the lion dance performances for themselves. Our goal is to make this a yearly occasion during Chinese New Year, so we can continue bringing the community closer,” said Maine Uy, CEO of Pawchester.

Enhance your travel experience with PAL’s pre-flight meal ordering feature

Start your trip right with your preferred meals planned out ahead of time.  

With PAL’s newly launched online meal pre-ordering service, travelers can now pre-order meals the quick and easy way before they fly, via PAL’s website and mobile app.

Domestic dining – and International Meal Upgrades

Travelers on PAL’s domestic flights can use the online service to purchase delectable dishes curated by PAL’s culinary team. Economy Class and Premium Economy passengers on PAL’s international flights can likewise upgrade their inflight meals by pre-ordering online. Using the website or the mobile app, simply select and purchase your meal from the offerings on myPAL Flavors. 

Palawan Launches Travel and Trade Expo 2025 to Promote Domestic Tourism

Palawan is set to take center stage as the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel andTradeExpo 2025 unfolds from February 5 to 7, 2025, at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center. 

This event aims to inspire Filipinos to explore the wonders of Palawan, promoting domestictravel as a significant contributor to the local economy. 

It also aims to position Palawan as a must-visit destination for 2025, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism. It will feature exclusive travel deals, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities. 

Domestic Tourism: A Call to Action