DOT lauds Bohol's celebration of the annual Ubi Festival

The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds the Provincial Government of Bohol's efforts in setting up this year's annual Ubi Festival under the new normal. 

Running until February 24, the festival, which has been celebrated since 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam. The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.

As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. With this year's theme, “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” the festival aims to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers. 

DOT celebrates Boracay and Palawan inclusion in Condé Nast’s 25 Best Island Beaches in the World list

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates anew with the world as White Beach, Boracay and El Nido, Palawan place 2nd and 9th, respectively, in Condé Nast’s Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards list.

The inclusion of these two destination gems in the prestigious travel publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, is sheer recognition of their unparalleled beauty and uniquely diverse resources.

“We would like to thank the travelers who voted for our destinations. We draw inspiration from this warm reception and solid vote of confidence from our satisfied patrons. As our destinations gradually reopen with health and safety measures in place, we will continue our conservation and protection efforts of these areas,” remarked Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

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.