Lahar 4×4 Racing More Fun In The Philippines

mtpinatubo1It was an exciting weekend, after 9 months I was back to trekking/mountain climbing again. That weekend trip was a long-time plan, we had the tour purchased last year but since our schedules didn’t jive, it took several months before we came up with the tour date. And on Saturday (March 2, 2013) the date we long waited for happened, a trip to Mt. Pinatubo.

Mt. Pinatubo is known for its eruption in 1991 which was named as the 2nd largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century. It originally stands 1,745 meters before the eruption and currently measured at 1,486 meters. It is located in Central Luzon bordering the 3 provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga.

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DOT unveiled its newest It’s More Fun in the Philippines TV Ad

The Department of Tourism yesterday unveiled its latest TV ad in connection with its banner tourism campaign It’s More Fun in the Philippines.

The TV commercial dubbed as the “Lovers” projects The Philippines as a new major wedding and lover’s haven. Shot at one of the best beaches in the country and the world, Boracay. The latest TV ad shows a romantic couple wherein the man proposes marriage to her girlfriend using colorful boats.

In an interview, DOT Secretary Mon Jimenez said, Philippines has becoming a favorite place for weddings and honeymoons. With our world class beach resorts and hotels, many foreign tourist are enticed to visit the country to personally experience that romantic feeling. That is why this commercial was created, to encourage more more tourist to come over and experience why “Romance is more fun in the Philippines”.

The TV ad is set to be shown in line with the coming Valentine’s season also according to Jimenez.

Our Philippines is moving forward

THE PHILIPPINES MOVES FORWARD (HD) from Francisco “Kit” Reyes on Vimeo.

With the back to back record highs of the Philippine Stock Market, the great economic growth evidenced by good rise in the country’s GDP, the upgrades on credit ratings by several credit rating agencies and increase in tourist arrivals, these are just some facts pointing towards Philippines’ vibrant economy in this coming years. There is no doubt that the Philippines is in the positive zone of growth for this year 2013 and beyond. The “Sick man of Asia” is now cured and is ready to conquer again the Asian or even the World economy as it is then.

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Arabela, a delighful escape from the Metro

Liliw, Laguna is well-known for its beautiful and affordable tsinelas. Their tsinelas industry gave them the name in the footwear industry of the Philippines. And with that strong tsinelas market, Liliw Tsinelas Festival became a yearly celebration in the town during the month of April.

But Liliw is not only about tsinelas, shoes or sandals, they also have a small but terrible treasure worthy to be discovered especially by the foodies.

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Pre-Halloween experience at Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Last weekend, me and my 2 friends went on a joy ride to Laguna and Quezon Province. It was sunny morning when we depart from Manila down south. We trailed the South Luzon Expressway then Maharlika Highway up to San Pablo City. It was on that area that the weather started to become gloomy. And we’re not mistaken as it started to drizzle until we reach Nagcarlan, Laguna. Because it was their first time in the area, I told them to drop by the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery which is just along the highway.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is the only underground public cemetery in the country making it unique and worthy to visit. It has been declared as National Historical Landmark on July 11, 1978 by the National Historical Institute through Presidential Decree 1505. The underground cemetery is believed to be used by the Katipuneros in 1986 as their meeting place thus earning it the historical landmark. The NUC is a walled area with large beautifully managed lawn inside. There is also a small church inside used before for the final blessing of the dead before laying them to the tombs located under it. The tombs are located 15 feet under the chapel and there are more or less 30 tombs available there. The tombs are is lighted by small incandescent bulbs which makes it more dramatic. While other confined places are hot the underground cemetery is cold.

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Philippines ranked 6th among fastest growing economies

Among the world economies, Knight Frank and Citi Private Wealth’s 2012 Wealth Report predicted the Philippines to be one of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world.

According to their research, Philippines will be the 6th fastest growing economy in the world between the years 2010-2050. They have predicted 7.3% GDP growth for the Philippines in those years.

Citi research also sees that developing Asia’s share of world real GDP will increase to 49% in 2050 from 27% in 2010. They also predicted China to overtake US as the world’s largest economy by 2020. But India will overtake China by 2050.

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Want to travel the World? Visit the Philippines

Who would not want to travel the world and see the beautiful spots each country has to offer? I know everyone of us wants to go places and experience the beauty and wonders of other countries. But what if you can find it in one place or one country?

I was happy to find this pictures in Facebook showing different tourism sites in the world which are akin to what we have here in the Philippines.

Not only are the great places compared to the rest of the world but also Catholic Churches. Churches that boasts great architectural works of art and are considered heritage sites.

Because of the sudden popularity of this campaigns which was also  imitated by other Asian Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, I took time to make my own version. And this is my contribution to our campaign #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines.

Philippines is really rich in wonders and beautiful tourist spots that are just there to be discovered. So if you want to travel the world consider visiting the Philippines and experience what fun really means. People, places, foods and many others, Its More Fun In the Philippines.

Jessica Sanchez, The People’s Idol, Pinoy Unity Ambassador

She may not have won the title of American Idol but Jessica definitely gained the stars of her own. Singing her way to the finals, she was able to once again raise the pride of the Filipino people. Being a Filipina-Mexican immigrant in the US, 16 year old Jessica made Filipinos glued to their TV screens every time she sings and competes in the American Idol stage. Her dreams and aspirations became source of inspiration to many people especially Pinoys here and in the U.S.

Since childhood she was already accustomed to performing in front of many people. At her early age she was already joining several singing competitions which helped her hone her vocal skills. She in fact also competed in America’s Got Talent but she wasn’t able to advanced into the finals.

During her American Idol journey, she became an early favorite, getting several standing ovation performances from the audience and the Idol judges. She also experienced some trips to the bottom 3 and her elimination in the Top 7 which was derailed by the judges 1-time saving power. From then on she proved to be the girl to beat as she became the only female contender in the top 3 and eventually entering the finals. Her ascension to stardom is really something that inspires aspiring singers and other dreamers, that dreams really do come true to those who are persistent and determined.

But what’s more notable about Sanchez’ journey is the unity that was again shown by the Filipinos. This is evident by the resounding online campaigns for Jessica for her not to be eliminated in the competition. It can be compared to how Pinoys are supporting every bouts of Manny Pacquiao. The competition which is ought to be among American’s only became another battle of races as Filipinos in and outside the U.S. went out their way to throw their support for Jessica. Indeed it was another shining moment for Pinoy Pride, because for some time we became united again to support a Kababayan. Just like with Pacman’s fights, several free viewings of the Idol Finale were slated in Manila and other parts of the country as a show of support for Jessica. Filipino community in the U.S. were also united in campaigning for her. Numerous voting parties were organized by the Filipino communities to attract more votes for her. It was indeed a united Philippines in support of the Filipina Jessica.

It’s really happy to see Pinoys united for the sake of another Kababyan. How I wish it’s always Pacquiao Day or Jessica Day, so we can always see this unity among us. Now that we knew that unity among Filipinos is not an impossible thing, hope we can try this everyday to push for the improvement and development of this country. Jessica maybe an icon or symbol of unity but can’t we, each one of us be that symbol or unifying factor for our own’s best interest? If we can do it with Pacquiao or Jessica, it’s not impossible to do it for our family and for the future generations of this country. Let our future became our inspiration to become unified in pushing for a better Philippines.

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“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”- J.K. Rowling