Secretary of Tourism Joseph “Ace” Durano said the charter group will also go out to other popular destinations in Cebu and in Bohol with main itineraries comprises of nature-based holidays, water sport adventures, as well as heritage and cultural tours.

“China continues to be the country’s key source market for inbound tourists. This new development assures us that the Department’s our initial talks with Shanghai-based travel operators a few years back is continuing to bear fruit,” Durano said. Read more…

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Nikita Osharov, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Pelagos Tours and Travel, said, “Russian people don’t know much about the Philippines and to increase their awareness of the country and its people, we invited them to come here.”

Pelagos is a Cebu-based travel agency that caters to Russian tourists who visit the country. The 15 travel agents, who represent travel agencies in Russia, arrived in Cebu on Monday as part of their familiarization tour of the Philippines. More…

Imperial Palace Waterpark and Spa General Manager Richie Kang said that they are hoping that the Department of Tourism would address the need for more flights coming in to Cebu.

Kang said during the weekly 888 news forum in Marco Polo Plaza Hotel that at present there are already flights from different airline companies like Korean Air however there is still a need for more. Continue…

Cokaliong won three major awards of the regional leg (Central Visayas) of the MASTERS.

It was chosen Vessel of the Year in the region, said Mardon Martin, supervising Maritime Industry (Marina) development specialist. Continue…

Cebu 440 Overture is an original composition by Nendel Endrina and played by the Asian troubadours. It was adopted as the theme song for the Cebu Province 440th year celebrations on august 2009. The slogan for the celebration was Cebu is One @ 440.

It was prominently played during the One cebu Expo, and in the various month long activities of Cebu Province and in the Cebu Capitol. This clip was taken at the culmination thanksgiving activity of Cebu provincial capitol.

Photo credits on video to Regel Zamora, Alex Badayos, Farl, Cebu Photo Gallery, Anakin, Rokbo2y and Ronal Suello.

This prompted Jenny Franco of Travelvision to urge the public and private sector to work together in ensuring a clean and protected environment in the province to sustain a regular influx of tourists.

Franco, also chairman of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies-Cebu chapter, will join the delegation of the Philippines in promoting the country’s
diving shops and spots in the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (Dema) Show 2009. Continue…

Cebu ranked no. 4 among Asian island destinations, according to Travel
+ Leisure magazine, which recently rleased the results of its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises in islands and cities all over the world.

No other Philippine city, island, resort, hotel, or airline made it to the listing in other categories.

The awards are based on the American magazine’s 14th Readers’ Poll survey conducted from mid-January to the end of March this year.

“An unprecedented number of new names and places made their debuts on this year’s list, sometimes unseating longtime favorites,” says Travel + Leisure editor in chief Nancy Novogrod. Read more…

Bantayan Island has successfully defended its title by winning the Pasigarbo sa Subgo 2009 Ritual and Showdown contest. The grand prize of Dance Ritual Showdown is 1 million pesos while the streetdancing competitions is 500 thousand pesos. The awarding ceremonies will be held at the CICC tonight.

The following are the Final List of Winners:

More photos on Cebu Pictures Gallery

For the Ritual @ Showdown Competitions
1st Place – Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu
2nd Place – Ani-anihan Festival of Tabuelan Cebu
3rd Place – Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu
4th Place – Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City Cebu
5th Place – Soli-soli Festival of San Francisco Camotes
6th Place- Bonga Festival of Sibonga Cebu
7th Place- Pamujuan of Pinamungajan Cebu
8th Place – Kinhason Festival of Sta. Fe Cebu
9th Place – Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City Cebu
10th Place – Siloy Festival of Alcoy Cebu

StreetDancing Competitions
1st place- Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu
2nd place- Banig Festival of Badian Cebu
3rd place- Kagasangan Festival of Moalboal Cebu
4th place- Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City Cebu
5th place- Kinsan Festival of Aloguinsan Cebu
6th place- Bonga Festival of Sibonga
7th place- Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu
8th place- Inasal Festival of Talisay City Cebu

Special Awards.. Best In Costume
1st place- Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu
2nd place- Soli-soli Festival of San Francisco Camotes
3rd place- Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City Cebu
4th place- Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu
5th place- Banig Festival of Badian Cebu

Best In Andas
1st place- Ani-anihan Festival of Tabuelan Cebu
2nd place- Tubod Festival of Tuburan Cebu
3RD place- Banig Festival of Badian Cebu
4TH place- Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu
5TH place- Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu

Best in Audio Van
1ST place- Utanon Festival Dalaguete Cebu
2ND place- Ani-anihan Festival of Tabuelan Cebu
3RD place- Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu
4TH place- Tubod Festival of Tuburan Cebu
5TH place- Banig Festival of Badian Cebu

Pasigarbo Sa Sugbo Festival Queen 2009


1st place- Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan Cebu
2nd place- Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island Cebu
3rd place- Mantawi Festival of Mandaue Cebu City

Cebu has come to be known for its craftsmanship, its hospitality, its ingenuity, its fiesta celebrations, its distinct flavours, and of course, its beaches. Cebu is all that BUT much more Synergy between these diverse industries. NOW demand for unity, galvanizing Cebu towards a common and united direction – and this is ONE CEBU! ONE CEBU is a movement bringing all of Cebu’s pride to one home ONE stands for Obra Negosyo Expo where Cebu’s local products and services are showcased for the local and global market. CEBU stands for Countryside Enterprise Business Upliftment, which is the catalyst to harness the creativity through skills training of small entrepreneurs in the countryside for global competitiveness. ONE CEBU was launched last August 8, 2008 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) during Cebu Province’s 439th Founding Anniversary. It is a movement led by the Province of Cebu, and is a coming together of the different industry associations – the Cebu Furniture Industries Federation (CFIF), Gifts Toys and Housewares (GTH), Fashion Accessories (FAME), Hotels Restaurants Resorts (HRRAC), Business Chambers, Spa, Wellness Association of Cebu (SWAC), and the local government units of the province. But more than a movement, ONE CEBU is a vision championed by the Cebu Governor Hon. Gwendolyn Garcia, and the aspirations of a progressive province intent to showcase to the world its successes and creative products. ONE CEBU is the realization of a vision – the coming together of a people steeped in tradition, yet at the same time, a people who embrace diversity, a people ready for the global center stage.

1 Cebu Expo will highlight the following:

Furniture

The Cebu furniture industry is recognized as the furniture capital of the Philippines, producing world class furniture and designs.

Home Accessories

Cebu home decors and accessories are fast gaining recognition and popularity in the local and international market for their ingenuity, innovative and quality designs.
Hospitality

Cebu is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, rich heritage, food and warm Visayan welcome.

Wellness

Cebu hosts a large number of spa facilities, specialty clinics, and a network of public and private hospitals that can facilitate recovery and relaxation – the Cebuano way.

Festival Tourism

Cebu is known as the Festival Island of the Philippines. Tourists, both foreign and domestic celebrate and join the festivities to get a feel and discover the warm hospitality, culture and traditions of the Cebuano’s.

Destinations

The Province of Cebu continues to promote and highlight the island’s destinations and cultural heritage sites. Popular for its world class beaches, fabulous dive spots, marine & bird sanctuaries and more!

Events and Celebrations

Cebu boasts of talented and creative designers, event planners and suppliers as well as world-class venues for every event imaginable – concerts, conferences, weddings and more!

Fashion Accessories

Cebu is a rich source of natural talent and materials to create world class quality products and designs bringing recognition and prestige to the Cebuano craftsmanship and artistry.

Everyone is invited to participate and attend the 1 Cebu Expo from August 7 to 15, 2009 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

(PGOC)

The Cebu is One @440 is the opening salvo of the Mandaue Business Month, and will be held at the Ayala Terraces on August 3 starting on 7:30 in the evening.

It is the start of August celebrations which primarily highlights 3 events – the 440th Celebration of the Cebu Province, the 40th Charter anniversary of Mandaue City,
and the 44th year of the Mandaue chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It promises to be an evening of Cebuano music, dance and fashion.

Performers from the Mandaue School of the Arts, the Mandaue Children’s Choir ( which recently won in the World Choir Championships in Korea) , Mandaue Integrated Dance Company, as well as popular Cebuano diva Raki Vega, and the Asian Troubadours will highlight the show.

The Asian Troubadours will play 8 Visayan songs. The Asian Troubadours , headed by businessman Wilson Ng, assembled 7 local musicians, and for the last few weeks have been researching, rearranging, and recording selected Visayan songs to highlight our own culture for the anniversary. They also composed an original song, the Cebu 440 Overture, which was presented to the Cebu Capitol as the theme song of the province’s celebration. Since the 440th anniversary is also marked by a big
business mission from Russia, they have also compiled 4 Russian songs. These 8 Visayan and 4 Russian Songs have been recorded into a CD and dubbed as the Commemorative 440th Cebu Foundation CD, and the first copy will be presented to Cebu Governor that night.

“It was only recently that I started to appreciate Visayan music.” , says Ng. ” We hope that by recording it with an orchestral band, we will make these melodies be more appreciated not only by us Visayans, but people from all over the world.”

Another highlight is the Cebu is One Fashion Walk of Solidarity which will be participated by leading businessmen and government officials. Officers from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as other chambers of commerce, One Cebu Council, HRRAC, GTH, PRA, Wedding planners association, Cebu Health and Wellness Assoc, Cebu Furniture Industries Association, the tour and travels association as well as from the various towns and government officers have confirmed that they will walk the ramp for a greater and One Cebu.

At present, “Travel and Beyond” showcases Caraga Region’s travel products, hotel and airline offers, festivals, events, destinations and theme parks. More…

The one-hour activity this March 28 has gained wider support from local government units, business establishments, residents of exclusive subdivisions and the police force this year.

Earth Hour is the global environmental advocacy to switch off lights for one hour on the last Saturday of March. This event started in Sydney, Australia two years ago. Continue…

Now on its 5th year, this event is fully supported by the Department of Tourism, Province of Cebu, and the City of Cebu.

Catch over 100 exhibitors representing exciting products and services from around the world, plus, avail oneself of 50 percent discount on on-site purchases, win free accommodation and tickets in the raffle draws, and avail oneself of special discounts on local and international packages. Read more…

See more photos on Cebu Pictures Gallery

With the theme, “One People, One Destiny”, ONE Visayas was officially open yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center also the venue of the 12th ASEAN Summit held last 2006. The opening ceremonies started with a Holy Mass at 9:00 in the morning followed by the offering of symbols represented by three regions as well as the unveiling of different exhibits all over the CICC. Senator Mar Roxas was the guest speaker of the said event.

DOT Secretary Ace Durano, DOT 7- Director Dawnie Roa, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Hon. Mayor Jonas Cortes and leaders from 16 Visayas provinces(Aklan, Biliran, Guimaras, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Orriental, Antique, Cebu, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northen Samar, Siquijor, Leyte, Bohol, Iloilo and Capiz) unite at the Cebu International Convention Center to promote tourism products, arts and crafts, delicacies and specialties and cultural presentation of their respective town and provinces.

In the afternoon, 12 contigents from different regions showcased the street dancing and followed by “pasigarbo”/”pasundayag” , cultural show in the evening at the ground of CICC.

This 8-day event will highlight Visayas’ seven arts namely, architecture, dance, theater, music, visual arts, literature and film, arts and craft, tourism products, festivals and culinary arts. The following schedule are as follows:

Each festival day will highlight one form of art in the Visayas. Theater Arts will be featured on March 2 and to be showcased are “Komedya”, kasanag batok sa sugal of Antique; “Dagohoy, the Musical” of Bohol; and “Inodoro,” musical production on waste management of Calbayog City.

For March 3, Literature, Theater and Dance will be highlighted. To be presented are “West Visayan Maritime Traditions” lecture by Dr. Alicia Magos of Antique; “Mystical Siquijor” lecture on healing arts by Dr. Virgie Miquialba; “Calbayog Lakub” pasundayag san local nga arte, kutura ug bahandi for Samar province; and Dance Concert, Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company of Tacloban City, Leyte.

Dance will be featured on March 4 and the presentations will include Folk Arts Dance Concert of Capiz; “Poseidon” by Teatro Amorseko of Negros Occidental; and Balangiga Encounter 1901of Eastern Samar.

Music will be the tune of the day on March 5 with the “Tunog Karay-a” and “OKM Concert” of Antique; Sopranos of Capiz; and a lecture on “Cebuano Languages as Heritage” by Dr. Erlinda Alburo. This will be followed by a book launch: “A Dictionary of Bisayan Arts, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Waray,” with the author, Dr. Alburo.

In the evening of March 5, the “Pasundayag, Kulturang Southern Leyte” will be presented with the music of Mike Hanopol.

March 6 will feature Architecture and Fine Arts and showcased will be the “Heritage Sites and Structures of Cebu” lecture by Arc. Melva Java; “Marketing for Artists” lecture by Dr. Ed Hallar; buyers night and cocktails.

March 7 will feature Visual Arts and other forms of arts while March 8 will feature the closing ceremonies.

Visit ONE Visayas, ONE People, ONE Destiny” starting March 1-8 at the CICC and tell us your experience! Mabuhi and taga Visayas!

Source: Manila Bulletin
Photo by: CeBu CeBoom CeBlog

It’s still February and everyone is excited to plan their vacation as early as today! If you don’t have plan yet , here’s my top 5 suggested places to visit and activities to do at affordable and enjoyable summer!

1. Visit Lapu-Lapu shrine… then go and look at the Magellan’s cross
2. If you’re a historian, visit the Casa Gorordo Museum and Fort San Pedro.
3. Try Islands Banca Cruises with your groups at affordable prices! Swim or snorkel in crystal waters. Dive amidst amazing corals and sea life. Watch birds and dolphins. Feed fish. Surf. Kayak. Scuba dive in Mactan channel and swim across to Olango Island.
4. Climb Osmeña’s peak in Mantalungon, south of Cebu. Northwest from the summit, you can view the Badian shorelines and the Badian Island. Northwest, the beaches of Moalboal: Panagsama whitesand shorelines, connects Badian. Southeast from the summit, you can see the remaining vegetable farms of Mantalungon.
5. Spend a night at the Mountain View or tops.

Just a quick note, make sure you bring your entire friends and family to enjoy this summer. Just drop us a note if where would you love to go this summer in the beautiful island of Cebu and we’re happy to give you more info on it.

Contrary to the anticipated slowdown in the tourism
industry brought about by the global economic crisis, more tourists are
expected to come to this year’s Sinulog compared to the previous years.

Representatives from different travel agencies and officials of
travel organizations attested that this year, throngs of international
and domestic tourists will still come for the celebration of the
Sinulog Mardi Gras.

National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS)-Cebu
Chapter Chairman and Travelvision managing director Jenny Franco said
that Sinulog is always an anticipated event especially by Filipino
balikbayans from different parts of the world. More…