TOURISM-RELATED NEWS

SYNOPSIS

CODE

PUBLICATION

Photo: Gordon, new PATA Chairman

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon (center) joins other Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) officials during the 52^nd PATA Annual Conference last April 13 in Bali Indonesia. The summit was attended by more than 900 tourism professionals led by Tourism ministers and top level government officials of PATA member countries.

I

MB, p. B-8

Intamuros – You’ve Got To Be Here!

Lanao del Norte brings its rich culture to Intramuros

The treasures of the “Pasundayag”  (with photos)

Aside from showing famous tourism attractions in Intramuros, Lanao del Norte Province has brought its unique rich culture to the City of Manila last April 8 for a one-day “Festival Showdown” in the History Town of Intramuros as part of the Northern Mindanao “Best of the Regions” presentation. Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon together with Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo and Representative Abdullah Dimaporo graced the opening of the Province to show the public what makes Lanao del Norte peculiar and distinct from the other provinces of the Philippines.

I

MB, p. B-6

The Acoustic Vibe of the Secretary’s Garden

A bit further from the crowds of the Clamshell Tent, past the vibrant concerts and parties of the Baluarte Plano Luneta de Sta. Isabel, lies a secret garden, The Secretary’s Garden to be exact. With either a soloist, dueo or trio holding court with acoustic guitars and other string instruments, spectators are treated to folk, jazz and classical music in a laid black, open air venue. To find the place, one should only follow the mellow voice and clear guitar strums drifting along General Luna Street.

I

MB, p. B-6

Photo: Opening of Northern Mindanao’s “Pasundayag” in Intramuros

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon joins well wishers from Northern Mindanao led by DoT Region 10 director Doty Pabayo. PGMA celebrated her birthday during the opening of Northern Mindanao’s “Pasundayag” in Intramuros.

I

MB, p. B-6

DOT’s World of Weddings

Secretary Richard J. Gordon announced the DOT in cooperation with Themes and Motifs and WeddingAtWork.com is set to launch the biggest wedding fair in the country on April 26 and 27 at the Gardens of the World in Paskuhan Village, San Fernando City, Pampanga. The wedding fair will feature at least 200 of the best national and local wedding serviced providers, including major catering service providers, fashion designers, photographers, videographers, florists and cake makers.

I

PDI, p. B10

PTA crisis affects infra projects

The Philippine Tourism Authority’s worsening leadership crisis has stopped the implementation of the agency’s P741.3 million infrastructure projects. The country’s government unions have appealed to the Court of Appeals to act with dispatch in resolving the months-old case questioning the legality of the appointment of Robert Dean Barbers as PTA General Manager.

I

MS, p. 15

Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle columnist: Deedee M. Siytangco

On the local tourism scene – have you made “pasyal” to historic Intramuros lately? Well, if you haven’t yet, please do, and bring the whole family! Most of the Walled City has been lighted up by Tourism boss Dick Gordon and some civic-minded  friends. We wish all of the Walled City can be included in the lighting project, but what has been accomplished so far has been delightful! Congratulation, Secretary Dick! The areas included in the WOW Philippines year-round program are walkable, clean and well-lighted.

I

MB, p. D-3

Quarantine not a human rights issue says Gloria

President Arroyo yesterday said quarantine procedures against the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory  Syndrome (SARS)  should not be made a human rights issue, adding government will “balance strict sanctions with humane measures.” On the other hand, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon urged the departments of health, tourism and transportation to come up with a program requiring mandatory disinfection of facilities and vehicles and their contents servicing international tourists.

I

M, pp. 1, 6

Bangus festival kicks off today in Dagupan

Dagupan City -- The formal opening of the eight-day Bangus Festival 2003 which also features international and national events to be witnessed by national government officials led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kicks off today here. Highlighting the weeklong (April 26 to May 3) festivities is the ground-breaking of the country’s “most modern bangus processing plant” in Barangay Bonuan Binloc as part of the city’s P3-billion bangus export program to be witnessed by Pres. Arroyo herself and other prominent government officials on May 1.

I

PJ, p. 12

PDI, p. A14

Dagupan makes 2^nd Guinness attempt  (with photo)

Dagupan City – Malacañang has declared May 2 as a special day here as the city attempts again to break the Guinness record for the longest barbecue during its second Bangus Festival, which kicks off today. Proclamation No. 356, signed by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, cited Dagupan’s bid to gain the title as the world’s “bangus capital” through the festival which coincides with the Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) along the Lingayen Gulf coastline.

I

PS, p. 20

Boracay continues to reign as RP’s No. 1 tourist destination (with photo)

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan – This beautifully nature-designed island continued to reign as the country’s no. 1 tourist destination as posted through actual arrivals, foreign and local. Both the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council and the Philippine Tourism Authority-Malay Office, along with the Boracay Foundation, Inc. confirmed the scored of thousands of arrivals since December last year. The bigger bulk of visitors, however is now being felt this summertime, said Malay Mayor Ceciron “Dodong” Cawaling a native of this island.

I

PDI, p. A16

Binirayan fest: Journey to Antiqueños’ past (with photo)

Antiqueños once again journey to their past in this year’s celebration of the Binirayan festival. From today up to Tuesday, the people of this province will showcase their art, culture, indigenous products and proud heritage. The festival will feature exhibits and presentations that hopefully will help unite the people who have suffered years of poverty and violence-prone political strife.

I

PDI, p. A16

Proposed international airport in Caticlan to boost tourism in Boracay

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo tasked Philippine Tourism Authority general manager Robert Dean S. Barbers to spearhead the development of Boracay Island into an international premier tourist destination during consultations with the Boracay Community at Casa Pilar, Boracay Island last month. Barely four months in office, President Arroyo entrusted Barbers with the expansion of Caticlan Airport into an international airport to make the island more accessible to foreign travelers and the influx of foreign investment. Hassle-free direct flights from abroad to Aklan and other tourist destinations in Boracay would pave the way for President Arroyo’s vision of creating a nautical highway to the world class and fine beaches on Boracay Island.

I

MS, p. 17

Libya, Turkey apologize for advisory

Libya and Turkey apologize to the Philippines yesterday – Tripoli  for banning Filipino workers and Ankara for advising Turkish nationals not to travel to the Philippines – because of SARS, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Delia Albert said. Turkey has withdrawn its travel advisory, she added. The Philippines yesterday filed a diplomatic protest with Libya over a ban on hiring Filipino workers because of SARS, and with Turkey over a travel advisory related to the illness.

I

PS, p. 8

Don’t fear state of lawlessness in Davao – Arroyo

says declaration won’t affect tourism business in the city

Anxieties were rising and it was all confusing during the last few days, hundred of businessman in the city heaved a sign of relief when President Gloria Macapagal arroyo sat down with their early this week at the Marco Polo Hotel and assured them that there was no direct declaration of a state of lawless violence in Davao City.

I

MB, p. I-4

SARS of concern SARS of Concern (Editorial)

Untill the other day, Tourism and Health officials were boldly insisting we were SARS-free. Now, the threat of SARS epidemic engulfing the entire nation can not be brushed aside. Because not much is known of the killer disease, no one can say for sure whether or not it can be contained soon. We can only hope and pray the situation does not worsen to something similar to the 1918 flu epidemic that broke out in Spain and killed 20 million people worldwide.

H

MS, p. 12

RP ‘no longer SARS-free,’ say Dayrit DOH: Three cases from abroad, one local

After insisting for the days that certain persons afflicted with atypical pneumonia were merely “probable” SARS cases, Heatlh Secretary Dayrit announced yesterday that the Philippines was “no longer a SARS-free country.”

H

PDI, pp. 1,18

2-day holiday for stateworkers

Government employees are up to another long weekend as President Macapagal-Arroyo has declared not only Labor Day but also May 2 as official holiday. The declaration of May 2 as special non-working holiday was in view of the holiday economic policy of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration which extends regular holidays over the weekend especially when it falls near the weekend.

I

PJ, p. 10

4-day vacation coming up for gov’t workers

Related story above.

I

PDI, pp. A1,

A17

Another 4-day break

Related story above.

I

M, p. 1

Three-day weekend next week

Related story above.

I

MS, p. 2

2-day holiday

Related story above.

I

AB, p. 3