Category Archives: Tourism

Safe Travels Stamp for the Philippines

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This is good news for those who loves to travel. The Philippines has recently been awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

According to WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara, the Philippines is the 100th destination to be given an award. This means that “the 100 destinations are working together to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide.”

The specially designed stamp enables travellers to recognise destinations around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so they can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

This landmark move by WTTC also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The safe travels stamp is now also being used by many more major holiday destinations such as the Maldives, Bermuda, Namibia, Uganda and Montenegro.

WTTC, which is based in London, represents the global travel and tourism private sector.

Source: https://travelcommunication.net/destinations/wttc-celebrates-as-100-destinations-get-the-safe-travels-stamp/

The Newly-Renovated Lagusnilad Pedestrian Underpass

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Have you been to the newly rehabilitated Lagusnilad Underpass, lately? You would be amazed at how it looks now. It used to have graffiti-laden walls and dilapidated floors, but now it’s replaced by artistic murals.

Even if you were not from Manila, you would be proud to see how clean and green Lagusnilad underpass, which connects Intramuros to the Manila City Hall.

Photo credit: Dennis Gil

Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso led its soft opening on Monday (August 24, 2020).

The murals, according to reports, were created to boost awareness of Filipino art, history, and culture and to bring art to public places. The murals highlight important events in the Philippine history and vibrant photos of Manila’s landmarks, such as Jones Bridge and the New Binondo Chinatown Arch.

There is also a portion in the murals dedicated to frontline workers in the battle against COVID-19, such as medical and delivery workers.

Visitors and passersby would be delighted to see vertical gardens, and signages written in Baybayin to help people navigate the area.

An interactive info desk was placed to provide information about the city.

For those who worry about slippery floors especially the elders worry not. The city government used non-skid tiles for the commuters’ protection especially during the rainy season.

Photo credit: Richmond Chi

The underpass was also given ample lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

For those asking about the iconic Books from Underground, it gets to keep its place in the underpass. It was moved near the Manila City Hall entry/exit point of the underpass. The books are stacked in new bookshelves.

The renovation project worth P5 million was made possible by donations from private companies and national government agencies.

Lagusnilad rehabilitation is a collaboration of the city government with the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture alumni and faculty Arch. Juanito Malaga, John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz, Leon Centeno Tuazon; and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the underpass’ overall design.

The mural artists: Marianne Rios, Jano Gonzales, and Ianna Engano; while those who made the signages are Raven Angel Rivota, Edrian Garcia, and John Leyson. 

Source: mb.com.ph

Palawan Voted Best Island in the World Anew

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Thursday (July 9, 2020) the citation of Palawan as the Best Island in the World by renowned travel publication, Travel + Leisure.

“Palawan reclaimed its rightful place in the World’s Best Awards. The citation as the Best Island in the World is all the more important because this is voted upon by the readers of the prominent Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Puyat recently checked the readiness of Palawan, now a four-time winner of the world’s best island award.

Travel + Leisure writer Sara Clemence said, “though it’s difficult to reach from many parts of the world, once travelers get there they can dive in World War II wrecks, explore old-growth rain forests, and paddle one of the world’s longest subterranean rivers at Puerto Princesa”.

“The landscape and scenery are just gorgeous. It offers the most beautiful beaches, resorts, and scenery anywhere,” the travel magazine quoted a fan describing Palawan.

“It’s wonderful to see that our rehabilitation and sustainable development efforts last year, especially in El Nido and Coron, were well-received by tourists everywhere,” added Puyat.

Another popular destination in the Philippines, Boracay, made it to No. 14 in T+L’s World Best Island list and fifth in Asia this year.

This is the third citation reaped by the Philippines since community quarantines were enforced in various parts of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Forbes magazine earlier ranked the Philippines among the seven countries “that have the potential to become a major tourist destination in a post-COVID world’. Last month, Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) cited the Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan, as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the World.

Source: Travel + Leisure | The Top 25 Islands in the World