Discovering Pinas

Bohol may be best known for the famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, century-old churches, and the iconic tarsier, but a small town within this pristine province proves that it goes beyond the typical must-sees listed in travel guidebooks.

Following its commitment to bring Philippine tourism beyond the usual destinations and attractions, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is strongly pushing for sustainable, community-based travel, increasing employment and boosting grassroots-led tourism efforts that enjoin everyone in the whole locality.

Secretary Ace Durano commended the endeavors initiated by the people of Danao, appreciating what they have, and actively promoting eco-adventures in their area.  “Danao is a fourth-class municipality with first-rate leadership and first-class tourism experience.  Bohol’s natural beauty, matched with adventurous, creative minds, is reason enough for their huge growth potential in ecotourism.”

The Danao Adventure Park, recently inaugurated on its Charter Day, offers eco-thrills including the Suislide – their kilometer-long zipline, Sky Ride or cable car, and the canyon swing – dubbed The Plunge, which launches you to do a giant swing from a drop of 200 meters below – the first in the country.

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The 8th Filipino Franchise Show will be held this coming September 4-6, 2009 at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. It will showcase the Philippines’ most responsible and most promising Filipino franchisors today.
For free entrance, please register online at www.franchiseshowphilippines.com.

Globe’s Kadakwento is a story about seven friends, a story of their friendship. Kada Kwento consists of five (2 released) short films (3-5 minutes long). The short film is about their indifferences, their ambitions, their funny moments as friends. You can watch these videos here. I’m sure you’ll all relate to what the actors are portraying in the films. Watch it with your friends.

Sumilon is a small island in the southeastern part of Cebu. It is a part of the municipality of Oslob, Cebu. I’ve been to Oslob once in my college days. We went to this museum house full of antiques, images of saints, Salvador Dali paintings (replicas) and Faberge eggs. They say you can hire a pump boat from Oslob and cross the strait separating Cebu and Negros to reach Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. But little is known about this secluded island called Sumilon. What I do know is it’s an island worth going. It’s one of Cebu’s best kept secrets.

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The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River slips to number 2 on the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) poll, prompting the Department of Tourism (DOT) to appeal for support from voters.  The Philippine entry is vying for the top spot, which is currently occupied by the Amazon River, among other 54 nominees under the category of Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves.

There are currently 261 nominees from all over the globe, competing in 7 different categories, only 77 of which will remain after voting ends in July 7, 2009.  The campaign is at its second of three stages.

Palawan Underground River

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Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s new desserts were introduced by none other than Discovery Travel and Living World Asia’s star Bobby Chinn. The Egyptian-Chinese chef entertained the crowd in CBTL Boni High Street branch with his comedic talent while introducing the new desserts. Some of the desserts that I fancy are the Chicago Cheesecake, Camembert Oreo Cheese Tart, Choco Fudge, and Warm Chocolate Cake.

Head on to your nearest Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch now and try these new beauties.

Camembert Oreo Cheese Tart and Chicago Cheesecake

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