DOT Aims at $6.6 B Japanese Wedding Market

The Department of Tourism DOT) has been working to take part in the estimated $6.6 billion Japanese wedding market.

The initial step to tap the Japanese wedding market began last September 18 – 21 when the Department participated in the Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) World Tourism Congress and Travel Fair 2008 held at the Conference Tower of Tokyo Big Sights in Tokyo, Japan.

Based on several published articles, reports from the Japan Tourism Board, Japanese couples who hold their weddings abroad spend an average of ¥1,474,400.00 or $15,930.00 for the entire package. Couples spend an average of ¥566,000 or $6,115.00 for air fare and accommodations and another ¥215,000 or $2,320.00 for their wedding outfits. These couples spend as much as ¥791,000 or $8,550.00 for the wedding details. Most Japanese couples prefer beach and island destinations, making the country a possible venue for their special day.

DOT Secretary Ace Durano has made Cebu as the wedding capital for Japanese couples. Aside from the Queen City of the South, other destinations in the Philippines which include Boracay, Bohol and Davao are being marketed by the Department as a wedding destination.

In response, Dir. Benito Bengzon Jr, head of DOT Team Japan, said, during his interview with the press, "Compared to other countries, the Philippines offers a complete array of quality wedding products and services at a reasonable cost. Our magnificent views and picturesque beaches also offer the perfect mood and setting for weddings.” He adds, “We are certain the Philippines is indeed an attractive and ideal wedding location for Japanese couples; our beach resorts all have the necessary services such as experienced wedding coordinators which effectively caters to the needs of the clients.”

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Manila Bulletin. RP wants bigger slice of 6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Posted October 14, 2008) Retrieved December 8, 2008 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/10/14/TOUR20081014137904.html

Philippine Daily Inquirer. RP to get bigger slice of $6.6 billion Japan wedding market (Published November 2, 2008)

Business World. Manila targets Japan’s $6.6-B wedding mart (Vol. XXII, No. 54) p. 6/S1
Posted at GMANews.tv at
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/126150/Manila-targets-Japans-66-B-wedding-mart

Tips for a Lucky Wedding in 2009

As 2008 comes to a close, most of us would start consulting Feng Shui experts and clairvoyants about their predictions for 2009. Common questions would be “Will this be a prosperous or difficult year?”, “What are the lucky dates to do business this year?” and others. For couples who are starting to prepare for their wedding, your concern would be “What are the auspicious dates and lucky colors for weddings in 2009?"

LUCKY COLORS

Whether it’s an extravagant celebration or an intimate occasion, you see to it that every detail of your special day is well taken care of. You may want to pay attention to the theme and color motif of your wedding. Based on Feng Shui, colors should produce harmony between the bride (Yin) and the groom (Yang). Furthermore, black, the color of Yin in the Tai-Chi symbol, represents a woman while white, the color of Yang, represents a man. Their respected energies should harmonize with their partner’s energy. To do so, one has to bear his or her opposite color. This is why a man usually wears a black suit and a woman wears a white dress during their wedding.

Yin Yang symbol Image courtesy of George Maxwell, Wikimedia.org

Aside from personal colors, the color of your environment may affect your relationship in the future. Creating a color palette that conveys a positive energy may contribute to marital happiness. Here are some color combinations and their meanings.

Represents Yin and Yang:

• Red and Pink
• Dark Blue and Light Blue
• Purple and Lavender
• Dark Green and Light Green
• Purple and White

Other Combinations:

• Black and white - male and female, harmony
• Red and green – happiness, luck and success (Great for Christmas weddings)
• Yellow (ochre) and red - perfect feng shui pairing for harmony, good social standing, and wealth
• Metallic colors (white, silver, gray, gold) with yellow - creativity/children
• Green and blue - prosperity, growth, good health and wealth
• Blue with metal colors – peace and prosperity
• Black and green - wealth, growth and longevity

SAVE THE DATE

As for dates, the auspicious dates for weddings depend on several factors. One is your Chinese birth signs, represented by the 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig); the other is the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). 2009 is the Year of the Earth Ox. This year may be advantageous or may be challenging depending on yours and your partner’s birth signs. But generally, here are the fair and lucky dates to get married in 2009.

Lucky Dates

January January 3, 2009 January 9, 2009 January 15, 2009 January 21, 2009 January 25, 2009 January 28, 2009 February February 6, 2009 February 15, 2009 February 18, 2009 February 21, 2009 February 27, 2009 March March 2, 2009 March 16, 2009 March 18, 2009 April April 6, 2009 April 9, 2009 April 22, 2009 May May 8, 2009 May 16, 2009 May 20, 2009 June June 14, 2009 June 19, 2009 June 25, 2009 June 26, 2009

July July 8, 2009 July 20, 2009 July 26, 2009 August August 1, 2009 August 2, 2009 August 8, 2009 August 11, 2009 August 14, 2009 September September 9, 2009 September 20, 2009 September 21, 2009 September 30, 2009 October October 2, 2009 October 12, 2009 October 25, 2009 October 28, 2009 November November 15, 2009 November 19, 2009 November 21, 2009 December December 25, 2009 December 26, 2009 December 28, 2009 December 29, 2009

Fair Days

January January 1, 2009 January 5, 2009 January 7, 2009 January 10, 2009 January 13, 2009 January 17, 2009 January 19, 2009 January 24, 2009 January 31, 2009 February February 5, 2009 February 7, 2009 February 9, 2009 February 16, 2009 February 19, 2009 March March 1, 2009 March 4, 2009 March 6, 2009 March 9, 2009 March 10, 2009 March 13, 2009 March 15, 2009 March 22, 2009 March 25, 2009 March 28, 2009 March 29, 2009 April April 7, 2009 April 10, 2009 April 13, 2009 April 15, 2009 April 16, 2009 April 17, 2009 April 19, 2009 April 21, 2009 April 26, 2009 May May 3, 2009 May 7, 2009 May 10, 2009 May 11, 2009 May 15, 2009 May 19, 2009 May 21, 2009 May 22, 2009 May 26, 2009 May 28, 2009 May 29, 2009 May 30, 2009 June June 2, 2009 June 4, 2009 June 5, 2009 June 7, 2009 June 8, 2009 June 10, 2009 June 11, 2009 June 13, 2009 June 16, 2009 June 22, 2009 June 28, 2009

July July 4, 2009 July 5, 2009 July 10, 2009 July 14, 2009 July 17, 2009 July 23, 2009 July 30, 2009 August August 4, 2009 August 9, 2009 August 21, 2009 August 23, 2009 August 26, 2009 August 27, 2009 August 29, 2009 August 30, 2009 September September 4, 2009 September 10, 2009 September 14, 2009 September 24, 2009 September 26, 2009 September 27, 2009 September 29, 2009 October October 6, 2009 October 9, 2009 October 14, 2009 October 15, 2009 October 16, 2009 October 22, 2009 October 23, 2009 October 24, 2009 October 27, 2009 November November 2, 2009 November 5, 2009 November 10, 2009 November 12, 2009 November 18, 2009 November 24, 2009 November 25, 2009 November 30, 2009 December December 1, 2009 December 5, 2009 December 6, 2009 December 7, 2009 December 10, 2009 December 11, 2009 December 13, 2009 December 15, 2009 December 17, 2009 December 18, 2009 December 23, 2009

Whether aiming for a prosperous or successful marriage, what is important is that you should enjoy your special day. You should choose based on your preferences and what will make you happy. But a few adjustments won’t hurt, especially if it gives out good luck. Congratulations to 2009 weddings!

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Weber, Katryn, The Red Lotus Letter Auspicious Wedding Feng Shui: Selecting Wedding Colors for Good Luck. Retrieved December 17, 2008 from
http://www.redlotusconsulting.com/Wedding.html

Tchi, Rodika, About.com Feng Shui Color Guide - How to Use Colors in Feng Shui Retrieved December 17, 2008 from
http://fengshui.about.com/od/fengshuicures/qt/fengshuicolor.htm

Wang, Mike, The Spiritual Feng Shui. Significance of Colors in Feng Shui practice Retrieved December 17, 2008 from
http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-color.php

Chinese Fortune Calendar.com Find Event Lucky Days - Wedding Day
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/

Tsai, Allen, Chinese Fortune Calendar. Why Yin Yang Symbol Yin Yang looks like this way? Retrieved December 17, 2008 from
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/YinYang.htm

DOT Taps Youth Market via MTV

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has forged a partnership with MTV Networks to attract young travelers around the world to come and experience the Philippines.

MTV Networks’ new “hip contemporary” global campaign – MTV Revelations – set to be launched in February 2009, features 12 countries: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, U.K. and U.S.A.

MTV Revelations will use a series of TV spots featuring MTV VJs who will talk about their personal experiences in these countries. In addition, a variety of web activities, which include MTV's Music Mixer and MTV Video Widgets, synergized with local relevance, will reflect the different style, culture and tone of each country.

The partnership was announced by DOT Secretary Ace Durano and Bill Roedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MTV Networks International during the World Travel Market held last November 10 -14 at ExCel London.

According to Sec. Durano, as stated in his interview with the press, the partnership is a “strategic fit” because it will enable the Department to reach out to the youth who enjoys a higher disposable income as well as being the most avid travelers of today. "MTV know its demographic best. Its VJs and onscreen personalities, for instance, have the credibility to reach out to the same youth market we are targeting. “Mr. Durano adds.

On the other hand, Mr. Roedy said, “We are delighted that through the international reach of MTV, they can work with the DOT to promote the Philippines to such a targeted youth audience across so many countries."

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

PR Newswire.com Philippines Department of Tourism Partners with MTV Networks for 2009 Global Campaign (Posted November 10, 2008) Retrieved December 1, 2008
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/11-10-2008/0004922183&EDATE
Re-posted (November 12, 2008) by Examiner National at
http://www.examiner.com/p-258752~Philippines_Department_of_Tourism_Partners_with_MTV_Networks_for_2009_Global_Campaign.html

Hein, Kenneth. Brandweek. Philippines Tourism Taps MTV (Posted November 12, 2008) Retrieved December 1, 2008
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/automotive-travel/e3i4e32a4ca5b3c4e13a34805507a0f0f70
Re-posted (November 12, 2008) by AdWeek at
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/account-activity/e3ibfc872c5b952c69b5dfd350149e0f42f

RP Resorts, Hotels Lauded by Readers of An International Travel Magazine

The Philippines has proven once again that it is still one of the best travel destinations in the world. Recently, several resorts and hotels located in the country were included in the Top Resorts, Islands, and Hotels in this year’s Readers’ Choice Award by Condé Nast Traveler, an international New York-published magazine.

Among the winners were Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu, which ranked 16th out of 25 in the Top Asian Resort Category and Cebu, which ranked 7th for the Top Islands Category. Pan Pacific Manila (44th), Makati Shangri-La (67th), and The Peninsula Manila (98th) were chosen as three of the Top Hotels in Asia.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand bagged the top spot for Top Asian Resort. Maldives was hailed as Top Island Destination in the Asia – Indian Ocean region and Oberoi Udaivilas, found in Udaipur, India was declared by Condé Nast readers as the Top Hotel in Asia.

According to Condé Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska, the Readers’ Choice Award “celebrate[s] the destinations, lodgings, and modes of transportation that manage to exceed our expectations”.

Tracing it roots in 1988, the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards is derived from its Readers' Choice Survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences in the U.S. This year, 32,633 readers participated in the survey. Selected sample of its subscribers were given questionnaires containing a list of candidates. Voters will nominate the resort, island, hotel, city, car rental agencies, and cruise line of their choice. Write-ins were allowed. The candidates that reached a specified minimum number of votes were rated based on a 5-point scale and the results were averaged and tabulated.

The three Philippine hotels were judged based on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms, and service. For the resorts, the criteria used were activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms, and service

Hotels and resorts were sub-categorized based on their location: Europe; Mainland U.S.; Hawaii; Canada; Caribbean; Atlantic Ocean; Mexico, Central and South America; Asia; Middle East; Africa; and Australia and Pacific.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Costas, Boboi. Cebu Daily News. Condé Nast Magazine's Survey. (Posted November 2, 2008) Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
http://www.cdn.ph/photostore/news_details.php?id=1134
Re posted in INQUIRER.net at
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Resorts. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Islands (Asia - Indian Ocean). Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Top Hotels (Asia). Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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Condé Nast Traveler: Readers' Choice Awards - Methodology. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
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'Condé Nast' poll rates Plantation Bay as one of the top resorts in Asia. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=415759&publicationSubCategoryId=87

Condé Nast rates Plantation Bay as one of the top resorts in Asia. Retrieved November 16, 2008 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/Condé-nast-rates-plantation-bay-one-top-resorts-asia

Pinoy Resto Hailed in Asian Top 20 Guide

Whether it’s for a romantic dinner date with your loved one or for your wedding reception, choosing the best restaurant is a key factor to making your special day perfect. So, why not hold it in one of the best restaurants in Asia? Luckily, you don’t need to book a flight or reserve a hotel for this. One of them is located here in the Philippines, specifically in Tagaytay City.

Antonio’s Fine Dining was ranked as the 10th best restaurant in Asia out of 320 restaurants selected across 16 countries by the Miele Guide, an independent regional restaurant guide. On the other hand, Iggy’s, a restaurant in Singapore, was hailed as the best in the region.

The Guide described Antonio’s menu as “spoon-worthy as its ambience is swoon-worthy”. It further states that the restaurant “has consistently been considered among the top five restaurants in the Philippines and a favorite for proposals and intimate weddings”. This dining haven is located at Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City, about two kilometers from the main road.

Managed by Antonio ‘Tonyboy’ Escalante, this 5-year old bistro offers a wide range of salads and grilled dishes, together with its signature dalandan juice. One of the most reviewed dishes here is the Antonio’s Trio. It is a sampler of Tenderloin Medallion with Gratin of Assorted Mushrooms on Lyonnaise Potato, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Truffle Clam Sauce, and Lamb Cutlets with Cardamon Buerre Blanc with Gnocchi.

Other Filipino restaurants that were included in the Miele Guide ranking are Sonya’s Garden and Kanin Club in Tagaytay; Le Soufflé in Rockwell; Abe, Aubergine, and Bistro Filipino in Bonifacio Global City; Casa Armas at The Podium; Heat and Shang Palace at the Edsa-Shangri-la, Manila; Elbert’s Steak Room and Apartment 1B in Makati; Prince Albert at the InterContinental Manila ; Old Swiss Inn in Makati; Sugi, People’s Palace, Museum Cafe, Via Mare , Italiannis, Pepato, Sentro 1771, and Chateau 1771 in Greenbelt; The Fireplace and Li Li at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila; Lolo Dad’s Café in Manila; La Cocina de Tita Moning near Malacañang; and El Cirkulo and Tsukiji in Pasay.

Did You Know? The Miele Guide is a collaborative effort of Miele, a German manufacturer of premium domestic appliances and machines for commercial applications, and Ate Media, Singapore-based media consultancy and publishing company. The German company has helped published several Asian cookbooks such as Foodlore and Flavours: Inside the Southeast Asian Kitchen, a cookbook commissioned by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and published by Filipino company Artpost Asia. Miele’s long passion for fine dining and support for the food and wine industry, especially in Asia, paved the way for the creation of the Miele Guide

The Miele Guide ranking began in the early months of 2008. 84 Asian restaurant critics were invited to create the initial list of Asia’s best restaurants. Online voting began in May and ended on July 31. Voters were also given a chance to add more restaurants to the list. After that, a selected jury composed of food and wine professionals gave their own votes. The fourth phase involved the in-house team of Miele Guide and its contributing editors to anonymously dine at the possible winning restaurants and verify the votes gathered online and from the critics.

The country’s shortlist panel for the 2008/2009 edition of the Miele Guide were Ernest Reynoso Gala, chef-instructor at Sylvia Reynoso Gala Culinary Art Studio and contributor for Philstar.com; Jeffrey Valisno, senior reporter for Business World; Ana Marie ‘Nana’ Ozaeta, F & B World Magazine Editor; and Margaux Salcedo, food writer for Philippine Daily Inquirer (who also served as one of the contributing editors for the 2008/2009 edition).

Please visit Kasal.com Wedding Resources directory for the complete contact list of restaurants.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Salcedo, Margaux. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Filipino restos voted among Asia’s best (Posted November 12, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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GMANews.tv RP restaurant ranks 10th in Asia's 'top 20' (Posted November 4, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131149/RP-restaurant-ranks-10th-in-Asias-top-20

Miele Guide, The. Asia’s Top 20. Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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Salcedo, Margauz. Margauxlicious. Filipino Restaurants That Made The Miele Guidem (Posted November 5, 2008) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
http://www.margauxlicious.com/2008/11/filipino-restaurants-that-made-miele.html

Diaz, Anton. Our Awesome Planet. Nothing beats an Antonio's Dinner @ Tagaytay! (Posted February 8, 2006) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
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Lone Rider, The. Food Odyssey: Antonio’s Fine Dining. (Posted June 26, 2005) Retrieved November 12, 2008 from
http://www.thelonerider.com/2005/jun/antonio/antonio.shtml

Health Aficionados Assemble for Fitness Convention

Health and fitness conscious participants gathered during the 15th National Fitness Convention held at the Ruby Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City last October 3-5, 2008.

Guided by the theme, “Fitness in the Age of Change“, the convention featured group exercise, personal training, and fitness management topics that aim to update fitness professionals with the latest trends and studies on staying healthy

Various seminars gave trainers and instructors new insights on how they conduct their training class, which includes choosing more vibrant exercise music, monitoring heart rate, training ethics, membership retention, nutrition and hydration tips and presentation development for trainers.

These topics were discussed by some of the best names in fitness and health. Among those who shared their knowledge are Lluis Noguer, Director of Sport at Club Q in Barcelona; Randy Huntington, former US Olympic Training Center Coordinator (Track and Field); Anthony Peterson, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing at Keiser; and David Velez, International Fitness Presenter for California Fitness.

This event was presented by Fitness Network Philippines and Keiser in cooperation with Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Cybex (http://www.cybexintl.com/), Sport Fit Inc., Walter Sugar-free Wheat Bread, and Business World.

Tourism Heads Focus on Climate, Poverty and Women at International Cebu Forum

Representatives from different countries tackled issues on climate change, poverty alleviation, and role of women in tourism at the 6th International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities (ITF-PLA) held last October 22-25, 2008 at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu.

Delegates from 157 countries attended the biennial Tourism Forum, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), City Government of Cebu (http://www.cebu.gov.ph/), the Philippine Congress, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo during the opening ceremony stated that the ITF-PLA should not only focus on current issues affecting the tourism industry but to attend to the dilemmas that will continue to influence and have an effect on tourism in the years to come. Furthermore, she emphasized to “keep our faith in tourism as a powerful instrument to alleviate poverty.”

UNWTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli, DOT Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, and House Representative Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia gave the keynote addresses on Policy and Legislation for Tourism Development.

First held at Cadiz, Spain in 1995, the ITF-PLA assembles tourism heads, representatives and lawmakers from 154 member states and more than 350 affiliate members categorized under Business, Destination, and Education Council.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

UN World Tourism Organization. Affiliate Members Directory. Retrieved on October 24, 2008
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Cruz, Irene Sino. Visayas Bureau, INQUIRER.net. International tourism meet seen to boost Cebu, Bohol. Retrieved on October 24, 2008
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Office of the President. PGMA's Speech during the Opening Ceremony of the UN-WTO 6th International Tourism for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities (October 22, 2008). Retrieved on October 24, 2008
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Gov.Ph News. PGMA to open 6th U.N. tourism forum in Cebu Wednesday. Retrieved on October 24, 2008
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GMANews.TV. UN tourism meet in Cebu to tackle global issues. Retrieved on October 24, 2008
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Lato, Cris Evert. Cebu Daily News. Posted on INQUIRER.net. Cebu to host global forum on tourism development. Retrieved on October 24, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080910-159773/Cebu-to-host-global-forum-on-tourism-development

UP Madz Shines Through for Shrine of Jesus Benefit Concert

Encore. UP Madrigal Singers with choirmaster Mark Carpio takes a bow after rendering two encores during their concert. Photo by Ace Lester Ramos

The University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers (UPMS), the two-time European Grand Prix for Choral Singing winner, shared their angelic voices for the Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life benefit concert held at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), Cultural Center of the Philippines last October 25, 2008.

Entitled “Shining Through”, the concert marks the 10th Fiesta Celebration of the Shrine. Furthermore it aims to help the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Pediatric Cancer Ward patients and the Shrine’s pastoral projects, which include assistance for the elderly and retired priests and inhabitants of Hospicio de San Jose.

Bro. Emmanuel Luis Bayan, head of the Education Ministry of the Shrine of Jesus, prays that this will jump start a series of fund-raising projects for the Shrine to have additional means to share God’s love to the less fortunate.

UPMS choirmaster Mr. Mark A. Carpio, on the other hand, hopes that through the concert, its members were able to share their love for music and help raise funds for the Shrine. Celebrating its 45th year since its establishment in 1963 by National Artist for Music Prof. Andrea Veneracion, the group is still focused in creating good music for other people.

Rev. Msgr. Roberto C. Canlas, rector of the Shrine, thanks the countless people who made the event a success. “It is a noble project in the sense that we are not the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are people who need our care, who need our love, and who also need our financial assistance. We should be able to see Christ in the presence of others,” he adds.

Furthermore, Msgr. Canlas believes that the Shrine shall serve as an “oasis in the desert of spiritual growth” and will serve as a source of inspiration “where people can come amidst the busy life of the metropolis and the commercial area.”

The Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life, located in Central Business Park at the Reclamation Area in Pasay City is based on the vision of the late Pope John Paul II in his visit to the Philippines during the World Youth Day in 1995. Due to the overwhelming number of attendees during his mass held at the Luneta Park in Roxas Boulevard, the Pope expressed his dream of establishing a church for the youth. During the mass presided by the Holy Father, then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, DD handed down a stone, which the Holy Father blessed and stated that the stone shall serve as the cornerstone of the church for the youth.

The construction of the shrine was spearheaded by Cardinal Sin. The land in which the Shrine resides is donated by Felicidad and Henry Sy of SM Prime Holdings. The stone blessed by the Pope was placed at the altar of the Shrine. On July 9, 1999, the Shrine was finished and consecrated by His Eminence with Apostolic Nuncio Arch. Antonio Franco, DD, Cebu Arch. Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, DD and other bishops of the Philippines. In October of the same year, the Shrine celebrated its first fiesta.

Western Samar Dresses Up Locals, Roads for Tourism

Couples who are looking for an adventure-driven honeymoon may want to consider Western Samar as the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Samar governors, have been preparing the whole province to become a new tourist destination.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes stated in her interview with Business World, that Samareños have started training as kayak operators, tour guides, cave guides and rescue team members to enhance “community-based tourism” in the region.

Together with the Philippine National Red Cross and the Sohoton Services Association, residents of Basey, Western Samar were given kayaks, protective gears, uniforms, tourism-related seminars and first aid training to ensure safety and enjoyment of tourists.

The Department is primarily promoting the Sohoton National Park. This 840-hectare marvel is a combination of caves, underground rivers, waterfalls and unique limestone formations that would surely fascinate nature-loving couples. With this new project, visitors will be able to see this natural wonder through kayak rides.

Aside from cave viewing, adventurous couples can also engage in nature trekking, bird watching, swimming, boating and other outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways have posted advertisements and invitations to local contractors to bid for the 77 kilometer road work project involving the provinces of Northern and Eastern Samar which include the road leading to Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. This is to make the said tourist destination more accessible.

Also included in the priority project is the development of Guiuan Airport.

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http://bworldonline.com/Weekender101008/main.php?id=travel3

Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8) DOT turns over kayak, protective gears to Sohoton Services Association Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.samarnews.com/news2008/jul/f1764.htm

Rebamontan, Lucino Manila Bulletin Online Big road-concreting project in 2 Samar provinces okayed Retrieved October 15, 2008
www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/10/15/PROV20081015138031.html

Victoria, Rodrigo S. (PIA Biliran) SamarNews.com P249-M worth of concrete pavement project to be implemented next year. Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.samarnews.com/news2008/oct/f1851.htm

Wow Philippines. Things to Do and see in Western Samar Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=thingstodo&province=46

Puerto Princesa receives laurel for environment maintenance

Palawan has just given couples more reasons to consider Puerto Princesa as their honeymoon destination.

The city, in its goal in protecting its rich and vast ecological treasure earned the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award given last October 8, 2008 at Hanoi, Vietnam.

In a press release posted t the ASEAN website, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan said that “each city that received the Award tells a compelling story of how it has placed environment and nature at the core of city planning, the challenges it faced, and its resolve to ensure the cities remain environmentally sustainable as it develops and modernizes.”

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn expresses his gratitude to Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), who nominated the city, and the ASEAN for acknowledging their efforts to protect and conserve the natural beauty of the city amidst the high industrialization of other cities in the country. According to him, the cooperation of the Palaweños in all actions to safeguard its environment was the key to the implementation of his projects.

Dubbed as the Philippines’ Last Frontier, Palawan is home to vast hectares of rainforests, natural caves, high mountains, dive sites and breathtaking beaches.

Its line-up of tourist attractions consists of the El Nido Marine Reserve and Beach Resort; Tabon Cave, recognized as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization”; Honda Bay filled with islets and dive sites; the Tubbataha Reef and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which were proclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993 and 1999, respectively. The latter has remained first, while the former, fifth in rank in the candidates for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Aside from natural wonders, couples can find the island a great venue for their honeymoon.Several resorts offer special honeymoon packages at very affordable prices. Its white sand beaches are also perfect for a sunset beach wedding.

To know more about Palawan wedding packages and suppliers, you may visit Kasal.com Wedding Resources.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

ASEAN Press Release. Ten Cities in ASEAN Receive the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.aseansec.org/Bulletin-Oct-08.htm#Article-3

Manila Times Internet Edition. Puerto Princesa bags first environmental award. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/16/yehey/prov/20081016pro3.html

Marinay, Manny B. Manila Bulletin Online. Hagedorn: Peoples’ participation key to protecting environment. Retrieved October 16, 2008
http://www.mb.com.ph/ENVI20081016137929.html

New7Wonders. The top 77 candidates of the New7Wonders of Nature Nominees (Live Ranking) October 18, 2008
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

Palawan.com. Puerto Princesa bags green award (original story posted at Business Mirror). Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.palawan.com/articles.php?article_id=162&PHPSESSID=f9aef7c1725bdb0b7486c38923bb043b

Palawan.com. About Palawan. Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.palawan.com/about.php?PHPSESSID=492d8fb1249d1d2d0489cccf8e268201

UNESCO.org UNESCO World Heritage List Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list

Wow Philippines. Explore Philippines – Palawan Retrieved October 18, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=famousefor&province=22

Quezon Wedding Industry Launched

Soon-to-be married couples and guests visited the different booths during the event and inquired about the services of the exhibitors. (Photo courtesy of Mardio Nadera)

Wedding suppliers from all over Quezon Province gathered to showcase their craftsmanship in their chosen fields at the Pacific Mall at Lucena, Quezon last September 16-30, 2008. A total of twenty exhibitors rom Sariaya, Lucena, Tayabas, and San Pablo, Laguna who are involved in wedding catering, photography, hair and make-up, flower set-up and arrangement, invitations offered package deals to to-be wed guests.

During the fair, Revelation Band entertained the crowd with acoustic rendition of popular love songs.

According to Miles Royales, wedding coordinator and events planner for Wave Events Services, the goal is to open up the wedding industry of Quezon, introduce the suppliers to the couples, and offer their services to them. She said that the Quezonians are traditionally ‘hands-on’ on weddings and at times, it is the locals who organize and plan it themselves.

“I’m trying to open up the idea that ‘Hey, someone is here to help you on the day of your wedding’ and they can choose from the wedding suppliers who are here who can give [them] quality service kasi at times because of pagtitipid… kasi sympre probinsya ‘to so all additional expenses parang mahal sa kanila ‘yon… We’re just trying to give them a beautiful wedding.” she adds.

Kasal.com team headed by Ms. Mathel Ong (second from the right) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Ms. Myles Royales (first from the right) of Wave Event Services (Photo courtesy of Mardio Nadera)

Certificate of participation was given to all those who took part in the said event. The 15-day event was concluded at Graceland Estates and Country Club at Tayabas City where wedding suppliers had the time to mingle, network, and share insights regarding the local wedding business.

List of exhibitors:

Beauty and Fitness
Hair and Make up
Danica Suarez Salon

Skin, Dental Clinics
Dr. Sherwin Llego

Cakes and Deserts
Joel De Los Reyes

Catering
Caza Plaza Catering
Red Carpet, The Caterer

Design and Couture
Bridal Fashion
Threadmark by Buddy Reyes
Paganap by Charmaine Maranan

Flowers and Event Styling
1816 Flowers and Concepts by Tony Sasot
Las Flores de Canales by Gerry Canales

Invitations
Quezon Design Works and Printing

Light and Sound
Big Boy Sounds and Lights

Photo and Video
Photography
Mardio Nadera Photography
Vinzon Reyes Studio
Teody Reyes Studio
Exposure Photography (San Pablo, Laguna)

Reception
Alternative Venues
Balai Sadyaya (Sariaya)
Graceland Estates and Country Club (Tayabas City)

Resorts
Ouans Worth Farm and Resort Gazebo Garden (Lucena)

Restaurants
Max's Restaurant Tayabas

Wedding Planning
Wave Events Services

Please visit Kasal.com Wedding Resources directory for the complete contact details of the exhibitors.

Southern Manila staged First Bridal Show

Model brides and grooms walked on the runway to showcase the latest wedding collection of Junjun Cambe. (Make-up by The Body Shop. Hair style by Glenn del Rosario. Photo courtesy of Igi Caluyo of Philtrade Exhibits)

The best photographers, caterers, gown designers and service providers from Southern Manila display their best work during the First Southern Bridal Show –A Wedding Festival held at the Activity Center and Mini Trade Hall of Festival Supermall n Filinvest, Alabang from October 10-12, 2008

Organized by Philtrade Exhibits and presented by Filinvest Land and Festival Supermall, it aims to present the best wedding products and services from Paranaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas City, which comprise Southern Manila. Providers from Southern Luzon, such as those from Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas participated in this event as well.

A total of 80 exhibitors from various fields were in attendance to the two venues. Soon-to-be couples were given the chance to ask for advice on legal aspects and requirements for marriage courtesy of the Muntinlupa City government. Guests and couples were greeted with vintage cars; one was an authentic 1947 Jaguar Mark V courtesy of Don Robert’s Bridal Car. Exhibit areas and walkways serves as still runways for gowns made by Ines Juni, Fashion Forward and acclaimed designer, Rene Salud.

Engr. Alex del Rosario, President of Food Caterers Association of the Philippines; Michael Gotianun, Vice President for Filinvest Land Inc.; Roberto de Jesus Commercial Director of Filinvest Corporate City, Mrs. Leah San Pedro, First Lady of Muntinlupa City, Ma. Fe Christi Bernabe, First Lady of Paranaque City and actress Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, wife of incumbent Cong. Julio ‘Jules’ Ledesma of Negros Occidental graced the opening ceremony.

Guests and VIPs line up for the Opening ceremony of the bridal fair. (Photo courtesy of Igi Caluyo of Philtrade Exhibits)

Mrs. de Rossi-Ledesma lit the Mother Candle to begin the opening prayer. After which a bridal fashion show commenced showcasing the works of local couturier Jun-jun Cambe. The ceremony was concluded with the ribbon cutting and butterfly release courtesy of Acclaim.

According to Igi Caluyo, Events Organizer for Philtrade Exhibits, they decided to focus on the southern area because of the abundance of suppliers and resources present in the area. Moreover, this part of the metro hosts some of the notable venues chosen primarily for weddings. Such venues include Leslies Tagaytay, Bellevue Manila and Fernbrook Gardens.

He added that wedding service providers from the northern part of the region have ventured in establishing branches of their business in this area. Aside from this, real estate companies have invested on lands in these parts of the metro; ideal for couples who are looking for an affordable place of their own.

Caluyo hopes that this bridal fair will allow south-based suppliers to open up to a larger market and expand their business in the coming years.

Department of Tourism makes Cebu as Wedding Capital for Japanese

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ace Durano plans to place Cebu at the frontlines of top wedding destinations here in the country, especially for Japanese couples.

Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is home to some of the best white sand beach resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, which has built its own wedding chapel called Ocean Pavilion and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa which offers a wedding package set underwater.

The province also has an array of historically draped churches like the Basilica Minor de Santo Niño which was built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta, who took part in the Spanish expedition back in 1565. The San Jose Parish Church, known as the Chapel of the Last Supper, is the home of the only life-sized carving of the Last Supper scene of Jesus Christ and his 12 Apostles here in the Philippines.

Did You Know? Philippine Airlines flights for Osaka-Cebu are scheduled twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday departing from Kansai International Airport to arrive at Mactan International Airport. Return flights are also scheduled on the same day.Cebu Pacific meanwhile offers the trip thrice a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

To make this more feasible, DOT has been working close hand with the Japanese Association of Travel Agents even meeting with Recruit Co. Ltd., publisher of Japanese bridal magazine called Zexy to promote Cebu along with other provinces as leisure and wedding destination.

Based on the department’s data, over 400,000 Japanese couples plan to hold their nuptial outside their country. The common wedding getaways are Hawaii and Guam. On the other hand, for the first quarter of 2008 alone, 216,000 Japanese tourists have visited the country. With such statistics plus the colorful ceremonies of Filipino weddings, Durano believes that the country can compete with these countries and offer the Philippines as another option to hold their wedding.

The secretary urges wedding coordinators, travel agencies all over the country and Visayan tour guides to come up with strategies and packages to further promote and offer the country as the new wedding haven for soon-to-be husband and wife.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:

Cebu Pacific News. Cebu Pacific Flies Manila – Osaka. Retrieved October 8, 2008
http://www.cebupacificair.com/aboutus/press/2008/09152008.html"

Dagooc, Ehda. Cebu pushed as “Wedding Destination” Retrieved October 4, 2008
http://philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20081003171&type=2

Dept. of Tourism. Visitor Arrivals to the Philippines by Country of Residence for the month of July 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2008
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/dot/statistics.asp

Montecillo, Paolo Luis G. PAL to restore Cebu- Osaka flights Retrieved October 8, 2008
http://bworldonline.com/BW100808/content.php?id=300#

Mozo, Malou. Manila Bulletin. DOT promoting Cebu province as ‘wedding capital’ of Asia’. Visayas section, October 8, 2008 issue

Ortiz, Margaux. RP now being pitched as wedding venue to tourists Retrieved October 7, 2008
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080914-160622/RP-now-being-pitched-as-wedding-venue-to-tourists

Reyes, Mary Ann Ll. DOT expects more Japanese tourists this year, Retrieved October 7, 2008
http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200809246&type=2