...the PH world's creative cities

Cebu joins Baguio on UNESCO's list of world's 246 'creative cities'

Jenina P. Ibañez
Business World 
01 November 2019

CEBU CITY has been counted among the 246 UNESCO Creative Cities around the world, becoming the second Philippine city after Baguio to bag the recognition.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay on Wednesday declared Cebu as one of the 66 new cities to be included on the list of cities that push creativity and innovation as major factors in urban development.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement on Thursday that creative cities with varied income levels and populations support sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at urban level.

Cebu was designated a creative city of design, one of seven UNESCO categories that also include gastronomy, literature, film, music, crafts and folk art, and media arts.

Baguio City was included in the crafts and folk arts category in 2017.

“All over the world, these cities, each in its way, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” Ms. Azoulay was quoted as saying. “This favors political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations.”

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez in a mobile phone message said that the designation raises the city’s image. “Cebu City as a UNESCO Creative City of Design raises the image of the city and becomes a seal of approval and recognition in the global stage. Therefore, it is a great testimony to the city and the country of our design talents and skills and help in the positive branding of the city and country.”

He added that Cebu and DTI will work to maintain the recognition by nurturing the city’s design ecosystem “from the point of view of enterprise and investment development, talent development and education, and public awareness.”

MATIQ Hub board member Butch Carungay, as a private consultant, led Cebu’s application to UNESCO with support from local government and the DTI. They highlighted contributions of creativity to Cebu City’s economy by tracking business registrations of creative industries and sifting through export databases.

MATIQ Hub is a multi-disciplinary enabling space for creativity that focuses on indigenous materials, art, technology and innovation.

Mr. Carungay said in a telephone interview that Cebu artists export furniture and fashion products, and have strong graphics and animations industries.

“We’re a very small island with very little resources, so we have a resilient industry of being able to maximize what little we have to become a really innovative city,” he said.

He said that he hopes the UNESCO designation will kickstart more projects in the city.

“When we started this process, Cebu has a lot of gaps in hardware. We don’t have the proper infrastructure,” he said.

Continued growth of the creative industry, Mr. Carungay said, would require more hardware: creative venues for artists to congregate and create commercial projects. He also hopes to improve what he calls the creative software of the city: embedding design thinking into education and the workplace.

After joining the network, creative cities are tasked to strengthen the creation and distribution of cultural activities, goods, and services. They commit to developing creativity hubs, improving access to cultural life for vulnerable groups, and integrating creativity into sustainable development plans.

Applicants were required to demonstrate their commitment and capacity to contribute to these objectives by demonstrating a development strategy, creative assets and facilities, and the capacity to involve professional and civil society, among others.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia in a mobile phone message expressed optimism for more Philippine cities to be included in the list. “That’s great — an incentive for Cebu to become even more creative, as well as for other cities to aspire for such recognition,” he said.

The post Cebu joins Baguio on UNESCO’s list of world’s 246 ‘creative cities’ appeared first on BusinessWorld.

ZANY JADRAQUE/UNSPLASH

...the Asia's best airports

Iloilo, Cebu airports among Asia's best - poll


Recto Mercene
Business Mirror
31 October 2019

A web site devoted to grading airports that offers the most accommodating spots, especially for the backpackers, has included two of the Philippines’s airports as among the best in Asia this year.

Making it in the sleepinginairports.net’s list of best airports in Asia for 2019 are the Iloilo International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Topping the list is Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Iloilo airport, at 18th spot, is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, while MCIA at the 16th spot, is operated by a private conglomerate.

Completing the Best Airport in Asia for 2019 list are Seoul Incheon Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport, Osaka Kansai Airport, Taipei Taoyuan Airport, Hong Kong Airport, Kuala Lumpur Airport, New Delhi Airport, Jakarta Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, Mumbai Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangalore Airport, Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat Airport, Hyderabad Airport, Da Nang Airport, Islamabad Airport and Kunming Airport.

Changi Airport also topped the overall Best Airport list, followed by Seoul Incheon Airport, Helsinki Airport, Tokyo Narita International Airport, Osaka Kansai International Airport, Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Munich International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Making it in the worst airport’s list are Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (Saudi Arabia), New York City LaGuardia Airport (United States), London Stansted Airport (England), Juba International Airport (Sudan), Santorini International Airport (Greece), Cairo International Airport (Egypt), Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia), Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Bangladesh), Murtala Muhammed (Lagos) International Airport (Nigeria) and London Luton Airport (England).

The web site, founded in 1996 ranks the best and worst airports from an annual survey and airport reviews submitted by readers rating their airport experiences.

In the annual survey, travelers are asked to rate their airport experiences based on factors, such as comfort, services, facilities and things to do, food options, immigration/security, customer service, navigation and ease of transit, cleanliness  and “sleepability.”

...the Filipino culture in Lisbon

Filipino culture showcased in Lisbon


Business Mirror
25 September 2019

LISBON—The Philippine Embassy led the monthlong celebration of the 121st anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in June at the Terras Sem Sombra, Artes â Solta Festival in Ferreira do Alentejo.

In collaboration with organizers, the embassy and municipality officials, the Philippine Day activity provided an inclusive experience on the richness and vibrancy of Filipino culture through food, music, traditional games and handicrafts. The embassy also took the opportunity to promote various tourist destinations in the Philippines by giving away anahaw-woven fans from Quezon province, dried mangoes from Cebu and 3D holographic destination luggage tags from the Department of Tourism. 

Filipina entrepreneur and Chef Jaymaylyn Galiza Day prepares Filipino-style fried lumpia. Guests also got to sample spicy sisig.

The morning program started in the Ferreira do Alentejo Municipal Garden with a Filipino fiesta setting with kiosk of street food, exhibited and operated by Jaymalyn Galiza Day, a Lisbon-based chef who owns Diplomata catering service. Filipina entrepreneurs and co-owners of GustoKO, Paula Figueras and Queenie Guzman, also showcased a selection of handicraft products.

Figueras and Guzman are recognized as the embassy’s “cultural entrepreneurs” for not only creating economic value to Philippine products, but for also pursuing Filipino culture and heritage.

The afternoon event gave participants an ultimate Filipino eating experience with Filipino favorites, such as pork adobo with rice served in coconut rice bowls, as well as local snacks from Alentejo like ferreirense (cake), chouriço (sausage), as well as traditional cheese and olives.

Visitors enjoy Filipino pork adobo served in coconut rice bowls.

Visitors got to play Filipino traditional games such as sungka, dama and patintero, while Filipino children also enjoyed participating in the traditional Alentejo games like paper kite making, rope jumping, walking with stilts and face painting.

Pundaquit Virtuosi, a 28-member youth string ensemble from San Antonio, Zambales, ended their 2019 European tour with an evening concert before a crowd of 500. It played a diverse repertoire of classical music masterpieces, popular original Pilipino music staples and contemporary standards. 

The show ended with the string ensemble and Portuguese all-male singing group Os Boinas (The Berets) performing the song “Amor Pelo Dois,” the winning Portuguese entry at the 2017 Eurovision singing contest.

Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria expressed her appreciation to the Municipality of Ferreira do Alentejo and to festival organizers for allowing the embassy to showcase the best of Filipino culture. Members of the Filipino community in Lisbon also came to partake in the festival. 

The Terras Sem Sombra festival is held annually since 2013, bringing music, heritage and biodiversity together. This year’s edition also featured Madrid-based Filipina soprano Aniway “Manila” Adap, who performed a full-concert repertoire at the Igreja Matriz de Sao Vicente in Cuba Alentejo in May.

The Philippines also shared its best practices of biodiversity conservation in April for the “Resist the Invader: The Water Hyacinth and the Guadiana Basin” event in Elvas, Alentejo.

The Philippine Day Activity at Ferreira do Alentejo is a culmination of the Country’s participation in the 2019 Terra Sem Sombra Festival. DFA

..the Asia's friendliest cities

Travel website recognizes Manila, Cebu as among Asia's friendliest cities


Alec Go
Manila Bulletin
25 September 2019

Manila and Cebu ranked 4th and 15th, respectively, in Big 7 Travel’s list which was released recently.

The travel website described Manila residents as “famously welcoming,” and the city a “friendly place to spend some time in.”

Roxas Boulevard, Manila (supplied)

“It’s a place where locals have a buzzing attitude and an eagerness to show off their city to out-of-towners,” the article stated.

Cebu City, on the other hand, was recognized for its “exuberant vibe” and the presence of multiculturalism among its residents.

Ayala Center, Cebu City

Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Chiang Mai were the hailed the top three friendliest cities in Asia.

Big 7 Travel said they surveyed their “social audience of 1.5 million” for the list.

There were no specific criteria given to respondents, but factors such as where they felt the most welcome and how easy they navigated the area either with the help of locals or not were considered.

Big 7 Media is a travel website that features content on food, travel, and hotels around the world.

...the best Islands of your life

11 Philippine Islands on your Bucket List


Katie Lockhart 
Fodors.com
10 September 2019

So many islands, so little time.

It would take two lifetimes to explore all the glory that is the Philippines’ 7,641 islands. For visitors, deciding which ones to visit can be a daunting and overwhelming task. From the lush green hills of the north to the tropical surfing beaches of the south, these are Philippines’ must-visit islands.

1 OF 11

Coron Island

A short boat ride from Coron town to Coron Island gets you to the most iconic and spectacular shot of the Philippines. Once you climb the stairs to Kayangan Lake View Point and catch your breath, you’ll see colossal limestone rocks jutting out of a turquoise green bay. After you’ve got the perfect photos, walk down the stairs in the opposite direction to Kayangan Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the world. Here you can swim and snorkel amongst the colorful fish and coral. This area gets extremely busy so ask your local tour operator or hotel staff what the best time to visit is.

2 OF 11

Palawan

This long, skinny island is the country’s largest province and includes Coron. You could spend your entire trip on the island of Palawan and not see half of its natural beauty. One of the most popular and incredible attractions is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here you can float deep into an underground cave to see bats and stalagmites. Then, head north to El Nido and join El Nido Yachting Club for a luxury tour of the famous crystal clear lagoons and white sand beaches.

3 OF 11

Siargao

This southern island is the Philippines premier surfing destination. A chilled-out vacation destination with luxury accommodation like Bayud Boutique Resort at affordable prices. The best way to explore the island is on a motorbike. So rent a moped and cruise past swaying palm trees and bamboo beach huts to the Magpupungko Rock Pools. An incredible place for photos and a swim at low-tide. After a full day of surf and swim carb up at any one of the island’s awesome Italian restaurants like Kermit or La Carinderia.

4 OF 11

Bohol

A short ferry ride from Cebu City, Bohol is home to some of the Philippines most unique attractions. You’ve probably seen the Chocolate Hills in guidebooks and textbooks over the years. These brown geological formations protruding from the earth for miles and miles in the distance is truly awe-inspiring. In the same day, you can see another incredible aspect of nature–tarsiers. Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to view these tiny, bug-eyed primates in their natural habitat. Visitors must not use flash and must be very quiet; otherwise, these endangered animals may get so overwhelmed they’ll kill themselves.

5 OF 11

Cebu

The large island of Cebu is home to Cebu City, the Philippines first capital. As the country’s oldest city there is a lot to discover. Hire a guide to take you to the Cebu Heritage Monument to learn about the city’s long history and culture. Another cultural aspect of the modern-day Philippines is their malls. Head to SM Mall Cebu to experience shopping like a local. They also have a Jollibee, the country’s most popular fast food chain, where the Chickenjoy is a must-try.

6 OF 11

Siquijor

Known as the Philippines’ most mysterious island, Siquijor is famous for its witchcraft and shamanism. Don’t worry if you’re not into spiritualism; visitors can partake in the beauty of a dozen waterfalls, white sand beaches, and cliffs perfect for jumping. The most famous spot on the island is the idyllic Cambugahay Falls. A short but steep hike takes you to this three-tiered waterfall. If you want to take a turn on the rope swing, be prepared to pay a small fee.

7 OF 11

Luzon

This is the country’s largest island and home to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. But don’t hang around, escape the congestion of the city and head north to hike Mount Pulag. In order to reach the island’s highest mountain, you have to venture into remote, rural towns like Kabayan where mummies are hidden in caves. If you’re really brave, drive the narrow, winding roads to see incredible vistas and rows of rice terraces that rival Bali in Sagada, Banaue, and Bontoc.

8 OF 11

Panglao

A quick drive over the bridge from Bohol gets you to this resort destination famous for Alona Beach. Sunbathe, swim, and snorkel off its white, sometimes crowded sands or stop for purple ube ice cream at any of its cafes. There are plenty of relaxed hotels to stay at and local massage parlors to frequent. If you’re up for some adventure, take a swim among the stalagmites in the cavernous lagoon of Hinagdanan Cave.

9 OF 11

Mactan

A short cab ride from Cebu City takes you to a small, luxurious island for those looking to relax and enjoy the water. Diving enthusiasts flock to Mactan for its multitude of diving sites, a stunning variety of marine life, and resorts with dedicated facilities. If you’re not certified, there’s always snorkeling, windsurfing, and sailing off its shores. Don’t leave the island without trying the world’s best lechon (roasted pig) at Zubuchon. Located near the airport, it’s the perfect stop to spot before your flight.

10 OF 11

Leyte

Naval buffs will love this historically significant island where Magellan sailed through, MacArthur landed in 1944, and was inhabited by Japanese guerilla soldiers during WWII. Today, historians can visit the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park and the location where Battle of Leyte ensued. Separated into two provinces, this less-touristy island has some of the country’s best diving spots are on the southern tip in Southern Leyte. Note that the island is still recuperating after Super Typhoon Yolanda destroyed 70 to 80 percent of its structures in 2013.

11 OF 11

Batan Island

Batanes is the northernmost group of islands in the country. The province’s main island, Batan, has green rolling hills dotted with livestock, rugged cliffs, and a lighthouse, making for a completely different landscape compared to the country’s other islands. Rent a car or a motorbike and explore Chawa Cave, a natural salt bed cave thought to be enchanted by spirits. Then head to Naidi Hills, for a postcard-worthy picture of the island’s first lighthouse. Be sure to plan a visit to Maydangeb White Beach where you can walk through a narrow, rocky trail that opens up on the hidden gem that is Huhmurun Blue Lagoon.