...the Asia's best beach

Boracay No. 1 on online Asia’s best beaches list

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Boracay: TripAdvisor’s best beach in Asia in 2013. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Summer has not officially arrived yet but the Philippines, its white-sand beaches and hidden lagoons are already getting much attention from international travel guides.

TripAdvisor, one of the world’s popular online travel guides, placed the island of Boracay at No. 1 in its Travelers’ Choice-Best Beaches in Asia for this year.

In placing Boracay’s White Beach at the top of the list, besting 24 other beaches in Asia, TripAdvisor described the 7-kilometer stretch as a “stunningly beautiful white powder sand beach [with] crystal clear, warm water that you can laze on for days on end.”

Also making it to the list of great beaches in Asia were El Nido, Palawan’s Secret Lagoon, which was placed at No. 9 and Boracay’s Yapak Beach, also known as Puka Shell Beach, at No. 10.

The scenic Secret Lagoon, located on a small island and nestled among towering limestone formations, was cited for its “wonderful view.”

Yapak Beach, a secluded area in the north of Boracay Island, was noted for the myriad of puka shells on the shore “giving one’s feet a rugged feel.”

On its website, TripAdvisor said the Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards were based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches it has gathered over a 12-month period since the 2012 awards.

Value for money

TripAdvisor is a popular travel website that assists customers in collecting travel information, posting reviews of their latest getaway and engaging in interactive travel forums.

The Philippines also made it to the Lonely Planet Traveller’s Choice 2013, rating it as one of the top 10 popular destinations in the categories of “meeting locals” and “value for money.”

Lonely Planet, considered the largest travel-guide book publisher in the world, placed the Philippines, which is also known for its hospitable and friendly people, at No. 6 in the top 10 popular destinations to go to for meeting locals.

The country ranked eighth in the top 10 “value-for-money” destinations. “According to [Lonely Planet] travelers, Asia provides the best value for money, with seven out of the top 10 budget favorites coming from this continent alone,” Lonely Planet said on its website.

It also said the results were based on the ratings provided by 3,000 respondents on the places they traveled to using 16 criteria, which included adventure, food, cultural sights, nature, travel memories and safety.

“We asked our fans on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Thorn Tree to tell us where they have traveled and then we asked them to rate those destinations by 16 criteria (for example, which was the “best ‘value for money’ destination),” it said.

So thrilled

In a statement Wednesday, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said the recent distinctions were proof that the country’s marketing efforts under the campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” were generating results.

“We are so thrilled that these accolades keep coming, proof positive that our marketing efforts are paying off, and more and more satisfied travelers are proudly spreading the word about their many fun experiences in our beautiful country,” Jimenez said.

He encouraged Filipinos to take good care of the country’s “jewels” to help boost tourism and enable the Philippines attain an attractive international image.

“In order for us to continue reaping the benefits of development and great publicity, we ought to seriously address the environment challenges. We call on all stakeholders to come as one in preserving our country’s jewels,” Jimenez said.

 

...the music hall of famer

Jed first Filipino in LA fest’s hall of fame

By Allan Policarpio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

March 7, 2013

 

JED MADELA

Jed Madela will fly to Los Angeles, California, in July to attend the 2013 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) as a hall of fame inductee, joining the ranks of past honorees such as Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli and Dionne Warwick.

“I received the letter from WCOPA late November or early December, and I had goose bumps reading it. I am the first Filipino and former contestant to make it to the hall of fame; it is a huge honor for me,” Jed told the Inquirer. “I’ll be inducted on July 19.”

The 32-year-old balladeer joined the annual international talent competition in 2005, and was declared Grand Champion Performer of the World after reaping gold medals in six categories: Pop-Male, Broadway-Male, Original Song-Male, Gospel-Male, Pop Duet and Broadway Duet.

When his family and friends heard this latest news, Jed said, they teased him about “being really famous now.” But he still sees himself as “that young provinciano (he’s from Iloilo) just starting to feel my way into the music biz.”

While some critics may point out that WCOPA isn’t the most prestigious of global talent competitions, Jed couldn’t care less. “It’s big for me—a very big deal,” he said.

Fun side

Jed is preparing for a solo concert and tour in May or July. He’s particularly hands-on when planning his shows, which he considers reflections of his personality.

Unlike his weekly appearances on the Sunday noontime show “ASAP 18,” where he performs pieces that showcase his vaunted vocal range, Jed pointed out, doing concerts gives him the liberty to tackle different genres. “I can sing whatever I please—rock, ballad, classical. I want to touch all sorts of audiences.”

Plus, Jed said, it allows him to bare his fun and lighter side. “People always think of me as a balladeer. When they see me perform live, they are surprised that I can be goofy.”

About originals

Jed has been in the industry for almost 10 years. And although he has hit singles like “The Past” and “How Can I Fall,” none of them are originals. One of his biggest frustrations is not having a song that he can truly call his own.

“For me, the worst thing is to be labeled ‘revival king.’ It means you don’t have an image and identity as an artist,” he said. “I’ve been called ‘The Past’ by people many times. It’s flattering, being associated with the song, but it’s not mine. My goal is to have a song that will make people go, ‘That’s Jed!’”

That’s why Jed decided to do the album “All Original” (Star Records). He admitted, “It’s scary, but I have to do it. Otherwise I’ll be stuck in a rut.”

For this latest endeavor, Jed worked with seasoned composers like Soc Villanueva, Jungee Marcelo and Trina Belamide. He was proud to share that he penned one of the 10 tracks, “Tanging Ikaw.”

He hopes “All Original” reaches platinum status (15,000 copies sold). “I worked hard for this,” he said.

 

...the Asian candidate for Pope

Asia's 'humble' candidate for pope, Cardinal Tagle

 

By Cecil Morella | AFP News

07 March 2013

 

 

 

Reuters/REUTERS - Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a prayer at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican March 6, 2013. Catholic cardinals said on Tuesday they wanted time to get to know each before choosing the next pope and meanwhile would seek more information on a secret report on alleged corruption in the Vatican. REUTERS/Max Rossi

 

 

Asia's best hope for the papacy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, is a young, electric orator who has been outspoken about the need for Catholic Church leaders to be more open and humble.

 

Born to a working-class couple in a then-rural town two hours' drive south of the Philippine capital, Tagle rose to become Archbishop of Manila in 2011 at the age of just 54.

He was named a cardinal in November last year, becoming the official chief spiritual leader to the Philippines' more than 80 million Catholics.

This came shortly after Tagle was summoned to Rome for a synod to map out the way forward for the Church, which has been rocked by scandals over sexual abuse by paedophile priests going back decades.

"The Church must learn humility from Jesus," Tagle said in a speech to the synod, arguing that spreading the faith in a secularising world would be more effective if the Church learned to listen to the people.

"(You) may be saying the right things but people will not listen if the manner by which you communicate reminds them of a triumphalistic, know-it-all institution," he said according to an account of the speech by Vatican Radio.

At another Vatican conference last year, Tagle urged the Church in Asia to tackle the sex abuse issue before it became a full-blown crisis there, and put in place safeguard measures that take into account the region's cultural norms.

Tagle, 55, is widely regarded as enthralling speaker, eloquent and with a soothing voice.

He has refused to discuss his chances for the papacy but, at a public seminar in Manila last month, said Church leaders needed to do a better job of reaching out to people within their communities, particularly the youth.

"The young want to be connected," Tagle said at the forum.

"That is the basic of the faith -- (to be) connected to God, connected to others, to the Church. We need to go back to that fundamental."

Tagle showed remarkable empathy, discipline and intellect as a boy, according to one of his mentors, Father Romeo Ner, 72.

"He was always number one in school. He was very interested in helping the poor even at a young age, and he was very close to the Church," Ner told AFP.

"I was amazed because he knew how to recite the rosary and all of its mysteries when he was just three."

Tagle is well known in the Philippines for not riding in his official car when he was a bishop, chatting with all comers after mass, and even regularly inviting beggars to dine with him at his residence.

Ner said that as a young priest, Tagle was involved in raising money for parishes that served poor areas, where he developed a taste for braised chicken feet -- a staple in the slums.

"Giving the poor their true dignity is his passion. He loves them," said Ner, who as then vicar general of Tagle's hometown was instrumental in making him one of the country's youngest bishops in 2001.

 

...the PH growth outlook 2013 (S&P)

S&P hikes Phl growth outlook

By Prinz P. Magtulis

The Philippine Star

March 7, 2013

 

MANILA, Philippines - Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) raised its growth forecast for the Philippines, noting of an improving economic picture in developed markets that bodes well for the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.

Philippine economic growth could hit 5.9 percent this year before slightly slowing down to 5.7 percent in 2014, S&P said in a report released yesterday. The outlooks were up from the original forecasts of five percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.

The debt watcher also provided its 2015 forecast for the first time. By that year, the local economy may expand 5.4 percent. The economy grew by 6.6 percent last year.

“The drivers continue to be consumption, investment and government spending as well…The government’s commitment to good governance and anti-corruption efforts also contribute,” S&P credit analyst Andrew Palmer told The STAR in a phone interview.

The revised figures, although an improvement from September, still fell below the Aquino administration’s targets: six to seven-percent for 2013, 6.5 to 7.5-percent for 2014 and seven to eight-percent for 2015.

The Philippines, nonetheless, will continue to stand out among its peers in the Asia-Pacific, which is collectively projected to grow five percent this year from 4.7 percent in 2012.

In the report, the credit rater said the region is expected to post a steady growth or a little stronger this year as situation in debt-ridden developed markets “improved mildly.” Inflationary pressures have also eased.

Risks however persist, S&P said, noting among others, the potential impact of US budget cuts and the question of whether the eurozone nations will be able to recover from the debt crisis. US and Europe remain top export markets for most Asia-Pacific countries.

In the Philippines, S&P analyst Ivan Tan said robust growth have provided credit “room to grow” in the economy without “clear and present risks.”

However, bank regulators need to be vigilant as the local banking system is “not used to such high growth” which could later on backfire in the form of bubbles. Bank loans grew 15.4 percent in January, central bank data showed.

....the tourism rising star

PH a 'rising star' in tourism - WEF report

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

03/07/2013

 

 

 

 

"The Philippines is the most improved country in the region, ranking 16th regionally and 82nd overall, up 12 places since the last edition..." - World Economic Forum
 

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is living up to its tourism slogan "It's More Fun in the Philippines," as the country jumped 12 places in the 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF) .

 

The Makati Business Club released the WEF report, noting that the Philippines' ranking improved to 82 out of 140 countries, from its 94th ranking in the 2011 report.

The Philippines was named one of the "rising stars" in the WEF report, as it was the "most improved country" in the Asia Pacific region.

"The Philippines is the most improved country in the region, ranking 16th regionally and 82nd overall, up 12 places since the last edition. Among the country’s comparative strengths are its natural resources (44th), its price competitiveness (24th), and a very strong—and improving—prioritization of the Travel & Tourism industry (this indicator ranks 15th, as government spending on the sector as a percentage of GDP is now 1st in the world, and tourism marketing and branding campaigns are seen to be increasingly effective)," the WEF report stated.

The Philippines was also cited for changes in its policy rules and regulation that will help develop the travel and tourism industry.

"Among these are better protection of property rights, more openness toward foreign investments, and few visa requirements for foreign visitors (ranked 7th)," it said.

The Philippines also showed it is competitive in terms of price (ranked 24th) and in natural resources (ranked 44th).

Challenges remain

However, the report noted that the Philippines still has to address some challenges such as difficulty in starting a business, both in both cost and length of the process (ranked 94th and 117th, respectively.

The Philippines also has to address safety and security concerns (ranked 103rd), inadequate health and hygiene (94th); and underdeveloped ground transport, tourism, and ICT infrastructure. The WEF report noted these challenges are "holding back the potential of the economy’s T&T competitiveness."

Overall, Switzerland, Germany and Austria lead the world in terms of travel and tourism competitiveness, occupying the top 3 spots of the index.

While the Philippines' travel and tourism competitiveness has improved, it ranked 16th in the Asia Pacific region, lagging behind its neighbors.

Singapore was the only country in the top 10, ranking 10th. It was followed by Australia (11), New Zealand (12), Japan (14), Hong Kong (15), South Korea (25), Taiwan (33) Malaysia (34), Thailand (43), China (45), India (65) Indonesia (70) and Brunei (72), Sri Lanka (74) and Vietnam (80).

"Industry resilience has been driven by the growth of the middle class in emerging markets, although advanced economies too are displaying positive momentum. Better policies, harnessing technology and facilitating the movement of people over borders will allow the industry to capitalize on this tailwind and support rising prosperity into the future,” said Jennifer Blanke, WEF chief economist and head of the global competitiveness and benchmarking network.

The WEF's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index covers 140 countries, using data from publicly available sources, international travel and tourism institutions and experts.

 

...the basketball mecca

The Philippines as a basketball mecca

 

 

 

By Charlie Cuna | Judgment Call

06 March 2013

 

 

 

                             FIBA Asia Championship, Manila  - 01 August to 13 August 2013

             NBA Preseason Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers, MOA Arena - 10 October 2013 

 

 

Jeremy Lin and James Harden will hit town in October for a preseason game. (Getty Images)

The Philippines has been considered a generally basketball-loving country for decades now. There are leagues all over scattered into different categories (like the under 6-feet tall league), for different age groups, for members of a certain profession, intra and inter-company tournaments, etc. As you drive around on long road trips from province to province, you see basketball courts or goals, some well-built with strong material, some makeshift, all over the place. The PBA has prided itself on being Asia’s first play-for-pay league, and the resurgence in fan support and the highest quality of basketball is a sure sign that, despite the critics and crabs, the Filipinos’ love for basketball remains.

 

For many years, the PBA has employed imports to spice things up. Mostly Americans, they venture from far away to play basketball here. Even in the collegiate leagues, foreign student-athletes have journeyed from as far as Africa and are playing basketball while (hopefully) receiving a high level of education. Filipinos who were born and/or raised abroad have voyaged to the Philippines to play hoops, and many have excelled and endeared themselves to those who watch and appreciate good basketball. In one way or another, it is the love for the game of basketball that has brought all these people here.

Through the years, many have come back a few times either to play again (“balik-import”), or just enjoy the warmth of the Filipinos and the beauty of the Philippines. Some came and decided to stay, making the Philippines their home. Coach Norman Black of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters is the primary example. Seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks is another one who is based here now, and his son, Ray, is one of the primetime players in the UAAP for NU and is considered to be one of the foundations for the national team in the future. Even coaches have come to share their knowledge and ended up staying for years (Ron Jacobs, Rajko Toroman, and former NBA center Alton Lister).

Famous international basketball players and teams have travelled to the Philippines to promote certain products, conduct clinics, and/or play exhibition games. NBA stars past and present have been visiting the Philippines for many years in a row, especially because the NBA presence is strong here, with games televised live, and NBA merchandise is available in many stores, plus the fact that the NBA created a website specifically for Filipinos. Most, if not all these players and teams leave with the vivid image of Filipinos going crazy over their mere presence, applauding, cheering, or screaming at their magical moves and superb skills on the hardcourt.

 

An American, Rafe Bartholomew, even wrote a book called “Pacific Rims”, about what he calls “the Philippines’ unlikely love affair with basketball.” He came here, looked around, noticed the passion for the sport, and dedicated himself to write about it and all the different stories basketball has spun for Filipinos all around the country. Every Filipino fan who appreciates basketball should read the book. We may not agree with everything he says in it, but he surely has some enlightening perspectives.

So many people who come from far, far away end up in the Philippines because of basketball – to play it, to coach it, to watch it, or to experience it. Truly, basketball in the Philippines is quite an experience. It brings out passion and fuels up emotions.

In August, the FIBA Asia Championship will be held here in the Philippines, and the national teams of our Asian neighbors will make the trek to Manila with the objective of perhaps making it to the FIBA World Championships. Certainly, Filipino fans will come out in droves to cheer on Gilas Pilipinas as it takes on the other Asian basketball powers.

Then, as most of you already know, it was just announced that only two months after FIBA Asia, the NBA will hold, for the first time in history, a live pre-season game between the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets, here in the Philippines on 10 October 2013. The Mall of Asia Arena will be the venue, and the NBA promised that the lineups of both teams will be complete, and the mascots will be here, as well as the cheerdancers (very important) of both teams. No less than NBA Commissioner David Stern made the announcement on video, and Rockets Coach and NBA Hall of Famer Kevin McHale also shared his message.

It’s mind-blowing to think that the NBA decided to stage a game here, even if it’s not of the regular season variety. I am excited beyond words and intend to be there when it happens. It wasn’t something impossible, but it came sooner than I expected. The past few years indicated the high probability of having an actual game in Manila, with the constant NBA events being held here, and the active relationship between the PBA and the NBA, and the NBA with its local carriers (BTV and Studio 23).

There are many other countries all over the world that would gladly host an NBA game, countries who are commonly considered as “more popular” than the Philippines. The NBA has played in many cities in Europe, and recently played some games in China. Why here? Obviously, the NBA saw something in the Philippines that set it apart from other nations and put it on the same level as many other bigger countries, as far as basketball is concerned. The NBA felt the passion, the utter love for basketball that Filipinos have, despite it being a “tall man’s sport.” As I always say, there are millions of basketball “experts” here who watch the games in the different leagues here and abroad, and are very knowledgeable about them. The fight for tickets to this game will be almost as spectacular as the event itself.

So it seems that it isn’t just the Philippines’ beautiful beaches and natural wonders that entice visitors to come onto our shores. Sometimes, the reason is basketball.

 

...the upbeat Filipinos

SWS: More Filipinos upbeat in 2013

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

 

 

Almost two of every five adult Filipinos are optimistic about their quality of life, while one in three are optimistic about the Philippine economy this year, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 8 to 11 and first reported in BusinessWorld, found that 37 percent of Filipinos were optimistic that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months, as against 8 percent who said it would get worse, for a “high” net optimism score (optimists minus pessimists) of plus 29.

The SWS asked respondents: “In your opinion, what will be the quality of your life in the coming 12 months?” and were told to choose from two answers: “Will be better” (optimists) or “Will be worse” (pessimists).

Better economy

The same survey found that 33 percent were optimistic the Philippine economy would be better this year while 14 percent were pessimistic, for a “very high” net optimism score of plus 19.

But the survey also found a bigger proportion (32 percent) saying their life had worsened compared to a year ago (losers) while 25 percent said their life had improved over the same period (gainers), for a “fair” net score of minus 8.

Across classes, net optimism about their own quality of life ranged from a “high” plus 24 among class E to a “very high” plus 40 among classes ABC. It was at plus 30 (“very high”) among class D.

Very high in Metro

Across areas, it ranged from a “fair” plus 19 in Mindanao to a “very high” plus 35 in Metro Manila and the Balance of Luzon. It was at plus 23 (“high”) in the Visayas.

Net optimism on the economy across classes, on the other hand, ranged from a “very high” plus 16 among class E to a “very high” plus 28 among classes ABC. It was at plus 19 (“very high”) among class D.

Net economic optimism across areas ranged from a “high” plus 9 in Mindanao to a “very high” plus 26 in Balance Luzon. It was at plus 11 in the Visayas and at plus 21 in Metro Manila (both “very high” scores).

Meanwhile, the net percentage of gainers over losers across classes was a “very high” plus 29 among classes ABC, a “fair” minus 7 among class D and a “mediocre” minus 17 among class E.

Across areas, the net percentage score of gainers over losers was a “fair” minus 7 in Metro Manila, zero in Luzon outside Metro Manila (“fair”), minus 13 in the Visayas (“mediocre”), and minus 18 in Mindanao (“mediocre”).

For net personal optimism, SWS considers scores of plus 30 and above as “very high”; scores from plus 20 to plus 29, “high”; plus 10 to plus 19, “fair”; plus 1 to plus 9, “mediocre”; zero to minus 9, “low”; and minus 10 and below, “very low.”

Face-to-face interviews

For net economic optimism and net gainers, SWS classifies scores from plus 10 and above “very high”; plus 1 to plus 9, “high”; minus 9 to zero, “fair”; minus 10 to minus 19, “mediocre”; minus 20 to minus 29, “low”; minus 30 and below, “very low”

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.—Inquirer Research