DOT Partners with Cruise Lines International Association to Develop Cruise Ports, Itinerary, and Guest Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees strong interest from international cruise lines increasing their ports of call and expanding visits to more islands in the country.

Speaking before guests and industry stakeholders during the Philippine Cruise Industry Workshop held last week at the Makati Shangri-la, Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said that cruise arrivals in the Philippines grew by 48 percent in the last two years since 2011 amounting close to 20,000 in 2013. And while the country’s cruise infrastructure is being developed, international cruise lines calling in the country have increased substantially, with 16 cruise vessels last year from just 10 in 2011.

“We are expecting some 18 cruise ships this year that should bring in more than 20,000 tourists. Our country’s proximity to major cruise source markets like China, Japan, and Hong Kong positions us at a competitive and comparative advantage in the Asia-Pacific region. This should give industry stakeholders greater prospects and our local communities new jobs and opportunities,” the tourism chief added.

Secretary Jimenez believes that what is now considered a niche market will see an increase in demand in the years ahead. “Preparation is absolutely essential. And that is what this workshop precisely calls for—to formulate a national cruise development plan that will chart the Philippines’ role in the cruising business in Southeast Asia,” he further explained.

The Evolution of a Blogger: The Top Blogger of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There should be no exceptions! Yes! Except for press releases? Nah! Except for very technical topics? Nah! Except for events or products that were not worthy of any praises? Nah! To blog or not to blog? That is the question! But please don't min my ramblings as I am purely talking to myself. In the end it is still all up to me. I chose to put whatever I want in my blog. My blog, my rules! Like it or hate it, you don't dictate to me what I want to put in my blog, so accept it as the only truth, for I am the only one liable to its contents.

The blogger has evolved. That's for sure! Modern day professional bloggers now exist because the needs and demands call for it.  Only a few remain that are truly keeping to the original intention of what a blog is all about. Bloggers have adapted to the times, and the technology.

Some would even be identified as "top" bloggers - forming themselves into groups and calling themselves elite, authorities, and A-list... laughable but merely a branding strategy to uplift themselves in the eyes of potential clients. Yey! We're above and beyond the rest of the indies out there! We're an exclusive batch of self-declared prominent bloggers backed by years of experience and maturity - in other words, we are old and desperate for some attention.

It is good to create a union, but it is bad to close the opportunities to newbies because we all know that the new generation may also have fresh innovative ideas that even experienced bloggers may be unable to realize. The rookies were newly-trained and are most probably backed by more advanced learning that could be better appreciated by majority of their readers.

Upbeat Economy Results in Bullish Business Gifts Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is currently enjoying revived confidence from domestic and international business, as evidenced by, among other things, upgraded ratings from the world’s leading credit rating agencies. These improvements have directly resulted in an upbeat corporate gifts and rewards industry, poised to take advantage of the increased economic activity.

Hundreds of the country’s most reliable suppliers of business gift items are set to showcase their products and services at the annual Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show, the Philippines longest-running and most successful trade exhibition on business gifts, premiums, promotional ideas and merchandise incentives.

Now on its 27th year, the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show regularly attracts purchasing managers, marketing and event professionals, HR practitioners, public relations specialists who visit the show to explore and source their year-round business gifts requirements, office solutions and even food and beverage gift options. It is scheduled on July 9-11 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.