Swing Your Sundays Into High Gear With Supercharged History This December

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Swing your Sunday late night viewing into high gear with two automotive reality shows, Big Easy Motors and Counting Cars Season 5, in Supercharged History which premieres December 4, Sundays starting at 10:00 pm.

Big Easy Motors highlights the work done by Charles Handler and his crew at The Bomb Factory, a New Orleans-based car service company that turns junk into custom cars. He searches all over Louisiana to look for classic vehicles not in good shape. He fixes them and restores them into as-good-as-new condition. Once the restorations are complete, he sells them in high-stakes auctions where he intends to make a huge profit if everything goes according to plan.

Big Easy Motors, part of Supercharged History, premieres December 4, Sundays at 10:00 pm

Counting Cars Season 5 chronicles the daily activities at Count's Kustoms, a Las Vegas-based automobile restoration and customization company owned and operated by Danny Koker. The series follows Koker and his all-star team as they restore and modify classic automobiles and motorcycles, and also documents the occasional conflict among his staff. For Koker and his crew, because every job is high stakes, they can't afford to lose. 

Counting Cars S5, part of Supercharged History, premieres December 4, Sundays at 10:30 pm

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Airport Authorities Implement Traffic, Safety Measure This Holiday Season

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In anticipation of the heavy volume of passengers this Christmas, airport officials have laid down measures to ensure safety and convenience of passengers nationwide.

A slot management system is being enforced to make sure airlines depart as scheduled. The system has helped improve the on-time performance (OTP) of airlines, effectively reducing incidents of flight delays. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the OTP of airlines improved from 47% to 71% since the new administration took over.

A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people fetching passengers at the airport. Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal appealed to the public to refrain from turning arrival gates into a parking area.

"Kailangan po talaga magtulungan tayo dito," said Monreal at a press briefing today.

To improve the flow of traffic to and from the NAIA, Monreal said MIAA is now coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow passengers to pass through and decongest traffic especially along Andrews Avenue. Security issues are currently being discussed.

The MIAA is also hopeful that the stretch of NAIA Expressway covering Terminal 3 will open in December.

Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also reported that Legazpi, Dumaguete, Roxas, and Caticlan airports are now night-rated. Night landing capabilities will enable airports to accommodate flights after sunset.

In terms of safety and security of passengers, the MIAA will deploy an additional 97 security personnel at the NAIA. The PNP is also ready to augment the airport's security force should it become necessary.

Nine (9) suspects of "salisi" incidents in the NAIA were also presented to the media to show how serious authorities are in ensuring safety of passengers. Since January, a total of 57 "salisi" incidents were reported, wherein 20 have been apprehended.

Monreal also warned airport personnel from asking gifts and favors from passengers this Christmas.

"I have no problem with personnel greeting passengers a 'Merry Christmas,' as long as there is no intention to ask for gifts," he said.

For those who will be found guilty of the act, he warned: "Kapag may nanghingi ng regalo, hindi na yan aabot ng Pasko. Definitely may disciplinary action."

House of Representatives' Probe of Ronnie Dayan is Lowest of the Low - Hontiveros

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The House of Representatives hit a lowest of the low as the House Committee on Justice reopened its probe into the narcotics trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during Senator Leila De Lima's stint as justice secretary. It was not an investigation in aid of legislation. It was a public lynching in aid of misogyny and sexism.

The intention was clear. Members of the committee were grossly unparliamentary. Their derogatory line of questioning did not aim to shed light on the issue of the drug trade in our prisons. They were meant to humiliate and shame Senator De Lima for her association with a certain man, or her past relationship.

It is very frustrating that in this day and age, the integrity and reputation of women can be undermined by unreasonable, traditional and conservative expectations of women's conduct in romantic and even sexual relationships. It is even more shameful that this nation's supposed leaders, elected representatives of the Filipino people, made the shaming of women a political strategy and a spectacle in the "honorable" chambers of Congress.

Even the very premise of focusing on Sen. De Lima's past relationship reeks of elitism. It assumes that people of a certain social and political stature shouldn't or couldn't enter into relationships with people belonging to a different social class, and should be the subject of ridicule.

It is not surprising that there is a surge in the number of sexual harassment cases against our women both online and off. The dishonorable behavior of our lawmakers has reinforced this despicable culture since the beginning of these investigations.

I join Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel Jr. and my other fellow Senators in calling on the members of the HoR to observe and respect the principles of co-equality and inter-chamber courtesy even with their issuance of a show cause order to Sen. De Lima. It is prudent for both the House and the Senate to first conclude their respective inquiries on the issue.

Lastly, I urge the House of Representatives, specifically House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to reign in its members and stop them from resorting to sexist and misogynistic attacks against another elected public official. If they are confident that they have real and tangible evidence against Senator De Lima, then let the evidence speak for itself. That is the only way for the Lower House to recover from this plunge into new and unparalleled lows.

Photo: Ronnie Dayan from CNN Philippines

CHED last-ditch attempt to appeal to Congress for the return of P2-B budget cut for faculty development and research Inbox x

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CHED would like to issue this appeal to concerned lawmakers to restore the P2 billion budget cut at the bicameral conference committee on budget scheduled on 29 November.  This will allow CHED to fulfil its role of working towards a locally responsive and globally competitive Philippine higher education system.

On 19 October 2016, the House of Representatives (HoR) during its third and final reading of the P3.35 trillion Duterte Administration budget, slashed the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) proposed P13.37 billion to P11.37 billion.

The HoR removed PhP1 billion each from CHED’s Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Project and its K to 12 Transition Program.  These funds were intended for faculty development and research.

 

For the PCARI Project, which is a continuing program since 2013, the proposed 2017 budget of PhP1.763 billion was intended to support 131 PCARI post-doctoral scholars, which CHED expects to double next year for advanced degrees in science and engineering. It will also fund 35 new PCARI research and development (R&D) proposals.

PCARI seeks to address the low research and innovation productivity of the Philippines in comparison with neighboring countries, based on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index.  It was conceived by the science and academic community and approved by Congress in 2013 as a leap frogging strategy to build the country’s capacity for research that translates to technological innovations, strategic policies and concrete solutions to address development problems in the country.

The PCARI R&D Projects involve 15 Philippine HEIs with collaborators in the University of California. These projects address vital societal-scale problems and seek to develop capacity by supporting scholars who work on topics related to the research projects. All scholars are expected to study full-time or part-time in the University of California.

The current PCARI R&D portfolio includes the extension of cell phone sites for remote areas using the technology in a Village Base Station; design  hardware and software to manage the collection and analysis of big data gathered through the deployment of sensors in the power grid, water system, and the environment; design an algorithm for managing traffic in urban areas; develop affordable and efficient printable solar collectors and power storage systems that could be deployed in rural areas; create an early warning system for plant diseases affecting our banana plantations; design precise water management systems for agriculture; invent accurate diagnostic kits for dengue that could be used by rural health workers; discover new anti-malarial drugs; and enhance local capacity to design and assemble medical devices.

The K to 12 Transition Program was designed to mitigate the effects of the implementation of K to 12 on the higher education sector from 2016 to 2021, and to provide a safety net for faculty, staff and higher education institutions affected by low student enrolment, as students will be in Grades 11 and 12 instead of college. In the 1st semester of AY 2016-17 alone, more than 4,000 faculty and staff received grants from CHED, with an additional 3,000 grantees targeted for the 2nd semester. This allowed CHED to successfully minimize displacement of HEI personnel to just 3,286, compared to the estimated 9,000 for 2016 alone. 

The budget for 2017 is even more critical as two full batches of students—supposedly college freshmen and sophomores, respectively—would be enrolled instead in Senior High School come June 2017.

Continued support is needed to provide cushion to HEIs and encourage them to place their affected faculty and staff in graduate studies, continuing professional education, or research activities instead of retrenchment. Without sufficient funds, displacement numbers will increase drastically in 2017, with a PhP1 billion cut equivalent to a decrease in the coverage of about 2,463 faculty and staff.

CHED underscores the opportunity to invest in strategic reforms during this transition period to upgrade Philippine higher education sector, and for it to become more competitive regionally. In Malaysia, 70 percent of their faculty already have graduate degrees, while in Vietnam, the figure is at 62 percent, paralleled with generous scholarships abroad. Meanwhile, only 50 percent of our faculty have graduate degrees, oftentimes in disciplines not aligned to what they are teaching. Through the K to 12 Transition Program, CHED aims to increase this share to 70 percent in the next 5 years, with accompanying efforts to improve institutional capacities.

Finally, it is important to stress that the reduction in the budget of both projects run counter to President Duterte’s ten-point agenda that puts primacy on investments in human capital development—which begins foremost with faculty who are well-trained in their fields—as well as the promotion of science and technology to enhance innovation and creative capacity.

Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca and Kim Kilgroe to Attend Third Annual PhilBike-Expo

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The PhilBike Expo, the biggest industry standard cycling convention in the country, is celebrating its third anniversary this weekend with a three-day expo at the SMX Convention Center, in Pasay City.

Already announced were the arrivals of world-champion cyclists “The Master” Kenny Belaey, the Superkids (Yu Shogi and Takumi Isogai), and Viki Gomez. Rounding out this star-studded line-up are Canadian mountain-bike daredevil, Geoff Gulevich, and Alessandro Colnago, marketing manager of the esteemed Italian bicycle manufacturer, Colnago.

Just announced are appearances from some of the biggest names in Philippine sports and entertainment:

Kim Kilgroe is one of the most revered triathletes in the country today. She is a member of the Philippine National Team and has won multiple triathlons all over the world.

Gerald Anderson is a Filipino-American actor and producer. He is best known for his roles in TV series such as Tayong Dalawa and My Girl, an adaption of the hit South Korean Drama. His work has extended to film with hits such as I’ve Fallen for You and On The Job.

Jake Cuenca is a Filipino actor and Football player. Known as the “Brad Pitt of the Philippines” Cuenca is highly regarded for his roles in the hit TV series, Kahit Puso’y Masugatan and Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo. He is also a striker for the Football Leauge Division 2 team, Team Socceroo FC.

All three stars will be at the event this Saturday for a meet-and-greet with fans.

To purchase tickets, visit http://philbike.pouchnation.com/. Tickets are PHP120 for one day, and PHP200 for two days until November 21, 12:01PM only. Regular prices of PHP150 per day shall apply on site at the SMX Convention Center. Children ages 12 and below are entitled to a 50% discount while toddlers 3ft. and below enter for free.

DOE Sec. Mobilizes Energy Family For Quick Energy Restoration

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Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has directed the mobilization of energy assets to fast-track any restoration initiatives amid the entry of Tropical Storm Marce in the Philippine Area of Responsibility last night (24 November).

“I have instructed the Power Bureau and industry participants to ensure the mobility of assets for the smooth restoration in the event that the typhoon damages energy facilities as it passes by,” Cusi said.

As of 2:00 p.m. 25 November, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that there are currently three down transmission facilities (Panit-an-Altavas 69kV Line, Panit-an-Nabas 138kV Line & San Jose-Bugasong 69kV Line) affecting parts of the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz.

The NGCP had earlier restored offline transmission lines. These are the Paranas-Taft-Borongan-Quinapondan 69kV Line, Tolosa-San Isidro 69kV Line and Panit-an-Roxas 69kV Line, which affected parts of the provinces of Eastern Samar, Leyte and Capiz.

According to NGCP, the inspection and restoration of lines in the affected areas will be in full swing as soon as the weather allows.

Teatro Tomasino Proudly Presents Bonifacio P. Ilagan's "Hindi Na Muli”

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Teatro Tomasino, the official university-wide theater guild of the University of Santo Tomas, celebrates its 39th year with a commemoration to Philippine culture and its past which takes form as a thought-provoking portrayal of Bonifacio P. Ilagan's "Hindi Na Muli” this coming December 1 and 2 at the University of Santo Tomas, Tan Yan Kee AVR, under the direction of the organization’s alumni, J.H. Garcia. With the theme, Let thy art illuminate, a theatrical show will be presented to shed light on the events that transpired a few significant years back.

In their anniversary production, Teatro Tomasino emphasizes the need to reveal how our country’s grim past was buried underneath the claims and “unproven” accusations. Witness as Lolo Veni and his family attest to the era that imposed laws that stripped the people off their rights, and had actively rejected common human decency.

The production exposes the brutality of the Martial Law through the story of a family who were mauled and raped by the regime. As they were also the activists who screamed their throats hoarse against the Marcoses, they contest the willingness of the Marcos supporters who turn a blind eye as propagation of false notion about their legacy continues.

Through a theater experience that will confront beliefs and challenge morals, Teatro Tomasino presents the current social issues of the Philippines from extrajudicial killings to the probable de novo Martial Law: will you turn a blind eye or will you make a stand? Would you let it happen again or never again?

Hindi na Muli will run on the following dates: December 1-2 at 10AM, 1PM, 4PM, and 7PM, at the Tan Yan Kee Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas.

For tickets and inquiries, visit the Teatro Tomasino Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Teatro Tomasino) or follow them at Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat @teatrotomasino. You can also contact Jenny at 0906 236 9492 or Andrea at 0915 263 6605.

Know Where to Park and which Roads are Closed during BGC Passionfest 2016

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The BGC Passionfest is one of the most anticipated events by BGCitizens and visitors alike. As Bonifacio Global City’s very own fiesta, it brings distinctly Filipino festivities right to the heart of BGC. This is definitely gonna be another crowd-drawing event so better know your way beforehand, especially if you’re bringing the whole squad.

Good thing Bonifacio High Street (BHS), the venue of the BGC Passionfest, is surrounded by parking spaces. Event attendees bringing their vehicles are encouraged to utilize all the parking lots in the city center, including the following areas:

·         BHS Pocket Parking B1-B8 102 slots 6AM - 12MN	·         Gallery Parkade 481 slots 6AM - 10PM
·         One Parkade 406 slots 24 hours	·         28th West (The Fort Strip) 404 slots 6AM - 12MN
·         Two Parkade 406 slots 6AM - 12MN	·         30th East A 173 slots 24 hours
·         Three Parkade 1,062 slots 6AM - 12MN	·         30th East B 174 slots 6AM - 12MN

Energy Ministers, Experts Discuss LNG Development Prospects in Japan

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To promote fuel diversification for energy stability and affordability, Philippine Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi presented the liquefied natural gas (LNG) roadmap of the country on Thursday (24 November) during the LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2016 in Japan.

“As an emerging LNG market in Asia, my country, the Philippines can take advantage of the current period of oversupply and the relatively low prices of LNG,” said Cusi in his Keynote Address for the third Session of the said forum.

The Energy Secretary said that currently the Philippines had only Malampaya Gas Field, where 98% of its total production is used for power generation supplying fuel to five natural gas plants in Batangas, namely Ilijan, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion with a total installed capacity of 3,211 megawatts (MW) providing the electricity requirement of Luzon and even the Visayas.

As the country prepares for the depletion of Malampaya’s supply by mid-2020s, Cusi also provided the natural gas project prospects in the country for the Japanese and other international investors to develop which includes –LNG importation, off-grid or missionary islands conversion to natgas power plants and even non-power applications, such as in transportation.

Magtanggol Film Returns to UP After IFFM Win

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Magtanggol, awarded Most Popular Film at the International Film Festival Manhattan this year, returns for more screenings at the UP Film Center on November 28, Monday, at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The political whodunit film tells the story of a family who has spent years fighting for and helping the disenfranchised and the abused, specifically Overseas Filipino Workers, survive and get out of their hapless situations. The family encounters hardships, opposition, scandals and inter-family disagreements, including a potentially destructive accusation that one of their own has been exacting revenge against known OFW oppressors.

The film challenges the audience to guess who the real perpetrator of the crime is from start to finish. The screenings aim to make Filipinos feel proud again in time for the November 30 celebration of Bonifacio Day.

Starring as the Magtanggol family are Joonee Gamboa, Dina Bonnevie, Tom Rodriguez, Ejay Falcon, Albie Casiño, Kim Domingo and Basti Santos, with William Martinez, Raul Morit, Sunshine Teodoro, Chanel Latorre and Yam Concepcion playing the roles of their extended family members. 

A Delicate Balance: Batanes Food, Ecology and Community Book Launch

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"It's a food book, but it's not a food book." - Marian Pastor-Roces

Nature and people are intimately connected. Over thousands of years, people have interacted with, have formed, and have in return been shaped by, their environment. A closer look at food reveals a story of the delicate balance that can exist between nature and us.

Chimuchimusén, Chinavulés, Tambubu, Uví, Lunyis, Arayú, Maridá. Have you encountered these words? If you've been to Batanaes, and have mingled with the residents, you probably encountered a few of them during the trip. If you're new to them but would like to know more in preparation for a trip (or simply curious), get to know more about these words when you get a copy of A Delicate Balance: Batanes Food, Ecology and Community.

I was fortunate enough to be with the authors (Corazon Alvina and Marian Pastor Roces) of "A Delicate Balance: Batanes Food, Ecology and Community" during their book launch held on November 9, 2016 at the Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong.

The authors gather in this handsome volume the work of many distinguished academics and Ivatan culture bearers, whose explorations into the Batanes Islands offer insights into an extraordinarily resilient food culture.

ABS-CBN Kapamilya Stars Take Center Stage In Ballet Philippines’ “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”

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Do you like the Pinoy disco music scene of the 70’s? Come and watch your favorite ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars led by Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri as they sing, belt, gyrate and groove centerstage in Ballet Philippines’ holiday presentation “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko,” a new dance musical set to the hits of Manila Sound legends VST & Company.

The VST & Co. is considered one of the pioneering groups from the music genre known as the Manila Sound in the mid 70s. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

Directed by BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” tells the story of the forbidden love between Teresa, a kolehiyala and Victor, a construction worker amidst the backdrop of the Philippines in the late ‘70s – burning with disco fever but chilled by the horrors of Martial Law. They are are separated in life but are united in heaven and once again dance up a storm.

Over the years, Karylle has established herself as one of the country’s finest female celebrities. With her immense talent and disarming beauty, she has conquered the local and international entertainment scene by storm. Her career has spanned the music, television, and film industries. Her performance in the international Asian TV series “The Kitchen Musical” earned her a nomination as Best Actress in the 52nd Monte Carlo TV Festival. She has been a regular host of “It’s Showtime” since 2010, but has left the show temporarily to work on Singapore-based television show “Private Investigator”. Her theater credits include Maria in “West Side Story” (2008), Sita in Ballet Philippines’ “Rama Hari” (2012), and Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” (2013). In “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Karylle will take on the role of Ester, a strong-willed “woman of the night”.

ONE Championship Holds Meet and Greet with Olympic Gold Medalist Joseph Schooling

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), held a meet and greet session with world champion swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling today at the Evolve Far East Square in Singapore. Schooling stepped inside the mixed martial arts (MMA) cage today and worked on some drills with ONE Championship athlete Christian “The Warrior” Lee and older sister, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela “Unstoppable” Lee.

Earlier today at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts Far East Square, world champion swimmer 21-year-old Joseph Schooling took to the MMA cage to showcase a different set of skills. Assisting Schooling in his first experience training in MMA were ONE superstars Christian and Angela Lee. Schooling was guided in a few striking and grappling drills, as well as taught the basic mechanics of self-defense.

Schooling, who is no stranger to tough workout regimens, said it was interesting to try mixed martial arts.

“It’s really great cardio,” Schooling said about the MMA drills. “I just did it for 20 minutes and I'm already out of breath.”

Joseph Schooling was born and raised in Singapore and is a third generation Singaporean. During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he became the country’s first Olympic gold medalist in nearly 51 years. On 12 August 2016, Schooling set an Olympic world record in the Men’s 100m Butterfly event with an official time of 50.39 seconds, defeating the United States’ Michael Phelps who came in at 2nd place with a time of 51.14 seconds.

Travel for Free with Lenovo’s Christmas Promo

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To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, Lenovo, the company that brought the groundbreaking Yoga Book to the Philippines, will be giving away travel vouchers for every purchase of participating Lenovo products.

From now to December 31, 2016, buyers of participating Lenovo products with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors will be rewarded with P1,000 to P2,000 worth of travel vouchers, depending on the purchased product. The vouchers can be used to pay for domestic and international flights, baggage allowance, as well as in-flight meals with Lenovo’s partner airline.

Travel vouchers also await those who purchase the Lenovo PHAB 2 PLUS until December 31, 2016.

“2016 has been an unprecedented year for Lenovo as we launched two revolutionary products, the Yoga Book and Yoga 900. These two products perfectly embody our customers’ identity of being bold, energetic, and progressive,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan. “Just like our products, this holiday campaign is suited for our consumers who never stand still in the pursuit of continuous improvement and innovation.”

For every purchase of participating Intel Core i3 products, consumers will be given a travel voucher worth P1,000, while P1,500 and P2,000 worth of travel vouchers await those who purchase participating Intel Core i5 and i7 products, respectively.

P1,000 worth of travel vouchers goes to the buyers of the Lenovo PHAB 2 PLUS. All vouchers may be claimed at the designated claiming centers in Metro Manila, and for those who shopped in the provinces, the vouchers will be sent via courier.

Travel Promo Alert: 50% Rebate with TravelBook.ph

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For a limited time, get back as much as half of what you paid for.

Typical reward programs would give you at least one to five percent rebate only, but with TravelBook.ph’s special promo for the holiday season, we will be offering an astounding 50% rebate!

Yes, that means you get back half of what you spend! This is TravelBook.ph’s biggest and most ambitious giveaway to date, and you only have from November 21 to 27, 2016 to avail of it.

Just imagine how much you’re getting with this promo: If you book a hotel worth PHP 2,000.00 you automatically get PHP 1,000.00 back in reward points. With this, you can already book a room worth PHP 1,000.00 for free or use it to further lower the prices of your future bookings. Take advantage of this weeklong promo, especially for the holiday season when staycations and out of town trips are trendy!

This is just the start of our six-week long holiday promo to say thank you to our loyal customers. Check back on www.travelbook.ph and www.facebook.com/TravelBook.ph every week to learn about the latest special deal that we will be giving away!

Book your hotels now at www.travelbook.ph and earn big reward points!