Vital tourism statistics and information on 17 Asian ... - TTG Asia

ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 2011/2012 33Aura Pavilion at Bonifacio Global City will provide2,000m 2 of MICE space, including three halls <strong>and</strong> ninemeeting rooms, when it opens in early 2013.Key events <strong>and</strong> festivals 2013Philippine MICE Conference (March 6 to 9)The country’s premier annual <strong>tourism</strong> event focusing onthe MICE market takes place from March 6-9, 2013, inthe city of Davao.www.dotpcvc.gov.phPahiyas (May 14 to 15)A visual <strong>and</strong> culinary treat, this harvest festival in Lucban,Quezon is marked by kiping, leaf-shaped <strong>and</strong> multi-colouredrice paste wafers that adorn the facades of housesin the most creative <strong>and</strong> decorative ways, together withfruits <strong>and</strong> flowers. The festival is also a chance for thetraveller to tuck into the best of local cuisine <strong>and</strong> delicaciesin this thanksgiving.www.visitmyphilippines.comKadayawan sa Dabaw (August 17-18)Davao’s most popular <strong>and</strong> colourful fiesta is a celebrationof life, giving thanks for the gifts of nature <strong>and</strong> thewealth of culture. Celebrations are capped by a paradeof the ten tribes of Davao, each donning its unique costumes<strong>and</strong> dancing to tribal music.www.visitmyphilippines.comGiant Lantern Festival (December 21)Lanterns, 5.5m in diameter <strong>and</strong> fitted with 7,000 blinkinglights, go on parade in San Fern<strong>and</strong>o, Pampanga tomedleys of Christmas songs.www.visitmyphilippines.comEssentials in the city – ManilaFood Savour these lip-smacking delights while in Manila:adobo – chicken, pork or both served in a garlickystew with vinegar <strong>and</strong> soy sauce as base; lechon de leche –slow-roasted baby pork with crispy skin; sinigang – soupsoured with tamarind <strong>and</strong> served with pork, beef, chicken,fish or shrimp.Quirky Filipinos show respect to their elders by callingolder men tito (uncle) <strong>and</strong> women tita (aunt) <strong>and</strong> thosejust a bit older kuya (elder brother) <strong>and</strong> ate (elder sister),even if they’re strangers. In the vernacular, thank you issalamat, but salamat po when speaking to the elderly.Tipping policy Tipping is expected for service, <strong>and</strong> 10per cent of the total bill is the st<strong>and</strong>ard amount. However,some bills do include a service charge.Shopping Purchase h<strong>and</strong>icrafts, basketry, h<strong>and</strong>wovencloths, ethnic stuff <strong>and</strong> embroidered fineries at Kultura;pearls <strong>and</strong> gemstones at Festival Mall in Alabang; <strong>and</strong>looms <strong>and</strong> antiques in Malate <strong>and</strong> Ermita.How to maximise two hours of free time ExploreGreenbelt in the Makati CBD, on foot. Sample local merienda(afternoon snacks) in any of the outdoor restaurantsor simply relax by the garden around the Don BoscoChurch.Impressive lunch for clients Fête them at La Cocina deTita Moning, an ancestral home turned into an elegantfine dining restaurant, or at Sala Bistro in Makati for Europeanfine dining.Lunch on your own For something local <strong>and</strong> fuss-free,chow down on the grub served at local fastfood outletssuch as Mang Inasal, Chow King <strong>and</strong> Razon’s.Late nights Manila is a hotspot for late night revelry.Clubs, music lounges <strong>and</strong> sing-along bars are in abundance.Live music entertainment is a staple among deluxehotels <strong>and</strong> there’s always a concert or stage play takingplace somewhere.Electricity 220V AC is the common st<strong>and</strong>ard. 110V AC isalso used, especially in major hotels.Visa requirementsVisitors from countries with diplomatic relations to thePhilippines may enter <strong>and</strong> stay for 21 days provided theyalready have an outbound ticket <strong>and</strong> a passport valid forat least six months beyond the period of stay.A tourist visa is needed for those planning to stay formore than 21 days. Chinese nationals, including citizensof Hong Kong <strong>and</strong> Taiwan, will need a special permitfrom the Philippine embassy or consulate.Important contactsNTODepartment of Tourism (DoT) was started in the 1950sas a private initiative but is now the primary governmentagency for encouraging, promoting <strong>and</strong> developing <strong>tourism</strong>for the Philippines. The DoT has 23 overseas offices.Tel: (63-2) 523-8411www.<strong>tourism</strong>.gov.phTourism Promotions Boardwww.dotpcvc.gov.phTravel trade associationsPhilippine Tour Operators Associationwww.philtoa.orgPhilippine Travel Agencies Associationwww.ptaa.org.phHotel <strong>and</strong> Restaurant Associaton of the Philippineswww.hrap.org.phCompiled by Rosa OcampoAll <strong>information</strong> is correct at press timethe perfect location by the bayHyatt Hotel <strong>and</strong> Casino Manila, located just off Manila’s famousRoxas Boulevard, offers the height of luxury <strong>and</strong> breathtakingsunset views over Manila Bay.Spacious guestrooms offer a luxurious combination of comfort<strong>and</strong> style with world-renowned Filipino hospitality. Experience theaward-winning dining at Li Li Cantonese restaurant, The Fireplace<strong>and</strong> Market Cafe to tempt the palate.Ideally suited for events planners seeking a higher level ofpersonalised service, the Ballroom <strong>and</strong> Le Salon offer flexibilitywith state-of-art technology <strong>and</strong> a team of dedicatedprofessionals to assist at every step of the way. For larger scaleevents, our location is ideally placed within minutes of thePhilippine International Convention Centre (PICC), World TradeCentre, SM Exhibition Centre <strong>and</strong> the recently opened SM Arena.A destination surrounded by historical attractions, livelyentertainment <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong> shopping centres, experience Manila atits best with a level of comfort <strong>and</strong> convenience that will make youfeel right at home. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.+63 2 245 1234MANILA.CASINO.HYATT.COMThe trademark HYATT <strong>and</strong> related marks are trademarks of Hyatt International Corporation.© 2012 Hyatt International Corp. All rights reserved.