Kopi Talk Local tourists flocking to new destinations, extreme sports

When tourists think of Bohol, chocolate hills and gentle tarsiers are usually the first things that come to mind, not a heart-stopping drop into a deep gorge. There's more to the island-province than bug-eyed primates and brown mounds. Jjust a couple of hours away, the Danao Adventure Park offers the exhilarating Suislide and Plunge. The local version of the zipline, the Suislide consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, which is mounted on an incline, according to the Eco/Extreme/Educational Adventure Tour Danao website. Meanwhile, the Plunge is a canyon-swing adventure mounted over a gorge that is 200 meters high and 300 meters wide. While not for the fainthearted, such extreme activities offer an alternative vacation for tourists who want more than laid-back sightseeing. Which is exactly what the annual Travel and Tour Expo will do, putting the spotlight on emerging Philippine destinations, from Tuguegarao in Luzon to the Camotes Islands in the Visayas. The Expo will be held February 15-17 in the SMS Convention Center in Pasay. "There are a good bulk of local players coming in exhibiting during the fair," said Philippine Travel Agencies Association President John Paul Cabalza, noting that they increased the number of booths to 554 from last year's Expo of 477., The PTAA identified nine emerging tourist destinations that they will aggressively promote: Baler, Bataan, Camotes Islands, Davao, Leyte, Mindoro, Samal Islands, Siargao Island and Tuguegarao. "We're actually looking at more domestic players gaining ground and at the same time assisting the Department of Tourism. This is a good example of the public private partnership," Cabalza said at a press conference on February 5., Cabalza said the emerging destinations include the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, where there are already 17 resorts and hotels operating. Meanwhile, in Baler, more than 15 resorts are currently operating, Cabalza said, noting that the popular surfing destination also has numerous waterfalls. "We went there, and it was a fun trek. Even if you swim in their waterfalls area, it's not that deep," said Cabalza, noting that the waterfalls are well-managed. Cabalza also recommended Baler's history trail, which includes Baler Church, the site of the Siege of Baler in 1898. The trail also includes Ermita hill, where only a few Filipinos survived the Tsunami of 1735, which wiped out the entire town., Aileen Clemente, chairperson of the 20th Travel Tour Expo, said the fair is an opportunity for emerging destinations to become more comfortable before promoting themselves outside the Philippines. "Since there are new destinations that we are promoting, this is like their first dry run of their destination, their product, their hotels... When they get that confidence level, there's no stopping them from gaining all the inbound market as well," she said. Promoting domestic tourism In 2011, the revenue from foreign tourists reached about 100 billion pesos, while the revenue from domestic tourists was at 800 billion pesos, according to Department of Tourism Asec. Benito Bengzon Jr. In 2012, the number of domestic tourists exceeded 30 million. "We're seeing a lot of Filipinos going around the country. More than ever, there is a greater sense of appreciation, greater pride in what the country has to offer and we feel that's one of the factors that will push domestic travel," said Bengzon. He added that the increase in airlines operating within the country contributed to this growth, as it gave consumers more options. Similarly, there are a variety of options when it comes to accommodations and facilities for travelers. "If people want the luxury, five star type, we have it. If they opt for the more Spartan budget type of accommodations, we also have it. But definitely, domestic tourism will continue to grow," Bengzon said., PTAA Media Committee Chair Nit Ragaza noted that many foreign tour operators will be participating in the Travel Tour Expo, and this is also an opportunity to promote domestic tourism. "While their purpose is to sell their country, unavoidably they will be moving around and they will see also the beautiful spots that we have, and they can also relay this to their countrymen. Hopefully this will translate to more visitors in the Philippines," Ragaza said., Bengzon also encouraged Filipinos to travel abroad, as this allows them to promote the country. "The more Filipinos go abroad, the wider the network that we have. Marketing the Philippines is not just the sole responsibility of the DOT. It's everybody's business, and we're happy when Filipinos go abroad and start spreading the word around that it's more fun in the Philippines," he said. While tourists can easily book their trips online, the fair gives them an opportunity to find out about other destinations, as well as take advantage of promos and discounts. According to Clemente, the expo has something for everyone, from luxury deals to budget trips. This year's fair is also bigger than last year's event, which drew some 60,000 visitors. "The fact that we're getting huge numbers is a very strong indication that there is deeper appreciation of tourism and travel among Filipinos," Bengzon said., To reach this year's target of 100,000 visitors, PTAA expanded the fair to include more exhibitors and prizes, as well as celebrities and special guests, including Hello Kitty, who will be brought in by the Japanese Embassy. The expo will also be streamed live online to be able to reach more people. "We'll be scheduling the activities there as well so you can see what are the gimmicks and what are the shows that will be playing onstage and in each booth," she said. Ragaza also said visitors to the expo will not have to spend hours in line in order to purchase airline tickets. "They don't have to really fall in line at Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or ZestAir. They can go straight to the 42 participating tour operators and they can actually make the purchase there," he said., The Travel Tour Expo 2013 will be held on February 15 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and Function Room 5 in Pasay City. For more information, follow the Travel Tour Expo on Twitter (twitter.com/traveltourexpo) and Facebook (facebook.com/traveltour.expo) or call Fairs & More at (02)8451324 or (02)7596680. — DVM/HS,

P6-B NHA Properties Left Deteriorating

MANILA, Philippines --- Some P6.047 billion worth of residential lots and buildings of the National Housing Authority earmarked for sale or disposal but have been left untended and deteriorating for over five years now, the Commission on Audit revealed in its 2011 report. COA said P2.1 billion of these properties are scattered all over Metro Manila, P2.91 billion in Southern Luzon and Bicol provinces, P831.85 million in Northern and Central Luzon, P165.07 million in the Visayas, P35.11 million in Mindanao, and P2.95 million under the Estate Management Department. In addition, auditors said acquired assets valued at P1.416 billion have been in NHA's inventory for one to five years and another P95.03 million worth are listed as "current". Taken together, the inventory of items for disposition or sale totaled P7.56 billion consisting of P5.476 billion worth of land, P2.012 billion buildings and P70.34 million acquired assets. "The value of these non-moving inventories decreases due to deterioration of their physical conditions and consequently results in decrease in revenues for the NHA. The schedule of acquired assets showed that the account consists of apartments, dormitories and other properties acquired from beneficiaries who were unable to pay their obligations to the NHA," the report noted. Urban Poor Associates, a non-government organization, estimates that there are around 800,000 or close to five million individuals who are living on the streets of Metro Manila. COA said the assets in the inventory "are currently unoccupied and available for disposition by the NHA." "Had the [NHA] expediently disposed of/leased out these acquired properties, it could have earned additional revenues to fund other priority projects or augment the operating funds of the NHA. Moreover, idle/unused buildings deteriorate faster resulting to decrease in potential revenues for the NHA and additional expenses for maintenance and security" the commission added. COA recommended that NHA prioritize and expedite the sale/disposition of non-moving inventories to qualified beneficiaries to generate funds for priority projects and other operational requirements. "The possible utilization of available inventories for housing requirements of qualified beneficiaries in areas where these properties are located should first be considered before embarking on new housing projects or land development," it reminded the housing agency

Study Recommends More Investments In Mindanao Roads And Port Infrastructure

An Australian-supported study has recommended that more investments should be poured into roads and port infrastructure in Mindanao to accelerate the movement of vegetables and fruits produced on the island. Better roll-on-roll-off shipping services for greater connectivity of markets and port operation where there is scope for privatization should also be provided Accurate and timely market information, especially to farmers, should likewise be generated, asserted the study titled "Strengthening Markets of High-Value Fruits and Vegetables in Mindanao: The Case of Transport and Shipping Service Improvement." The report is the output of a two-year research project titled "Transport Policy Study: Promoting Efficiency and Productivity of Flow of Goods - A Focus on the Transportation Needs of Mindanao Region.". Funded by the Australian Research Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the study was implemented by the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization-Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEAMEO SEARCA). Los Baños-based SEARCA, headed by Director Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is one of the 20 regional centers of SEAMEO, an inter-government treaty organization founded in 1965 to promote cooperation among Southeast Asian nations through activities in education, science, and culture. The research team was headed by Dr. Gilberto Llanto, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). With him were Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, former SEARCA Research and Development manager and new agriculture staff director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Karen Quilloy of SEARCA; and Francis Mark Quimba, PIDS research specialist. Mindanao, as the country's major source of agricultural commodities, produced 1.54 million tons of food and live animals in 2009, of which 1.43 million tons were shipped to Luzon (49 percent) and the Visayas (44 percent), the study reported. About 70 percent of the total volume of the country's major fruits and vegetables are produced in Mindanao. Of these, more than 90 percent is transported to major urban centers in Luzon and the Visayas. "However," the study pointed out, "in an island archipelago like the Philippines, the movement of highly perishable crops such as fruits and vegetables from key production areas in Mindanao to intermediate and terminal markets within and outside the island-region is hampered by the inadequacy of efficient and effective transport systems and port and shipping services." It added: "This limits the potential gains that supply chain participants may realize from their produce, given the increasing demand for high quality and safe fruits and vegetables in the Philippines and abroad."

OFW guide: Fast facts on top 10 destinations of Pinoys abroad

GMA News Online has compiled a list of essential information on the top 10 destinations of Filipinos overseas. Included here are links to the official websites and social media accounts of both the Philippine embassies in these countries, as well as the embassies of the destination countries here in the Philippines. Number of Filipinos: 3,430,864* For nearly 50 years, from 1898 to 1946, the Philippines was a colony of the United States, the world's foremost military and economic power. According to a country profile posted on the BBC news site, the gross domestic product of the US accounts for close to a quarter of the world total. Its military budget, on the other hand, is said to be almost equivalent to the rest of the world's defense spending put together. Capital: Washington DC Area: 9.8 million square kilometers Language: English Population: 317.6 million (United Nations, 2010) United States Embassy in Manila Official website Facebook account Twitter account Philippine Embassy in the US Official website Facebook account Twitter account Number of Filipinos: 1,550,572 Saudi Arabia is one of the main players in the Arab world. According to BBC, Saudi Arabia sits on more than 25 percent of the world's known oil reserves and can produce more than 10 million barrels per day. Capital: Riyadh Area: 2.24 million square kilometers Population: 28 million (UN, 2011) Language: Arabic Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila Official website Philippine Embassy in Saudi Official website Facebook account Twitter account Number of Filipinos: 842,651 Canada is the world's second largest country after Russia although Canada's population is only about one-fifth of Russia's., BBC said. Around 90% of Canadians live within 200 kilometers of the country's border with the United States. Capital: Ottawa Area: 9.9 million square kilometer Population: 34.3 million (UN, 2011) Languages: English, French (both official) Canadian Embassy in Manila Official website Philippine Embassy in Canada Official website Number of Filipinos: 679,819 The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven states formed in 1971, BBC said. The seven states are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain. Before oil was discovered in the country in the 1950s, UAE mainly depended on its fishing and pearl industry. Capital: Abu Dhabi Area: 77,700 square kilometers Population: 7.9 million (UN, 2011) Language: Arabic UAE Embassy in Manila Official website Philippine Embassy in the UAE: Official website Number of Filipinos: 569,081 Malaysia has one of the most vibrant economies in Asia, BBC noted. Although it is multi-ethnic and multi-religious, majority of its population are Muslims. Ethnic Malays make up around 60% of the population. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. Capital: Kuala Lumpur Area: 329,847 square kilometers Population: 28.8 million (UN, 2011) Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam Malaysian Embassy in Manila Official website Philippine Embassy in Malaysia Official website Facebook account Number of Filipinos: 384, 637 In all the world, Australia ranks as one of the best places to live in, BBC said. It is the sixth-largest country in the world by land mass. Australia has a strong, services-based economy, BBC said, adding that mining and agriculture make up a huge share of exports Capital: Canberra Area: 7.7 million square kilometers Population: 22.6 million (UN, 2011) Language: English Australian Embassy in Manila Official website Facebook account Philippine Embassy in Australia Official website Number of Filipinos: 342,442 Qatar was once a pearl-fishing center and one of the poorest among the Gulf states, BBC said. However, due to the development of large oil and gas fields in thte 1940s, Qatar is now one of the richest countries in the region, BBC said. Capital: Doha Area: 11,437 square kilometers Population: 1.9 million (UN, 2011) Language: Arabic Philippine Embassy in Qatar: Official website Number of Filipinos: 220,882 BBC noted that Japan has the world's third-largest economy and is a major aid donor and a source of capital and credit. Capital: Tokyo Area: 377,864 square kilometers Population: 126.5 million (UN, 2011) Language: Japanese Japanese Embassy in Manila Official website Facebook account Philippine Embassy in Japan Official website Number of Filipinos: 220,000 The United Kingdom — made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — was the world's first industrialized country, BBC said. It is a major player in international affairs, playing vital roles in the EU, UN and Nato. Capital: London Area: 242,514 square kilometers Population: 62.4 million (UN, 2011) Language: English British Embassy Manila Official website Facebook account Twitter account Philippine Embassy in UK Official website Facebook account Twitter account Number of Filipinos: 186,750 Kuwait, a small, oil-rich country was the first Arab country in the Gulf to have an elected parliament, BBC said. One of the world's leading oil producers, Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990. This incident became a springboard for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, BBC said. Capital: Kuwait Area: 17,818 sq km Population: 2.8 million (UN, 2011) Language: Arabic Philippine Embassy in Kuwait: Official website - Compiled by Andrei Medina and Veronica Pulumbarit, GMA News * Based on the 2011 Stock Estimate of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Campaign jingles all the way

by Krizia Arcangel, VERA Files
Every election season, candidates running for various electoral posts hire composers to come up with jingles for their campaign. Jingles with a catchy melody can help voters easily remember a politician’s name.
Lloyd Luna, a composer who has written campaign jingles for candidates in previous elections, says that a well-written song can create a “Last Song Syndrome (LSS) effect” in voters. But although having a jingle is part of a politician’s strategy, it does not necessarily lead to victory, he adds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Iy7lKH5qOEs

Philippines' Aquino to visit rebel stronghold

..Philippine President Benigno Aquino will next week make a historic visit to the stronghold of the country's main Muslim rebel force in an effort to push forward peace talks, his office said on Thursday. Aquino's trip on Monday to the outskirts of the 12,000-member Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF's) main base in the country's south will be the first peace mission there by a president since the insurgency began in the 1970s. Aquino and MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim will meet as they witness the launch of a social welfare project for mainly Muslim residents of communities where the rebels exert an influence, Aquino spokesman Ricky Carandang told AFP. "It's not a formal meeting, but their presence will underscore the commitment and optimism that both sides have that a final resolution to the peace process will be achieved," he said. "The launch of the social programmes will show concrete benefits of peace." At the launch, health insurance cards will be distributed to residents, emergency jobs offered to adults and scholarships given to their children, Aquino's office said. The MILF has been fighting since the 1970s for independence in Mindanao, the southern third of the mainly Catholic Philippines that the country's Muslim minority claim as their ancestral homeland. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict. The MILF signed a "framework agreement" with Aquino's government in October last year committing both sides to form a new autonomous entity on Mindanao by 2016, when the president ends his six-year term. The MILF vowed to give up its quest for an independent homeland in exchange for significant power and wealth-sharing in a new autonomous region. Negotiators from both sides have been meeting in neighbouring Malaysia to thrash out what they described as contentious items in the plan. Cabinet secretary Jose Almendras said Monday's event would be held at an MILF-run school that residents say is about half a kilometre (a third of a mile) from the main gate of the rebels' headquarters, Camp Darapanan. "It's very close to the MILF camp," Almendras said. MILF spokesman Mike Pasigan welcomed the imminent launch of the social welfare project. "The programme will further strengthen the collaboration between the government and the MILF as we build on the gains of the peace process," he said in a statement. ..

Gardenia Sales To Top P4B

Gardenia Bakeries, the country's largest breadmaker, expects sales to break R4-billion mark this year and double the sales to R8 billion in seven years on back of a strong economy and growing awareness of Filipinos of the health benefits of bread. "Right now, we're targeting R4 billion in sales. In seven years, we hope to make it to R8 billion," said Gardenia president Simplicio Umali Jr., , who steered the Singaporean subsidiary's bread company in the Philippines to become a household brand. But that is not much to crow about this lofty figure, said Umali. No doubt Gardenia is the country's single biggest bread manufacturing plant, the most modern with the most innovative products at world-class quality, but the industry is engaged in a cutthroat competition in this fast moving but low margin product. "In terms of profitability, we are managing, but not very much. Bread sector is not a highly profitable sector," said Umali as the company celebrates its 15th Anniversary. There are lots of factors affecting bread business in the country. "You can generate enough income, but it's not the type that would generate a lot of income like other investments because the cost of investment is too much," said Umali. Besides, he said, Gardenia cannot price its products in the Philippines as they should be because they have to consider the affordability among Filipino consumers. But in terms of volume, Gardenia is doing good. Their sales volume improves but their price did not move as much as competition heats up particularly from the Pinoy Tasty, the loaf bread designed for the low-income sector. Its competitors even resort to buy 1 take 1 promo or half the price. Gardenia enjoys a 65 percent market share for the total bread category. This year, Umali is more optimistic because it is an election year and based on experience consumption picks up during election year. "We are very optimistic. There is an increase in demand because with election, money flows to the countryside. There are a lot of expenditures they spend locally. There's a lot of money coming out into circulation so even the low income sector will have some money to spend," Umali said. Prices of bread have remained stable, but Umali said there is the possibility it can climb a little bit. Gardenia has proven to be good for the industry. While Gardenia has raised the bar in producing quality breads in the country, it has also the sheer muscle to keep prices in check. "We are not the type who takes advantage of the market. We create an opportunity. We do not want to destroy the competition. We encourage in fact the competition to expand in terms of product mix. If they are our direct competitor, we try to push them to develop other products wherein they can generate more income," said Umali. Umali, however, believes there is still enough room for new players but in areas where the giants are not present noting that some of the big players are even offering their products buy 1 take 1. Gardenia's real competition though is not the other fellow bread maker but rice, the staple food of Filipinos. It's not clear if they are winning in their campaign.

ALI invests P5 billion more in Cebu

AFTER investing a total of P14 billion in Cebu in the last three years, property developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and its subsidiary Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) are pouring in a fresh investment of P5 billion for its various projects in Cebu this year. Included in the capital expenditure (capex) for Cebu is the P1.6-billion ACC Corporate Center, which will soon rise on the western side of the Ayala Center Cebu property along Bohol Street, and other residential and retail projects. ALI president Antonino Aquino on Wednesday said this new investment for Cebu is a testament of their optimism and confidence in Cebu’s thriving economy, as shown by the performance of Cebu Park District, which covers the Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park (CBP). He said the establishment of the ACC Corporate Center will now make the Cebu Business Park development fully-integrated with elements like hotel, retail, residential and corporate offices in place. “This will be a new home to business process outsourcing (BPO) locators,” Aquino said during the project’s ground-breaking ceremony. 3,000 employees The ACC Corporate Center, which sits on a 3,424-square-meter property, is a envisioned to be a 20-storey, Grade A building, which will cater to the office space requirements of BPO locators and will complete the “live, work, play” concept at the CBP. The building will have 12 floors of office spaces with a total gross leasable area of 28,574 sq.m., two floors for retail establishments which will operate 24/7, and six levels of parking. The building can accommodate at least 3,000 employees. “This is the first of its kind here and is completely attached to the Ayala Center Cebu. It is located near the terminal, the proposed bus rapid transit and is situated in the very center of things,” said Aquino. He noted that new and existing BPO firms have already expressed interest in the building, but no formal agreements have been signed yet. “One unique element of our products that has attracted buyers is that our products are right in the middle of a thriving community,” he said. ACC Corporate Center’s completion is slated in the second quarter of 2015. As for its other projects, Aquino reported brisk sales of its residential projects both at the CBP and Cebu IT Park. He said the units of high-end 1016 Residences and two towers of Solinea condominium projects are already sold out. The company is now preparing the follow-through of the third tower of Solinea and Avida Riala at the Cebu IT Park. New wing this year CBP and Cebu IT Park have five residential projects each that are still under construction. Meanwhile, Ayala Center Cebu is preparing to open its new wing by the fourth quarter this year. According to the mall’s general manager Clavel Tongco, most of the tenants in the new wing are foreign brands, including some that are found at Ayala’s Greenbelt 5. Among the confirmed locators is Rustan’s, which will have a three-level retail space. It will also have a supermarket and high-end brands like Zara. The fourth level of the new wing will house more dining establishments. The Phase 2-B project has cost the ALI and CHI some P2.5 billion. Rowena Tomeldan, ALI vice-president and head for operations and support services commercial business group, said the company is aggressive in expanding its retail operations nationwide, given the property boom in the country. 27% growth as of September She said the company is also considering a retail development at Cebu IT Park. “These are still rough plans but we will definitely add more retail projects in the IT Park. We are just careful in the selection of retail stores,” she said, on the sidelines of the press conference. The retail group has recently expanded in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. The firm also ventured into community centers where they allotted spaces for homegrown products. ALI’s net profit from January to September 2012 grew by 27 percent year-on-year to P6.62 billion. Its consolidated revenues for the first nine months reached P39.01 billion, 20 percent higher from 2011. The bulk of its revenues were from the hotel and residential segments, which went up by 20 percent to P36.89 billion

Aquino party to punish members backing opposition bets

Party discipline" awaits the members of ruling party who will support candidates outside its ticket in the 2013 senatorial elections. Senator Franklin Drilon, campaign manager and vice chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), expressed intent to punish members in order to ensure a 12-0 win in the May mid-term polls. "We are prepared to discipline our ranks in order that everybody will support Team PNoy," Drilon said. The veteran senator issued the statement after Vice President Jejomar Binay's United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) claimed it has "silent supporters" from LP. Related story: PNoy to play ‘very active’ role in administration campaign for 2013 polls UNA secretary-general and campaign manager Tobias "Toby" Tiangco, for his part, named as an example Quezon City Rep. Boyet Banal who he said is supporting the senatorial bid of San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito. Tiangco said there were also incumbent officials and known LP stalwarts who have been backing UNA candidates. LP members were dismayed by the decision to support only Team PNoy candidates, Tiangco said. Also read: Who's in top 12 of Senate race? Banal clarified, however, that his personal political preferences will not in any way affect his commitment to LP. He also explained that what he said to the media was his personal opinion and "should not be taken to mean that he is sacrificing one candidate of the coalition for his personal choice." "I am a loyal party member and a good soldier. I believe in the platform of the LP, a party I joined in 2002, even before i first ran for public office in 2004," Banal said in a statement. "I am strongly committed to campaign for the entire slate of the administration coalition," he added. Related story: PNoy on UNA: They have a lot more to prove than us Drilon meanwhile said that aside from party discipline, Team PNoy is hoping for a straight-ticket win in the midterm polls by having the President personally campaign for the coalition bets. This, as he insisted that there is nothing questionable or irregular about Aquino's move to actively campaign for Team PNoy candidates. The senator also assured that their party will be open to answer accusation that the chief executive will be using government resources for the campaign. "We will answer all of their questions (about public funds) but remember, the president is our political leader and it is his duty to campaign for his candidates, who will help him with his programs," Drilon said.

Ensure Adequate Poll Electricity – Lawmaker

. MANILA, Philippines --- Government must ensure adequate and stable power supply in the country not just during the forthcoming May 2013 midterm elections but throughout the year to meet the demand of a projected strong economic growth, Sen. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said yesterday. The Marcos call came as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that it has created a task force to guarantee uninterrupted power transmission during the elections. But the NGCP itself stated that there is ample electricity in Luzon and the Visayas although the power situation in Mindanao is critical as demand exceeds the available supply. There are reports that the people of Mindanao could experience rotating brownouts as the Agus-Polangui hydropower complex which supplies more than half of Mindanao's power supply has cut its output to only 635 megawatts of its 982-megawatt capacity because of heavy siltation of the rivers that feeds the hydroelectric dam. Manila Electric Company (Meralco), however, warned that even Luzon would face tightness in power supply now and 2016 unless more power plants are built to meet demand amid a projected strong economic growth. Earlier, the Department of Energy (DOE) set up a task force similar to that of NGCP's to ensure the supply of electricity during the national and local elections in May. Marcos said he welcomed the moves to ensure there would be no power interruptions during the elections but, ''we should not stop at such stop gap measures to address our power problems.'' ''The voting and the outcome of the elections will be completed in a few days. After this, the people need to go back to their work or business to earn a living and for these they need adequate supply of electricity too,'' he added. Besides, the temporary measures to soften the power crisis in Mindanao such as using power barges are more costly in the long run, resulting as well to increased power costs that would hurt business and investment prospects, he explained ''What we need is a determined effort by the national government to put up the necessary power infrastructures that would ensure not just adequate and dependable supply of electricity but affordable, too,'' he added. .

NPA Leader Captured in Camarines Sur

. The military reported new major gains in its fight against the New People's Army (NPA) as it announced the arrest of another ranking leader of the insurgent group and the capture of an NPA camp in separate operations in Luzon and the Visayas. Col. Generoso Bolina, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said a top NPA leader, Nancy Ortega who uses the aliases "Nads" and "Sads", was arrested by joint military and police elements in an operation Sunday at around 8:30 p.m. in Barangay San Roque, Iriga City, Camarines Sur. Citing a report from Col. Richard Q. Lagrana, Commander of the Army's 902nd Infantry Brigade, Bolina said Ortega is the provincial front secretary of the NPA operating in Camarines Norte. Ortega was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for multiple frustrated murder. "She has directed various attacks on military and police posts in Camarines Norte, as well as the killings of many innocent civilians," said Lagrana. The arrest happened after reliable information reached authorities that Nancy Ortega will be visiting her relatives in Iriga. She did not resist arrest. In Northern Samar, another NPA camp was captured by government forces at Barangay Luisita in Victoria town early yesterday morning Lt. Col. Noel A. Vestuir, the 20IB's commanding officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Col. Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by troops from Charlie Company, 20IB led by 1Lt. Florencio Tayo. Vestuir said the camp was seized after it was abandoned by insurgents who evaded an armed engagement with the government forces. "The camp has also a strong mobile signal and is near a water source. The camp was discovered after 20IB has launched sustained combat operations in the area of Victoria and San Isidro in response to the reported presence of communist terrorists in the area as tipped-in by the peace-loving resident," added Vestuir. .

Local tourists flocking to new destinations, extreme sports

When tourists think of Bohol, chocolate hills and gentle tarsiers are usually the first things that come to mind, not a heart-stopping drop into a deep gorge. There's more to the island-province than bug-eyed primates and brown mounds. Jjust a couple of hours away, the Danao Adventure Park offers the exhilarating Suislide and Plunge. The local version of the zipline, the Suislide consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, which is mounted on an incline, according to the Eco/Extreme/Educational Adventure Tour Danao website. Meanwhile, the Plunge is a canyon-swing adventure mounted over a gorge that is 200 meters high and 300 meters wide. While not for the fainthearted, such extreme activities offer an alternative vacation for tourists who want more than laid-back sightseeing. Which is exactly what the annual Travel and Tour Expo will do, putting the spotlight on emerging Philippine destinations, from Tuguegarao in Luzon to the Camotes Islands in the Visayas. The Expo will be held February 15-17 in the SMS Convention Center in Pasay. "There are a good bulk of local players coming in exhibiting during the fair," said Philippine Travel Agencies Association President John Paul Cabalza, noting that they increased the number of booths to 554 from last year's Expo of 477., The PTAA identified nine emerging tourist destinations that they will aggressively promote: Baler, Bataan, Camotes Islands, Davao, Leyte, Mindoro, Samal Islands, Siargao Island and Tuguegarao. "We're actually looking at more domestic players gaining ground and at the same time assisting the Department of Tourism. This is a good example of the public private partnership," Cabalza said at a press conference on February 5., Cabalza said the emerging destinations include the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, where there are already 17 resorts and hotels operating. Meanwhile, in Baler, more than 15 resorts are currently operating, Cabalza said, noting that the popular surfing destination also has numerous waterfalls. "We went there, and it was a fun trek. Even if you swim in their waterfalls area, it's not that deep," said Cabalza, noting that the waterfalls are well-managed. Cabalza also recommended Baler's history trail, which includes Baler Church, the site of the Siege of Baler in 1898. The trail also includes Ermita hill, where only a few Filipinos survived the Tsunami of 1735, which wiped out the entire town., Aileen Clemente, chairperson of the 20th Travel Tour Expo, said the fair is an opportunity for emerging destinations to become more comfortable before promoting themselves outside the Philippines. "Since there are new destinations that we are promoting, this is like their first dry run of their destination, their product, their hotels... When they get that confidence level, there's no stopping them from gaining all the inbound market as well," she said. Promoting domestic tourism In 2011, the revenue from foreign tourists reached about 100 billion pesos, while the revenue from domestic tourists was at 800 billion pesos, according to Department of Tourism Asec. Benito Bengzon Jr. In 2012, the number of domestic tourists exceeded 30 million. "We're seeing a lot of Filipinos going around the country. More than ever, there is a greater sense of appreciation, greater pride in what the country has to offer and we feel that's one of the factors that will push domestic travel," said Bengzon. He added that the increase in airlines operating within the country contributed to this growth, as it gave consumers more options. Similarly, there are a variety of options when it comes to accommodations and facilities for travelers. "If people want the luxury, five star type, we have it. If they opt for the more Spartan budget type of accommodations, we also have it. But definitely, domestic tourism will continue to grow," Bengzon said., PTAA Media Committee Chair Nit Ragaza noted that many foreign tour operators will be participating in the Travel Tour Expo, and this is also an opportunity to promote domestic tourism. "While their purpose is to sell their country, unavoidably they will be moving around and they will see also the beautiful spots that we have, and they can also relay this to their countrymen. Hopefully this will translate to more visitors in the Philippines," Ragaza said., Bengzon also encouraged Filipinos to travel abroad, as this allows them to promote the country. "The more Filipinos go abroad, the wider the network that we have. Marketing the Philippines is not just the sole responsibility of the DOT. It's everybody's business, and we're happy when Filipinos go abroad and start spreading the word around that it's more fun in the Philippines," he said. While tourists can easily book their trips online, the fair gives them an opportunity to find out about other destinations, as well as take advantage of promos and discounts. According to Clemente, the expo has something for everyone, from luxury deals to budget trips. This year's fair is also bigger than last year's event, which drew some 60,000 visitors. "The fact that we're getting huge numbers is a very strong indication that there is deeper appreciation of tourism and travel among Filipinos," Bengzon said., To reach this year's target of 100,000 visitors, PTAA expanded the fair to include more exhibitors and prizes, as well as celebrities and special guests, including Hello Kitty, who will be brought in by the Japanese Embassy. The expo will also be streamed live online to be able to reach more people. "We'll be scheduling the activities there as well so you can see what are the gimmicks and what are the shows that will be playing onstage and in each booth," she said. Ragaza also said visitors to the expo will not have to spend hours in line in order to purchase airline tickets. "They don't have to really fall in line at Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or ZestAir. They can go straight to the 42 participating tour operators and they can actually make the purchase there," he said., The Travel Tour Expo 2013 will be held on February 15 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and Function Room 5 in Pasay City. For more information, follow the Travel Tour Expo on Twitter (twitter.com/traveltourexpo) and Facebook (facebook.com/traveltour.expo) or call Fairs & More at (02)8451324 or (02)7596680. —

Who charges most for transactions through other banks' ATMs?

..Ever-present automated teller machines make banking easy for most Pinoys, but they don't come for free and can in fact cost up to P15 per withdrawal. Almost all universal and commercial banks in the Philippines charge P10 to P15 for withdrawals in other banks' ATMs, a comparison posted on the central bank's Facebook page Wednesday showed. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) collects the highest fees of P15 from clients who use other ATMs for making cash withdrawals. The same fee is also charged against BDO Unibank SMART Card users when they make withdraw from other banks' ATMs. Interestingly, even if BDO SMART Card holders use BDO ATMS, they will still be charged P5. Also read: Philippine economy grows 6.6% in 2012 P12 is meanwhile deducted per withdrawal from other ATMs for the clients of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines and Chinatrust Commercial Bank Corp. BDO Unibank Debit Card, BDO Unibank Cash Card, Metropolitan Banking Corp., Philippine National Bank, United Coconut Planters Bank, Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, Maybank Philippines and Robinsons Bank customers are meanwhile charged P11. A deduction of P10 is meanwhile imposed when cardholders of the following banks make withdrawals from other banks' ATMs: Allied Banking Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines, EastWest Banking Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Standard Chartered Bank, Philippine Bank of Communications and Philippine Veterans Bank. Among universal and commercial banks, only Citibank Philippines charges no fees for clients who make withdrawals using other banks' ATMs. Bank customers also incur costs when they make balance inquiries through other ATMs, with charges ranging from P1 to P2.50. Only BPI and Citibank do not impose charges against customers who make balance inquiries through other banks' ATMs. ..

Philippine govt distributes 480 hectares of farmland

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Despite a warrant for his arrest, Rodolfo Pagatpat, 60, a tenant at the vast Villa Reyes in nearby San Narciso town, yesterday joined an estimated 5,000 farmers from the Bondoc Peninsula at the distribution of certificates of land ownership award (Cloa) under the Philippines' Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programme (Carp). "I have to be here to witness the culmination of our long and painful struggle to own the land that we have been tilling for several generations," Pagatpat told the Inquirer at a parking lot in this rustic town on the edge of Tayabas Bay. According to Jansept Geronimo, campaign officer of the Quezon Association for Rural Development and Democratisation, which has been helping the farmers, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed Cloas for 480 hectares of the vast farmland owned by the scions of the late Don Domingo Reyes in the towns of San Narciso, Buenavista and San Andres. "There will be another distribution of 120 hectares in March and another 524 hectares in June. There is no more legal impediment to its distribution," Geronimo said. Records of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Bondoc Peninsula (KMBP) show that 303 criminal cases, mostly for the qualified theft of coconuts, have been filed against 223 tenants who complained of harassment by several landlords whose estates were under Carp coverage. One of the victims of harassment was Pagatpat, who said he has been living in the mountains since 2006 to avoid authorities. "Once I am arrested, I have to shell out close to 100,000 pesos (US$2,400) for my bail, which I don't have. But I'm not in hiding. I'm just living far from my family," he said. Agrarian hot spot Pagatpat said his son would receive the Cloa for him, which would entitle him to the legal ownership of three hectares of land. His niece Rosita, 56, a tenant of Villa Reyes for the past 40 years, also received her Cloa for more than one hectare of land. In between sobs, she said she had spent time in gaol for the "unjust charge of stealing coconuts which our forebears had planted". Mulanay is regarded as one of the "agrarian hot spots" in the Bondoc Peninsula because of landowner resistance and the land distribution ceremony was a symbolic gesture of the government's sincerity in pushing ahead with the agrarian reform programme expiring in 2014. The farmers travelled from different towns and assembled at the town entrance since early morning. They later marched toward the town plaza for the distribution of the Cloas by a government delegation led by Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes and included Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Commission of Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales and National Anti-Poverty Commission Chairman Joel Rocamora. In a short dialogue under the scorching noonday sun, farmer Myrna Fontamillas of Barangay (village) Lakdayan, San Narciso, engaged the government officials in an argument on why the agrarian reform beneficiaries still had to pay for the land. In the end, apparently convinced by the explanation of government representatives, the woman hugged and kissed Alcala in gratitude while the rest of the farmers and officials applauded. End to Bondoc disputes De los Reyes said the distribution was only the beginning. "The government will bring to an end the agrarian disputes in the Bondoc Peninsula," he told newsmen. He said the DAR was now speeding up land distribution under Carp, particularly those lands with "notice of coverage." He said this would continue even after Carp ends. He said that nothing in the law stated that the DAR could not distribute Carp-covered lands beyond June 2014. The DAR's 21-billion peso ($515 million) budget for 2013 covers land acquisition and distribution; and includes more than 2.3 billion pesos for support services, up from 800 million pesos this year. "The farmers are all joyous. Most of them shed tears when they were informed of this land distribution event," said Maribel Luzara, KMBP president. The agrarian reform initiative was initiated by President Aquino's late mother, then President Corazon Aquino, on June 10, 1988, as the centrepiece of a social justice programme to lift farmers from poverty and eliminate one of the causes of a lingering communist insurgency. On Aug 7, 2009, then President Gloria Arroyo signed into law Republic Act No. 9700, or the Carper (Carp extension with reforms) Law. This extended CARP for another five years with a total budget of 150 billion pesos. *US$1=40.7 pesos