Let’s Go Glamping!

By VINCE G. LOPEZ

The country’s latest adventure combines the excitement of an outdoor adventure with the perks of a five-star hotel. Glamour and camping are two contrasting words that usually don’t go together but “Glamping” and fun sure do.

The success of the Department of Tourism’s Adventure Philippines program two years ago is evident with the monumental increase in numbers in domestic and international tourism. Now, Glamping is one of the latest additions to the number of adventures tourists can enjoy in the country. The activity is also expected to contribute to the increase in tourism numbers.

“It’s camping for everybody, from the boy scouts all the way up to people who only go to luxurious hotels,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr. Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotion.

Glamping originated in Africa to cater to the needs of affluent tourists who want to experience the great outdoors. The activity offers the pleasure of enjoying nature without the inconveniences that are usually associated with camping.

Though guests would still stay inside a tent, it’s what inside the tent that would make this kind of camping “glamorous”. Inside are facilities that are usually seen in five-star hotels such as a comfortable bed and crisp linen bed sheets. Other pieces of furniture such as desks and small cabinets complement the complete glamorous camping set-up.

“They set-up everything, from the table to the chairs, and not the regular wobbly chairs, it’s really the comfortable ones, even showers where everyone can comfortably take a bath. What’s more interesting is that the food is especially prepared, gourmet meals for the guests,” explained Jarque.

It’s an entirely new outdoor experience. Eager tourists, who have always wanted to get close to nature but not too close for the bugs to bite them, will now have their chance.

Glamping is already a success in Africa and even Thailand and has been picking up in the US and European countries. Since the activity has become a popular activity, tourists are looking for a new destination to go glamping.

With the country’s bountiful natural resources and breathtaking sites, it’s only a matter of time before we see an increase in the number of new glamping sites. One of the travel agencies with glamping adventure packages is the Blue Horizons Travel Company. Currently there are two destinations that are ready to entertain glampers—Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Baguio’s Camp John Hay.

“As of the moment we are already catering to numerous European tourists who are very interested to experience glamping in the Philippines. The numbers are getting up and tour operators have seen the potential of the activity and have been developing tour packages that tourists can enjoy,” Jacque added.

Experiencing nature in style and luxury through glamping is not only for international tourists but local tourists as well. The activity has allowed camping to be comfortable for all ages.

“We are hoping that other destinations and tour operators will join the bandwagon and maximize the potential of the new adventure called glamping. The charm of waking up to nature after sleeping in a comfortable bed and eating gourmet food in front of a breathtaking view is simply irresistible” emphasized Jarque.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/251951/let-s-go-glamping

Heaven on Earth

By JULIUS P. VICENTE

Garden SuitesLooking for heaven on earth? Look no farther. There’s one situated a few minutes away from the metro and on the hillside of Antipolo that offers the best panoramic view of the metro skyline.

Seven Suites Hotel is the only hotel with observatory that offers a spectacular view of the stars.

“If you want to learn something new or perhaps valuable about astronomy, we have our own in-house astronomer who will be glad to share some tidbits and trivia about our solar system and the universe. Visitors or lovers can use our own powerful telescopes to enjoy the ‘stellar experience’ on a different level. Here, you can literally give the moon and planets to your loved one,” shares Seven Suites hotel manager Juancho C. Florencio.

Aside from its location and cool climate, Seven Suites hotel just recently underwent massive ‘revitalization’ to impress its guests.

“In Seven Suites, you can do nothing but relax your mind and recharge your spirits. The ambience here makes it conducive if you want to be alone with your thoughts or if you want to bond closer with your family,” says Juancho.

The hotel has 11 cozy rooms, and each is painted from a pleasing color palette that immediately relaxes. Complimentary use of the pool, jacuzzi, children’s playground, board games, pocketbooks and magazines plus cable TV and telephone facility are also available.

For a culinary adventure, the Hollywood Steakhouse and Sugar – All About Desserts. are guaranteed to give guests a wide range of main courses and the perfect ending to any meal: desserts.

How to get there: From Ortigas Avenue, it’s just a 30-minute drive. From Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, it is also a 30-minute drive. Take the FX and jeepneys plying the Sumulong Highway route from Cubao, Quezon City.

Seven Suites Hotel-Observatory is located at Hollywood Hills, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City. For inquiries or reservations, call 67754-01 to 03 or visit http://www.sevensuites.net./

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/251949/heaven-earth

Albay sets Magayon Festival

It will be another colorful celebration of culture, craft and cuisine as the province of Albay marks the 14th Magayon Festival from April 5-30 in Legazpi City.


According to Albay governor Joey Salceda, the month-long festival will focus on the rediscovery of the province’s history and cultural heritage, promotion of tourism assets and products, showcasing people’s skills.

He said that under the slogan “Albay Rising”, the Albay provincial government is investing R12 million for tourism-oriented events and another R3 million for promotion to transform the province into a world-class destination.

Festivities kick off on April 5 with an opening mass, trade fair and exhibits, photo contest and exhibit, float parade, drum and bugle competition, brass band performances, to be capped by an evening concert featuring K. Brosas and Rico Blanco.

Trade fairs and exhibits will showcase the best of the best products of local crafts and souvenir items of the province’s 15 towns and the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco.

The province will also launch the book titled “Albay: Winding Down the Historic Abaca Trade” authored by historian Dr. Danilo Gerona which chronicles the progress of Albay through the centuries. The province is noted for its export-quality abaca crafts, pili sweets and spicy delicacies.

The festival’s highlight is on April 29 with the Legend Showdown street dancing tilt, the Namit Bikol cooking competition, and a musical play on the legend of Daragang Magayon.

Other activities are beauty pageants, entertainment shows, sporting tournaments, fashion shows, livelihood seminars, and the Rocklakan sa Magayon nightly food plaza around Peñaranda Park.

The festival draws to a close with a concert featuring Erik Santos and a fireworks display on April 30.

Incepted in 1997, the festival is inspired by the legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden”) where Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone originated. According to folklore, Mayon, Bicol’s iconic tourist landmark, arose from her when she was killed by a spurned suitor.

Strategically located in the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region. It can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport.

The province takes pride in its postcard-pretty Spanish-era churches, majestic mountains, enchanting waterfalls, breath-taking viewpoints, and long stretches of fine sand beaches, the most notable of which is located in Cagraray Island in Bacacay town.

For details, log on to www.magayonfestival.albay.gov.ph or call.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/250857/albay-sets-magayon-festival

DoT cites strong eco-tourism outlook

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is anticipating a more vibrant tourism industry this year with its continuing efforts to promote responsible travel to protect natural sites in the country.
Secretary Ace Durano shared that international visitors remain smitten by eco-adventure activities in the country, noting the two percent growth in tourist arrivals from Europe, especially France, the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries last year.
“Despite the global tourism downturn seen in Southeast Asia last year, our destinations still enjoyed high in-bound travel, owing to our natural attractions and the sustained initiatives to develop and promote these ecotourism spots ,” said Durano.
This year, the Department is looking out to strengthen its commitment to supporting ecological consciousness and sustainable travel through its “Back to Nature” campaign.
Emerging ecotourism destinations, Durano shared, are continually being developed in close coordination with the communities and local government units to help conserve the country’s natural resources.
One of these ecotourism sites is the island of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi. It boasts of wonders like endemic species like bleeding heart pigeons, black woodpeckers, and the white Philippine and green cockatoos. Here, one can also find the country’s biggest and tallest Molave tree at the peak of Mount Bongao, the island’s majestic landmark, where endemic flora also sprawls.
The Tawi-Tawi Tourism Council, composed of its residents, has been at the forefront of preserving the area’s rich culture and attractions. They are also exploring the natural underground tunnels in Tubig Indangan on Simunul Island, and the Cabancan Cave of Sibutu.
The Tourism chief hailed these efforts to promote the country’s otherwise untapped natural sites, underscoring its economic advantage.
Locals of Pook ni Mariang Makiling, another ecotourism site at the heart of the famous Mt. Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna, have been preserving the park by planting seedlings, as well as encouraging assistance from both public and private sectors. The 5.9-hectare forest park is also home to various recreational amenities that invite travelers who want to camp or simply commune with nature.
In the north, Cagayan Valley joins the roster of developing ecotourism destinations, with its great beaches, including the country’s reputed most beautiful white sand beach in Fuga Island.
Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque noted that ecotourism is a significant endeavor that could change the way tourists plan their trips and choice of destinations and activities in the future.

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New DFA Consular Building Inaugurated, Secretary Romulo lauds assistance of government agencies

3 March 2010 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo led the formal inauguration of the new Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs building on March 22.

With him during the formal opening were retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Commission on Audit Chairman Reynaldo Villar, Development Bank of the Philippines Chairperson (DBP) Patricia Sto. Tomas, and Mrs. Rosie Lovely Romulo.

At the said occasion, Secretary Romulo lauded the valuable assistance of other government agencies in significantly improving the consular services provided by the DFA.

"We have modernized our consular services through the assistance of key government agencies, who helped us in this effort," he said, citing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"The BSP has been our partner for almost 25 years. They were there in 2004, when we prepared to shift to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant machine readable passport (MRP), and to the MRP implementation in 2007. When the DFA decided to take it a notch higher and shift to the ePassport in 2008, they were also there to assist us, until we finally implemented the issuance of ePassport last year," Secretary Romulo explained.

"When we wanted to have this new building, the DBP through the efforts of its Chairperson Patricia Sto. Tomas and President Reynaldo David, provided us with the lease purchase agreement to get this building. Also, the DPWH assisted us greatly in the construction of the building," Secretary Romulo added.

Because of these, he said, the DFA is ready to better serve Filipinos.

"They do not need to come to Manila to get a passport or avail of consular services. Instead, they could just go to any of our regional consular offices throughout the country and foreign embassies and consulates around the world to avail of the same efficient and comfortable services. We are even bringing our services closer to the Filipino people, as we have mobile passport services going to the barangays and municipalies," Secretary Romulo said.

"We are working hard to put everything in place and fulfill our target of shortening the application process to 30 minutes," he added.

Also present during the event are Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Carmelita Dimson, members of the BSP-Monetary Board, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, DFA officials and other guests.

During the event, presidential awards were given to five individuals.

DBP Chairperson Sto. Tomas was bestowed the Order of Lakandula, with Rank of Bayani, while Presidential Medals of Merit were given to DPWH Undersecretary Manuel Bonoan, Office of the President (OP) Undersecretary Pilita Venturanza, OP Assistant Secretary Lynn Danao-Moreno and DFA-OCA Assistant Secretary Renato Villapando.

The new facility is located at the corner of Bradco and Macapagal Avenues in Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City, a few minutes away from the Mall of Asia.

The acquisition of the P530-million, 7,000-square meter and four-storey building was realized with the assistance of the DBP.

The new facility will be the home of the ePassport, the electronic authentication system, the electronic visa system, and digitalized consular records system.

Meanwhile, the DFA reminds passport applicants to avail of the appointment system to ensure quick and comfortable service. Applicants can check the passport requirements and secure an appointment by logging in at www.passport.com.ph or calling hotline (02) 737-1000. They may also call the DFA helplines at telephone numbers (02) 831-8971, (02) 551-4437, (02) 551-4402, (02) 834-4855 and (02) 834-4424.

Applicants are no longer required to bring photographs since they will have their pictures taken using ePassport data-capturing machines.

Only those with confirmed appointments will be accommodated at the new facility at this time. END

by DFA Public Information Service Unit

Source: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/880-new-dfa-consular-building-inaugurated-secretary-romulo-lauds-assistance-of-govt-agencies

Bicol braces for the Grand Tercentenary Celebration

By MA. GLAIZA LEE
March 20, 2010, 7:08pm

Naga City – Back to the time when Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, a seminarian, began promoting and propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the faith of the millions of devotees of Bicolandia’s “Ina” has not waned - not even a bit - and in fact, has constantly been growing through the years.


This is true as the whole province of Bicol, led by the Caceres Archdiocesan Tercentenary Committee which is headed by Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD, braces for the biggest celebration of faith this September.

“Since 2007, the church in the Bicol Region has been making efforts to worthily thank, renew, and share the gift of devotion to Ina for all her devotees in the country and the world over. These efforts celebrate a religious milestone which might not be repeated in our lifetime,” said Archbishop Legaspi.

Aside from the Pagsungko of the pilgrim image in every parish, recruitment and formation of volunteers to the Confradia de San Jose and Guardia de Maria, and the holding of perdon (penitential procession), the Church has planned several activities to make this year’s event have an even impact on the devotees.

The festival kicks off this month with the movie project on the Bikolanos’ devotion to Ina written and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, starring actress Judy Ann Santos; the launching of the “Little Stories of Faith” book at the Holy Rosary Minor; and the start of Pagsungko at the Vicariate of St. John the Baptist and the Partido parishes.

In April, the Pagsungko will continue in the Vicariate of St. Michael, and will cover the coastal parishes of Caramoan, Garchitorena, and Balaton. Also, there will be summer catechetical missions which will begin in the Parish of Divino Rostro.

There will be a procession of the Marian Images from the parishes of the Archdiocese from the main streets of Naga City to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral on May 29. The Pagsungko will continue on to the Vicariate of St. Paschal Baylon, comprising of the towns of Manguiring, Tinambac, and Siruma, to be followed by the Vicariate of La Porteria in Calabanga.

From June to August, the pilgrim image will continue the Pagsungko in the remaining vicariates, and will go around the various schools in Naga. There will be a month-long Tercentenary exhibit on the Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga Cathedral, SM City Naga, and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.

A Harubay Para Ki Jesus Asin Para Ki Maria (Crying out for Jesus and Maria) caravan will kick off the main celebration in September, followed by various activities such as the launching of the book “Orgulyo” and an Ina painting exhibit by Pancho Piano.

On September 10, Bikolanos will celebrate the Feast of Divino Nostro in the morning, then the Translacion procession of the two images (Divino Nastro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia) in the afternoon, followed by a Pontifical Mass and the Grand Tercentenary Celebration at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The week-long novena, confessions, and masses will be held from September 10 to 18, also at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

Catch the Philippine Madrigal Singer on September 11, at the Ateneo de Naga University, and on September 12 at the Basilica Minore as well as the series of cultural events, including the Voyadores Festival, from September 11 to 17.

Capping the Peñafrancia Festival will be the fluvial procession on September 18, where images of the Ina resting on pagodas, will be paraded along Naga River.

For more information, email cccom1naga@gmail.com or call (054) 495-5490.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/248719/bicol-braces-grand-tercentenary-celebration

Urgent Manifestation and Motion of the Drugstores Association of the Philippines, Inc., et al. for TRO and/or writ of preliminary injuction on the 20% medicine discount of PWDs

Republic of the Philippines
COURT OF APPEALS
Manila

SPECIAL FITEENTH (15TH ) DIVISION

DRUGSTORES ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPINES, INC., SAVE MORE DRUG, INC.,PHILIPPINES, INC., SAVE MORE DRUG, INC., MANSON DRUG CORPORATION, SOUTH STAR DRUG, INC., AND NORTHERN LUZON DRUG CORPORATION

Petitioners

Versus

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, and DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT,

Respondents

URGENT MANIFESTATION AND MOTION 

           Petitioners, by undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable Court, respectfully state:

           1. Last 2 February 2010, the municipal government of Taytay called petitioners to a conference to discuss the 20% medicines discount for persons with disability (“PWD”) provided under Section 32 of RA 7277 as amended by RA 9442.

           2. At said conference, the municipal government of Taytay demanded that petitioners grant the 20% discount on purchase of medicines to all persons who present proof of their disability. It threatened to revoke the mayor’s and/or business permit of petitioners if the fail to comply with its demand.

           3. Last 11 February 2010, petitioners were also called to a meeting with the city government of Makati, who likewise demanded that petitioners grant the 20% medicines discount, with the accompanying threat that their mayor’s and/or business permit will be revoked or not renewed for non-compliance with the demand.

           4. Petitioners have also received information that another drug store, who is similarly situated as petitioners, has received the same demand and threat from the city legal officer of Pasig City.

            5. The evident intention of local governments is to disregard and/or render moot the pending action and pre-empt this Honorable Court By even imposing a sanction that is not found in RA 7277, RA 9442 and their implementing regulations.

             6. RA 7277 as amended by RA 9442 provides that medicines discount must be granted if the person claiming the discounts presents any of the following proofs of entitlement:

            “The abovementioned privileges are available only to persons with disability who are Filipino citizens upon submission of any of the following as proof of his/her entitlement thereto:

             (I) An identification card issued by the city or municipal mayor or the barangay captain of the place where the persons with disability resides.

             (II) The passport of the persons with disability concerned; or

            (III) Transportation discount fare Identification Card (ID) issued by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP).

             7. In the instant Petition, petitioners precisely contend that RA 7277, RA 9442 and their implementing regulations fail to provide adequate safeguards to ensure that medicines discount shall only be granted to persons with actual disabilities.

             7.1 The definitions of the types of disability are vague, ambiguous and clearly require specialized medical knowledge in order to determine the existence of disability. And yet, the implementing regulations allow even non-medically trained personnel to confirm the disability. As a result, persons who do not have any expertise or experience in determining disability have the authority to issue identification cards, whether or not the applicant is truly a person with disability.

             7.2 Also a mere passport, while capable of indicating citizenship, will not reveal whether or not the bearer has a disability. But because RA 7277 and its implementing regulations impose no further requirement, any person who presents a passport and claims to be disabled can demand for the medicines discount.

              7.3 The assailed laws and regulations further fail to provide any mechanism by which the petitioners can question a determination that a person is disabled. Thus, once the identification card is issued, petitioners have no means of legal process to dispute the same.

               8. With the illegal threats of the local governments, petitioners are being compelled to grant the medicines discount even if the assailed laws and regulations are patently unreasonable and arbitrary, under the pain of losing their business permits and the prospect of closing their businesses. That the threats against petitioners were done just a few months away from the national and local elections puts serious doubt on the motive of the local governments.

                9. It is respectfully submitted that petitioners stand to suffer serious and irreparable injury because their rights will be violated and their property diminished, unless the respondents are enjoined from implementing the said discount.

              10. Since the grant of discount on a daily basis for every single purchase by those who claim to be PWD may eventually force their closure to their irreparable damage and prejudice. There is an extreme urgency to immediately issue temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injuction.

               11. Petitioners will also suffer grave injustice, because should the Petition be eventually granted by this Honorable Court, petitioners will have no means to recover any medicine discounts that have already given.

               12. Thus, petitioners’ application for a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction should be granted immediately in order to restrain the enforcement of the assailed laws and regulations.

                13. Petitioners reiterate that they are ready, willing and able to post a bond in the amount specified by this Honorable Court, to answer for any damages suffered by the respondents as a result of the temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, if it should be finally adjudged that petitioners were not entitled thereto.

              14. Moreover, under the circumstances, the immediate resolution of the Petition is urgently necessary in order to prevent the nationwide implementation of the assailed laws and regulations that are clearly unconstitutional.

PRAYER

                WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that this Honorable Court resolve petitioners’ application for a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injuction as well as the petition for Prohibition.

                 Petitioners pray for such other just and equitable relief under the premises.

                Makati City for Manila, 4 March 2010

ROMULO MABANTA BUENAVENTURA

SAYOC & DE LOS ANGELES

Counsel for Petitioners3

30th Floor, Citibank Tower

8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

Telephone No. (02) 848-0114

Fax No. (02) 810-3110

romulo@romulo.com

By

ORIGINAL SIGNED

EDUARDO DE LOS ANGELES

Roll No. 21373

IBP No. 800053/01-04-2010/Makati City

PTR No. 2094592/01-08-2010/Makati City

MCLE Compliance No. 0003176/06-30-2008

PRISCILLA B. VALER

Roll No. 38409

IBP Life Member No. 745059, 03/13/08, Pasig City

PTR No. 2097793, 01/08/10, Makati City

MCLE Compliance No. II – 0002377, 07/20/07

JAZMIN B. BANAL

Roll No. 43512

IBP No. 800055, 01/04/10, Quezon City

PTR No. 2094597,

JOSE C. SALVOSA

Roll No. 52751

IBP No. 800085, 01/04/10, Quezon City

PTR No. 2097780, 01/08/10, Makati City

MCLE Compliance No. II-0002465, 11/04/08

COPY FURNISHED:

Office of the Solicitor General

134 Amorsolo Street

Legaspi Village

Makati City

National Council on Disability Affairs

NCDA Building

Isidora St., Brgy. Holy Spirit

Diliman, Quezon City

Department of Finance

DOF Building

Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo Street Manila

Bureau of Internal Revenue

BIR National Office Building

Agham Road, Diliman

Quezon City

Department of Interior and Local Government

A. Francisco Gold Condominium II

EDSA corner Mapagmahal Street, Diliman

Quezon City

Department of Social Welfare and Development

Batasan Pambansa Complex

Constitution Hills

Quezon City

 EXPLANATION

            Due to the distance between the respective offices of the parties, time constraints, and the lack of messengers to effect personal service on account of equally urgent filings, copies of this pleading were served upon Respondents and their counsel by registered mail.

JOSE C. SALVOSA