DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

Davao Adventure Challenge

DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

The Department of Tourism XI proudly announces the successful launch of the Davao Adventure Challenge at the Mindanao Tourism Expo held on April 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign aims to promote the diverse and thrilling adventure activities that Davao Region has to offer. It also endeavors to attract adventure seekers from around the world and position the region as a premier adventure tourism destination in the Philippines.

“Together, we will rediscover Davao Region’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and exciting adventure pursuits in this year-long tourism campaign,” said DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan.

During the launch event, attendees were treated to a presentation showcasing the various adventure activities in Davao:

For Hiking Trails: Mount Apo, in Davao del Sur; Mount Hamiguitan, in San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and Mount Dinor in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. For Water Thrills: Water Tubing in Sibulan River, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; White Water Rafting in Davao City; Skimboarding in Dahican Beach, Mati City; and Giant Clam Sanctuary Tour in Samal Island.

For Scuba and Freediving: Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; and Pujada Bay Dive Sites in Mati City. For Extreme Adventurers: Canyoneering in Tagtugonan Falls, Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Spelunking in Su’bon Cave, Matanao, Davao del Sur, and Okbot Cave in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

For Heights and Flights: Ultralight Plane Experience in Mati City, and Sky Adventure Rides in Eden Nature Park, Davao City.

The Department of Tourism XI is collaborating with local government units, DOT-accredited establishments, tour operators and guides in curating unique adventure packages that cater to different interests and skill levels. To join, interested participants can simply sign up via www. dotxievents. com.

Once registered, they can choose any, if not all, of the 15 initially available adventures for the entire year. Challengers can then scan the QR codes at the sites, and then post photos via social media. For every completed challenge, they can earn points, which would qualify them for e-badges and rewards.

“Beyond the thrills, it’s an opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new cultures and sustainable practices, meet locals as well as your fellow adventurers, and create memories that will surely stand the test of time,” added Tan.

For more information about the Davao Adventure Challenge and to plan your next adrenaline-filled getaway, visit the Facebook page of the Department of Tourism – Davao Region for regular updates.

Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May

Slate RP Halal Trade and Tourism Expo here

Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May

The Universal Islamic Center (UIC), the institutional partner of Davao City Halal Industry Development Council (DCHIDC) will be organizing the 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE), with a theme: “Global Halal Market: Tourism, Trade and Investment Opportunities.”

According to PHTTE president Marilou Ampuan, the Expo will be held on May 23-25, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City, Philippines.

This year’s PHTTE will have three main components: an exhibit, a plenary, and business-to-business and business-to-customers sessions. There will also be ancillary activities showcasing Mindanao’s culture, food, and modest fashion and three other Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) member countries.

The global halal market is a $7.2 Trillion economy worldwide, and PHTTE 2024 provides a platform for exhibitors and other participants to access and be part of this unstoppable bandwagon.

The plenary will bring together the tourism academe, entrepreneurs, and experts to present and discuss the latest trends in the Halal industry. The learning sessions will equip and empower individuals and enterprises of Halal and Halal potential food, manufacturing products, agriculture, tourism, e-commerce, and allied services to address challenges in doing halal business in the Philippines.

To take the first step to secure your booth, complete your reservation form via link https://forms.gle/eLj4azLArA69TbVq5

TASTE THE WORLD AT SM LANANG FOODHALL

Flavors of the world in SML

TASTE THE WORLD AT SM LANANG FOODHALL

Japanese bento from Ureshi Japanese Restaurant

Taste the flavors of the world in one hub when you drop by the SM Lanang Foodhall for an elevated dining experience with family and friends.

For the adventurous palate, SM Lanang Foodhall offers a unique blend of flavors with its diverse mix of tenants offering well-loved dishes and delicacies from Japanese, Korean, American, Chinese, and even Filipino cuisines.

Shoppers and tourists alike can explore distinct flavors that suit their cravings from Panda Shabu Shabu, Lakuseana, Yoo Dae Bak, JG Salo, Red Corner, Coffee Box, Potato Corner, Juice Co., and Ureshi Japanese Restaurant.

The SM Lanang Foodhall also boasts of being an inclusive food hub as it welcomes restaurants such as GreenEats which offers 100% plant-based options for people opting for a healthier diet.

To add to the delight, Foodhall diners with a minimum single receipt of P499 who also purchase a 1.5L bottle or three 16 oz of Coca-Cola beverages from any of its stores are also entitled to a free tote bag which they can claim from the designated redemption booth up until April 28.

To know the latest buzz at SM Lanang, follow its official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.#

4 ‘FEBulous’ Reasons to Shop at SM Lanang’s The Great 3-Day Sale

SM’s 3-Day Sale

4 ‘FEBulous’ Reasons to Shop at SM Lanang’s The Great 3-Day Sale

Capture sweet moments at the instagrammable photo spot at the SM Lanang Atrium

There are more reasons to adore the “Love Month” at SM Lanang when you visit the mall during The Great 3-Day Sale (3DS) slated on February 16-18.

Here is the ultimate guide for a “FEBulous” 3DS shopping at the mall:

GREAT FINDS, GREAT DISCOUNTS

Shop for great items with great discounts of up to 70% off from your favorite brands mall-wide. Sale Alert is high at The SM Store, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Ace Hardware, and many more!

Prestige and SMAC cardholders will also get an extra 10% off when they shop from SM Store and select SM affiliates on Feb 16 and Feb 17-18 from 3 pm – 7pm, respectively.

For every P500 single receipt from stores mall-wide, a kid gets free pass to the Play Inflatable Park from 3 pm to 6 pm on Feb 16-18.

A brand-new Suzuki Dzire also awaits the lucky shopper who will win in the raffle draw. Multiply your chances of winning by securing an e-raffle entry for every P1,000 worth of purchase from shops, stores, and restaurants mallwide, P500 single receipt from Food Hall, single receipt from purchase of 4 SM Cinema or 2 IMAX tickets, and P500 single receipt from SM Bowling. 

A brand new Suzuki Dzire is waiting to be take home by the lucky shopper who will win in the raffle draw

HAPPY PLACE FOR THE KIDS

Every kid has a place in the sun at SM Lanang’s Play Inflatable Park located at the North Wing 2. For every P500 single receipt from stores mall-wide, a kid gets a free entry pass to the park from 3 pm to 6 pm on Feb 16-18.

WATCH MADAME WEB AT SM CINEMA!

Untangle the complex web of the Marvel universe when you watch the superhero movie Madame Web starring Dakota Johnson as the titular character. Madame Web is now showing in 2D at the SM Lanang Cinema 2 and IMAX Theater.

LUCK AND LOVE IN ONE HAVEN

Shoppers can shop for treats and charms at the Luck and Love Fair located at the SM Lanang Atrium until February 29

All is fair in luck and love when you shop for the perfect charms, gifts, and treats for your sweetheart at the Luck in Love Fair at SM Lanang’s Atrium.

Natural Crystals & Jades by Busy Basha, Rbff Charms, New Davao Famous, Hap Chan, Carlin’s Flowershop, Blooms & Greens Flower Shop, Design Theory, and Sozen Fleurs Secheesoffer a wide array of gift items, lucky charms, and treats for the romantics until February 29.

To cap off your shopping, capture sweet memories with your loved ones at the Dragon Photo Spot located at the Atrium.

A SWEET, SWEET TIME TO SHOP

Enjoy leisurely shopping when visiting the mall during the 3-Day Sale as mall hours are extended until 11 p.m. on February 16, until midnight on February 17, and until 10 pm on February 18!

Visit http://www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for news and updates on exciting deals and promos.

2024 Mega Travel Sale

Going places …

2024 Mega Travel Sale

The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) announces the holding of the Davao Megal Travel Sale this year.

The organizers are all set to offer varieties of exciting and affordable promos on airfare, hotels, resorts, tours at the 14th Davao Mega Travel Sale this month.

It will be held on February 23 to 25 at Ayala Malls Abreeza!

Affordable installment plans with 3-to-12 months easy payment scheme through their Global Payment partner BPI.

Mindanao’s Biggest Culinary Cup Returns for its 6th Season

Culinary Cup

Mindanao’s Biggest Culinary Cup Returns for its 6th Season

The biggest culinary competition in Mindanao comes back strong for its 6th season to put to the test the culinary skills of up and coming Mindanaoan culinary chefs at the SM Lanang Atrium, Davao City on May 25 to 27, 2023.

The 6th Davao Culinary Cup (DCC), which is co-organized by SM Lanang Premier and the LTB Philippines Chefs Associations of Davao will be judged by renowned master chefs from Manila, namely, James Antolin, Buddy Trinidad, Carlo Miguel, Norbert Gandler, Sito Senn, Kenneth Cacho, J Brando Santos, Pipo Aluning, Paolo Sia, Chris Alane, Lara Lopez-Dizon, Cherrie Tan, Peng Ching, and Competition Director Paolo Domingo.

Through this event, more than 200 participants composed of chefs from culinary schools, restaurants, and enthusiasts will be vying for the top prizes in different categories.

DCC, having established itself as the most prestigious culinary competition in the Visayas and Mindanao, aims to feature the culinary artistry, creativity, and passion of talented Mindanaoan participants and highlight their world-class talents.

More than just a competition, the event is also an opportunity to promote and elevate the skills and talents of budding chefs and spotlight the region’s local ingredients that are capable of dominating the world stage.

Over the years, DCC has evolved into the most sought-after culinary competition in Mindanao. Winners of the competition will be the official delegates to the Philippine Culinary Cup in an all-expense paid trip. PR

Rogen Inn celebrates Year 1, bares key to its success

Rogen Inn @ 1

Rogen Inn celebrates Year 1, bares key to its success.

Rogen Inn hurdled obstacles. Three buildings were erected during the COVID19 pandemic when health regulations were at its strictest. When the health protocols relaxed, the inn officially opened in May 2022, just as domestic borders opened and the onset of revenge travel commenced.

Rogen Inn turns 1 this May & has every reason to celebrate.

Today, Rogen Inn is a top of mind destination for every traveler seeking budget-friendly accommodations visiting Davao for business or leisure. But it goes beyond the need for comfortable rooms. The young inn has also become a choice venue for MICE events, private functions and even dining.

Rogen Inn was conceived as a travelers’ inn but it was designed to exude the vibe of a hotel. In three buildings there are 328 rooms—all in the Deluxe category, modern minimalist in aesthetics and curated with appointments any business and leisure traveler needs.

The surge in room occupancy was witnessed during the Kadayawan, in August 2022. From this point, Rogen Inn has maintained this trend throughout the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. For a recently-opened hospitality establishment, “fully booked” is used more frequently than expected.

It did away with features typical of a hotel, like the pool and an in-house food outlet, for good reason. The former is rarely used, if not never at all, by transient travelers in town for business, and the latter, Rogen Inn put in its place a food strip with specially chosen restaurants, including the best and popular homegrown brands. Down this row is Elements, a go-to Davao brand for spa and grooming services. With these features, Rogen Inn has even captured a share of the staycation market.

Habi at Kape at Rogen Inn.

Habi at Kape, in July 2022, was the first homegrown restaurant to open and operate at Rogen Inn’s food strip. Proprietor Baby Montemayor, with business expansion on plan, found the ideal location at the city center to cater to the brand’s downtown clients and tap the growing market as well. Ample parking, serving the inn’s guests and cross-order partnership with other concessionaires were key factors to the decision to open at Rogen Inn. Today, Habi at Kape has become a favorite in the downtown dining scene, along with Marinatuna, Boiling Crab, Vines and Samgyupsalamat.

With Davao marked as a choice MICE destination, Rogen Inn experienced a high demand for function halls and meeting quarters starting in the fourth month of its operation. This prompted the owners to convert the modern gym into conference rooms to accommodate the MICE market.

“The recent partnership with the premier MICE event in the country, Micecon2023, was testament to Rogen Inn’s capability as a MICE venue. In the first quarter of 2023, we also welcomed national delegates from the IBP and Liga ng mga Barangay, to name two of the biggest events in the city. The ballrooms and meeting rooms were busy as well,” bared Bangayan.

Beyond corporate events, Rogen Inn has attracted the market for social affairs, from intimate to grand. Big parties, debuts and weddings happen as regularly as four times a month on an average since Rogen Inn opened.

“Across the different markets that experienced the Rogen Inn hospitality—transient travelers, staycationers, MICE and private events, the top four reasons why they chose —and enjoyed—and highly recommend Rogen Inn are: 1. It’s new; 2. Very accessible; 3. Affordable, budget-friendly and top value for money; and 4. The ample parking space,” shared hotel manager Gene Bangayan.

Rogen Inn has every reason to celebrate and hotel manager Gene Bangayan extends her heartfelt gratitude to the unwavering support of Rogen Inn’s client and her hardworking team.

Rogen Inn, a Department of Tourism accredited establishment, is located at the corner of Mt. Apo & Lopez Jaena Streets, Davao City.  

For reservations call 0917 687 6436 or email reservations@rogeninn.com

Rogen Inn is offering its Summer Promo for P1,980 for two with breakfast. ###

Rogen Inn, a choice MICE venue & more

A choice venue and staycation

Rogen Inn, a choice MICE venue & more

Rogen Inn is now marked as a choice venue for MICE and staycation by many.

Rogen Inn become a favorite venue for MICE gatherings and meetings.

March was the busiest month for the young hospitality establishment, when Rogen Inn has proven to be an excellent venue for meetings, conferences and events. The inn was a “partner hotel” of the Micecon 2023, the premier gathering of professionals in the MICE industry. In the same month, it was also one of the chosen residences for delegates of several of the biggest conventions Davao has hosted after the pandemic lockdown.

“Rogen Inn in March 2023 was at its busiest. We had the highest occupancy rate for rooms and function halls in the inn’s 11-month history. Everyday was a busy day and it was a challenge we met head on. We can say we did it with flying colors,” said Gene Bangayan, manager of Rogen Inn.

Leading to the next month, April is no different. The first half of month was ushered in with full house days for Rogen Inn, as shared by the sales and marketing team. With the bookings for rooms and events, it will continue on until the end of the month.

April is also a busy month for Rogen Inn.

“Large groups from national brand companies, religious congregations, educational institutes and private enterprises are scheduled for private functions at the ballroom and meeting rooms, and residency at Rogen Inn. With more April bookings in line for confirmation, we are looking at a busy month ahead for Rogen Inn. Surprisingly, these bookings were done prior to Micecon 2023, one of the city’s most publicized events,” said Bangayan.

One of the town hall meetings held at Rogen Inn this April.

The inn conceived for business people has its share of the staycation market as well. Families with children from the city and other regions have had their staycations at Rogen Inn. The most recent influx of staycationers was during the long Holy Week break. The Easter Promotion which offered low room rates and access to Easter activities drew in a crowd.

Adding to the rise of occupancy rate of Rogen Inn is the high walk-in rate, shares Bangayan. This has been the trend for the past quarters.

Whenever guests check in at Rogen Inn, the receptionists ask how they knew about Rogen Inn and why they chose to stay at the inn. Four replies are consistent. First, Rogen Inn was recommended by business associates, relatives and friends. First hand recommendation is one of the effective promotions any brand can have. Second, the affordable rates, a good price for a new and well-designed room that comes with free breakfast. Third, the location. Tucked in a quiet spot in the city center yet very accessible to pertinent areas guests need to be.Fourth, the select Davao favorite restaurants offering a good range of cuisine.

“It’s value for money for every guest we welcome at Rogen Inn. As travelers ourselves, whether we do it for business or leisure, this is what we look for as well,” Bangayan shares.

May 2023 marks the first year anniversary of Rogen Inn. Bangayan said that the favorite business inn has lined up exciting offers to make Rogen Inn still on the top of mind of every business and leisure traveler in the coming months.

Rogen Inn, a Department of Tourism XI accredited establishment, is located at the corner of Mt. Apo & Lopez Jaena Streets, Davao City. For reservations call 0917 687 6436 or email reservations@rogeninn.com. Rogen Inn is offering its Summer Promotion for P1,980 for two with breakfast.

Now that it’s summer travel is here, but

Let’s all be safe while on travel

Here’s a reminder from the Department of Tourism XI

Summer is often associated with travel hence the Department of Tourism in Region XI (DOT-XI) reminds tourists to book only with Accredited Tourism Enterprise. (ATE)

Please read enclosed advisory and for list of ATE please click the indicated link.

Rogen Inn exhibits M.I.C.E. proficiency

“Bleisure at Rogen Inn”

Rogen Inn exhibits M.I.C.E. proficiency

Business, leisure or a mix of both- bleisure, Rogen showcased its capabilities as a competent meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) venue in Davao at the recently concluded MICECon 2023.

MICECon 2023 delegates arrive at Rogen Inn for a luncheon affair.

The increasing demand for meeting spaces in the last few months prompted Rogen Inn to convert spaces in the inn to conference rooms.

The events that transpired in August and last quarter of 2022, when the ballroom of the inn was the venue to private events and corporate meetings filled the weekday daytime ballroom calendar, was the indication that more meeting spaces were needed.

“We went through all the pros and cons of converting each of the spaces in the inn. Considering that Rogen Inn targets businessmen as its main market, the needs of this group make it our priority,” said Gene Bangayan,” manager of Rogen Inn.

Since Rogen Inn opened its doors less than a year ago, the inn has been the venue to countless business meetings in the planning of the MICEcon 2023 scheduled early this March. With the hotel manager taking a significant role in the Davao Organizing Committee as Co-Chairperson representing the private sector, Rogen Inn played host to the frequent pre-event meetings.

Welcoming delegates at the ballroom.

Rogen Inn was one of the seven partner hotels during MICECon 2023, the premier gathering for top-notch industry leaders in the travel, tourism and event management. The inn was one of the residences for delegates during the three-day conference.

Rogen Inn Manager and MICECon 2023 Davao Organizing Committee Co- chairperson welcomes the delegates to the Flora and Fauna-themed luncheon at Rogen Inn balroom.

“During the duration of the MICECon 2023, Rogen Inn accommodated around 10% of the total number of delegates who arrived for the face-to-face conference in Davao. Emerging from the pandemic, this year’s edition of the conference was hybrid with about 2,000 delegates joining the conference online,” shared Bangayan.

Beyond the role of accommodating the delegates comfortably in the deluxe rooms, Rogen Inn was host to one of the luncheons.

With the expertise of an event stylist, the Rogen Inn ballroom was transformed into a dreamy forest to fit the MICECon “Flora and Fauna” luncheon theme of the day. The table settings were accentuated with Davao tribe trimmings to complement the “Celebrating Diversity” sub-theme of the day’s conference. Both the themes highlight Nature-based Tourism and Sustainable Tourism, in which the MICE industry plays a crucial role in its growth.

Flora and Fauna with Davao tribe touches to fit the two themes on conference Day 2.

The spotlight was on Davao cuisine. Catering for 200 delegates, Villa Margarita prepared a curated meal that integrated several local must-eat on the menu including tuna and Davao’s fresh fruits in season.

Delegates with Gene Bangayan at the Flora and Fauna luncheon.

Socials: Food chairperson Mary Ann Montemayor.

“Rogen Inn is ready for big MICE events in Davao. Aside from MICECON, the recent Integrated Bar of the Philippines Convention joins the list of the biggest events Davao has hosted. Rogen Inn had its share of delegates accommodated in the inn from both prestigious events,” she said.

Gathering at the spacious lobby of Rogen Inn.

With 328 Deluxe rooms and a selection of function halls that can accommodate small to big meetings and events, Rogen Inn is always ready to welcome MICE affairs.

The photo wall set up.

Rogen Inn, a Department of Tourism XI accredited establishment, is located at the corner of Mt. Apo & Lopez Jaena Streets, Davao City. For reservations call 0917 687 6436 or email reservations@rogeninn.com.