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.#

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

SM : Waste Free Future

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

MANILA – SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste.

Strong foundations

SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.

Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.

The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38^th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.

Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security.

Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.

No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.

SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.

“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. ###

Worry Free Cruising: Holy Week Travels with SM Supermalls’ 50 EV Charging Stations

#ReChargeWithSM …. #EVTravelsWithSM

Worry Free Cruising: Holy Week Travels with SM Supermalls’ 50 EV Charging Stations

As the Holy Week approaches, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break, seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re planning a road trip up north or a leisurely drive down south, you can #ReChargeWithSM through an extensive network of free Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) at 50 SM malls around the Philippines, ensuring your journey is smooth, convenient, and eco-friendly.

Before setting off on your Holy Week adventure, drive worry-free as SM Supermalls’ EVCS remain open to serve you, with the exception of The Podium from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (March 28-29) and SM City Manila, SM San Fernando Downtown and SM San Pedro on Good Friday (March 29).

Now, let’s start your #EVTravelsWithSM with scenic routes and exciting destinations for your Holy Week getaway:

Davao

Visit Davao’s highlands and islands with your e-vehicle. Begin your journey by making a pitstop at SM Lanang and charge your e-vehicle at the mall’s basement parking. Indulge in the sea of clouds and reflect at the Majestic Peak with the 360-degree scenic view of the mountains and Via Crusis at Marilog, Davao City. Not into highlands? Discover giant clams and white sand beaches at the Island Garden City of Samal, a tropical haven near Davao City.

Bukidnon

Prepare your leather boots and feel the breeze at the Communal Ranch in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao. With vast mountain ranges and adventure-packed activities, you’ll surely have a long weekend to remember. Plus, there’s a perfect place too to contemplate and have spiritual healing, which is The Abbey of the Transfiguration in Bukidnon. Just don’t forget to recharge your e-vehicle at SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown and SM Cagayan de Oro Uptown in preparation for this exciting nature therapy.

As you embark on your Holy Week adventure, let SM Supermalls’ extensive network of EV Charging Stations guide your way. Vacations in the Visayas and Mindanao can recharge at SM Cebu, SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown and SM Cagayan de Oro Uptown and SM Lanang in Davao.

With free charging services in strategically located branches nationwide, you can pack your bags, hit the road and make unforgettable memories this Holy Week with SM Supermalls.

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.

New Year 2024

Another year

Wishing everyone a Prosperous 2024. 

2023 was an exciting year for me together with my Winged Feed Family (WFF) we capped the year that was traveling to 6 countries in Europe of 16 cities prior to our Asian travel also last year to HongKong and Singapore.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us were locked in our respective areas as movements from place to place that time were controlled. But towards 2022 restrictions were eased, businesses opened, and people started to travel — it was then a “revenge travel” (RT) for most people”, as some analysts on the market trend said.

I don’t know if we were into that RT, but that, as we are the winged feet bunch had been on the go to kick those off that we need to hit in our bucket list prior to Covid pandemic. 

There are still a lot to complete but taking it slowly but surely is a fulfillment. Planning and execution matter and the most important. Let’s see what’s in store for us this year then.

Just sharing some snaps ….

At the Vatican Museum

Spiral staircase of the Vatican Museum

At Lake Brienz in Isetwald, Switzerland where a scene from the famous Korean novela Crash Landing on You was filmed.

Meanwhile, New Year is also associated with New Year’s resolutions. We may have one or several or none at all.

But whatever resolutions would that be, let our lives be happy and bright and our goals and targets be met and achieved.

Wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year this 2024.

Royal Air Philippines to launch new route linking Hong Kong and Davao

Air linkage

Royal Air Philippines to launch new route linking Hong Kong and Davao

Photo grabbed from Royal Air Philippines official FB page

The Royal Air Philippines will officially launched a new flight route connecting Hong Kong and Davao on Friday, August 4, 2023 with the inaugural flight scheduled in October 2023.

This was disclosed by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta in a recent press forum at SM City Davao saying this will make a significant milestone for both travelers and the airline industry in Mindanao.

She said this new route will provide a more convenient travel option for passengers looking to explore Hong Kong and the rest of the world.

The opening of the new international route from Davao comes at an opportune time, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Proclamation No. 298, “Lifting the State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.”

Secretary Acosta said it is time to open Mindanao to the world as a peaceful, beautiful, and bountiful island.

“Together, we can now look forward to welcoming more tourists, attracting investments, and creating better economic opportunities for our people, making Mindanao truly a fulfilled promise,” Acosta added.

Meanwhile, in the FB page of Royal Air Philippines it posted the new route with this advisory ….

Royal Air now has flights from Davao to Hong Kong and vice versa starting October 8, 2023. You can now book your flights in our website flyroyalair.com!

Please check the linked below.

https://fb.watch/m9LhgGUyTz/

Finally the favorite of commuters/motorists – The Davao City Coastal Road

Coastal Road

Davao City Coastal Road, a new attraction

When the Davao City Coastal Road opened Saturday, July 1, 2023, it became the favorite alternate route for motorists.

What was opened was the first segment ofthe P33.8 billion Davao City Coastal Road with no less than President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. leading the ceremonial drive together together with Vice President Sara Duterte in the lead vehicle. Followed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos in another vehicle.

The Segment A is an 8.019 kilometers from Bago Aplaya to Tulip Drive.

The project started in 2017 under former Mayor Rodrigo Duterte then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The newly opened Segment A was initially made available to pedestrians during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2022 for joggers, bicyclists, and other individuals for fitness activities like walking, running of all ages. It became an attraction to the public even during early mornings to catch the sunrise and late afternoons for the sunset. The majestic Mt. Apo is also visible in the area on a clear day.

Enclosed photos grabbed from the official FB page of the Davao City Planning and Development Office —— Thank You !

Rogen Inn unveils North Wing tower, new meeting rooms

Rogen Inn with 338

Rogen Inn unveils North Wing tower, new meeting rooms

Facade of North Wing of Rogen Inn

To mark its first year, Rogen Inn is inaugurates the North Wing building today, adding another 126 room keys to the current 212 rooms to the inn’s inventory. 

CFO and GM of Rogen Inn Gene Bangayan

“We would like to share the good news to everyone that we are finally putting into operation the North Wing tower today. Rogen Inn has worked double time since the onset of 2023 to be able to fill the demands of the market for accommodations,” said Gene Bangayan, Rogen Inn chief operating office and general manager.

From Rogen Inn’s opening in May 2022, the inn operated with a total of 212 De Luxe rooms in the South and West wings of the complex. The North Wing will have 126 De Luxe rooms but  will initially offer 42 rooms on the second and third floors of the building to date. Once the North Wing is fully operational, Rogen Inn will run to its maximum capacity of 338 room keys.

What makes the Rogen Inn set-up unique is that the new North Wing will have its own check-in counter and lobby since the building is detached from the main building where the two wings are. Two elevators will service the seven-floor building. 

Simultaneously, the Rogen Inn Board Rooms will be formally inaugurated as well.

While Rogen Inn has Rogen Hall that can be divided into three separate halls to accommodate functions of various sizes, the demand for additional conference and meeting facilities rose during the last quarter of 2022 leading up until today. This led the management to decide to convert the space allotted for the exercise facility into meeting facilities.

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The 7th floor of the West Wing is now the venue for a Business Center and seven meeting rooms and boardrooms that will comfortably accommodate 25 to 40 people. Each of the room will be named after the famed festivals of Region 11: The Kadayawan Room with 85 square meter of space; Padigosan Room, 85 square meters; Kadagayaan Room, 50sqm; Sambuokan Room, 32sqm; and with 16 square meters space each are the Bulawan Room, Gaginaway Room and the Kabasan Room. The entire floor offers free Wi-Fi connection to all the rooms.

“Building this dream and operating it through the pandemic was a wager and definitely a challenge for us in so many ways. It took years to plan this project and we laid the groundwork just before the pandemic struck. We didn’t only hurdle the challenges, we did it with flying colors,” shared Bangayan.

“This new wing is a testament of our unwavering commitment to exceed expectations and redefine the notion of the Davaoeno hospitality.  We have spared no effort in ensuring that every detail, from the design and amenities in every room, reflects our dedication to creating an extraordinary stay for our guests,” she said.

The unveiling ceremony will be led by Gene Bangayan and Ronald Bangayan with their honored guests from the city government and friends and partners in the travel and tourism industry.

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