The first and only motoring tourism news site in the Philippines.
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| Street Dancers at the Bambanti Festival 2023 |
Isabelinos returned with a vengeance after a three-year pandemic hiatus by celebrating the much-awaited Bambanti Festival 2023. Now on its tenth edition, it did not fall short of extravagant expectations. This week-long celebration happens every January of the year, and showcases the various talents of Isabelinos, highlighting their creativity, and embracing their heritage with gusto.
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| The Panglao Shores Press Launch was held on January 12, 2023 at the South Palms Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol. From (L-R) RJ Ledesma - Program Host, Hope Uy - Chief Executive Officer Panglao Shores, Atty. Karen-Mae Baydo - Asst Chief Operating Officer TIEZA, Bill Barnett - Managing Director C9 HotelWorks. Photo: Monch Henares |
Philippine conglomerate Alturas Group unveiled a bold new vision for development on the island of Bohol with the launch of Panglao Shores, a 25 billion pesos (USD477 million) investment in a once-in-a-generation 50-hectare mixed-use project conceptualized by global leaders in sustainability and master-planning.
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| Burias Shoal teeming of fish and soft corals. Photo: Ram Yoro |
The 2nd Camiguin Dive Festival recently concluded its month-long underwater photography competition participated by 20 divers from different parts of the Philippines, capturing the beauty of Camiguin's lush marine life.
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| Entrance to the Plaza Premium Lounge |
World-class Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga has just leveled up its passenger services in partnership with the Plaza Premium Group, the pioneer and industry leader in innovating global airport hospitality services and facilities. Now, “every-Juan” can have a taste of premium facilities with the opening of the Plaza Premium Lounge, ALLWAYS (Airport Meet & Assist Services), and TGM Root98, an airport dining outlet that serves Japanese and Korean cuisines.
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| Coming together from Manila, Cebu, Bohol and Davao to participate in the first-ever Bay Deep Mati Freediving Festival. Front row from (L-R), yours truly Arabelle Jimenez Mermaid Instructor and Co-Founder of Motourismo, Emma Chen Freediver from Taiwan, Daniel Bautista Filmmaker, Department of Tourism Region XI Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Davao Oriental Governor Cora N. Malanyaon, City of Mati Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, and Jean Pol Francois Freediving Instructor and Founder of Freediving Planet Cebu. 2nd row (L-R): Jean-Luc Tulliez Molchanovs Instructor and Co-Founder of Ocean Bluex, Imam Gulisan Filipino Freediving Record Holder, Gert Leroy Freediving Instructor and YouTuber, Leachim Padron Freediving Instructor and Founder of Glide Freediving, Niccolo Stevens Molchanovs Instructor and Photographer, and Dyna Fernandez Freediver from Cebu. Photo inserts freedivers Dan Patrick and Mermaid Arabelle. Underwater photos by Melardz Vee at Pujada Bay, Davao Oriental. |
Declared as one of the most beautiful bays in the world at the 15th World Bays Congress in Toyama Prefecture, Japan in 2019, the Pujada Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental is once again the center of attraction during the first edition of the Bay Deep Mati Free Diving Festival. Mounted by the Philippine Department of Tourism Region XI, the festivities was held on September 23 - 26, 2022 at the City of Mati in the Province of Davao Oriental.
The country’s only 1000-km touristic and historic car rally, TOUR DE CEBU 2022 is back on the road and is scheduled on Sept 29-October 3. It is open to sports cars manufactured in 1972 and older, organized by the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts (PACE) of Cebu, with the able support of the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC).
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| The New Changan CS-35 Plus Hype arrives at EMV Villa in Indang, Cavite. |
Taking us safely on this 2-hour outdoor adventure using unfamiliar and very wet roads is the 2022 Changan CS-35 Plus Hype sub-compact crossover. This was the best time to put Changan's SafeTech to the test with its suite of above-class safety assist features that are rare to find in vehicles of its segment. For this trip, we decided to check out the EMV Flower Farm located in the municipality of Indang, Cavite.
The country’s premier lifestyle and entertainment destination, Resorts World Manila (RWM) is setting a new milestone in the company’s continuing history by rebranding into Newport World Resorts. Having successfully pioneered the integrated resort concept in the Philippines back in 2009, the well-established brand is taking a bold step into newer and bigger things.
By Arabelle Jimenez and Monch Henares
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| Oriental-themed infinity pool at Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. Photo: Monch Henares |
Tourism is now in full-swing, and we had three days to spend it by rediscovering Antipolo. We went to three highly recommended places using the All-New Kia Carnival Executive Class. This MPV proved that it was the perfect vehicle to explore new places in comfort and luxury.
For a relaxing stay after a busy work week, our first stop was at Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. We went straight to the Oriental-themed infinity pool as it's a big favorite among visitors, plus, it is one of the most picturesque places to view Antipolo.
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| The DOT Calabarzon group led by its acting regional director, Marites T. Castro (center), |
Fuel prices are at an all-time high, making many motorists think twice before hitting the road for a quick out-of-town trip. The good news is, we don’t have to drive very far for a fun and unique countryside experience.
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| Participants at the 1st PH Ride with Purpose event held on June 25, 2022 at Isla Perlita Resort in Mauban, Quezon Province. |
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has partnered with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Manila Chapter's PH Ride With Purpose campaign bringing various motorcycle groups together at Mauban, Quezon on June 25, 2022. This is a joint effort to raise funds for the tree planting and eco-park development project of the organization in Pangasinan.
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| The Cavite Caravan participants led by AAP Lakbay President Dr. Mina Gabor (center) with Marites Castro, acting regional director of the Department of Tourism-Calabarzon at the Inuquit River cruise in Caingin Town, Maragondon. |
The drive tourism arm of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), the country’s national auto club, AAP Lakbay has been doing a series of “Drive, Dine and Discover” caravans across the country’s key destinations over the past decade to promote domestic tourism.
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| Catch the sunset from your corner Suite Room. |
Enjoy a luxurious hotel stay that boasts of spacious bedrooms with five-star facilities. You do not have to look very far as Winford Manila Resort and Casino has everything you want in your list, right in the heart of Manila.
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| Our camping set-up at Harvest Hills Family Farm in Nasugbu, Batangas. |
As a child growing up in the '70s and the '80s, camping in your backyard was a normal thing to do. Would you imagine yourself sleeping outdoors with your friends in a tent, and going around with flashlights, while ghost-hunting? It was an exciting time in our lives, to me, at least. Then there was the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts era, where we were trained to "survive" in the wilderness while appreciating nature and science. Batulao in Batangas was the most popular campsite at that time.
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| A refreshing change of environment with the Changan CS75 Plus at Mount Purro Nature Reserve. |
"The only constant thing in life is Change," as Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus (l.c. 500 BCE) would say. Fast-forward centuries today, one would ask, is it still applicable? It is said that change is brought about by creativity and discovery. As a result, change must be for the better, and the good of all mankind. So, it remains.
