Enjoy Philippines your online tourist destinations and attraction guide.

Bohol may be best known for the famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, century-old churches, and the iconic tarsier, but a small town within this pristine province proves that it goes beyond the typical must-sees listed in travel guidebooks.

Following its commitment to bring Philippine tourism beyond the usual destinations and attractions, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is strongly pushing for sustainable, community-based travel, increasing employment and boosting grassroots-led tourism efforts that enjoin everyone in the whole locality.

Secretary Ace Durano commended the endeavors initiated by the people of Danao, appreciating what they have, and actively promoting eco-adventures in their area.  "Danao is a fourth-class municipality with first-rate leadership and first-class tourism experience.  Bohol’s natural beauty, matched with adventurous, creative minds, is reason enough for their huge growth potential in ecotourism.”

Calabarzon, or the industrial region of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces, is experiencing a dramatic increase in new tourism projects.  "There are a lot of properties being built in Calabarzon region," Louella Jurilla, regional director of the Tourism Department for Calabarzon, said during a buyers and sellers business matching session in Intramuros, Manila on July 21, 2009.

Director Jurilla said there are now more than 200 accredited establishments, with a total of 3,000 rooms, in Calabarzon region alone.  "We see this number to further increase by 8 percent this year," she said. In justifying her forecast, she said three large projects are to be constructed in Cavite province, although she said it is premature to disclose the details of those projects.

Israel has opened a monument in honor of the Philippines, which declared an open door policy for Jews during the Second World War.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano witnessed the unveiling of the Open Doors monument at the Rishon Lezion Memorial Park in Israel on June 21.

“This monument commemorates the Philippines’ selfless efforts in opening the country for thousands of Jews, where they found a safe haven during a difficult period in their history. It is indeed an honour to remember this strong connection, at a time when the world is faced with a lot uncertainty and challenges,” said Durano.

The beauty and healthcare industry in the Philippines bucks the global economic downturn and thrives on the back of increased foreign visitor arrivals and expanding middle class spawned by the growing business process outsourcing industry.

"Contrary to expectations, three things thrive during crisis, namely: food, alcohol, and aesthetics," said Dr. Dr. Yanee V. Santos, founder of Aesthetic Science Clinic, a specialized clinic in the field of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery located in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Dr. Santos, who used to work for the Belo Medical Group, said there is a rising demand for body and skin treatment in the country, particularly among office workers and call center agents.  To serve its growing clientele base, Aesthetic Science, which adopts the medical spa concept, opened another clinic at the Ground Floor of Jupiter Place along Jupiter St. in Bel-air, Makati City, quickly drawing following among executives and employees at the commercial business district.