Category: Trivia

RP now has 42,008 villages

As of December 2008, the Philippines had 17 regions; 81 provinces; 136 cities; 1,495 municipalities or towns; and 42,008 barangays.

In the fourth quarter of 2008 alone, 13 new barangays or villages, including Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City (Metro Manila), were added in the Philippine Standard Geographic Code masterlist, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

It’s More Fun In The Philippines Part 2

Advertising company BBDO Guerrero has launched the first of a series of advertisements under Phase II of the “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” campaign by the Department of Tourism.

Tourist arrivals hit new record high in 2008

International visitor arrivals in the Philippines hit a new record of 3.139 million in 2008, thanks to double-digit rise in volume of tourists from Europe and emerging markets such as Russia and India, despite the global economic downturn that affected movement of tourists in many countries.

The figure was up by 1.5 percent from 3.092 million arrivals recorded in 2007, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. In 2007, arrivals grew 8.7 percent from 2.843 million.

Fast Rising Tourist Spots in the Philippines 2

CNN cites 3 Philippine beaches. Cable News Channel (CNN) has included three Philippine beaches on its list of the best 100 beaches in the world.  The Atlanta-based CNN said Puka Beach in Boracay, El Nido in Palawan, and Palaui Island in Cagayan are among the best destinations for beachgoers around the globe. It listed Palaui at No. 10, the only Southeast Asian beach in the Top 10.

Lonely Planet Philippines

Lonely Planet has included the Philippines as one of 10 best value destinations for 2011.  The Philippines was cited as the go-to spot "for those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day."

Filipino Brands are Going Global

A number of Filipino brands are going global, thanks to franchising scheme that enables them to penetrate foreign markets, according to an industry group.
 
The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) said 12 local brands have gone global, led by Potato Corner which now has the most number of franchises abroad with 54 stores. AFFI has 112 members comprised of micro, small and medium enterprises.

Arrivals up 10.4 percent in first half of 2006

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines increased by 10.4 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2006, led by the double-digit growth in arrivals from South Korea, China and Singapore.

Cebu Flowerpecker

Cebu Flowerpecker has recently received the Bird Life Species Champion award in the British Birdwatching Fair 2009 in Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom.  Known as the ‘Woodstock of Birders,’ the British Birdwatching Fair is an exclusive event where all sectors in birdwatching and wildlife conservation from all over the world gather.

Student Visa in the Philippines

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has asked foreign students who plan to study in the Philippines to secure required documents such as a visa or study permit before enrolling in a Philippine school.

Manila Solar City to Rise in Manila Bay

A world-class commercial, residential and tourism centre may soon rise in the middle of Manila Bay. Manila Solar City, which spans 148 hectares, is a reclamation project that will feature a park and a Boracay-inspired man-made beach. It will also have a terminal for international cruise ships, which are expected to bring between 2,500 to 5,000 tourists every week.