Amelia Generalao asked:




Philippine archipelago comprises 7, 101 islands with three major group of islands; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This Southeast Asian country is home to peace loving and diligent Filipinos with warm smiles ready to greet you. Philippines is a country that exudes beauty, rich culture and wonderful stories that is evident in all parts of the archipelago.

The captivating wonders of Philippines allured tourists and travelers, foreigners and locals, from the breathtaking views of Batanes down to the southern island of Tawi Tawi. You need not spend a fortune to experience a truly tropical holiday as everything you love can be found in the Philippines at cost effective rates. Its world class scuba diving spots with amazing coral reefs and inviting powdery white sand beaches in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu make a perfect destination to kick off pressures at work and temporarily forget the crowded city life. The amazing wonders of Philippine archipelago never fail to amaze backpackers, thrill seekers and adventurers from its highest peak, Mount Apo to the wild river of Cagayan de Oro. Whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway, group outing or educational tour, Philippines has it all.

Discover colorful festivals and in different towns and cities that enchants the imagination of the world. These annual festivals have long been a part of the Filipino culture not only to party but to boosts spiritual belief. Among these major celebrations are: Sinulog in Cebu, Kadayawan in Davao, Maskara festival in Bacolod, Ati Atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo and Panagbenga in Baguio.

Experience its diverse culture, charm, mouthwatering foods, sweet fruits and exotic sceneries! Discover Philippines!

Kansieo.com

Jerome Baladad asked:




Would you believe that some foreign travelers have thought that Cebu, the country’s oldest city established since the arrival of Spanish colonizers in mid 16th century, is not part of the Philippines? This idea could probably be considered indirectly and outrageously disloyal in form to the Philippine Republic. But when you have been to Cebu, you begin to understand that in more ways than one, it behaves differently from much of the rest of the Philippines.

Why is this so? There are many varied reasons, but the main core behind the belief is that Cebu has grown to be best known for its more than unusual, active responsiveness to the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly the home grown sort. These entrepreneurs have continued to gain headway, have built pioneering ventures, and been taking lead in making Cebu among the most attractive travel destinations in this side of Asia, if not among the top 3 destinations in any reputable listing. They have helped transformed Cebu among the most investor-friendly local governments in the Philippines when it comes to collaboration in many fields in business. In Cebu can be found several business districts that offer the best facilities and technology to many industries, including international and domestic shipping, air traveling (it’s the home of “Cebu Pacific” – an airline that has successfully competed against the well-entrenched “Philippine Airlines”), furniture design and manufacturing, telecommunications, business process outsourcing, tourism, export, manufacturing, among others.

Cebu the city shares the same name as that of Cebu the province, which happens to be also the name of the island where both are sited. The location is a narrow-shaped elongated island, surrounded by other much tinier islands, that you can pinpoint in the map of the Philippine archipelago somewhere in the Visayas region, or somewhere almost in between Luzon (the biggest island) and Mindanao (the second biggest island), amidst all other islands that are much bigger than Cebu.

At the turn of 20th century, you will still see news records with claims by other nearby cities to the lovely moniker of “Queen City of the South” but ever since the worldwide plunge of the sugar commodity prices that gravely affected the local economies of these other cities, Cebu has since reached heights that made it the strongest city in terms of economic leadership and performance even next, and may perhaps set to overcome the National Capital Region which is Metro Manila (located in Luzon), in time.

Other than those covered above, what else makes Cebu a very attractive, must-see travel destination? A visitor can always check any available information online by doing a Google, but it is best to read from the works of those who have been actually to Cebu before, including this writer. The city (referring to Cebu, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area) is adjunct to other cities and municipalities. They include the cities of Danao, Lapu Lapu (where you will see a statue of the brave leader who fought Magellan and his crew who did not know any better, and that resulted to a tragic but now historical ending), Mandaue, Talisay plus 8 other municipalities currently.

Cebu hosts several strategic infrastructures found in central Philippines. As such, it hosts one of the Philippines’ busiest airports, as well as among the busiest domestic shipping ports of the country. Tourism has then evolved into one of Cebu’s major industries, such that direct air travel has been made available for visitors coming from places like Narita, Hong Kong, Inchon, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Pusan, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Kansai, and Pudong.

What would you be doing in Cebu as a traveler? Or what should consume your time as a first time visitor in Cebu? You can visit the nearby famed beach resorts, with white sand beaches and clear blue waters that dot the island, that are never more 45 minutes away. Depending on your budget, number of companions, as well as your available time, Cebu provides the best among housing facilities, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, casino, fun and entertainment establishments (probably) for all imaginable tastes and preferences, educational institutions (short term courses, plus those requiring longer stay to pursue degree courses), and other facilities that are at par or even better than what you may have back where you have started your trip.

For starters, you may follow the heritage tour usually pursued by regular tourists. This itinerary will bring you to locations including Magellan’s cross (where the then-leader Rajah Humabon and his followers were baptized as Christians when Magellan landed in Cebu’s shores in 1521), the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (the Philippines’ oldest church, that contains the image of the infant Jesus given to the wife of Rajah Humabon), the Fort San Pedro (built on the earliest settlement of the Spanish colonizers), and Colon Street (the Philippines’ oldest street) that can be found in downtown Cebu.

As it were, a lot of materials are easily available online and on printed sources about Cebu. Your impression from these readings may perhaps make you seriously consider Cebu – a tropical island travel destination that promises to give you best value for your money for travel and leisure. What probably has made this author visit Cebu at least 15 times in the past, and join all the visitors and guests who have been to Cebu is that this travel destination continues to remain in the active radar on where to go to travel in this part of Asia. Its people have remained staunchly confident of its place in the consciousness of those who have heard of Cebu. As such, its populace would rather speak Cebuano (used by at least 20 million people) than any of the languages used in the Philippines (unless you would prefer to talk in English which is widely used and spoken here, too).

Cebu reminds the author of the pungent smell of a variety of dried fish (“dangit”) that sticks in his clothing whenever he shops for them in the public market (“tabuan” in Cebu). This fish when cooked crisp serves as great breakfast food, or something to be relished when it’s cold. Just like the smell of this dried fish, Cebu is easy to fall in love with, as “it sticks to your skin.” Cebu has constantly evolved to be among the top choices of an ideal place to go, play or stay, whenever the traveler has grown weary and disenchanted with what can be found in his / her point of origin, even for a short while. Remember, even Magellan and his crew got so enamored with what Cebu offered them, over 400 years ago, and the rest is now history.

Website content

Sai Vallejos asked:


Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.

There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.

BRIEF HISTORY

Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.

In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.

The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.

During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.

After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT

Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.

With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.

The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.

The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)

Gregory Smyth asked:


Philippines is one of the most compelling and attracting tourist destinations not only in Asia but the whole world. It is an archipelago nation located in Southeast Asia and it is as charming a destination you can ever imagine.

The Philippine archipelago consists of 7,107 beautiful islands, spreading a total area of 300,000 sq km with Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao constituting the main island groups in the country. Known for its scenic islands, exotic beaches, fascinating volcanoes, fantastic diving spots and elusive wildlife among many more attractions, the Philippines is a lovable place to visit. Philippines boasts of hundreds of seductive tourist destinations, making it a popular choice for nature lovers, honeymooners and adventure seekers from across the world.

Philippines is home to some of the most enchanting beaches in the world comprising the famous White Beach on Boracay Island, which is conferred the tag of the most beautiful tropical beach in the world. Cebu, which comes after the capital Manila for its popularity, possesses some of the most excellent diving spots in the world, making it a favorite destination for adventure seekers.

The islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan in Bohol also have world-class diving spots. Bohol also has beautiful beaches which includes the famous Alona Beach at Panglao. The highly sought after Tall Volcano and the amazing Tall Lake at Tagaytay never fail to quench the thirst of its visitors for natural beauty.

Besides its unbelievable scenic beauty, Philippines has a lot more to fascinate its visitors. The cultural, historical and architectural heritages of the Philippines are set to enchant those who are interested in exploring the historical background of the nation. The beautiful colonial structures of Vigan in Ilocos and World War II markers of Manila are ever lasting heritage sites.

The Filipinos are generally energetic and relaxed people and choose to enjoy almost every occasion with great flourish. The lively and colorful festivals are major tourist interests in the Philippines. Philippines conducts numerous colorful festivals, celebrated across the year in all parts of the country.

Those who want to flex their muscles a bit will never leave Philippines disappointed. Philippines offers a compelling range of leisure and adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, trekking, and a rich diversity of water sports. The lovely beaches of Philippines gives you the perfect ambience to relax, sunbath, and numerous other exciting beach activities.

Filipinos are extremely hospitable people. Guests are often considered like royalty in Philippine households. This is revealed noticeably during fiestas when even absolute strangers are accepted and permitted to partake of the feast that most, if not all, households within the town arrange during the occasion. Quite often, this hospitality is mistaken. Some households allocate their complete savings on their fiesta offerings and sometimes are even indebted just to provide splendid food on their table. They use the next year compensating these debts and readying themselves for the next fiesta.

The country features an excellent blend of cultures; in the Philippines, you can witness the jelling of East and West cultures. The roots of the people in this nation mainly lie in Indonesia and Malaysia. You can also find tints of Chinese and Spanish elements as well. The American rule of the past and indulging with merchants and traders resulted in a rare blend of East and West. You will be able to find this in the appearance and character of the Filipinos, or people of the Philippines.

There is no question about the artistic versatility and scenic beauty of Philippines. You are now familiar with the diverse attractions available as well. It is up to you to ensure that your next trip is to this majestic country.

Isabel Tiong asked:


69 years ago, at exactly 6 in the morning, announcer Hal Bowie took his seat before a microphone in a little studio at the top of the Heacock Building in Escolta, and bid his unseen audience good morning.  Thus was born the fourth commercial radio station to operate in Manila.  In just a few years, with the entire Philippine archipelago caught in the maelstrom of the Second World War, the fledgling station – which took the call sign KZRH  -  would buck the challenge of history and remain as the only surviving radio station in the country. 

Its auspicious beginnings as the mouthpiece of one of the largest department stores in the Pacific must have laid the groundwork for the station’s commercial viability all these years – a major factor in the survival of the so-called “stepchild of media arts.”

New as it was, KZRH management led by Bertrand Silen was not just armed with the technical know-how in radio operations, but likewise had fundamental marketing knowledge down pat.  They knew what radio listeners liked and disliked.

Musical variety shows, comedy skits, and short newscasts were the order of the day.  Jazz and ballads became standard fare.  Together with American wit, the English language spread.  KZRH found itself as an advertising medium, with sponsors like Purico underwriting specific shows which carried their names.  Apart from 15-minute blocktime sold to advertisers, commercial spots mixing announcements with music were also produced.   KZRH found itself amidst lucrative times.

Then came the grim shadow of war.  The Japanese Imperial Army took over the sophisticated equipment, which eventually got blown sky-high by the Americans.  And while Silen’s staff – considered the best in the Far East – found themselves either in Bataan, at the internment camps of Santo Tomas and Los Banos, within the guerilla movement, or simply felled by enemy bullets, plans for the rebirth of KZRH upon liberation were kept alive. 

Upon being released, Silen sought help from the National Broadcasting Company in New York to secure new transmitters, and with the Elizalde family financing the new operations at the Insular Life Building on Plaza Cervantes, KZRH was back on the air under the auspices of Manila Broadcasting Company on July 1, 1946 – just in time to cover the inauguration of the new Republic.

Soon after, the International Telecommunications Union adjusted the call letters of Philippine radio, and all allusions to the western United States through the letter K were removed.  Until today, all radio stations in the Philippines begin with the letter D.

What followed in the next three decades is now collectively known as the golden years of Philippine radio.  Programming flourished and a new breed of radio personalities became cultural icons.  As the recording industry grew, the live orchestras of yore soon gave way to music on vinyl.  Cover versions and Disc Jockeys came into being.  Radio dramas hit an unprecedented boom, eventually translating to the celluloid screen.

Lina Flor’s immortal  Gulong ng Palad, which debuted in 1949, led a slew of soap operas that filled the airlanes in the mornings and afternoons.  Because they had the housewives and sometimes the rest of the domestic ménage as captive audiences, these dramatic serials were strongly supported by major advertisers whose sales messages got very close attention through each saga. Radio dramas picked up on domestic relations, but also featured action, adventure, horror, and even murder-mysteries. Appealing to the imagination as well as to real-life need, DZRH secretaries fondly remember some callers even insisting on speaking to Ginang Hukom herself.

Indeed, DZRH easily adopted the habit of setting trends and institutionalizing them.  Sportscasting dean Willie Hernandez, the network’s comptroller in the mid-fifties, lent his voice to sports coverages and in so doing, made legendary Filipino basketeers like Carlos Loyzaga, Francisco Rabat, and Luis Lorenzo household names.

The feisty commentator Rafael Yabut, also had his sterling years with DZRH.  Starting out as the station electrician, he rose through the ranks to become the station’s PR man.  Loyal fans kept glued to their radios when he hosted the game show Ruleta Musikal.  On the top-rating Tayo’y Mag-aliw, Yabut dwelt on government and politics, family values, trivia, and entertainment.  

But it is easily Dely Mapayo who has been – up to this day – the most widely known personality behind the microphone at DZRH. Her easy chatter, contagious laughter, and sparkling wit won her sponsors and hosts of listeners through her career’s work. From the PMC-backed Tugtugin Natin to Himig Panghapunan in vintage years, and eventually the starkly simple Tiya Dely, which DZRH still airs today,  the lady and the station have remained synonymous for over 50 years. Radio quiz shows also emanated from the DZRH studios.  In Spell-to-Win, household appliances were at stake for someone who could spell words like “bouillabaise”. On Best of the Band, popular crooner Bimbo Danao tried to stump the audience with his original game format a-la “name that tune.”  And on Palmolive’s Knowledge Unlimited, even listeners contributed questions such as “what war took place in 1812?”

The Vicks Variety show opened doors for a new program format that addressed Tagalog-speaking audiences with pop-concert presentation of Philippine music.  Singer Jimmie Navarro who won the DZRH radio popularity poll, replaced Mystery Singer Cecil Lloyd and teamed up with Priscilla in performing a new romantic duet every week. While listeners wrote to request old favorites, new compositions were also introduced to the public. 

Letter-sending, has indeed, contributed greatly to the way DZRH developed over the years. Ira Davis, who produced the long-running programs of Philippine Manufacturing Company, patiently read through thousands of letters that came in every week. The notes were routed to management and gave them firsthand information on what sort of radio entertainment – even commercial copy – that listeners preferred.  And the advertisers took note of those market preferences. 

In later years, DZRH received more immediate feedback — through the telephone, through pocket pagers, through mobile technology, and today, through cyberspace.   But the formula remains the same: innovate…improve…listen…keep the pulse. And decades hence, the station which survived the horrors of war is also surviving the competition. DZRH as the flagship station of Manila Broadcasting Company is proud to be the purveyor of news as it should be delivered, adhering to the highest standards of broadcasting excellence in the country.  It continues to be a witness to Philippine history as it unfolds, and yet remains faithful to the mandate of fair and responsible journalism.  In 1986 it was the only station that aired nationwide a detailed account of the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos.  Three years later, DZRH reporters found themselves risking life and limb to keep the public abreast of the attempted coup d’etat, and manifesting its spirit of compassion to wounded rebel soldiers.

DZRH today boasts of veteran radioman Joe Taruc anchoring the DZRH team in defining the public affairs program genre from the Pinoy perspective. Despite the seeming erosion of the morning news by the telemagazines,  Taruc remains confident that nothing beats the immediacy of radio. 

DZRH News Director Andy Vital, on the other hand, has  taken new media by the horns for the station’s benefit. Internet radio and live chats are used to maximize the station’s accessibility to audiences both here and abroad.  He has also encouraged popular DZRH announcers like Ruth Abao and Rey Sibayan to maintain individual blogs.  And with his iconic colleague “Lakay” Deo Macalma  seemingly attuned to the secret lives of public figures and celebrities alike, vigilance in good governance through reports from his bubwits is still in keeping with the station’s mien for  popular entertainment. But perhaps it is in the field of public service where DZRH has truly earned its merits.    Through Operation Tulong – the station’s socio-civic arm first launched in 1978 –  corporate social responsibility and anonymous Samaritans work hand in hand. Armed with their credo of Serbisyong Bayan, DZRH responds to the needs of the ordinary man-on-the-street with the same compassion and determination it devotes to massive disaster-relief operations, through networking support from advertisers, NGO’s, and government agencies. 

On its 69th anniversary, DZRH will conduct a medical-dental mission in cooperation with the Philippine Medical Association, Gat. Andres Bonifacio Medical Center, the Department of Health, the Philippine Air Force,  the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, PAGCOR, and other generous donors.   DZRH has also invited the Optometrists Association of the Philippines to provide free eye examinations, with MBC donating 500 free eyeglasses.  Teaming up with Islands Exhibit Link, the station will likewise hold a two-day Job Fair, with more than 40 participating companies and recruitment firms providing domestic and international work opportunities.   DZRH has also invited the Public Attorney’s office, Batas Barangay, and their network of lawyers to provide free legal assistance.  And for those availing of these public service offerings, DZRH is also serving free porridge (lugaw) as a gesture of unity with the masses who have supported them all these years. 

Over a decade ago, the station embarked on a “One Nation, One Station” initiative, expanding its coverage to an unprecedented 97% of the Philippine archipelago. To date, DZRH is the only station in the country that is on the air nationwide 24/7 on stereo-quality, simulcast via satellite to relay stations in key provincial cities.  Through all these, DZRH and the top brass at Manila Broadcasting Company have remained fully cognizant of their target listeners and have used this to master their programming thrust.  They have convinced advertisers to support their efforts at activation and integration in reaching mass audiences.  DZRH taps into the consciousness of the Pinoy, takes inherent socio-cultural phenomena like fiestas, raffles, and machismo sports. . . and actively makes them tick.    At the same time, through creative thinking by the staff and high-quality execution by their announcers, DZRH has translated traditional broadcasting techniques like talk-radio and soap operas into productive and impacting forms of integration or product placement that have become increasingly more efficient in moving brands across a complex media landscape. 

 

But it is the way DZRH announcers today relate to their listeners that truly spells the difference. It is a legacy handed down through generations of broadcasters who knew their audiences.   It is foresight brought about by the changing of the times. It is a style acquired through personal interaction with the man-on-the-street.  And it is a mantle of leadership, new experiences, and empathy toward mankind brought about by having made it through 69 years.

Congratulations, DZRH – kaunaunahan sa Pilipinas!