Tag Archives: Philippines

Guldeep Singh Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Tours & Travels, believes the Philippines will attract seasoned travellers looking for fresh experiences. “It is a different kind of holiday – beautiful beaches, unique landscapes. It may be slightly more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries but for those exploring mid-haul destinations like Mauritius or Europe, it is still competitive.”

Starting 1 October, Air India becomes the first Indian airline to launch non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, Philippines. The flight will operate five days a week. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India, said, “The introduction of this route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop.”

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Primex Realty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly listed property developer Primex Corporation, to manage Dusit Greenhills Manila in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Set to open at the end of 2026, this sophisticated upper-upscale urban retreat will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a landmark 50-story mixed-use development in an affluent residential district, just 45 minutes by car from Manila International Airport. The tallest skyscraper in the area, the tower will also house premium retail and office spaces, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers. Alongside Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, guests will have the opportunity to savour award-winning Thai cuisine at Benjarong, enjoy international favourites at the all-day dining restaurant, take in breathtaking skyline views from the rooftop bar, unwind by the rooftop swimming pool, and stay active at the gym. The hotel will also feature a ballroom with spectacular city views and fully equipped meeting rooms, providing an ideal setting for business and social events. For added convenience, guests will enjoy easy access to Greenhills Mall, San Juan’s premier shopping and dining destination. “We are delighted to partner with Primex Realty Corporation to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the heart of San Juan City,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “With its prime location and seamless access to shopping, dining, and business hubs, Dusit Greenhills Manila will be ideally positioned to serve discerning travellers and local residents alike. With nine more properties in the pipeline set …

After the success of the pilot phase of its e-visa system in India, the Philippines announced that it is ready to fully implement its new e-visa system in India. Considering that India has been one of the important outbound source markets, the Philippines has been trying to implement a fully automated e-visa process to attract Indians.

If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer.  Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country:  Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate. Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas. Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions. Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns.  Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience. Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions.    Have a Media Noche Feast: The New Year celebration begins with the Media Noche feast, a grand midnight feast on New Year’s Eve. Families gather for a sumptuous meal that typically includes a variety of special dishes, such as lechon (roast pig), pancit (noodles for long life), and a selection of …

If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold profound cultural and religious significance in the Philippines. Deeply rooted in the country’s predominantly Catholic faith, its celebration is marked by a unique blend of traditional Filipino customs, family gatherings, lively public celebrations and global holiday practices. Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country: 1. Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate. 2. Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas. 3. Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions. 4. Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns. 5. Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience. 6. Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions. 7. Embrace …

As the world prepares for the yuletide season, the Philippines takes its unique place in the spotlight with its heartwarming traditions and festive events. Here are some of the most wonderful things to do during the holiday season in this tropical paradise. 1. Join Simbang Gabi Kickstart your Filipino Christmas experience by participating in Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning from 16th to 24th December. Families and communities gather before sunrise to attend these special Masses, often held in beautifully decorated churches and chapels, to honor the Virgin Mary and prepare for the birth of Jesus.  2. Take a stroll through bustling Night Markets As the cool December evenings arrive, these markets come alive with colorful stalls, twinkling lights, and the tantalizing aroma of Filipino street food. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can shop for unique gifts. Plan ahead, stay tuned for updates on these markets and get ready to experience value for money with your Christmas shopping: • Greenhills Night Market • Night bazaars of Metro Manila • along the famous stretch of Harrison Road in Baguio City • Davao’s Pasko de Fiesta • Cebu’s Christmas Night Market in Fuente Osmeña Circle • Paskwa sa Kapitolyo in Bacolod City • Christmas Night Market in San Fernando, La Union • Subic Bay’s Christmas Market at Harbor Point 3. Hear the sounds of Christmas Once the “Ber” months (September to December)  start, be sure to hear a symphony of joyful melodies – from the lively and harmonious voices of children caroling, to enchanting notes of traditional Christmas songs playing in malls and homes. The sweet strains of local carols like “Pasko Na Sinta Ko”, “Ang Pasko …

The World Heritage sites in the Philippines confirm the abundance of nature in the country and illustrate how Filipino creativity blossomed into a unique national architectural style. While the natural properties record stages in the evolution of the world, the cultural heritage records progression of man’s ideas in terms of the built environment. So, head to the Philippines for a perfect mix of leisure and heritage travel.   Historic City of Vigan  Vigan, Ilocos Sur   During the height of the Spanish colonial era in the 18th and 19th centuries, Vigan or Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan was the third most important city after Manila and Cebu. It was the centre of Spanish colonial power in northern Luzon. The range of structures along the plazas and streets reveals the story of the town, a living testament to the Spanish colonial era and a place that exerts a strong cultural influence to the modern Philippine nation. Notable Vigan urban spaces and architecture include its town plaza, Plaza Salcedo; Saint Paul’s Cathedral; The Arzopispado; Saint Paul’s College; the Provincial Capitol Building; Simbaan a Bassit (Catholic Cemetery Chapel); Calle Crisologo; Burgos Museum; and the numerous Vigan Houses.  Church of San Agustin  Paoay, Ilocos Norte   The San Agustin Church in Paoay began its construction in 1604 and finally completed in 1710. This is one of the most outstanding ‘earthquake baroque’ structures in the Philippines, where the primary concern was to design the church for earthquake protection. The most outstanding feature of the church is the phalanx of buttresses that jut out perpendicularly from the sides to strengthen the walls against earthquake damage. It has the most massive buttressing in any church in the Philippines. The visual impact …

Another exciting roadshow was held in the South Indian city of Chennai by the Philippines Tourism, which received a positive response from the industry. The dedication of the Philippines Tourism to promote its destinations and culture was brough to the fore. Important industry professionals and stakeholders participated in detailed dialogue about the varied offerings of the Philippines.  Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary for Tourism, Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation, and the concurrent Director, Regional Office VII, commented, “The Philippines acknowledges Indian influence as a primary wellspring of tourists to our nation. We expect the Philippines to increase in terms of tourist footfall.” Fourteen entities from the Philippines took part in the Chennai roadshow. These included Ark Travel Express, bai Hotel Cebu, Department of Tourism Central Visayas, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Gi Philippines, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Okada Manila, Philippine Airlines, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Scoot, Shangrila, Shroff International Travel Care, The Farm at San Benito, and Uni Orient Travel.   Other than the Philippine entities who took part in the roadshow, as many as 60 Indian travel agents also participated in the Philippines roadshow in Chennai.   “Chennai holds a special place of mention in our hearts as a distinctive market. The latent potential that reverberates Chennai fills us with optimism, and we are assured that there would be a significant increase in the number of visitors from Chennai to the Philippines,” said SanJeet, Managing Director, Buzz Travel Marketing.   

Philippines started their 4-city roadshow in Delhi, where Mark Anthony G. Articulo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Administrative Section Head, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines said, “From December 2023 onwards, Philippines to offer e-visas for indian travellers.”