On the Dot
What's up
There are four 4 entries in the Hiyas ng Turismo (Search for New Destinations) from Region VI as of this Monday which is the extended deadline for this project of the Department of Tourism and the Women in Travel (WIT) - Manila.
These entries are entitled 'Bugang River Cultural, Nature and Adventure Tour' (subtitled 'The River and Its Eco-System Experience') of Pandan, Antique, 'Balay Pagdu-aw Ashram Catholic' of Buruanga, Aklan, 'Aklan River' of Libacao, Aklan and 'Sipalay City, Jewel of the Sugar Island'.
Selection for regional entries that will be sent to Manila for the national competition will be done by a panel of judges invited by WIT-Manila and headed by DOT-Western Visayas Regional Director Edwin G. Trompeta, Mrs. Sandra S. Gomez-President, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center & Women in Travel-Iloilo, Mr. Luis Leocario-President, Association of Iloilo Tour Operators (AITO), Ms. Jane Jaspe-President, Association of Iloilo Travel Agencies (AITA) and Ms. Yehlen J. Camarista, Licensed and DOT-accredited Professional Tour Guide and Lecturer-Trainor.
National winners will be known in February 2006 during the TravelTour Expo at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
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Make the Iloilo tourism industry proud
There are 27 graduates of the recently-concluded 2005 Tour Guiding Seminar conducted by the Department of Tourism Region VI in cooperation with the Iloilo City Convention Bureau. This is part of the preparation for ICCB's Visit Iloilo and Guimaras campaign. We congratulate them for finishing the rigid 15-day classroom lectures and field practicum as we wish them good luck in their on-the job training, the final phase towards obtaining their LGU license and DOT accreditation. We hope they will work to build the public's respect for the tour guiding profession through their professional bearing and dealings.
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Kahilwayan Festival
We were invited by Hon. Isabelo J. Maquino, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo Municipal Mayor and Chairperson of the Municipal Tourism Council to serve as one of the judges in the Kahilwayan Festival Competition in the morning of November 17, 2005. There are 6 competing tribes. This is in connection with Sta. Barbara's commemoration of the 107th Cry of Sta. Barbara on November 17-20 this year. This activity marks the historical events that led to the collective uprising and struggle for freedom of the Ilonggos led by local hero Gen. Martin T. Delgado.
The event is managed by the Municipal Tourism Council. It includes a dance-drama contest depicting the story known today in Philippine history as the Cry of Sta. Barbara. Dubbed as Kahilwayan Festival, this activity is already on its 5th year and is now prominently included in the Department of Tourism Calendar of Festivals and Events.
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Guimaras The Beautiful
Ordinance No. 2005-013 (An Ordinance Regulating the Licensing and Accreditation of Tourism Related/Oriented Establishments in the Municipality of Jordan, Guimaras) was referred to us by Guimaras Provincial Board Member Allan M. Chavez, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Industry for comments. We hope we have clarified some issues in the ordinance for its smooth implementation.