VAT refund system seen to boost PH shopping tourism

THE VALUE-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists Law would enhance the Philippines' appeal as a shopping destination and boost economic growth by encouraging higher tourist spending, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on Monday.

Sulu ramps up tourism efforts

SULU – Local tourists continue to flock to the southern Filipino province of Sulu where beachfront restaurants have mushroomed in recent years due to the improved peace and order situation and the massive infrastructure projects of the local governments.

Sulu holds first-ever ‘Mangosteen Festival’

SULU – The province of Sulu celebrated the first-ever “Mangosteen Festival” where each towns featured its own food products derived from the purple fruit.

Sulu is rich is natural resources and among its many agricultural produce is mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). And this prompted Gov. Toto Tan to embark on a festival which saw various delectable products made from mangosteen – from jam to ice cream and tea and coffee, and even a potent tonic drink.

Different towns participated in the festival - held Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol ground - with their own mangosteen products and among the municipalities which put up their own exhibit booths were Maimbung, Indanan, Talipao, Panglima Estino, Patikul, Parang, Jolo and Luuk. Other exhibitors were Mindanao State University, Red Cross, Kankitap and Sulu Originals.

 
Provincial government photo shows Gov. Toto Tan visiting a stall selling mangosteen jam.

Tan, who was ecstatic over the successful outcome of the festival, said next year’s event would even be bigger, after the event attracted a huge crowd from different towns and has a potential to become an attraction in Sulu.

“Sulu’s mangosteen is the best because of our fertile lands and the love we exert in maintaining our farms. There is love and dedication, and even during harvest time, everybody is out there and picking ripe mangosteen, and that is why it is the best,” he said, adding, the “festival is a great way to bring opportunities, possibilities and celebrate what is part of our very own landscape.”

Provincial agricultural officer, Mercian Aspi, express optimism that Sulu’s mangosteen and its products would sell well in the market and provide additional livelihood to farmers.

He said they would further hold studies into other health benefits of mangosteen. “Like those popular mangosteen supplements being sold in the market because of its health benefits, we are trying to discover other potentials that can be derived from mangosteen fruit,” he said.

Former Gov. Sakur Tan is also one of the forefront in the promotion of mangosteen products and has encouraged health companies which are into mangosteen supplements to put up production plants in the province to cut high cost of shipping fruit cargoes to Manila or other parts of the country. Sulu's mangosteen jam is getting good reviews from food and dessert aficionados.

According to the website Organic Facts, health benefits of mangosteen include a reduced risk of cancer, inflammation, allergies, and diabetes.

It has antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties which help in protecting the body against various ailments and also boosts the immune system. Mangosteen is also beneficial in maintaining healthy skin, weight management, and providing relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

The popular website - organicfacts.net – also cited Sulu, saying that mangosteen does not have many varieties, except for the one which is found in the province and its islands. “It seems that the people of Southeast Asia realized the medicinal value that this fruit had a long time ago. Relying on it as a form of treatment for different medical conditions is the reason why scientists have continuously carried out studies and research to confirm these healing allegations. So far the benefits of this fruit have been proven scientifically over the past 3 decades,” it added. 

Mangosteen is a healthy fruit, which is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. 

Essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, and manganese are found in this fruit.  According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, it contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin A which are required for maintaining good health.  Other vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, folic acid, carotene, and cryptoxanthin are also found in it.

The festival, according to Tan, also featured other non-mangosteen food products. (Mindanao Examiner)

Moro chieftains compete for ‘Pakaradjaan Master Chef-tain 2018’

COTABATO CITY – Chieftains of the five “mock” Moro villages inside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) compound here competed in a cooking showdown dubbed as the “Pakaradjaan Master Chef-tain’.

With an hour to prepare a full-course meal for the judges and another hour to prepare a dish using a special item from a ‘mystery box’ as main ingredient, the chieftains brought out the best dishes their respective provinces could offer.

The event, which was launched recently, is part of the year-long celebration of ARMM’s 29^th anniversary.

For ARMM Executive Secretary and Basilan Village Chieftain Laisa Masuhud-Alamia, the competition goes beyond the question of who cooks better. It is also about mainstreaming the Bangsamoro cuisine, she said.

“Ang competition na ito ay hindi lang kung sino ang pinakamasarap magluto dahil dito sa competition na ito, shino-showcase namin ang kanya-kanyang cuisine ng bawat probinsya dahil karamihan sa mga niluto namin dito ay hindi lang sine-serve sa pang-araw araw kung hindi para din sa mga special occasions,” Alamia said.

ARMM Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Maguindanao Village Chieftain, Kahal Kedtag, said what they have prepared for the judges “are usually served on the tables of royalties.“

The competition's judges are: Congresswoman Amihilda Sangcopan of Anak Mindanao Party-list; Professor Teresita Sanchez, former dean of the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management of Mindanao State University-Marawi; Professor Cecile Mambuay, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Hospitality Management in Singapore; Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun, corporate chef for Unilever Philippines; Chef Jose Sarasola, celebrity chef and actor from ABS-CBN; and celebrity chef Boy Logro.
Having the experience to travel around the world as a chef, tasting the local Bangsamoro delicacies impressed Logro. “Sa tagal ko nang umikot sa buong daigdig, ngayon lang ako nakatikim nito. Sana ma-introduce at mai-market ang mga ito sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

Sarasola, a ‘big fan’ of turmeric as food ingredient, found the dishes served ‘amazing’. “When I heard that almost everything is turmeric-based, I knew that I would like it. True enough, sobrang win for me,” he said.
Bangsamoro food is known for its exotic spices, especially the use of turmeric in major dishes.

Being one of the Moro judges, Sangcopan was impressed with how the chieftains prepared their food. “Bilang isang Moro, alam ko ang pagkain ng Moro. Sigurado akong ang pagkain dito ay unique at kaya nating ipagmalaki sa buong mundo,” she said.

The criteria for judging are: taste/palatability (50%), creativity and technique (25%), and presentation (25%). Winners will be announced during the culmination program of the ARMM’s 29^th anniversary in November. (Bureau of Public Information)

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Apo View Hotel Celebrates 70 Years of Luxury and Heritage; Ushers New Age in Lodging History

DAVAO'S PRIDE, Apo View Hotel, is celebrating its 70th founding anniversary. The premier hotel not only boasts of first class amenities and stunning views, but also a rich and colorful past that has endeared it to the hearts of Davaoenos.

Seven decades after the hotel first opened its doors,  Apo View Hotel commemorates its humble beginnings by looking forward to the future by introducing innovations to meet the demands of the younger generation. Now managed by Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC),  one of the country's largest and fastest growing hotel chains, Apo View wants to accommodate the needs of millennials and other tourists who travel to Davao in search of adventure or relaxation.

“Apo View isn’t just a hotel. It’s your second home. Wherever you came from - Manila, Cebu, or overseas, expect that you will be treated well at Apo View. We’ve housed families, companies, big and small groups for reunions, events, and gatherings. Our guests have come back time and again because we offer them security, privacy, and excellent service. We will certainly be around for more decades to come because at Apo View, history is made everyday” said Laurence "Louie" Pena, the new chief operating officer leading the Apo View Hotel team.

Established in 1948, Apo View is the first hotel that was built in Davao City and also the second oldest hotel in the Philippines. It is strategically situated at the heart of the bustling Central Business District (CBD) of Davao City. Its rich history transcended to decades of quality service and unmatched hospitality for travelers.

The Apo View management is working to usher  a new age in the lodging industry by modernizing the hotel’s facilities, improving service, and by adding an international flair to the food they offer. Of course, the signature Davao touch will be always be there - a reminder of Apo View’s unique brand of hospitality.

Guests at the hotel are treated to a total cultural experience which highlight the heritage and traditions of Davao. Additionally, having the majestic Mt. Apo as your backdrop makes special occasions truly more memorable.

Access to Davao Attractions

As Davao’s most prestigious business hotel, Apo View offers 182 well-appointed rooms that cater to various price points. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, dual-temperature shower, LED TV with cable channels, chiropractic beds and hypoallergenic pillows, room safety deposit boxes and free Wi-Fi connection.

Guests can also take a dip at the hotel pool at the 3rd level. For added convenience, the hotel provides valet service and backup generator systems to ensure constant electricity no matter what.

The weary traveler seeking respite from work or business can take advantage of spa services or in-room massages. Apo View also extends additional services such as travel arrangements, airport transfers, wake-up calls and tour packages to local and foreign tourists.

Because of its strategic location, only 30 minutes from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and 20 minutes away from Santa Ana Pier Terminal, Apo View is a great jump off point for treks or adventure tours. Famous attractions include the Davao Crocodile Farm, the Philippine Eagle Center and Outland Adventure Park which houses Asia's Longest Zipline.

First Class Dining 

Apo View Hotel is also known for its sumptuous food and mouth-watering delicacies. For decades, it has been the go-to place for banquets and special occasions because it has mastered both continental fare and Davao specialties.

The Hotel also offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine available at the hotel’s all-day dining buffet restaurant located at the lobby, at Café Josefina, at the Blue Room, and at Davao’s oldest Casino, the Casino Filipino Players Club. Aside from the three restaurants, the hotel also offers a full-service 24-hour in room dining. Each of the restaurants feature international comfort food classics served in a modern way alongside the best local dishes that Davao City has to offer.

Function rooms can house between 30 and 1,200 guests and are always booked well in advance.

Supporting Davao Tourism

Tourism has always been one of Davao’s strengths. Now more than ever, tourists are flocking to Davao to explore nature, immerse in culture and festivities, and see various attractions. The city is expecting an influx of more than 200,000 tourists for the Kadayawan Festival happening on the third week of August.

Apo View Hotel sees the festival as an opportunity for guests to experience Davao’s heritage and traditions as well as the top-notch accommodations offered by the hotel. See and experience what Davao has to offer. Book your next vacation and stay at Apo View Hotel, Davao. (TT. Mindanao Examiner)

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ARMM’s Pakaradjaan Food Festival highlights local cuisines

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) showcased its rich cuisines at the Pakaradjaan Food Festival held here which is among the highlights of the annual celebration of ARMM’s 29^th anniversary where each of the five provinces exhibited delicacies and cooking during the event.

The unique foods from each of the five ARMM province were critiqued by well-known food enthusiasts and certified foodie and blogger Erwan Heusaff, celebrity chef Boy Logro, actor-restaurateur Diether Ocampo, BecomingFilipino blogger Kyle ‘Kulas’ Jennermann, Anak Mindanao Executive Director Djalia Turabin Hataman, and local chef Ivana Karla Valerie Sol.

The chieftains of the different ARMM villages were also present during the July 26 event and led the presentation of the foods to the judges. There were three sets of food presentations: the first was the appetizer; second was the side dish; and the third was the dessert.

The criteria for judging are palatability (40%), execution (20%), presentation (20%), and the service and overall dining experience in the villages (20%).The judges were surprised and amazed with the unique tastes of the delicacies from each province.

Heusaff said food is so important because it could be the gateway to discover more about the culture. He said he was happy that he was invited in the event to learn more about the region’s different peoples and their culture. “It was good, everything was really surprising, most of the dishes. I wasn’t familiar (with these dishes) and these were really tasty and delicious and I’m glad I was able to taste these foods,” he stressed.

Logro, known for his television cooking shows Idol sa Kusina and Chef Boy Logro: Kusina Master, said the food festival helps promote Bangsamoro cuisine and culture to the rest of the country. “Masarap at malasa ang Moro foods. Common ang lasa ng anghang sa bawat province. Pang-international level ito at pwedeng pwede kong dadalhin sa show ko,” he said.

The ARMM government announced that part of the proceeds from the event will be used to assist families who lost their properties in a major fire that occurred July 24, in Jolo town in Sulu. (Bureau of Public Information)

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Lanao del Sur’s village exhibit highlights ‘Lanao Rising’

COTABATO CITY - At the heart of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is a microcosm of its five provinces and through an exhibit here - as part of its 29^th anniversary – it highlights cultural villages representing Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Dubbed as “Pakaradjaan 2018”, it strengthens the ARMM’s advocacy to spread awareness on the rich historical legacy of the region, including diverse cultures that have been thriving even before the establishment of the Philippine republic.

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman views the cultural villages’ exhibit as vital since some policy makers do not have a deep understanding of the Moro history. To a certain extent, that leads to lack of appreciation on where the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is coming from. 

One of the highlights of the exhibit is that of the province of Lanao del Sur, home to Maranaos. And Lanao’s village façade, decorated with colorful paintings of the Sarimanok - a mythical bird of the Maranao - is a sight one will surely not miss. 

‘Lanao Rising’, the village’s slogan, traces its roots to a popular advocacy that conveys an important message: The province will rise from the catastrophe of the Marawi siege, said Lanao del Sur village chieftain Rasol Mitmug, Jr., also the ARMM’s Secretary of the Department of Education.

Upon entering, the village reveals a replica of the Torogan, a traditional Maranao house that speaks of one’s status back in the early days. It is decorated with intricately carved panolong, a house ornament that resembles a butterfly wing, as well as other interesting Maranao creations.

A model of Plaza Cabili is the centerpiece in the village. The park, a historically significant part of Marawi, was destroyed in last year’s siege. The reason why it was included in the village exhibit is “to commemorate its memories of being a landmark and a venue for grand events in the past such as rallies, campaigns, and concerts,” said Secretary Mitmug.

The view from the window in the village structure is a miniature of the largest lake in Mindanao: Lake Lanao, which is connected to the Agus River system that provides up to a third of the island’s total power requirement.

To complete the experience in the exhibit, a functioning padian, or market, is built inside the village where visitors can find traditional Maranao delicacies, or buy souvenirs such as landap and wooden artefacts and brassware designed with okir. It should be noted that the Maranaos are known all over the country as excellent entrepreneurs.

“Naging opportunity din ang Lanao village para sa mga nagbebenta ng artifacts na gawa sa Lanao para makilala ang kanilang produkto,” said Secretary Mitmug. “Pinag-uusapan din dito kung paano mapre-preserve yung traditional performances, food, artisan skills, at sports,” he added.

The village holds cultural performances every night to showcase Lanao’s performing arts. Secretary Mitmug said his team would bring home the Torogan replica to Lanao and turn it into a people’s museum in the future. (Bureau of Public Information)

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International travel bloggers visit ARMM villages’ expo, impress by Bangsamoro cultures

COTABATO CITY – “BecomingFilipino” travel blogger and YouTube sensation Kyle Jennermann, popularly known in the Philippines as “Kulas,” visited the exposition here launched by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

ARMM Executive Secretary, lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia welcomed Jennermann and fellow bloggers and BBC travel host, Michael Corey, of “Fearless and Far” on YouTube, and Mark ‘Kumar’ Yañez during their July 6 visit. She toured the bloggers to the mock cultural villages at the exposition held at the ARMM compound.

Jennermann said he and his fellow travel bloggers were so impressed by the mock cultural villages and the rich cultures it present. He said he is always fascinated with the beauty of Mindanao and long wanted to visit the provinces under the autonomous region - Basilan,  Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindnaao and Lanao del Sur - for a special reason.

He said the exposition which showcases the cultural villages is a great avenue for others, especially foreigners, to understand the unique cultures in the ARMM. The experience he gained in visiting the cultural villages is a smooth transition from “Becoming Moro.”

The popular blogger said his visit here showcased the way of life of the Bangsamoro people. “I think you (people of ARMM) have to continue the attitude that you have and do not be afraid to show your culture to everyone,” he said.

Jennermann said he has been to Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao, and is still looking forward to visiting Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

For the 32-year-old Canadian blogger, it will always be a pleasure to travel in various regions and get closer to the Filipino people. He said the reason why he came up with the monicker “BecomingFilipino” is because he wants to learn and experience how it is to be a Filipino.

Jennermann said he always admires the attitude of Filipinos for being strong, resilient, and happy despite challenges, either man-made or from natural calamities.

Corey said: “There are other interesting countries out there but the Philippines is special because Filipinos are so nice, friendly, and very outgoing.”

Learning the Moro culture through presentations in one setup is a great opportunity to communicate to non-Moro people, and even Moro people as well, what ARMM has done in a short span of time.

Jennermann has been living in the Philippines for over four years now and he featured stories online about the beauty of Mindanao through his own YouTube channel “BecomingFilipino.” He said he plans to do more feature stories on the provinces of the ARMM in the coming months.

In his Facebook page “BecomingFilipino,” Jennerman wrote: “Mike (Fearless & Far) and I saw a crowd of people forming at the "Mock Sulu Village" in Cotabato City the other night. Drawn by the incredibly catchy "barker style announcing", we went to take a look! And then it happened...

Our arms began to raise, our bodies began to move, and next thing you know we were right in the middle of a traditional Tausug Pangalay dance celebration. This was surreal, but in so many beautiful ways! "Pangalay" actually refers to "raising and moving your arms". I learned at the the Tawi-Tawi village that it originally comes from Badjao who used it as a form of dance to relate to the movement of waves along the ocean. 

Finding ourselves right in the middle of this dance experience, I was overwhelmed with emotion when locals from Sulu placed head-dress on us, and offered us shirts...They were so proud to share this part of their culture, and have us participate with them. In fact, without their motivation and positive vibes, I am certain we would have been to scared to get involved! Can you spot the 20 peso bills in Mike's hand!? Yes, random people would come up and place money in the hands of dancers when they enjoyed their moves...

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Have you ever been involved in a Pangalay before!? It was so beautiful, and something I will forever cherish experiencing here at the mock villages of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City! One day at a time, One dance with beautiful people from Sulu at a time...”

Jennermann and his friends expressed admiration to the mock villages noting they experienced different cultural presentations inside each village. They also enjoyed and tasted various delicacies of each Moro village. “I could truly say, it’s ARMMazing in ARMM,” he said. (Bureau of Public Information)

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'Dapitan and Dipolog Cities: Gateways to Mindanao from Negros Island'

IT WAS a pleasant personal discovery for me when I learned that Dapitan and Dipolog cities in Zamboanga Del Norte province in Mindanao can be reached via Ceres Liner in about 10-hour ride. 

My friends and I did not catch the lone Ceres trip going that route and we decided to get to  Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province and catch any trip from there. To our surprise, there are lots of Ro-ro boats operating and though we initially banked on Fastcat, it was full already, so we lined up and eventually rode the Montenegro Lines. We slept our way through the 3-hour sail and we were in Mindanao already. Amazing.

From the port, we rode our first public tricycle which can seat two sets of two passengers inside facing each other and is funnily designed like the head of a sailboat which has higher front seat and lower on the other side. And so, we started our Day One after we had lunch at the famous Sunday eat-all-you-can in Kalan-an ni Manay with lechon and seafood fare in Dapitan City.

Rizal in Dapitan

After checking in to a prettily adorned travel inn in a quiet street of Maria Clara Street, Dapitan City - the three of us, Lily, Ivy and Marga - short for Margarita, headed to where our national hero was exiled. Rizal's house in the late 1890s which still has the two surviving original posts and standing right on the spot where it once stood is perched beside the ocean.

It was almost an urban legend in the place that Rizal's sweetheart Josephine Bracken had a miscarriage and the fetus was buried under the entry stairs. Of course, there was no physical evidence on that story. Spread in the verdant property are Rizal's replica clinic and school, the irrigation, and the lover's rock where Rizal used to have his creative rest or afternoon nap, and said to have married Josephine Bracken there without any religious rituals. Incidentally, the rock is a heart shape too. (Btw, I saw a marriage contract signed by Rizal and Bracken before his fateful death on 30 December 1898 at a Rizal Museum in Intramuros which was duly authenticated by NCCA).

The Rizal Museum inside the compound is impressively constructed but I was disappointed that all there is inside it were only replicas. The wooden patient chair which came from Rizal's clinic in Hongkong is the only original in the house. (Before going to Dapitan, I recommend that one reviews the Albert Martinez and Amanda Page movie on Rizal because the setting of the movie is actually in the shrine).

Generally, my consolation in the afternoon's visit to the museum was having seen the handwriting of Rizal when he was making hurried cursive drafts and his exquisite handwriting in his final letters. By the way, I cannot help but mention that the Guinness-certified smallest man alive since 2011 can be found in Dapitan City and we saw him. You may drop by the old house where he, riding in a toddler's bike, and his father can be found. 

Where We Went In Dapitan City

Dakak Park and Beach Resort has a very huge exclusive property wherein one needs to avail of the free shuttle in order to roam around. The beach has white sand but the shoreline is not that long as the famous Boracay. It offers a lot of water sports and there is a small swimmer's area which I did not get to enjoy much because it was already low tide when we decided to check on the waters.

We were ferried to the Villa Angelina Luxury Suites where we enjoyed the view of the oceans and the short shoreline of the Nude Beach from atop the hills. Lily had her Island Punch; Ivy had her Pina Colada while Marga had her Margarita there.  Selinog Island which has refreshing waters and white sand and a very long and rough 3-hour ride through a fishing boat, but when we went back, the sea was calm so it took us 2.5 hours only and in time to enjoy the sunset at Dapitan Sunset Boulevard.

We tried some food fare at Gloria De Dapitan which is situated  beside the Gloria Fantasyland which we opted not to go in. We were told that Dapitan has a cinema and residents of the neighboring 30-minute away Dipolog City go there to watch a movie. There are lots of eats along the boulevard too. Generally, Dapitan City is charming in its quietness yet historically rich celebration of Rizal's fruitful exile. The St. James Church has the Mindanao relief map in front of it. We revel in the tall cherry blossoms in white and pink petal hues which are growing around the park. We also enjoyed the old structures used as government offices which are lined in the periphery of the streets.

Where We Went In Dipolog City

We had a good laugh when we first saw that each tricycle in the city has a notice on its back: DAY OFF ON THURSDAY. The day-off was on different date for every trike. Phil Adams, a local who played host to us and whose name is reminiscent of my fave musicians Phil Collins and Bryan Adams, explained that it was like a color-code traffic scheme where the trike cannot go out the streets on its day-off.

Basically, Dipolog is the capital city of Zamboanga del Norte and it is where the airport is located. There are luxury hotels and restos there. The eats and modern-designed restos are found in Dipolog City. Newly-wed Phil and Rina's top picks for themed cafe and resto are: Eskina, where pasta and steak are best and the owner is quite a local legend because everything started as a turo-turo in an eskina of Dipolog; Cathy's and Cafe Isabel's which are sister-restos are where hot choco and tapa are best; Tapas and Beer is where Filipino food fare can be enjoyed; and Melting Pot where ribs and salads can be enjoyed.

The three of us enjoyed Melting Pot because of its vintage-themed decors and great food, and they serve teas and herbal infusions. We also enjoyed the book-themed dessert house called Cafe Life where among others; Alice-in-wonderland and The Little Prince come alive in the walls and ceilings. We tried the Cogon Eco-Tour in Dipolog City which can be pretty inspiring for hikers and bikers. We omitted the 3,000 steps because we don't want to literally break our legs. Dipolog City is urbanized compared to Dapitan City but it has a sunset boulevard which we enjoyed very much.

The trip taken by the three flowers, Lily, Ivy and Margarita early this May was one happy tanning summer indeed. (By Gerlie M. Uy. The author is a travel and idea blogger at www.footandfire.blogspot.com and an avid fan of the sun, the sand and the seas.)

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Tour guides, boat operators promote sustainable tourism in Siargao

SIARGAO ISLAND - Siargao boasts spectacular seascape and landscape, a haven for nature-lovers who are tired of chaotic urban life and want to experience a laid-back island vibe. Branded as the country's surfing capital, it offers unparalleled waves making it a go-to destination for surfers from across the globe.

Simunul: An Island of Peace

TAWI-TAWI - The island town of Simunul in Tawi-Tawi province is known as the cradle of Islam in the Philippines. This is where the Arab missionary Sheikh Karimul Makhdum first introduced Islam in the Bangsamoro more than 600 years ago. Since then, Islam spread to the rest of the country as more and more people adopted its tenets and practices.

Simunul is just 45 minutes away by ferry from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi's capital town. It has 15 villages—12 in mainland Simunul, and three on the smaller Manuk Mangkaw Island. There is more to this place than it being the birthplace of Islam in the country. The people here are the picture of peace-loving citizens whose shared culture of non-violence makes their town one of very few places in the Philippines with a zero crime rate.

A mother of two, the 28-year old Saudia Hasan Yusuf, of Doh Tong village, says the culture of peace and understanding begins at home: "Tinuturo talaga ng mga magulang sa mga anak nila ang magagandang asal—'yung pagbati ng Salam sa mga tao, 'yung pagpapasalamat — kaya mababait mga tao dito (Parents really teach their children good values and conduct—greeting people with ‘Salam’, saying thank you)," Saudia said.

This set of shared values clearly manifests among the locals and in the unique behavior every native of Simunul comports himself or herself with. People here are generally peace-loving. Engaging in acts of violence is considered a severe transgression of their customs and traditions. Saudia noted that it is natural “for our people to avoid fights. We are a happy people.”

Hja. Jubayda Pilihan, 77, a native of Tubig Indangan, said locals avoid any form of violence. Jubayda also said they adhere to a culture of understanding and kindness.

"Away bata lang meron dito. Kung meron man ang mga matatanda, naayos agad. Kinabukasan wala na (Here, only the children fight. If the adults fight, they address the problem immediately. Tomorrow, it is over)," she said.

Jubayda added that people who live in Simunul grew up living out the community’s teachings of respect and mutual agreements that have been taught from the time of their ancestors. In its annual Sheikh Makhdum Day celebration, the locals of Simunul show all the dominant social characteristic they have as a united and happy people.

"Mga bata, matanda, dalaga o binata man yan, makikita mo talaga na tumutulong sa paghahanda. Kahit 'yung batang maliit, tutulong yan mamulot ng mga basura (Whether they are children, the elderly, or teenagers, you will see them helping prepare for the festivities. Even the small children will help by picking up litter)," Jubayda said.

Each individual offers a hand so the entire community can better prepare for the celebration. Some locals prepare the grounds, some put up decorations, while others practice their 'pangalay' dances and other performances.

"Nagtutulungan kami dito para maganda talaga ang lugar namin sa selebrasyon. Kahit taga ibang barangay pumupunta dito para maayos ang lugar (We really help each other so our community will be beautiful for the celebtation. Even people from other barangays will come here to help prepare our place)," Tubig Indangan-native, Hja. Halima Shalim, 65, said.

The Simunul locals are always excited to see visitors from other places who come to witness the annual celebration: "Parang hindi na kami makatulog dahil sobrang excited din kami (It’s like we can’t sleep because we are so excited)," Halima said. "Sana makapunta ang iba pang tao dito kahit tapos na ang Makhdum anniversary. Peaceful talaga dito, — walang gulo, walang away. Sana araw-araw may bisita (I wish more people can visit here even after the Makhdum anniversary. It is truly peaceful here—there is no strife, no fighting. I wish we could have visitors every day)."

Each place has good news to offer. In Simunul, the people themselves are the good news with their tradition of peace and respect, in a community that is united and happy. "Kapag bumisbisita ang mga hindi taga rito ng ilang araw lang, ayaw na nilang umalis. Gugustuhin na nilang manirahan dito (When visitors come here to stay for a few days, they usually don’t want to leave. They usually want to live here)," Halima added. (Bureau of Public Information)

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Traveloka App Adds Features That Help Find Good Travel Deals

TAGUIG CITY – Traveloka, an online airline and hotel ticketing service provider, has released two new features to their existing mobile application that can help budget-conscious tourists find the best deals for their out of town excursions.

Known as Best Price Finder and Price Alerts, these new features allow users to find the best possible rates for any flights they wish to book, as well as track airfare prices and alert them of any significant price drops.

The Best Price Finder feature shows a list of airfare prices from all major airlines within a given calendar date. This gives users a convenient way to choose their desired travel dates without having to visit each individual airline website and compare the best prices among them.

On the other hand, app-only feature Price Alerts gives users automatic notifications on their mobile device if a flight destination of their choice falls within a specified price range. This will allow tourists to instantly know if the airfare price for one of their desired travel destinations is within their budget, making it easy to secure a good deal from that airline.

These two features make it easy for users to keep themselves informed about the latest deals and flight availabilities that fit their travel plans. The apps use a calendar view that lists the most affordable price within a given user-defined date, making it simple to keep track of the most desirable travel dates.

The target market for the new app features is focused on three specific demographics in the Philippines: families, couples, and tourist groups. These groups represent people who are most conscious about getting the best airfare prices when they travel. Because of this, they stand to benefit the most from such an innovative mobile app.

Traveloka is an established brand in Southeast Asia when it comes to online booking services for airline and hotels. Their online platform caters to thousands of customers each day who are looking for affordable rates for flights and accommodations.

Christmas in Zamboanga 2015

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco switches on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 the Christmas lights display at City Hall signaling the start of the Yuletide season. Hundreds of residents witnessed the event. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)