Traveluscious

Going to CEBU for a COMIC CONVENTION!

2010-06-17T21:40:00.002+08:00

Big Ape Design Studio and JONASDIEGO.COM
in cooperation with
Super Debil Robot Comics and Kawalo Concepts & Designs presents
The 1st CEBU COMIC BOOK Convention
happening on the 25th of September 2010
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Activity Center in Ayala, Cebu.

Check out the details here.

EU ban on RP carriers triggers tour cancellations

2010-04-13T17:25:00.000+08:00

The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged the Civil Aviation Authority in the Philippines (CAAP) to work out a speedy resolution to the European Union’s (EU) ban on Philippine carriers which has already triggered an alarming number of tour cancellations from Europe.

The EU included the Philippines in its 13th updated list of countries with carriers banned from EU airspace, as a precautionary decision based on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (USFAA) downgrading of the country’s safety rating to Category 2 and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) concerns on aviation safety regulators.

“Major European travel operators from Germany, UK and France have regretfully informed us their booking cancellations. The entire industry is affected as European arrivals account for a significant percentage of our target in the first quarter. In January 2010, air arrivals from European countries already posted an 11% growth,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

According to the DOT, January 2010 air arrivals from the United Kingdom totaled 7,837 for an 18% increase, followed by Germany 5,161 (.6%); France 2,537 (11.9%); Sweden 2,048 (15%); Netherlands 1,579 (12.4%); Denmark 1,401 (3.5%); Austria 1,249 (17%); Spain 912 (8.7%); and Belgium 763 (25%).

Tour groups which were cancelled included bookings from April – August, with operators awaiting further changes in the country’s status regarding the EU ban.

“The longer we remain in the blacklist the harder it would be for us to recover from these significant losses. If we resolve this matter by the second quarter we can expect a positive recovery in the third and fourth quarters with the strong demand for our destinations,” added Durano.

While Philippine carriers have not been servicing EU member states since 1999 even prior to the ban, the EU’s prohibition prompted travel insurance companies in Europe to advise travel operators that tour packages to the Philippines which include elements of domestic air travel will not be allowed travel insurance coverage. Tour operators in turn had to cancel bookings with the difficulty in selling travel packages to the country which include inter-island travel by air.

A major French travel operator expressed, “It’s a very sad day for us. All our blood, sweat and tears in building up the European market in your country are all down the drain.”

In a statement released by CAAP, newly appointed Director General Alfonso Cusi said, “Even if RP is listed by the EU, it doesn’t mean that Philippine aircrafts are unsafe. It’s a matter of adopting to the internationally accepted audit procedures.”

Cusi further added that during his meeting with the EU Safety Aviation Committee in Brussels, the group has agreed to conduct a reinspection this May.
Durano expressed, “More aggressive efforts are needed as further delaying action will impinge on our other markets.”

Meanwhile, local carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have maintained safety of their aircrafts, citing the EU’s feedback on their efforts to respond with measures on operations and ready submission to the upcoming assessment.

Philippine Airlines stated, “Safety remains the bedrock of our operations.”

Cebu Pacific said, “We continue to maintain the highest safety standards in all areas of operations.” Both likewise expressed confidence that the EU will lift the ban after the scheduled appraisal in May this year.

Cebu and Lechon

2010-04-11T23:41:00.002+08:00

I was in Cebu a few weeks back for a business trip.

While I was there my hosts was gracious enough to tour me around. It was during this tour that I tasted the best damn lechon I have ever had in my entire life.

I think I gained about 5 pounds or more just pigging out on CnT Lechon...and I was there for only one day.

Philippines leads neighbors in formulating ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan

2010-04-07T20:33:00.000+08:00

As the existing roadmap for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tourism sector expires this year, ASEAN tourism leaders convene anew to formulate new tourism strategies and program for the next few years.

The Philippines, responsible for the coordination of the overall ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP), is at the forefront of the development of this medium-term tourism plan, targeted for completion by end November of this year. An interim draft of which has been presented for discussion at the recently held ASEAN Tourism Forum attended by the Philippines early this year at BRIDEX (Brunei International Defence Exhibition Center) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

According to Ace Durano, Tourism Secretary, “We are glad to play a key role in the development of the blueprint for the region’s tourism development and promotion. It is a vote of confidence on our capability to be at the forefront of ASEAN tourism growth and integration.”

Funded by USAID, ATSP 2011-2015 will succeed the ASEAN Roadmap for the Integration of the Tourism Sector which expires in 2010. The goal is to help the region achieve an integrated ASEAN Community by 2015.

Thammasat University in Thailand is the consultant chosen to develop the plan. Under the supervision of the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations, the university's scope of work will include a review of ASEAN declarations relating to tourism, consultation with public and private sector stakeholders, an assessment of projects initiated under the existing road map, the identification of priority activities, and the formulation of a vision and set of strategies that, when implemented, would lead to the successful regional integration of ASEAN tourism by 2015.

Durano said, “One challenge that we now face in coming up with the ATSP in the next five years is identifying which practices and strategies may no longer be sufficient in responding to the global challenges.”

On his part, Tourism Planning and Promotions Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., said, “The Philippines will aim not only promote our tourism destinations, but also to call for responsible travel – both from industry players and tourists alike.”

In another development, the Philippines was recently appointed chair of Marketing Task Force for ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) for the US and European market. According to Alan Cañizal, Director for Tourism Development and Planning, “ASEANTA has signed an agreement to work together on a new branding and marketing campaign that would encourage travelers to visit multiple Southeast Asian destinations, stay longer, and spend more money in the region.”

In line with the goals of ASEANTA, DOT is supporting the bid for a common visa for Southeast Asian countries, as this would allow for easier access, thereby boosting more tourist traffic in the region.

“If the common visa is approved, it will certainly boost tourism and investment ties between the member states. Certainly, mutual benefits for the all countries will follow,” added Cañizal.

RP bags notable tourism awards for first quarter of 2010

2010-04-05T10:56:00.000+08:00

The first quarter of 2010 is shaping up to be a good start for Philippine tourism, as the country continues to reap recognitions for sustained marketing activities throughout its key segments in China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Russia, and North America.

The county has been included in the Top 10 Best Destinations for elite travelers in China; awarded Best in Destination Promotions in Beijing; Best Travel Website representation in Russia; and from America, the top spots in Scuba Diving Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards, under categories for wreck diving, macro life, and overall destination rating.

“Giving honour to our country should be the duty of every Filipino. These achievements at the onset of the year usher in more positive news in Philippine tourism, as we keep on with our efforts to reach important market segments,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The country’s renowned ecotourism site, Palawan, was included in the Top 10 Best Destinations for elite travelers in China. Initiated by ctrip.com, China’s trusted online travel website and Elite Traveller, their leading high-end travel glossy, the poll gathered a total of 4,340,122 valid votes through the crip.com website, emails, fax, and snail mail.

Dynamic and innovative programs and efficient publicity gave DOT – Beijing the Best Destination Promotions award, recently given by China Travel Agents (CTA) Magazine, in recognition of tourism promotional and marketing activities undertaken by the Philippines in China in 2009. This is the fourth year that DOT Beijing has won the award for the country.

The CTA Magazine’s editorial board judge the nominees based on the quantity, quality and effectiveness of tourism promotional activities undertaken during the year by the national tourism organizations (NTOs). The finalists are screened by selected airlines and major tour wholesalers with whom the NTOs have worked with or who have benefited from said tourism activities.

“We acknowledge the hard work of all our overseas offices, the Department’s marketing teams, continued support of the media, and all Filipinos who are themselves ambassadors of Philippine tourism, for helping bring in positive feedback about the country,” Durano further said.

Complementing on-site promotional efforts are online campaigns, and such was implemented in DOT’s official Russian language website, www.mabuhay.ru, which won Best Internet Site of a National Tourist Office.

Awarded by www.travel.ru, the premier Russian travel portal, mabuhay.ru garnered the most number of positive reviews from actual consumers who have visited the site. Total voting was held from May to December 2009, which received more than 10,000 votes from individual internet users (registered unique ISPs), proving the highest voter participation for the duration of the campaign.

The awarding ceremonies will be held in the upcoming Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) Exhibition this March, a sought-after spring international travel show in Russia.

The Philippines’ breathtaking dive sites continue to captivate divers all over, landing the top spots in the Reader’s Choice Awards from the latest issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. The country was cited under various categories for wreck diving, macro life, value-for-money diving, preferred site for underwater photography, and overall destination rating.

“The country continues to capture a wide market because of our diverse attractions, and these recognitions affirm that we are on the right track. We continue to work hand in hand with tourism offices abroad keeping ourselves abreast on the latest developments and demand from various markets, to promote our country better, “shared Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

Taking off from being named Asia’s Most Popular Destination at the 2009 World Travel Fair in China, the Philippines was also included in the Top 5 Best Diving Area and Top 10 Most Desirable Destination in Japan; cited first place in the Top 10 Emerging Food Destinations for ‘travellers seeking not only a new and fascinating experience but also an exotic culinary sensation,’ by Australia’s most trusted travel website, www.expedia.com.au.

National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Issue cited the country in its 25 Best New Trips for 2010, with a special highlight on the mountains of Cordillera and beaches of Bohol. The Cordillera Rice Terraces was also cited in NatGeo’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, a list of treasured destinations one ought to see in this lifetime.

This year, the Philippines received a prestigious nomination for Asia’s Leading Tourist Board from the World Travel Awards (WTA), considered the ‘Oscars of the travel industry.’

The WTA is the culmination of a year-long search for the very best travel brands in the world, covering seven continents and featuring over 3,600 nominees.

ADVISORY: Manila Earthquake

2010-03-26T15:04:00.000+08:00

As of 3:00 pm / March 25, 2010

At around 1:30pm, Thursday, March 25, 2010, tremors shook parts of Luzon.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located northeast of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

The shock was also felt at various intensities in Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Olongapo and neighboring areas.

There have been no reports of damages to property, as well as injuries or casualties, and no issuance of tsunami warnings.

Commercial activities and public services in the surrounding provinces and cities are unhampered.

Major tourist destinations and establishments in the tourism industry such as transportation services, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and restaurants, continue their normal operations.

The country remains safe to foreign and local guests.

RP Bags Notable Tourism Awards for 1st Quarter of 2010

2010-03-22T14:38:00.000+08:00

The first quarter of 2010 is shaping up to be a good start for Philippine tourism, as the country continues to reap recognitions for sustained marketing activities throughout its key segments in China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Russia, and North America.

The county has been included in the Top 10 Best Destinations for elite travelers in China; awarded Best in Destination Promotions in Beijing; Best Travel Website representation in Russia; and from America, the top spots in Scuba Diving Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

“Giving honour to our country should be the duty of every Filipino. These achievements at the onset of the year usher in more positive news in Philippine tourism, as we keep on with our efforts to reach important market segments,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The country’s renowned ecotourism site, Palawan, was included in the Top 10 Best Destinations for elite travelers in China. Initiated by ctrip.com, China’s trusted online travel website and Elite Traveller, their leading high-end travel glossy, the poll gathered a total of 4,340,122 valid votes through the crip.com website, emails, fax, and snail mail.

Dynamic and innovative programs and efficient publicity gave DOT – Beijing the Best Destination Promotions award, recently given by China Travel Agents (CTA) Magazine, in recognition of tourism promotional and marketing activities undertaken by the Philippines in China in 2009. This is the fourth year that DOT Beijing has won the award for the country.

The CTA Magazine’s editorial board judge the nominees based on the quantity, quality and effectiveness of tourism promotional activities undertaken during the year by the national tourism organizations (NTOs). The finalists are screened by selected airlines and major tour wholesalers with whom the NTOs have worked with or who have benefited from said tourism activities.

“We acknowledge the hard work of all our overseas offices, the Department’s marketing teams, continued support of the media, and all Filipinos who are themselves ambassadors of Philippine tourism, for helping bring in positive feedback about the country,” Durano further said.

Complementing on-site promotional efforts are online campaigns. Such was implemented in DOT’s official Russian language website, www.mabuhay.ru, which won Best Internet Site of a National Tourist Office.

Awarded by www.travel.ru, the premier Russian travel portal, mabuhay.ru garnered the most number of positive reviews from actual consumers who have visited the site. Total voting was held from May to December 2009, which received more than 10,000 votes from individual internet users (registered unique ISPs), proving the highest voter participation for the duration of the campaign.

The awarding ceremonies will be held in the upcoming Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) Exhibition this March, a sought-after spring international travel show in Russia.

The Philippines’ breathtaking dive sites continue to captivate divers all over, landing the top spots in the Reader’s Choice Awards from the latest issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. The country was cited under various categories for wreck diving, macro life, value-for-money diving, preferred site for underwater photography, and overall destination rating.

“The country continues to capture a wide market because of our diverse attractions, and these recognitions affirm that we are on the right track. We continue to work hand in hand with tourism offices abroad keeping ourselves abreast on the latest developments and demand from various markets, to promote our country better, “shared Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

Taking off from being named Asia’s Most Popular Destination at the 2009 World Travel Fair in China, the Philippines was also included in the Top 5 Best Diving Area and Top 10 Most Desirable Destination in Japan; cited first place in the Top 10 Emerging Food Destinations for ‘travellers seeking not only a new and fascinating experience but also an exotic culinary sensation,’ by Australia’s most trusted travel website, www.expedia.com.au.

National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Issue cited the country in its 25 Best New Trips for 2010, with a special highlight on the mountains of Cordillera and beaches of Bohol. The Cordillera Rice Terraces was also cited in NatGeo’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, a list of treasured destinations one ought to see in this lifetime.

This year, the Philippines received a prestigious nomination for Asia’s Leading Tourist Board from the World Travel Awards (WTA), considered the ‘Oscars of the travel industry.’

The WTA is the culmination of a year-long search for the very best travel brands in the world, covering seven continents and featuring over 3,600 nominees.

DOT Beijing Awarded BEST in Destination Promotions

2010-03-22T14:35:00.000+08:00

The Department of Tourism office in Beijing, China (DOT Beijing) was recently given the ‘Best Destination Promotions’ Award by the China Travel Agent (CTA) Magazine in recognition of tourism promotional and marketing activities undertaken by the Philippines in China. This is the fourth year that DOT Beijing has won the award for the Philippines.

The annual Destination Promotions award is being judged by CTA Magazine’s editorial board based on the quantity, quality and effectiveness of tourism promotional activities undertaken during the year by the national tourism organizations (NTOs). The finalists are screened by selected airlines and major tour wholesalers with whom the NTOs have worked with or who have benefited from said tourism activities.

Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, lauded the DOT Beijing team for their excellent work in finding opportunities to promote the country as a premiere travel destination to the Chinese market: “DOT Beijing efforts to reach out to the Chinese tourists through promotional materials as well as by disseminating good news about the tourism developments in the country have given us more reasons to hope for a more robust tourist arrivals from China this year and in upcoming years.”

Other countries awarded the 2009 Destination Promotions award by CTA Magazine included Canada, Malaysia, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Australia and Egypt.

Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions says, “We commend the outstanding efforts of our tourism office and marketing team to promote the Philippines to the Chinese tourists. They have not only bridged the gap in geographical distance but also the difference in language and culture to promote the Philippines as a choice destination to the huge China market.”

The CTA Magazine enjoys an esteemed readership base which includes 175,000 tour operators, airlines, NTOs and other trade members. An online version of the magazine has a loyal readership of about 50,000. Aside from the Best Destination Promotions Award for NTOs, CTA also confers awards on airlines and tour wholesalers.

DOT welcomes new “Hotel Store”

2010-03-15T15:46:00.000+08:00

The Department of Tourism (DOT) hails the introduction of the Amadeus Hotel Store, a service that would provide the public the widest range of hotels, from one to five-star tourist accommodations, to book on their travels.

Amadeus, the leading global technology partner to the travel and tourism industry, recently launched the hotel service in the country.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said that the new booking service, which makes the Philippines only the third country in the Asia Pacific region after Australia and China to have the service available to the traveling public, provides a competitive advantage to the Philippine tourism industry.

“This innovation could spur tourism growth as it significantly appeals to tourists today who prefer making fast and convenient hotel arrangements for their travels,” shared Durano.

“Now that it’s available in the country, we could anticipate more positive feedback about our travel accommodations, even aiding in the advancement of our local travel agency sector,” he added.

Apart from offering the best available room rates, the Amadeus Hotel Store will also offer an interactive map to the hotel, improved search capabilities on a per city basis, commentaries by individuals on their experiences with the hotels, and list of activities and entertainment offered by the hotel.

According to Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, “The Amadeus Hotel Store complements the value of hospitality in which Filipinos are greatly known for. With this new store, more tourists would be drawn to visit, as well as re-visit the Philippines.”

Amadeus Asia Pacific Hotel distribution and travel services business group director Kartikeya Tripathi said they expect 700 Philippine hotels and destination resorts to be made available over the next two months at the Amadeus Hotel Store.

Climate Change: A Tourism Issue As Well

2010-03-08T18:09:00.002+08:00

The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and it is seen as one of the greatest threats facing the planet.

As climate change could wreak havoc to the world’s weather patterns, it should also be a major concern for tourism, said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano at the sidelines of the recently concluded ‘Eco-Mismo: The Philippine Conference on Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity’ held at the Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City.

Durano explained, “As an archipelago, our waters are our competitive advantage as a travel destination. The forecasted climate-change induced rise of water several meters off our coastlines will have most of our resort destinations submerged; thus making this global phenomenon a great concern as well for the local tourism sector.”

Environmental expert Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, chief executive officer of the World Wildlife Fund Philippines, pointed out during his presentation at the Eco-Mismo conference that the volume of tourist arrivals could indeed drop as climate change starts to drastically affect the country’s coastlines.

Tan said that climate change 50 years from now will make sea levels rise gradually from four to 12-meter high. This, Tan said, means that all coastal communities including a great part of Mactan Island is likely to be phased out by the year 2047; key tourism facilities in the province – the airport, coastal highways, as well as historical landmarks and natural sites such as beaches – will be under water.

Tan also pointed out the scenario of coral bleaching due to increase in sea surface temperature. There will also be ocean acidification and more intense tropical cyclones due to climate change.

Durano said, “Looming effects of climate change are realities we did not factor in the previous years. These problems have not been realized by the people. To be able to address these, there is an urgent need to educate the public first to gain cooperation on how we can solve the problem as a community – as a country.”

The objective should be to drum up support for a collaborative effort to address the issue of climate change, stressed Durano. A change in mindset would make communities see the resources around them as something they can use in the long run. This, Durano said, could produce “a new economy that is more sustainable as compared to the old social and economic structure.”

The Eco-Mismo conference was organized by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), established by former president Fidel V. Ramos, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the country, in partnership with the DOT and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

KOMIKSTRIP 2010 Coverage by FLIPPISH.COM!

2010-02-18T18:28:00.000+08:00

KOMIKSTRIP 2010 Pictures!

2010-02-15T00:32:00.000+08:00

The KOMIKSTRIP: UPLB's First Comic Book Convention is brought to you by the UP BUGKOS and JONASDIEGO.com in cooperation with the 101 Boutique and the Graphic Literature Guild.

The event was sponsored by T-Pencil and Visprint Publishing with exclusive online video coverage by FLIPPISH.COM.

The Komiks Art exhibit was made possible by the Philippine Comics Art Museum Online.

Check out more pictures from the event from the following people!

http://charlz-csweddings.blogspot.com/2010/02/komikstrip-uplb.html
http://aktibongpinoy.multiply.com/photos/album/63/KomikStrip_The_UPLB_Komik_Convention
http://charlz-csweddings.blogspot.com/2010/02/komikstrip-uplb.html
http://picasaweb.google.com/jwed2501/KomiksTRIP#

If you also took pictures at the KOMIKSTRIP leave a comment below with the link to the pics.

Next year uli!

PINTADOS Comics Making Body Painting Contest at the KOMIKSTRIP

2010-02-08T23:29:00.002+08:00

Join the PINTADOS Comic Book Making/Body Painting Contest! Click here for more information.

Only at the KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comic Book Convention happening this February 13, 2010 Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Presented by the UP BUGKOS and JONASDIEGO.COM in cooperation with the 101 Boutique and the Graphic Literature Guild.

Special guest include Manix Abrera, Gerry Alanguilan, Hazel Manzano, Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, Lyndon Gregorio, Mico Suayan, Carlo Vergara, Ariel Atienza, Komikero Artist Group, Bayan Knights, Ian Sta. Maria, Jann Galino, Gilbert Monsanto, Emil Flores, Andrew Villar, Randy Valiente, Dibuhista Comix Legends, Budjette Tan, David Hontiveros, Michael David, Ace Vitangcol, Jed Siroy, Kevin Ang, Rod Espinosa, Ner Pedrina, Edgar Tadeo, JP Cuison, and Boboy Yonzon.

This event is sponsored by T-Pencil and Visprint Publishing with exclusive online video coverage from FLIPPISH.COM.

Komiks Art exhibit is courtesy of Philippine Comics Arts Museum Online.

Sign up at our Facebook Event Page here.

Sign up for the ARTWORKSHOP here. Workshop fee is Php 150.00 with a maximum of forty (40) participants and will be on a first come first served basis.

For more information about the KOMIKSTRIP visit our official website here.

KOMIKSTRIP 2010

2010-02-07T19:13:00.002+08:00

Take a Trip to the KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comic Book Convention happening this February 13, 2010 Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Presented by the UP BUGKOS and JONASDIEGO.COM in cooperation with the 101 Boutique and the Graphic Literature Guild.

Special guest include Manix Abrera, Gerry Alanguilan, Hazel Manzano, Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, Lyndon Gregorio, Mico Suayan, Carlo Vergara, Ariel Atienza, Komikero Artist Group, Bayan Knights, Ian Sta. Maria, Jann Galino, Gilbert Monsanto, Emil Flores, Andrew Villar, Randy Valiente, Dibuhista Comix Legends, Budjette Tan, David Hontiveros, Michael David, Ace Vitangcol, Jed Siroy, Kevin Ang, Rod Espinosa, Ner Pedrina, Edgar Tadeo, JP Cuison, and Boboy Yonzon.

This event is sponsored by T-Pencil and Visprint Publishing with exclusive online video coverage from FLIPPISH.COM.

Komiks Art exhibit is courtesy of Philippine comics Arts Museum Online.

Sign up at our Facebook Event Page here.

Sign up for the ARTWORKSHOP here. Workshop fee is Php 150.00 with a maximum of forty (40) participants and will be on a first come first served basis.

Join the PINTADOS Comic Book Making/Body Painting Contest! Click here for more information.

For more information about the KOMIKSTRIP visit our official website here.

Take a TRIP to Los Banos, Take a TRIP to the KOMIKSTRIP!

2010-01-17T10:53:00.001+08:00

KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comic Book Convention is presented by the UP BUGKOS and JONASDIEGO.COM in cooperation with the Graphic Literature Guild.

Click here for more information! Click here to sign up at our Facebook event page!

Benefit Concert

2008-10-06T16:46:00.002+08:00

Hey, guys! I'm helping promote a benefit concert entitled "MP3: Musikang Pinoy Plus, Palabas!" to benefit victims of cancer happening this October 26, 2008 at 3:00 PM at the Philamlife Theater, UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila.

Performers include Coke Bolipata (violinist), Alexis Edralin (soprano, leukemia survivor), Renato Lucas (cellist), and classical musicians from the alumni of the Philippine Highschool of the Arts (PHSA); Anino Shadowplay.

Orchestra Php 800.00
Balcony Php 500.00

Your attendance will mean a lot.

For ticket sales and more information please get in touch with the organizers at their e-mail address: mp3benefit (at) gmail (dot) com.

Please help spread the word about the concert. It's going to be very much appreciated!

Scheduled Outing

2008-09-27T00:03:00.003+08:00

Yes! I am finally going to be able to hit the road again this coming Sunday and this time I'm headed to...San Pablo, Laguna!

Yes, I know what you're thinking: I always go there anyway.

Hey, with the budget nowadays being what it is I'll take every opportunity I can get to get away and relax outside of Metro Manila. That being said, this trip should be a blast!

I can't wait!

The RMPF Workshop Series

2008-09-25T20:46:00.001+08:00

ROBO MONKEY PIXEL FIGHTERS is proud to announce the RMPF Workshop Series.

Together with our partner institutions, Euphony Music Studio and St. Vincent Tutorial Center (both located in Makati City) we're offering the Cartooning for Kids Workshop and Cartooning Workshop.

Click here for more information about the workshops.

For inquiries you can get in touch with us here.

I'm Back!

2008-09-20T20:59:00.002+08:00

Finally! After much waiting!

I'm not scheduled for any out of town trips just yet so I doubt I'll be able to write anything about a recent exotic trip or some such tale. I'll try and whip a few articles up about some of my past trips to tide you guys over in the meantime.

Bahay Kubo

2008-07-06T19:19:00.005+08:00

There's this restaurant, at least I think it's a restaurant, besides Sampalok Lake in San Pablo, Laguna that we keep passing by whenever we make our rounds of the lake.

We've been meaning to try it out but we keep leaving it off for next time for some reason or the other. It's really quite picturesque having a bahay-kubo theme complete with a tree house of sorts.

I think it might be nice to eat lunch up there or maybe do a sketch session for a few hours away from the afternoon sun. Suddenly made me wonder if they'll serve you food up there to begin with.

Guys, we have got to try it out one of these days!

Traveluscious Banner

2008-06-29T21:50:00.003+08:00

The photograph I used for the Traveluscious blog banner is a picture I took of Sampalok Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna otherwise known as the City of Seven Lakes. Taken from the top of a very long flight of stairs with a most amazing view of the lake and the surrounding area.

Part of the Komikero Club's rituals during our monthly meetings is a walk around the lake and it's a very good opportunity to take a few shots. This is one of the result.

Click on the thumbnail to get a bigger image...or you can just look at the blog's banner.

Sky and Earth

2008-06-28T12:30:00.000+08:00

I was on a trip recently to Binalonan, Pangasinan for an outreach program and some business related matters.

It's nice being away from the metro every now and then and just head on up to the countryside.

Usually, when that happens, I go south to Laguna or Batangas.

It's been some time since I went up north and I must say it's quite a refreshing change to see clear skies and well-tilled earth than asphalt and concrete.

I grew up in the country, you see.

I spent my early childhood in Bacolod then the rest of it in Batangas, hence my affinity for the rural area.

Clark

2008-06-27T10:56:00.005+08:00

Some pics I took from Clark during a business trip.

Click on the thumbnail for a bigger image.

Welcome!

2008-06-26T10:42:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Traveluscious, my travel blog.

This is where I'm going to post my travel notes, pictures, and videos as I go around the metro and the country on my business trips, vacations, and when I'm just plain feeling unadulterated wanderlust.

I've always loved traveling and, with this blog, I hope to be able to share that love with you all.

Feel free to link me up, please spread the word, and hope you visit from time to time.