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WOW Philippines E-Newsletter - OCTOBER 2008
In this issue:
• Message from the Tourism Attaché
• Activities
• Tourism News
• Destination of the month
• Travel Trends 2008
• Upcoming Events
Message from the Tourism Attaché
Shop to your heart’s content in The Philippines
The Philippines is an island of diversity- with so many sites to see, and so many things to do. Of all these activities, shopping is the most popular.
Shopping in the Philippines is an experience both in terms of bargains and variety. Most shopping centers and malls in Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao have virtually everything that you want - from exotic handicrafts to fashionable clothing and jewellery, as well as international designer brands.
Carrying both upscale and popular merchandise, the country's air-conditioned department stores and open-air bazaars offer intrepid shoppers numerous ways to satiate their retail fix. This makes the Philippines a superb shopping option for those looking for bargains.
From haute couture to ready-to-wear (RTW) and second-hand items, the Philippines is an ideal source of great buys - with many items being sold at truly attractive prices. Couture items are also available in malls in ready-to-wear or RTW style. Customized suits can also be made "while you wait."
Aside from formal clothing items, Philippine malls also offer local and foreign brands of jeans, shirts and informal wear. Around the country, specifically in city centers, tiangges and ukays - the Filipino version of flea markets - abound, offering quality clothing items at bargain prices.
The country also has rare collections of authentic pearl jewellery, including the much sought-after mother of pearl. Also in commercial abundance are original, handcrafted Philippine costume jewellery. Choose from puka shells and components shell fashions, puka tiger heishe, fashion accessories, shell inlay, and unique Philippine handicraft like coco necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Available as well are faux silver jewellery with very nice designs. With their unbelievably low prices, you can definitely accessorize to your heart's content without hurting your purse.
All told, bargain shoppers or plain shopaholics will definitely find their dollars going a long way in the Philippines. Although these uniquely Filipino items are already being exported abroad, the broader product mix and better prices available in the Philippines ultimately make shopping in the country more rewarding.
What's more, because Filipinos love to eat, malls are alive with fine dining as well as quick-service restaurants and food kiosks. You can enjoy the many pleasures of both native and international cuisine and delicacies while doing your shopping.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit the Philippines and have a taste of the best shopping experience ever.
Ms. Gerosel Siquian
Tourism Attaché
PHILIPPINE TOURISM OFFICE
DoT Activities
DOT Philippines booth well received at Matta Fair 2008
The DOT Philippines booth at Matta Fair 2008 saw a huge turnout of eager Malaysians, hungry for information, bargain deals and holiday offers to The Philippines.
Approximately 70,000 people attended the 3-day event, which had over 200 exhibitors occupying 880 booths. Malaysia’s premier consumer travel event was held at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 5 - 7 September 2008. Children were thrilled with the special appearances by Batman, Tweety Bird and Bugs Bunny characters.
DOT hires marketing representatives
The Department of Tourism has hired marketing representatives in Russia, India and Hong Kong, which have been identified countries with huge tourist potential. Because of limited resources, the DOT has maintained 14 tourism attaches worldwide. Marketing representatives have been of big help to the DOT in bringing warm bodies into the country. “Our marketing representatives are very well connected local people and are very well known in their respective local tourism industries thus they are more effective in selling the Philippines," said Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. According to Jarque, Russia was targeted because there are wealthy Russians who stay longer in beaches and resorts. "They come not on weekends but for as long as three weeks," he said. The target now is tourists from Vladivostok region or Eastern Russia, which is only two hours away from Korea and two hours to Manila.
Tourism News
Three hotels opening in Cebu soon
Three major hotels with more than 1,000 rooms are opening in Cebu. The three Cebu hotels are the 161-room Microtel Inn and Suites Mactan, the 300-room Sofitel Cebu and the 600-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.
Microtel Inn and Suites Mactan opened in September on a 5,000-sqm beachfront property in Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu City. It is developed by Enrison Land Inc.
Sofitel Cebu, owned by the SM Group and operated by Accor, is set to open in December 2008. The SM group reportedly invested P2.5 billion to rehabilitate the hotel, located beside SM City shopping mall, and which used to be known as Sheraton Hotel.
The five-star Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, a P2-billion project by a Korean firm on a 7.5-hectare beachfront property in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, is also scheduled to open in December.
Approximately 2,000 new hotel rooms will be added with the completion of hotels and resorts in Palawan, Bohol, and Boracay.
In the other areas of the country, the Banyan Tree is looking at a property in Palawan while Four Seasons is scouting for opportunities in Bohol. In Metro Manila, the Shangri-La group is building a luxury hotel at the Bonifacio Global City, on the same site that China’s Shimao Group is also interested in building a hotel.
DOT calls for better halal promotion in The Philippines
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has joined the call to intensify the promotion and availability of halal food, which will help the country claim a bigger share of the global Muslim tourist market.
The DOT co-sponsored the recent National Halal Convention held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City. The two-day event brought together 600 local and national government officials, Muslim religious leaders and experts, food manufacturers and exporters, certification professionals, local and international civic group representatives, and diplomats to discuss issues on improving the production of and access to halal food in key consumer areas in the country.
“The department is currently striving to help make halal cuisine available in our tourist destinations in anticipation of the influx of travelers from Malaysia and the Gulf states,” said DOT director for product research and development, Elizabeth Nelle.
The Philippine National Standards on Halal Food was formalized in March this year, laying out the specifics of processing, preparing and handling the ingredients used in meals and food items in accordance with Islamic laws and teaching. The guideline was crafted by the Philippine Halal Accreditation Board.
The DOT is optimistic that the Philippine National Halal Standards will help the country tap the 1.9 billion global Muslim population for potential tourists, making the islands a premiere tropical destination that is also keen on the cultural and religious beliefs of international travelers.
Luxury sea kayaking safari to launch in Palawan
An increasing number of developments are taking place in Palawan. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours has launched luxury sea kayaking safaris in Bacuit Bay, a joint venture with SE Asia Kayak Tours targeting the US, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore markets.
The five-day/four-night programme features cultural, educational and adventure activities such as spelunking and snorkelling, using kayaks mainly as a means of transport. Nights will be spent at luxury campsites with deluxe tents, electric fans, a chef, and full dinner service. The tour costs US$1,300 per person, inclusive of meals and domestic flights.
Meanwhile, Two Seasons will open a five-star resort with 60 to 80 rooms, a spa, conference rooms, and a dive centre on a nine-hectare island in Coron by early 2011. SandCastles is building a three-star resort for Europeans in the Calamianes islands.
Benisons develops mall and residential building in Divisoria
Filipino-owned mall operator Benisons Shopping Center is investing P1.55 billion to develop a mall and residential low-rise building along Recto Avenue. The development completes the golden triangle of shopping in Divisoria.
Benisons president Benjamin M. Bitanga said the company is currently building the residential component called The Top at the Benisons, a first-of-its kind development composed of 47 town home high-end units built on the top floor of the mall. Amenities include swimming pool, clubhouse, playground and supermarket.
Thirty of the units will be two-bedroom units with floor areas of 97 to 118 square meters while the remaining 17 would be three-bedroom units with areas of 122 to 163 sq.m. Contract price is anywhere from P9 million to P12 million per unit.
Victory Liner takes faster Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway route to Baguio
Philippines premier express bus service, Victory Liner, is taking the shorter route to Baguio. By using the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the deluxe bus trip to Baguio is now a mere four hours – about two hours faster than traditional bus routes.
Travel is also made safer and more convenient as the buses no longer have to take the usually narrower, sometimes unevenly paved, national roads leading to the provinces.
"Other than reducing travel time, we just wanted to provide our regular commuters a better and safer route," explains Marivic Del Pilar, marketing manager of Victory Liner.
Since the SCTEX’s Clark-Tarlac segment was opened to commercial operations last July, the company has started sending its latest fleet of deluxe buses bound for Baguio via this route.
"Aside from the deluxe buses, we also plan to use the SCTEX for our full-packed regular aircon buses coming down from Baguio to Manila.
Victory Liner runs a fleet of 600 buses operating 24-hours in 16 terminals throughout Luzon. For inquiries on trip schedules and rates, visit www.victoryliner.com
SEAir props up fleet with two A320 aircraft
Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir) will take delivery of two Airbus A320 aircraft this month for its plan to start servicing new regional and local routes before the year ends. The planes will be leased from Tiger Airways, which has a code-share agreement with SEAir.
SEAir signed a lease agreement with Singapore-based Tiger Airways in September 2006 for the lease of two brand-new 180-seater A320s. “The two aircraft will be delivered in early October. The A320s are targeted for November 15 operations,” said the airline’s president Avelino Zapanta.
The agreement with the Singapore budget carrier will enable SEAir to fly to destinations not yet covered by its route network and boost its regional market presence.
Pending approval from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the new aircraft will be used to mount flights to Cebu, Davao, Singapore and Macau from Clark, Pampanga.
“Singapore and Macau are our immediate flying points. We want to fly daily to these new destinations and we will be flying not from Manila but from Clark,” he said.
As soon as SEAir starts servicing Singapore and Macau, Zapanta said the airline will look at the possibility of extending its international operations to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei and Incheon (South Korea).
“We already applied for designation to Hong Kong and Bangkok after entitlements were awarded to the country. We are confident that we will get these designations because the flights will be coming in and out of Clark,” he said.
RP links up with JICA to promote tourism
The Department of Tourism has recently signed a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will enable local government units (LGUs) to effectively plan their tourism promotions efforts with the aid of accurate tourist statistics and data.
Secretary of tourism, ‘Ace’ Durano, explained that "the signing of the TCP between the DoT and JICA comes at a crucial time when The Philippines is intensifying its tourism promotion efforts,"
The TCP will focus on 130 municipalities in about 11 target provinces selected by the DoT. These provinces include Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Palawan, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan (including Boracay).
"The tourism data coming from the LGUs is very important since they will give us an idea on the country’s top destinations and at the same time, this data will be used as basis for the DoT’s promotion and development efforts," Durano added.
‘Job-generation visa’ to entice investors to the Philippines
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has proposed an “investor visa” offering indefinite-stay visa to foreigners who employ at least 10 Filipinos. The proposed visa will be issued to individuals and, in the case of foreign companies, the visa entitlement is to the expatriates and executives in the employ of the foreign company.
Eight foreign chambers of commerce in the Philippines have voiced their backing for the proposed job-generation visa. Among these, the Korean Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines described the new job-generation visa as a step in the right direction in gaining the interest and trust of foreign investors. The Indian Chamber of Commerce said the new visa program for businessmen deserved support.
Filipinos now often leave the country to work in foreign lands with foreign companies. The idea with the new visa is to encourage these foreign companies to come to the Philippines instead
Cebu Pacific offers P200 rebate for passengers with no check-in bags
Cebu Pacific (CEB) encourages passengers to carry less by offering a P200 outright fare discount when traveling with no check-in bags and reduces its free baggage allowance (FBA) for all bookings.
CEB will lower its FBA from 20kgs to 15kgs per passenger, except for the Boracay (Caticlan) flights, which will still be at 10kg. The maximum weight allowed for hand-carried luggage remains at 7kg per passenger, except for Boracay (Caticlan), which is maintained at 5kgs per passenger.
Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and product, said, "A lighter aircraft would burn less fuel so if passengers travel light, our fuel costs would likewise go down and we are able to pass on the savings to our passengers."
E-vehicles to ply Boracay soon
Boracay Island may soon become an environment-friendly paradise with the replacement of smoke-belching cars and tricycles by electric vehicles, if a proposed measure is passed.
Officials of the island paradise are planning to phase in the electric vehicles by 2009. Municipal councilor Wilbec Gelito said he will introduce an ordinance on the use of e-vehicles on the island and phase out tricycles and multi-cabs using fossil fuel.
He said the e-tricycles would be efficient and eco-friendly because an eight-hour charge could power the vehicles to cover 120kms, enough for several days of trips.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been eyeing the regulation of motor vehicles on the island because it is already causing noise and pollution.
The report said registered motor vehicles more than tripled from 553 in 2004 to 1,861 in 2007. Most of these (1,486 or 79.84 percent) are passenger motorcycles using two-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines have been found to produce substantial amounts of hydrocarbons, which contribute to the smog that causes air pollution.
While the air quality is still within acceptable levels, noise pollution caused by tricycles is disturbing residents and tourists. The report said tests conducted in three stations on the island showed noise levels beyond the standard value of 50 decibels (db) for residential areas and 60db for areas along the road during mornings especially between 8 and 9 a.m.
Destination of the Month
SM Bay City in Metro Manila
The SM Bay City is Metro Manila’s premier lifestyle hub. The 60-hectare development along Manila Bay brings shopping, entertainment, leisure and business levels in the metropolis to new heights.
The centerpiece of SM Bay City is the SM Mall of Asia. The 19-hectare destination mall is the SM Bay City’s nucleus, connecting to every structure in the development through covered elevated walkways.
The third biggest shopping complex in the world, SM Mall of Asia has provisions for 800 tenants and is 98 per cent fully leased; 95 per cent operational. It has four buildings: Main Mall, North Wing, South Wing, and Entertainment Mall.
SM Mall of Asia regional operations manager, Steven Tan, said: “SM Mall of Asia houses the best of everything. We have a full range of dining options, from local favourites to fine-dining restaurants. We have all the fashion and lifestyle brands. Our special entertainment features are beyond compare. SM Mall of Asia is for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Whatever you could possibly need, we have it.”
On any given day, SM Mall of Asia has at least 200,000 visitors. The crowd swells on regular weekends when half a million consumers troop to the mall. During peak seasons and holidays, the mall welcomes nearly one million visitors. Despite the numbers, the sheer size of SM Mall of Asia ensures that one’s comfort and shopping experience are never compromised.
Even non-shoppers have no excuse to give SM Mall of Asia a miss. Pedestrian arcade lanes allow for casual strolls. Entertainment features for family fun are abundant and alfresco viewing decks offer priceless vantage points from which to view the hauntingly beautiful Manila Bay sunset.
Highlights of SM Mall of Asia
Eight cinema halls and an IMAX Theater Imax Theater gives a whole new dimension to movie viewing with its high-resolution display and a gigantic screen that is 22-meter wide and 16-meter high.
Director’s Club The 30-seater lazy boy-chair cinema has an extensive film library and is fast becoming the preferred venue for small corporate meetings and private screenings.
Ice skating rink The country’s first Olympic-size skating rink is said to be South-east Asia’s biggest. Located on the ground floor of the Entertainment Mall, the skating rink is not just for leisure lovers but can also hold international figure-skating competitions, or even hockey games.
Music Hall The 2,000m2 semi-open venue at the Entertainment Mall has hosted product launchings, mini concerts and international shows
Coming Attractions at SM Bay City
SMX Convention Center Opening in November, Metro Manila’s first modern convention and exhibition centre under one roof will have four function rooms, one theatre room, eight combinable meeting rooms and 19,800m2 leaseable exhibition space divisible into four halls. ONE E-COM Coming online within the year, the 10-storey building will provide 10,000m2 per floor of office space. It is the first of the four envisioned office edifices at SM Bay City to cater to business processes outsourcing (BPO) firms. Science Discovery Center The first of its kind in the Philippines, this digital planetarium will have 11 interactive themed galleries. Phase one opens next quarter. Aquarium Opening in the last quarter of 2008, this microcosm of the marine ecosystem will offer up close and personal encounters with the denizens of the sea through underwater glass-covered enclosures. Sunset Strip by Esplanade This dining, entertainment and nightlife strip along the bay introduces new leisure standards to the metropolis. Four themed clusters of f & b outlets share spectacular coastal views and a magical fountain with an outdoor concert stage, a jogging trail and a fitness area. The Arena Opening in 2010, this colossal entertainment venue will be able to seat 15,000 people for big international concerts and major sports activities. Ferry terminal The terminal caters to ferries connecting Metro Manila to SM Investments Corporation’s 5,700-hectare integrated ecotourism project, Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. Ferries effectively cut the journey from three hours by road to just over an hour. Hotels Six to eight bayfront hotels will bring SM Bay City’s vision of being Asia Pacific’s premier lifestyle and business destination full circle. Two projects have been confirmed. Radisson The 400-room deluxe property will exude elegance and sophistication when it opens in 2009. The hotel will also have a casino operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Microtel Inn & Suites Mall of Asia The 150-room hotel opening in the third quarter of 2008 will give convention delegates and leisure travellers international-standard service and facilities at value rates.
Travel Trends 2008
Philippines arrivals from ASEAN markets show growth
For the first seven months of 2008, arrival from the ASEAN markets grew by an average of 8.74 per cent. The major source markets within ASEAN such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam all showed positive growth rates.
Singapore led the pack in terms of arrival volume, reaching 57,332 from January to July of 2008, recording growth of almost seven per cent. Malaysia followed with a volume of 39,515 in the same period, a growth of 8.07 per cent. Thailand and Indonesia exhibited relatively high growth rates of 14.14 and 14.75 per cent respectively. While arrival volume from Vietnam may not appear significant at 8,125, in terms of percentage growth, it qualified Vietnam as a source market to watch out for. Arrivals from Vietnam averaged 43.62 per cent from January to July 2008.
Forecast for August - December 2008
Singapore is projected to be slow moving for the remaining half of the year; growing at only seven per cent. If the global recession continues its effect on regional economies, growth could be slower, at less than 6 percent.
The lingering world economic recession has affected major markets, notably Singapore and Malaysia. With the near demise of Lehman Brothers USA, AIG and Merryl Lynch, the Singapore economy has also been affected as the regional HQs of these entities are also located in Singapore.
Singapore’s economic growth rate forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2008 was recently lowered, from a projected growth of 6.8 for the quarter to 4.4 percent. Outbound has also dipped by almost 5 per cent. The month of August is seen by the more conservative Chinese (Buddhist) as “Ghost month” and travel during this period is not “lucky”.
Malaysia and Thailand are having their own share of political turmoil. Thailand has escalated to a change of leadership while Malaysia is being haunted by the threat of a strong opposition.
These political developments in the region, coupled with global economic trends, will lead to a negative change in short term travel patterns.
Bicol tourist arrivals seen to increase by 10 per cent
Tourist arrivals in the Bicol region is projected to increase 10 per cent next year to hit the one million mark, according to Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano. Tourism receipts for the region by next year could reach P530 million.
By 2009, with Discovery Bay Misibis fully operational, tourist arrivals in the region is projected to grow by 10 per cent, to hit the one-million mark.
For the first quarter of this year, 256,746 tourists arrived in the Bicol region, with foreign travelers accounting for 35,258 and the rest comprised of domestic tourists including balikbayans, according to the regional office of the Department of Tourism.
Bicol’s tourist arrivals and receipts have been steadily rising with the successful marketing of Camarines Sur as the “wakeboarding capital” of the Philippines. Durano said Camarines Sur accounted for 51 per cent of the 897,680 total arrivals in Bicol last year.
The first phase of the P1.6-billion Discovery Bay Misibis resort is already under construction with a soft opening scheduled on 8 December this year.
Durano said that with Discovery Bay Misibis, Bicol will attract a more upscale crowd with higher spending power, pushing tourism receipts in the region to P530 million
Upcoming Events
DOT Philippines at inaugural ITB Asia
ITB Asia, the three-day B2B trade show and convention, will make its debut this month in Singapore. International exhibitors of all sectors of the travel-value chain, Asia Pacific's leading companies and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises meet with top buyers from the MICE, leisure and corporate travel markets.
The Philippines DOT pavilion at ITB Asia will feature the following exhibitors:
• Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
• Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila
• Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
• Microtel Inns & Suites
• Philippine Airlines
• Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
• Philippine International Convention Center
• Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
• Waterfront Hotels & Casinos
ITB Asia will take place from 22 to 24 October at Suntec, Singapore
Airlines raise fuel surcharge until November
Several Philippines based airlines have obtained permission from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to increase their fuel surcharge on domestic and international fights.
The airlines given the provisional authority to impose higher fuel surcharges include Philippine Airlines (PAL), Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair). The fuel surcharge is effective until November this year.
Passengers of PAL will pay higher fuel surcharge flying to US or Canada at $164 from $129. The airline also secured a permit to raise its surcharge on flights to Australia, from $114 to $144; Korea, from $54 to $74; Guam, from $19 to $34; Singapore, from $34 to $49; Indonesia, from $74 to $84; Vietnam, from $44 to 64; China, from $58 to $69; Hong Kong, from $40 to $50; Thailand, from S44 to $99 and for its Japan flights from $69 to $99.
Cebu Pacific imposed higher air tickets for flights from Manila and Cebu to Korea, up to $60 from $40. The Gokongwei-owned carrier in a statement said that it would reduce its year-round fares for select domestic routes by as much as 35 percent.
The lowest one-way fare from Manila to Puerto Princesa and Tagbilaran drops from P1,988 to P1,488. The one-way fare from Manila to Boracay and other Visayas destinations eases to P1,288 “all-inclusive.” The airline also reduced its Manila to Mindanao one-way fare from P2,488 to P1,988.
SEAir raised its surcharge within Luzon from P1,475 to P1,625; Luzon to Visayas, from P1,625 to P1,675; within Visayas, from P1,195 to P1,220; Visayas to Mindanao, from P1,325 to P1,375 and within Mindanao, from P1,150 to P1,200.
For cargo, Air Philippines increased its rates within Visayas from P1 to P3; Manila to Visayas, from P3 to P4; Manila to Puerto Princesa, from P3 to 4; Manila to Mindanao, from P4 to P5; within Visayas, from P2 to P3 and Cebu to Mindanao, from P2.50 to P3.50.
Cinemanila 2008 to open with The Wrestler and Sparrow
The 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival will open with Hong Kong caper movie Sparrow by maverick director Johnny To. Sparrow is the story of a group of Hong Kong pickpockets who get entangled with a mysterious beauty. The film premiered at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival where it was selected in competition.
Sparrow marks a milestone in the illustrious career of Johnny To, who first came to prominence with the box office hit All About Ah-Long starring Chow Yun-Fat. His 2005 hit Election was hailed by Quentin Tarantino as one of the best films of the year. In 2007, To was honored as “Filmmaker in Focus” at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.
A screening of The Wrestler will precede Sparrow. Fresh from bagging the coveted Golden Lion Prize at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival, The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke as a retired wrestler facing the prospect of a rematch with his nemesis that might eventually threaten his life. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky whose previous credits include p (Pi) and Requiem for a Dream.
Cinemanila will run from 16 – 29 October 2008 at Gateway Cineplex 1, Araneta Center, Quezon City. It is presented by the Independent Cinema Association of the Philippines (ICAP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and is supported by Gateway Cineplex 10, the Official Festival Venue, Philippine Airlines, Screen Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
For more information and schedule, log on to www.cinemanila.org.ph
MacArthur's Leyte Gulf landing remembered
The nation commemorates the 65th anniversary of the landing in Leyte Gulf by American General Douglas MacArthur during World War II, with the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte as the center of observance.
It was in Red Beach in Palo, Leyte (the US gave rainbow color codes to the beachheads) where elements of the US Sixth Army stormed ashore, followed shortly by the famous landing of General Douglas MacArthur, President Sergio S. Osmena, General Carlos P. Romulo and several other American military officers, who waded in knee-high waters to the shore to fulfill MacArthurs famous, "I shall return" promise.
In 1994, the famous beachhead was turned into MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, a tourist site dominated by larger-than-life statues of the American general and Romulo wading in the middle of a pond.
The monument in Barangay Candahug in Palo was constructed on the coastal fringe of the provinces Government Center, some five kilometers south of Tacloban City. Adjoining the four and-a-half hectare memorial ground is the 40-room MacArthur Park Beach Resort.
It was also here where part of Lt. Gen. Walter Kruegers Sixth Armys assault forces composed of six divisions with 200,000 soldiers met stiff resistance from the Japanese Imperial Army as they waded ashore on the morning of 20 October 1944.
According to history, other participants in the Leyte landing were the US Fifth Air Force and the so- called "MacArthurs Navy," the US Seventh Fleet under Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid composed of small escort carriers and slow and old battleships.
Lester Ledesma photo exhibition at Singapore International Photography Festival
Philippine born photographer Lester Ledesma will hold an exhibition entitled Seeing Elvis as part of the inaugural Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF).
Ledesma spent two months documenting the devotion of Singapore’s Elvis Presley impersonators.
“You wouldn’t say they are typical Singaporeans,” says Ledesma of his subjects. “These are retirees – they’re old, fun, different, and they’re proud of it.”
Seeing Elvis Date: 5 – 31 October 13, 2008 La Salle College of the Arts 1 MacNally Street Singapore
