CAPA Summit delegates immerse in Mactan Cebu heritage

CAPA LCC delegates immerse in the rich history of Cebu City visiting the famous landmarks of the destination

CEBU – Delegates of the CAPA Centre for Aviation Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) in North Asia Summit 2019 immersed in the rich heritage and culture of Mactan, Cebu as part of the pre-event tour.

Among the historical landmarks visited were the Magellan’s Cross, which serves as the reminder of the power and pervasiveness of the Catholic Church in the country, and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, which is considered as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines built on the spot where the image of Sto. Niño was left behind.

The tour group also visited Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest triangular bastion, and the first Spanish fort established in the country. The fort now serves as a vestige of past colonial command.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument shows the symbolic events of the Cebu history back from the time of Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr, Pedro Calungsod

Another landmark toured by the group was The Heritage of Cebu Monument, which is a tableau of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel showing symbolic events in the Cebu history as well as the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, which is the first Chinese House built outside of China constructed between 1675 and 1700.

The last stop of the tour was the Casa Gorordo, a historic house that offers an intimate glimpse of the Filipino society from the colonial period up to the outbreak of World War II. 

More than 260 senior executive and industry experts will convene from June 24-25 to discuss the key challenges and strategic issues of the LCCs industry in the region.

Delegates at the Magellan’s Cross during the Mactan Cebu Heritage tour 

Tagaytay: A Tale of Trust Betrayed

Tagaytay provides the best view of the world’s smallest volcano. This volcano has the crater in the middle of the lake of the Taal. Local and foreign visitors visit Tagaytay which about 55 kilometers away from Manila, to stare in awe at Taal volcano, to enjoy the cool crisp air, and the hospitality of the people of Tagaytay.  

How a stranger would come to Tagaytay to stare at its beauty is probably one of the most unknown tales about Tagaytay and how the name was derived. Most of the names of the places in the Philippines were given because of what is distinct to the area, such as the small town of Balisong in Taal, which makes the unique knife that has a split handle that closes to cover the blade, and this can be opened to expose the blade with just a flick of the wrist.

The tale of how Tagaytay got its name is very interesting. Tagaytay can be broken down into 2 Filipino words which are “taga” meaning to hack with a sharp instrument and also is the name of a kind of large knife for use in the fields, and “Itay” which means father. Here’s the tale:

A young and beautiful woman who belonged to a wealthy Tagaytay family, met a good-looking, charming man at the ridge who was not from this place. He courted her and often visited her. One day, she had fallen in love with him, believing his flowery words - she had allowed him to kiss her.

After she was kissed, being pure, she asked him when he plans to make her his wife. The man scoffed and said that he had no plans to marry her. In her anger, she started running towards her home, shouting the words, “Itay, taga!” repeatedly over and over so that her father could hear her. "Taga" means to chop - specifically meaning to do so with a large knife, such as that for cutting wood or a butcher's cleaver.

The father did come out with his large knife, and so did some other people. The man saw what was happening, started running away to save his life from the angry mob. As they chased him, the young woman was crying in despair because she was considered as disgraced, and continued to scream, “Taga, Itay, taga…”  

The man was quick and was able to escape by running down the hill towards the lake. There were rocks that he had to clamber as that was the direction that he was cornered to run to. The people of the place stopped chasing him after he climbed the rocks, and just stood there. The reason why they no longer followed the man is that the rocky area was very dangerous, and he will not survive his escape and fall off the ridge.

Even during these modern times, there are still many Filipina women who save themselves for marriage, and the Filipino father is typically protective and does have a strong influence on who the daughter will marry.
Note: Tagaytay's Department of Tourism has a strict "Honesty Policy" for all establishments, facilities, and transportation operators. This city is also one of the cleanest in the Philippines and the local government has imposed a number of ordinances to make sure that the air quality is kept as pure as possible.

Author's note: I can write tales and stories, as I am the granddaughter of Jose Villa Panganiban, and he used to tell me so many about our country.  

Seriously Coworking: The Common Space Is A Comfort Zone Of Peace and Quiet

You'll want to stay in a place that is as seriously quiet as possible and where you don't have to dress up. Instead of being greeted by clowns and cajoled into distraction, there is networking but on a subdued level. There is social interaction yet it is organized. There is a chance to find that kind of peace and quiet that you need to focus on work and that so very important comfort zone.

There is a place that'll help you make work get done as there is no time to waste. However, there is also the space to lounge, and if you are a slow starter, who refuses to make work feel like work or one that wants just to get away from being stuck at home to have an office, you have got The Common Space.

Bring out the OCD in you. As we all want a clutter-free place that'll make our surroundings nice, this place is it. Neat, with all necessary things in the right place, you'll take care of it like it was your very own.

The Common Space is a coworking space where they offer different platforms of workspace for freelancers, startups, students, and ventures of all types. Coworking is a style of work that involves a shared working environment, often an office and independent activity

​​In this Coworking Space, these core values are supported

COMMUNITY. COWORK. CREATE. COLLABORATE.

Rates 

The rates: When you compute how affordable it is and practical, as you no longer have to set up an office, get a landline, get a receptionist, own a coffee maker, have a printer, get a ref, and even down to drinking water as it is all included and more...
when you get a coworking space at The Common Space

All you have to do is bring your laptop and sit, and you are ready to work!

The Common Space is located at the 2nd floor,  

The Pergola Mall, Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes Paranaque. 

Click the links for more information 

The Common Space website 

The Common Space Facebook page 

Hands n' Mind: A Dream Play Place Come True

Children learn as they play. In the world that we live in, we realize that as much as we wish to give them the best of everything, there are many things that we might not be able to afford and for practical reasons. You can give them their dream play place come true, and it is affordable, practical, and one of the best things you can do for them to play and learn.

Even if we can afford to buy them fabulous toys, there are new ones that come out often. Plus, the selection that we ideally should provide to them must be that which is safe and eco-friendly.

We all have busy days, be it that we are a stay-at-home parent or someone that has a 9 to 5 grind. There are many who work graveyard shift and struggle to wake up to spend quality time with our kids.

What can we do for our children so that they can play and learn?

There is a skills learning place that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Many children's schools like that for toddlers cost as much as a college education. This is the better option as though we want to send our little tikes to school, we know that it might be too early, and it is shocking to have to pay so much for an hour or two of learning - but at Hands n' Mind, it only cost less than 400 pesos for the whole day!

Place aside that budget for the quality time for them to learn. It'll give you a day off, knowing that your child is in safe hands.

It is a place that will address the needs of our children to play, a safe environment, with eco-friendly toys, the latest and the classics, and aid them in developing their skills. The skills that a child learns by playing include that of motor skills. They also learn how to role play.

If you have one child and even a bunch of them, they also must learn how to interact with their peers. It is also important that they have the proper behavior, such as learning how to share, be polite, and play together. Such social interaction will lay down the foundation for their future, as interpersonal skills are vital.

All these skills, and even more, such as their intellectual development, can be made even better with the right environment such as that of Hands n' Mind, a dream play place come true.

Hands n' Mind Wooden Toys and Play Area

Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/HandsNMindToys/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handsnmindtoys/

Located at the 2nd floor, 
The Pergola Mall
BF Homes, Paranaque

Child in the pictures is my grandchild, 
Renee Quema, of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Blogger and Instagrammer 
for Hand's and Mind. 

DOT reports 12.15% increase in foreign tourist arrivals for April 2019

International tourist arrivals in April 2019 reached 662,987, registering a 12.15 percent growth vis-a-vis 591,137 received last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported. 

The top five markets with their respective volumes and growth rates are: China with 139,177 (+26.77%), Korea with 130,707 (+13.68%), USA with 87,710 (+2.5%), Japan with 57,724 (+17.75%) and Australia with 28,683 (+13.41%).

Meanwhile, foreign visitor count for January to April 2019 totaled 2,867,551, or an increase of 8.57 percent over 2,642,241 of the same period in 2018.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat remarked, “With the heightened marketing initiatives with the private sector and travel trade counterparts in the various markets, improved connectivity arising from new flights, additional frequencies and expanded capacity brought about by new and upgraded airports, we anticipate more visitors to keep this upward trend sustained.”

"We also attribute increased travel movement and consumption to continued efforts in developing new and existing tourism circuits all over the country in pursuit of sustainable tourism.", she added.

Visita Intramuros: A Tour Program of The Manila Hotel

VISITA INTRAMUROS, a tour program of The Manila Hotel, unveiled on  June 12, 2019, in time for the celebration of the country's 121st Independence Day. In partnership with the Intramuros Administration, the tour program is designed to enable the hotel guests to experience the rich history of the Great Walls of Intramuros and the Grand Dame, The Manila Hotel.

The launch of Visita Intramuros began with a press conference hosted by Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina, Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, and Department of Tourism Asst. Sec. Roberto Alabado.

The Visita Intramuros is an exclusive tour that features the following attractions starting from 

The Manila Hotel.

The Manila Hotel Heritage Museum - A newly curated museum that houses the collections of the Manila Hotel that reflects the rich history of the Grand Dame.

The MacArthur Suite - The two-bedroom MacArthur suite, decorated with rare paintings, photographs, Asian antiques, and Filipino crafts

Champagne Room - Long favored by the fashionable set, it is well-known for its impeccable service and lavish decor. A favorite venue for elegant gatherings, it best embodies the Grand Dame's decades of tradition and devotion in providing guests with only the finest dining experience.

Fort Santiago - One of the oldest fortifications in Manila built in 1571 on the site of the native settlement of Rajah Soliman. It is notable for being the headquarters of the armies of several foreign powers in Philippine history, including the Spanish, British, Americans, and the Japanese.

Museo de Intramuros - The newly-opened museum that houses the collections of the Intramuros Administration.

Baluarte de San Diego - Standing the test of time as a bulwark that defended not only its land but also the stories of the past. This historical concrete structure withstood cannon fires, earthquakes, and the battle of Manila.

Destileria Limtuaco Museum - The museum of the oldest distillery in the country features the actual process of making rum and whiskey, from fermentation to bottling.

Bahay Tsinoy - A museum that showcases the tangible imprints and lasting influence of the Chinese whose presence in the Philippines dates back long before the Europeans sought alternate routes to the Moluccas.

Casa Manila - A colonial lifestyle museum which features the domestic life of the upper class in the 19th Century Philippines. The three-story building is a replica of the house of Binondo merchant Don Severino Mendoza.

This tour package may be booked with the Concierge department of The Manila Hotel. It is best experienced on a siklesa — a motor-drawn kalesa. Tour prices start from PHP2,250, with three options to choose from: a vehicle with driver, vehicle, driver and guide and vehicle, driver, guide and all in pass, In-house guests will enjoy a 15% discount off the tour prices, and also of the Filipino High Tea at the hotel's lobby.

Visita Intramuros, a hop on and explore the legendary walled city of Manila was launched on June 12, 2019. This is in line with the direction of the Department of Tourism to strengthen cultural tourism by expanding tourism products and engaging a specific market to increase revenue. Partnerships such as this is a testimony that the successful partnership of the private and public sectors is imperative to preserve and promote our heritage.

For more information, The Manila Hotel can be contacted at 527-0011

Father's Day June 16: BUY ONE-GET ONE CHACHAGO PEARL MILK TEA

Visit us at any Chachago branch (Metro Manila) on June 16, 2019 from 10 AM to 6 PM only.

The newly-opened ChachaGo in BF Homes is the place to be, to linger and enjoy milk tea and free WiFi. Located at the building where Robinson's EasyMart Aguirre is, the parking is easy, and the place is so totally convenient. 

With this promo going on, if you haven't tried it yet, it's time to go for it! 

Buy One- Take One details: 

1. Visit any Chachago branch (Metro Manila) on Father's Day, June 16, 2019.

2. Avail our BUY ONE GET ONE promo on our CHACHAGO PEARL MILK TEA beverage.

3. One transaction per customer only.

4. Promo is valid on June 16, 2019 only.

5. Promo is valid on 10 AM to 6 PM only.

6. Promo is valid both for dine in and take out customers only.

*Grab Food is NOT applicable*

7. Promo cannot be used together with any other promos, discounts including Senior Citizen discounts and PWD discounts.

ChachaGo milk tea 

ChachaGo milk tea is rich and creamy, and it has roasted black pearls. If you have tried it, then. it's good for you to know that this is where you can go take your father for a treat - or take yourself for one, and share another with a family member or a friend, or keep it for later! 

Roasted pearls 

Soft and chewy, these make a difference as the texture alone is so good, and it has the tapioca healthy goodness. It makes the beverage much more filling and adds texture to the over-all mix. These pearls are easily digested, as you can bite through them. Comparing the roasted pears to the others I have tried, it does make it tops as the cooking process of ChachaGo pearls take 45 minutes. However, if you prefer to skip out on the pearls, there are other choices such as fruit pudding, grass jelly, nata de coco, and coffee jelly. 

Milk tea 

 When it comes to the taste, it has the TEA. Undisguised, as it ideally should be, the milk compliments the blend... and there is more to it than what looks so great, you might be the one to consume the free one that you'll get for the Father's Day 2019. 

Sugar level choice 

You can pick how much sugar will go into your drink, be it 25 percent, 50, 75, or 100. That is a good option to have. Going for 50 percent is my choice, and it is up to you to have the measure that suits your palate. 

The staff is highly efficient and the service is fast. Comfy seating, there is the al fresco area and the airconditioned dining space at ChachaGo, BF Homes Paranaque. 

 Let's go ChachaGo.

Tourism contribution to Philippine GDP rises to 12.7%; provides 5.4 million jobs in 2018

The tourism industry’s contribution to the economy reached another milestone in 2018 as it increased to 12.7% of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 0.5% higher than in 2017, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last June 6. This is in spite of the six-month closure of Boracay island, one of the country’s major tourist destinations.

The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA), an indicator that measures the value added of the tourism industry, amounted to PHP 2.2 trillion, which is an increase of 14.3% from the 2017 TDGVA of PHP 1.9 trillion.

Employment in the tourism industry also rose to an estimated 5.4 million, 1.8% higher than the 5.3 million in the previous year.

The number of domestic tourists reached 110 million, which is an increase of 14.1% from the previous year’s figure of 96.4 million. This exceeds the 89.2 million target in 2022 stated in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). Domestic tourism expenditure is also up by 21% at PHP 3.2 trillion, compared to the PHP2.6 trillion in 2017.

Based on the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) results, it is also estimated that at least two million poor people benefited from the robust growth of tourism compared to original targets from 2016 to 2018.  This is in line with the NTDP’s strategic direction on sustainability and inclusive growth.

“These achievements in the tourism industry are a result of a holistic and convergent government. The Build Build Build program of the administration has greatly improved infrastructure and transport connectivity, while the ease of doing business, coupled with a facilitative environment for investments, has boosted both visitor and investor confidence in Philippine tourism”, remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“Moreover, these numbers show that the Philippine tourism industry is sustainable; it is an engine for socio-economic growth that provides jobs and income to the country while preserving Filipino culture and tradition as well as conservation of the environment.”, she added.

PDOT bids hosting of UNWTO confab in 2021

Bhutan - The Joint Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission on Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the Commission on South Asia (CSA) supported the Philippine bid to host the UNWTO General Assembly in 2021. The bid is timed with the celebration of the quincentennial of the world’s first circumnavigation in 1521 which was completed when the Spanish expedition arrived in Cebu.

DOT Officials with Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering (second from left) during Bhutan’s Welcome Reception on 03 June 2019, (L-R:  Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Undersecretary Edwin R. Enrile.)

Philippine Delegation to the UNWTO Commission and Related Meetings

DOT officials at the 31^st UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the Department’s hosting of the Philippine Dinner Reception 

The warmly-applauded performance of Ms. Isay Alvarez and Mr. Robert Sena during the DOT-hosted dinner

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who led the Philippine delegation to Bhutan for the 31st UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Related Meetings, enthused, “The Philippines is excited to host the UNWTO General Assembly in 2021, primarily to showcase the country’s sustainable tourism programs and actions and secondly, to give importance to the nation’s significant role in world maritime history and to draw highlight to our country’s discovery.”

Among the various meetings held in the three-day conference was the UNWTO Regional Conference on Sustainable Development through Tourism. This has been a platform to discuss the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainable Consumption and Production through Tourism.

Bhutan's initiatives on Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Asia highlighted the conference theme, wherein most speakers talked about their respective programs on GNH. The PDOT, as a member of the panel, shared its intent to review current policies and to put premium on sustainable development as part of the tourism indicators which must go hand in hand with other economic development indicators.

Meanwhile, at the 57th Meeting of the UNWTO CAP, the Philippines was elected as member of both the Committees on Tourism and Sustainability and on Statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account. The inclusion of the Philippines in these committees provides an opportunity not only to sit among other UNWTO Member states but to share its invaluable experience in promoting sustainable tourism development.

The PDOT-hosted dinner at the Taj Tashi Hotel was highlighted by the presence of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering.

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat with Chef Margarita Fores

“Asia’s Best Female Chef” Margarita Fores curated the dinner with dishes such as sinigang, chicken inasal and beef adobo. Before the reception ended, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili appointed Chef Fores as a UNWTO Ambassador.

The reception featured world-renowned performers Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena whose repertoire included Filipino songs, and popular classical and musical numbers.

Photos shared by Rey Moraga

FASTJOBS HONORS THE BLUE-COLLAR WORKER

Last May 16 and 17, 2019, in celebration of Labor Day Month, FastJobs – Philippines’
fastest growing online jobs portal – gave away free tickets to Star City to 200 families,
gathering over 800 at Rizal Park where the event was held.

“FastJobs came up with this event because we believe that family is the reason why our
Jobseekers are motivated to find work and improve their family’s lives. This gathering
gives them the opportunity to actually enjoy the fruits of their hard work and spend it
with people they love most,” shares Sebastian San, the Assistant Director, Regional
Partnerships of FastJobs. “At FastJobs, we understand and fully support the family-
oriented culture of the Filipino.”

As a pioneering HR tech company, FastJobs has for years been the champion of the
blue-collar worker, also regarded as the “forgotten, unsung heroes.” “They are the
backbone of the economy, and it is only fitting that we make it easier for them to find the
jobs that match their skills and which meet the needs of employers.”

FastJobs is a re-imagination of the ultimate hiring platform, built for speed and efficiency
with mobile-first innovations such as FastChat, Resume Builder, and Group Broadcast
Capabilities. This helps employers save time and resources to hire fast.

The platform works by having the jobseekers download the FastJobs App on their
mobiles. After registering, they can immediately start submitting their job applications.
With FastJobs’ easy-to-use features, it is a quick and simple process for jobseekers to
apply for job opportunities.

On the other hand, employers are also empowered. They are given access to a web-
based dashboard to manage candidates and job applications, as well as provided
analytics to hire more effectively. With FastChat, they save time and avoid missed
connections with jobseekers through the instant messaging feature.

“What sets FastJobs apart is really our focus on the blue-collar workforce, mobile-first
approach, and our innovative features,” adds San. “In addition, we believe that our after-
sales support is extremely important. This is so that our employers receive the help they
need and find the right talent. Fast!”

FastJobs is more than just a job searching portal, it helps build community and brings
back dignity to manual labor. Here, Filipinos will find not only like-minded partners and
jobseekers, but discover a world of greater work opportunity.

The FastJobs mobile app is now available for download in Singapore, Malaysia,
and the Philippines at the Android Play store and Apple App store.

Visit https://www.fastjobs.ph/

About FastJobs

FastJobs is Philippines’ fastest growing online jobs portal that focuses on recruitment of
the Blue-Collar Workforce. Founded by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) as a startup,
the platform was officially launched in April 2015 and has been transforming the way
people are connected to jobs, with over 1 million mobile application downloads across
the region.

The company’s vision is, “To provide everyone equal access to job opportunities”. As
FastJobs expands across Southeast Asia, the company utilizes key data insights to
support better job matching; promoting greater personal economic growth and improving people's lives.

President Duterte asks Japan businessmen to invest in tourism

President Rodrigo Duterte met with leaders of the Japanese travel industry and invited them to invest in the Philippines

TOKYO, JAPAN - In a parallel event to the 14th Philippine Business Mission (PBM) for tourism held in Japan, President Rodrigo Duterte met with leaders of the Japanese travel industry and invited them to invest in the Philippines, stating that now is the best time. The tourism and travel sector stand to benefit from the Build, Build, Build program, which has a number of ongoing transportation infrastructure development projects to achieve seamless travel to and around the archipelago.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the travel industry meeting with the President was a historic occasion, signaling the importance held by Japan as the country’s fourth biggest foreign tourist market.

The historic meeting coincides with the annual Philippine Business Mission organized by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. This year, the three-city PBM, covering Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo from May 27-31, 2019, takes pride in having a 38-company strong Philippine delegation.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (left) earlier presented an economically viable tourism sector teeming with exciting investment opportunities in the areas of accommodation, transportation, leisure and recreation facilities, food and beverage and even infrastructure 

This year, the three-city Philippine Business Mission, covering Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo from May 27-31, 2019, takes pride in having a 38-company strong Philippine delegation

With no less than the President in attendance, more business and investment leads are expected to yield reciprocal arrangements to further strengthen Japan-Philippine tourism relations

The Philippine Business Mission delegation led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (5th seated from left) and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (6th)

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier presented an economically viable tourism sector teeming with exciting investment opportunities in the areas of accommodation, transportation, leisure and recreation facilities, food and beverage and even infrastructure.  

The Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) President, Tadashi Shimura, mentioned that under the leadership of Secretary Puyat, there have been focused marketing initiatives in Japan for Philippine tourism. He noted that in 2018, the 8.15% growth rate of Japanese arrivals to the Philippines was higher than the total Japan outbound rate of 6% and thanked the Philippines for supporting efforts to grow the Japanese market further.

Shimura also affirmed that Japan’s travel industry will help the Philippines develop and promote more destinations following Cebu and Manila and support the country’s advocacy on sustainable tourism. JATA will send 20 travel agencies to the Philippines to meet with local travel agents and explore possible areas of collaboration.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arturo Tugade enthused that the development of new airports and expansion of existing gateways serve to attract many investment and business opportunities for airline companies and airport operators in Japan.

International air seats to the Philippines from Japan now total 3,250,264 as of March 2019.  The inbound traffic is expected to rise with Philippine Airlines’ introduction of Chitose-Manila thrice weekly flights last December, Japan Airlines’ daily service linking Haneda with Manila since February and the upcoming flights of Air Asia (Osaka-Manila, July 1), and Cebu Pacific (Narita-Clark, August 9).

Anticipating an upsurge of visitors, President Duterte cautioned, “We are receiving a lot of tourists now and soon, some areas might not be able to accommodate you for lack of facilities. We suggest for those who are interested to go into business to participate in building resorts for your citizens.”

With the improved airports and seaports, inter-island travel will be easier, more comfortable and with more providers coming in, more affordable, the President added.  

The Philippines played host to 631,801 Japanese travelers in 2018, an 8.15% growth versus 2017.

With no less than the President in attendance, more business and investment leads are expected to yield reciprocal arrangements to further strengthen Japan-Philippine tourism relations.