On the DOT
By Atty. Helen J. Camarista

Seminar for taxi drivers as tourism frontliners

 The Department of Tourism Region VI in cooperation with the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region VI is sponsoring the Seminar for Taxi Drivers as Tourism Frontliners on February 7, 2005 at Eon Centennial Plaza Hotel, Iloilo City .

The purpose of this one-day seminar is to instill among taxi operators/drivers participants the value of tourism as an industry and their role in it.   Tourism frontliners can make or unmake a destination. Of the tourism frontliners, the taxi drivers hold a special place in the industry as they are usually the first persons who meet the tourists at the airport, pier and bus terminals thereby creating the first impression of the tourist destination.

  Atty. Joseph Vincent Go, ATOP President and LTFRB Region VI Director Porferio Clavel   will deliver the words of welcome while Regional Director Edwin G. Trompeta and Atty. Helen J. Camarista of the DOT Region VI and Mr. Willie Genciana of Central Philippine University Institute of   Hotel and Restaurant Management and Tourism   will be the Resource Speakers during the seminar.

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33 rd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta

 It's all systems go for the 33 rd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta on February 19-20, 2005 near Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods Restaurant, Villa Beach, Iloilo City.

The main feature of the event on February 19 is the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Slalom while the grand regatta takes place the next day.

Special events lined up to spice up interest on the regatta include the Paraw Regatta Photo Exhibit   (Feb. 14-20, SM City), Pinta Paraw   (Feb. 16-18, Tatoy's Manokan), Miss Paraw Regatta 2005 Pageant (SM City), Anglers' Competition (Feb. 19-20), Paraw Regatta Photo Contest (Feb. 19-20, Tatoy's Manokan), Laser Sailboat Race (Feb. 20, Tatoy's Manokan) and Pintawo (Feb. 20, Villa Regatta).

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Sec. Joseph H. Durano on WOW Philippines brand name

The following is the statement of Department of Tourism Secretary, Joseph H. Durano, on the WOW Philippines brand name.

WOW PHILIPPINES remains the mother brand of Philippine Tourism. It has earned global recognition through years of exposure and marketing initiatives, which have garnered our country quantitative and qualitative success in both the international and local markets. It will be a disservice to the stakeholders of the tourism and travel industry if we are to change or replace our brand name at this time.

To build on the success of the WOW PHILIPPINES brand name, the DOT marketing teams, through extensive research and validation, have developed market specific sub-campaigns:

For Korea , we have “Feel the Island ”, a phrase derived from “Burinara”, a popular word in Korea . We have adopted this slogan which will appeal to the current popular culture of this market.

For Japan , we have “Premium Resort Islands ” to appeal to the positive image of the Philippines insofar as the Japanese market is concerned. Studies revealed that the words “resort” and “islands” evoke a constructive and affirmative impression or impact on the market.

As for China , our campaign slogan is “WOW Philippines ” since “wow” is a general and familiar expression of awe and wonder in China . The Philippines , for the Chinese travelers, is like a hidden treasure to be discovered – with beautiful beaches, rich culture and nature, friendly people offering the ultimate relaxing holiday at great value.

For domestic tourism and the balikbayan   market, “I Love Philippines , Biyahe Na”, taking off from “Wow Philippines , Biyahe Tayo”. The new slogan brings forth endearment, conviction and an urgent call   to positive action.

All these plans and programs resulted from continuous research, consultations, and consensus building with the various stakeholders and marketing specialists assigned to these markets.

Rest assured that the Department will continue to consider all valuable ideas and   suggestions that will help us achieve   5 million tourist arrivals by 2010.