On the DOT
By Atty. Helen J. Camarista

Synergy

Synergy means synchronized energy. It means coordinated objectives and efforts directed toward the achievement of common goals. In tourism, synergy means all groups in the government and private sectors investing resources to make this industry stronger and better. It means shared conviction that tourism, given proper direction and support can be a potent antidote to the long-sick economy of the Philippines.

Recent and on-going tourism activities are examples of synergy in Western Visayas. Hopefully, all these activities will filter down to the grassroots so that the blessings of tourism can be enjoyed by as wide a portion of the population as possible.

Synergy is strongly felt in the…

Iloilo Media-Travel Group Fun Tour, Bacolod City (May 27, 2005)

This was more than a fun tour! It was total immersion in the hospitality of the Negrenses from start to finish. The Negros private sector group led by Celso “Toots” Jimenez who owns Micro Ad Management, event organizer, and JB Mapa, Manager of Tricat-SuperCat 2002 , sponsor of the tour, met us at the Iloilo Pier and made sure that every one was enjoying the trip. The lecture conducted by the captain at the bridge of the ship was truly educational and the TriCat- SuperCat profile Mr. Mapa gave us said it all.

The 50-meter TriCat has a capacity of 403 passengers. It is equipped with state of the art navigational instruments such as night vision and global positioning systems. It is

also equipped with internationally certified safety equipment. The vessel's plush interiors provide passengers seating comfort unsurpassed by any other fast craft company in the Philippines.

The mobile tour in Bacolod City was on board the van/s provided by Jomabo Island Paradise Beach Resort of Escalante City, Negros Occidental. Jomabo Island is a two-hour drive from Bacolod City to the port of Vito where guests are transported to this beautiful island resort via a-20 minute motorboat ride. Our fun tour of Bacolod City wouldn't have been complete without the stopover at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol. It afforded us an opportunity to feast on the sight of ABS-CBN big stars who met the press with Gov. Joseph Marañon. Then we were brought to the Ayala North Point, the most modern and luxurious of residential subdivisions in this part of the Philippines. Business must be good at Palmas del Mar Resort, our next stop, because the place was teeming with visitors even on a weekday. The very amiable manager Ronnie Lizares was there waiting at the entrance of the resort to welcome visitors as they arrive. Perhaps, his happy disposition and spontaneity in dealing with people is one big factor for the success of the resort. The little contest conducted by Mr. Mapa and Mr. Jimenez had playing cards from Casino Filipino Hotel and complimentary passes on board Tricat/SuperCat 2002 as prizes to the winners. Our last stop was an opportunity to appreciate the interesting features of Casino Filipino Hotel, Bacolod City. The SuperCat, Palmas del Mar and Casino Filipino Hotel are accredited with the Department of Tourism as Tourist Water Transport, Class A Resort and First Class Hotel, respectively.

We thank our Bacolod City and Negros Occidental hosts for that memorable tour.

-0-

Our tourism calendar has three big events ,namely, The Best of the Region in Intramuros ( Kabugana-an sang Western Visayas sa Intramuros) on June 15-28, 2005. This is a showcase of the bounties of Western Visayas in terms of arts, history and culture. It is also a showcase of the cooperation of the Department of Tourism on the one hand and the private sector and local government units of Western Visayas on the other; the Philippine-Spain Friendship Week Celebration in Iloilo City on June 27-July 3, 2005. The historical and cultural legacies of Spain as manifested in architecture, cuisine, dances and songs of Iloilo permeate every aspect of Ilonggo lifestyle. The celebration will be an appropriate occasion to trace Iloilo's Spanish legacy and strengthen Ilonggo-Spanish connection that could be both an inspiring and educational experience for the visitors and the local residents; and the 16 th Philippine Travel Mart at SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City on September 9-11, 2005, an annual event that showcases the tourist attractions, facilities and business opportunities of the Philippines in one venue. The local government units, private sector groups of Western Visayas are consistent participants in this annual event with the Department of Tourism as major sponsor.