Working to make the Philippines one of Australia ’ s favourite destinations
I HAD the opportunity to sit with Norjamin ‘ Norj ’ Delos Reyes , the Philippine tourism attaché for Australia and New Zealand , and I got the latest update on outcomes of 2017 , some great new areas to visit and activities that 2018 holds .
It was my first time to visit the Philippine Department of Tourism on Pitt Street , Sydney . I didn ’ t know what to expect . It was an unassuming office , but on entering we were greeted by Norj , and Sabrina the marketing coordinator for consumer travel .
They both had a warm welcoming disposition and were more than happy to share their successes and plans .
Australia and New Zealand have seen increased tourist numbers since 2016 and according to statistics Philippines is now in the top five destinations for Australian tourists with many heading to key focus areas of Manila and , of course , Boracay and Palawan .
I asked Norj where the best up-andcoming locations were and she said : “ Siargao , which is the Surf capital of the Philippines , beautiful blue waters , white sands and seven foot waves draw surfers from all over the world .”
Siargao is a 45-minute plane ride from Cebu . It was relatively unknown in the travel scene until it was featured by acclaimed surfing photographer John
TRAVEL DESK
By MYCHELLE CABACUNGAN
Callahan in the 1990s .
Norj also spoke of Poblacion in Makati . Not many people think of heading to Poblacion but its popularity is definitely growing ; with a great food and art culture it ’ s become a trendy place for tourists to visit .
Norj was excited to let us know they recently had a media family where social media influencers were invited to enjoy the night life and culture of the Philippines . Social media is such a powerful tool and a great way to bring a different audience to the Philippines .
So what ’ s coming up for 2018 ? Norj said : “ We have a lot of activities organised for both Australia and New Zealand . We will host roadshows ; suppliers will be highlighting what the Philippines has to offer .
“ Also we have a media family planned throughout the year . We will have them go to our focused destinations .
“ We are concentrating on niche locations such as golf , dive , surf , volunteerism where tourists include volunteer work in their itineraries , weddings and adventure .”
Norj and Sabrina are doing a fantastic job , and it was exciting to hear so many great initiatives for 2018 . •
Explore quirky Valentines ’ Day ideas
VALENTINES Day draws its history from both Christian and ancient Roman tradition , but today it ’ s all about romance , love and hallmark cards .
Whether you fit into the countdown to Valentine ’ s Day bucket or can ’ t wait till-theday-is-over-category , there ’ s something for everyone .
FERRIS WHEEL DINING
What could be more romantic than taking your loved one to the iconic Luna Park Sydney and partaking in a three-course meal with matching wines .
Not only will you partake in some delectable dishes such as twice-cooked lamb shoulder with merges sausage , heirloom carrot and caraway puree or pan-seared kingfish fillet with grilled langoustine , caramelised endive , Karbala vanilla and orange emulsion with Bottarga , but you will also have a private view of the Harbour Bridge , Opera House , Anzac Bridge , and the city .
Cost is $ 399 per carriage of two people . This includes wines for each course . For more information contact ( 02 ) 9033 7670 .
MAKER PLAY DATE
FOR those who have a creative flair or just like to do things a little out of the box , then make your way to Maker Play Date .
You can explore your romantic and creative side with their loved-themed crafty tasks .
Impress your partner with LED paper rose hearts or write a cash register poem .
Be surrounded by various makerspace stations and add some craft to your courtship .
There will be some live music by Queen Porter Stomp , a mix of jazz , folk and world music , this group packs a punch .
Admission is free and will be located at Haymarket Library 744 George St , Sydney •
SPORT : GOLF
Leones new chairman of Kalayaan Cup
Ric de Vera ( centre left ) congratulates Bob Leones ( centre right ) chairman of the Kalayaan Cup organising committee . Looking on , from left , are Obet Bolina , Carlos Perez , Alex del Prado , Vangie Leones , Nanding dela Cruz , Cris Bacucang , Nep Palomo and Ferdi Francisco .
THE Philippine Airlines Kalayaan Golf Cup has a new organising chairman : Bob Leones , of Castle Hill NSW .
Leones was elected in a meeting at Stopnecutters Ridge Golf clubhouse on Saturday , January 13 ,.
He replaces yours truly , who has served as chairman for the past 20 years .
“ We will rely on our past experience and start planning for the upcoming 23rd series of this event ,” Leones said after accepting the position .
Bob Leones is a graduate of De La Sale University in the Philippins , a semi-retired IT specialist and well known in the Filipino- Australian golfing circuit .
He has been a flight organiser , rules and handicapping officer , and awards presenter for Sydney Metro Social Golf Club , effectively assisting his wife Vangie .
Leones also acted as official handicapper during the past two series of the PAL Kalayaan Cup .
The PAL Kalayaan Cup is held annually to celebrate the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence . It has been played during the long weekend
EBONIA WINS THELMA GOLF CUP
PhilOz Golf Inc ’ s Tony Ebonia ( in picture ), of Leumeah , took out the overall winner ’ s trophy of the 2018 Thelma Castillo Memorial Golf Cup with an ‘ individual stableford ’ score of 48 points from a handicap 27 at Auburn Golf course on Sunday , January 28 , 2018 . Ed Tenorio was Division 1 winner with 45 points from a handicap 18 , Arnel Zaquire was Division 2 winner with42 points from a handicap24 , and Prescilla Keogh was Ladies winner with 39 from a handicap 4 . •
By RIC DE VERA
( Queens birthday ) in June for the past 22 years .
The Philippine Embassy in Canberra as well as the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney are the avid supporters .
Philippine Airlines , the national flag carrier of the Philippines is the major sponsor with naming rights .
Other major sponsors and supporters in the past were LBC Cargo , R . O . Biala Pty Ltd , AAES airconditioning specialist , Link Finance Group , and LJ Hooker Blacktown .
For the past 10 years , a part of the proceeds of the tournament was donated to the Missionaries of Charity in Tondo , Manila . This charitable institution is an extension of Mother Teresa of Calcutta that cares for the sick and abandon children .
The Kalayaan Cup started as the Philippine Independence Day Golf Cup in June 1996 and coordinated by Fil-Oz Social Golf Club under president Donald Lopez , with about 30 members participating . •
TONY EBONIA with the overall winner ’ s trophy . www . kalatas . com . au AK NewsMagazine , Vol 8 No 5 | FEBRUARY 2018 17