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Canada grants $7.1 million to boost PH tourism industry competitiveness »

from InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to receive a $7.1-million technical assistance grant from Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to help boost the competitiveness of the tourism industry.

The funds will administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the ADB-CIDA Technical Assistance on Improving Competitiveness in Tourism was signed last week in a ceremony held at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

Among the projects proposed under the grant are skills training programs for the private sector, local government units, civil society, and DOT agencies. Also included is the pilot implementation of the new system of accreditation and the development of standards for service quality. The technical assistance will be piloted in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Davao.

The ADB-CIDA program is envisioned to create more employment opportunities and advancement for the local workforce, as well as provide local government units with better capacity to improve their regulations in attracting more investments and tourism activities.

The technical assistance comes on the heels of the World Economic Forum recognizing the Philippines as the “most improved country” in its 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. The Philippines is up 12 spots from 94th in 2011 to 82nd in 2012 out of 139 countries. The index measures the factors and policies that contribute to the attractiveness to develop the travel and tourism sector in different countries. read more here….

 

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Philippines tourism slogan promoted at Global Village-Dubai »

Dubai: With folk dances and traditional performances, the tourism arm of the Philippines government began to promote the country at Global Village on Friday.
The aim was to market the tourism slogan — It’s more fun in the Philippines.
The international slogan was rolled out in international markets by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2012, the year that the country attracted more than 4,272,811 million tourists.
Speaking to Gulf News, Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin said, “We are hoping to exceed the number of tourists in 2013.”
Global Village, a premier outdoor cultural, shopping and entertainment venue in the UAE, is visited by more than five million people annually.
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism – Middle East Office, in cooperation with the Filipino community in Dubai and the northern emirates, hopes that the cultural event at Global Village will entice international tourists to visit the Philippines.

Targeted at non-Filipino expatriates, the series of performances at the World Cultural Stage highlight the tourism slogan and campaign and promote the Philippines as a top tourist destination, Suliguin said.

The performances, which involve 65 Filipino organisations and 15 performing groups, will end on March 1.
“These provide a window into the cultural history of the Philippines. We want to drum up awareness about our cultural history,” he said.
Some places like Manila, Bohol, Cebu and Davao are already popular tourist spots, he added.
The performances included Philippine folk dances, Pandanggo Sa Ilaw (dance with lights) and Cariñosa (courtship dance).

Source Gulfnews.com

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All Filipinos must share this to the world! Let the world know »

All Filipinos must share this to the world! Let the world know… Please watch the video and Share…

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60 Filipinos grounded with Dh2,800 ticket deal »

Dubai: The lure of cheap tickets left over 60 Filipino expatriates to rue their luck after they learned that a countrywoman who had sold them the deal had taken flight from the country.
The duped residents have all confirmed that the woman, identified as C.R.H, had offered them tickets for December flights to the Philippines for Dh2,800. They said C.R.H. fled the country last month without issuing any valid tickets, pocketing Dh190,400.
Speaking to Gulf News, Raynan, 35, one of the duped residents said he wouldn’t have taken the bait had it not been for a family medical emergency back home. “We weren’t planning on going home this Christmas but due to a family emergency, we had to. I bought the tickets for myself, my wife, and six-month-old child for Dh6,000.”
Raynan handed the money to C.R.H, who introduced herself as a teacher, at Reef Mall.

 

Source  GulfNews.com … Read the Full Story Here…

 

 

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UAE visa amnesty 2012 »

Thousands of illegal residents are expected to take advantage of the visa amnesty [in the UAE] for 60-days which begins on Tuesday December 04, 2012.

Violators of the country’s residency law can visit a centre in each Emirate to start the departure process — which will see them leave the country with no ban or overstaying fines to pay.

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) officials confirmed illegal residents will be granted exit permits to leave the country — with all fines waived — upon visiting one of the 10 centres across the country.
Those applying for amnesty will have fingerprints and iris scans taken to ensure there are no pending criminal cases against them.

“The amnesty will start today and will last for 60 days, giving time for all illegal residents and visitors to leave the country without penalties,” officials said.

Source GulfNews.com

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Kabayan Serbisyo Fair 2012 – The Filipino Channel’s way of saying ‘Thanks!’ »


Dubai, UAE – After the successful run of the Rakrakan series and Showtime Live in Dubai in the recent years, The Filipino Channel is hosting yet another memorable and ingenious way to thank the thousands of ‘kapamilya’ for their continued support for the year that was. On November 9 (Friday), ABS-CBN Middle East in partnership with the Filipino organizations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be offering the TFC Kabayan Serbisyo Fair 2012.

 


The community-centred activities and seminars will be held from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm at the du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Holding true to the annual year-end thanksgiving tradition of The Filipino Channel – this time along with its banner news program – the event will see various seminars on job hunting, financial management and entrepreneurship tips to name a few.

The Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, HE Grace Prinsesa will jumpstart the day with her keynote address on ‘Pinoy Wise’ – tackling investment opportunities for the Filipinos abroad. It will be followed by Bayanihan Abu Dhabi’s Financial Management lecture. The Philippine Business Council of the UAE will be delving on Negosyo Literacy, whilst FilHR-UAE (an organization for HR professionals) will share their knowledge on UAE labor laws, job-hunting and interview etiquette. The FilCom Dubai and the Northern Emirates is also in full support, with member organizations holding seminars on photography, cosmetology, paralegal, self-defense and computer literacy. Admission is free and a complimentary shuttle to and from the venue will be provided at key areas.
In the latter part of the afternoon, ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs’ Senior Vice President Ging Reyes, TV Patrol (ABS-CBN primetime news program) anchor and radio commentator Ted Failon and Europe & Middle East News Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe will be presiding the launch of the most successful citizen journalism campaign in the country, the Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo, in the Middle East. A citizen journalism workshop will be held for the BMPM registrants promptly after.
Come and join us in our annual reunion, Kapamilya!

About November 9’s evening entertainment
The evening of November 9 will see four powerful performers Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Jovit Baldovino and Marcelito Pomoy live onstage of the du Forum, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Regular ticket prices are selling at AED 150 for VIP Seats, AED 100 for Patron Seats and AED 60 for General Admission (Standing). For The Filipino Channel subscribers, TFC Kapamilya Discount may be availed for AED 125, AED 75 and AED 35, respectively. Tickets are now available at various outlets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain. It can also be purchased at Virgin Megastores and online via www.boxofficeme.com. For further inquiries and reservation, call the TFC UAE Toll-Free Hotline at 800-832.

 

With the venue located only 45-minutes from Dubai, a complimentary transportation will be also provided for the concert goers with pick up and drop off points at key locations. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free entrance for children aged 4 to 7 years (with no reserved seat). And those 3 years old and below will not be admitted. There will be tasty snacks and cooling refreshments inside the venue; outside food and beverages are not allowed.

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Prominent Philippine TV news personalities to kick off citizen journalism campaign on November 9 »

Dubai, UAE – In celebration of TV Patrol’s 25th anniversary and Balitang Middle East’s (Middle East News) decade of public service, TFC brings three big names in the Philippine news industry to kick-off the most successful citizen journalism campaign in the country, the Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo, to the Middle East.

No less than ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs’ Senior Vice President Ging Reyes, TV Patrol (ABS-CBN primetime news program) anchor and radio commentator Ted Failon and Europe & Middle East News Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe will be presiding the workshop for attendees to become a bona fide BayanPatroller (or citizen patroller).

In the Philippines, ABS-CBN pioneered citizen journalism through the same campaign during the 2000s. Now, The Filipino Channel extends the reach of this pioneering initiative to the Middle East via the launch ofBayan Mo iPatrol Mo in Abu Dhabi.

Citizen journalism has changed the game in the public affairs industry as even a mere camera phone can capture news-worthy circumstances caught by private individuals. The Philippines, known for its technology-savvy folks, have used this medium in the recent years to monitor and maintain the integrity of the nation’s elections. Today, the gamut of news being submitted by these “Bayan Patrollers” would range from crimes and accidents, incredible situations and good deeds – all in real-time.

Come November, students, professionals and every member of the Filipino community in the UAE will now have the opportunity to become a citizen journalist – participating in nation building even when away from home. To register and attend the workshop, simply head to the du Forum, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on November 9.

 

This distinctive session is the highlight of the multitude of public service endeavours of the day collectively known as the TFC Kabayan Serbisyo Fair 2012. Community-centred activities and seminars will be held from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Holding true to the annual year-end thanksgiving tradition of The Filipino Channel – this time along with its banner news program – the event will see various seminars on job hunting, financial management and entrepreneurship tips to name a few.

 

Admission is free and a complimentary shuttle to and from the venue will be provided at key areas.

 

About November 9’s evening entertainment

The evening of November 9 will see four powerful performers Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Jovit Baldovino and Marcelito Pomoy live onstage of the du Forum, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Regular ticket prices are selling at AED 150 for VIP Seats, AED 100 for Patron Seats and AED 60 for General Admission (Standing). For The Filipino Channel subscribers, TFC Kapamilya Discount may be availed for AED 125, AED 75 and AED 35, respectively. Tickets are now available at various outlets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain. It can also be purchased online via www.boxofficeme.com. For further inquiries and reservation, call the TFC UAE Toll-Free Hotline at 800-832.

With the venue located only 45-minutes from Dubai, a complimentary transportation will be also provided for the concert goers with pick up and drop off points at key locations. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free entrance for children aged 4 to 7 years (with no reserved seat). And those 3 years old and below will not be admitted. There will be tasty snacks and cooling refreshments inside the venue; outside food and beverages are not allowed.

 

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