Contiki’s 12-day Costa Rica Experience

 

Making every moment count
Contiki Holidays is the legendary worldwide leader in holidays for 18 – 35 year olds. For over 52 years, we have been taking like-minded travelers around the world offering unforgettable experiences and memories in over 46 countries across five continents. The holidays’ duration range from quick breaks as short as three days to epic journeys as long as six weeks. We are committed to delivering outstanding value through our mix of original sightseeing, culture, adventure and fun with our diverse range of unique itineraries! From special accommodations (like our very own 16th century French Château), to amazing food, exclusive Backstage Pass access and the local know-how of our passionate team to take care of all the details, our travelers can get on with making every moment count.
Inspiring change
As a continuation of the Earth Month initiatives from last year in the Galapagos Islands, Contiki Holidays invited Mikael Daez, his videographer and brother Nicky Daez, and a selection of 11 other inspiring storytellers from around the world to travel to Costa Rica for our newest Contiki Cares partnership with The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC). 

From 29 March – 07 April 2014, the group teamed up on a VIP conservation trip, based on Contiki’s 12-day Costa Rica Unplugged itinerary, with Contiki’s sustainability partner Céline Cousteau – a documentary filmmaker,environmental activist and granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau.The Storytellers took to Torteuguero Beach for two nights to track leatherback turtles, protect their nests from poachers in the area and were lucky enough to witness the incredible nesting process of two leather back 
turtles.


They also experienced all that bio diverse Costa Rica has to offer in true Contiki fashion – zip lining through the rainforest, rafting through the rapids, taking a dip in the hot springs and touring the canals in hopes of spotting some of the beautiful wildlife native to the area.With the belief that storytelling has the powerful ability to inspire change, Contiki Holidays has released an inspiring short film of the Contiki Storytellers experience (www.contiki.com/storytellers).




To encourage viewers to share the video with their peers and raise awareness of the human dangers currently faced by sea turtles, Contiki Holidays has also pledged to sponsor a turtle as each 250,000 view benchmark is reached.


Looking forward
Contiki winter and 2015 The autumn, winter and spring seasons are all about choice as Contiki offers 4 diverse ways to explore the sheer awesomeness of Europe – see it all on a Multi-Country, discover the local charms on a Time-Out Regional, hit the slopes on the epic Ski & Snowboard Austria, and join the party on a number of Festival trips. And just because the options are endless doesn’t mean the costs start to rise – exploring Europe during the low season gives travellers a lot for just a little. With 7.5% off Contiki Europe Winter 2014-2015 trips booked and paid before 29 August, there’s never been a better time to plan ahead and look forward to experiencing the unexpected magic that Europe has to offer in Winter. For a traveller on a budget, it’s the best way to go!

Experience Germany in the Heart of Manila

Last February 22 & 23, 2014, are two (2) days of Exciting festivities called “Mabuhay Germany” has been showcased at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City to highlight the 60th year of friendship between the Philippines and Germany.
 

It’s a weekend of celebration that gives a Filipino a taste of Germany right in the heart of Metro Manila and one of the most likely of what one country  can be known is their staple foods and because they are well known for their German Sausages  with of course their best tasting breads t.
Geothe Institut Philippines will host a panel discussion titled “Learn German and Land a Job”. The Discussion will show how learning the German Language can give advantage to Filipino graduates in landing a job in German companies operating in the country. In the past five years, the number of German companies operating in the country has steadily increased.
There will also be dance competition that promotes German Culture in the Philippines.

During the night, guest will be treated to an all-night party with exciting music for the “Groovy Doovy German Night” featuring Authority Band and DJ Papi while enjoying overflowing authentic German Beer.
The second day of the celebration will be filled with equally exciting activities with the Executives Band serenading guests with German and Filipino songs. The German European School Manila Hip Hop dance in the afternoon.
To celebrate German and Philippine culture, GPPCI will hold a “Chamber Bingo”, a favorite Filipino numbers game to be followed by the 4th GPCCI Soccer Cup.
The two day event will hold an exciting “Kids Activities

Manila Hotel Revisited

Manila Hotel , considered of having the largest space of lobby in the Hotel Industry all over the world have maintained its glamour and distinct look that is classy and dynamic from generation to generation.

At Manila Hotel you will be welcomed by a group of  Ladies dressed like a Grand Dame of Europe  Every week they are changing their theme and costumes.

The styles of their small function rooms were so elegantly dressed with distinct taste and character.


Their Champagne Room that has once been a Resting place for the Elite has been Reestablished more specially with those corporate leaders \that are too stressed and full of challenges..


Ilang-Ilang Restaurants New Attire.


The Mac Arthur’s Suite which has been maintained and reconditioned.

And their finest Sunset View near the Poolside makes it more memorable and Historic. There is no hotel in the Philippines that could give you a glimpse of  history per century and with this no other hotel can match what Manila Hotel has, Its tradition and heritage which is rich in cultural and political distinctions as per leader of any generations.

For pictures on this event pls. click this link, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.573740706055621.1073742059.348405828589111&type=1

Singapore Airlines Showcases Next-Generation Cabins, Offers Exceptional Value Fares

 

Last  February  21, 2014, Makati City ,Singapore Airlines through their new line of Showcases on cabins ect , brings For the first time, Filipino travellers experienced first-hand the comfort and innovative design of Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Next Generation Cabins and package with it is their offered low cost price just for us to have a taste and a glimpse of experience available today  at the Singapore Airlines Showcase held today at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

In partnership with BPI Express Credit, Ayala Malls, Globe Telecom, British Council and Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines unveiled its new First, Business and Economy class cabin products at the exciting and unique showcase, which is open from February 21 to 23, 2014.

“We’ve always been committed to make air travel more comfortable and hassle-free, which is why we have been investing heavily in our aircraft, products and services. We’ve brought in the next generation seats for everyone to try before they fly. These new cabins are the result of more than two years’ worth of efforts and we are proud of the feedback that we are getting so far,” said Mr. Philip Goh, Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia.

Setting the new industry standard for premium air travel, Singapore Airlines has made significant innovations in its cabin designs in collaboration with world renowned design companies.

The New First Class has been designed together with BMW Group DesignWorks, and the new seats and beddings have been restyled with exquisite details that transform into a more exclusive experience. The New First Class boasts of a personal 24-inch LCD screens, longer and wider seats, padded headboards and an additional mattress layer. Lights on each side of the seat have three different intensities of lighting to suit different passengers’ needs at varying positions in both seat and bed modes.

The New Business Class seats are designed together with James Park Associates, which now sport a more contemporary design with a curvaceous shell, metallic colors, and luxurious soft furnishings. The New Business Class seats are still the widest in the sky, featuring greater recline with new seating positions and an all-in-one business panel. Similar to the New First Class, the New Business Class also has varying lighting options to suit every passenger’s mood.

The New Economy Class is more comfortable than ever with more knee and leg room, a unique and moveable headrest, plush seat cushions featuring bolstered sides for increased sitting comfort and in-seat power supply to charge and connect personal devices.

Completing the experience is SIA’s New KrisWorld In-Flight Entertainment System which offers passengers a truly pleasurable experience on-board. With the innovative features of Panasonic Avionics next-generation eX3 system, passengers across all seat classes can now enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows and games on a larger and high-definition LCD and touch-screen handsets. KrisWorld LCD screens increased from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class.

A Treat for Filipinos

The Singapore Airlines Showcase treads on the heels of an ongoing promotion which began last February 1. Under the Singapore Airlines Exceptional Value All-in Fares promotion, the airline is offering roundtrip economy class tickets to various destinations within its wide network, including fares that start from only USD 150 to Singapore and USD 888 to 12 cities in Europe among others.

“Singapore Airlines has been flying in the Philippines for 48 years now. Not so long ago, we started our Manila operations with three flights a week, and today, we are flying four times daily. This growth is a testament of the support that we have received from Filipino travellers and we are very thankful for this,” said Goh.

“The Exceptional Value promotion is our way of thanking travellers from the Philippines for their support as well as a means to encourage more and more Filipinos to travel by air. By giving them greater access to premium air travel, we want Filipinos to realize that, with Singapore Airlines, the journey would be as wonderful as the destination,” added Ranjan Jha, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager for the Philippines.

These exceptional, all-in value fare offers are available until February 28, and travel period is from now until October 31, 2014. For more details on the Singapore Airlines Showcase and all-in value fare offers, visit www.singaporeair.com.

For more pictures on the event pls. click this link, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.575182129244812.1073742062.348405828589111&type=3&uploaded=110

BOARDING PASS with Atty. Mike Templo

BOARDING PASS is a new Travel and Immigration program, that will be aired and showed weekly  in GMA 7 , and  will be having their launched starting this January 25 , 2014. This  will be going to be a weekly help to our people who wants to have a clearer understanding , most specially of legal ideas on how they can effectively migrate or work in the United States and other open country in the world.

Boarding Pass is hosted by immigration specialist and former ANC and News5 news anchor Atty. Mike Templo. He will be joined in by US-based lawyer, Atty. Rio Guerrero and Atty. Tsui Yee, who will give expert advise on whatever kind of Immigration , Labor and whatever cases a Filipino is facing  living or working in the US and other country as well.

With the help of agencies, government affiliates such as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)  and other  authorities involve in  Immigration and other related problems and most importantly laws that are ongoing and that will be implemented during their commended migration on any country , as Atty. Mike Templo explained.
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Boarding Pass is expected to provide trusted legal opinions and free legal counseling that will cover issues on visa requirements, immigration, litigation process, studying abroad, family petitions, deportation, employer petitions, and more.

The Hub Rizal Park, Opens “Bar and Cafe”

Last  January 18, 2014 , a launching of a 5 in 1 Hub one of the newest and leading travel by the sea by 2GO Travel. The Hub at Km Zero at the heart of Rizal Park (In Bulwagan ng Kagitingan), Manila.
Do you want to spend an afternoon sipping a locally roasted coffee brewed to perfection? Or try a regional Filipino cuisine twisted to another delicious and creative delight?
You want to try novel cocktails while people watching at the park?

This  5 in 1 place Lounge, Cafe, Bar, Restaurant and Ticketing Office is a project of 2GO Travel, the domestic shipping passenger business unit of 2GO Group Inc,.,the country’s  biggest total supply chains solution company according to Stephen R. Tagud, Vice President of 2GO Travel.
The Hub’s bar and cafe has a list of exciting food and drinks on its menu. From freshly brewed Batangas coffee to deep and complex-flavoured espresso blends, its cafe is being run by expert baristas trained by British Daniel Slakmon who worked in famous international cruise ships. Prior to Slakmon’s  work in Prinvess Cruises, he’s also employed in private members bars, clubs and restaurants.

Slacmon, who heas the Hotel Quality and Development Unit of 2GO Travel concocted the coffee selections and the cocktails . His expertise is very evident in the aromatic, smooth and full-bodied coffee comparable to the best in the country. He also prepared the bar menu with the hints of Philippine fresh fruits mixed to alcoholic and non alcoholic basses to become indulging cocktails.
While, American Hospitality Academy and College of St. Benilde-trained Chef JP Landingan made twist out of your favorite Filipino cuisine, Included in the restaurant menu list are regional dishes turned into genius plate ticklers. For example, Landingan carved the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal (skewered chicken’) and made a whole-day sandwhich meal. For desserts, the very popular magosteen has now become a mousse, perhaps a rare sweet sensation you can only find here at” THE HUB”.

So Indulge in both History and Dining pleasure at The HUB @ Km Zero’s Bar and Cafe.

MALASIMBO Festival Returns 2014

 

This coming February 27, 2014, Malasimbo Festival at the 4th time will be having another adventure that will comprise of Boat Parties, Sun, Sea, Island Hopping, Stars, Nature, Ancient Tribal Culture, Local Workshops, Jungle Trails and Waterfalls where you can ask nothing more but having a fun, and rest assured good time for this 5 days of Magical adventure at Mount Malasimbo ,

Puerto Galera, Philippines. Malasimbo Festival returns for 2014 for a spectacular fourth magical adventure outing from 27th February – 3rd March in the jaw-dropping setting of Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera nestled in the beautiful islands of the Philippines coast. Festivals don’t get anymore heavenly than this.

The dreamy location is worth the trip alone but that’s only the sun soaked tip of it, this year’s music line up is literally a musical luscious landscape of the best worldwide music talent on offer. With the festivals ethos deriving from its immediate grass roots, Malasimbo strongly prioritizes its stunning surrounding nature, environment, local music and arts culture and of course their infamous hedonistic good times vibe.

This year brings something for every taste, from emerging and new talent, legendary vocalists, jazz, funk, soul, dance fusion and crossover artists and not to mention sound system culture, which all fit in alongside the best local and indigenous talent, arts, boat parties, workshops and immersive local activities (see below).

With the likes of unmistakable vocal and instrumental talents such as indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist Jose Gonzalez, soul-jazz fusion pioneers Roy Ayers and Lonnie Liston Smith, pioneer of spiritual jazz and jazz funk genres, legendary UK vocalist and now M.B.E Omar and the exceptional 2013 Grammy award winners Robert Glasper Experiment. Bringing the big party road blocking beats is probably one of the most spiritual men in deep house US produce and solo artist Osunlade, the twisted musical mash up showman, Mad Professor, legendary disco and party good times ambassador, Greg Wilson, the finest party purveyors, Heavy Boogie who bring their own recipe for sunshine, moonlight, good times to the party.

Other artists announced so far also include Mark De Cliv–Lowe, Low Leaf, June Marieezy and Jordan Rakei who will be taking to the stage to bring yet more island party magic under the sun and stars.

In partnership with the Department of Environment & Natural Resources and department of tourism Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival works hard each year to protect and preserve the natural environment. Reforestation initiatives have been funded by festival proceeds in 2011, planted 1000 trees 2012, the festival supported the reforestation of mangroves in Puerto Galera.

For 2013, a tree planting initiative set for Earth Day (April 22) in order to preserve and proliferate Philippine hard woods like Narra and Mahogany as well as medicinal and therapeutic plants such as Guyabano, Malunggay, and Eucalyptus. Promoting nature, Filipino tribal culture and ethnic arts is the cornerstone of the festival ethos, with projects for the development of the local community such as reforestation efforts and the installation of solar energy for the Iraya Mangyan community's Health Unit in Baclayan, Mindoro already completed before the second edition.

Every year members of Philippine indigenous communities, namely the Iraya Mangyans and Hanunuo Mangyans as well as the T’Boli from South Cotabato, Mindanao, are invited to perform their local dances, to present their products and to hold workshops teaching weaving techniques or other local crafts at Malasimbo. As part of a committed effort to educate the public about Mindoro’s indigenous people and culture, the Foundation built a life-size Mangyan Village on the Malasimbo Festival Grounds that feature the lifestyle, handicrafts, language, and music of the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro.

MALASIMBO FESTIVAL LISTINGS INFORMATION:

WHAT: Malasimbo Arts & Music Festival 2014

WHERE : Mount Malasimbo- Puerto Galera Philippine

WHEN:  27th of February – 3rd of March 2014

PACKAGE PRICE : Full 3 day festival tickets are just Php 6,300.00

WEBSITE & TICKETS: www.malasimbofestival.com

GETTING THERE Full information on travel can be seen on http://malasimbofestival.com/transporation/

For more pictures on the event  pls click this link,