Experience Philippines

At the start of 2008, I mentioned that this year will be a year of many travels. Despite my hectic work schedule, I made it a point to go out of Manila at least once a month. This, I later found out, greatly contributed to keeping me sane for a longer period of time. I'm also lucky to have friends who share the same passion for travelling as I do. It has been a year of many firsts.

It began in Pampanga, which is a place very familiar for Paul and I, then we moved further up to tour around the Ilocos region and marveled at the beauty of Pagudpud and the Kabigan Falls. Working for the Green Siren has also allowed me to travel around the country.

Visiting the different provinces made me realized that there's so much to see in the Philippines. Next year, I hope to be able to see more of the Visayas and hopefully some parts of Mindanao. It's my personal goal to be able to travel around the country before I begin exploring the countries abroad.

Last week, I got a message from a friend who works for YeHeY.COM inviting me an exclusive dinner / meet and greet session with DOT Secretary Ace Durano and Christine Gambito a.k.a. Happy Slip!

It was a short but fun evening as they shared with us their big plans for 2009. It's definitely flattering to hear Sec Durano say how much he believes in the power of online media and of us, bloggers.

Beginning February next year, the Department of Tourism in partnership with MTV and Happy Slip will be coming up with videos and events to promote Philippine Tourism primarily to Filipinos who grew up abroad and has never been to the Philippines ever since. All these will culminate by November with the biggest concert involving the hottest bands and performers here and abroad called Rockapelago.

Stay posted for more news about DOT-MTV's biggest travel project for 2009!