Link: http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/The Rice Terraces missed out on the vote for the New 7 Wonders of the World. Now we have a chance to include Tubbataha Reef and Chocolate Hills in the New 7 Wonders of Nature (brought to you by the same organization behind N7W). This would help tremendously in promoting tourism in the Philippines. To vote, click on the link below: Please pass this on to all Pinoys! http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/* cannot vote for same choice * also vote Mayon Volcano and Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River
Link: http://www.gov.ph/faqs/holidays.aspPartial Listing of Regular Holidays / Special Non-Working Holidays for 2008 Official List of Philippine Holidays for 2008 (based on Republic Act 9492 or “An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays”) (exact dates for holidays in 2008 as provided for in Proclamation No. 1463, “Declaring the Regular Holidays and Special (non-working) Days for the Year 2008″) A. Regular Holidays * Independence Day - June 9 (Monday), in lieu of June 12 * National Heroes Day - August 25 (Monday), last Monday of August * Bonifacio Day - December 1 (Monday), in lieu of November 30 * Christmas Day - December 25 (Thursday) * Rizal Day - December 30 (Tuesday), will not be moved B. Special (non-working) holidays * Ninoy Aquino Day - August 18 (Monday), in lieu of August 21 * All Saints’ Day - November 1 (Saturday) * Additional Special Non-Working Holiday - December 26 (Friday) * Additional Special Non-Working Holiday - December 29 (Monday) * Last Day of the Year (Special Holiday) - December 31(Wednesday) Note that December 24 is almost always made into a holiday (or at least a half-day working day) in most companies, December 25 is Christmas Day, December 26 is already proclaimed a special non-working day, December 27 and 28 are weekends, December 29 is again a special non-working day, December 30 is Rizal Day, December 31 is a special holiday, January 1 is New Year, and January 2 and 3 are weekends — which means the Christmas season is going to be a 12-day holiday for most people! No work, just play from December 24, 2008 until January 4, 2009. from: http://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/2008/01/16/philippine-holidays-2008/
Link: http://cedsaid.multiply.com/journal/item/72 Zambales: In the Company of Sun, Sand and Gilbey's Dark cloud formations were looming ahead as we cruised on the North Luzon Expressway. When it started to drizzle which then progressed into rain, I had a sinking feeling that we would get poor light for this trip. It’s already the end of February. It’s supposed to be summer already! This would be my third trip to San Antonio, Zambales where Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and Camera Island are home to. The first time was when we shot our AVP for GO! Travel Magazine. Being enchanted by the barren beauty and simplicity of Capones Island, I went there for a second time, that time bringing along my high school friends for an epic beach camping trip. This time, I was with a group of about 30 city dwellers, most of which have already met in a previous trip to Ilocos. Three vans. Thirty participants. Four Guides. Dozens of cameras. This is Photoholic 08: Zambales Beach Camp. Read more .... http://cedsaid.multiply.com/journal/item/72
Link: http://cushee.multiply.com/journal/item/187Day 1 6 AM. Assembly Time. McDo, Quezon Avenue. Item List: (Thanks to Leia for preparing the bulk of the list) 1. Flashlight 2. 3 liters of water (for camping) 3. Bonamin 4. Clothes 5. Sleeping bed 6. IPod and Speakers 7. Frisbee 8. Convertible bag-o-beach mat 9. Etc. Check. Check. Check. ETD Manila was 7 AM. Since I only had an hour sleep since the day before, I tried to get some winks in the van. There were 3 vans in all, about 10-11 people in one van. Read more... http://cushee.multiply.com/journal/item/187
Link: http://www.jandssurf.com/If you need anything at all for your surfing needs here in the Philippines, the J&S Surf Shop is sure to have them. This is the store for surfing enthusiasts out there. We carry all the newest and the best brands of surf equipment in this side of the equator! We also have skateboards, kiteboards, boogie boards, skimboards, apparel and more!
The J&S Surf Corp. is run by surfers and skaters, Spencer Ty, JP Cheung, Philip Santiago, Kix Enriquez, and Alfy Dumdum. Catch them from 12pm to 8pm; Mondays to Saturdays at 2285 Solidhouse Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave., formerly Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati, Philippines.
So before you hit that beach in Zambales, Siargao, La Union, Boracay or that private hideaway of yours, be sure to make a stop at J&S Surf Shop and maximize the fun factor when riding that wave.
Link: http://stokedinc.com.ph/TRAVEL FACTOR & POSERS (The Philippine Organization of Surfers) in cooperation with SANUK and STOKED Inc. present THE SURFVIVOR CHALLENGE @ THE BILLABONG SURF SCHOOL (La Union) by J.S. The combustible ingredients to a witch's brew of surf enchantment? Take two chartered tourist buses, 5 vans, 25 SUVs, 51 cars, 257 surfers and aspiring surfers… Vigorously mix it with an arsenal of surfboards enough to take over the Philippine coastline, balearic beats coupled with alternative rock, plus a sneaky pinch of Tom Jones… Seductively stir it up with 78 Sanuk sidewalk surfer sandals, 97 Billabong boardshorts, Seven Thousand One Hundred and One shots of Antonov Vodka, 6 lost bikini tops, 23 lapdances… and shake it up with a pumping swell at the Bacnotan surf break in La Union… and Voila! Take a delectable bite of the supercool surf lifestyle concoction as SANUK with TRAVEL FACTOR & POSERS (The Philippine Organization of Surfers) presented The SURFVIVOR Challenge @ The BILLABONG Surf School (La Union)! Ripped surfers in the latest boardshorts, tanned bikini-clad babes, beach party music soaring through the sea air, and a colourful quiver of surfboards appeared like a supernova starburst along the La Union coastline for a weekend of wave-riding fun put together by SANUK and Travel Factor. Hundreds of surfers and wannabes descended on the beach town of San Juan to try out surfing, win heaps of surf-related items, and just have an obscenely great time away from the city. "It’s the first time we directly took part in a surf event of this caliber," reveals Vangie Chua, marketing director for Sanuk. "After all, our surf-lifestyle inspired sandals are worn by the most exciting international surf figures including surfer-celebrity Shane Dorian and surfer-musician Donovan Frankenreiter. Sanuk’s are fun, cool, and utterly comfortable. We’re definitely inspired to be right here in the thick of the surf action." The weekend’s event was bigger than everyone expected. Even the sponsors and organizers were surprised at the record turnout. " The SurfVivor Challenge has turned out to be an exciting travel experience that runs in perfect correlation to the aspirational and healthy lifestyle our product embodies. We’ve gone beyond expectations. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Sanuk make its entry into the surf and beach scene together with POSERS and Travel Factor," Vangie proclaims. "SurfVivor has been a remarkable adventure, and Sanuk will play a major role in the adventure tour scene. We’re driven to positively impact on the Philippine surf theater in many years to come." Equally excited was the biggest surf company in the world, Billabong, as it firmed up its commitment on the back of the local surf scene’s eruption. "Billabong recently took the helm of the Siargao international surf competition proving our sheer resolve in promoting Philippine surfing," states JV Borromeo, Stoked Inc.’s young CEO and exclusive distributor of Billabong. "Surf events crafted by proficient collaborations such as surf organization POSERS with Travel Factor will catapult that giant leap in growth for surfing all over the Philippine islands. Working with them on their chosen projects is something in which Stoked Inc will significantly participate. We are happy to see everyone so stoked and joyful over this wonderful sport and lifestyle. We’re even happier on how well it’s helped out the local communities. It’s a positive thing all told. Stoked Inc. and Billabong will charge with unparalleled commitment onto the Philippine surf scene starting now," assures JV. Surf lessons, courtesy of The BILLABONG Surf School, with head instructor and Stoked Inc. chief team rider Luke Landrigan, were given to a contingent of aspiring surfers who wanted to try the magic of wave-riding at sunrise. Surfers from Manila, Germany, even Denmark, took to the sea and got hooked on the surf feeling by midday. The professional staff of Billabong Surf School instructors ensured that everyone had a terrific and safe time in the ocean; battered enough to realize the energy of surfing, yet stoked enough to enjoy the beach party at night. "There’s nothing more exhilarating for us then witnessing the unabashed glee, bliss, and 1000-kilowatt silly smiles lighting up our students faces when they taste that first ride of the surf," chuckles Luke Landrigan. "It’s heartwarming to know the experience is as rewarding for them as it is for us here at the BillabongSurf School." The afternoon gave way to the exciting surf competition for beginners with 19-year old Ateneo college student Isabel "Chabeli" Bengzon emerging victorious in a surf battle that stretched all the way till sunset. Thereafter, the novices with water marshals on hand to assist in pushing the boards had their own final by way of the tandem division: a surf student on board pushed by her instructor. Once again, the ladies took the grand prize with Glenn Abad winning the final. And what a moving sight it was in the idyllic Bacnotan surf break that sunset: a long line of surfers along the shore cheering on all the competitors. The stuff of surf reverie. The evening festivities kicked-off with nothing less than a massive lechon buffet prior to the awarding ceremonies. Antonov Vodka with the J&S Surf Shop surprised the surf travellers by raffling of a brand new surfboard. Stoked Inc., Sanuk, and Aloha Boardsports provided ALL the prizes for the participants. The party and the music rocked the South China Sea from the evening till dawn. The competition and surf tour weekend was a resounding success in large part because of Travel Factor and The POSERS surf organization working in close tandem. The partnership has become one of the most dynamic groups in the fast-growing Philippine surf scene today. Operating efficiently out of a multiply.com site, Travel Factor is currently the biggest and best adventure tour company in the country. "We've brought over a thousand students to the Billabong Surf School in La Union in just one surf season. We're greatly impressed with the professionalism of the surf school's instructors. Most significantly, our client base always say they had a superb and unforgettable time. They're the ones that really matter to us, the ones we need to please, and our feedback from them is nothing less than a heapful of glowing accolades for Luke Landrigan and his charming instructors at The Billabong Surf School," exclaimed Travel Factor President Leia Nagal. "We brought two chartered buses and over 100 surf students to La Union this weekend alone. We've seen our client growth rise exponentially as surfing has exploded on a global and local level. We expect to introduce thousands of students to surfing at The Billabong Surf School in La Union and other surf destinations in 2008," Leia adds. Travel Factor is presently looking into other surf spots in the Philippines and beyond. "We are constantly searching for numerous interesting and beautiful surf locales in the country that our clientele will enjoy," says Travel Factor Founder Tikoy Tan. "Currently, we're developing packages for surf tours in Baler and Siargao, plus we're definitely creating one for the paradise isle of Bali within the year." Travel Factor's creativity and intrinsic naughtiness doesn't stop there. "We've also got a 'singles-only' tour currently in development! Only single guys and girls allowed on this one. Travel Factor will put together 50 to 100 singles on a surf tour or adventure weekend. What a great way to meet new people, perhaps even find a special someone," laughs Tikoy. "As with any Travel Factor tour package, we keep our rates affordable. Why? Because our surf tours are always priced with value-for-money in mind. We want it accessible for everyone. Our surf travels are definitely downright fun, awesome, and truly memorable. They're fantastic experiences you'd want to join again and again." The POSERS (The Philippine Organization of Surfers) functions as the chosen umbrella organization for Travel Factor’s surf travelers. "With our founders and board of directors comprised of Leia Nagal & Tikoy Tan of Travel Factor as well as Spencer Ty of the J&S Surf Shop, the POSERS organization have developed a systematic effort in which we can make our membership base grow on an extremely rapid scale. We expect this to result in the best consumer deals and the finest surf experience for our members. Through this organization, we intend to work with the friends we’ve made in the local surf communities and bring in the lucrative business for them and to them. We believe this will jumpstart the local economy, result in more jobs and commerce, and hopefully, improve their lives very much," says Joncy Sumulong, executive director for the POSERS surf organization. "Sharing the surf with them has been completely gratifying. We’d like to do our modest part in giving back." The swift ascent of the surfing population is nothing short of impressive. "Presently, we have about 250 members and we expect to grow that membership to 5 thousand within this year alone," says POSERS President Paul Diaz. "The POSERS together with Travel Factor will be bringing them to La Union, Baler, Siargao, and perhaps Bali just to spice things up. With the surf scene growth accelerating at breakneck speed, we'll be bringing our membership to different surf spots that will open their eyes to a unique and amazing experience. This awareness will translate into a lot of business and commerce for the surf communities we visit. We're doing our part for Philippine tourism and bringing business to small local communities in a very fulfilling and fun way. In my belief, the local surfers are definitely the coolest people in the entire archipelago." Spencer Ty, CEO of The J&S Surf Shop and founder of The POSERS reveals there's a lot more in store for POSERS members and Travel Factor clients. "Through Travel Factor and POSERS, we are efficiently and with purpose creating a massive database of potential surfers and recreational surfers. We encourage all the companies to tap into this immense consumer group. Surfers love to shop after all," says Spencer. "Going forward, we're tying up with formidable corporations and surf companies to organize more tours and events. A direct corollary of this will be discount cards for our members, cheaper ways to purchase equipment by buying in bulk, bigger events in which our members can participate in and win lots of cool surf gear, and above all, generate business opportunities for local surf communities with whom we are honored to work closely. We'll be joining a big environmental group that will be launched by a competent group of high-ranking professionals very soon. The POSERS and Travel Factor feel these are the magical components to having a very good surfie time."
Link: http://philippinephotography.blogspot.com/Philippine Photography Scene
Catch the latest news, events and other happenings in Philippine Photography and Southeast Asia! Exhibitions, Competitions, Workshops, Photo Contests, and other events.
Link: http://shutter.box.com.ph/Shutter Box PHilippines :: Digital Photography and A Whole Lot More is an online repository of photography related news and events mostly in the Philippines.
Link: http://profiles.friendster.com/travelfactorTravel Factor's Friendster Site
We're only adding those who already joined at least 1 Travel Factor trip. If we haven't added you yet, kindly remind us by sending an email to travel.factor@gmail.com with the ff info,
Subject: Friendster Request
Message: Hi! this is ____, I joined your ____ trip. My friendster id is ____.
Link: http://www.bworldonline.com/entreprenews/main.php?id=122607.7BY IKKA C. DE GUZMAN Gear up and go Cyberspace might have brought them together, but it was the wild outdoors that made them a team. Michelle Tan, Leia Nagal, Ayeen Cruz, Reg Mamaril and Jasper Santos all lead double-lives as information technology professionals by day, and adventure daredevils by night. All are in their 20s, all have a degree in computer science, and all have a stake in the popular sports and adventure outfitter, Travel Factor. "Leia, Mareen and I started out as online buddies, sharing local travel tips in different blogs and fora, back in 2005," says Michelle Tan. Hours of endless chatting and web posting ended in an e-group, which led to a more active exchange of travel ideas, and finally, by the summer of 2006, an outing in Coron. "Our common problem was, we all wanted to travel but we found it difficult to organize a trip among our own friends," he adds. On their first trip together, the group hit it off right away and towards the end of the year, simply because of their shared love for traveling, Travel Factor was born. The company, introduced to the public through the "Surfvivor" series — regular weekend surfing trips to La Union — has since then organized white-water rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, climbing/trekking, and even photography tours to off-track destinations in Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, El Nido, Ilocos, Mindoro Occidental. "More than a regular business, Travel Factor has allowed us to meet fellow independent travelers, who started out as our clients," says Ms. Nagal. For their start-up capital, each member contributed around P20,000 which took care of the business registration process and the company’s supplies and materials. Since we all have day jobs, we do all the planning and the meetings online, save for a formal quarterly meeting that we schedule and attend, adds Ms. Nagal. The company operates mainly through its Multiply site, thetravelfactor.org, and coordinates with clients mainly through phone calls, online messenger and e-mail. "We usually meet them for the first time in our designated meeting place somewhere in Manila, where we fetch them on the way to our destination." The trip package is normally inclusive of transportation, accommodation and guide/instructor fees. "We hire vans and even buses and boats for transportation, but for trips involving air travel, normally through the budget airline Cebu Pacific, we give our clients the itinerary and they purchase their plane tickets themselves." Contacts with reputable resorts, adventure sports instructors, tour guides and van/boat operators had been critical in the company’s first year. "Before we organize a trip to a particular trip, one of us has to go there and check it out first, so everything in our itinerary is from first-hand experience," Ms. Nagal says. Typically, at least two members of the company are present in each trip, but for clients with their own agenda in mind, Travel Factor also arranges tailor-made trips for small groups of travelers. "Unlike typical travel agencies, where you’re basically on your own after they book you, we make sure we’re there for them until the end of the trip. This is done through constant monitoring, from taking off at the beginning to touching down at the end. We call them constantly, we tell them who to talk to, what to expect, and if something goes wrong in the middle of the trip, we can modify their itinerary for them." Suggestions from clients, from hotels and restaurants to new activities, allow the team to continuously modify and expand their itineraries. As for their cheap and friendly prices, "we compute and re-compute until we come up with the most reasonable budget: We study the costing and continuously search for cheaper but high quality alternatives," Ms. Nagal says. http://www.bworldonline.com/entreprenews/main.php?id=122607.7
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