EU lifts ban on other PH airlines aside from PAL and Cebu Pacific

In an unprecedented move, the European Union (EU) lifted on Thursday its ban on Philippine commercial flights and allowed all of the country’s air carriers to fly over Europe’s skies.

Assured of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) oversight capability and the Philippine airline companies’ compliance with international air safety regulations, the EU removed all of the country’s carriers from the European Air Safety List.

In a press conference on Thursday organized by the CAAP and the EU, charge d’affaires Lubomir Frebort announced, “All airlines certified in the Philippines have been removed today from the European Air Safety List and are therefore allowed to operate in the European airspace.”

Frebort pointed out that it was the first time for the entire aviation sector of one country to be removed from the air safety list or the list of banned airlines in Europe.

The lifting of the ban will allow Air Asia Inc., Air Asia Zest, Air Philippines Corp., Island Aviation Inc., Magnum Air or Skyjet Inc., Southeast Asian Airlines International Inc., and Tiger Airways to have direct flights to European destinations.

Previously the EU only allowed flag carrier Philippine Airlines and budget airline firm Cebu Pacific in European skies.

The decision of the EU resulted from the positive review of a safety assessment team from the European states which conducted in April an evaluation of the aviation safety measures in the operations of the country’s airlines as well as the oversight function of the Caap.

It was further boosted by an invitation to the CAAP and airline representatives by the EU air safety committee in Brussels early this month. During the hearing, the aviation regulating body and the airline companies presented evidence on their ability to comply with international air safety regulations.

According to Frebort, “The air safety committee, which includes representatives of all 28 EU member-states, made a unanimous positive recommendation on the basis of the evidence it heard. The recommendation was endorsed by the full college of European commissioners that met earlier today (Thursday) in Europe.”

In a later interview Frebort told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the EU committee decided to lift the ban on Philippine air carriers due to the change in the CAAP management, which proved to be a positive development for the regulating body and the country’s aviation industry.

Based on the safety audit of EU assessors, he said, the CAAP has become “well-positioned” to ensure international air safety standards would be met by Philippine airline firms.

CAAP director general William Hotchkiss III said that the development was favorable, not only to airline companies and the aviation industry, but was “Good news for all of the Philippines.”

He pointed out that it was a certification of the CAAP’s capability to act as the country’s aviation regulator.

The challenge for all members of the aviation industry, Hotchkiss said, would be to sustain this capacity to meet international aviation standards.

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Posted in: Europe travel , Immigration News , philippine travel news , travel news

Seair, Skyjet Airlines operator certificates suspended by CAAP

MANILA, PHILIPPINES- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday ordered the suspension of the Air Operator Certificates (AOC) of low-cost carrier SEAIR International Inc. and leisure airline MAGNUM AIR (Skyjet) Inc. effective May 18 for various safety "observations" based on a report by the European Union Assessment Team relative to their recent inspection visit held last month.

AOC is the approval granted by CAAP to aircraft operators allow them to use their aircraft for commercial purposes.

In a letter address to Mr. Avelino Zapanta of SEAIR and Capt. Teodoro Fojas of Magnum Air, CAAP informed the two airline officers of the suspension order due to various safety shortcomings that apparently did not meet prescribed rules and standards under the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR).

The letter was signed Friday, May 15, 2015 by CAAP Director-General William K. Hotchkiss lll, who said that the results of the assessment visit and investigation requires that the issue be given immediate corrective actions.

CAAP said that the suspension order took effect Monday, and will remain in effect until CAAP is assured that the necessary corrective actions and compliance with aviation safety standards have been undertaken by the respective airline operators.

Seair mounts flights to and from Manila to Basco in Batanes, several flights daily from Manila to Caticlan and Manila to Tablas Island in Romblon, while Magnum Air (Skyjet) operates to and from Manila to Basco, and Manila to Busuanga in Palawan.

Source: Interaksyon

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Posted in: philippine travel news , travel news

Philippines targets more 'high-spending' tourists

Tourist arrivals in the Philippines may be among the lowest in Southeast Asia, but a ranking official doesn’t mind, as long as the country attracts “high-value” visitors.

“Our numbers may seem low compared to Malaysia, for example, but we must take intra-ASEAN visitors into account,” Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio said Thursday.

In 2012, the Philippines attracted 4.3 million tourists, lower than Malaysia (25 million), Thailand (22.4 million), and Singapore (14.5 million), ASEAN data showed.

But unlike its neighbors whose visitors were mostly from within the region, about 80 percent of tourists in the Philippines were from other high-income countries.

“We are targeting high-value tourists, who tend to stay longer and spend more,” Enerio said at the sidelines of the Philippine Tourism Exchange at the SM Mall of Asia.

Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito Bengzon, Jr. agreed, noting that in 2013, tourists spent some $4.5 billion in the Philippines.

“This meant that every foreigner spent around $1,000 in the country, excluding air fare. We want to increase that to around $1,500 per visitor,” Bengzon said.

He added that the government aims to boost tourist expenditure by offering more attractions and enhancing tourism offers such as travel packages.

Both Enerio and Bengzon nonetheless admitted that the boost in tourism spending should still be accompanied by an increase in the number of tourists visiting the country.

The government is targeting 6.8 million visitors this year, up from 4.7 million in 2013. President Benigno Aquino III is pushing for 10 million arrivals by 2016.

The Tourism officials also recognize the urgent need to address hurdles in the tourism industry, particularly the longstanding problem on infrastructure.

Philippine infrastructure, specifically in terms of airports and seaports, was among the areas the World Economic Forum tagged in its latest Global Competitiveness Report.

But Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos, who is also House Tourism Committee chairman, is optimistic that Aquino’s “ambitious” tourism goal by the end of his term is achievable.

“The Philippines has emerged not only as an alternative destination but a necessary part of international travelers’ itinerary,” he said in his speech during the MOA event.

The congressman cited as proof how PHITEX attracted more than 200 foreign delegates this year, up from the 170 in 2013. This is the 13th PHITEX so far.

PHITEX is organized by the government and private sector to encourage tourism buyers—tour operators and other industry players—to promote Philippine destinations.

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Posted in: philippine travel news

POEA Raps 3 Recruitment Agencies Over Double-Visa Racket

Three recruitment agencies now face charges from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), after some overseas Filipino workers they deployed were caught with two different visas each.

POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac also advised OFWs against engaging in such a practice, so they would not encounter problems at the airport and at the worksite.

In a post on his social media account, Cacdac said the POEA has initiated separate complaints of misrepresentation against:

• Hiro Global Manpower Inc.
• CAZ International Inc.
• Al-Walih International Manpower Services Company

He said "greedy" recruiters favor the double-visa scheme to "bypass protective mechanisms" by the government, thus making OFWs open to abuse and exploitation.

"Most of the household service workers who took shelter at the Migrant Workers and Filipino Resource Center in Dubai were deployed using two visas," Cacdac noted.

Cacdac said the Bureau of Immigration barred the respective recruits of these companies from leaving the country for possession of two different visas.

He cited reports from the BI indicating each of the three recruits of Al-Walih International were found to have "two employment visas for United Arab Emirates bearing two different occupations."

"The workers allegedly admitted that they knew their actual work was household service work, and not what was stated in the documents processed by the POEA," Cacdac said.

Also, another OFW was found having visas for UAE and Jordan, Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, six female workers deployed by CAZ International were stopped at the airport by the Bureau of Immigration for having separate UAE visas for salespersons and domestic workers.

The POEA said the Bureau of Immigration intercepted a “manicurist” bound for Dubai, an OFW recruited by Hiro Global Manpower. The manicurist was found having a visa of a household service worker.

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Posted in: philippine immigration , philippine travel , philippine travel news

Palawan is Top Island in the World

With its world-renowned underground river, the island of Palawan in the Philippines emerged as the top island destination in a poll by an award-winning US travel magazine.

Beating 147 other islands throughout the world, Palawan was voted as “Top Island in the World” in the 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

The magazine announced the results on its website Monday October 20 (US Time) after over 76,600 readers cast their votes.

Palawan was given a rating of 88.750 by the readers owing mostly because of the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.

“Palawan’s natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction,” the magazine said.

Boracay Island in Aklan province was also included in the ranking at number 12 and given a rating of 82.683.

“This itty-bitty island (10 square miles) in the Philippines is as close to the tropical idyll ideal as you’ll find in the Philippines, with gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets. Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” the magazine said.

“The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling,” it said.

Palawan was able to beat other world-famous islands such as Bora Bora in French Polynesia (25th), Maldives (19th), Bali in Indonesia (17th), Bermuda (14th), Santorini and Cyclades in Greece (7th), and Maui in Hawaii (3rd).

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey started in 1988. The 2014 survey got 76,659 responses

“Individual candidates are judged on a set of criteria relevant to their category, based on a standard five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor,” Conde Nast explained in how they are ranked.

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Posted in: Palawan , philippine travel , philippine travel news

DOLE to Provide Jobs for Pinoy DHs in Hong Kong

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will open up more jobs to allow Filipinos working abroad to go home and practice their profession.

Based on the records of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), 160,000 Filipino domestic workers left the country to work abroad in 2013.

The most popular destination for domestic workers are Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In an interview on radio DZMM, DOLE director Nicon Fameronag said the move is part of the government's goal to prevent professionals like teachers and others from leaving the country to work as domestic helpers.

"Kukuha sila ng exam at ang tangi lamang kondisyon ng DepEd is that kung tatlo o hanggang limang taon silang hindi na nakakapagturo, magte-take lang sila ng refresher course," Fameronag said.

The director added that the Department of Education (DepEd) will prioritize teachers who are working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong for the 39,000 teaching positions that will be available next year because of the K-12 program.

Fameronag also said the POEA and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have already identified jobs available for Filipino domestic helpers.

"Ilalatag 'yung mga training options sa ating mga domestic workers at doon pipili sila," added POEA administrator Hans Cacdac.

The DOLE and POEA will first implement this "career pathing" program for workers in Hong Kong, which will also be implemented for workers in UAE.

Jobs will also be available for other professionals.

"Pupunta ang TESDA, ipo-profile ang mga household service worker kung ano 'yung kanilang educational attainment, skills," Fameronag explained.

Despite the difference in the amount of salary that will be given for workers who will be willing to go back to the country, Fameronag believes these workers will choose to go back for their families.

"Sumusweldo ka ng P30,000 sa abroad tapos ang sweldo mo dito sa Pilipinas ay P15,000. I-assign mo 'yung P15,000 na balanse sa pagiging kapiling ng iyong anak, magagabayan mo ang paglaki, kasama mo ang asawa mo tapos nandito ka sa bansa. 'Yung money equivalent nun, sapat na," he said.

He added that they are also in talks with foreign governments to ensure the safety of Filipino domestic helpers.

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Posted in: Immigration News , philippine travel news , travel news

After 17 Years, Naia-3 To Be Fully Operational

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 will finally be fully operational by the end of July, the Transportation department said, noting that it has been 17 years since the contract for the project has been awarded.

Five international carriers will transfer to NAIA-3 from NAIA-1 starting next week. Delta Airlines will fly out of the newest terminal by August 1. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific will soon follow suit.

“We are extremely pleased to confirm that full airline operations will begin at NAIA Terminal 3 next week. Our gateway airport will now be able to welcome 3.5 million more passengers with modern facilities every year, “ Transport chief Emilio Abaya said.

The contract, awarded in 1997, was supposed to have been finished by 2002. Allegations of anomalous transactions with contractor Philippine International Air Terminals Co., Inc., and cases consequently filed, have stalled project completion.

The terminal opened in 2008, but has been operating at half its intended capacity of 13 million passengers. In August 2013, the government struck a deal with the original contractor Takenaka Corp. to complete the project pending resolution of cases.

“[T]he Japanese firm has undertaken completion works for systems such as, flight information displays, computer terminals, gate coordination, landing bridges, and fire protection systems” over the past year, the Transport department said.

Around 85 percent of the works had been completed, it added, noting that other systems “which are non-critical to full airline operations, such as the building maintenance system,” would likely be completed within the year.

The transfer of five airlines to NAIA-3 is expected to reduce NAIA-1’s annual passenger traffic to its design capacity of 4.5 million from its current rate of 8 million. NAIA-1, which has been tagged the worst airport in the world, is also undergoing renovation.

Abaya added that the five carriers transferring to NAIA-3 “have the highest volume of international flights coming in and out of NAIA, so we look forward to giving them a new home.” The move thus cuts he number of travelers affected by NAIA-1 works.

The Cabinet official said NAIA-3’s completion is part of the President Benigno Aquino’s promise of good governance. “We made sure that 17 years and 4 administrations later, the whole Terminal 3 facility may be enjoyed by the public,” Abaya said.

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Posted in: philippine immigration , philippine travel , philippine travel news

TigerAir Philippines Advisory on Flight Cancellation

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced the suspension of operations in the Tacloban Airport today, July 9, 2014 to make way for runway repairs.

The following Tigerair flights to and from Tacloban have been cancelled for tomorrow: DG 042/7044 Manila-Tacloban, and DG 7043/7045 Tacloban-Manila.

Tigerair Philippines is arranging the re-accommodation of passengers to the soonest available flights.  Passengers in these cancelled flights may avail of any of the following options for free Rebooking within 30 days from original departure date; refund or travel fund.  Please call CEB’s reservation hotlines for more details: +6327020888 (Manila) to +6332230888 (Cebu).

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Posted in: philippine travel , philippine travel news

DFA Offers Free Replacement of Substandard E-passport Covers

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is offering free replacement of e-Passports whose covers have peeled off because they are substandard.

“The DFA urges holders of e-Passports with serial numbers EB0000001 to EB1267350 with detached covers to come to the Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-Aseana), the nearest Satellite Office (if residing in Metro Manila), or the nearest Regional Consular Office (if residing outside of Metro Manila),” it said in an advisory Tuesday.

“Passport holders will present their passports for inspection and examination in order to obtain the appropriate assistance,” DFA said.

Free replacement will be granted if the following conditions are met:

1. If the applicant fills up the required replacement forms;
2. If upon investigation and examination the e-Passport is deemed substandard; and
3. If the holder surrenders the detached e-Passport to the Department.

Replacement with corresponding pay will be followed if:

1. Majority of the pages have been used and the e-Passport’s condition is the result of wear and tear; and
2. The holder of the detached e-Passport refuses to surrender said passport to the Department.

In a letter to the editor published on the Philippine Daily Inquirer on May 1, 2014, Quentin San Diego shared his experience during a trip to Russia where authorities had closely examined his passport which was falling apart for three hours.

“Back in Manila, I saw that my passport was falling apart. The leaves of my passport were disengaging from the glue,” he wrote.

“On April 4, 2012, I wrote a letter of complaint to the DFA. To make a long story short, the DFA changed my passport, but they wanted to charge me for the replacement. I refused to pay, saying that the defect in my passport was their fault, not mine,” San Diego wrote.

There were three others also who had their passports changed because of the “inferior, defective and self-destructing passport,” one complainant, who was bumped off a flight, had told San Diego.
“I suggest that the DFA should be investigated for providing inferior, substandard and imperfect passports,” he wrote.

The DFA has yet to issue an explanation regarding the alleged substandard passports.

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Posted in: philippine immigration , philippine travel news , travel news

Puerto Galera Will do a Huge Task of Rebranding

As one of the Top 45 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines, Puerto Galera  has white sand beaches, clear blue waters, rich reefs for diving, a 10-minute drive to lush mountains, an alluring waterfall and various available accommodations should make this municipality among the country's top tourism spots, but it has not yet been so.

Local residents and businesses in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro are mainly sustained by the 200,000 foreign and domestic tourists every year--a mere fraction of Boracay's 1.2 million visitors.

Mayor Hubbert Dolor admits that the picturesque coastal town deserves more than to be known primarily for its rowdy, booming nightlife.

"We need... promotions," Dolor said in an interview with Philstar.com. "Ninety-five percent of our industry is anchored on tourism. We cannot afford to lose our tourists."

Tagged in 2005 as one of the most beautiful bays in the world by Paris-based Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde club and its Verde Island Passage designated a biosphere reserve of UNESCO, Puerto Galera is not short of distinctions.

With those rare honors in mind, Dolor dreams that the ambitious tagline he attached to Galera would catch on.

"Puerto Galera, the heart of Asia ... I'm really dreaming and I would like Puerto Galera to be among the top destinations in the country. When I say top, I mean top, following global standards," he said.

Governor Alfonso Umali regrets that Boracay has surpassed the landlocked coves in terms of popularity and income when it is nearer to the capital. His government is likewise seated in Puerto Galera.

"Kami, proximity-wise, one hour [lang] from Batangas. Yung P10,000 mo, you spend it only for one day in Boracay. Dito, for one family na 'yon," Umali said in a separate interview with Philstar.com.

"For so long a time, nakalimutan 'ata yung Mindoro sa mapa ng turismo," he added.

Dolor and Umali, however, have reasons to hope. In recent years, Galera saw a new influx of tourists ushered in by the Malasimbo Arts and Music Festival held at the foothills of Mt. Malasimbo and overlooking the bay.

"Puerto Galera is again being put into the world map of tourism industry, that is why we are supporting this festival," Dolor said.

He explained how the five-day party featuring a unique lineup of local and international artists from the world of reggae, soul and world music has made Galera known not only for its beaches but for its natural features "above the waters."

Umali similarly hailed Frenchman Hubert d'Aboville (whom he called a "super man") and his family for having initiated the giant project of Malasimbo to help rebrand the island.

Besides Malasimbo, Dolor raves about another project to promote local tourism: Summerscape, a three-month series of events that centers around the bays and beaches.

"If you want to get relaxed, if you want to get away from the traffic or city life, then you go to Puerto Galera, you do some escaping," he said.

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Posted in: philippine travel , philippine travel news , puerto galera

Places to Discover in the Philippines this 2014

With over 7,000 islands, deciding where to visit in the Philippines can be time consuming. Wherever you go, you will discover a multitude of places to excite and captivate you! To give you a head start in choosing where to travel this year, here’s a list of destinations that you may want to consider.

• Palaui Island, Cagayan - Back in 2010, a friend and I had our “Survivor ” moment in Palaui because of lack of information about the island, we got lost in its lush wilderness. At that time, when you try to search for Palaui online, the search engine will ask you “Do you mean Palau?”. Today however, this unassuming island is no longer a secret; it has gained worldwide attention as a new setting of Survivor USA. So before it gets battered by mass tourism, go visit the island. Do check out the weather first before visiting to evade the mad waves. Scale the peak crowned by the old-forgotten Cape Engaño Lighthouse to get a dramatic view of its coastline.

• Biliran - The inconspicuous province of Biliran exudes with immaculate natural attractions blissfully untainted by luxury trappings; from pristine waterfalls, vast pastoral lands, lush wilderness, and stunningly beautiful white sand beaches. Make time to visit the secluded Sambawan Island and snatch a decent spot for camping. Marvel at the beautiful blend of cerulean and turquoise waters. Frolic in the coral beach and make sure you bring your snorkel gears with you to explore its colorful marine life.

• Northern Cebu - This region has been badly hit by the super typhoon Haiyan, to uplift the depressed socio-economic conditions of fisher folks in this area, start visiting the stunningly beautiful islands in this region like Malapascua and Bantayan.

• Lake Sebu, South Cotabato - One of the most peaceful places in Mindanao that exudes such raw appeal, Lake Sebu invites you to choose your own travel experience with its varied tourist attractions and precious culture. Take a boat cruise or paddle on a traditional canoe around its emerald green lake. Chase the Seven Waterfalls and ride the scenic zipline. Meet Laang Dulay, a T’boli master dreamweaver and a National Living Treasure Awardee. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs; take home a piece of T’nalak cloth and other T’boli accessories!

• Biri Rock Formation - Biri Island‘s claim to fame is the magnificent Biri Rock Formations. Located in the province of Northern Samar, this rugged island is a photographer’s paradise. Untamed Pacific Ocean waves lapping on its eastern side, verdant mountains and mammoth rocks heavily eroded over time, etched with swirls and ridges, are the usual scenes in Biri. Surfers are also encouraged to visit the island due to the big waves crashing on its eastern coast that are ideal for surfing.

• Surigao Del Sur - It may feel like more of an adventure than you bargained for but endure the craggy roads and you will surely marvel at the natural attractions scattered around the province. Swim in the cobalt waters of Enchanted River in Hinatuan, scale the 3 tiered Tinuy-an Falls and explore the sandy beaches scattered around the province.

• Zamboanga City - After suffering from armed conflicts last year, Asia’s Latin City is struggling to rise again this year. You can help by visiting this once bubbly city. Marvel and ride the colorful vintas sailing at Paseo del Mar. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 PM to 6 PM for a minimal fee of Php 50 (Adult), Php 20 (Student), Php and Php 15 (Children). Go sightseeing in the city and charter a boat to take you to the nearby Sta.Cruz Island. Get sun-kissed in its powdery pink sand beach. Take home some souvenirs like traditional textiles from the Yakan Weaving Village and Maranao brassware, gong, and wooden boats.

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Posted in: Biliran , Biri Rock Formation , Cagayan , Lake Sebu , Northern Cebu , Palaui Island , philippine travel , philippine travel news , South Cotabato , Surigao Del Sur , Zamboanga City