Kapamilya and Kapuso in Cebu

Two prime media partners join the CCCI events in the spirit of tourism. On June 17, GMA-7 and SM sponsored the launching of People at the SM Cinema 1, with Kapuso artist, former StarStruck and Binibining Pilipinas 2009 finalist, Rich Asuncion, as guest celebrity.

The prelude to the yearlong series of Success Stories (from July 2009-May 2010 hosted by 12 schools) featured successful entrepreneur Bunny Pages and performing artist Eva Santos (June 17); the June episode of People introduced a masahista/manicurista for 36 years, Estela Basata (June 17) and Joel Pulvera, resort owner from Camotes (June 19). Tomorrow, June 20, at the Ayala Center, the Cebu Business Month Musicfest will be hosted by ABS-CBN and Ayala, featuring a lot of Kapamilya celebrities headed by Anna Fegi. The event enhances Cebu as the Entertainment Hub. So, Kapamilya and Kapuso, be with us and enjoy the fun!

From food, sports to entertainment

The pre-CBM tourism survey revealed that the “explorable” areas for creative packages were food, sports/adventure, education, heritage/festivals and film/TV entertainment. Respondents believed that Cebu could enhance these areas to enrich domestic tourism.

Yesterday, the Tourism Congress focused on Cebu’s homegrown resources and people and invited local and national-based panelists and discussants to share their insights. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the exponent of countryside tourism, gave the inspirational message. Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo, DoT7 director Patria Aurora Roa and board member Agnes Magpale acted as panel and workshop resource persons.

Culinary guru Jessica Avila, Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu’s Marco Protacio as resource persons, with discussants Roy Abraham (Marriot) and Dr. Nestor Alonzo (Freeman) engaged in an interactive workshop in Food Tourism, moderated by Aissa de la Cruz.. They discerned how hotels, resorts, restaurants and small players could develop creative food tourism packages. Invited guest Jay Gamboa (executive chef for Cirkulo and Milky Way and director for education of Les Toques Blanches Philippines) shared his insights in international culinary tests where the Philippines won accolades during the morning panel discussion.

The Workshop on Sports/Adventure Tourism will see varied activities which invite a growing number of tourists. Marget Villarica (Destination Specialists) and Fr. Tito Soquino, OSA, provide the framework on their ecology-based projects in the morning session to prepare workshop resource persons Martin Naussbaumer (Sea Explorers), Paulo Garcia (Airsoft) and Glenn Soco; discussants Fr. Charlito Orobia, OAR, (Sea Knights-Stewards), Golly Talens (Hilton), Angelita Panaguiton (Plantation Bay), Jenny Franco (Travelvision) and Hember Mendoza (Waterfront Casino Mactan).

Meanwhile, educator Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD (USC), talks about some concerns about the sustainability of some tourism programs; resource persons Dr. Candelario Aytona and Dr. Tina Barba of Commission on Higher Education 7; and Rosanna Urdaneta, Tesda; with discussants Dean Edgar, Detoya, (University of San Jose Recoletos), Dr. Efren Valiente (Benedicto College), Dr. Alicia Cabatingan (University of Southern Philippines), Apolonio Dedamo (University of San Carlos) and Prof. Ernesto Golosino (Holy Name University-Bohol) discuss how to match skills of human resources with the needs of the industry.

Natural and Historical Landmarks/Festivals. Resource persons DoT 7 director Patria Aurora Roa; Magpale and Mayen Tan with discussants Alice Queblatin, Cecille Saa and Val Sandiego look into creative perks featuring landmarks and festivals with moderator Vince Escario. In the morning, Ivan Man Dy shares his experiences in the Old Manila Walk.

Film/TV/entertainment and performing arts. Discussants Roger Serna and Dr. Teodie Dumam-ag of Sun Star Entertainment and USJR Masscom respectively; Nathalie Tomada (Freeman) and Jose Gatino Nacario (Academe) engage in a lilting review of the local talents of Cebu, moderated by Jane Abella of ABS-CBN. In the morning, Matt Lubetich of Big Foot analyzes Cebu’s resources for film/entertainment. An added feature are the insights of Rosvi Gaetos to show how M.I.C.E. helps domestic tourism.

Drivers of tourism

Pioneers in tourism entrepreneurship and leadership; dynamic achievers in the travel industry; and success in the practice of the tourism profession, not to mention their support of the CCCI tourism events for more than a decade, will all take the center stage.

The Grand Kasangga sa Tourism tribute will be accorded to DoT 7 director Dawnie Roa and Magpale. The posthumous award goes to practitioner, the late Marilou Pintor, who, as Margaret Ang said, “worked hard to push the first Cebu-Hong Kong Cathay Pacific direct flight, when she was working in this airline!”

Special citations will be conferred on Tourism Department, CHED and Marisa Fernan as enduring partners of CCCI tourism events.

Source: Mila C. Espina Manila Standard