Travel

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(Some corrections, as per clarification from our host:

1. Mandala did not insist that we visit their place, its just that since the owner was expecting us, our host thought it right to push through with the ocular visit.
2. It was the marketing manager of the spa that offered the yoga class and not the resort manager.

My apologies to the resort manager if some of my readers believed it was him who made the offer. It was never my intention that he be the one to get blamed for the unfortunate event, thus no names were mentioned in my blogs, because as I admitted, I am not privy to the information that led to the spa's representative making the offer.

Thanks to our host for clarifying the issue. March 31, 2010, 12 p.m.)

***
Here's an update on my blog on Mandala Spa, dated March 26 (link here).

First, I apologize for being brutally frank, but then again I am just airing my frustration, and let me clarify that it is not because we were not given the freebies, but because I just hate it when other people have to do the dirty work of others. But then again as this update would give, there's another story to what happened.

I am grateful, not because someone got the bashing for what I wrote, but because when someone from Mandala Spa made an effort to contact me to air their side, I felt like they are indeed trying to be the best in the business and that they really want everybody to be satisfied with their service, no matter how insignificant a client may be.

The last part I want to point out because I do not assume that anybody reads my rants. I may be a part of Cebu's media, but I am an insignificant part of it. I do not assume that I have any follower or that I really have any reader. I believe that I am quite small, a nobody, so to speak, in this business. So, I don't really believe that my thoughts would really matter a lot. Yet, here they are telling me their side of the story. This means a lot to me, and speaks a lot of their desire to be on top of their business. I salute you.

***

I was told that what happened was a matter of mis-communication. Apparently, they did not make an offer for us to go to Mandala for free yoga, rather the yoga class was to be held in another resort.

Also, the free massage, I was told, was supposed to be just a token for us taking time to visit their place. Nothing more.

And no, they were not really that eager to have us visit their place, I was told. In fact, the caller told me that should they have known that this will happen, they would rather not have given the permission for us to see their place.

***

I believe that everything that happens in our life is a worthy lesson that we should all consider. And perhaps, no matter who may have committed the mistake on this part, whether our gracious host (for whom I have deep respect for her deep sincerity and desire to give us the best experience, ever), the Mandala management, or I, still, looking for who's to blame is not the answer. Nobody's to blame, not even one's self. Because things have to happen as it should be, we just have to take it on stride.

I don't regret going to Mandala, I don't regret not being able to use their spoiled offer, nor do I regret writing what I wrote. And I hope that others concerned would also take such an attitude on the events that transpired after, and even those who may be facing similar circumstances.

No one is to blame, but then we must be ready to answer for the consequences of our actions. This is the golden rule, "Do unto others what you would want others to do unto you."

My intention was not to stir trouble but to bring to the attention of Mandala's management that what happened is not what a good host should be doing. Regardless if they are wanted or unwanted visitors. Fact is, the Golden Rule is the ultimate measuring stick.  

I deeply empathize with our gracious host, and perhaps that is the reason why I was able to say things which may be a bit harsh and judgmental. I hope that Mandala's management would not go around giving her a hard time because that would not be the right thing to do. So far, I believe that Mandala is making effort to correct whatever mistake or misunderstanding that occurred.

***

Now, let me clarify that our gracious host was the best host ever. Better than Mandala, unfortunately. In fact, I would recommend for Mandala to get her. Why? Because she is the kind of person who goes beyond what her given tasks requires of her just so she'd be able to give her clients an experience, regardless of how small or insignificant this client may be. I'm speaking on my behalf. I don't consider myself important, yet here she was going the extra mile to ensure that I would get the experience that I was hoping to get in Boracay, and even more.

Now, that's what I call a host, and I am sure that wherever she goes there would definitely be success, especially those engaged in the hospitality business.

Who would not want to feel special and important? Our gracious host certainly made us feel that way, and any guest would want to feel that way, I'm sure. With her, I am sure many will be coming back and recommending the place to their friends, acquaintances, and family.

***

Thing is, they did admit that our gracious host requested for the ocular visit and suggested that they give us an experience as well (like the yoga class or the massage), as we might want to include such an extraordinary experience in whatever write up that we will be doing.

If they knew that it was not possible, they always had the option to decline. Now, I wouldn't know what happened after because only they could say for certain (our gracious host and Mandala's management).

***

But then again, as I pointed out. Knowing where the misunderstanding started would be useless and nonproductive. The mere effort of Mandala in trying to air their side would be enough for them to send the message, "We mean business and every opinion matters to us."

For that, I applaud you.

Mandala Spa may just redeem themselves, after all. Well, they are the leader in the spa business in the region, and they're not a leader for nothing.

***

To Mandala, may you prosper!

Events

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I have always wondered where Maribago Bluewater's dolphins went. I think for quite a while it was gone, and I was told that the iconic dolphins were instead made into a mural, and the fountain, which used to be their home, was renovated and turned into a Zen-isque rock fountain. None of those spurting water up in the air, but simply flowing down to a catchment basin adorned with bleached rocks.

That's the new icon that will for decades adorn the grounds of this AAA resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

Despite some hard-hitting criticism that the resort received, including one from a reckless mother who just can't admit the blame but has to put it on the resort to perhaps ease her conscience, they have continued instead to focus their attention on giving their clients the best experience that they can muster. That is why the resort always has occupancy rates of 90 percent and up. Guests just keeps on coming back. It's the service, because I could not see, honestly, any other reason for them coming back. Except perhaps for the spacious rooms and the elegant bathroom, which despite its privacy, gives one an experience of bathing outdoor... The pleasure of public nudity, sans the public.

Anyway, the sculpture is made by renowned artist Daniel dela Cruz, who has built an international reputation as a product designer. In 2006, he started mounting exhibits of his metal sculptures and to date have mounted around five solo exhibits. It is but apt for Bluewater to get dela Cruz, the resort being a bastion of art with the Bluewater Gallery, home of some of the best artworks from the region's best artists.

Another newness that the resort introduced is its newly renovated and reconceptualized restaurant, Molto Italiano with its wood-fired oven giving its pizza a distinct flavor. They also introduced their original line of Ice Cream, the Bluewater Scoops.

  There is also the resorts environmental campaign dubbed Blue Goes Green, more like an Avatar-ish campaign I'd say. The resort have partnered with Ocean Care, a business-sector initiated initiative that aims to unite different businesses in the region to go green, or at least to do something to give back to Mother Earth.

The resort's pool have also been given a facelift, turning the mini-waterfall into a stage platform. I could just imagine how elegant an event can be with all the elements combined - water, as it falls gently to the pool; earth, with its earthy background; fire, with cool fiery lighting; and air, as the breeze blows comfortably to cool down every guest. I could already see the resort hosting fashion shows and other events. Hmmm, this could be exciting.

The unveiling was done by the resort's executives and the Philippines' secretary of tourism, himself, Sec. Ace Durano.

As they claim, the new Maribago Bluewater defines what island living is, and indeed I'd say this truly gives the best of the islands.

Reviews 

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NOTE: This post was first published on travbuddy.com, but since they deleted my review as per request of the establishment I reviewed, without even getting my side of the story, I realized that travbuddy is NOT a reliable source, as such I am deleting my account there.

***

Disclosure: I was invited by Gran Prix to check out their place.

But, regardless, I would not be surprised if I would be giving the same rating had I not been invited. 

The manager, Pinky Carlos, is extremely accommodating and she knows the island like the back of her hand. I am not surprised as her background includes being a concierge for an international chain of hotels. She can recommend activities that are fairly cheap, considering its Boracay, as well as places and bargains to be had. She can arrange for exclusive hunts, exclusive spa treatments in the best spas in the island, and even tickets to exclusive events. She basically knows everybody that's important in Boracay.

The hotel itself is a budget hotel, but considering the large rooms, it doesn't feel like a budget place for me.
It's fairly hidden with just enough rooms to give you the privacy that you would need. There are only 11 rooms and if you come in groups, you can arrange with the staff to add some cushions. The rooms can actually accommodate a group of ten.
They have cold and hot shower. Nothing pretentious here, but very comfortable.

The staffs are very much willing to give out information, not like in other places where it seems like you would need to give a tip to squeeze out information. The manager said that she trained her staffs to know everything about Boracay. 

They only offer breakfast, as of the moment, but by April 2010 they would be able to finalize their lunch, dinner, and quick meal menu. But then, eating here is much of a problem as right next door is Yellow Cab, and a few blocks away there are many food shops, restaurants and fast food chains. At the main road, just a 5 minute walk away, you can get some cheap grub.

It's location at Station 1 affords you the best view of the best happenings in the island. The sand are powdery white and you can arrange for them to put a beach chair by the beach front for a relaxing afternoon under the sun. 

So, who said pampering comes at a price? Gran Prix Hideaway can give you total pampering at less the cost.
Rates start at P3,500 off peak. There are promos as well that could go down to as low as P2,000 pesos.

***

I would rate this place  TRIBO'S CUPS

 

Travel

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(NOTE: Before reading further, please check the update by clicking this link. March 30, 2010.

Some corrections, as per clarification from our host:

1. Mandala did not insist that we visit their place, its just that since the owner was expecting us, our host thought it right to push through with the ocular visit.
2. It was the marketing manager of the spa that offered the yoga class and not the resort manager. My apologies to the resort manager if some of my readers believed it was him who made the offer. It was never my intention that he be the one to get blamed for the unfortunate event, thus no names were mentioned in my blogs, because as I admitted, I am not privy to the information that led to the spa's representative making the offer.

Thanks to our host for clarifying the issue. March 31, 2010, 12 p.m.)

I recently went on a 6-day trip to the Philippine's summer beach capital, Boracay, by invitation from two properties in the island - Crown Regency and Gran Prix.

On the last leg of my trip we were given an unsolicited invitation from Mandala Spa and Villas, one of the country's most internationally recognized spa and wellness center. (Take note: unsolicited)

But when we were about to take advantage of the offer, Mandala suddenly backed out, which frustrated me so much to the point of me trashing the invitation in front of him. What's the use of the offer when we can't use it, anyway? And he made sure that we still would be able to take a tour of their place, in fact we were told that he was insistent that we go to this place of his. Perhaps he really wanted us to write about his place.

There would have been no problem on that and honestly, he does not even have to offer us all these freebies because for me, a visit to the facility itself is a privilege. Why did he even have to make the offer? Is it supposed to bribe us to write about their place? Such insult!

They may have impressive facilities, but they sure have bad service. Simply, no word of honor. I won't be surprised because the manager is fairly new, perhaps he is the one who has no word of honor. Something should be done about this.

This is an embarrassment and an insult to Filipino hospitality. One, which Mandala Spa's owner was so proud to point out as an asset of the Filipinos, the reason why it is but natural for the spa industry to flourish in the country.

***

Want to know more on what happened?

Check my travbuddy entry by clicking here.

***

If it were you, would you feel the same way as I did, or am I simply being over sensitive?

Photo grabbed from mandalaspa.com

Travel 

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NOTE: This post was first published on travbuddy.com, but since they deleted my review as per request of the establishment I reviewed, without even getting my side of the story, I realized that travbuddy is NOT a reliable source, as such I am deleting my account there.

***

Some corrections, as per clarification from our host: 

1. Mandala did not insist that we visit their place, its just that since the owner was expecting us, our host thought it right to push through with the ocular visit. 

2. It was the marketing manager of the spa who offered the yoga class and not the resort manager.

My apologies to the resort manager if some of my readers believed it was him who made the offer. It was never my intention that he be the one to get blamed for the unfortunate event, thus no names were mentioned in my blogs, because as I admitted, I am not privy to  information that led to the spa's representative making the offer.

Thanks for the clarifications.

March 31, 2010, 12 p.m. 

***

By the way, before reading the rest of my blog, today, March 29, I received a call from a representative of one of the staffs of Mandala Spa informing me of their side of the story.

I think it is worth noting, so please do visit by blog by clicking on this link.

Thank you to Mandala Spa for taking action, I hope you'd take this criticism constructively and use it to further enhance your service for you to be able to surpass your already groundbreaking standards.

March 30, 2010, 2:30 am (+8 GMT) 

***

The worst blunder for a service-oriented institution is when they have no word of honor.

Recently I, together with other media people from Cebu, visited Boracay on invitation from Gran Prix Hideaway and Sitio, two exclusive hotels in this summer capital of the Philippines.

Never did we know that we will be visiting this exclusive enclave that we have heard so much about. To simply visit the place is an honor in itself. When the manager of Gran Prix told us that they offered to give us free yoga lessons, we were all exuberant at the prospect. And when she said that they promised to also give three certificates for a free massage, our excitement even went up a notch higher.

The expectation rose every minute, wanting to also experience the much talked about Mandala service.

But the night before the so-called yoga class, they backed out, much to the horror of the manager of Gran Prix, who was so proud to tell us of the offer that they made. I could empathize with her, imagine the embarrassment of telling members of the media that there was actually no yoga class to be had. 

When we arrived they gave us a tour of the place, and I was very impressed indeed. I could only imagine the luxury of having a treatment in such a relaxing atmosphere.

We met with the spa's founder and owner, Dieter Schrottmann. He is such a good person, telling us that it is just natural for the Philippines to be involved in the Spa industry because Filipinos are inherently caring and hospitable. Well, I guess that statement just made a 180 turn when it comes to his new staffs who was so good at making empty promises.

And then there is the new stupid manager who kept on insisting of raffling the so-called free massage. Of which, our hosts keeps on telling him that there is no need to raffle it off as there are only three who would want to experience their massage, the others are either just not into skin contact or are advised by their doctor not to have one. I guess I overheard them engaged in this conversation at least three times. And he keeps on insisting on the raffle, as if he was assuming that everyone really are aching to get a massage that we would kill each other for one. Duh!

So, we finished the pretentious tour, but no massage here.

That night Mandala's manager finally gave three gift certificates in an event at one of Boracay's hippy bars where this same person, I would presume, recommended to our host. We were excited, especially me, and then suddenly this manager of Mandala came to me and told me that we cannot have the massage that night. That was our last night at the island, by the way. The next day we were leaving very early, so, imagine my frustration.
He said, "Oh, that is valid for like 6 months, you can always come back."

Well, good for him. The sad thing is, I can't afford coming back to the island as I am not as financially gifted as he is. Provincial media people are paid so way below industry rate. Having been invited to go to Boracay was an opportunity of a lifetime. So, what to do with the free massage? I returned it to him. I said, "What am I going to do with this? This is as good as trash, so I'm returning it to you."

He did not get it back so I gave it to the manager of Gran Prix, thinking that she may have better use of it for her future guests as Mandala offered her free treatment for the embarrassment they caused her.

Such arrogance from Mandala Spa, from an institution that is supposed to be the epitome of wellness and total service, is very disappointing.

***

For the way they tried to use us, I'd give Mandala Spa's management  broken TRIBO'S CUPS. The facility, however, deserves  amazing TRIBO'S CUPS.

Rants

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WHOA!!!!

I'll be, like, in Boracay for six days! What could be cooler than that?

For the first 3 days, I'll be staying here:

The Crown Regency Resort Boracay.

Then on the 21st to the 24th, I'll be here:

Gran Prix Boracay

***

I'll be back in Cebu on the 24th, just in time for my talk for a national meeting of a foundation dedicated to children's welfare.

Then, I would like to leave on the 25th for Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, to visit my dear friend Fernalyn's burial ground. By that time, her shell may already be given back to the ground as her mom told me that they plan to give her back to her maker on the 24th.

I have already called our friends in the area so that I would be able to meet them and share memories of Fernalyn. Sometimes, tragedy brings people back together. Even through death, Oring was a blessing to the people that surrounded her, in some point of her life.

***

This would be such a weekend, and I will make the best of it.

***

Which reminds me. Ms. Tita Zosa of the Governor's Office also passed away, recently. I remember her to be the strong willed yet accommodating lady who is always ready for any eventuality.

Everytime I go with the Province's Suroy Suroy (a tourism initiative to bring tourists to the lesser known places in the island), she is the one that I would always badger if I needed something, like extra kits for our other companions who haven't received it, or even for problems in the room assigned to me.

She's such a wonderful person.

To you Miss Tita, you will be missed.

To read more of Tita Zosa, check this column by Jobers.

Travel

 
Here are some pictures on the second day of our adventure. Thanks to iTravel iExplore and the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation for making this weekend extra special. Pictures taken by me and Jay Dalumpines.

At the place where we stayed. In green is Aida and the one standing behind me is her son Chris. He is now based in Canada.

Feeding the monkeys at Magsaysay Park. This is the alpha male. It is recommended to have the guides feed the monkey and definitely no junk food, just fruits.

We had lunch at the Jose L. Gonzaga Farmers' Foundation in Danao started by the Mayor and his family. Here they grow organic vegetables and others, support local weavers, and give livelihood to women. We had fish caught from the river (not farmed) and yes vegetables that they grew without any chemicals. Here are a few other pics from the place.

The flowers were beautiful

They do vermiculture for fertilizer

Organically grown chili

Fashion accessories made by a local women's organization. The Gonzaga's hired a foreign designer to help the women make stunning fashion accessories and bags.

After lunch, we went to Danao Adventure Camp where I had the thrill of my life as I jumped around twenty floors down (I think) from the cliff in what they call as the plunge. Wow!

Preparing for the Plunge

That's the plunge!

Whoa! It was quite a thrill, and I love to do it again!

Satisfied. Now I know why some people are suicidal. The jump is liberating.

But please don't jump without the harness...

Others did the Suisride or the zip line. That's Juliet and Jay.

While Mama Emma did the Skyride.

The adventurers!

It was a weekend full of fun and blessings. Again, thank you Juliet, thank you Venice, thank you Bill, and thank you Aida!

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Travel

Last weekend, March 6-7, 2010,iTravel iExplore brought me and other media friends to Bohol, an hour-ride from Cebu via fast ferry (we took StarCraft (not the game), a new vessel owned by a young Malaysian gal) or roughly two-hours away via regular ferry.

We docked in the town of Tubigon, and was greeted by our hosts Bill and Aida Granert with their son Chris, who now lives in Canada but is here on vacation. The Granerts are the people behind the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Philippines and are now trying to bring their cause to the increasing number of tourists in the province, both locals and foreign.

It would be hard and lengthy for me to blah blah blah so here are the pics taken by artist-photographer Jay Dalumpines.

Arrival in Tubigon

Young lady washes her clothes by the river. Still a common practice in rural communities

Nature trekking. That's me. Behind me collecting trash is the head of the community organization, Rita G. Jorillo

The group at Makapiko Nature Park, one of the community assisted by SWCF

The so-called place where the first international treaty was forged between the Spaniards and the native Filipinos. It's called blood compact. Mr. Granert, however said that the exact place of the event is debatable as during that time this area was covered by mangroves so it would be impossible for the Spanish fleet to dock in the place.

Having lunch at Bohol Bee Farm. See the salad being passed around? It got lots of flowers in it. And the food are organic. The Farm is the best place to spend the weekend if you want to be detoxified over the weekend.

This is me at the Bohol Beach Club. Nice place.

With the operations manager of Alona Palm Beach Resort. Super exclusive place, they only have 12 villas.

Our photographer, Jay Dalumpines. The best!

One of our activities is to plant our own tree. It's called memory tree. I learned that planting trees is not just to plant it anywhere. It must be planted during the rainy season, and you must ensure that someone, if not you, has to regularly check on it and water it until it is able to live on its own. I planted Anisoptera thurifera or the palosapis.

The beautiful ladies behind iTravel iExplore, Juliet and Venice

Now, my photos:

Soil and Water Conservation Foundation's facility at the Bohol Biodiversity Complex in Bilar. This is where we stayed. Had we brought our camping gear we could have camped outside, but they also have sleeping quarters for P150/night. Roughly US$3.

Bohol has a Karst landscape. Here you'd see a cave in its infancy stage. It would take centuries for caves to develop. This is in the Karst trail of BBC.

There are a few species of ferns in the complex.

Bill explaining about Karsts and why it is important in the Philippine ecosystem.

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Events

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Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa will be introducing to the Cebuanos their new General Manager in an RSVP White Cocktail Party on March 18. This would gather Cebu's glitterati and even perhaps the whose who of the countries social circles. Got my invitation but I don't think this is my kind of event.

Anyway, Markus Kraus have been with the resort since December, and he has been with Hilton for 10 years now. Prior to his Cebu stint, he was the General Manager for Hilton Ulaanbaatar as part of the pre-opening team, and before that in Hilton Fujairah Resort.

His strength lies on his ability to identify high potential employees, which is a plus for the people here in Hilton Cebu as surely they would be recognized for their efforts in making the property a top choice for tourists.

(For more on this story, click here.)

***

But, here's something that I might be interested in. Of all the hotels and resorts in Cebu, there are only three that I really am more than enthusiastic to attend to when it comes to their events. These are Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (the only five-star in Cebu), Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (the leading MICE hotel in the region), and Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and Spa. It's because they are consistent when it comes to invitations, which goes to show that they truly value your support and contribution to their growth. I love it when people treasures you and are sincere in recognizing your role as their partner. When your relationship is that of friendship and not merely for events purposes, that they would hardly even recognize you when you bump into each other in the mall. Sincerity is always a plus in public relations. And for that I grateful to the public relations people of these three properties.

Anyway, this time, its Marco Polo Plaza, and they have started sending their mailers for their upcoming Lent events, which they call the Great Easter Getaway at the Marco Polo Plaza.

First, they are offering special room rates starting from PhP2,900 (US$ 63.08 @ P45.97/USD). That is a steal considering that Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is a five-star hotel, and the only one in Cebu at that! OMG! I'd better book now! This rate does not include breakfast of course, but hey, who needs that?

The package is inclusive of children's access to playroom and participation in hotel activities, use of swimming pool and gym, and free shuttle service to major shopping centers in the city. If you wish to have breakfast in the hotel then just add PhP1,100.

Its a steal!

Now the Holy Week activities are all laid out for you. On April 1 (Maundy Thursday), the hotel will conduct a Visita Iglesia, a tradition of Filipino Catholic faithfuls to visit seven different churches. This would be a great tour as surely they will be taken to some historical church in the area. There are plenty. So, aside from fulfilling one's religious obligation, he'd already be seeing some wonderful sights.

On April 2 (Good Friday), guests are encouraged to join the procession at Celestial Gardens. They have set up different stations of the cross there, and its quite meaningful for the Faithful. Its called the Way of the Cross.

Then on April 3 (Black Saturday), its beach loving time as the hotel will treat guests (PhP1,700) to a day at the beautiful Pandanon Island with its sprawling pristine white sand beach and tempting clear waters. The minimal fee already includes transfers to and from the dock, boat rental, steward service, lifejackets, towels, destination fee, and a scrumptious barbecue lunch with one free drink.

Wow. OMG! Interested? Check out marcopolohotels.com or call 63-32-2531111 (Cebu), 63-2-8871263 (Manila), or toll free 001-800-852-0332 (Thailand), 800-101-2242 (Singapore), and 1800-111-00-995 (Philippines).

Photo credits
Pandanon: edcelito of Photobucket

Travel

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CEBU, Philippines - I have never been to Thailand, but the things I hear of this amazing kingdom is just simply amazing.

Thailand is one of the places that I want to visit, next perhaps to Cambodia and Vietnam. I would love to smell the streets, taste the food, and just take in the vibrations of most of its sacred temples.

Last February 3, the Tourism Authority of Thailand conducted a product presentation in Cebu, gathering the region’s top players in the travel industry. And mind you, this further whetted my appetite to visit this exotic country and be one of the more than 200,000 Filipinos and over 14 million international visitors to experience what it has to offer. One of these days, hopefully.

This year, TAT is capitalizing on Thailand not just as an amazing destination but one with amazing value.

Value as equated with one’s unique experience and the emotional worth that goes with the visit.

Mr. Pasakorn Supannapan, TAT’s director for ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Market Division, said that the department’s aim is to bring the finest on tourism in Thailand. And with this he highlighted the seven wonders of the country, which for years attracted many tourists.

“(Thailand is a) value for money destination,” he said, adding that this year they are gearing towards making it the top destination of choice for Filipino travelers.

So, what makes Thailand such an exciting destination?

Thai-ness

First is Thai-ness, which simply means enjoying Thailand’s culture, traditions, and people.

By engaging oneself with the Thai people or living in a traditional Thai village, one could experience what it is to be Thai. One could learn how to cook Thai food with villagers, enroll in a Thai boxing class, learn Thai massage, or engage with Thailand’s countryside and its agricultural wonders.

All these experiences could help one gain an insight on Thai culture and “feel the glow of Thai smiles, the openness of Thai hearts, and the warmth of Thai hospitality.”

Treasures

Another wonder of Thailand is its rich cultural and natural treasures. This is manifested by the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, the declaration of heritage sites, and the archeological discoveries that seems to have no end.

Thailand opened ten historical parks, three of which were declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These parks are Muang Singh, Phanom Rung, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet, Sri Thep, Phimai, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Khiri, and Phu Phra Bat.

Tourists can also check out the more than 30,000 temples across the country. Of this 180 to 200 are under royal patronage, and six are of the highest class. This means that many religious relics of high value can be viewed here. Of the six, four are in Bangkok: Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, Wat Suthat, and Wat Arun. While two are in the provinces of Nakhon Pathom (Wat Phra Pathom Chedi) and Saraburi (Wat Phra Putthabat).

Beaches

When it comes to tropical leisure, Thailand can boast of beautiful coastlines with pristine white sand beaches. Ocean activities like diving can also be had especially on the east side on the Gulf of Thailand. It is here where the Mu Ko Ang Thong, the biggest marine national park in the region, is located.

Its resorts are also laden with facilities that would keep every visitor occupied with activities like horse riding and picnics. Popular resorts are found in Phuket and Phi Phi in the west coast welcoming the Andaman Sea.

Nature

The beautiful natural wonder of Thailand has made it a top eco-tourism destination. It has successfully tapped the beauty of nature to satisfy its visitors with environmentally-friendly activities.

Visitors can experience a diverse array of adrenaline pumping activities like white water rafting in the mountainous regions of the North and some areas in Central Thailand; canoeing and kayaking with sea-canoe expeditions that run all year round; windsurfing, jet skiing and wakeboarding which can be had in most major beaches of Thailand; rock climbing in the southern provinces; and mountain biking with biking routes mostly in nature parks.

Health and wellness

One of the many assets of Thailand is its medical services which are known throughout. They offer visitors a wide array of medical packages ranging from comprehensive examinations to cosmetic surgery.

The confidence of foreigners on Thailand’s medical industry lies on the fact that many hospitals in Thailand have received accreditation and recognition from international standard accreditation agencies and renowned international hospitals. Their state-of-the-art equipments and facilities have also added a plus in patient confidence.

Aside from Western Medicine, however, Thailand is also known for its rich traditional and alternative healing procedures. And for this, the country has a number of internationally-recognized facilities as well.

Trends

Thailand has also established itself as a trendsetter when it comes to tourist convenience. It has a number of stylish hotels that continues to lead in innovation. And this is not limited to those with the money to spend; even budget travelers and backpackers can experience pampering at a very affordable price.

Festivities

Lastly, Thailand boasts of festivals happening in different places all year round. A famous festival is Songkran which comes on April and is celebrated by splashing water on each other.

And on November, people would gather near waterways like canals, ponds, and rivers, where later in the evening they would launch floats made of banana leaves and adorned with candles, incense sticks and flowers. This is in tribute to the water goddess who is believed to carry their wish for happiness and prosperity. This festival is known as Loi Krathong.

Indeed, Thailand is amazing and many of its tour destinations and tour itineraries focus on giving its visitors an experience of Thai culture, which they can bring and share with their countrymates.

Published in The FREEMAN on February 21, 2010.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand.
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