Island Garden City of Samal

THE five-member Team Mindanao leaves today to compete in the Milo National Junior Tennis Championships set on August 27 to 29 at the Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Island Garden City of Samal's Christian Fel Lopez departs at 10 a.m. while Davao City's John Jeric Accion leaves at 12 p.m. along with General Santos City's Sharyl delos Santos and Kidapawan City's Jzash Eale Canja.

Jericho Into Painagan of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte takes a 9 p.m. flight. Lopez and delos Santos are seeing action in boys and girls 12-under events, respectively, while Accion and Canja are entered in the 14-under boys and girls categories.

Painagan expects a stiff contest in 10-under unisex.

The five Mindanaoans booked seats to the finals after topping their events in the qualifying event held in June.

Organizers arranged a press conference slated Thursday for all the finalists.
Slots to the Malaysia-bound Team Philippines are up for grabs in the national finals. (MLSA)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 25, 2010.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/23685-rps-tourists-spots-emerge-into-business-destinations

Now there are perfect destinations where travelers can mix business with pleasure, relaxation and adventure. Recently, the most beautiful and popular cities and destinations in the Philippines where chosen as “Top Emerging Business Destinations.” Named emerging destinations are: Laoag and Dagupan (Region I), for their heritage sites, and beaches; La Trinidad Valley Cordillera Administration Region (CAR), for its magnificent strawberry fields, vegetable terraces and cut flower industry; Zambales (Region III), a multifaceted destination for beach holidays, mango agri-tourism and sports adventure activities; San Juan, Batangas (Region IV-A) can easily boast endless beautiful beaches and stylized type of resorts; Marinduque (Region IV-B) with its world class resort and rich cultural traditions; Sorsogon of Bicol (Region V) which is synonymous to eco-tourism activities like whale interaction and firefly tour.

In Visayas: Silay City in Negros Occidental (Region VI), for its preserved ancestral houses, rich culinary heritage and newly constructed world class airport; Danao in Bohol (Region VII), the new eco-adventure mecca complemented by nearby white sand beaches and the nature’s wonders of the Chocolate Hills and tarsier; the island destinations of Northern Samar (Region VIII) with its pristine beach areas, rich flora and fauna and iconic natural land formation.

Down south: The Island Garden City of Samal (Region XI), for its paradise-like coves and beaches, eco-adventure sites and activities; Cagayan de Oro City (Region X), not only as gate way to the northern part of Mindanao but also caters to city based-adventure activities; Butuan City (Region XIII) of Caraga is historical mecca of the Philippines with good access to Agusan marshlands and surfing capital of Siargao; Sarangani (Region XII) can always pull a surprise with its beautiful coastlines, diverse cultural heritage and aqua tourism activities; Dapitan City (Region IX) of Zamboanga del Sur, holds one of the historical treasures of Dr. Jose Rizal, complemented by its rustic surroundings and thriving aqua culture industry.

“These places are perfect for corporate travelers and holidaymakers,” says Cesar Cruz, Philippine Tourism Authority president. “Each place has something unique to offer, and we’re hoping that more and more people understand the fact that the Philippines has what it takes to be one of the world’s premier travel destinations.”

The destinations will be featured at the 21st Philippine Travel Mart on September 3 to 5 at the SM Megatrade Halls, as part of the Biyahe Exchange Program, a one-on-one business meeting between corporate buyers and travel sellers where travel adventures, trips, and tours are offered to companies for corporate outings and company incentives.