While everyone is checking out the cherry blossoms, why not try something new and take in the plum blossoms of Japan, or “ume” as the Japanese call them. Blooming from mid-February to early March, these reddish, pink and white blossoms symbolise endurance and renewal and herald the beginning of spring. Travelling during this period enables you to evade the crowds that gather for the cherry blossom season.

Here are some of the best places to check out the plum blossoms:

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

The Kitano Tenmangu shrine has been known for its plum blossoms for hundreds of years. There are over 50 varieties of and around 1,500 plum blossom trees planted in the area marking the beginning of spring in Kyoto.. Every year on February 25th, Kitano Tenmangu hosts the “Baikasai” or the Plum Blossom Festival.

The easiest way to get to Kitano Tenmangu is by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City bus 50 or 101 and get off at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop.

Kairakuen, Mito

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Mito is famous for its plum blooms that there is a festival held  from late February to late March at the Kairakuen Garden to celebrate their arrival. People come from all over to see the beautiful landscape light up with pink and white flowers. There are thousands of plum trees in the Kairakuen Garden with over 100 varieties of plum.

To get to Mito, take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa, Tokyo, or Ueno Station to Mito Station. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk along the edge of Lake Senba to Kairakuen Garden.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

This year marks the 67th Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival), one of Tokyo’s most popular late-winter events taking place from February 8 to March 8. The Yushima Tenjin Shrine garden, holding 300 plum blossom trees is an oasis of calm in the frenetic metropolis. There are red bridges, manicured gardens, and a sense of well-being.

The Yushima Tenjin shrine is a two-minute walk from Exit 3 of Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and is located near the Ueno Park.

The delicate blooms of the plum blossom tree are an essential part of Japanese springtime. Plum blossoms are celebrated in Japan for their beauty and endurance, they are the flower of renewal and they are sure to renew your interest in Japan!

For more downloadable photos and videos of Japan’s beautiful and exciting tourist attractions for media usage, you may visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/).

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From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and personalized attention. The boutique nature of Lugar Bonito Boracay is one of its standout advantages. With a limited number of rooms, it felt like we had stumbled upon our own private hideaway on this stunning island.

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The cozy and intimate atmosphere created by this boutique hotel made our stay truly special. Unlike larger resorts, where you can easily get lost in the crowds, Lugar Bonito Boracay offered a sense of exclusivity that allowed us to connect more intimately with each other and with the friendly staff who quickly became like family.

One of the highlights of our stay was the exquisite design and attention to detail throughout the hotel. The Greek-inspired architecture, with its whitewashed walls and blue accents, transported us to the picturesque villages of Greece. Every corner of Lugar Bonito Boracay was Instagram-worthy, making it a dreamy backdrop for our photos and memories. We also loved the backstory and history of the rooms, according to Ma’am Chiqui Ligue (Hotel Manager and owner) the materials used in the rooms are recycled and came from a boat!

Our room was a true sanctuary. The elegant and cozy decor, along with a comfortable bed, made it feel like our own love nest.

Furthermore, the hotel’s location was ideal. It was close enough to the vibrant White Beach for us to enjoy the nightlife and activities but far enough to offer peace and tranquility when we needed it. The concierge service was incredibly helpful in arranging activities and providing recommendations for exploring Boracay, Ma’am Chiqui’s list of recommendation was truly helpful as being a local in Boracay, she truly knows the best places to go to.

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In conclusion, Lugar Bonito Boracay is a hidden gem for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The advantages of staying in a boutique hotel were abundantly clear during our stay – the intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and attention to detail truly set it apart. If you’re looking for a place to rekindle the flames of love in a Greek-inspired paradise, Lugar Bonito Boracay should be at the top of your list. We can’t wait to return to this little slice of heaven on our next trip to Boracay.

Check their website on www.LugarBonitohotel.com, booking is so instant and easy. Visit also their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Lugar.Bonito.Boracay.

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News5 reported that social listening tool Sprinklr recorded 59.1 million approval emotions from the public and a combined 28.9 million smile, happy, and appreciation emotions on the Love the Philippines campaign in the last 24 hours as of 4:50PM of Thursday (Jun 29).

Former Senator and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Richard GORDON, the brains behind the successful “WOW PHILIPPINES campaign, manifested his support, saying that he found the enhanced campaign “instantly appealing”.

In a report, he said that Love The Philippines is “catchy and easy to recall”, adding that the phrase also “provides a double-meaning call for Filipinos to love the country more than just its physical wonders but also the people’s good traits. He said it is also a statement of appreciation for the Philippines experienced by tourists.”

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay L. Carlson also expressed her support to Love The Philippines through a tweet, manifesting her personal love for the Philippines since she came here as diplomat.

“Almost one year since I arrived and I already have lots of reasons to #LoveThePhilippines—the food, the culture, and definitely the people,” she said.

National government officials have also conveyed their support to the enhanced tourism campaign.

“I love it!”, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri was quoted by a news report, complimenting the branding campaign as “clear and concise”.

Posting “Love the Philippines” on her Instagram, Senator Loren Legarda said that there are countless ways to love about the country, and expressed her full support to the newly launched campaign.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore and now House Deputy Speaker Ralph G. Recto, who described the Philippines as a destination like “garden of roses”, also aired his support through a statement.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. As a travel destination, Philippines is a garden of roses. I support the DOT’s new campaign,” the House Deputy Speaker enthused.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe recognized the efforts of the DOT to lure more tourists to visit the Philippines. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero encouraged the public to “support it instead of criticizing it outright”.

Tourism achievements in numbers

Half into this year, the DOT has already recorded 2.67 million international visitor arrivals as of June 29, 2023, 2.44 million of this are foreigners. This year, the Department is targeting a baseline of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals.

South Koreans remain the top source of foreign markets with 665,757 travelers to the Philippines, followed by the United States (509,526), Australia (128,232), Japan (127,139), and Canada (123,439).

In 2022, the industry contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) having churned in PHP1.87 trillion in tourism revenues.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude to the public and to all officials who have given widespread support for Love the Philippines.

In a television interview addressing the question of some whether Love the Philippines is a “demand” from tourists, the DOT chief said that love is not demanded as it is a natural thing that must emanate from the heart.

On the aspect of tourism, by reflecting the bountiful assets of the Philippines—from its natural wonders to its heritage, traditions, and culture–into Secretary Frasco said she has high hopes that the campaign will reawaken love for the country.

“You cannot “demand” love. It is a natural thing that must emanate from your heart. “Love the Philippines” goes to the heart of every Filipino that loves their country. You can no more force one person to love their country in the same way that you cannot force them to love themselves, or somebody else. It is a natural feeling that must come from your heart. And we truly believe that in reflecting our love of country in our new tourism tagline, we would be able to reawaken in our fellow Filipinos their own love of country,” she said.

Further, Secretary Frasco said that the tagline is also the Philippines’ “love letter to the world”, giving international tourists an opportunity to discover and know more about the Philippines, beyond the promotions and stories done in the past primarily focused on fun, reiterating that there is so much more that the Philippines can offer from its heritage, culture, history, food, experiences, and especially the love and warmth of the Filipino people.

In a separate online interview with Facts First with Christian Esguerra, veteran advertising executive Matec Villanueva shared the same observation.

“From the ground up, the first question is always: sino ba ang kinakausap ko? Who is my target audience? The target audience mo, in this case as I understand, would be foreign tourists kasi ang tiningnan din pala nila is yung kalaban in the regions,” Villanueva said.

“So, what they are trying to do is that they are trying to encapsulate that message to something that is inspiring, something that is catchy. Therefore, they come up with what we call the big idea. But the big idea is actually based on a consumer insight or your target insight,” she added.

To Secretary Frasco, the launch of “Love the Philippines” was based on the demands of the industry after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. This, as what was once a global health emergency has changed travelers’ motivations, preferences, and behavior, leading to what is now referred to as “the changed traveler.”

The advertising executive also realized this in the enhanced tourism campaign.

“Tatlong taon tayong nakalockdown. Iba ang turista before the pandemic. Iba ang turista ng after the pandemic. Nag-iba ‘yung pananaw nila kasi before the pandemic, people are already traveling, enjoying, and then suddenly you can’t move for three years,” Villanueva said.

Building love as a concept

Love The Philippines as a concept, Secretary Frasco said, was conceived with careful consideration of the results of extensive market research and studies.

According to a market research released by Euromonitor, one of the world’s leading independent providers of strategic market research, travelers are seeking new and authentic real-world experiences, which means immersing in other cultures, seeking curated experiences that are unique or out of the ordinary.

Further, travelers want to find a connection to love, and the word “love” has always been primarily associated with the Philippines. Based on Brandwatch, one of the world’s most trusted social media monitoring and analytics applications, the word “love” is frequently mentioned in high volume globally with total mentions of 140.4K (previously 92.24K) and a reach of 91.21M (previously 59.72M).

The enhanced tourism campaign, Secretary Frasco said, was designed to highlight more of what there is to love about the Philippines.

“What food do they love? What destination do they love? What experience do they love in the Philippines? It’s also an opportunity for our foreign friends from all over the world to discover so much more beyond the surface that we have scratched in how we have marketed the Philippines thus far,” Secretary Frasco said.

In an interview, Villanueva also said: “In this age of communication, ang advertising ngayon is always based on research because access to information, access to data. Now apparently, the group who did this, even the group (who conceptualized) the It’s More Fun in the Philippines had data supporting them when they came out with It’s More Fun in the Philippines. Apparently, DOT says tourists who came to the Philippines, the feeling when they came here, nag-exceed ang expectations nila. They were happy with what they experienced kasi nga tourism is an experiential thing. When they took a deep dive sa mga social media, into the internet, nakita nila na ang expression ng tao ng satisfaction o yung exceeding expectations was’t fun, it was love,” she emphasized.

“The verbalization of the enjoyment was love,” she added.

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Proudly presenting “Love the Philippines” to a crowd composed of former DOT chiefs, officials and employees of the Department’s central and regional offices, heads of government agencies including Cabinet Secretaries, house representatives, tourism stakeholders, and the media, Secretary Frasco described the enhanced campaign as timely for the DOT’s golden anniversary celebration.

“As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said.

“Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated.

“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.

PBBM’s unequivocal support

Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for “Love the Philippines”, saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.”

“And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused.

Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends

With the everchanging global tourism landscape post pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.

In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning and rebranding strategies is among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.

With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

“Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said.

“We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added.

Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism

According to Secretary Frasco, the world has “the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.”

This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.

Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.

The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.

As she rallied their support for the DOT’s vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”

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A recent study by travel and experience platform Klook noted that 87% of Filipinos are raring to travel with many of their destinations of choice within the Philippines as booking for domestic destinations have exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Domestic travel, according to the Department of Tourism, is expected to make a full recovery this year with the country’s hotel and resorts association reporting that occupancy has breached 2019 numbers and is largely driven by domestic tourism.

With 2023 being dubbed as the year of Revenge Travel, there’s no better time to plan your trip, pack your bags and head-off for an unforgettable adventure. But before you do, ensure your travels are hassle-free by getting Travel Master Insurance with COVID-19.

“It’s summer and we’re sure that many Filipinos are already picking out the destinations they want to travel to, especially since the Philippines has so many beautiful sites to see–from beautiful beaches to beautiful towns and cities–there’s something for every kind of traveler. Traveling should be fun, stress-free, and hassle-free, this is why we created Travel Master insurance–to provide our travelers the peace of mind and protection from any kind of eventuality so they can make the most out of their trips,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

Created in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master with COVID-19 provides travelers coverage including for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection.

To get the Travel Master coverage, simply access the GInsure page available on your GCash app and select Travel and Travel Master with COVID-19. Fill in the form with your travel details and it will immediately provide you with coverage benefits and the premium contribution and you’re set to go.

Travel Master with COVID-19 is available whether you’re planning to travel locally or internationally–making it a flexible and much-needed travel companion anywhere you go.

So if you’re looking for destinations to add to your vacation bucket list, here are six spots around the Philippines to get you started:

Samal Island Tourism Information Center, Facebook

Island Garden City of Samal

Davao del Norte

Located at the heart of the Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal is known as the largest resort island in the country– home to more than 30 resorts across a 118-kilometer stretch of coastline.

A mere 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, the resort island is a great stop for those who want to soak in the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the Philippines. Go snorkeling and bask in the beauty of the 150-hectare Coral Garden and Marine Park that includes the Audanao Fish Sanctuary and the Giant Clam Sanctuary. On land, travelers can enjoy exploring the 11.5-hectare government-owned botanical garden and nature park where they can see diverse flora and fauna.

The resort island is also home to the largest colony of fruit bats in the world and they can be seen in their natural habitat at the Monfort Bat cave.

Alona Beach Guide, Website

Alona Beach

Bohol

The Philippines is home to amazing beaches (it has more than 7,000 islands after all) and if you’re on the hunt for a new beach haunt that has white sand beaches like Boracay, Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol is a great spot to add to your travel bucket list.

The white sand beach stretches a good 1.5 kilometers and is in full view of the blue, blue waters of the sea of Bohol. Nature lovers and adventure seekers may also immerse themselves in the rich marine biodiversity of Balicasag Island–a few minutes boat ride from Panglao island. Here you can snorkel and view its 400-meter coral garden and marine sanctuary.

Meanwhile, those who want to get the most out of their vacation and explore more of Bohol can also visit the famous Chocolate Hills, the Mahogany Forest, or take a slow, leisurely ride and a beautiful lunch along the Loboc River with the Loboc River Cruise.

Lacson Ruins, Facebook

The Ruins

Bacolod

Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” The Ruins or the Lacson Ruins was the ancestral home of local sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built in the early 1900s in Talisay, Bacolod City. Inspired by Italian architecture, the Ruins was built in the memory of Don Mariano’s wife Maria, who died giving birth to their 8th child.

During the Second World War, the mansion was burned by Philippine guerillas to prevent it from being used by the Japanese. The mansion burned for three days straight but left behind its beautiful foundation. The Ruins has now become a popular tourist and event spot, especially for weddings because of its romantic history.

For those who want to experience more of the old-age architecture of the Philippines, they can–after visiting the Ruins–take a day trip to the neighboring city of Silay and visit its large collection of perfectly-preserved heritage houses including the Golez Heritage House and the Balay Negrense heritage house and museum.

Museo Orlina, Facebook

Museo Orlina

Tagaytay City

For those who want a more leisurely adventure in cooler climes, Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City, is the perfect place for you.

Located at Hollywood St. Hollywood Subdivision in Tagaytay City, the museum houses the many glass sculptures of famed Filipino visual artist Ramon Orlina. Spend an hour or two exploring the four-floor exhibit area including the Reflections Gallery where Mr. Orlina exhibits videos, images, and documents charting his art journey; and the Naesa Gallery which features an ever-changing exhibition featuring up-and-coming Filipino artists.

If you fancy viewing his work alongside nature, take a walk at the Sculpture Garden and Amphitheater, and cap off the visit with a spectacular view of Taal Lake at the roof deck.

Tam-awan Village, Website

Bell Church, Website

Tam-awan Village and Bell Church

As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, many vacationers travel to Baguio in search for respite from the hot weather. The cooler climate alongside the beautiful nature makes it a must-go destination for anyone regardless of their preference for adventure.

Those who’ve been to Baguio several times would undoubtedly know of its most famous landmarks including Wright Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and more. But for those who want to discover more of the city and its culture, there’s no better place to visit than the Tam-awan Village and the Bell Church.

Tam-awan Village located in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City is perfect for those interested in art and history. The village features indigenous craftsmanship and Ifugao architecture alongside art pieces made by local artists set within a sprawling and beautiful mountainside forest.

Bell Church, meanwhile, is a 63-year-old Taoist temple located in La Trinidad, Benguet. Here visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and the quaint lotus pond and even have their fortunes read by the monks of the temple.

Whether your summer plans are for adventure or relaxation, domestic or international, make your travels all fun and worry-free withTravel Master Insurance with COVID-19 available at the GCash’s GInsure marketplace.

About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centers in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimize  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

The post Bring your 2023 Summer Travel goals to life with these six fascinating PH vacation spots appeared first on MYJUICYNET.

Moving to a new area can be scary if you’re unfamiliar with it. Living in the southeast US is something to get used to, with its particular weather and massively impressive landscapes.

When you’re looking at Mesa apartments for rent or considering a home in Tempe, keep these things in mind before you move to the Grand Canyon State.        

Its population is diverse.

Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the nation and has within it a varied population. Nearly 30 percent of inhabitants speak a language other than English, including Chinese, Navajo, and Spanish. This falls above the national average of 22 %.

It’s got spectacular views.

The landscape of the state runs the gamut from desert, to mountains, to metropolitan areas.

Its most noted natural attraction is the Grand Canyon and its layered red rock formations that show millions of years of geological history.

Overall, the state has 22 national parks and monuments and 35 state parks and natural areas to enjoy.

There is also the Hoover Dam, Sedona Red Rocks, and Monument Valley.

Its Native heritage is rich.

The area is steeped in Native history, much of which can still be seen today. The Heard Museum of American Indian Art & History is a wonderful place to educate yourself on the land’s original inhabitants. You can also check out ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings or the Navajo National Monument.

The cost of living is affordable.

Prices always depend on where you live, but Arizona as a whole is affordable for the average person.

In looking at home prices, utility expenses, grocery bills, and other living factors, the cost of living is 5 percent below the national average.

The average salary is $59,000. Rent typically costs $1,180 for a two-bedroom apartment in a place like Phoenix and $1,590 for the same in a city like Scottsdale.

It’s got a great job market.

Arizona’s job market is particularly good for those in the tech industry. Companies like Apple, Uber, and Lyft have offices there.

There are also corporate headquarters for PetSmart and U-Haul, and an opportunity to work in higher education because of the presence of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

The mining and copper industry also has a huge impact on the state. In 2018 66 percent of the country’s copper came from Arizona.

Traffic sucks.

With highly populated areas comes traffic, particularly for those areas with a booming tourism scene.

Thanks to the addition of out-of-staters, Arizona’s traffic gets jammed up more often than not. People aren’t just commuting to work, but heading out for nature walks or tours of the area.

The entertainment scene is lively.

There’s a lot to do in Arizona, from hiking trails in the temperate weather to catching a show at a local entertainment venue.

There are many festivals throughout the state, like the Summer Ends Music Festival in Tempe or the Festival of the Arts in Phoenix.

The temperatures are pretty great year-round, but with that comes dryness and dust thanks to the desert terrain.

Dust storms are typically seen in the summer months.

The post Moving to Arizona: Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on MYJUICYNET.

Cities continue to shape the way we live our lives – from shifting to greener lifestyles choices to reducing overall carbon emissions to help save the planet. The successful shift to greener cityscapes begin with the construction of green buildings, providing smart innovations that work with the environment and promote the well-being of the people who use these spaces on a daily basis. 

According to a study made by the US Green Building Council, green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by around 40% on average, water consumption by around 30% and waste generation by around 70%. Beyond the environmental benefits, green buildings also help meet social needs by enhancing spaces, protecting human health, empowering differently-abled members of the community to take active participation and ensuring access to basic services at reasonable rates. Economic benefits can be felt as well with green buildings commanding higher rent potentials, encouraging ‘greenovation’ and promoting cultural and recreational activities without harming the environment.

Committed to making every day living better, SM Prime has taken the lead in incorporating sustainability and resiliency in its designs, making each component work together as a fully-integrated city of the future. 

“Constructing greener buildings provides holistic solutions not only reducing emissions but also promoting social well-being.” shares Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee. “We see this in our developments which drives us to build greener and even retrofit our existing malls to meet green standards.”

Among SM’s developments, a number boast of receiving LEED Gold certification while others are in the process of certification such as the SM Baguio expansion, SM North EDSA BPO offices, SM Megamall Mega Tower and SM Retail Corporation, to name a few.

SM Aura

The iconic SM Aura at the Bonifacio Global City is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, trade halls and a Grade A office tower. The LEED Gold Certified mall promotes resource efficiency, green mobility and green landscapes.

SM Aura Bicycle Racks

• Green Mobility. Cycling is encouraged with accessible bicycle storage, cyclists’ shower rooms and convenient access to safe lanes to public transit.

SM Aura Premier Park

• Green Landscapes. The SM Aura Premier Park covers over 55% of the building, uses recycled water and provides enough room for plants to grow while protecting the building and people from heat.

SM Aura LEED GOLD Certification

• Resource Efficiency. SM Aura uses 16% less than conventional buildings through a high- performance building envelope that reduces solar heat while allowing sufficient sunlight. Through low flow water sensor and metering faucets, it also reduces 1/3rd of its potable water use. Only low emitting materials were used as paint, adhesive sealants and floor materials.

Conrad Manila

Known as a lifestyle center, Conrad Manila is LEED Gold Certified. The hotel is designed with a dramatically-formed angular structure that houses a stylish 347-room hotel, spa and function space while S Maison  is home to a swathe of smaller, more bespoke outlets for brands.

Bicycle racks at the Conrad Manila

• Luxury Means Green Mobility. Boasting of high-end luxury experience, Conrad Manila remains environmentally friend by providing preferred parking slots for low emitting fuel efficient vehicles, car-sharing vehicles and special parking spaces and facilities for cyclists.

• Eco-Friendly Materials. Locally manufactured and recycled materials and products were used whenever possible with more than 80% of the project’s construction waste recycled. Filtration systems maintain a minimum efficiency rating of 90% to eliminate airborne particulates.

 
Conrad Manila LEED Gold Certification

• Resource Efficiency. Conrad Manila is designed to reduce energy around 12% less than American energy standards. Its water heating system recovers heat from the chiller condensers to produce hot water while its ventilation system recovers the coolness from the exhaust air, returning that into the building. The hotel is outfitted with occupancy sensors, tinted with low emissivity insulated glass to keep heat and noise out,

Going beyond the LEED Certification, SM Engineering and Design Development, the mall’s design and construction arm has implemented these sustainable design strategies on the following projects:

SM Baguio Sky Garden

SM Baguio brings outdoor and indoor as one space optimizing natural lighting and ventilation with the Sky Garden. It has a green roof system as well as a provision for an underground water reservoir for storage and reuse of rainwater with a capacity of 4,389 cubic meters. 

SM Seaside Cebu

SM Seaside Cebu mall goers can enjoy an extensive green area, center courtyard and roof garden. Constructed with low glass and utilizes EchoStop for noise management, the building is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. 

SM Lanang Sky Garden

SM Lanang Premier showcases lush greens, a roof garden and green pavers that encourage filtration and allow stormwater back to the underground soil. It is equipped with a rain water catchment system and a water reservoir with a 546-cubic meter capacity based on 425mm per hour rainfall intensity. It also has a materials recovery facility which receives, segregates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers. 

SM Masinag Holding Tank

SM City Masinag helps communities avoid flood waters through its 15,033 cubic meter water catchment facility. It is designed with green screens to promote vertical plant growth and is constructed with Clerestory windows as a source of natural light. 

SM North EDSA Solar Panels

SM North Edsa is one of the pioneers of the use of solar panels. It is also the first to have the Sky Garden and elevated parks. 

The Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is uniquely designed with a seawall to avert any damage from potential storm surges or seal level rise. Built on reclaimed land, it used an excavation method providing a greater degree of protection against liquefaction and seismic events. It is also elevated above the required building levels and is equipped with wave return and drainage channel to prevent flooding due to storm surges and high waves.

SM Marikina sits on 246 stilts and is built 20 meters beyond the compliance for safety zone. At 20.5 meters above natural ground level, it serves as a first responder and a place of refuge for the residents of Marikina during times of calamities. 

SM Marikina on stilts

Today, real estate investors, both for business and personal use, have grown to prefer spaces that support sustainability agendas of the growing population. Pursuing green building standards support the public’s aspiration for more sustainable communities that are designed for environmental and social well-being. SM Prime believes that it is important for developers to work with communities on addressing climate change and achieving shared aspirations – a greener, more sustainable cityscape for all to enjoy. 

“Creating a more sustainable way of life requires a sustainable backdrop that supports the shift. At SM Prime, our passion is to create one that is sustainable and resilient for the life we want for today and the future,” Mr. Sy said. 

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Ontario is a stunningly beautiful province, with nearly half of its residents (44.4 percent) living in or around its largest city of Toronto in the Greater Toronto area (GTA). Halton real estate, which includes Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton, is especially popular, providing easy access to the city along with a more serene setting. 

No matter where you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll have access to some fabulous day trips, including these.

Niagara Falls

Iconic Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province and it’s on just about every traveler’s bucket list. If you live in the GTA, consider yourself fortunate as it’s only a little over an hour’s drive away.

Not only can you gaze out at the cascades and capture plenty of photos for your Instagram account, but you can take a boat excursion to get you so close you’ll be drenched by the spray. The Butterfly Conservatory, with some two thousand colorful insects, is also here and you can enjoy a delicious meal in the Revolving Dining Room at the Skylon Tower that comes with a view of the falls from 775 feet above.

Algonquin Provincial Park

An especially picturesque park covering about 3,000 square miles between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, Algonquin is home to more than 750 miles of rivers and streams, thousands of lakes, and hills covered with maple trees that burst with color in the fall.

Enjoy everything from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to paddling, fishing, and camping, along with abundant wildlife. Watch for beaver, deer, moose, and even wolves.

Collingwood

Collingwood is about two hours north of Toronto with a harbor in Nottawasaga Bay, the southern region of Georgian Bay. It’s a gateway to Blue Mountain ski resort which not only offers cross-country and downhill trails, but opportunities for hiking, biking, zip-lining, and Segway tours in the summer.

This is also when you can enjoy numerous festivals and events, including big-name live music. There’s Jazz on the Mountain at Blue, Salsa at Blue Festival, and much more.

Eramosa Karst Caves

About an hour’s drive south of Toronto are the impressive Eramosa Karst caves. It’s a great place to spend the day, filled with underground caves, streams, waterfalls, forests, and meadows as one of the area’s top destinations for hiking and simply enjoying nature. Bring a picnic as you’ll find plenty of secluded spots to enjoy it with a view.

Cobourg Beach

If you’re craving a day at the beach you’ll find the perfect place only about 90 minutes from Toronto. The picturesque town of Cobourg is home to Cobourg Beach, a local favorite with many coming to cool off during the peak of summer, although it’s possible to swim if you’re up for a more secluded and chilly dip outside of July and August.

Enjoy strolling the boardwalk, watching or joining in on sandcastle building competitions, and all sorts of amenities. The beach is well-equipped, complete with changing rooms and picnic tables. 

For those who want to enjoy the beach in the summer without the crowds, there are actually two beaches that most refer to as one, Cobourg is made up of Victoria Park Beach which is the more popular, crowded side, while West Beach lies to its west offering gorgeous sandy shores and a more tranquil atmosphere.

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The most-awaited Travel Expo every year is just around the corner! The Philippine TravelTour Expo promises good deals and discounts for next travels this year!

PTAA releases list of 10 most traveled celebs as TravelTour Expo 2020 opens

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is hosting the three-day TravelTour Expo 2020 at SMX Convention Center from February 7 to 9. It is the 27th installment of the highly anticipated event.

In line with this, PTAA is releasing its list of most traveled celebrities. The group formed a three-person committee to come up with the list based on the stars’ social media posts.

PTAA president Ritchie Tuano explained, “These days, social media has become one of the best tools for the travel and tourism industry. Pictures and videos are the best ways to entice people to visit a place. Celebrities, whether they realize it or not, do a lot to boost the visits to different locations within and outside the country. Their fans aspire to go where they go. Moreover, the public also gets to find out more about the places they visit. They provide both the glamour factor and the reassurance that the place is safe to visit.”

With that, the PTAA has identified the following as their top 10 most traveled Filipino celebrities:

1. Tim Yap
2. Heart Evangelista
3. Lovi Poe
4. Catriona Gray
5. Pia Wurtzbach
6. Vicky Belo
7. Bea Alonzo
8. Nadine Lustre
9. Liza Soberano
10. Maine Mendoza

“Anyone can take a picture of their travels and just post it online, but these stars really draw in their followers by sharing their candid moment during their journeys,” explained Tuaño. “You know that they don’t just go to a place to have their picture taken. They enjoy each and every place wholeheartedly. They also go out of their way to interact with the locals.”

Tuano went on to say, “If you haven’t been bitten by the travel bug yet, maybe you can check out the booths at the TravelTour Expo 2020 to get inspired.”

Entry tickets to TravelTour Expo 2020 may be bought at the SMX Convention Center entrance. The tickets cost PhP70 for general admission (including students and children) and PhP50 for senior citizens. The entrance is free for all Citi Credit Card Holders — they just have to present a valid ID along with their card. Tickets are priced on a per day basis. Below is the schedule of the expo:

February 7, 2020 (Friday)
8:30-9:30 AM – Entrance for Citi Card Holders only
9:30-7:00 PM – Open to the public

February 8, 2020 (Saturday)
9:00 AM-7:00 PM – Open to the public

February 9, 2020 (Sunday)
9:00 AM-6:00 PM – Open to the public

The booths are located at Halls 1 to 4, which are on the ground and second Floors of the SMX Convention Center.

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