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1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009 VOLUME II NO. 5

Views Inside-News Feature

Lifestyle and Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Disclaimer-

Special Feature

Global Connect

The Medical Tourism AssociationReleases Podcast with Cynthia CarrionWest Palm Beach, FL, August 22,2009 --(PR.com)-- The MedicalTourism Association ReleasesPodcast with Cynthia Carrion,Under Secretary for sports andwellness for the PhilippinesDepartment of Tourism, and amember of the Medical TourismAssociation Advisory Board.

The Medical Tourism Associationreleases podcast with CynthiaCarrion, Under Secretary forsports and wellness for thePhilippines Department ofTourism. Cynthia speaks outduring the podcast with CaylaLambier, with the Medical Tourism

Magazine on the importance ofMedical Tourism, and the recentdevelopments. The medicaltourism industry in the Philippinesis a sunrise industry explainsCynthia of the growing in themedical tourism industry.

The Philippines is verycompetitive and cheap; healthcaretravel empowers the patients withthe option to travel to other placesto receive treatment which has

saved many lives. Cynthia saidabout the benefits of travelinginternationally for healthcare.

Dont miss this importanteducational podcast and go to theHealth Tourism Magazine and theMedical Tourism Magazinewebsites to listen.

World Medical Tourism and GlobalHealth Congress is the one eventper year where Employers, SelfFunded Health Plans, InsuranceCompanies, and Medical TourismFacilitators that are looking tooutsource healthcare overseashave the opportunity to meet with

top International Hospitals andMedical Tourism Companies inone place for the ultimatenetworking event.

"The best Medical TourismConference of the year." This is acomment they have heard overand over from delegates whoparticipated in the first WorldMedical Tourism & Global HealthCongress which took place in SanFrancisco California September

2008. The 2009 World MedicalTourism & Global Health Congresspromises to match that sentimentand at the same time, provideeven more networking andadvanced panel sessions for thisinternational gathering. Theconference will feature up to 2,000attendees, up to 200 speakers,and over 125 exhibitors. For moreinformation please go to theMedical Tourism Congress website.

The Medical Tourism Associationis the first international non-profitassociation made up of the topinternational hospitals, healthcareproviders, medical travel facilitators,

insurance companies, and otheraffiliated companies and memberswith the common goal ofpromoting the highest level ofquality of healthcare to patients ina global environment. OurAssociation promotes the interestsof its healthcare provider andmedical tourism facilitatorsmembers. The Medical TourismAssociation has three tenets:Transparency, Communicationand education.

Copyright 2009 All RightsReserved . Materials in thisnewspaper are copyrightedand all rights are reserved totheir respective owners. Allcontent and other intellectualproperty may not be used inany way without consent andpermission from us in writing,under any circumstances.Respect Intellectual PropertyLaws.

Contact Us-GREAT EXPEDITION PUBLISHING1725C Dian St., PalananMakati City, Philippines(+632) 381-2285inquiry@greatphil.co.cc

RP - Middle-East tourism relations strengthenedThe Department of Tourism (DOT)has recently appointed Gulf Repsas the countrys trade and mediarepresentatives and coordinatorsfor the Middle East, withcontinuous efforts to tap this fast-growing, high-spending marketsegment, among the emergingsource markets for tourismexpenditures and investments.

Secretary Ace Durano said, Thisnew development forges strongertourism links between thePhilippines and the Middle East, aniche market whose economiccapacity translates to viableinvestments and spending in ourcountrys establishments,products, and services.

Providing unparalleled destinationand product representationthroughout the Middle East,utilizing strong relationships with

the local travel trade and mediapartners, Gulf Reps has earnedthe respect of the trade industry inAsia and in Europe, Duranoadded.

Gulf Reps is proud to note itsachievements in making theircompany second home to thetravel industrys best and mostpassionate travel leaders.Together, their team continues tobring years of knowledge andexperience to the field.

We are delighted with thisappointment and will be workinghard to show our commitment tothis beautiful country. Ourcompany considers this a privilegeof strong tourism relations, whichonly results to an additionalincentive showcasing the best ofthe Philippines 7,107 islands,said Leo Fewtrell, Gulf Reps

Managing Partner.

Fewtrell further explained, Sinceour launch, we have nurtured ourlinkages with the local andinternational travel trade. We alsowork with trusted media partnersto ensure exponential growth forall of our regional clients.

Undersecretary for TourismPlanning and Promotions EduardoJarque, Jr. said, The Departmentis confident that this partnershipwill indeed boost travel relationsbetween the Philippines and theMiddle East.

Jarque added, We have seen thatGulf Reps i s determinedlychanging the way traveldestinations and products arerepresented and ultimately

continue to page 2

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RODEL T. RABARAManaging Director/Editor

BRUCE A. DURANO Associate Editor

GEORGE STANLEY T. SERRANO

Creative and Research Staff

ULYSSES O. MANUELDR. RAQUEL T. RABARAPublic Relations Officers

OLIVER L. OLIVEROMARINELLA SHEEN D. OANIA

MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO

Writers/Contributor

NIGEL TOLENTINOROMA T. FEROLINO

RONEL O. MERCADOMERCEDITA R. TEGIOJOHN REY B. GARCIA

BERNARDINE T. BACANIJULIUS M. LAMMANGAN

Advertising Representatives

REINALYN R. TORADOToronto, Canada Bureau

ALEXANDER O. MANUELChicago, USA Bureau

ISRAEL SAVELLANO

Honolulu, Hawaii Bureau

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 20092 NEWS FEATURE

STAFF BOX CIRCULATION

The Popular Natural Wonders of Cebu PhilippinesButterfly Sanctuary

One of the must-sees when inCebu is the Jumalon ButterflySanctuary and Art Gallery of themulti-awarded artist-lepidopterist

J. N. Jumalon. This haven fornature and butterfly lovers islocated near the BasakElementary School, BarangayBasak - Pardo, Cebu City, is abutterfly sanctuary cumbotanical garden. The sanctuaryprovides a natural habitat for atleast 53 butterfly species anddifferent kinds of moths. Morethan a hundred plant speciesthat are mostly the life support ofbutterflies in their larval andadult stages are also being

grown in the sanctuary.

Aside from the butterflysanctuary, the place also boastsof Lumalons lepido-mosaicpaintings which are not actuallypaintings but artworks made ofdiscarded butterfly wings. Thebutterfly wings, which come fromother butterfly collectors, wererecycled using their naturalcolors in creating art, rather thanuse factory-processed pigments.

Jumalons butterfly collection,which is perhaps the oldest inthe country, is also featured inthe art gallery. The collectionincludes exotic butterflies fromdifferent countries. Alsoavailable for viewing areJumalons other collectionswhich include coins, stamps,dolls, key chains, seashells,rocks and artifacts.

The place is definitely ideal forstudents who want to researchon butterfly and moth habitats,as well as local or foreigntourists who want to relax andenjoy a day with butterflies andinteresting collections.

Orchid Farms

Thett Orchid Gallery in Moalboalhas one of the biggest orchiddisplays in South East Asia.Growing over 200 kinds of

orchids, the orchid farm is evena major supplier of potted plantsand orchids in Cebu. Here youcan find tropical orchid varietiesfrom Asia, South America andHawaii, rare orchid varieties and

even Vandas and Cattleyas thathave big flowers. After a stroll inthe farm, which has a tropicalgarden settings and visitors canrelax in the gallerys swimmingpool.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the ways to experiencenature in Cebu province is tovisit the Olango WildlifeSanctuary in the southern part ofOlango Island. The island is

located six miles off the EastCoast of mainland Cebu. Thewildlife sanctuary has atotal areaof 920 hectares and consistsmainly of sand flats andmudflats, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, sandy ridges andcoconut groves.

Olango became famous after thePhilippine Wetland andWildlife ConservationFoundation Inc. discovered thepresence of 40,000 to 60,000migratory birds in the area. Thediscovery had a great impact onbird studies in the East AsianFlyway, one of the mostimportant shorebird and waterbird migration pathways in theworld. The PWCF says thatthere is a total of 77 species ofmigratory waders that use thisFlyway and the Philippines hosthalf of this number in OlangoIsland.

The best time to visit thesanctuary is during the peak ofthe migration months when mostbirds have arrived at the island.The peak of the SouthwardMigration is from September toNovember while the peak of theNorthward Migration is betweenFebruary and April.

Getting There:

To reach the island, one can

take a jeepney ride from CebuCity to Lapu-Lapu City at theterminal at the NorthReclamation Area. Upon arrivingin Lapu-Lapu City, take a tricycleor multicab bound for Angasilthen disembark at wharf besidePortofino Beach resort, take apump boat to Sta. Rosa inOlango Island. One can reachthe sanctuary found in BarangaySan Vicente by foot or by tricycle

from the Sta. Rosa Wharf.

Diving Around Cebu

Cebu is a haven for divingenthusiasts, whetherbeginners or experts divers. Theisland is surrounded withbeautiful diving spots that willsurely captivate local and foreigntourists. Among the popular divesites in this island province arethe dice sites in Mactan Islandand in Malapascua Island such

as the Monad Shoal, TapilonJapanese Wreck and the DoaMarilyn Wreck. There are alsothe popular dive sites in thesouthern part of theprovince such as the HouseReef, Pescador Island andSunken Island in Moalboaland the Wall of death inSantander.

Cebu, aside from being s divers

haven, is also very diver friendly.Almost all hotels in the islandscoastline and all the beachresorts have completediving facilities and have divinginstructors. There are even diveoperators that offer dive tourscalled dive safaris. These divepackages are inclusive ofaccommodations, round triptransfers, meals, boat, guidesand other incidentals.

by etravelpilipinas.com

RP Middle... from page 1

marketed to the communityand trade at large.

Adding to the statement, DOTDirector Benito Bengzon, Jr.noted, In a marketplacecontaining some of the worldsbest-traveled citizens, a higherstandard of service and wider

range of options isunderstandably expected.

Gulf Reps also handlesdestination representation,market intelligence research,strategic planning, joint trademarketing, and sales missions,among others.

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Welcome to Playa Tropical Resort Hotel!

The quiet town of Currimao, Ilocos Norte has alwaysbeen humble about its charming beach. Playa TropicalResort Hotel is aesthetically inspired by the intricatedesigns from Bali and infused with our world-renownedhospitality. Your stay would be one of excellent service,tranquility and fond memories.

Guests stay in beautifully built Balinese inspired two-story Casa, with its own private pool, in the middle of perfect scenery of the precious beach and lovely tropicalgarden. Our infinity pool would take you to a refreshingbreak as our splendid ocean view Spa take your mind aworld away from the routine. Spend the rest of the dayin our game room or outdoor water activities to loosenup, bond and enjoy! Of course, you could always justrelax with our seafood feast and cocktails by the Casitas,as you feel the gentle breeze, approaching nightglow.

The first thing that strikes you about Currimao is itswide expanse of beaches and how clear and tranquilthe waters are, rivalling even the most famous beachdestination points in the country. Since Currimao is stilla fishing town amidst its growing popularity as atourism hotspot you can still see fishermen who use

what Ms. Cabie said are traditional 3 kilometerfishnets, you can actually hear them singing as theycarefully lay out the nets. In preparation for their fishingefforts.

Before heading out to see the attractions that makeCurrimao an alternative destination for tourists we hada late lunch at one of Currimaos most famousrestaurants named Jade Carla Food Center. As weentered the place I was quite impressed by itsambience and rustic appeal. The entire restaurant wasmade out of native materials and native hutssurrounded by a fishpond, so you can actually seefishes swimming by without care underneath your feet

while the see breeze cools you down. A part of therestaurant is also landscaped to look like a naturalpond, with trees and water flowing into a smaller pond.. The food was quite good, while my editor inchief opted for the tasty sinigang na bangus specialty, Ion the other hand feasted on prawns and tuna bellythat really tickled my taste buds and left me verysatisfied indeed. After Lunch we headed off to thewatchtower, an impressive stone edifice on a stretch ofwhite sand facing the sea where centuries agoresidents watched out for pirates. Also nearly asimpressive were the different rock formations that canbe seen all over the place.

As we headed out of Currimao I could not help butthink that this is one of the places youd love to comeback to, and not just as a stop over to Pagudpod butas an actual destination for tourists. Not just for thosewho are adventurous to try the different scuba divingsites but also for those who just want to escape theeveryday routine of a job or the hustle and bustle andpollution of city living. As I relaxed in my seat Ihappened to glance out the window and saw theGaang bay lighthouse with a setting sun as itsbackdrop, looking majestic yet lonely where it stood,Imglad I came, I hope I can come back soon.

In the middle of the 18 th century, Bantillan, a famous pirate roaming the Ilocosseas and his followers called Cumaos, a Spanish word meaning kidnapperscarried away natives for slavery. To protect the people from these moromarauders, two watch towers were erected in the area wherein when guardsdetect these cumaos , they would warn the people by shouting corre corre meaning to run and cumao cumao. Thus the name currimao was born.

Fast forward to today and we found ourselves taking a 12 hour trip to the tip ofilocos norte on our way to an adventure amidst its pristine beaches madebeautiful by its simple and natural landscapes. We stopped by Currimao on ourway to Pagudpod on the request of Currimao Mayor Rosario Go who along withthe mayors secretary Grace Asor and Currimao Tourism officer Delia Cabieserved as our gracious hosts as they took as through the different sights and rockformations that dotted the Currimao landscape.

According to Mayor Go, Currimao used to be a barangay of the Municipality ofPaoay until the early 1900 s when the Currimao labor union was organized byPedro Dancel Garcia . Members of this union were engaged in stevedoring andCurrimao being the only doorway to the sea in Ilocos Norte became the transitpoint for ships and traders plying the China seas. This led to prosperity forCurrimao and soon a petition was drafted to make it a separate municipality whichwas Inaugurated in Jan 21 1921.

by Nigel Tolentino

Currimao:

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 20094 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

A Simple BeautyBy The Sea Awaits.

Mobile Numbers:

Ilocos NorteBrgy. Pias Sur, Currimao,

Address:

0908-20882890918-6080938

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The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in thewhole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islandsconnected by azure waters and rich marine life.

The islands of Concepcion are highland masses except Baliguian. They appear ashalf-drowned mountains jutting out from the sea and manifested by sedimentary rocks.The mountains and hill systems are so close to the sea that only very narrow strips oflevel land are available for farming. It is in these narrow strips of land bordering shoreswhere the islanders build their clustered homes.

Most of the island in Concepcion are bordered by scenic white sand beaches. Nearestto the mainland is Tago Island whose southern promontory is not more than 200meters away from the mainland. Northeast of Tago Island is Pan de Azucar, thebiggest and most popular among them because of the enchantingly tall and steepmountain, called Mt. Manaphag, standing like a sentinel in its lands. It is in Pan deAzucar Island where the annual Tampisaw Festival is held every third week of April.

PMt. Pan de Azucar, also called as Mt. Manaphag, is one of the tallest peaks in Panayand the steepest mountains in the Country.

Northeast Pan de Azucar is Bag-o Isi Island, which has a shifting snake-like sandbarthat points towards Pan de Azucar. During hightide, it seems that you can cross fromisland to island because of the newly formed sand bridge. The smallest (notconsidering the islets, some of which are submerged during high tide) is Bocot Islandlocated northeast of Bag-o Isi. The northernmost frontier of Concepcion is Colebra orBago-alas Island at 10.7 nautical miles from the Poblacion (mainland).

Snake-like sandbars in Bag-o Isi Island seemingly forming bridges during high tide.Meanwhile, Southeast of Pan de Azucar is Sombrero Island, which appears like anatural citadel of high rise, rocky, protective outreach of Pan de Azucar. Further eastfrom here are 2 uninhabited islands namely: Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island, measuring 4hectares and Agho Island, a 8 hectare island with extensive white sand beach area, asprawling coral garden, and a magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset.

Nearby is the Malangabang Island, the most poulated island in Concepcion and IgbonIsland, known for the beautiful diving sites in its vicinity.

In the waters between Igbon and Pan de Azucar is Botlog Island, which has thewhimsical shape of an egg sliced in half, or an eggnog . Southwest of Igbon Island isa 2.8 hectare islet perfect for people who love the underwater world called Bag-o AboIsland.

The islands of Bulubadiangan and Danao-Danao also located south of Igbon Islandare frequently visited by tourist. Bulubadiangan, is known for its shifting white sandbarwhile Danao-danao is known for its interesting natural stone formations like tables andother figures.

At the mainlands southeastern coast crossing the Apitong Pass is Tagubanhan Island,which shares the border with the adjacent town of Ajuy and is the most populousisland. The farthest island, with a distance of 25 kilometers from the poblacion is

Baliguian Island the only coral atol in Concepcion.

From a distance, the islands of Concepcion appear as gigantic natural protectiveoutreach of the mainland with the tallest Mt. Manaphag (Pan de Azucar) commandingthe view rising 573 feet above sea level making it the landmark of the municipality.

Transport and Accessibility to the Island of Concepcion: From the Tagbak Terminal inJaro District, Iloilo City, ride a bus bound for Concepcion (2.5 to 3 hours). Embark atthe Public Plaza of Concepcion and look for the tourism office found near the gym.There, you can make inquiries and arrangements for your tour around the islands.When planning to go to Concepcion, make sure to contact the toursim office ofConcepcion first through the following contact details:

Concepcion Islands

16 Hidden Gems...

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 2009 5TRAVEL AND TOURISM

by Concepcion Tourism Office

Concepcion Tourism OfficeContact Person: Mario Lazarito, Tourism OfficerContact No.: (+63)(033)3920309Contact No.: (+63)9183119523

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We are pleased to welcome you to our beautiful town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte province, northwest tip of Luzon

Island, Philippines.Contact us at:

(077) 676-0183, (0921) 484-7746,(0929)847-9236 and (0919) 640-5630

jcb_inquiry@yahoo.com

Brgy. Burayok Point,Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

At the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Range is the 12-km winding bridge known as the Patapat Bridge,popularly known as the French Riviera of the North. At the upper part of the cliff, one can still see the etched foot bridgethat was the only link between Ilocos and Cagayan Valley in the 1960's.

While at the middle of the Patapat Bridge, one can take a look at the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the verdantmountains and the sea below. A glimpse of the old footbridge adds grandeur to the breathtaking view.

While at the scenic Patapat Viaduct, one can get an enchanting view of Pasaleng Bay, its beauty unmarred by ashipwreck dating from the Japanese occupation. It is believed that the other half of the ship lies eight fathoms at thedepths of scenic Pasaleng Bay, while the other half is at 20 fathoms at scenic Agua Grande. Here, treasure hunters andother adventure seekers, or even simple divers are treated to a wonderful diving experience.

Also known as the Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Beach is still another of the the many endowments richly bestowed upon

Pagudpud is the pristine and crystal-like white sand at Maira-Ira Beach. Here, nature lovers can have a lavish andrefreshing encounter with the cool waters.

Along the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, looms the fortress-like Timmangtang Rock. During summer and whenthe tide i s low, one can leisurely hike from the shoreline to Timmangtang Rock and once there, relax and enjoy the feel ofthe cool sea breeze while feasting one's eyes on the calm, blue water and the distant horizon. More adventurous visitorscan indulge in carefree mountain climbing, engage in banca sailing, and explore an awe-inspiring cave beneath the bluewaters.

Also in the heart of Barangay Balaoi are two identical mountains called the Dos Hermanos Island. Old folks say that inolden times, there were two brothers who were close to each other they vowed to remain together until death. One day,they went fishing and were still at sea when they were caught by a typhoon and drowned. Because of their loyalty toeach other, and to serve as an inspiration to others, they were transformed into the two mountains prominently seen inthe place.

The newest and definitely the favorite destination in Pagudpud is Kabigan Falls, where cool fresh water falls 120 feetinto a natural basin where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim. Protected throughout the day by tall trees abundantlygrowing in one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the Philippines, one can freely enjoy a whole day's treat withMother Nature's best.

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 20096 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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Welcome to Coconut Grove Beach Resort!

In a serene setting along the west coast of thePhilippines, Coconut Grove Beach Resort blendsperfectly with its superb beach side setting. Dine,lounge at the pool, play lawn bowls, or go SCUBAdiving. The tropical sun, beautiful sunsets and theenchanting waters of the South China Sea, promisethe ideal vacation; and at an outstanding value.

Our resort offers 24 hour bar and restaurant servicefeaturing western and Filipino cuisine. Wespecialize in local seafood favorites caught freshfrom the waters of the South China Sea. Relax andenjoy our famous La Union sunsets from your viewin the restaurant. Our band will then provide youwith the right atmosphere for an entertaining stay.

Our resort can cater to small conferences for up tofifty participants. We offer a relaxing venue set in apicturesque location. Please contact us for yourspecific conference requirements.

http://www. coco .com.ph/Km 263 National Highway, 2501 Bauang La Union, Philippines

For inquiries, call (+6372) 607 -6604; (+6372) 607 -6621; resort@coco.com.ph

1ST ISSUE OF AUGUST 20098 GLOBAL CONNECT

We rounded a corner and there, on a rise beyond the river, was Carcassone - avision for which no photograph could have prepared us. We pulled over to thecurb and got out of the car to stand and stare."

I got hooked on travel early in life. And for many years, beginning long before myfirst passport, it seemed to me that one of the transcendent travel experiences

must be to walk the grey stone ramparts of Carcassonne, preferably at night andpreferably in the autumn. This notion was firmly lodged in my brain when, as adiffident fourteen-year-old, I discovered the books of one of the most populartravel writers of any era, Richard Halliburton.

In his heyday in the 'twenties and 'thirties, Halliburton was a household name inAmerica and one of the most widely-read authors of his time. He had discoveredearly on that what his audience wanted from him was not culture, not politics andgeography but adventure and, above all, the romance of travel. And that is whathe gave them. He travelled on a shoestring to the most exotic corners of the globeand when adventure did not present itself, he created it.

One example will give you the flavour: broke in Buenos Aires while writing t he

by Wade Rowland

Travel Destinations

Carcassonne, France

newspaper series that was to become New Worlds toConquer he spurned an easy bail-out from hispublisher and instead invested his last few dollars in atrained monkey and a broken down hurdy gurdy.Performing in the city's parks and streets earned him:a) a night in jail for by-law infractions; b) a memorable

yarn for the newspapers and c) enough money for hispassage all the way north to Rio. The unfortunatemonkey died on the voyage - not to worry, he milkedthat story too.

Halliburton blew in to Carcassonne late in 1921 on hisfirst trip to Europe as a young Princeton graduate withliterary ambitions, and he wrote about it in The RoyalRoad to Romance, the first of his five, wildlysuccessful travel books. He was on his way by bicycleand knapsack from Paris to Andorra. The air at the footof the Pyrenees was sharp and clear...

"Late on that glittering November evening Ileft the modern ville basse on foot, crossedthe seven-hundred-year-old bridge over theriver that separates the fortress from themodern town, looked up the sharpescarpment, and behold, before my eyes,nine centuries disappeared. I became ananachronism, a twentieth-century Americanliving in eleventh-century France. In onesweep the Middle Ages were revealed. Amagical moonlit city of walls and towers andbattlements, defiant and impregnable, rosebefore me... Not a person was to be seen,not a light showed, nor a dog barked as Iclimbed the path and walked beneath themassively fortified gate, through the doubleline of enormous walls, into a strange world.Incredibly ancient houses, dark and ghostly,reeled grotesquely along the crazy streets.My footsteps echoed. There was no othersound..."