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(Last Updated On: March 16, 2017)BY Philippine News Agency

Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a code of conduct for international and domestic tourists, tour operators and locals at tourism spots.

The code of conduct includes rules that tourists should obey such as standing in line and respecting local customs and culture.

On January 5, 2017, the Department of Tourism of Vietnam’s southern Ho Chi Minh City also released a code of conduct for domestic and foreign tourists in an effort to improve the reputation of the city.

Last year, similar rules were released in several other localities, including central Da Nang and south central Nha Trang, capital Hanoi and ancient Hoi An cities.

According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, in the first two months of 2017, Vietnam received over 2.2 million international visitors, up 33 percent year-on-year.

The country is expected to receive 11.5 million foreign visitors and 66 million domestic travelers, generating 460 trillion Vietnamese dong (20.3 billion U.S. dollars) this year.

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(Last Updated On: March 16, 2017)Wood and stone will be the main feature in the third episode of Dayaw season 3.

The third episode, “Inukit, Hinulma” (Enduring Wood, Immortal Stone), looks into how wood and stone were employed by builders and craftsmen from all over the archipelago, to build structures and objects dedicated to agriculture, exploration, to the community, to noble ideas like nationhood and spirituality.

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch Dayaw on Thursday, March 16, 6:30 pm, on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), with livestreaming on abs-cbnnews.com/live and on ANC’s Facebook page.

“In this episode, we will see how wooden furniture and stone-built structures all over the Philippines including Batanes, Ifugao, Pampanga and Manila particularly old churches, resting places and traditional homes play a huge role in defining the distinctive character of our nation,” said Legarda.

“Wood and stone have helped shape the most indelible images of communities, of explorers and farmers, of evangelizers, of builders from the wooden boats of the Ivatan to the speedy, sturdy vessels of the Sama,” she added.

Dayaw, conceptualized and hosted by Senator Legarda, and produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and ANC, is a six-part, 30-minute weekly documentary series that focuses on the preservation of the country’s culture and heritage.

It is shown every Thursday, 6:30pm on ANC and ANC HD, with livestreaming on abs-cbnnews.com/live and on ANC’s Facebook page, and simultaneously on The Filipino Channel (TFC). Replays on Thursday 10:30pm, Friday 1:30am and 2:30pm, Saturday 3:00am and 8:30am, Sunday 11:30am, Tuesday 1:30pm, and Wednesday 11:30pm.

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(Last Updated On: March 16, 2017)The Department of Health – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) on March 15, formally launched its air ambulance to provide transport of patients from the scene of an emergency to the nearest healthcare facility.

“This is the most effective and quickest response in saving a patient’s life, especially those who reside in remote and hard to reach areas.

Critical patients and emergency cases needing immediate care can be transported right away to the nearest health facility without difficulty”, Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the launching ceremony held at the Puerto Princesa City Airport in Palawan.

“Most of the places in MIMAROPA are not accessible to regular ambulance services due of its geographically situated island provinces.

Some of these areas are remotely located and can’t be reached quickly by health workers, medical personnel, and regular ambulance services.

Patients can only be acquired through air transport,” he emphasized.

The air ambulance will be provided by the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services, Incorporated (PAMAS) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DOH-MIMAROPA with the objective of transporting patients by air from an area with a limited medical facility to an area where an adequate medical care is available.

It is equipped with first aid medical equipment and manned by a paramedic to provide immediate care.

PAMAS is a faith-based, volunteer-driven organization that spreads the Gospel to the Philippines through the use of an aviation and medical ministry. PAMAS is a non-stock, non-profit, SEC registered Corporation in the Philippines.

Two (2) aircraft will serve as an air ambulance to cater patients namely, a Cessna 206 (six seater) and a Robinson R44 Helicopter (4 seaters).

“It can accommodate non-ambulatory and ambulatory patients. “If needed, transport of patients from MIMAROPA provinces will be transported to DOH tertiary hospitals in Metro Manila which will take approximately 1 ½ hour or less. The air ambulance service will cater to indigent patients and indigenous communities,” he added.

“Time is vital in saving a life. Even a fraction of a second delay may cost a patient’s life. And this is one of the advantages of an air transport because it includes providing a higher level of care from the scene of trauma to community hospitals”, he emphasized.

There will be Off-site Landing Zones (LZ) in every province designated for emergency medical evacuation for identified hospitals. Ground ambulance transfer to and from the LZ from the originating hospital to the destination tertiary hospitals will be duly coordinated as well.

A 24/7 emergency unit will be established in every DOH provincial office. For Palawan, emergency numbers that can be contacted are (0998) 5492585 for Smart and (0917) 533-1651 for Globe.

“Slowly and surely we will be providing the essential and necessary equipment and medical services to the heart of the Philippines – that is MIMAROPA. These are the health needs of the people and we will not fail the more than three million citizens who are constantly anticipating for progress and development in their health care delivery system.” Janairo concluded. (PIA/DOH)

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(Last Updated On: March 16, 2017)

There’s no better time than this summer to visit Hong Kong and one of its most celebrated and iconic attractions. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is letting us in on an exciting new experience that showcases the beauty and essence of Hong Kong’s south side from the theme park that has been educating and entertaining kids and kids at heart for over 40 years.

As part of Ocean Park’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, they announced the launch of the all-new dining festival, Chill Out @ The South title sponsored by Prudential Hong Kong Limited. The festival will be held on 19 evenings, beginning tomorrow until April 17, at the Park’s Waterfront

Guests can enter the Park after 5 p.m. on selected dates to unwind beside the park’s beautiful lagoon, while enjoying the mesmerizing fountain, live music, a wide selection of fine wines and international food, as well as a variety of spectacular entertainment, including Ocean Park’s signature show “Symbio!,” a special effects-laden extravaganza.

Chill Out @ The South will be showcased under three themes —All About Sake, Pop & Rock Beer Fest, and In Taste of Excellence. Guests will enjoy a whole multi-sensory dining and entertainment experience, which also includes mini concerts, street and cultural shows, and themed workshops.

Leo Kung, chairman of Ocean Park, said, “With the opening of the new MTR South Island Line, Ocean Park sees the opportunity to open up the Park to locals and overseas guests who are looking to try something new, chic, and fun. Chill Out @ The South is a key milestone for us, and will position Ocean Park as the entertainment and dining hub of the Southern District.”

Anthony Shaw, chief officer, marketing and customer service of Prudential, said, “Prudential is very pleased to again work with Ocean Park, promoting and supporting a unique, new theme park experience.

Together with Ocean Park, we welcome visitors from Hong Kong and overseas to taste the finest selection of food and drinks and enjoy an exciting lineup of entertainment.”

During All About Sake, guests can choose from a vast range of delicious sake, from the renowned Juyondai 14th Generation to delicious, fine and rare brands from Japan and Taiwan that will be introduced in Hong Kong for the first time. Guests can also savor a range of traditional Japanese delicacies, including luxurious Wagyu beef imported from different regions of Japan, as well as signature dishes from Tsukiji Yamataka Seafood Market Hong Kong, one of the city’s hippest dining spots. Traditional Japanese cultural performances, with the highlight being a Taiko drum stage show, will complete the Japanese experience.

The Pop & Rock Beer Fest is a dedicated event for beer and music lovers. Guests can choose from myriad unique craft beers from around the world, including a comprehensive collection of local labels, brewed by the city’s most fashionable brands, including Mak’s, Nine Dragons, Moonzen, and Young Master Ale —all served alongside a wide selection of international street food.

Two mini concerts featuring some of the city’s hottest singers and bands, including Lil’ Ashes, Jason Chan, Kimman Wong, Bondy Chiu, Dear Jane, Shiga Lin, Thor Lok, Nowhere Boys, Supper Moment, AGA, Robynn & Kendy, New Youth Barbershop, RubberBand, Alan Po x Hey Joe Trio, Danny Summer, Danson Tang, and Eddie Ng who will take turns to spice up each event night.

The finale of Chill Out @ The South, In Taste of Excellence, will immerse guests in the ultimate celebration of fine wine and food. Gourmands will revel in exquisite international cuisine presented by award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs, while watching cooking demonstrations and taking part in wine pairing lessons by celebrity chefs.

Throughout the five-week festival, the Park will also set up a special botanic garden. Inside, guests can purchase organic and natural products and handcrafted goods and take part in handicraft workshops. For even more privileges, guests can purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy a host of exclusive activities that will make their evenings even more unforgettable.

These include access to the VIP lounge located in front of the giant viewing panel of The Grand Aquarium, where they can enjoy free flow of hors d’oeuvres, red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as guaranteed access to Applause Pavilion for the Taiko drum stage show or one of the two mini concerts on the night of visit.

Tickets are on sale now. Guests can visit the Ocean Park website for more details, www.oceanpark.com.hk. discoverHongKong.com/best.

April 19, 2016AuthorKier LabradorLeave a commentEdit

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(Last Updated On: January 6, 2017)

 Despite the slump in global oil prices, the Philippines’ leading oil refining and marketing company Petron Corporation reported a consolidated net income of P6.3 billion in 2015, more than double the previous year’s earnings of P3 billion.

According to Petron, the increase was driven by a surge in sales volumes, better refining margins, and effective risk management.

All business segments in Petron’s Philippine and Malaysian operations contributed to volume growth as combined sales volumes reached 98 million barrels in 2015, a 13 percent growth from 2014’s 86.5 million.

In its home market, Petron increased sales with strong demand coming from Reseller, Industrial, and LPG segments.

Volumes from service station sales grew by 11 percent while LPG grew another 16 percent over the period compared to 2014.

Meanwhile in Malaysia, the Company’s rebranding and upgrading program reaped dividends. Retail gasoline volumes, for instance, grew by 11 percent.

Even with robust volume growth, 2015 registered lower sales revenue of P360.2 billion, a 25 percent decrease from P482.5 billion the previous year due to a near 50 percent drop in oil prices.

Benchmark Dubai crude averaged US$51 per barrel last year from US$97 the previous year. Dubai is currently averaging around US$30 per barrel.  The Company’s performance was bolstered by proactive risk management to mitigate the impact of inventory losses and currency depreciation.

Despite weak oil prices in 2015, the differential between crude and finished products remained strong and the mix of higher value products improved, supporting refining margins.

As a result, Petron’s operating income reached P18.1 billion last year, a 138 percent increase from only P7.6 billion in 2014.

“Petron beat expectations and posted solid results last year. Low domestic prices and continued growth in the Philippine and Malaysian economies, coupled with our strategic investments, enabled us to reach record-breaking sales volumes,” Petron President Ramon S. Ang said.

 “We are right where we want to be as we continued to grow our business profitably and sustainably,” Mr. Ang added.

Petron’s sales performance in the Philippines was supported by the initial test run and commissioning of its US$2-billion refinery upgrade project in 2015.

In preparation for full operations this year, Petron’s refinery has hit a utilization rate of nearly 90 percent with an average run of nearly 160,000 barrels per day in the first two months of 2016.

The Company also continues to aggressively expand its service station network in both countries to push more profitable domestic sales.  As of end 2015, there are over 2,200 stations in the Philippines and another 570 in Malaysia.

“We are definitely on track to deliver better results this year as we reap the benefits of our expansion and upgrading projects. We are well-positioned to take advantage of business opportunities in the downstream oil industry and sustain our growth momentum,” Ang said.