To boost efforts in attracting Korean tourists to visit the Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, will be participating in two major travel fairs happening in South Korea —The Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) on 06 to 10 June 2019 and HanaTour International Travel Show on 07 to 09 June 2019.
KOTFA
KOTFA is the biggest international travel fair in Korea with the participation of both international and domestic tourism-related organizations. This year, KOTFA is expected to generate an attendance of approximately 500 companies and 70 countries. The Philippines reserved six (6) booth spaces to be shared with airlines, hotels and top Korean travel agents in Seoul.
HanaTour
Meanwhile, HanaTour is Korea’s largest tour wholesaler with 1,200 HanaTour exclusive sales offices selling 14,000 tourism products through its 7,000 partners across the globe. This year, the Philippines is the featured country, co-marketing and promoting with HanaTour from June to July 2019, with multiple online and offline activities. The Philippines will also have eight (8) booth spaces at the event to help retail agencies aggressively sell and promote Philippine tour products, and provide general information about the country to the public.
South Koreans make up a huge portion of tourists visiting the Philippines annually, sharing approximately 22.3% of 1,587,959 visitors in 2018. TPB aims to increase Korean visitor arrivals by 25.80% upon completion of all tourism development plans by 2022, which will highlight the natural wonders of the Philippines.
As the country strengthens its campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines” Korean tourists will get to choose from many offerings such as its beautiful pristine beaches, expansive shopping centers, dozens of adventure-laden activities, and the renowned warm hospitality of the Filipinos.
The summer season means going on vacations, long road trips, and fun and exciting out-of-town excursions with family and friends. To make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable, it truly pays to practice road safety before and while you are behind the wheel. Remember, safety first always!
Here are some road safety tips from AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country:
Have your car checked.
Take your car to your trusted mechanic and have the battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air, and gas (B.L.O.W.B.A.G.) checked, as well as your air conditioner. Always have a tool kit and a usable spare tire ready, in case of a flat tire.
Get a good rest before you hit the road.
Driving long distances with very little sleep is dangerous as it can affect your alertness and your overall driving skills. Having coffee or a caffeinated drink may not be enough. So get that proper shut-eye — at least six to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep — before that trip.
Plan your route.
When going somewhere far for the first time, it’s best to do research first on the surrounding areas, the best routes to take, and the general road conditions there.
Use a paper map or download a navigation app on your smartphone so you don’t get lost or get stuck in heavy traffic.
Buckle up, even if you’re a rear seat passenger.
It’s important to wear your seatbelt — for the driver as well as front and rear seat passengers. This safety restraint system can protect you in times of collisions and prevent you from hitting the dashboard, the windshield, the seat in front of you, or worse.
Keep your distance.
Be conscious of braking distances and leave a safe space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you, so in case of an abrupt stop, a potential collision can be avoided.
Insure your vehicle.
Having car insurance, like the comprehensive insurance coverage offered by AXA Philippines, can protect you against losses and liabilities arising from road mishaps. AXA Car Insurance is available for purchase online.
Its policy holders can also avail of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance coverage across the country. This insurance product also offers the AXA Assist app, which presents a first-of-its-kind emergency red button. In case of emergencies, the application sends a distress message and location of the policy holder to emergency contact person/s, and AXA Assistance’s command center. What this brings is added peace of mind and security, so you can enjoy your drive and your trip!
Most people would agree that when it comes to credit cards, Citi has to be on the top of their most wanted list. If they had to choose one credit card to own most, I have found, would say they want a Citi credit card.
Now is a good time to apply for a Citi credit card! Go to https://tinyurl.com/citi-penny and apply for a credit card with Citi Philippines. People with successful applications will immediately receive an e-gift of P5,000 to be used at Uniqlo or no annual fees plus 10% interest back(for successful Simplicity+ Card referrals).
Citi is one of the most highly respected financial institutions in the world and as such, they have the most stringent screening process when accepting applications. After all, they want to make sure that their members actually have the capacity to pay.
* Note: the information below was lifted directly from the Citi Philippines website.
Eligibility of the card applicant:
is at least 21 years old
has a minimum income of:
P180,000 per year if you have another credit card
P250,000 per year if you have no credit card
has an active landline or mobile phone number
has a valid TIN, SSS, GSIS or UMID number
A deposit account with Citi is not necessary.
Required documents:
if you have an existing principal credit card
any government issued ID (driver’s license, SSS, UMID, passport, etc.)
if you do not have a credit card or your existing credit card is a supplementary card
any government issued ID (driver’s license, SSS, UMID, passport, etc.)
proof of income (ex. payslip, income tax return (ITR))
bank statement of your payroll account showing your one-month salary
a signed certificate of employment
Citi has a different kind of credit card to suit your lifestyle:
Interest back cards
Citi Simplicity+ Card
This is the card for those who like to keep it simple.
no annual fee EVER
no late fees
no over limit fees
pay at least the minimum due on or before the due date and get 10% back on interest charges
If you’ve never owned a credit card before and you can’t decide which one of the many Citi cards there are you want then this is a good starting place. The Simplicity+ card is tailor-made for newbie credit card holders.
Rebate cards
Citi Cash Back Card
This is the card for those who love to save! Every time you spend you get cash back in the form of rebates that you could use to partially pay for your credit card bill or to make purchases with specific merchants as defined by Citi.
get up to 6% rebate on supermarket purchases.
get up to 2% rebate on your Meralco bill payments done through Citibank Online or Citi® One Bill®.
all your other purchases automatically earn 0.20% rebate.
save as much as P12,000 per year.
Shell Citi Card
The perfect card for car owners, especially those that gas up at Shell.
Get up to 5% rebate on Shell fuel purchases.
Get up to 5% rebate on toll fees (NLEX and SLEX).
Get up to 5% rebate on auto repairs, accessories, and services nationwide.
Save as much as P10,000 per year.
Mercury Drug Citi Card
For those who buy their medicine from Mercury Drug. This is probably the card I would recommend for people with maintenance medicine, which means they buy medicine often.
Get up to 10% rebate on Mercury Drug purchases.
Get up to 10% rebate on participating hospital bills.
Get 0.25% rebate on all other purchases outside of Mercury Drug and participating hospitals.
Enjoy free 24/7 ambulance service worth P10,000.
Save as much as P9,600 per year.
Travel cards
Citi PremiereMiles Visa Card
Do you love to travel? Then this is the card for you!
Earn 1 never-expiring mile for every P30 spend.
Redeem flights and hotel stays instantly through Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Enjoy local and international airport lounge access with your PremierMiles.
Rewards cards
Citi Prestige Card
This is the creme de la creme of all the Citi cards. This card is also good for those who love to travel.
Unlimited 4th night free at any hotel booked through the concierge.*
Complimentary Priority PassTM Membership for primary cardmembers with unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges worldwide.
Complimentary Airport Meet and Assist services and one-way luxury airport transfers for primary cardmembers at select airports, twice (2x) per the calendar year.
5x ThankYou points on local dining, shopping, and all foreign currency spend.
This card has special features that the other Citi cards do not have:
desirable rewards
Every P30 spend earns you 1 ThankYou Point.
Earn 5x points on shopping, dining and foreign currency spend here or when you travel abroad.
Earn relationship bonus points on your card anniversary.
inspiring travel
Enjoy an unlimited 4th night free stays at any hotel booked through the concierge.*
Complimentary Priority PassTM Membership for principal cardmembers with unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges worldwide, with four (4) guest passes per membership year.**
Complimentary Airport Meet and Assist services and one-way airport luxury transfers for principal cardmembers at select airports, twice (2x) per the calendar year.
exclusive access and elite servicing
Enjoy three (3) complimentary rounds of golf each calendar year at participating golf courses.
Access to a dedicated hotline and Global Concierge Service with in-country experts ready to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Citi Rewards Card
The must-have card for those who love rewards. This is the perfect travel card for people who prefer to fly via Cebu Pacific.
Earn 1 point for every Php 30 spend.
Get 3X points when you shop, dine or book Cebu Pacific tickets.
Use your points to redeem free flights, hotel stays, or merchandise.
Use your points to pay for purchases at partner merchants.
How long does approval take?
Approval usually takes 5 to 7 days but online applications are often faster.
Apply for a Citi credit card now!
Go to https://tinyurl.com/citi-penny and apply for a credit card with Citi Philippines. Do it NOW to enjoy the P5,000 e-gift. This is a limited time offer so the soonest you apply the better. 🙂
In this age of navigation apps and Google maps, writer Jessica Zafra recommends getting lost as the best way to explore a foreign city.
In her new book, Twisted Travels: Rambles in Central Europe, she gets drunk in Prague, wanders through haunted castles in Cesky Krumlov, browses through bookstores in Budapest, and relives the complicated histories of Warsaw and Krakow.
Along the way she visits the Vienna Opera, loses her luggage in Rome, imagines an alternate life in Venice, and becomes embroiled in a Parisian petty crime drama.
Twisted Travels: Rambles in Central Europe is published by Visprint in cooperation with Discover Central Europe and the Embassies of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in Manila. The book is now available at Fully Booked branches, shopee.ph, lazada.com.ph, and National Bookstores.
Traveling is such a wonderful thing! It helps you appreciate different cultures and teaches you so many lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom. But to make each trip truly meaningful, you have to prepare very well for it.
But even seasoned travelers may run into unforeseen setbacks. Here is a list of common travel fails and what to do in case you find yourself in one.
1. Missed flight or other modes of transportation
Missing your flight or other transfers can be very stressful and costly as it can change your itinerary. But don’t panic! Find out your options, such as travel alternatives to your destination.
Be flexible, too! Know your schedule to give yourself ample time to prepare. While it’s good to have an itinerary, it’s also helpful to have a flexible schedule so you can immediately adjust to unforeseen circumstances.
2. Lost luggage
Make your luggage easily identifiable by adding some personal touches, like a luggage cover protector or bag tags with your name and address. If the airline loses your luggage, report it immediately.
Have the basic necessities and at least one set of clothes in your carry-on bag to tide you over as you wait for your luggage. If the airline is unable to recover your bag, your travel insurance can help.
Make travel insurance a part of your travel checklist. Get protection from Smart Traveler of Charter Ping An. Not only will it provide protection for your personal belongings, it also comes with a wide range of benefits, including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, liability and personal safety coverage, and even refunds for unexpected expenses.
Application is easy! Visit the AXA website (www.axa.com.ph/charterpingan/smart-traveller) and choose the ideal coverage for your trip. Eligible applicants must hold Philippine identification documents like birth certificate, long-term visa pass, dependent or student pass, and employment certificate for adults 18 to 70 years old.
3. Luggage overload
Lugging heavy suitcases as you chase after a bus or train or try to catch your flight makes travel more difficult, stressful, and even costly because it could mean paying extra for excess baggage.
Pack light by choosing clothes that are suitable for any situation and occasion. Bring only the most essential. Have your toiletries in miniature containers and carry your jacket instead of putting it in your bag.
4. Lost/missing travel documents
Travelers who are rushing may misplace things like passports or other important documents. When that happens, remember to keep calm and immediately ask for assistance from the nearest embassy or consulate.
Keep electronic and paper copies of your passport and other necessary documents with you, and constantly check your valuables wherever you go.
5. Cash shortage
Having cash is the easiest way to pay for things when traveling, but if you’re not careful, you can run low on cash before the end of your trip. To make your cash last long, bring a refillable water container so you don‘t have to buy bottled water, or shop at local stores for affordable and authentic local cuisines. Create a daily budget for your trip and stick to it. Have a credit card for emergencies.
Traveling is a good investment. Enjoy a hassle-free vacation and always be protected by availing of Smart Traveler now. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.
To boost efforts in attracting Korean tourists to visit the Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, will be participating in two major travel fairs happening in South Korea —The Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) on 06 to 10 June 2019 and HanaTour International Travel Show on 07 to 09 June 2019.
Meanwhile, HanaTour is Korea’s largest tour wholesaler with 1,200 HanaTour exclusive sales offices selling 14,000 tourism products through its 7,000 partners across the globe. This year, the Philippines is the featured country, co-marketing and promoting with HanaTour from June to July 2019, with multiple online and offline activities. The Philippines will also have eight (8) booth spaces at the event to help retail agencies aggressively sell and promote Philippine tour products, and provide general information about the country to the public.
Driving long distances with very little sleep is dangerous as it can affect your alertness and your overall driving skills. Having coffee or a caffeinated drink may not be enough. So get that proper shut-eye — at least six to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep — before that trip.
When going somewhere far for the first time, it’s best to do research first on the surrounding areas, the best routes to take, and the general road conditions there.
It’s important to wear your seatbelt — for the driver as well as front and rear seat passengers. This safety restraint system can protect you in times of collisions and prevent you from hitting the dashboard, the windshield, the seat in front of you, or worse.
Be conscious of braking distances and leave a safe space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you, so in case of an abrupt stop, a potential collision can be avoided.
Having car insurance, like the comprehensive insurance coverage offered by AXA Philippines, can protect you against losses and liabilities arising from road mishaps. AXA Car Insurance is available for purchase online.
Citi Simplicity+ Card
Citi Cash Back Card
Shell Citi Card
Mercury Drug Citi Card
Citi PremiereMiles Visa Card
Citi Prestige Card
Citi Rewards Card
In this age of navigation apps and Google maps, writer Jessica Zafra recommends getting lost as the best way to explore a foreign city.
Traveling is such a wonderful thing! It helps you appreciate different cultures and teaches you so many lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom. But to make each trip truly meaningful, you have to prepare very well for it.
Make your luggage easily identifiable by adding some personal touches, like a luggage cover protector or bag tags with your name and address. If the airline loses your luggage, report it immediately.
Lugging heavy suitcases as you chase after a bus or train or try to catch your flight makes travel more difficult, stressful, and even costly because it could mean paying extra for excess baggage.
Having cash is the easiest way to pay for things when traveling, but if you’re not careful, you can run low on cash before the end of your trip. To make your cash last long, bring a refillable water container so you don‘t have to buy bottled water, or shop at local stores for affordable and authentic local cuisines. Create a daily budget for your trip and stick to it. Have a credit card for emergencies.
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