It’s spa, shopping & the great outdoor adventure in Intramuros

Intramuros becomes an unlikely sojourn to weary urban dwellers as it is transformed into an outdoor adventure and wellness destination for the Southern Tagalog’s stint of the “Philippines’ Bests 2005” at the Clamshell Tent 1 in Manila.

The Region 4 exhibit, which will run until July 31, will present a spectacular showcase of its beautiful natural attractions, its rich bio-diversity and exciting eco-tourism destinations, all here to explore.

"What’s good about this year’s exhibit is the line up of activities especially prepared for the adventure seekers and nature lovers," Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said. "Visitors will not only get to experience the colorful events in store for them but also participate in outdoor activities such as wall climbing and rappelling."

The Southern Tagalog Region is home to the world-renowned Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna, Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. It offers some of the country’s best natural treasures such as the Pamintinan Cave in Rizal; the mystical Mt. Banahaw in Quezon; Romblon’s Mt. Guiting Guiting; the marine sanctuary of Anilao, Batangas; Mt. Malindig in Marinduque; and the Tagaytay Picnic Grove. Likewise, have a glimpse of its outstanding biodiversity and forest reserves such as Mt. Makiling and Taal Volcano. Discover the region’s rich marine parks like the Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro, Anilao, and Verde Island in Batangas.

Regional Director Louella Jurilla said that this is an opportunity for the Filipinos to plan their adventure holidays after their hibernation in the monsoon months. "It is also the perfect venue to spread the word about the joys of traveling and experiencing nature as it promotes wellness and relaxation of the mind and body, at the same time promoting the importance of protecting the environment," she added.

Anchored on the theme "Eco-tourism and Beach Holidays" the show features a simulated beachfront complete with white sand and palm trees.

The DoT hospitality pavilion is the centerpiece structure of the regional showcase which features a wellness and spa salon set in a beach setting, courtesy of the Fuego Hotels. This structure is linked by a boardwalk to five smaller structures surrounding the main pavilion, built as cottages, representing the tourism products of Region 4. All the five cottages features the different tourism products of MIMARO (Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque and Romblon) and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).

"There is a growing demand for spa treatments these days, so we also want people to know that we have some of the best spas in Asia, including The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City, Batangas," Jurilla said.

"We sought the help of the Spa Association of the Philippines on this aspect who will also be doing a presentation on the country’s wellness destinations, plus a re-introduction of the traditional Filipino massage or ‘hilot’," she added.

Around 40 concession booths inside the exhibit area are selling a variety of delicacies, arts and crafts, as well as tourism products and services from the region including the coconut products from San Pablo City and Barong Tagalog and other embroidery products from Lumban, Laguna; coffee and bamboo products from Cavite; paintings made by the artists from Rizal; the vegetable bread and some cutlery products from Batangas; and marble tiles from Romblon.

Activities include craft demonstrations, travel fair, onstage concerts, fashion shows, cultural events, and exciting outdoor activities.

A lecture series on eco-tourism and success stories in environment preservation will enhance the theme of protecting the environment. "It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment because once neglected there will be nothing left for us to experience the bounty of nature," Durano said. "Understanding the importance of nature to us, and appreciating its gifts will make one realize the need to protect and preserve it from extinction and destruction."

The Southern Tagalog Region is composed of the provinces of Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Beach holidays and eco-tourism is the "Philippines’ Bests 2005" third quarter theme. All regions that fall under this period will show off its best beaches and natural resources. "Philippines’ Bests 2005" in Intramuros, Manila, is open everyday from 10 a.m, until 12 midnight, except on Mondays when it opens at 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.

[ Mt. Malindig Wiki | Mt. Guiting-Guiting Wiki ]