Northstar

3 S E P / O C T 2 0 1 7 I C E i s M o r e F u n LOOKING for a great destination for those corporate meetings, incentives, conventions or exhibitions? One that o ers ve-star venues and facilities, manned by highly skilled, creative and reliable professionals, amid a backdrop of pristine beaches and lush rainforests? e Philippines is it, and so much more, because MICE is more fun in this archipelago of 7,107 islands. e Philippines is a melting pot of Asian and European cultures, creating a unique experience for visitors. e country traces its history to Negritos or aborigines in 30,000 BC to pre-colonial Malay seafarers who established settlements or barangays in Panay Island around the 13 th century. It was colonized by Spain in 1521 until 1898 when the Philippines was ceded to the United States. e Philippines became an independent republic in July 1946. A Destination on the Move Today, the Philippines is a destination on the move. Its economic growth has been stellar: 6.9% GDP in 2016, fueled by the services sector, and projected to grow at 7% in 2017 on the heels of massive spending for infrastructure that will include more roads, airports and seaports. Business is booming as more hotels and resorts open in key and emerging destinations, making the Philippines the go-to hub in Southeast Asia. With ve-star properties, world-class entertainment centers, and new international airports to be built in central centers around the country, the doors are now wide open for MICE planners to take a good look at the Philippines and make their value-driven choice for destination pick a lot easier. Tropical Paradise Sun, sea and sand are trademarks around the Philippines with a coastline that has some of the best beaches in the world. In the north, the sand dunes of Currimao in Ilocos Norte. To the south, the world- famous sand bars in Boracay, Cebu and Bohol, the island getaways in Palawan, and the pristine waters of Samal Island in Davao. Blessed with a tropical climate, the Philippines is a year-round choice for travelers. It is a paradise of natural wonders that include the iconic rice terraces of the Cordilleras in Ifugao, the serene Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea. Its culture re ects this blending and can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, fashion, and even traditions. Filipino culture is a delightful mix of east and west that produces the distinctive Filipino character. Filipino Touch – the Edge Behind this growth is the real gem of the islands, the Filipinos themselves. e Philippines boasts an edge in skilled manpower––young and driven tech- savvy men and women professionals who nd it second nature to blend the work and the fun to produce the so-called Filipino touch. With a focus on MICE, the Philippines o ers a growing selection of destinations, attractions and activities. e variety of choices are complemented by the versatility of the o erings: cosmopolitan Metro Manila or scenic Bohol? A time hop through 19 th century Spanish-themed Vigan City or a beach party in Boracay? A business meeting in Makati and a round of golf at a world-class course just 15 minutes away? e choices and possibilities are endless. ■ C O N T E N T S 2 o v e r v i e w 4 d e s t i n at i o n s 8 u n i q u e v e n u e s 9 M I C E v e n u e s 1 0 c a s e s t u dy 1 1 FA S T FA C T S i n t h e P h i l i p p i n e s Cover Photo Credit: iStockphoto O V E R V I E W

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