Join the Filipino-American Association of Portland & Vicinity, Inc. (FAAPVI) as we celebrate culture, community, and connection at our upcoming events—featuring highlights like the highly anticipated Kulinarya Festival and more! In partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism and Trade, this exciting lineup shines a spotlight on the very best of Filipino heritage, from flavorful cuisine and traditional delicacies to vibrant cultural performances and engaging community experiences.
Whether you’re discovering the Philippines for the first time or reconnecting with your roots, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Filipino culture so unique. Bring your friends and family, support local vendors, and be part of a celebration that proudly showcases the warmth, creativity, and diversity of the Filipino community. Come celebrate, connect, and truly Love the Philippines!
The Department of Tourism (DOT) joins all the travelers worldwide who chose the White Beach, Boracay as the #1 Best Beach in the World for Sunbathing, Surfing and Doing Absolutely Nothing in Conde Nast Traveler’s (CNT) 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
With its beautiful scenery, including the 2.5 mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft, white sand, Boracay is the favorite backdrop for all kinds of occasions and makes tourists come back to the Philippines.
This same year, Boracay, Palawan and Siargao also rank among Asia’s Top 10 Islands in CNT 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards that makes the Philippines more vibrant and a world-class destination for travelers around the world.
CONTACT: CZARINA ZARA-LOYOLA Assistant Secretary Strategic Communications and Public Affairs czloyola@tourism.gov.ph
The Department of Tourism (DOT) reassures international travel partners that Cebu remains open for tourism. While recent events—including Super Typhoon Uwan, widespread flooding from Typhoon Tino, and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Bogo City—caused localized impacts, core tourism zones and gateways are operational.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said: “Cebu’s spirit of hospitality remains steadfast. We welcome our guests as we continue coordinated recovery in localized areas—your continued visits sustain jobs, restore livelihoods, and help communities get back on their feet. Together with our partners, we will keep Cebu ready, and open for the world.”
Secretary Frasco added: “We invite our partners to proceed with planned visits and inaugural flights to Cebu. We acknowledge that a few groups have chosen to defer travel, and we stand ready to help them rebook and adjust itineraries. Our foremost commitment is safety; our message is confidence. Cebu is moving forward, our gateways and core tourism areas are open, and together we will turn recovery into renewed growth.”
The DOT clarifies that high-traffic areas such as Cebu City’s business districts and the primary resort corridors on Mactan Island remain open. Impacts have been concentrated in select northern municipalities and low-lying barangays, as well as parts of Camotes.
To reinforce Cebu’s position as a premier international gateway after the calamities, the DOT continues to strengthen the province’s global connectivity through sustained partnerships and market-development initiatives.
Joint promotional campaigns with leading carriers have widened Cebu’s reach in key foreign markets, while familiarization trips for international travel trade, roadshows in priority source countries, and active participation in major global tourism exhibitions have continued as planned.
Cebu’s international and domestic lift for the fourth quarter of the year is supported by new and returning routes, including: Firefly (KUL–CEB) Dec 2, Jetstar (PER–MNL) Nov 27, Jetstar (BNE–CEB) Dec 3, Vietnam Airlines (HAN–CEB) Dec 2, VietJet (SGN–MNL) Nov 22, AirAsia (CEB-KUL) and (CEB-MFM) Nov 15, and PAL (CEB–GUM) Dec 16. While some partners have opted to defer activities in light of recent events, the DOT is assisting with rebooking and itinerary adjustments where needed.
The DOT reports that temporary site closures and flight cancellations following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, affected approximately 1,400 tourism workers.
CONTACT: CZARINA ZARA-LOYOLA Assistant Secretary Strategic Communications and Public Affairs czloyola@tourism.gov.ph
The Philippines once again proved its global tourism prowess after clinching six major recognitions at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held on Monday (Oct. 13).
This year, the country marked its eighth win as Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, highlighting its pristine coastlines and world-famous beaches.
As a strong testament of its thriving marine life and dive sites, the Philippines also claimed its seventh consecutive recognition since 2019 as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination. A back-to-back victory as Asia’s Leading Island Destination was likewise earned, solidifying the country’s place among the region’s most captivating tropical getaways.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded the recognition as a testament to the country’s sustained commitment in further strengthening the industry and the tireless efforts of tourism frontliners and stakeholders across the country.
“These awards reaffirm the country’s place among the world’s premier destinations. More than the recognition, this is a celebration of the people, especially our tourism frontliners—the guides, hospitality workers, weavers, boatmen, and countless others—whose warmth, hospitality, and resilience continue to inspire travelers from all over the globe,” Secretary Frasco said.
“As the Philippine tourism industry continues to capture global recognition, we remain committed to strengthening the country’s position as a top destination of choice. We continue to empower our people with meaningful livelihood opportunities, foster sustainable growth in our local communities, and ensure that every traveler experiences the world-class warmth and hospitality that define the Filipino brand of service with excellence,” the tourism chief added.
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) also earned a global distinction as the Asia’s Leading Tourist Board, recognizing its steadfast commitment to promoting a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive tourism industry.
Several iconic Philippine destinations likewise received individual accolades at this year’s WTA, with Boracay’s back-to-back win as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and Clark Freeport Zone global recognition as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
The annual gala ceremony gathered industry leaders and government officials from Asia and Oceania to honor and award excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
Established in 1993 and regarded as the industry’s ultimate hallmark of quality, the WTA celebrates destinations and organizations that set the benchmark for world-class hospitality and tourism.
The Philippines is stepping boldly into the future.
A hanging daybed with views of the Philippine Sea at Nay Palad Hideaway, on the island of Siargao.
Credit: Frédéric Lagrange
Top marks for transparency to whoever named the streets on the Philippine island of Siargao. Tourism Road, the main drag in General Luna, the commercial hub, perfectly describes a place some have dubbed the next Bali. Sunburned Westerners clog the thoroughfare, their rented mopeds spewing gray clouds of exhaust. Displays of surfboard-shaped magnets and racks of tie-dyed T-shirts spill from the storefronts. Cocktail bars and tattoo parlors tout cheap specials and easy access to regret.
A stunning island in the Philippines unseated last year’s winner to gain the top spot among readers’ favorite islands in Asia in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2025.
The islands of Southeast Asia offer a seemingly endless amount of natural beauty that enchant T+L readers. From the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines to the temple-dotted hillside of perennially popular Bali, in Indonesia, to the far-flung archipelago of the Maldives, travelers can find a blend of outdoor adventure, exquisite beaches, and cultural heritage that feels unlike anyplace else in the world.
Boats sit on a white sand beach on Palawan. Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure
On April 28, 2025, the president of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos confirmed the development of the new visa in a government statement. “To further boost tourism and economy in the country, there is a need to establish a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads in the country, or foreign nationals who desire to temporarily stay in the Philippines while engaging in remote work activities for overseas employers or clients,” he said.
Manila is a popular hub for digital nomads living in the Philippines. Getty Images
Following the recent signing of Executive Order No.86 by President Marcos, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can now issue digital nomad visas to non-immigrant foreigners who wish to live and work in the country for a maximum period of one year.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will increase services between Manila and Seattle to five weekly flights from the current thrice weekly service starting November 25, 2025.
Coming just one year after the inaugural launch in October 2024, the expansion reflects the growing appeal of the Philippine flag carrier’s nonstop route to Seattle, which offers the only direct airline link between the Philippines and the U.S Pacific Northwest.
PAL will introduce new Tuesday and Thursday departures from Manila and Seattle from November 25, for an overall five times weekly service operating every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Travelers gain greater flexibility to structure their travel plans, with more dates to choose from. These flights offer seamless and convenient connections to PAL’s extensive network across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Greater China, as well as to numerous U.S destinations via Alaska Airlines, PAL’s service partner. PAL and Alaska Airlines have a frequent flyer partnership that expands travel opportunities for loyal customers. The Alaska Airlines hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is recognized as the largest airline hub on the entire U.S West Coast.
“Our decision to increase frequencies to Seattle highlights the importance of the U.S. market to the Philippine Airlines global network, and in particular the great value of Seattle as a gateway, not just to the Washington and Oregon areas, but to cities across the United States that we can now serve though our ongoing partnership with Alaska Airlines,” said PAL President Mr. Richard Nuttal.
“We are focusing strongly on developing this growing market to help Americans plan their vacation trips to the Philippines and other Asian countries, to open up more opportunities for business to build up commercial activities, and for Filipino Americans to reunite more often with their families back in the home country.”
The planned expansion aims to meet growing travel demand to and from the U.S West Coast and beyond, as part of a long-term investment by PAL to develop business and tourist travel flows between the United States and the Philippines. With Seattle, PAL now serves eight (8) destinations in the U.S. and Canada, offering nonstop flights to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Honolulu and Guam.
Moreover, the increase in flights brings a substantial boost in cargo capacity of up to 40 tons per week between in Manila and Seattle, extra uplift that connects to various US states via interline airline and trucking partnerships, further supporting growing trade between the U.S and the Philippines.
PAL operates the Seattle services with Boeing 777-300ER long-range jetliners that accommodates 370 passengers, with 42 seats in Business Class and 328 in Economy Class.
The Philippines’ rich culinary scene and cultural heritage have earned the global spotlight in Episode 7 of the latest season of the acclaimed Netflix travel and food series, Somebody Feed Phil.
Now streaming worldwide, the episode—part of the show’s 8th season—features host Phil Rosenthal’s flavorful journey through the bustling streets of Metro Manila and Cavite. Along the way, Rosenthal samples iconic Filipino dishes, meets passionate locals, and explores breathtaking cultural landmarks, including the historic district of Intramuros.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the Philippines’ feature on the internationally followed show as a major boost to the country’s growing food and cultural tourism portfolio.
“The Philippines’ inclusion in the acclaimed global series underscores the Department of Tourism’s strategic push under the Marcos administration to position the country as a premier destination for food and cultural tourism, as well as film tourism. By leveraging media exposure, the DOT aims to attract visitors who are inspired by the locations featured in popular shows and films, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a vibrant travel destination,” Secretary Frasco said.
“Viewers can look forward to a heartfelt and flavor-packed journey through both classic and contemporary Filipino dishes, engaging interactions with local chefs and residents, and breathtaking visuals of iconic landmarks. While this episode offers viewers a delightful introduction through Metro Manila and Cavite, it also serves as an invitation to explore the rich and diverse culinary experiences that await across our many regions,” the Tourism Chief added.
The DOT, under Secretary Frasco’s leadership, has made gastronomy and film tourism top priorities under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, recognizing their power to elevate the Philippines’ global profile and generate inclusive growth.
Through the DOT’s Office of Film and Sports Tourism and the National Capital Region Office, the Department provided comprehensive support for the filming of the episode in 2024—including logistical coordination, facilitation of permits and clearances, and funding assistance. In October 2024, Secretary Frasco personally welcomed Phil Rosenthal, his wife Monica, and executive producer Richard Rosenthal during their stay in Manila.
“It was a joy to meet Phil Rosenthal, whose signature curiosity and humor brought our food culture to life. From street eats to heirloom recipes, the episode captures the rich flavors and the even richer warmth of Filipino hospitality. Behind the scenes, many hands came together to make this happen—a true collaboration in celebrating what makes the Philippines a tourism destination to love. This feature also supports our efforts to elevate gastronomy tourism as a key strategy—inviting the world to experience the Philippines through the stories, heritage, and heart behind Filipino cuisine. We are grateful to Phil and the team for shining a global spotlight on the heart and soul of the Filipino through food,” Secretary Frasco said in a personal post.
The partnership between the DOT and Somebody Feed Phil’s production company, Lucky Bastards Inc., founded by the Rosenthal brothers, reflects the Department’s commitment to promoting the Philippines through globally recognized platforms and storytelling that resonates with international audiences.
“We are hopeful that this collaboration marks just the beginning of many more opportunities to showcase the Philippines to the world through film, food, and the stories of our people,” Secretary Frasco enthused.
Released globally on June 18, the Metro Manila–Cavite episode has become part of the series’ award-winning legacy as Netflix’s top-rated food travel show in the United States, with accolades including a Critics’ Choice Award and two Emmy nominations.
During his visit, Rosenthal immersed himself in Filipino food culture—starting with taho in Intramuros and savoring renowned dishes like sisig at Trellis in Quezon City, kaldereta and pinakbet at Aling Sosing’s in Makati, and lechon at Grace Park, a restaurant founded by the late culinary icon Margarita Forés. He also stopped by Toyo Eatery for a modern take on Bahay Kubo-inspired vegetables, and took a jeepney ride to a favorite lunch spot with his local driver, Jay.
In the cool highlands of Tagaytay and Alfonso, Cavite, Rosenthal dined at Asador Alfonso, enjoying grilled meats and seafood that fuse Spanish culinary roots with Filipino flair, and visited Chicks ni Otit, a rustic eatery owned by actress Wilma Doesn’t, known for its hearty servings and warm hospitality.
On his official website, Rosenthal praised the country: “If you really want the best of the best, I think you have to come. Because then you get to experience the richness of a culture that embraces its diverse influences and creates the sublime. A unique and undeniably world-class cuisine.”
MAKATI CITY— The Department of Tourism (DOT), led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in partnership with Amaia Land Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), awarded a brand-new PHP 1.8 million house and lot to Helen Grace Arceo, a Filipino-American nurse from Virginia, USA. The awarding ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 4, at the DOT Central Office as part of the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) program’s ceremonial event.
Helen Grace Arceo, a Filipino-American nurse based in Virginia, USA, expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Tourism, Amaia Land Corp., Cebu Pacific Air, and all the generous sponsors of BBMG for highlighting the vital role of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as Philippine tourism ambassadors.
“At the heart of the Bisita, Be My Guest program is a movement, an emotion, and the reason that drives us to continue to champion Philippine tourism—love. Love of country, love of family, and love of family values that are so distinctively Filipino,” Secretary Frasco shared, reflecting on the program’s essence.
Arceo, who registered as a sponsor for her husband and invitee, Juan Arceo III, emerged as the grand prize winner during the second BBMG raffle draw held in December last year.
In addition to the house and lot from Amaia Land, she also received a four-day, three-night stay at The Marison Hotel in Albay and international and domestic roundtrip tickets to Legazpi courtesy of Cebu Pacific.
During her testimonial, Arceo expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “I thank the Department of Tourism for having this BBMG incentive program. You know, there are a lot of Filipinos abroad, and we also have foreign friends who have heard about the beauty of our country. It’s really good to invite friends and other foreigners to come and visit. So, thank you for your phenomenal leadership, Secretary Frasco.”
She added, “Thank you very much, Amaia, for this house and lot. I will not have another home to go pag nagbibisita kami sa Philippines.”
Arceo shared how her family enjoyed their travel prize by exploring Albay, reaffirming her role as an ambassador for Philippine tourism: “It’s true that when we’re abroad, we usually say that our country is beautiful. We have well-known beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and so many activities. So, we just say, ‘Hey, let’s go to the Philippines.’ My co-worker really wants to visit the Philippines, so I said, ‘Let’s go!’”
The ceremonial turnover of the house keys was attended by Amaia representatives, including Senior Brand Marketing Associate Fatima Villanueva and South Luzon Project Marketing Associate Kathryn Dawn Abella. Also present were DOT Chief of Staff and BBMG Overall Committee Chair Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, BBMG Secretary General Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno, Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, BBMG Head Secretariat Atty. Jerilee Grantoza, and members of Arceo’s family.
Secretary Frasco underscored the unique role of Overseas Filipinos in the success of the program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. She emphasized:
“In the many opportunities that we have had to go around the world and around the Philippines to launch the Bisita, Be My Guest program, one thing that I found in common in all of these activations is that I have felt from our fellow kababayans abroad, a very deep love of the Philippines and a longing to come home, as well as this unbridled excitement to share the beauty of our country to family and friends of other nationalities.”
She continued, “Despite all of the challenges that we face, despite the many seasons of life, despite even political issues that surround us, there is one thing that will always unite us, that is our love for the Philippines. Tourism is such a powerful force for good that it has this magnetic power to unite, and it also provides opportunities to bridge cultures from around the world. And the Bisita, Be My Guest is precisely that avenue.”
Other winners from the second raffle draw took home exciting prizes, including stays in iconic Philippine destinations, shopping vouchers, and international roundtrip tickets. The grand raffle draw, scheduled for December 16, will feature additional prizes, culminating in the awarding of a major prize—a condominium unit.
Frasco concluded with a heartfelt message: “We are so very proud of our Overseas Filipinos and our fellow kababayans from around the world, because truly, they are our champions for Philippine tourism, and they continue to be our very effective ambassadors of this campaign to Love the Philippines.”
The BBMG program is an incentivized travel campaign encouraging OFWs and Filipinos abroad to invite foreign friends and relatives to visit the Philippines. Participants earn raffle entries for a chance to win special prizes, including real estate, travel packages, and shopping vouchers. The program also offers discounts and perks through the BBMG Travel Passport and Privilege Card.
ANILAO, Batangas—The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched the first Philippine Dive Experience on Thursday (November 27) to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for diving and marine biodiversity exploration.
Highlighting the Philippines’ recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the dive-focused initiative under the DOT’s Philippine Experience program which brought together high-ranking diplomats including South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lee Sang Hwa, Bangladesh Ambassador H.E F.M Borhan Uddin, Indian Ambassador H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Lao-PDR Ambassador H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Malaysian Ambassador H.E. Malik Melvin, New Zealand Ambassador H.E. Catherine McIntosh, Sri Lanka Ambassador H.E Chanaka Talpahewa, Thailand Ambassador H.E. Tull Traisorat, Vietnam Ambassador H.E. Lai Binh, as well as diplomatic and consular corps from Cambodia, China, France, Indonesia, and the United States of America.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (middle, in white attire) shows the “love” sign while her fellow DOT officials, those from the local government of Mabini municipality and Batangas province, and ambassadors from Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India, among others, cheer on during the launch of the inaugural Philippine Dive Experience program in popular dive destination Anilao in Mabini, Batangas on November 28, 2024. Photo by the Department of Tourism
They were joined by leaders in the dive and tourism sectors, heads of tourism associations, dive operators, and certification agencies at the gathering, which celebrated the Philippines’ unparalleled marine biodiversity and its potential to attract global attention.
In her keynote address, Secretary Frasco underscored the event’s alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision for tourism transformation. “At the heart of the Philippine Dive Experience is our President’s vision of transformation for tourism. We’re not interested in recovering only what was lost, but rather in transcending to the rightful place that the Philippines deserves in the global community of tourism nations. A country that prioritizes the sustainability of its destination and the regeneration of its resources while it seeks to reintroduce itself to the world from the strength of its identity, heritage, and culture.”
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (middle, in white attire), officials of the DOT and the local government in Batangas, and foreign dignitaries ring their respective air tanks to signify the start of the first Philippine Dive Experience program in the popular dive destination Anilao in Mabini, Batangas on November 28, 2024. Photo by the Department of Tourism
Anilao: A Gateway to Global Dive Tourism
Anilao, a world-renowned diving destination, was the launch point for the Philippine Dive Experience tourism circuit. Secretary Frasco highlighted Anilao’s strategic role and its connection to the globally significant Verde Island Passage. “Starting here in Anilao, Batangas, a world-renowned diving destination, we shine a spotlight on the Verde Island Passage. This globally significant corridor is a haven for marine life and a dream destination for underwater photographers.”
Certified divers explored Anilao’s vibrant underwater landscapes, including the LOVE Reef—an artificial reef created through community-driven conservation efforts. Non-divers were introduced to the underwater world through guided scuba experiences, offering an immersive glimpse into the Philippines’ marine treasures.
A coastal cleanup at Anilao Pier emphasized the DOT’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Secretary Frasco remarked. “On the sustainability of dive tourism, we have worked with our partners both from the private sector, our regional offices, and our stakeholders from around the world to continue interest for Philippine diving, as well as to inject education and importance on the conservation of our marine resources.”
Enhancing Dive Tourism Infrastructure and Training
During the event, Secretary Frasco announced key initiatives to boost dive tourism, including the installation of hyperbaric chambers at strategic dive sites to ensure diver safety and meet international standards. She also highlighted the success of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, which has trained over 262,000 tourism professionals nationwide, including more than 10,000 from the CALABARZON region.
These efforts come as the Philippine dive industry continues to thrive, contributing ₱73 billion in revenue in 2023 and playing a crucial role in sustainable economic growth, livelihood creation, and environmental conservation.
“To our esteemed friends from the diplomatic community, our partners, all the delegates and participants, we invite you to become ambassadors for Philippine diving. Together, we will share to the world the beauty of our dive destinations and to ensure the treasures of our seas remain a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come,” Secretary Frasco said, urging attendees to champion the country’s underwater wonders.
Recognition for the Philippine Dive Industry
The DOT celebrated a banner year for Philippine diving, earning the title of World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. The country also received accolades such as Best Dive Destination at the TripZilla Excellence Awards and Best Diving Destination at the Diving Resort Travel Show.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, represented by Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Celis, welcomed the Philippine Dive Experience delegates. “Batangas is very pleased to be a host to all of you in the next two days. I’m sure you will find your experience as pleasant as possible. And again, we’d like to thank the Department of Tourism for its continued support to the province.”
Mabini Mayor Nilo Villanueva, through Tourism Officer Ian Bueno, expressed gratitude for hosting the inaugural Philippine Dive Experience. “Our community takes pride in our natural treasures, and we are excited to share them with you. This event is not just about exploring the depths of our oceans, but also about fostering international cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism.”
A Sustainable and Immersive Dive Experience
The second day of the Philippine Dive Experience will feature a coastal cleanup at Anilao Pier, with participants—including members of the diplomatic corps and local volunteers—working together to protect marine environments. This will be followed by a cultural immersion via the Taal Heritage Tour, highlighting Batangas’ rich history and artistry, and offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the province’s vibrant cultural identity.
