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Monday, February 20, 2012

Our Philippines

By Aldrin Cardon

Why, there’s always something fresh in the Philippines!

It is no surprise to see two new Philippine destinations making it to agoda.com’s list of Asia’s fresh destinations for 2012. It is a piece of news that for some newspapers would merit space only in the “briefs” section, but on days like these, when the country is gripped by too much talk of politics and other things inconsequential to our lives, such a news is a welcome respite.

The cool weather and superb food of nearby Tagaytay and nature’s exquisite wonder that is Palawan have made it to Agoda’s list. It is not the same as that recent campaign that had us all hooked into following Puerto Princesa’s Underground River’s successful journey into the new seven wonders of the world, but it gives merit to our claim that we have a beautiful, but only mismanaged, country.

Okay, blame mismanagement on others, but not the leaders of Palawan and Tagaytay.

First, Palawan.
Despite the many opportunities, including sporting events always being held in Puerto Princesa (which offer trips to us, sportswriters willing to cover them), I have never been to Palawan.

But I’ve heard so many beautiful stories about the place, especially Puerto Princesa.

Palawan is now led by Baham Mitra, son of the late Speaker Ramon Mitra, one of the freedom fighters against Marcos, and who rose to political prominence soon after the first Edsa.

A member of the second generation of the Mitra political clan, the very young Baham came to Palawan rather late. But it does not mean that he could not save the province from further political and environmental destruction brought about by the mining operations there, if he would want to prove his leadership and save the legacy left by his father.

A journalist, whose main anti-mining advocacy had Palawan’s former leaders under his sharp pen and tongue, was murdered recently. Although his blood cannot cleanse the land of what is now being considered as the country’s last frontier of the harmful chemicals slowly being scattered by these mining operators in Palawan, his death has helped put the mining issue in his province in the forefront of issues that need our attention.

Having made it to the list of fresh destinations to visit this year also gave us more reasons to push greater protection of whatever is left in the country’s green areas which provide food and habitat to its people.

Palawan’s fame, however, was kindled by Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Even before Puerto Princesa was declared independent of the province, Puerto Princesa had become synonymous with Palawan since Hagedorn championed eco-tourism as the main thrust of his leadership in the former provincial capital.

Canadian journalist/ lawyer/ violinist Christine Mazur was a recent visitor to Puerto Princesa and she swore to have fallen in love with the place. She didn’t have much time to explore the rest of Palawan and she vowed to come back soon.

The country having a diverse culture, religion and destination is a blessing. For Mazur, the Philippines offer different facets of our being a country from one place to another. She hopes to see the Banaue Rice Terraces in her next visit, although he knows she has to live here to enjoy what we have to offer as a people.

Then, Tagaytay.
I live near it. I can afford to enjoy a relatively short drive or a bus ride to enjoy coffee by the early mountain breeze everyday, if I can afford it.

As a frequent visitor, I am always amazed by what Tagaygay could offer first time visitors and even those who think they are already familiar with it.

It is also a wonder how Mayor Bambol Tolentino and the past leadership of Tagaytay have managed to keep this component city of the province of Cavite almost intact despite the massive structural developments now enveloping the city without causing destruction to its vista and natural form.

Tagaytay is also a gastronomic delight. Its fruits and vegetables also come from the nearby municipalities of Amadeo and Silang, thus providing livelihood opportunities even to its neighbors.

Tagaytay continues to offer fresh air and a cool weather, much similar if not better than Baguio, which of late, had become the center of protest activities against the construction of a mall in what was otherwise still forested area of the Summer Capital.

Tagaytay is the alternative to Baguio. It is actually the cheaper and better alternative, and one does not feel cheated here. I have yet to encounter dishonest merchants in Tagaytay.

If it could, maybe Agoda could still give the Philippines a longer glance to able to see other “fresh” places it could sell to its clients.

In its list, agoda.com has listed Manila among the eight top tourist destinations in Asia, along with Bangkok, Hongkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Pattaya and Ho Chih Min in Vietnam.

But Manila has the second least number of hotels available to visitors with 232 hotels. Hong Kong has the least with 213, but the former British colony attracts a far greater number of tourists every year compared to us.

Bali in Indonesia has 1,411 hotels, while Phuket in Thailand has 856. It is no wonder they can attract more visitors than we do.

It is not enough to be noticed, it is a matter of hard work be able to be seen and visited.

That’s how we earn money. And if we do, maybe there is no further need for the miners to come here.

Many countries have proven tourism can lift economies, it’s time we do too.

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