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DOT, TPB launch official Philippine travel app

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines launched Travel Philippines, the country’s official travel companion, today, 30 October 2020. The app provides users access to the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations that have reopened to tourism. The easy-to-use platform allows users to create itineraries for their future trips, find up-to-date information on their favorite tourist attractions, and securely store digital copies of travel documents.

“As we continue to reopen the country’s tourism destinations, Travel Philippines timely serves as every tourist’s official guide to safe and fun travel,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “With the ever-changing needs and challenges in travel brought about by the pandemic, Travel Philippines will help both domestic and international tourists have safer and more memorable travel experiences amid our ‘new normal’,” added the tourism chief.

DOT and TPB developed Travel Philippines in partnership with inclusion tech venture builder HIMO Global Inc. / Talino Venture Labs. “Unlike other travel companions, we created the go-to companion for the traveler in the new normal, prioritizing ease in access to the latest safety information about their favorite destinations,” said Winston Damarillo, CEO of HIMO Global Inc./ Talino Venture Labs.

Within Travel Philippines is an extensive database of various destinations and attractions that are reopening after the COVID-19 community quarantines. At launch, Travel Philippines features six major tourist destinations: Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, and Metro Manila.

The App will be regularly updated with the latest information on these six locations as well as more travel destinations around the Philippines. On top of the basic travel information about these destinations, Travel Philippines will also contain the latest health and safety protocols being implemented within these locations, sourced directly from their local tourism offices.

Travel Philippines also features a built-in itinerary maker that integrates with its extensive catalogue of tourist attractions, local restaurants, and accommodation establishments. Users can bookmark any of the locations they read about within the platform and plan out their trips based on their preferences. Tourists can also upload into their personal Travel Philippines account, digital copies of pertinent documents such as boarding passes, hotel reservations, and medical certificates. Through its encrypted platform, the app will offer users a go-to folder for all of their documents and forms, which they will be able to access even if their device does not have an Internet connection.

“Travel Philippines marks DOT’s continued push to breathe new life into the severely affected tourism industry by promoting safe and responsible travel. We look forward to seeing both domestic and international tourists use Travel Philippines in their future trips,” concluded Romulo-Puyat.

Published:December 21, 2020

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DOT targets increased inoculation of tourism workers in more destinations

Puyat: More vaccines coming for Palawan tourism workers

Dot statement on nesthy petecio’s silver medal finish in the tokyo 2020 olympics, rizal park drive-thru vax site opens; puyat hails manila’s anti-covid initiative, dot gets highest coa rating for 2nd straight year, statement of the department of tourism on the passing of heritage and cultural tourism advocate mr. ramon hofileña, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the heightened community quarantine level implementations in ncr, more tourism workers in boracay to receive covid-19 jabs – dot, dot reiterates call for safe travel amid stricter quarantine measure, dot reminds hotels, resorts that room sharing for quarantined families is allowed, dot celebrates siargao inclusion in time magazine as one of the world’s greatest places of 2021, dot launches halal food tourism, dot backs gov’t infra program to boost tourism, dot backs iloilo bid for ‘creative city of gastronomy’ recognition from unesco, statement of the department of tourism on iatf decision allowing children five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to visit outdoor areas, dot partners with viber to promote kain na foodfest, dot: 3,000 boracay tourism workers to receive covid vax, dot, tpb continues to support lgus with digital transformation projects, dot teams up with scarlet belo and cartoon network to take safe trips, dot statement on the activities of the taal volcano, bakuna by the sea: dot hails davao’s innovative approach to travel, hospitality workers, dot, tpb to roll out 2nd phase of rt-pcr financial subsidy program through pcmc, dot unveils region 1 tourism recovery plan, statement of the department of tourism on the drop of tourism contribution to gdp, dot to co-stage virtual fête de la musique june 18-21, more ncr tourism workers receive support through dot-dole program, travel for tourists of all ages from ncr plus to boracay, other mgcq areas extended to june 30, dot eyes inoculation of 5,000 bohol tourism workers, museums in ncr plus to reopen on limited capacity – dot, dot turns food tourism to high heat with 2021 kain na, terms for tourism business loans eased, dot bares tourism recovery plans for bulacan, dot and tiktok launch #sarapmagingpinoy campaign to promote local food tourism, dot launches five-year plan to develop tourism professionals, dot celebrates world environment month, highlights responsible marine wildlife interactions, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the rt-pcr requirement for leisure travelers under iatf-eid resolution 118a, statement of the dot on iatf-eid resolution 118a, more than 16k bulacan tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, dot orders stricter monitoring of staycation hotels and aes in gcq areas following new iatf guidelines, dot lauds inclusion of frontline tourism workers in a1 priority group, dot hosts pata summit for first hybrid mice event in 2021, over 1,400 golf workers in metro manila get dot-dole cash aid.

Central Luzon to Showcase ‘Flavors of Pampanga’, readies tourists for gastronomic experience

Dot lauds ph hotels recognized with the 2021 tripadvisor awards, 3,390 tourism workers in marinduque approved to receive p16.95m dot-dole cash aid, puyat bares tourism recovery plans for marinduque, dot proposes ‘green lane’ for fully vaccinated travelers, dot hails expansion of priority vaccination to a4 cluster, including tourism frontliners, 5,986 staycation rooms open for guests from ncr plus, intramuros to open fort santiago, baluarte de san diego to visitors may 17, dot statement on the proposed vaccination center in nayong pilipino, dot welcomes iatf decision to ease travel in ncr plus, 221m cash aid approved for 44k tourism workers in western visayas, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the collected garbage from the waters of samal island, davao del norte, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the reported violations of a hotel in davao city, dot to host hybrid pata annual event for adventure travel, p1.5m cash aid approved for 295 intramuros tourism workers, updates on the vaccination of tourism workers, labor day vax for tourism workers, more than 400k displaced tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, philippine tourism and mice industry to bounce back with the hosting of wttc global summit, dot, manila lgu ink mobile hospital deal, dot-accredited establishment staysafe.ph-users, eligible for safety seal certification, dot grants the wttc safe travels stamp to 33 more hotels nationwide, dot welcomes proposals to convert tourism sites to temporary medical facilities, dot lauds repurposed hotels, calls for ‘bayanihan’ vs covid, dot approves use of burnham green and quirino grandstand in rizal park for temporary mobile hospital and drive-thru vaccination site, dot celebrates saud beach inclusion in the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world list of travel and leisure, 67k displaced tourism workers of ncr+ receive dot-dole cash aid, statement of the department of tourism on the vaccination facility in nayong pilipino property, statement of the department of tourism regarding the alleged birthday “super spreader” event in boracay, dot eyes adoption of covid-19 digital travel pass, dot statement on ecq extension in ncr plus, phl, dot nominated at asia edition of 2021 world travel awards, dot pushes for inclusion of other tourism workers in priority group a4, strict new guidelines set for hotels under ecq; lenten ‘staycations’ within ncr plus suspended, dot statement on ecq for ncr+ areas, dot statement on holy week, rizal park and paco park adjust visiting hours, remain open for physical exercise, dot statement on biatf measures for boracay, tpb philippines spearheads tourism and technology forum (ttf), dot statement on coron tourist with falsified travel documents, dot supports rizal tourism circuit on food, faith, art, adventure and nature, the ‘fun’ continues: philippines joins digital itb berlin, dot to spur domestic tourism in rizal, dot’s stdp program to enhance resiliency of phl destinations – puyat, dot sustains online presence with ‘wake up in ph’ campaign and safety travel advisories, dot greenlights partial operations of hotel restaurants on june 15, dot eyes tourism recovery as more destinations may reopen, domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey, dot hails revival of tourist cops, tourism will recover well, dot chief vows, dot celebrates hidden beach, palawan’s inclusion in cnt’s best beaches in the world, tourism industry hikes share in gdp to 13%; puyat sees strong recovery from pandemic, dot pushes stringent guidelines for stakeholders across the nation, biatf denounces travelers’ breach of entry protocol to boracay, dot lauds partnership model for safe and sustainable tourism in boracay, dot issues guidelines on tourist land transport services, iatf–eid resolution reiterates ‘dot certificate of authority’ as requisite to operate, dot issues protocols on restaurant operations under the new normal, dot welcomes ph ‘rising stars in travel’ citation by forbes.com, dot, dti to roll out health and safety guidelines, digital solutions for restaurants, dot, attached agencies promote digital tourism, tourism chief reminds hotels, resorts: no dot certificate, no business operations during mgcq, dot assists 36,000 tourists during covid-19 crisis, dot webinar tackles digital as the new normal, dot welcomes the resumption of tourism operations in areas under mgcq, trust and health safety key to phl tourism recovery – dot chief, puyat on reopening tourism: ‘do it slowly but surely’, dot brings home 84 tourists stranded in eastern visayas, dot supports coron’s sustainable tourism development to bounce back, dot welcomes puerto princesa reopening to domestic tourists, dot urges for more wttc safe travels stamp applications, boracay’s white beach, el nido’s nacpan beach among tripadvisor’s top beaches in asia, dot statement on uniform travel protocols, dot supports the safe reopening of negros oriental, puyat affirms support for siquijor’s reopening, dot statement on el nido’s swift action against tourists with false covid test records, dot supports dilg’s streamlining of travel requirements, dot assists 98 stranded tourists in western mindanao, dot assists 246 tourists stranded in bicol, dot response team assists 1004 tourists stranded in caraga region, statement of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat, dot8 springs stranded tourists, total assisted travelers now at 11,000, dot assists stranded tourists in central luzon, dot response teams assist over 10,000 travelers, dot announces the guidelines on hotels and other accommodation establishments during the enhanced community quarantine, dot chief: innovation to spur food tourism in new normal, dot webinar tackles heritage site conservation and use amid pandemic, dot banners “filipino brand of service”; assists over 35,000 tourists amid pandemic, dot to jumpstart domestic tourism under stricter protocols with iatf and lgus, dot partners with wttc to share experts’ tourism outlook, recovery plans, dot regulates hotel food deliveries, dot: tourism industry up to tough challenges on path to recovery, more than 155,000 tourism sector workers receive first tranche of dof wage subsidy program, dot mounts sweeper flights; brings home 1000 stranded domestic tourists, dot webinar tackles recovery, future of phl’s m.i.c.e., statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the iatf–eid authorization to mount sweeper flights, statement of secretary bernadette romulo puyat on the passing of former dot secretary ramon jimenez, jr., dot–ncr assists 24,000 in–transit nationals amid ecq of luzon, dot and ssi support philippine food producers in online philippine harvest, dot provides virtual backgrounds for video calls to encourage “travel from home”, dot offers online “enhanced opportunity” training for tourism stakeholders, dot-region 6 delivers filipino brand of service in crisis, dot outlines tourism response, post–covid 19 recovery plan to aid private sector, dot issues guidelines defining “new normal” for accommodation establishments, 24,836 hotel rooms reserved for ofws’ quarantine, bpo staff use – dot chief, stranded tourists welcome extended stay in batanes, dot welcomes lifting of travel ban for outbound passengers, recovery flights, tourism transport to continue for stranded passengers, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on covid-19 local transmission, dot statement on the curfew recommendation for lgus, dot, turkish airlines form partnership to increase philippine tourism from europe and mediterranean source markets, dot celebrates first run of the philippine international hot air balloon fiesta in calabarzon, puyat convenes tourism council; invites public to travel within ph, international visitor receipts hit usd 9.31b in 2019, 20.81% up from 2018, dot postpones nationwide mall sale to prioritize safety of citizens, department of tourism unveils new ad inspired by the abakada alphabet, highlighting unique filipino culture, puyat advocates for cultural and ecotourism in the new normal, relive the history of intramuros city with augmented reality app experience philippines, dot: 1st phl shopping fest kicks off march 1st, doh, dilg and dot give public gatherings green light, 2019 international arrivals exceed target with 8.26 million visitors to the philippines, dot welcomes lifting of taiwan travel ban, joint statement of the department of tourism and tourism congress of the philippines, dot backs “balik sa bohol” for tourism industry revival, intramuros reopens in the new normal, relaxed and standard health protocols, personalized trips key to tourism recovery, says latest philippine travel survey, dot files falsification raps against boracay tourists with forged covid test results, dot: reclassification of industries to hasten recovery, dot statement following the president’s latest directive to contain the ncov, guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterpises in the advent of ncov global health emergency, puyat eyes isabela as top agro-ecotourism destination, dot, dti inspect hotels and restaurants’ compliance with health and safety protocols, dot chief checks readiness of palawan, fresh produce at your doorstep, courtesy of dot–grab tie–up, dot ‘seal of good housekeeping’ boosts confidence among restos amid pandemic – puyat, dot celebrates as palawan reclaims best island in the world citation, tourism chief bullish on english schools’ recovery, dot, fao team up for sustainable farm tourism in ph, meetings, conventions allowed only under mgcq at 50% capacity – dot, boracay now open to youths, seniors from region, dot chief lauds senate approval of bayanihan 2 on final reading, cites plans for 10b stimulus fund, “think out of the box,” tourism industry urged in dot webinar, dot assures tourist stakeholders of all–out support for slow reopening, puyat meets with bohol execs to tackle tourism situation, recovery plans, dot, cloud panda ph launches phl harvest e-commerce site, statement of dot, dot to scale up baguio’s ridge to reef travel bubble plan across phl, dot celebrates “surprisingly spectacular diving” tag of 3 phl dive sites by lonely planet, phl bags best overseas diving award 2020, statement of department of tourism, dot’s phidex 2020 goes digital, dot-dole amended jmc further expands coverage of beneficiaries, dot welcomes new protocols for arriving passengers, dot bats for a more fun, safe and sustainable laguna, dot chief: green corridors are critical to tourism recovery, dot statement on destination test requirements, dot statement on boracay tourists, dot welcomes asean as a single tourism destination, iatf allows baguio hotels to receive domestic tourists under gcq, raising the bar of filipino hospitality with the leadership excellence series 2021, dot lauds inclusion of tourism frontliners in priority group for vaccination, dot’s ‘kain na’ cooks up online food fest, phl hosts 3rd asean meet on tourism professionals; dot commits to beef up competency of tourism workforce in the new normal, safety marshalls to ensure physical distancing when beaches, resorts reopen, 10,000 bpo jobs for displaced tourism workers, zero interest loans, no collateral, easy terms for distressed tourism businesses, puyat to grace baguio reopening; dot to go big on domestic tourism in 2021, chocolate, coffee, tea take centerstage in dot’s kain na food festival, dot receives safetravels stamp from world tourism body, puyat launches baguio’s vis.i.t.a. platform, reopening of boracay to more markets builds momentum for domestic tourism revival, puyat: even in most unusual ways, tourism must stay alive, message of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat on the celebration of the world tourism day, dot statement on the city garden grand hotel, dot chief supports negrense cookbook launch, vows continued support to thriving food tourism scene in western visayas, dot statement on the closure of makati shangri-la hotel, dot pledges to help negros occidental get ready for more domestic tourists, dot welcomes the first two recipients of the wttc safe travel stamp, dot statement on baguio party incident, dot welcomes iatf decision to allow balikbayans, dot launches “have a safe trip, pinas” to promote safe travels and support tourism workers, dot celebrates ph’s victory as world’s leading dive destination and tourist attraction for intramuros in 2020, dot welcomes coron’s reopening on dec. 1 with health and safety measures in place, dot aims for data-driven response to tourism recovery under new normal with survey, dot backs enhanced contact tracing; announces low-cost covid tests with up-pgh for boracay-bound tourists, puyat encourages affected tourism workforce to avail of the expanded dot-dole financial assistance, dot welcomes strides to reboot mice, puyat visits batangas, shores up dive tourism, statement of the dot on cebu resort incident, dot presents virtual concert to promote manila’s cultural heritage sites, dot, makatimed foundation forge partnership for tourism destination health security, dot launches webinar training on reducing single-use plastics for hospitality sector, dot to assist zambales in safe and gradual tourism reopening, dot bats for uniform lgu travel requirements, dot, tpb promote pinoy christmas through music, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot prepares local destinations, accommodation establishments for wttc safe travels stamp application, 27,000 displaced tourism workers of car receive dot-dole financial assistance, dot backs temporary suspension of flights from uk, dot inspires balikbayans to come home with ‘balikan ang pilipinas’ campaign, dot, tpb expand rt-pcr financial subsidy program for 11,600 tourists through pcmc, dot reiterates penalties for quarantine hotels used for staycation and other purposes, dot supports strict entry protocols in light of new covid-19 variant, dot reiterates rule on staycation hotels, dot celebrates boracay and palawan inclusion in conde nast’s 25 best island beaches in the world list, dot issues guidelines for safe ‘staycation’, dot accreditation goes digital, boracay reopens, heralds “safe, gradual” revival of philippine tourism, dot gets coa’s highest rating on 2019 audit, dot sees domestic tourism boom in baguio with affordable antigen testing, phl islands named top favorites by int’l travel magazine, dot welcomes reopening of ilocos norte to luzon tourists on oct 15, dot funds rt-pcr testing of boracay tourism workers, dot inks tourism “cares for travel” msme loan program with sb corp, health, safety rules drawn up for recreational diving, batangas now open to divers – dot, puyat reminds ‘staycation hotels’ to follow rules, protocols, dot welcomes baguio city’s opening to guests from luzon starting oct. 22, dot statement on the opening of ilocos sur starting nov 15, ridge and reef corridor heralds domestic tourism recovery, puyat – hotels in gcq, mgcq may now be allowed to operate at full capacity, pra to amend retirement policies, suspends processing of srrv applications, dot supports expansion of palawan’s travel bubble starting oct. 30, tourism chief bats for covid-19 tests price cap, dot urges tourism businesses to avail of sb corp’s covid-19 loan program, dot leadership excellence series returns anew, dot statement on the inclusion of palawan and boracay in big 7 travel’s list of 50 most beautiful places, dot, dole agree on guidelines for cash-for-work program for displaced tourism workers, tour guides, dot’s kain na takes on food trips for november, intramuros is now asia’s leading tourist attraction the philippines and dot receive accolades at the 2020 world travel awards asia winners day, statement of the department of tourism on prrd’s signing of eo 118, dot inks mou on tourism education, training, dot partners with nissan to promote ‘safe trips’, dot allows operation of 7,200 hotels, resorts, dot lauds ibagiw 2020, baguio’s creative city festival, dot welcomes reopening of phl’s surfing capital, siargao, ridge and reef travel corridor expands to ilocos sur, dot chief visits baguio city, touts cultural tourism with creative crawls, sec. puyat to grace 2020 bambanti festival, dot allocates p340.7m for iloilo tourism infrastructure development, tourist arrivals mark 7.4m in november, up by 15.58%, safety of tourists is dot’s top priority – sec. puyat, dot, cab collaborate to enhance air passenger’s bill of rights, statement of the department of tourism, 2nd statement of the department of tourism, dot thanks smart for emergency satellite phones, dot–dotr meet to boost tourism infra, connectivity; puyat to push approval of 1b for night–rated airports, dot chief to visit, vows to revitalize baguio, tourism chief: phl one with asean in responding to covid crisis.

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What’s your Philippine Travel Level? Filipinos flex their past local travels with this web app

Singapore-based filipino software engineer denz del villar created a web app that can help you visualize the places you’ve been to in the country..

As an archipelago, the Philippines is teeming with tourist destinations waiting for travelers to explore. Some document their adventures by taking photos and videos to share online, while others immortalize their experiences by writing them in a journal. If you’re among the lucky ones who are able to travel the many parts of the country, then you’ll love this web app. 

Singapore-based Filipino software engineer Denz del Villar created a web app that can help you visualize the places you’ve been to in the country. Dubbed the My Philippines Travel Level, the software features the Philippine map divided into 83 provinces where users can “choose the appropriate level of travel.” They can select if they have lived in the area, stayed there, visited, alighted, and passed or tag it as never been there. After going through all the regions of the Philippines, the app will present your total score or your Philippines Travel Level. According to its website, the app is a project inspired by JapanEx.

“This is my first time dabbling with ReactJS, and I used ChatGPT heavily to help me with the project,” Denz wrote.

Currently, Filipino netizens are using the app to see their Philippines Travel Level. Among the many who flexed their result is former vice president Leni Robredo, who got a 315 score. 

You can find out your  Philippines Travel Level here . And if you’re surprised by the result, take it as your sign to discover and see more local destinations this year.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Send us a message on Facebook , Instagram , Tiktok , and Twitter and let’s talk about it.

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The Best (Must Have) Travel Apps of 2020 for the Philippines

Traveling has become a lot easier with the help of travel apps for smartphones and tablets. There is literally an app for everything nowadays. In this article, we identify some of the best apps when you travel to the Philippines.

The following is our list of the most essential travel apps to have on your phone and/or tablet when traveling to the Philippines.

We’ve organized the apps into the following categories to identify the type and purpose of apps:

Research & Booking

• Planning & Itinerary  
• Money & Expense Trackers
• Navigation & Transportation  
• Communication
• Business & Organization  

Hopper is not your ordinary flight booking app. It can predict the future cost of a flight thus helping you decide whether you should book now or wait until the price drops. Additionally, when the cost of the flight you are watching drops to its lowest point, you will immediately get a notification so you can snag it in seconds. Users claim to have saved an average of $50 USD per flight using this app.

Purpose: Flights and hotels

Platforms: IOS and Android

Cebu Pacific Air

Asia’s oldest budget airline, Cebu Pacific Air offers budget flights to both domestic and international destinations including Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The app makes it easy for you to book flights for up to 14 passengers and allows you to purchase add-ons, check in, and view boarding pass. It also sends seat sale notification and allows getgo access which is really essential for frequent travelers.

Purpose: Flight booking

Philippine Airlines

Popularly referred to as PAL, Philippine Airlines is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia. It serves 31 domestic flights and 54 international flights including Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North American, and Europe. The app allows you to search and book your flight, manage booking, check flight status, and even check in online.

Founded in Thailand and headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is a metasearch engine that allows booking of flights and airport transfer as well as hotels, resorts, hostels, and other types of accommodations. You may even score big discounts through its various deals. Apart from finding and booking flights and accommodations, the app can also make it easy for you to manage such bookings. It is available in multiple languages and with customer service available 24/7.

Purpose: Accommodations, flights, airport transfer

Booking.com is a travel metasearch engine for accommodations including hotels, resorts, guest houses, and vacation houses. With its mission which is to “make it easier for everyone to experience the world”, the company is one of the leading digital travel companies in the world. Available in 43 languages, it lists thousands of destinations in 288 countries and territories in the world.

Aside from accommodation, the app also allows booking of flights, car rentals, as well as tours and activities.

Purpose: Accommodation, flight, car rental, and activities

Airbnb is an online marketplace for accommodations particularly guest houses and vacation rentals. It acts as a broker of over 7 million accommodations in 191 countries and is available in 62 languages. With Airbnb, travelers get to access a wide selection of unique places to stay while hosts, or property-owners, get to monetize their spaces. In addition to accommodations, activities are also being offered by the locals through the app therefore providing guests with authentic experience.

Purpose: Accommodations and activities

Traveloka is an online travel booking platform focused on Southeast Asia.  It has partnerships with various airlines, hotels, homestays, resorts, and other accommodations.

Travel Planning & Itinerary Apps

TripIt makes it possible for you to travel stress-free as it organizes all your travel plans into a single itinerary. Setting up an account and organizing your travel is easy as you only need to sign in using the email address you use to receive your travel confirmations. The app will then scan for your travel confirmations, automatically add them to your account, and instantly create a travel itinerary.

Purpose: Trip planner and flight tracker

Klook is a world-leading activities platform where you can book tickets at the best prices and enjoy savings on day tours, trips, and holidays. Klook provides you a seamless way to discover the best travel activities, amazing tourist attractions, and local experiences throughout the Philippines!

Money & Expense Tracker Apps

XE Currency

XE is the world’s most popular and trusted currency converter that provides not only reliable exchange rate information of any currency but also offers international money transfer, travel expense calculator, currency encyclopedia, and forex currency news.

Purpose: Currency Conversion and money transfer

Trail Wallet

Available for iPhone and iPad, Trail Wallet makes it easy for you to track your expenses while traveling. With the app, you never have to worry about unconsciously overspending while traveling as it is easy to use.

Purpose: Travel expense tracker

Platforms: IOS

Traveling with a group? Make sure to have Splittr, a group expense splitter that is easy to use. It works offline, syncs with friends, and supports all currencies. It’s perfect not only for vacations and dreams but also for household expenses and any other group expenses.

Purpose: Group expense organizer

Navigation & Transportation Apps

FLIO is an ultimate travel companion as it is an all-in-one app that gives flight status updates such as delays, gate changes, boarding times, and baggage claim belts. It helps with airport navigation as well so you never have to worry about finding gate locations and even restaurants, shops, and transportation options. Should you need access to VIP lounges, it’s easy with FLIO!

Purpose: Flight updates and airport navigation

Lounge Buddy

Lounge Buddy is one of its kind as it is the only app that allows travellers access to airport lounges all over the world with just a few clicks. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the app makes it easy for you to enjoy your airport experience. Lounge Buddy  makes you feel like your vacation starts right at the airport, even before your flight.

Purpose: Access airport lounges

Google Maps

If you can only use one navigation app, no doubt it should be Google Maps. The map offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, and 360° panoramic views of streets. The beauty of this app doesn’t end there! It even offers real-time traffic conditions and route planning with options for traveling by foot, car, bicycle or public transportation. With over 220 countries and territories mapped, you can also find millions of business such as hotels, restaurants, shops, banks, gas station, public transport terminal, and many others.

Purpose: GPS, maps, traffic alert, and locator

Platforms: iOS and Android

Why stress over hailing a taxi on the streets when you have Grab? The app is an easy way to book not just taxi but even private cars to take you to your destination. Available in Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, Grab is one of the travel apps that helps provide utmost convenience as it has expanded to proviide food delivery from restaurants in the region.

Purpose: Private car and taxi booking, food delivery

Communication Apps

Keep in touch with family and friends anywhere in the world with WhatsApp, a free app for sending text and voice messages, make video and voice calls, as well as share images, documents, and other media. While the app requires an internet connection in order to work, the user must provide a standard cellular number to be able to register with the service.

Purpose: Messaging and calling

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger enables users to send messages and share videos, photos, stickers, audio, and even files. It also supports voice and video calling as well as group messaging. More than 50% of the Filipino population are on Facebook hence one of the apps you may want to consider when you travel to the Philippines.

Purpose: Messaging, voice and video calling, file sharing

Skype enables users to send instant message, voice, and video call for free. The app can be used all over the world as long as the user is connected to the internet. It even allows calls to landline phones and mobile telephones for a fee via Skype Credit.

You may be oceans away from home but you can always stay connected with Flexiroam X. The app allows users to get mobile data in order to stay connected in more than 150 countries. The app gives access to more than 500 networks in the world, whether you are a frequent traveller or leisure traveller.

Purpose: Roaming data provider

Worried about your internet privacy? Get Nord VPN, a virtual private network provider that safeguards your internet privacy and lets you enjoy using the web without leaving your trace. It hides the users IP address and encrypts all incoming and outgoing data therefore keeping you safe from unauthorized parties.

Purpose: Safe and private internet access

Business & Organization Apps

Evernote is specifically designed to allow users to take notes in the form of text, drawings, photographs, or web content. It can even scan handwritten notes and saved notes can be tagged, annotated, edited, searched, given attachment, and exported. Surely one of the apps to help organize your life when you travel to the Philippines.

Purpose: Note taking

Memorizing all those usernames and passwords is a real challenge. With LastPass, you never have to worry about those as it securely stores your login credentials and autofills logins as you visit sites or open apps. You just have to remember your LastPass master password and everything else will be taken care of.

Purpose: Password manager

Manage a task, project, or even a team with Asana. The app makes it easy for users to assign or accept tasks and get updates from teammates even from a remote location. It allows users to manage to-do list and sends reminders so no one will be missing their deadlines.

Purpose: Tasks and project management

Tiny Scanner

Make your android device more powerful than you think with Tiny Scanner, an app that scans documents, photos, receipts, and reports as images or PDFs. Scans can then be shared through email, file sharing apps like DropBox, Wifi, or even fax. Scanning is fast and works both on phone and tablet.

Purpose: Document scanner

Platforms: Android

Miscellaneous Apps

One of the apps to immortalize the memories of your travel to the Philippines, Camera+ offers basic and advanced editing tools with a variety or filters and special effects.

Purpose: iPhone camera app

Platforms: iOS

Shazam does not only allow users to listen to their favorite music. It also enables them to discover, share, and buy not just music but TV as well. Used by millions of people each month, the app is available for free for Android, iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and Windows.

Purpose: Music discovery, charts amd song lyrics

Play songs and podcasts for free with Spotify, an audio streaming platform that provides access to millions of music, videos, and podcasts. Navigating the app is easy as users can browse by artist, album, or genre as well as create their own playlists. The app is available for free but can be upgraded to paid subscription.

Purpose: Music and podcasts

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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Love this list of travel apps! As a frequent traveler to the Philippines, I can attest to the usefulness of these apps. They’ve helped me navigate the country with ease and made my trips even more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing!

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of tourism.

PST:   8:36:19

Media Release

The Department of Tourism (DOT) endeavors to ensure the tourism resiliency of the country’s prime destination, El Nido, Palawan, through the full implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP) this year.

CORON, PALAWAN -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) expresses support for Coron’s sustainable tourism development to draw more visitors and hasten tourism recovery.

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat supports the decision of Puerto Princesa City (PPC) executives to reopen its attractions to more domestic tourists with minimum health and safety standards in place.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) starting today, March 1, opens the application for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp to all DOT-accredited accommodation establishments (AEs) and tourism destinations that are open to local tourists.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the inclusion of Boracay's world-famous White Beach at the 12th spot and El Nido, Palawan's Nacpan Beach at 18th of the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2021 Best of the Best Awards Top 25 Beaches - Asia category.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is for the safe reopening of tourist destinations as this allows us to restart our economy and help our tourism workers regain their jobs. The Department therefore welcomes the approval of uniform travel protocols for all local government units (LGUs) by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to facilitate travel movement and promote local tourism.

DUMAGUETE CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) commits to assist yet another provincial destination as the local executives of Negros Oriental heralds reopening its sites to more domestic tourists.

SAN JUAN, SIQUIJOR -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat yesterday (24 February) traveled to Siquijor, as part of the ongoing efforts to assist in the safe reopening of tourist destinations in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s ongoing streamlining of travel procedures and requirements imposed by local government units (LGUs).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) commends the local government of El Nido for the tight entry protocols enforced to guarantee the health and safety of guests, workers and host communities in the tourist destination.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bohol, announced its online travel fair, Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, which will run from February 21 to March 14, 2021. The island-wide travel sale will offer discounts of up to 70% off on accommodations, dining, and tour services.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced today (February 17) the formal reopening of the historic walled city of Intramuros in the new normal.

Relaxed health protocols that are standard across tourism destinations and personalized packages will encourage more Filipinos to travel locally.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), after repeated warnings against tourists who falsify their COVID tests to enter Boracay, has filed charges against the six (6) Manila-based errant tourists who were nabbed in January 2021 for Falsification of Public Documents. Marc Judicpa of the DOT Region VI-Boracay Field and Compliance Monitoring Office (BFCMO) filed the complaint.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed optimism for tourism’s speedy recovery with the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to reclassify industries for the continued reopening of the economy.

LAGUNA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) elevates cultural tourism and ecotourism in the new normal as these will heighten domestic travel in the province amidst the pandemic.

The Department of Tourism - National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) is returning with the first installment of its Leadership Excellence Series (LES) featuring a 3600 virtual learning experience. The hybrid training program inspired by the world-renowned TEDTalks will be brought to life from the traditional webinar format through 3D and greenscreen technology and is happening at the Okada Manila on February 11, 2021, from 2:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M via Zoom and simulcast over DOT-NCR’s social media channels @TourismMNL on Facebook and Twitter, and Tourism MNL on Youtube.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds COVID Task Force Chief, Secretary Carlito Galvez for granting the DOT’s request to include tourism frontline service personnel in the Priority Group of the country’s vaccination program against the coronavirus disease.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced today that Baguio hotels can resume receiving domestic tourists even under General Community Quarantine (GCQ). This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) passed Resolution No. 98 dated 04 February 2021, which granted the request of Baguio City to resume hotel operations in consideration of the huge number of confirmed bookings for the month of February.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds recent developments to ensure Southeast Asia’s competitiveness as a single tourism destination and to bolster the recovery of tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Tuesday (February 03) signed the DOT-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-001 (Amended Implementing Guidelines on Providing Financial Assistance and Cash-For-Work Program for Displaced Workers in the Tourism Sector) which amends the former JMC to further expand the coverage of beneficiaries to include Local Government-Licensed Tourism Support Service (TSS) enterprises, providers and associations of providers.

In light of the recent case of six (6) tourists entering Boracay with fake RT-PCR test results, three (3) of whom were revealed to be positive for COVID-19, the Department of Tourism (DOT) appeals to travelers to stop forging and faking travel documents, else face fines and proper criminal charges from the local government units (LGU), which may include the penalty of imprisonment.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reminds travelers that for most areas, especially for Boracay Island, a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result is still a requirement before entry.

SAN PABLO, LAGUNA -- The development of green corridors play an important role in maintaining regional biodiversity, improving environmental quality, offering economic resilience opportunities, protecting heritage and culture, and supporting the jumpstart of the economy to restart tourism activities in the new normal.

SAN PABLO, LAGUNA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) pledges to continuously promote Laguna as a fun, safe, and sustainable tourist destination with the help of the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector in the province.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the new protocols for arriving passengers contained in the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) Resolution No. 97 dated 28 January 2021, following the body’s decision to lift the travel ban on passengers coming from countries with reported cases of the new Covid variant.

The DOT Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) is currently investigating the reported party at a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment in Baguio City. A Notice to Explain has already been issued to the establishment.

Manila - The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially welcomed on Monday (25 January) Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila and Grand Hyatt Hotel as the first two recipients of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp issued through the DOT.

BACOLOD CITY - After the successful reopening of Boracay Island to local tourists in October 2020, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now in talks with local government officials and tourism stakeholders of Negros Occidental to explore the reopening of the province to more domestic tourists.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is saddened by the news of the management decision to temporarily close the operations starting February 1, 2021 of Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the Slow Food Negros Community, Negros Museum, and Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, on Tuesday (January 19), launched an 82-page cookbook entitled “Negrense Heritage Cooking”.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), in its Resolution dated 14 January 2021, finds the City Garden Grand Hotel (CGGH) in Makati City liable for the offense of gross and evident bad faith in dealing with clients/fraudulent solicitation of business or making any false, deceptive, or misleading claims or statements for the purpose of soliciting business from clients under Section 13.2 (c) of DOT Memorandum Circular No. 2018-03.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates anew with the world as White Beach, Boracay and El Nido, Palawan place 2nd and 9th, respectively, in Condé Nast’s Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards list.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterates that there are only fifteen (15) accredited accommodation establishments (AEs) in Metro Manila that operate as staycation hotels as of 05 January 2021

The Department of Tourism (DOT) throws its full support for the implementation of more stringent entry protocols in view of the confirmed new COVID-19 variant.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has cautioned DOT-accredited hotels currently used as quarantine hotels to refrain from accepting guests for staycation purposes.

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to further expand access to affordable RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test in time for New Year domestic travels, the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, inks a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) on December 28, 2020.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the Balikan Ang Pilipinas campaign to encourage Balikbayans to travel to the Philippines this season and visit the country's sites and destinations with their loved ones.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) throws its unequivocal support to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to temporarily suspend all flights from the United Kingdom (UK) starting Thursday, December 24, 2020 until December 31, 2020.

Baguio City – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced that about 27,000 qualified displaced tourism workers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been endorsed by the DOT to receive the P5,000.00 cash assistance under the DOT-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-001.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has slated two engagement meetings with local tourism stakeholders on the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)'s Safe Travels Stamp and its step-by-step application procedure and requirements next week, December 21.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) sets forth to satisfy holiday cravings for Filipino cuisine through its fourth installment of the KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival happening from December 17 to 20, 2020.

To usher in the Domestic Tourism Campaign in this holiday season, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, launched “Pasko Na!”, an Audio Video Presentation (AVP) promoting traditional Filipino Christmas practices through Ryan Cayabyab’s original composition that spreads positivity and holiday cheer while aptly reminding of health and safety protocols.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds local government units (LGUs) for their efforts in reopening safe tourist destinations all over the country in answer to the increasing interest in travel and tour activities.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has collaborated with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) in holding a webinar training program for the hospitality sector to reduce single-use plastics while keeping in mind health and safety protocols.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through its partner, the Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc. (MakatiMed Foundation) received strong support for its pandemic response and security initiatives in local tourism destinations in light of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), takes a step further in promoting Manila’s cultural heritage sites, collaborating with The Manila Heritage Trail and Manila Heritage Alliance to bring a free virtual concert titled “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” bannering the music of iconic band Hotdog to performed by various OPM artists.

Mabini, Batangas -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday (Dec. 9), expressed support for the continued development of dive tourism in Anilao, otherwise known as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has already launched an investigation into the matter, and after due notice and hearing, will mete the proper administrative sanctions to the resort.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) condemns yet another reckless social gathering organized at a tourism establishment, this time at the Blue Coral Beach Resorts Inc. in Barangay Laiya, San Juan, Batangas on Monday, December 7.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), as the co-vice chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF), condemns the tourists from Luzon who counterfeited COVID-19 test results upon entry in the island on Monday (Dec. 7).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reaches out to tourism workers who were affected by the closure of establishments or those which scaled down operations, to immediately avail of the expanded financial assistance as part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act interventions to address the pandemic’s impact on Philippine tourism.

MANILA— The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) through the ratification of IATF Resolution No. 87 on December 03, 2020, to allow some types of indoor business meetings in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

BORACAY - Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat in today’s Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) Meeting in the island, hammered in the importance of strictly enforcing health and safety protocols to raise visitor confidence. “We cannot stress fully enough the importance of showing our seriousness in carrying out our protocols and guidelines. Our local leadership is key in bringing forward our improved image. Furthermore, it is our wish to make more affordable RT-PCR tests to encourage more visits.”

MANILA (December 1, 2020) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with Guide to the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center launched a follow-up survey on Philippine Travelers' sentiments in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism supports Coron, Palawan’s decision to ease its travel restrictions starting December 1, 2020, allowing local tourists from ages 15 to 65 years old to enter the island under a test-before-travel policy.

The Philippines’ dive sites and Intramuros once again bagged accolades at the 27th World Travel Awards. The award-giving body recognized the Philippines as the World's Leading Dive Destination and Intramuros as the World's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2020.

Now that the Philippines has reopened several tourist destinations after many months of closure, it’s time to show the country how to smile again. The DOT’s latest video, following the “Noypi” tribute to medical frontliners, brings us back to familiar, yet slightly different territory: tourism in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the ratification of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 85 which includes the provision on allowing balikbayans’ entry to the Philippines.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), as co-vice chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) slams the irresponsible mass gathering at the Casa de Arte, Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Mano in Boracay recently.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) touts cultural tourism in Baguio as it remains optimistic that initiatives such as the Ibagíw Festival will sustain the treasured traditions and art forms of the city.

ILOCOS SUR – Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was among the first guests of Ilocos Sur as the province reopened to visitors, this time including tourists from Metro Manila.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes and supports the reopening of another premiere destination- Siargao Island.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is grateful to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) under the leadership of Senator Richard J. Gordon for the initiative to reduce the Reverse Transcription -Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing price to PHP 3,300.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) commends the City Government of Baguio, Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc., UP Baguio, DOT-CAR and the city government for the successful launch of Ibagiw 2020. The third edition of the month-long creative festival kicked off with a grand opening on November 6, 2020 at the Baguio Convention Center and was also livestreamed on Facebook.

More than 7,200 hotels, resorts and other accommodation establishments (AEs) have been authorized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to operate under different quarantine classifications and cater to different types of travelers, depending on their location and purpose.

MANILA – Banking on tourism as a key economic driver, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Nissan Philippines have embarked on a road trip geared towards promoting safe and responsible land traveling to boost domestic tourism.

To upgrade tourism education and skills training in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has closed ranks with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc. (TIBFI).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s signing of Executive Order (EO) 118, today, November 4, directing the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to ensure the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 tests and test kits for all.

The 27th World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as Asia's leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2020. The award-giving body also declared the Philippine Department of Tourism as this year’s leading tourist board in Asia, besting 11 nominated countries.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) invites foodies to embark on "Food Trips" with the second leg of its virtual KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival 2020 from November 3 to 6, 2020.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Friday (October 30) signed the DOT-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-001, which contains specific guidelines for the provision of cash assistance and cash-for-work program for tourism workers that were displaced due to the ongoing pandemic.

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines launched Travel Philippines, the country’s official travel companion, today, 30 October 2020. The app provides users access to the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations that have reopened to tourism. The easy-to-use platform allows users to create itineraries for their future trips, find up-to-date information on their favorite tourist attractions, and securely store digital copies of travel documents.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the news that two of our prime destinations – Palawan and Boracay, have made it to Big 7 Travel’s list of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World (https://bigseventravel.com/2020/10/50-most-beautiful-places-in-the-world/), ranking 8th and 18th, respectively.

MANILA – The well-received online learning event dubbed the “Leadership Excellence Series (LES) 2020” is returning once again this October as it targets to rebuild consumer confidence and redefine standards for the Filipino brand of service.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat urged micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to avail of the CARES for Tourism Rehabilitation and Vitalization of Enterprises and Livelihood (CARES for TRAVEL) Program to help them sustain their businesses and keep their workers amid the on-going pandemic.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat appeals for a price cap on the real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Antigen tests for COVID-19 to enhance tourism revival, as the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) relaxes travel restrictions in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the decision of the Municipal Government of El Nido to ease its travel restrictions starting October 30, allowing tourists to enter the island under a test-before-travel policy.

The Board of Trustees of the Philippine Retirement Agency (PRA), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has directed the PRA to suspend the issuance of the Special Retirees Residence Visa (SRRV) pending the review and amendments of the policies on age and visa deposit requirements.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced today that the DOT has been given the authority, by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), to determine the allowable operational capacity (up to 100%) for hotels, including staycation hotels, in areas classified under a modified community quarantine (MGCQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ).

ILOCOS NORTE – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced that the Ridge and Reef Corridor heralds another milestone in the country’s bid to spur domestic tourism recovery.

The DOT welcomes the news that the province of Ilocos Sur will open to Luzon residents on November 15 once all systems and health and safety measures are in place.

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the decision of the local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City to open its doors to guests from Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions 2 and 3, starting on October 22, 2020, noting that the anticipated influx of tourists will generate tourism activities that will spur a swifter recovery of the industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the amended guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EIMD) regarding the more liberal interzonal and intrazonal movement of persons traveling between destinations under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat issued a reminder to “staycation hotels,” to adhere to the guidelines and protocols set by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and ensure a memorable and safe staycation of guests taking a break from months of quarantine.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) calls on divers to dust off their masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, and other gear as popular dive sites in Batangas prepare to welcome tourists.

Bring your own gear and use a defog solution for your mask.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) today (October 12) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to finalize the CARES for Tourism Rehabilitation and Vitalization of Enterprises and Livelihood ( TRAVEL) program that will extend loan assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will provide a total of Php 1.6 million funding to Boracay to cover the cost of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for the island’s tourism workers, as it expects more local tourist arrivals in the coming months.

Ilocos Norte, which is famous for a variety of attractions, including panoramic ocean views, a breathtaking wind farm, baroque architecture, and sand dunes adventure, is reopening its doors to more tourists from the rest of Luzon on October 15.

Cebu and Visayas Islands have been named Top Island in Asia, leading three other Philippine islands in the top ten of the Conde Naste Traveler's (CNT) 2020 Readers' Choice Awards.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomes the adoption of the Antigen Testing as a way to determine if Baguio City's visitors are COVID-19 free.

The Commission on Audit (COA) Renders an “Unqualified Opinion” over the Department of Tourism's Financial Statements as of December 31, 2019.

BORACAY — The reopening of Boracay, the Philippines’ top destination, to new market sources signals the safe and gradual revival of the country’s tourism industry amid the pandemic, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Thursday (Oct. 1).

Tourism enterprises can now apply online for accreditation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) with the launch of its Online Accreditation System.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued strict guidelines for “staycations” as part of the government efforts to re-start the economy through tourism.

On behalf of the Philippines Department of Tourism, let me warmly wish everyone a happy and meaningful World Tourism Day. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Rural Development,” is particularly relevant to our country as many of our rural areas depend on tourism but have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

PANGLAO, Bohol – Even in the most unusual ways, the travel business has to continue to keep tourism alive.

Boracay Island will further open its doors to more local tourists on October 1, thus signaling the continued resurgence of domestic tourism nationwide.

BAGUIO CITY –Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is back in the Summer Capital of the Philippines to officially launch the city’s first online visitor management system today (September 22).

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has given the Department of Tourism (DOT) a SafeTravels Stamp in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestic tourism will be the main concentration of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in rebuilding trust and confidence in the travel market for next year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Thursday (Sept. 17) some details of the loan program for tourism MSMEs that is being finalized with the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

MANILA - A virtual ceremonial toast with customized wooden chalices marked the official start of the four-day KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival 2020 on Tuesday (Sept. 15) with chocolate, coffee and tea taking the spotlight.

More than 10,000 jobs in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry would be made available to displaced tourism workers nationwide this month.

Lifeguards will not be the only ones on patrol when the beaches and resorts reopen for business under the tourism industry’s “new normal.” Safety marshalls will also be on site to ensure physical distancing.

MANILA -- The Philippines, through the Department of Tourism (DOT), successfully hosted the virtual edition of the 3rd International Conference on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA-TP) that is expected to largely influence the Department’s Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP), particularly its human resource component.

The Department of Tourism's food and travel festival, Kain Na!, is back and is prepared to serve exciting culinary tourism delights that everyone can enjoy online and in the comfort of their homes from September 15-18.

It’s official—the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) is back for its 2nd edition through a digital platform from October 9 to 11, 2020.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), consistent with the President’s direction, has been engaging with the local governments, other national government agencies and local tourism stakeholders for the gradual reopening of the sector while underscoring the strict compliance of health and safety protocols.

TOKYO – The Philippines received the award as the Best Overseas Diving Area in the Marine Diving Awards 2020 held recently in Tokyo.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the mention of multiple Philippine dive sites in the Lonely Planet's article entitled *quot;6 national parks around the world with surprisingly spectacular diving".

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) threw its full support behind the Ridge to Reef Corridor Plan, one of the key strategies being explored to ensure Baguio City's gradual and safe reopening to tourists from nearby provinces within the year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expresses its deep gratitude to the Bicameral Conference Committee for approving the allocation of 10 billion pesos for the tourism industry under the Bayanihan To Recover As One or the Bayanihan 2 Bill. The recognition of the tourism sector by the Senate and House of Representatives, in the Bayanihan Act 2 measures, ensures the survival of our MSMEs since 99.9 percent of the 144,640 establishments in accommodation and food service activities are considered micro, small and medium, according to 2018 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Online shoppers can now enjoy varied Philippine flavors, quality–sealed fresh and processed food selections, and other essentials all under one platform which provides a seamless shopping experience for the customer.

Panglao, BOHOL – Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat assured the officials and tourism players of Bohol on Friday that reopening the island province to tourism would not be pursued at the expense of public health and safety.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pulling out all the stops to ensure that health and safety measures are in place in the country's tourist destinations and to reassure all stakeholders of government support as the industry prepares to slowly reopen.

It's a new world out there and we have to think out of the box if we want to go back to business as usual.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) expresses optimism for the recovery of the tourism industry, following the Senate approval of the Senate Bill 1564 or the Bayanihan To Recover As One Act on its third and final reading Tuesday (July 28)..

Boracay Island is now open to young and senior tourists from the Western Visayas region.

Meetings, conventions and exhibitions can be held only in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and only at 50 percent capacity, according to the guidelines set by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will team up with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to promote farm tourism and help the country's tourism industry recover from the COVID–19 pandemic.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat has given the directive for schools to continue online English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to maintain the country's position as a leading ESL destination.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) today celebrates the hailing of Palawan as it reclaims the Best Island in the World title by renowned travel publication, Travel + Leisure.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat said that more restaurants in Metro Manila are seeking accreditation with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables and other daily essentials will soon be delivered to your doorsteps by GrabExpress from 40 small farmers and MSMEs participating under the Department of Tourism's (DOT) Philippine Harvest online trade fair.

EL NIDO, PALAWAN -- Eyeing tourism recovery in the reopening of more destinations, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat today checked the readiness of one of the Philippines' favorite destinations – Palawan.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez led the inspection of selected hotels and restaurants in the Ortigas Center on Wednesday (July 1) to check compliance with health and safety protocols under Metro Manila's General Community Quarantine (GCQ) guidelines.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said that it anticipates the reopening of the tourism industry in concurrence with the local government units (LGU), with the easing of travel restrictions, as more places around the country transition to a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Domestic travel will lead the recovery of the country's tourism industry with Filipino travelers expecting to go to destinations closer to home and spending less amid lingering health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat hailed on Friday the reactivation of the Tourist Police units, saying it would hasten the tourism industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tourism industry will recover well from three months of quarantine and restore the jobs lost by millions of Filipinos dependent on the industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the inclusion of Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan in Condé Nast Traveller's (CNT) "The 30 Best Beaches in the World" feature. The list was made in light of the pandemic, stating that "…while the world waits to find out when we can travel again, now is the time to think about a future summer holiday visiting one of the world's best beaches."

The tourism industry increased its contribution to the country's economy to almost 13 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) last year, according to government statistics.

In line with the Department of Tourism's (DOT) priority effort to roll out its new health and safety standards as well as the Inter-Agency Task Force on the management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) restrictions among tourism stakeholders nationwide, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Juan, La Union recently conducted spot inspections among tourism stakeholders in its popular beach and surfing area and clamped down on enterprises that have violated national and local government issuances during the period of quarantine.

The Boracay Interagency Task Force (BIATF) decries the entry of a group of travelers to Boracay last June 12 that stayed up to June 14 when the island was not officially open for tourism.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases' (IATF-EID) approval of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) recommendation to allow the partial dine-in operations of restaurants in localities under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

"The partnership of the public and private sector to ensure the safety and sustainability of tourism should be a model for other island destinations in the country," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force BIATF meeting in Boracay on June 11, 2020.

While travel restrictions are still in place, for both domestic and foreign travel, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has been maintaining its presence online with its most recent digital campaign, “Wake Up in the Philippines” and its microsite philippines.travel/safeph for relevant updates on tourism-related sectors in the Philippines.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued the New Normal Health and Safety Guidelines for Tourist Land Transport Services covering transport operators/owners, passengers, vehicles, and drivers.

The Inter–Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF–EID) further stressed the importance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Certificate of Authority to operate for accommodation establishments (AEs) going back to business during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) periods.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has released Memorandum Circular No 2020-004 or the "New Normal Health and Safety Guidelines for DOT–Accredited Restaurants" that will cover the areas of Management; Configuration and Set–up; Employees; Customers; Service and other Procedure; Delivery; and Sanitation, Disinfection, Safety Measure, and others.

The Department of Tourism welcomes the latest tourism–related distinction received by the country, having been recently named as one of the "Rising Stars in Travel" by Forbes.com, the website of the respected American business and financial news publication.

The joint recommendations of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on health and safety protocols for restaurant dine–in operations were approved by the Inter–Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF–EID).

With the hampered travel movement brought about by the COVID–19 pandemic situation, work and play are inevitably done online. The evolving crisis and in anticipation of other challenges, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies are making sure that Philippine tourism remains competitive, adapts well and takes advantage of the digital revolution.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat reminds tourism stakeholders, particularly hotel and resort entrepreneurs to secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate before going back to business under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) maintained its commitment to the Filipino Brand of Service and Hospitality, as exhibited by the agency's successful initiatives to assist a total of 36,947 stranded foreign and domestic tourists, since land, air, and sea travel restrictions were placed by the government as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the disease.

We must make the transition to digital and online for our industry to survive.

The DOT welcomes the gradual re-opening of tourism operations in light of the varied community quarantine levels across the country, hoping to pave the eventual recovery of the Philippines' tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) remains optimistic that the Philippines will regain the tourists' trust in the country as a safe and viable tourism destination sooner, and hasten recovery of the country's tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the encouraging developments towards reopening of tourist destinations and ensured that the tourism sector is ready to provide service under the post-lockdown "New Normal" scenario.

At least 84 domestic tourists stranded in Eastern Visayas since last March finally returned home with the assistance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in joint efforts with other agencies and local government units (LGUs).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has released the Health and Safety Guidelines Governing the Operations of Accommodation Establishments under the New Normal, indicating quite a number of significant changes in the country's frontline tourist services.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed confidence that an imaginative Filipino gastronomy will remain a strong pillar of the country’s tourism industry under the new normal.

How will the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis impact and reshape tourism, sustainability and conservation programs at the country' heritage sites under the new normal?

The Department of Tourism (DOT) commits to sustain the Filipino brand of hospitality and service to stranded tourists amid the government-enforced community quarantine brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

With Metro Manila now placed under modified enhanced community quarantine and the majority of the other places in the country under general community quarantine or GCQ, the DOT, together with the Inter–Agency Taskforce on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF–EID) and several local government units (LGU), are preparing for the revival and re–opening of tourism in the Philippines once our places are classified under the modified GCQ (MGCQ).

The tourism industry will recover.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in an advisory directed hotel operators and their ancillary establishments to submit detailed documentation on their safety protocols for their food preparation services.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat said the tourism industry is ready to face the reality and daunting challenges of the "new normal," referring to new standards and protocols for safe and responsible tourism that will direct its path to recovery.

A total of 155,672 employees from 4,290 tourism–related enterprises received their cash grants under the joint program of the Department of Finance (DOF), Social Security System (SSS), and Bureau of Internal Revenue, called the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBSW) program as of May 4.

MANILA – Over 1,000 domestic tourists who were stranded in various tourist destinations in the country have returned home, mostly in Metro Manila, with the assistance of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reaffirmed the country's commitment to the regional tourism cooperation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOT, TPB launch official Philippine travel app – Friday, October 30, 2020

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines launched Travel Philippines, the country’s official travel companion, today, 30 October 2020. The app provides users access to the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations that have reopened to tourism. The easy-to-use platform allows users to create itineraries for their future trips, find up-to-date information on their favorite tourist attractions, and securely store digital copies of travel documents. “As we continue to reopen the country’s tourism destinations, Travel Philippines timely serves as every tourist’s official guide to safe and fun travel,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “With the ever-changing needs and challenges in travel brought about by the pandemic, Travel Philippines will help both domestic and international tourists have safer and more memorable travel experiences amid our ‘new normal’,” added the tourism chief. DOT and TPB developed Travel Philippines in partnership with inclusion tech venture builder HIMO Global Inc. / Talino Venture Labs. “Unlike other travel companions, we created the go-to companion for the traveler in the new normal, prioritizing ease in access to the latest safety information about their favorite destinations,” said Winston Damarillo, CEO of HIMO Global Inc./ Talino Venture Labs. Within Travel Philippines is an extensive database of various destinations and attractions that are reopening after the COVID-19 community quarantines. At launch, Travel Philippines features six major tourist destinations: Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, and Metro Manila. The App will be regularly updated with the latest information on these six locations as well as more travel destinations around the Philippines. On top of the basic travel information about these destinations, Travel Philippines will also contain the latest health and safety protocols being implemented within these locations, sourced directly from their local tourism offices. Travel Philippines also features a built-in itinerary maker that integrates with its extensive catalogue of tourist attractions, local restaurants, and accommodation establishments. Users can bookmark any of the locations they read about within the platform and plan out their trips based on their preferences. Tourists can also upload into their personal Travel Philippines account, digital copies of pertinent documents such as boarding passes, hotel reservations, and medical certificates. Through its encrypted platform, the app will offer users a go-to folder for all of their documents and forms, which they will be able to access even if their device does not have an Internet connection. “Travel Philippines marks DOT’s continued push to breathe new life into the severely affected tourism industry by promoting safe and responsible travel. We look forward to seeing both domestic and international tourists use Travel Philippines in their future trips,” concluded Romulo-Puyat. ###

Tourism Secretary Puyat scans a Quick Response (QR) code for check–in procedures as tourism establishments adapt to digitalization and new normal

Health and safety remains the top priority as tourism reopens in Palawan as discussed by Tourism Secretary Puyat, Governor Alvarez and El Nido Mayor Edna Lim (right)

Tourism Secretary Puyat meets the members of the media via a virtual press conference to discuss the destination's tourism recovery.

L–R Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat, El Nido Mayor Edna Lim, Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Anthonette Velasco–Allones, and Ten Knots Development Corporation COO Javier Hernandez in front of the El Nido backdrop after the site inspection.

When In Manila Search

Travel philippines app: the new, upgraded ph travel app is everything you’ll need to plan your adventures.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines are thrilled to announce the release of the upgraded Travel Philippines app. This enhanced digital platform is the beginning of our tourism industry’s digitalization, hoping to provide a more convenient way for travelers to experience the beauty, culture, and adventures that the Philippines has to offer.

Photo: TPB | At the Travel Philippines app launch at Sampiro, Makati.

The Travel Philippines app is a handy resource for travel information and your passport to discovering uncharted destinations. Use it to plan your own, unique journeys across the country’s diverse provinces, access exclusive travel deals and promotions, and effortlessly manage digital travel documents. In a world increasingly driven by technology, this app hopes to bridge the gap between wanderlust and convenience.

With a commitment to empower explorers and promote Philippine tourism, the app is designed to be your go-to resource for all things travel. TPB collaborated closely with the DOT Regional Directors to provide a wealth of information and multimedia assets for their respective regions and provinces. This trove of content includes hundreds of accommodation options, awe-inspiring attractions, immersive experiences, and essential services. To keep your adventures fresh, the app will remain a collaborative effort and will receive regular monthly updates. We also continually engage with technical and content experts to further enrich your journey.

“True to our commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s transformative policy direction to digitalize vital services of government, our revitalized travel app stands as a testament to our full and unequivocal support to providing better services to our public. We recognize the central role of Travel.ph app in implementing our President’s vision for a digital Philippines, as part of its whole-of-government approach to improve the ease of doing business, as well as combat many forms of graft and corruption.”

Recognizing the collective power of the Filipino people, TPB has partnered with key stakeholders and thought leaders from various sectors. Together, they champion the Travel Philippines app both locally and globally.

Photo: TPB | TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles

“The Travel Philippines app is a milestone for Philippine tourism as the whole country has come together to create and promote its enhanced version,” said Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the TPB. “This symbolizes our collective passion to celebrate the unique treasures that define us as Filipinos. We are committed to fostering continued collaboration and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partner stakeholders and our dedicated Regional Directors across all 17 regions, with whom we share close-knit and invaluable partnerships.”

Embark on your journey of discovery with the help of the Travel Philippines App — your personalized guide to the heart of the Philippines. Explore its rich offerings, including Featured Destinations, must-visit Attractions, captivating Activities, and upcoming Events. Craft your personalized travel experiences with key players in the travel industry, such as DOT-accredited tour operators and guides. With features like “What’s Near You” recommendations, access to exclusive deals and promos, and real-time chat support, you’re in control of your adventure.

This is only the beginning! Tap to enjoy the Philippine experience by downloading the Travel Philippines app through Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To download the app, scan the QR code below:

For more information, visit www.tpb.gov.ph . And follow them through the following platforms:

Facebook: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Instagram: @philippines.tpb Twitter: @philippines_tpb YouTube: Philippine Tourism Promotions Board

About The Author

For media partnerships, possible features or other inquiries, you can find answers on our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page here - WhenInManila.com/faq

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How ChatGPT helped software engineer create viral Philippine travel level map website

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

DENZ DEL VILLAR. Del Villar is the software engineer who created the viral My Philippines Travel Level app

MANILA, Philippines – As Filipinos are looking to start traveling again after years of pandemic restrictions, social media feeds go abuzz as users share maps of places they’ve been to in the Philippines, all thanks to a web app.

Singapore-based Filipino software engineer Denz Del Villar created the My Philippines Travel Level website for users to show how well-traveled they are in the Philippines. 

The do-it-yourself map quickly blew up as personalities such as Macoy Dubs and even former vice president Leni Robredo shared their results. 

Denz tells Rappler that the website represents his first time doing web development, adding that he has been thinking about the idea for years but wasn’t able to start on it due to inexperience. 

“I think it started in 2019. I randomly saw this Japanese version of the map and I got interested…. I was amazed and thought ‘Hey, there should also be a Philippine version of this,’ but there wasn’t any available,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. 

He only got motivated to finally get started on the project on April 5 while on a ten-hour layover on his way to Turkey. He also had one tool that could finally help him conquer web development – ChatGPT. 

“A lot of software engineers saw the potential of ChatGPT to guide them in building their projects,” Denz said. 

The software engineer estimates that around 70% to 80% of the now-viral website was done with the help of ChatGPT. 

Behind the scenes

Denz’s journey with the website started with creating the Philippine map, using the entire ten hours of his initial layover to build this groundwork. 

“[The website] is graphics-heavy, you need the map first of all, and I didn’t know how to do it or draw it even. I asked ChatGPT how to get started. I also followed the format of those who created the Japanese version…The website wasn’t live then as there were still many features that were missing” he said.

To fill in the gaps with the missing features, he would consult ChatGPT and create code for the website during his many long bus rides to different parts of Turkey.

Among the features aided by ChatGPT was an essential feature where users click on a certain province and label it through these levels:

• Lived there (5) – you spent a significant portion of your life in that area.
• Stayed there (4) – you slept at least a night in that area.
• Visited there (3) – you spent some hours exploring the area.
• Alighted there (2) – you just dropped off for a short stopover, layover, or transfer.
• Passed there (1) – you passed by that area but did not set foot.
• Never been there (0) – you need to travel there soon.

Denz shares that ChatGPT was able to give “pretty nice” answers to his queries as long as he gave a pretty good prompt. However, he added that the codes given by the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot did not work immediately for the website.

“It’s like you search on Google how other people do it, but it’s almost on that same level. When I do that and put what ChatGPT recommends, I still had to make sure that the code works, so I had to tweak a bit,” he said. 

The AI chatbot also helped Denz with the basics of hosting a website such as getting a domain. 

“For software engineers, when you learn to do a new program, starting from scratch is hard. But if you have a template, it gets easier. Since what ChatGPT gave me are templates on how to start, it made my life easier. That’s what it took me [from] 2019 to until a few days ago to start as there wasn’t anyone who could help me or I could ask someone who knows about it, but I didn’t have time,” he added. 

Hallucinations

Despite its perks, Denz encountered problems with ChatGPT where the chatbot “hallucinated” or gave an entirely wrong answer to his query on adding a feature where users can share their maps directly to their Instagram stories. 

After extensive research, Denz realized that in order to get such feature, he would have to rewrite his entire website code in React Native when he was coding in ReactJS. 

React Native is used for cross-platform development in mobile apps, while ReactJS is used to build user interfaces of websites. The programming language used by React Native and ReactJS are also different.

“Apparently, there is no such [package] in ReactJS, but there is in React Native. So when I prompted ChatGPT to give me packages that do this, the chatbot gave one. When I checked the package, it didn’t work. I think ChatGPT invented that this package can do this [function] using this command and then that command did not exist in the first place,” he said. 

Denz created instead a compromise to have a function where users can save the image of their completed maps which they can share on their social media accounts. 

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, also recognized such flaws in a November 2022 blog post on its website , saying that fixing the issue can be “challenging” due to several factors such as having “currently no source of truth” in reinforcement learning training. 

Denz said that this problem shows that there are “dangers” in believing that ChatGPT can give entirely factual information as it can be “susceptible to disinformation.”

After testing the site with friends, he posted the website on April 9 through an Instagram story sticker and Reddit. Denz added that after the website went live, he did not rely on ChatGPT as much as he would research on Google instead for quick bug fixes. 

Traveling to the Philippines

According to the My Philippines Travel Level website, Denz’s Philippines travel level is only at 62. The software engineer attributes the low level as he only got to travel more when he was able to earn enough money from working in his first job in Japan from 2015 to 2017. 

“It’s very impractical that if you’re in Japan, you would go to the Philippines to have a vacation since the [plane] tickets are expensive. It was much faster to do ‘domestic travel’ in Japan,” he said. 

Denz added that most of his travel in the Philippines were mostly in Luzon. He also traveled to Cebu for a layover from Japan, Boracay for a family trip, and Davao for the National Schools Press Conference in 2010. 

He hopes to change that now that he is based in Singapore, eyeing destinations such as Palawan, Cebu, and Batanes. 

Denz also noticed patterns from the maps he has seen from his circle of friends and other posts on social media, saying that those who are “well-off” are not necessarily the most well-traveled in the Philippines. 

“I usually see that government workers, they’re the ones who go to a lot of places [since] the demand of their work requires them to travel to all of the provinces. They’re the high scorers, not necessarily casual travelers,” he said. 

Denz also clarified that he doesn’t collect any data from the web app aside from the page views from the flag counter at the bottom of the website. So far, the My Philippines Travel Level website has been visited 2,301,068 times. 

Meanwhile, Denz said he knew the maps had the potential to go viral. However, what surprised him was how companies, organizations, and experts quickly picked up on the gimmick. Those versions would visualize from where ATMs are available nationwide to real minimum wage rates per region.

At ayun na nga. Dahil bored tayo. Here's the trending map showing the Current Real Minimum Wage Rates per region. Note the lack of orange and yellow colors. Also note that each color represents a P36.04 range. Data obtained from https://t.co/79J4i31RuT on April 15, 2023. pic.twitter.com/NwdTNeEtLf — rm (@rmllrd) April 15, 2023

The viral spread of the travel map also caused concerned users to rush to support the software engineer and his work. 

So basically binigyan nanaman ng mamamayan ang mga brands ng libre. Hindi lang LIBRENG materyal o ideya o distribution. LIBRE maging LABOR at INDUSTRY INSTINCT ng developer na gumawa nung vacation map. Let’s support himmm pic.twitter.com/skP9Q5SKyh — Elon Moks (@moki_doki) April 16, 2023

With attention online placed on the My Philippines Travel Level website, Denz hopes that it would bring Filipinos to explore the Philippines more as “there really is more that the country can offer.” 

He also hopes that those who create AI products such as OpenAI to be “responsible enough” in how they operate and maintain these tools. The software engineer also hopes consumers would be educated on AI so that they won’t be fooled by promises made by these companies, adding that there should be more AI programs in universities. 

“The field of AI is very hot. So I hope there are many people from the next generation [who know] how to navigate that field,” he said. 

Those who wish to support Denz and the My Philippines Travel Level website can donate through his Paypal and GCash . – Rappler.com 

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Essential Apps to Download When Traveling in the Philippines

Travel Booking App

Guide to the philippines app.

• Transportation Apps

Navigation Apps

Google maps, food and drinks apps, weather, translating, wi-fi, and list apps, accuweather, google translate, we wander ph.

Traveling has been made accessible and easier for everyone thanks to technology. Thanks to mobile apps that you can easily download, there's no need to bring around paper maps and travel brochures during your trips.

Wherever you are traveling in the  Philippines , travel apps will be your best friends for a hassle-free adventure. Want to know the fastest routes when doing a self-drive or public transportation exploration of  Manila ? Want to know the best bars in  Boracay ? Want to know the best day to schedule your island-hopping adventure in Palawan's El Nido ?

Popular day tours

Bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service, bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers.

Here’s a list of the most recommended apps trusted by locals that are perfect for planning your tours in the Philippines :

Booking your flights, hotel, transfers, tours, and other travel services may seem nerve-wracking, especially for first-timers in the Philippines, but this app will help you plan your vacation, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Even if you’re traveling to multiple places in the country, you’ll find the app useful as not only does it offer services in top destinations like Boracay , Bohol , Cebu , and Palawan , as well as lesser-known places in the country, but it also has multi-destination travel packages that allow you to book flights, accommodations, transfers, and tours in several locations with just one tap.

Even if you’re just in the planning phase of your trip, the Guide to the Philippines app can help you, as it has hundreds of articles related to Philippine travel , including attraction and destination guides.

You can download the Guide to the Philippines app via Google Play or the App Store .

Transportation Apps 

Metropolitan areas in the Philippines, especially Metro Manila, are notorious for having some of the worst traffic. This is why locals have learned to embrace technologies like transportation apps to avoid traffic and travel faster.

Here are the most useful and widely used transportation apps that you should download when planning a trip to the Philippines and help you save time:

Hailing a cab can be one of the most challenging things you’ll encounter in the Philippines, that’s why the majority of locals living in cities have the ride-hailing app Grab installed in their phones. These will give you access to book air-conditioned cars with a compartment for your luggage. 

Apart from the instant booking of taxi cabs and private cars, it also offers services such as food delivery and courier services. Grab services are available in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Pampanga, Bataan, and Naga. 

Since cars can still get stuck in traffic, you also have the option to use the motorcycle-hailing app Angkas . This is perfect for those who are feeling adventurous and don’t mind the heat but want to get to their destination the fastest way they can.

Take note that this can only accommodate 1 passenger and there’s no compartment for luggage. Angkas only services cities in Metro Manila. 

Want to experience commuting in Manila? You should download the Sakay.ph commuting app. This gives you step by step directions with fares and the estimated time of travel going to any destination within the cities of Manila.

Sakay.ph will provide you with transportation options like jeepney, bus, train, and more. This is a must-download if you want to get the local experience of commuting in the metro.  

If you’re commuting to tourist spots around Metro Manila cities like Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Quezon City, and Caloocan via the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), download the ikotMNL app. 

You can track arrivals and departures of trains in the LRT stations, know the fare per destination, and check the crowds. 

If you're exploring Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Davao, and Metro Manila, you can install MiCab, another taxi booking app similar to Grab.

If you're exploring, Mindanao provinces such as Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Iligan, you can install this app to book taxis. 

Navigating the roads of destinations you're exploring for the first time can be challenging. These navigation apps will be your partners on the road.

This app gives you real-time alerts and useful notifications based on the feedback of existing Waze users. It recommends the fastest and most convenient route to take, traffic situations on the road, and even on-going constructions along the way. 

By simply mapping your destination, this app can pull up the nearby establishments you’re looking for and provides you information on how to get there via car, commute, or on foot. It's also useful when you want to know the ins and outs of the local transportation of the place you’re visiting. 

Go on food tours in the Philippines and find the best local restaurants and bars with these apps that will also show you user reviews and menus:

Your food trip is made easy with the app’s ability to find the best food deals in town. The Booky app saves you from spending a lot of time looking for the best place to eat while traveling since it provides an endless list of recommendations.

You can also get discounts at some chosen restaurants by using Booky. You can access it with or without Wi-Fi – making it your go-to food app whenever, wherever.

See our popular Food Tours

Coffee farm tour at amadeo cavite near manila & tagaytay with live brewing & tasting sampler, manila binondo & intramuros full-day tour with guide & transfers, iloilo city food tour & sightseeing with transfers | la paz batchoy, pancit molo, jaro church.

The last thing you want during trips is canceled plans due to bad weather. This can surely be avoided by knowing the right activities to do and having a backup plan just in case the sun decided not to show up.

Prepare the right outfit and holiday gear by checking the weather forecast via Accuweather during the days you’re scheduled to go.

While the majority of Filipinos can speak and understand English, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture while traveling than to converse with locals. Don't let language become a barrier. Find out how to better talk to locals with the  Google Translate app .

It’s good to disconnect with your busy life while traveling and go offline for a bit however for times when you really need to have access to Wi-Fi, this app will allow you to do just that.

WiFi Map  will compile the accessible public connections in your area so that you can use it whenever you need to.

Dreaming of being able to tick off all the 7000+ islands in the Philippines from your travel bucket list? The user-friendly We Wander app will help you track your progress and can help you plan your next trip. 

Have a Hassle-Free Trip in the Philippines

Traveling in the Philippines doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right amount of planning, researching, and a bit of help from technology – you are definitely guaranteed to have an easy and worry-free vacation.

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

Boracay island hopping shared tour with lunch, kawa hot bath & snorkeling package, coron island hopping tour to kayangan lake & barracuda lake | palawan super ultimate package, shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers.

Check out our travel guides and tours on different destinations in the Philippines to help you plan your trip better!

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Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

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𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: the new and enhanced travel philippines app is now officially available for download.

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Designed to be the ultimate digital companion for exploring the country, Travel Philippines is developed by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

This feature-rich app is accessible on both Apple and Android devices, offering an invaluable resource for travel enthusiasts and serving as virtual passport to uncovering unexplored destinations.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TPB Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles graced the unveiling of the Travel Philippines app on Thursday (Oct. 26) in Makati City.

Tourism Undersecretaries Mae Elaine Bathan, Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and Shereen Gail Yu Pamintuan, as well as TPB officials, joined the event attended by travel influencers, celebrity chefs, and social media personalities.

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My Philippines Travel Level web app goes viral

Are you a travel enthusiast who loves exploring the stunning islands of the Philippines? Do you find yourself boasting about your extensive travels in this tropical paradise?

With the latest web app taking the travel community by storm—My Philippines Travel Level—you can now put your travel skills to the test.

Denz del Villar, a Singapore-based Filipino software engineer, has created a buzz in the online travel community with his innovative web app inspired by the popular Japan version JapanEx. My Philippines Travel Level is a simple yet brilliant web app built using ReactJS that enables users to visualize and track their travel experiences in the Philippines with just a few clicks.

“This is my first time dabbling with ReactJS, and I’m thrilled with the result,” Denz shared.

The web app features a map of the Philippines divided into its 83 provinces. Users can select each province and choose from various travel levels, such as “Lived there,” “Stayed there,” “Visited there,” “Alighted there,” “Passed there,” or “Never been there” to accurately record their travel experiences.

Denz revealed that he used ChatGPT extensively to assist him with the project. This impressive web app is gaining popularity among travel enthusiasts in the Philippines and around the world. So why not test your travel knowledge and see how well you know the beautiful islands of the country with My Philippines Travel Level?

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