Philippines Tourism Registers 9.56% Growth, Tourism Receipts Up By 15.1%

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines welcomed a total of 4,681,307 foreign visitors in 2013, surpassing the 4,272,811 arrivals recorded in 2012 by 9.56%. This performance marked a new milestone for the tourism industry as visitor arrivals demonstrated sustained growth despite the challenges of the previous year.

The highest growth rates during the year were recorded in February (15.8%), June (14.0%), and August (13.0%). Visitor count reached an all time high of more than 400,000 during the months of January, February, March, July, and December.

“Our key source markets generally performed well during the month of December, proof that international confidence has been regained. The Philippines is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, aid, and goodwill from all over the world. They were all instrumental in our road to recovery," Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said.

Tanghalang Pilipino Presents "Mga Ama, Mga Anak"

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“Mga Ama, Mga Anak,” is a poignant drama in three acts revolving around former town illustrado and Caritela king Zacarias Monzon, his fall from power and wealth, and his gnawing conflicts with his son and his family, amid dementia and unresolved issues. Cruelty, hedonism, disloyalty, and suffering marred his past.
 
Now, so close to death, Carias still has the reins over his resentful son, his confused grandson, and a benevolent martyr of a mistress, until they decide it was time to cut loose and be responsible for what they are and what they will be.

Featuring stage luminaries Spanky Manikan (Carias Monzon), Robert Arevalo (Carias Monzon), television actress and host Jacquilou Blanco (Sofia Monzon), noted young actress Cris Villongco (Bessie), and multi-awarded singer-actress Celeste Legaspi.

Senate Defenders Win Over HOR Solons, Kenneth Duremdes Emerged as Best Player of the Game

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The Senate Defenders grabbed the 1st victory as they won 83-72 in a 9-point deficit over the House of Representatives Solons. Kenneth Duremdes from the Defenders emerged as the dominating player that earned him the title "Best Player of the Game" while Neil Tupas was the top scorer from the opposing team.

The UNTV Cup is a one of a kind basketball league, composed of the different departments of the Philippine government namely the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Congress, Senate, Judiciary, Philhealth, Metro Manila Development Authority, Malacanang, and other LGUs. Each team has their own beneficiary who will take the 1 Million Pesos Grand Prize for the team who will win the championship, and 500,000 Pesos for the 1st Runner-Up.

Now on its second season, the games are expected to be a lot more grueling yet more fun and exciting to watch as we witness different government agencies battle it out against each other competing in the Philippines' favorite sport: basketball.