Holiday Packages, now for the first time, affordable for all Filipinos

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Holiday Factory, UAE’s leading tour operator, launches in the Philippines and aims to revolutionize the travel industry.


Holiday Packages for Filipinos at Half the market rate! Holiday Factory is offering Filipino travelers a chance to experience amazing holidays at half the market rate coupled with high service standards. This means travelers can now get more for less!

“To celebrate the launch as the first tour operator, Holiday Factory is hosting a Mega Giveaway of 100 holiday packages to 100 lucky Filipinos. Everyone can participate for Free by registering on www.holidayfactory.ph” says Sandra Daemmrich, General Manager at Holiday Factory.

This award-winning, online tour operator carries out bulk purchasing of flight tickets, hotel room nights, and other services, allowing them to pass on significant savings to their customers, ensuring they receive the best possible deal.

“Research on the Philippines market indicates that more than 1/3 of the population is seeking affordable holidays but is underserved due to the lack of real tour operators. That's why Holiday Factory is entering the market as the first real package tour operator” says Hakan Bakar, Business Development Director- International Markets at Holiday Factory. "With us, holiday packages are now affordable for everyone."

Therefore, Holiday Factory is all set to revolutionize the travel industry in the Philippines by making a grand entrance offering exciting local and international destinations.

Among the standout offers is a package to Boracay for just PHP 3,699. This package, like all Holiday Factory packages, always includes return flights, hotel accommodations, return airport-to-hotel transfers, travel insurance, airport welcome, tour guide and more. International destinations like Dubai, Hong Kong and many others are also available at similarly attractive rates.

Customers can easily book these packages online by visiting www.holidayfactory.ph making the entire process easy and hassle-free as a one-stop-shop.

In Europe, the USA, and some Asian countries, most leisure travelers prefer package tour operators for their cost-effectiveness and comprehensive service offerings. Now, for the first time, Holiday Factory is bringing this esteemed western tourism model and high standards to the Philippines.


Today, Holiday Factory proudly becomes the first true package tour operator in the country. Filipino travelers can now effortlessly book their dream vacations with unmatched ease and affordability. Welcome to a new era of holidays. Welcome to Holiday Factory.

For more information, visit our website at www.holidayfactory.ph .

Angara observes smooth opening of SY 2024-2025 amid rain

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Education Secretary Sonny Angara observed a smooth opening of School Year 2024-2025 during his visit to Carmona National High School and Elementary School despite a rainy Monday morning.

“Nais lang nating magpasalamat sa ating mga guro, estudyante at komunidad, mga principal [at] mga superintendent na tumutulong sa pagaayos ng ating mga paaralan at nagsama-sama para makapasok ang students ngayong araw,” Secretary Angara said in an interview.

“Malaking bagay po iyon. Talagang nag-bayanihan po tayo para makapasok ngayong araw,” he added.

As of July 29, 12:00NN, the Department of Education (DepEd) has recorded 20,598,072 learners for SY 2024-2025, wherein 11,301,108 learners are from Elementary Level; 6,204,006 learners are Junior High; 2,870,891 learners are Senior High School; and 222,067 learners are under the Alternative Learning System.

CALABARZON reported the highest number of enrollees at 3,070,457 followed by Central Luzon with 2,216,637 learners and NCR with 2,207,473 learners. Nationwide, 861,234 public school teachers and 45,565 school heads welcomed millions of learners, according to DepEd data.

In addition to his visits to Carmona National High School and Carmona Elementary School, Sec. Angara also visited Muntinlupa National High School and Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Angara reiterated the support of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s to the education system and ensured that the Php 5,000.00 teaching allowance will be disbursed to eligible public school teachers within the school opening week.



“I-reiterate ko lang ‘yong suporta ng ating Pangulo, President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. sa ating education system. Humihingi rin ako ng suporta sa lahat ng komunidad all over the Philippines para sa ating mga estudyante at eskwelahan,” Sec. Angara emphasized.

Energy Think Tank Urges Swift Action on Comprehensive Plan Following PBBM's SONA

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In light of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a think tank in the energy sector, is reiterating its call for the adoption of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda. This comprehensive plan is designed to tackle critical issues essential for building a sustainable and resilient energy future for the Philippines.

Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a pioneering energy sector think tank, is renewing its call for the implementation of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda following President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). CERP previously submitted this plan to the Office of the President, aiming to address critical challenges in the Philippines’ energy sector.


REGULATORY REFORM

In his speech, Marcos proposed amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), an initiative also included in CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda, to reduce power costs.

“While EPIRA has laid a crucial foundation for a secure energy sector, it must be amended to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and competition,” stated CERP co-convenor Atty. Noel Baga.

Baga outlined proposed amendments, including subsidizing electricity prices, increasing investment incentives, and operationalizing Retail Access and Open Competition (RCOA) within a decade.

CERP also advocates for amending the EPIRA alongside the National Grid Code and Philippine Distribution Code to strengthen the DOE’s and ERC’s regulatory powers over power generation, distribution, and grid management and operations.


UNIVERSAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS WITHIN THREE YEARS

President Marcos highlighted the completion of interconnection projects such as the newly inaugurated Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line, the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kilovolt Backbone Project, and the Dumanjug-Corella line, which will enhance national energy stability.

"While the President's infrastructure plan will improve power supply, we urge greater ambition: electrify every household by 2028 and hybridize the existing diesel plants with solar PV and batteries. This would reduce costs and subsidies while enhancing reliability," said CERP co-convenor Dr. Joey Ocon.

CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda also addresses other critical issues aimed at building a sustainable energy future, including:

Exploration of indigenous resources to secure a self-sufficient power supply

Deploying renewable energy-powered microgrids and solar home systems

Fostering more collaborative discussions between regulators, academe, and the private sector

Increasing funding for energy research and development

“CERP remains committed to working closely with the administration and continues to advocate for sustainable energy policies that benefit all Filipinos,” Dr. Ocon added.

CERP invites policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to review the full Seven-Point Energy Agenda here. The think tank will be hosting a series of forums to discuss these proposals and gather input from various sectors in the coming months.

The Center for Energy Research and Policy is a think tank dedicated to developing a resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the Philippines. Co-convened by Atty. Noel M. Baga and Dr. Joey D. Ocon, CERP brings together experts and advocates to foster participatory governance in the energy sector. Anchored in inclusivity, CERP provides actionable insights on energy development, aiming to ensure efficient, affordable, and sustainable power for all Filipinos.