No "Weekend of Everything that Flies" this year ~ PIHABF

Statement from the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) Organizing Committee

MANILA, Philippines – The organizers of the longest running balloon event in Asia – the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF): “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” maintains its decision not to hold the 19th PIHABF this year, but instead, prepare for a bigger event scheduled for February 12-15, 2015.

More Fun at Aliwan Fiesta 2013

Now on its 11th edition, Aliwan Fiesta gets grander and more fun this year through its tie-up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), also with the collaboration of the City of Manila, City of Pasay, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Star City. 

Dubbed as the "Mother of all Fiestas," Aliwan is a three-day event organized and founded in 2003 by the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). It has since become a yearly festivity every April, gathering some of the country's finest craftsmen, performers, and muses vying for the best float, best street dance, and the much-coveted Reyna ng Aliwan. 

DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. welcomed this new partnership with MBC and said that Aliwan is one of the highlight tourism activities for April. "There is no doubt Aliwan Fiesta is already one of the events in Manila that people look forward to every year. 

With the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Promotions Board partnering with MBC, we will make sure this year's Aliwan Fiesta will be grander, louder, and more fun," the tourism chief added. 

"Our participation in this year's edition adds more credibility to our more fun campaign as foreign spectators are able to witness all the major festivals in one sweep. This benefits short-staying guests who will be able to understand our culture better through this extravaganza," TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III. 

Set from 11 - 13 April 2013, Aliwan anticipates a robust regional representation from Aliwan Hall of Famer Dinagyang of Iloilo City, to Sinulog of Cebu City and Panagbenga of Baguio City, to the up-and-coming festivities like the Pakalog Festival of Pasig City; Sambali Cagayana Festival of Cagayan; Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos, Leyte; Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Shariff Kabunsuan; and Melimud Festival of South Upi, Maguindanao -which will all showcase the country's diverse cultures through music, dance, and costumes. 

With more than 5,000 participants from all over the country, CCP Complex will be bustling with local and foreign tourists alike who can feast on a visual extravaganza, regional product bazaar, fashion show, street party, band concert, games, and a fireworks display. 

As a yearly tradition, a grand parade of dancers and floats along Roxas Boulevard starting from the Quirino Grandstand and culminating with a final showdown in front of Star City in the CCP Complex will cap off the three-day event. 

A total prize of three million pesos await this year's winners who will steal the crown from the 2012 champions: Pamulinawen of Laoag, Ilocos Norte for the best float; the Tribu Pan-ay of Dinagyang Festival for the best in street dance; and the reigning Reyna ng Aliwan Angeli Dione Gomez of Toledo, Cebu City. 

"The fiesta is a quintessential Filipino way of celebration, giving a glimpse of the country's diverse society, cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural bounties. It is one of the blocks upon which we built our being Filipino. In almost every town, province, or city, fiestas serve as their profound way of remembering the blessings of the past years, commemorating historical milestones, and expressing pious devotion to religious images. 

Thanks to Aliwan Fiesta for making it possible for the traveler to get a feel of the Filipino warmth and catch a glimpse of our festivals in one place for three fun-filled days. Hopefully, this will encourage more tourists to stay longer and excite them to travel outside Manila for a complete, authentic Filipino fiesta experience," Tourism Secretary Jimenez remarked.

-----

Media Release from the Department of Tourism

------

ALIWAN FIESTA 2013 LIVE STREAMING

AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL HONORED IN THE 2013 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE HOTELS AWARDS

After winning the Smile Awards 2012 as Best Hotel for Stress-free Business Trip And Trip Advisor 2012 Certificate of Excellence, Avenue Plaza Hotel once again made a mark for Bicol Hospitality & Tourism Industry.

Experience the Good Life. Visit www.theavenueplazahotel.com to reserve your room with instant confirmation!

Naga City, Philippines – 19 January, 2013 – THE AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL announced today that it was awarded as one of the winners in the Top 25 Hotel Service in the Philippine category for TripAdvisors Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2013.

“We are proud to be in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2013’s Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Philippines, number 15 at that, besting more prominent hotels in Metro Manila and renowned hospitality brands in long-established destinations around the country, said Mr. Allan Cu, President and General Manager of Avenue Plaza Hotel. “Being included in the list is another feather in our cap--- one more honor from an independent organization, just like our presence in the Smile Awards Best Brand in Travel and Tourism 2012. This new recognition is an affirmation of the dedication that we put into our work, and a propellant for our determination to unceasingly refine our service.”

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. Avenue Plaza Hotel has been constantly awarded with TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. This accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognize the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”

Millions of travelers check the website of TripAdvisors for reviews about the hotels and so far, Avenue Plaza gained a lot of excellent reviews. KDsedward, a senior review contributor in TripAdvisor, who have been a regular hotel guest since 2010 shared that it is the "small touches" that truly stands out. He wrote “I was continuously impressed by their importance of the small touches, ONES which really makes a stay memorable and relaxing. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the doorman and by the receptionist with their charming smiles. Within minutes, we were presented with a fancy cold lime drink while the counter staff prepared our room key. Check-in was fast and efficient. Once we got into our room we served a complementary fruit plate with a personalized welcome card from the President/General Manager.” 

Aside from the information published by the Avenue Plaza Hotel, first hand experiences from previous guests really help other travelers know what it feels like staying at the hotel prior booking their room. Dom094, also senior review contributor, said that Avenue Plaza is “Truly 5 star hotel of Naga City. I consider it the best hotel in Naga that is comparable to Shangri-la only in a smaller scale.”

At Avenue Plaza Hotel, guests are not just welcome with warm Filipino hospitality but also treated like a family. This signature personalized service that makes you feel very comfortable was also experienced by a long staying guest from USA, Mr.Richard who wrote in the comment card that “the staff were so helpful, accommodating and friendly. Coming back to the hotel each day was like coming home.” Other guests also left notes expressing how they’ll miss the Avenue Plaza because of the fond memories during their stay. Highly satisfied and delighted, guests also refer this first class accommodation to their family, friends and business colleagues. 

President and General Manger Mr.Cu once again expressed his company’s commitment to all those who made all these recognitions possible. “We do not, and we will never rest on our laurels, though. Team Avenue Plaza Hotel’s goal is to improve our service culture and service level every single day; to give our guests that top-notch cosmopolitan treatment at all times.”

“Five years in operations, I can say that Avenue Plaza is on the right tract.” said Ms. Apple Allison Perez, Brand Manager, in realizing the hotel’s vision of being known for its brand of unique service culture and mission of providing a fine tradition of service responsive to global requirements for luxury, lifestyle and individuality of the discerning guests. “We are committed in making the Avenue Plaza, a homegrown Bicolano brand, to be internationally recognized. By sustaining an engaging relationship with our clients through our digital marketing efforts, we are able to connect with them in different social media platforms like TripAdvisor and Facebook. By doing this, we can provide assistance and extend our services to them even before or after they stay at the Avenue,” Ms. Perez added. 

In October 2012, Avenue Plaza Hotel also bested other hotels that mean business. With 61.5% vote from the online poll conducted to traveler readers by Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine, Avenue Plaza Hotel won the Smile Award 2012 for BEST HOTEL FOR A STRESS-FREE BUSINESS TRIP category. The award cited “Avenue Plaza’s modern facilities, clean rooms, airport shuttle services, location and outstanding customer service have pleased guests from both the Philippines and abroad”. 

So next time your business or your much needed holiday takes you to Naga City, you already know where to stay. For promo updates and inquiries, visit the Avenue Plaza Hotel Facebook Page or log on to www.theavenueplazahotel.com. You may also call (Manila Line) 250 8199 and (local line) 473 9999.