Filed under: awareness and causes, blogger events | Tags: enchanted kingdom, underprivileged children at enchanted kingdom
Congresswoman Ivy Arago made dreams come true at Enchanted Kingdom
Fifty less privileged children from San Pablo, Laguna recently experienced a magical time at the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park. Headed by Congresswoman Marie Evita “Ivy” Arago, the children were able to enjoy and take pleasure in all the rides and attractions of Enchanted Kingdom (EK).
For the second time around, the 3rd District Laguna Representative brought with her another set of underprivileged children who never thought they would get the chance to go inside EK. These children collect garbage at dumpsites and the Congresswoman wanted to reach out and let them see life’s beauty even for a day.
“These children were so excited to come here at Enchanted Kingdom! Some of them were not able to sleep the night before because they were thrilled at the thought of going inside the park for the first time. I am really overwhelmed by the support Enchanted Kingdom has extended to us,” said Congresswoman Arago.
“It was very fulfilling to see the children enjoying themselves. Smiles were written all over their faces. We felt their wishes come true when they stepped inside the park. This is a perfect example on how magic works at EK,” said Cynthia R. Mamon, Ph.D., EK’s Vice President for Sales, Marketing & Entertainment.
The children were given the whole day to enjoy the Park. Most of the boys went for the Dodgem to test their driving potentials while the girls fulfilled their fairy tale fantasies at Grand Carousel. Everybody got wet after trying EK’s water rides and by evening, they all witnessed the sky all aglow during the fireworks display.
Come to Enchanted Kingdom where the magic stays with you! From now until August 28, 2009, they are open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00AM to 9:00PM with Fireworks Display at 8:00PM. For inquiries, please visit www.enchantedkingdom.com.ph.
Filed under: awareness and causes, daily discoveries | Tags: dot travel advisory ah1n1
Travel Advisory as of 10:00 AM June 26, 2009
The Department of Tourism (DOT) remains unhampered at the increasing number of A (H1N1) cases in the country, optimistic that complete recovery of all confirmed patients is on the upswing.
As of 3:00 PM yesterday, June 25, 2009, there have been 727 reported cases of the virus, of which 536 or 74% of the total confirmed cases since May of this year have fully recovered from the symptoms. Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH), a notably rapid recovery is evident. To date, 85 more patients have completely recovered from the pandemic flu and were sent home, while new cases numbering 123 are being closely monitored.
According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “From a global perspective, the H1N1 flu is no different from the known seasonal flu; it is mild and treatable. In fact, in the US and Mexico where it all started, it is perceived and responded to just like any other seasonal flu. The state of the global economy is still the biggest challenge for the industry.”
He added, “In Australia where the most H1N1 cases in Asia Pacific are recorded, the population has already overcome the initial psychological scare that an unknown virus naturally brings. Comparing such cases with the Philippine scenario, what we have is even milder. In the country, while the occurrences of the virus are in populated areas, these are not in main tourism destinations.”
“As far as the industry is concerned, my job is to make sure this temporary concern will not distract the industry from pursuing opportunities in the near- and medium-term,” Durano further said.
The DOT likewise reported that at present, 50 foreign tour operators from France, Switzerland, China, US, Canada, as well as Asia Pacific countries are here in the Philippines for the purpose of updating themselves on the new hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism experiences in the country.
For the previous months, the DOT has echoed the statements of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), issuing no travel restrictions.
As of 9:07 AM today, June 26, 2009, the WHO also reiterated that globally, the virus is not mutating for the moment and is stable.
The DOT’s marketing departments and regional units remain on heightened alert for any case of flu-like symptoms from arriving tourists.
DOT Marketing Teams report no buyer cancellations, especially for the present Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) in Cebu, one of the biggest travel events in the country; and MICE Mart, also an important tourism event slated for the year.
Tourism attachés reported no cancellations or deferment in East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, US and Canada. Instead of expressing anxiety, American travelers planning to go to the Philippines have inquired more on the thermal scanning procedures and the quarantine process.
Ground handlers from the European market segment have issued no cancellations resulting from the flu, and agree that since it is the off-peak season, arrivals at this time are almost negligible. For France and Switzerland, the focus now is on air safety, following the recent Air France tragedy.
The DOT strongly urges tourism stakeholders and partners such as transportation services, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourism establishments, to be even more vigilant and impose stricter measures on proper hygiene to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Every step is being taken to ensure the safety of everyone. Airports and all concerned establishments from the tourism sector continue with their strict monitoring of incoming travelers who show initial symptoms.
[info source: department of tourism - office of dept. secretary ace durano]
Tommy Walker is a world-class musician, songwriter, and performer who has led worship at the Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with Pastor Mark Pickerill since 1990. He has also been privileged to serve with famous church leaders such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and Jack Hayford.
Breakthrough: A Worship Concert with Tommy Walker
Friday, June 26, 2009
6pm . Cuneta Astrodome
Ticket prices: Php 1500 / 750 / 500 / 250 / 150
Tickets Available at: +63 2 396-5798
Tommy Walker has recorded worship projects for Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music and Get Down Ministries. A few of the over 100 songs that he has written and are being sung in churches worldwide include “He Know My Name,” “Only a God Like You,” “That’s Why We Praise Him,” “Lord, I Believe in You,” Mourning into Dancing,” “Breakthrough” and his latest song, “I Have a Hope.”
Tommy is also a social advocate. His heart beats for the needy and impoverished. For the last decade, he has traveled internationally to hold worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in countries in need.
Tommy has been married to his wife, Robin, for over twenty years. They have been blessed with four children namely Jake, Levi, Emmie, and Eileen. For Tommy, his greatest achievement would be faithfulness to God, family, and his local church.
Indeed, Tommy Walker is an inspiration to the youth and is a man worth emulating.
[image source: uplift movement foundation, inc.]
Filed under: music & lyrics | Tags: hymn story i surrender all, i surrender all, judson van deventer
D A
All to Jesus I surrender;
Bm G A D
All to Him I freely give;
D A
I will ever love and trust Him,
Bm G A
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
D Em
I surrender all,
A D (G)
I surrender all;
D D/F# G
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
A D
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Copyright: Public Domain
Today’s song is brought to you by Judson W. Van DeVenter, a professor of hymnology at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College). Below is the story behind the hymn. I hope it will bless you the way that it has blessed me personally.
“For many years I had been studying art. My whole life was wrapped up in its pursuit and the thing farthest from my mind was active Christian service. My dream was to become an outstanding and famous artist. After graduating from college, I studied drawing and painting under a well-known German teacher. To help me financially, I taught school and eventually I became supervisor of art in the public schools of Sharon, Pennsylvania.
It was during this period in my life that a revival was held in the First Methodist Church of which I was a member. I became very interested in these meetings as a personal worker. The Spirit of God was urging me to give up teaching and to enter the evangelistic field, but I would not yield. I still had a burning desire to be an artist. This battle raged for five years. At last the time came when I could hold out no longer and I surrendered my all-my time and my talents. It was then that a new day was ushered into my life. I wrote I Surrender All in memory of the time when, after the long struggle, I had surrendered and dedicated my life to active Christian service for the Lord.”
Filed under: daily discoveries, travel & living | Tags: corporal eduardo duran, corporal irvin hawk, honest cops rewarded
Honesty has its own reward. For Corporals Eduardo Duran and Irvin Hawk of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) police, it’s a family holiday in any of the country’s top destinations.
The two honest cops were recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for returning a black bag containing wads of Russian Rubbles and US Dollars equivalent to almost P500,000 cash. The owner of the bag turned out to be Russian tourist Sergey Zhelenzyak, who was with his family for a vacation in the country.
DOT Secretary Ace Durano (center) offers Irvin Hawk (left) and Eduardo Duran (right) an all-expenses paid holiday with their family in any of the country’s top destinations during a courtesy call to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Hawk and Duran were recognized for returning a lost bag containing P500,000 to a Russian tourist. The two are seen here wearing buri hats as part of the ‘holiday kit’ given to them by the DOT.
“The tourism industry commends people like Corporals Duran and Hawk who render excellent service and present the best of the country through their exemplary ways. We hope our small token of appreciation highlights their big deed,” said Durano. The cops, accompanied by M/Gen Angel Atutubo (Ret), Assistant General Manager of the Manila Airport Authority, paid a courtesy call at the DOT office.
Duran and Hawk, in an interview, mentioned that Zhelenzyak was profusely grateful to them for returning his bag, with the money and other contents which included a digital camera, intact.
“These gentlemen prove that our people are also one of the best reasons to visit the country. Even the finest, luxurious services can never outshine the warmth, honesty and sincerity of our people,” said Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Planning and Promotions.
The two airport cops found the bag unattended in one of the immigration counters at the NAIA. They reported the lost bag which had an identification tag in Russian writing, to their Intelligence Division. After paging for the owner and getting no response, Duran and Hawk tracked him down through his embarkation card at the Immigration Counter. They finally reached Zhelenzyak, who was already in Bacolod, through his travel agent.
The tourist told them that he didn’t expect to get his money back, which he was saving for a holiday in the country with his family. Zhelenzyak, who was on his fourth visit to the country, vowed to them that he will promote the Philippines and the commendable values of its people.
Duran has been an airport police for 10 years, while Hawk has rendered service for 27 years.
