Bargain air fares on sale for one week only

Are you planning a tropical escape for 2027?

Cebu Pacific has just launched its 10.10 Super Seat Fest, with one-way all-in fares from Sydney and Melbourne to the Philippines from just $308.

Running from October 8-14, the sale covers travel from February 1 to June 30, 2027, giving Australian travellers the chance to lock in a Philippines getaway ahead of time and at a bargain price..

The sale also coincides with Cebu Pacific’s new “Fly to My Happy Philippines” campaign, showcasing the country through food, culture, islands and adventure - encouraging travellers to discover their own version of happy in the Philippines.

For Australians looking beyond the usual Manila itinerary, Cebu Pacific is also making it easier to explore some of the country’s island destinations, with flights from Clark to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron in Palawan.

And for those chasing surf, scenery and a laid-back island vibe, Siargao (top image) is another destination the airline reckons is worth adding to your 2027 travel list.

CEB currently operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

See www.cebupacificair.com.

Philippines pushes for more Muslim tourism

The Philippines is launching a major push to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.

Local tourism authorities are keen to welcome travellers from the Middle East and the wider Muslim world through a growing ecosystem of halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism experiences.

This followers the Asian nation's strong tourism and cultural ties with neighbouring Muslim-majority countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Beyond tourism infrastructure, the Philippines is also investing in workforce development, destination preparedness, and cultural awareness initiatives to strengthen the delivery of halal and Muslim-friendly tourism services nationwide.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said in a media release that it continues to support this growth through the implementation of its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) Recognition Program across hotels and tourism establishments, while also encouraging halal certification among restaurants, accommodations, and tourism service providers throughout the country.

The DOT has officially recognized 67 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs) across the country.

Leading the effort is Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the first hotel chain in the Philippines to achieve 100% MFAE recognition across all of its properties.

For more info see tourism.gov.ph

Image: Metro Manila

Anyone for a glass of Philippines wine?

Anyone for a glass of wine from the Philippines?

Like Indonesia, China and other unlikely Asian nations, the Philippines has a nascent industry, Minda News reports.

What began as a hobby in 2016 has grown into a promising start-up venture with a home-grown winemaker set to start selling wines made from locally grown grapes at a family-owned vineyard in Barangay Tacunan, Davao.

Jennifer Taglucop, one of the owners of the Taglucop Estate Vineyard & Winery, said the family plans to sell red and white wines to local and foreign tourists visiting their four-hectare vineyard.

She said the family aimed at world-class quality beverages that the Philippines could take pride in. Which might prove easier said than done. 

As owners of a travel agency, she and her husband, lawyer Ferdinand, often travel abroad. During their trips, they made it a point to visit vineyards in the United States, Europe, Australia, and even Thailand.

Seeing several Filipinos visiting the vineyards abroad inspired the couple to establish their own in Davao, so that Filipino travellers would no longer have to travel overseas “just to see grapes.”

The family began growing grapes in 2016 and has since experimented with different varieties to determine which ones would thrive best in Davao’s climate.

Taglucop said her family currently cultivates shiraz, moldova, cabernet sauvignon, and moscato.

Her husband learned winemaking in the US, while her eldest son studied viticulture and oenology at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

She said the wines they have produced are currently aging in barrels stored in their cellar in Tacunan, where a wine museum is being built to educate visitors on winemaking.

Indigenous winemaking traditions in the Philippines dates back to before the colonisation of the islands by the Spanish in the 16th century.

They include wines fermented from palm sap, rice, sugar cane and honey, as well as fruit wines.

Fly to the Philippines for $213 - but be quick

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, leading Philippines airline Cebu Pacific has launched a month-long campaign of anniversary offers, kicking off with one of its biggest international seat sales of the year.

Until March 11, travellers from Australia can book flights to the Philippines from $213 all-in, with travel available from November 2026 1 – March 31, 2027. 

Once in Manila, travellers can easily connect across the country through the airline’s extensive domestic network.

With 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East, Cebu Pacific offers connections through hubs including Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao.

Just a two-hour drive from Manila, Clark serves as a gateway to some of the Philippines’ top island destinations, including Boracay, known for its powdery white sand beaches, and Palawan, with famous renowned limestone cliffs and scenic lagoons.

Cebu Pacific operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East and offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets. 

See www.cebupacificair.com or book directly via the Cebu Pacific app. 

Another one bites the dust? Airline suspends services

It is always a risk booking flights with a small carrier in a bid to save money.

Filipino carrier Royal Air Philippines this week suspended all flight operations leaving passengers stranded, China Travel News reported.

While the Manila-based airline has halted all flights, it insists the suspension is a temporary measure but hasn’t given a reason for the suspension of services or how long it will last.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding," the airline said in a notice posted to its website. "We eagerly anticipate welcoming you aboard soon.”

Royal Air Philippines was established more than 20 years ago as a charter airline and in 2018 it pivoted to a scheduled airline.

Backed by Lancang–Mekong Group with investment from China, it struggled in a competitive market in 2025.

It operated a small number of domestic and international routes focused on the China leisure market from Hong Kong, Taipei and Quanzhou to holiday hotspots like Boracay and Bohol. 

Mövenpick goes large with new 1,530-room hotel

If you enjoy your hotels small and cosy then you've come to the wrong place. 

 
Global hotel giant Accor has just unveiled the world's largest Mövenpick brand hotel with the signing of Manila Bay Westside in partnership with Megaworld, the Philippines' largest township developer. 

The new Mövenpick hotel will have 1,530 rooms, marking a significant milestone in Accor's growth strategy in Asia. It is a re-branding of the Grand Westside. 

The revamp of the hotel will feature a sky bridge connecting it to the Westside City integrated casino and entertainment complex and the Grand Opera House.

Swiss-born, Mövenpick has evolved into a global brand "meeting the rising demand for high-quality, experience-driven hospitality among discerning travellers".

The hotel will be located within Megaworld's Westside City Township Development in Parañaque, a quarter offering a mix of retail, entertainment, business, and leisure attractions.

To re-open in mid-2026, Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer a range of dining experiences including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining venue, and a signature bar. 

Guests will also be also enjoy Mövenpick's iconic Chocolate Hour, an immersive, complimentary experience offered every afternoon.

The hotel will offer modern, flexible meeting and event spaces. 

“Across Asia, we continue to grow sustainably by collaborating closely with our partners and ensuring we bring the right brand to the right market," says Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Asia, for Accor. 

"This reflects our owner-centric approach, our adaptability, and the strength of ALL Accor in amplifying the visibility of our premium brands." 

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said: “The opening of the world's largest Mövenpick is a powerful testament to our group's efforts to scale our world-class offerings and meet the demands of the broader international market. 

"It reflects our commitment to building the right facilities, empowering local talent, and reinforcing our readiness to welcome the rest of the world. 

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that the Philippines is ready to stand as a distinct global destination. As we rebrand Grand Westside Hotel into the world's largest Mövenpick, we continue to generate more jobs, help drive stronger tourism activity, and open doors for communities to grow alongside this development.”

The opening of Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will see Accor become the largest international hotel operator in the Philippines with 13 hotels and more than 4,700 keys across eight brands. 

Visit the Philippines on the cheap - but you'll need to move quickly

Fancy bargain air fares from Australia to the Philippines for trips next year?

You’ll need to move smartly.

Leading Philippines’ carrier Cebu Pacific this week launched its 11.11 Super Seat Fest but offers only apply this week.

Guests from Australia can book flights to Manila for $219 for a one-way all-in fare until November 15. The travel period runs from June 1 to October 31, 2026.

From Manila, travellers can connect to 27 other domestic destinations. Those seeking beach or nature escapes can visit Boracay for its white-sand beaches, Bohol for its marine sanctuaries, or Palawan for its lagoons and limestone cliffs.

For visitors interested in cultural and adventure activities, options include surfing in Siargao, hiking and exploring natural attractions around Davao, or discovering heritage sites and local cuisine in Iloilo and other provincial cities.

With the airline’s domestic network, travellers can connect through Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao for access to more destinations across the Philippines.

CEB operates flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

It offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

See www.cebupacificair.com or book directly via the Cebu Pacific app.

Typhoon threatens air travel chaos across Asian destinations

Good luck to anyone planning to fly in or out of major East Asian airports this week.

Typhoon Ragasa is threating the Philippines, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and is expected to become the season’s first super typhoon with significant impacts on land, the WeatherZone website reported.

The system is forecast to unleash destructive winds, torrential rain and life-threatening storm surges as it rages over northern Philippines and southern Taiwan early in the week, before continuing towards southern China and Hong Kong as a typhoon by midweek.

Philippines authorities are warning of winds of 220–240 km/h are possible across northern Luzon, the Babuyan Islands, Batanes and southern Taiwan from late Monday.

Beyond the Philippines and Taiwan, Nando is projected to bring significant winds and rain to southern China, including coastal areas of Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, as well as Hong Kong, from late Tuesday into Thursday.

Hundreds of flights had been cancelled by lunchtime Tuesday, Australian time.   

Rainfall of around 200mm is expected along the southern China coast, leading to potential flooding and transport disruptions.

Hong Kong International Airport (top image) will suspend all passenger flights for 36 hours from Tuesday evening. Australian airline Qantas said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Airport Authority Hong Kong said it is closely monitoring the developments regarding the super typhoon.

Across Hong Kong, residents started stockpiling daily necessities on Monday morning. Long queues formed at supermarkets where products like milk had already sold out, while vegetables were being sold for more than triple their normal price at fresh markets.

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific said on Monday that it expects to cancel more than 500 flights.

"Starting at 6pm tomorrow, September 23, Cathay Pacific's passenger flights arriving at and departing from Hong Kong International Airport will cease operations until resuming during daytime hours on Thursday," a spokeswoman for the airline said.

Philippines hikes airport user fees

The Philippines has struggled to match the success of regional rivals Thailand and Vietnam when it comes to incoming tourism numbers and now the country's main airport has kicked a massive own goal.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has decided to raise the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ₱950 ($US16.60), news hub Travel Mole reports.

This represents a 72% increase from the current ₱550 ($US9.60) and the new rate will be implemented next month.

NNIC said the hike is necessary to fund ongoing airport improvements and ensure better passenger services. And the company insisted that the new rate aligns with international standards.

The move has sparked criticism from travellers and consumer groups, who argue that such a steep increase could disproportionately impact local and regional passengers.

In a press release, NNIC highlighted that the adjustment in passenger service charges (PSC) is government-mandated. And it is the first increase in over 20 years.

On privatisation, NNIC said it was done in a bid to ensure the needed funds, expertise, and technology are brought in to modernize the country’s primary airport without burdening taxpayers.

Since its transfer to NNIC in September 2024, NAIA has handled more than 50 million passengers.

The PSC applies only to departing passengers and only once per journey.

Full steam ahead for Accor across Asia

It is as if the pandemic never happened.

Right across Asia, tourism is back and booming - and Accor, the largest international hospitality group in the region, has opened or reopened five properties across Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and India over the past few weeks.

“From setting a new tempo for modern travellers to Singapore with the opening of Pullman Singapore Hill Street, to strengthening our presence in the vibrant District 7 of Ho Chi Minh, the last two months have paid testament to Accor's unwavering focus on providing unparalleled and varied hospitality experience across Asia," says a very enthusiastic Garth Simmons, CEOr, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

"The reopening of Mövenpick Mactan Cebu (top image) demonstrates our commitment not only to growth, but to hospitality excellence.”

The new Pullman Singapore Hill Street (below) has 350 rooms and billed as "the most story-led property under the Pullman brand". 

It has a strong commitment to sustainability; solar panels power corridor lights, with a programmed irrigation system ensures efficient water management by releasing precise amounts at determined times to sustain pockets of greenery.

Three distinct dining concept present cosmopolitan flavours; Madisone's All-American deli offers New York-style bagels and coffee, while MOGA is a modern Japanese izakaya-meets-coffee bar. Perched on the hotel's roof is El Chido, a Mexican-themed swim-up bar.

Accor's seventh property in Ho Chi Minh City is the first Novotel Living branded hotel in Vietnam: Novotel Living Saigon.

It is just two minutes' walk from Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC) and has 175 studios, one and two-bedroom apartments designed for longer stays.

There is an all-day-dining restaurant, and a fitness centre with sauna and steam bath facilities.

ibis Styles Goa Vagator, the second ibis Styles hotel in Goa, has 142 rooms close to medieval forts, scenic beaches, and Goa's bustling dining scene. 

The property showcases contemporary artists, with original artwork from emerging talents on display throughout the hotel.

Another newcomer, Grand Mercure Agra, has 168 rooms and a rooftop swimming pool is set against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal.

Mövenpick Mactan Cebu, meanwhile, is ready to welcome guests back to its 60 refreshed rooms and suites, all offering views of the Mactan Sea.

Visit all.com for more info.

Tourism campaign provokes global ridicule

Imagine launching an expensive new tourism promotion to encourage visitors to your country - and then finding yourselves a global laughing stock.

That's what happened to the tourism officials in the Philippines, who took their time to realise their new promotional video actually contained images from other countries around the world.

The "Love the Philippines" campaign - pretty weak tagline, to be honest - was launched last week.

Within days its ad agency came under fire for using footage of other countries - including rice terraces in Indonesia and sand dunes in Dubai - in the video.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism in Manila insisted it had sought confirmation on the originality and ownership of all materials used in the video multiple times and was “repeatedly assured” by the agency that everything was “in order.”

Ad agency DDB Philippines issued a statement “profusely” apologising for the “highly inappropriate” use of foreign stock footage in the video, which has since been taken down.

“While the use of stock footage in mood videos is standard practice in the industry, the use of foreign stock footage was an unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part, DDB Philippines said in a statement to CNN.

The agency added that it is “fully co-operating” with an investigation.

The error resulted in a social media activity storm with images of global landmarks being posted with the tagline "Love the Philippines".

Philippines opens up to tourists

The Philippines is to lift its entry ban on foreign tourists after nearly two years.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said the Asian nation famed for its glorious beaches will reopen to travellers from more than 150 countries visa-free starting February 10.

The move is aimed at reviving a crippled tourism industry, Travel Mole reported.

More than a million Filipinos lost their jobs in tourism during the first year of the pandemic

"We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented," Puyat said.

The government had initially planned to lift the ban on December 1 but indefinitely postponed as the more contagious Omicron variant spread.

The number of daily infections has dropped considerably in the capital in recent days, officials said.

“We’re done with border control,” Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the Omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.

“We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus,” Puyat said. “We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”

Tourism destinations, including popular beach and island resorts liked Coron Island (above), resembled ghost towns at the height of pandemic lockdowns.

The Philippines has reported more than 3.5 million confirmed Covid-19 infections, with 53,801 deaths, the second-highest total in south-east Asia after Indonesia.

Australians are among the nationals allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of 30 days or less.

Image: Jessica May, scop.io

A taste of the Philippines rolled out in Australia

The Philippines has a world famous beer in San Miguel, but I cannot recall having consumed any other Filipino beverages - until today. 

Don Papa Rum, a premium aged, single-Island rum from the Philippines, has officially landed on Australian shores.

Made  on the Philippine Island of Negros Occidental, known locally as Sugarlandia, Don Papa Rum is "inspired by the history and mythology" of its homeland. 

Don Papa Rum is distilled in small batches from high-quality sugar cane, then aged for seven years on the foothills of Mount Kanlaon, before being blended and bottled on Negros Island. 

The end product is described as "light and fruity on the nose, smooth and delicate in the mouth with a long-textured finish, offering flavours of vanilla, honey, and candied fruits".

It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a range of cocktails like the Don Old Fashioned, Don Manhattan, or the Manila Mai Tai.

 

Karel (Papi) Reyes, Brand Ambassador for Don Papa says: “For a long time, local and spiced-rum has dominated the marketplace for rum in Australia, but now is the perfect opportunity to introduce consumers to the craft, quality and versality of Don Papa aged-rum.

 

Here's the recipe for one of Don Papa’s signature cocktails, the Don Old Fashioned.

 

The Don Old Fashioned

• 50ml Don Papa Rum
• Bar Spoon Pure Cane Syrup
• 2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
• Expressed Orange peel

Add all ingredients to mixing glass with a slab of ice. Stir to chill, then strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with expressed orange peel.

 

Don Papa Rum ($84.99) is available to purchase at Boozebud Hub: 

www.boozebud.com/p/donpapa/donpapa

 

Listen to the music: In one country you will have no choice

The US and Britain may be well known for their rock music history; South Korea more recently, perhaps, for K-Pop

The Philippines, however, is not widely known for its musical brilliance - other than providing "show bands" to hotels throughout Asia.

Now, however, visitors to the Asian nation will be force fed Original Pinoy Music (OPM), local media reports.

The House of Representatives has approved a third and final reading of a measure seeking to mandate the playing of Filipino music in hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourist buses, and all international flights coming into the country.

Voting 179-0, the chamber approved House Bill 10305, which aims to showcase the country's culture and promote Filipino music.

The measure states that upon landing in the Philippines, all flights coming from international destinations shall devote at least 50% of their piped-in music to local music.

Further, all tourist buses shall prepare their playlists in such a manner that at least 50% shall consist of Pinoy music, which must be played on their piped-in sound system when ferrying tourists.

All hotels, resorts, and restaurants will be required to prepare their playlists in such a manner that at least 25% consists of local tunes, which must be played on their piped-in sound system during their operating hours, the measure proposes.