World Travel Market London 2016

The World Travel Market is an annual event held in the city of London, United Kingdom. It is an avenue to market different countries, major cities, hotels and tourism-related organizations from around the world. It is a major function of the travel industry which has a counterpart in South America. I was able to attend the London edition from November 7 to 9, 2016.

For years, the venue of the World Travel Market is at the Excel Center in the outskirts of London. It is huge. Even the biggest convention centers in the Philippines will pale as compared to Excel. It is a fitting place to hold such a gathering which rakes in thousands of people from all over the globe. It is a one big tourism market place.

Attendees are mostly travel agents and tourism stakers who will likely sell any country or entity that will suit the needs of their respective country's travelers. Of course, representatives of each nation or entity are present ready to answer inquiries from the attendees.

Booths are not just the typical white-walled, box-type ones that we normally see in ordinary exhibitions. Exhibitors spend thousands of dollars just to make their booths enticing to possible market. Each group create gimmicks to get the attention of the attendees.

Performers clad in colorful costumes are a big help in getting the visitors' attention. Dance presentations, painting exhibitions, fashion shows, stage performances and the like are being done all at the same time at a specific time near the closing time of each day. Just imagine the different sounds and sights at 5:00 p.m.

The Philippines cannot be outdone. Our booth was a big as that of Indonesia which was our neighbor in WTM 2016. They had their cultural presentation while we had a fashion show of Mindanao fabrics courtesy of Filipino fashion advocate Renee Salud. For three days, we showcased Philippine culture through fashion to a glad audience.

Aside from the booths and presentations, there were also conferences and fora that tackled different tourism-related topics. This was also a way of connecting to the major players of tourism worldwide. And these activities were well-attended.

The Excel Center was a complete venue for the World Travel Market. Since it is vast, the organizers of the event had a library for reading materials related to travel and tourism. It also had a wellness lounge and a cafe for everyone to enjoy.

Aside from doing the fashion presentation of the Philippines, I enjoyed going around checking on other countries' booths, getting reading materials and asking for souvenirs that ranged from collectibles to things of everyday use.

Given another chance, I would brave the cold and wet weather of London to experience being at the World Travel Market. This event satisfied my curiosity and love for traveling. It was like traveling the world in one big event venue.

Credit goes to the owners of some of the photos.

Sta. Cruz is Literally at the Center of Laguna

Sta. Cruz is literally at the center of Laguna, Not only is it the capital of the province, just take a look at the map and you will know why. It is one of the centers of commerce of Laguna and the seat of the provincial government.

It can be considered as strategically located because it is accessible by land transportation and it enjoys the beauty of Laguna Lake. Prominent Lagunenses make it their home. What with a good ambience and clean surroundings.

Coming from the main highway, going to the inner sanctum of Sta. Cruz is via the P. Guevara Ave. For years, I have trekked this passage since the provincial government invited me to judge in several events and these were all held in the capital town.

The local government officials' effective management of the town has made it an important place in the Laguna economy. Sta. Cruz's motto of "Kaya Natin" is a positive reinforcement for the people to strive harder and feel positive of being citizens of the town.

Being at the forefront of development, Sta. Cruz is not spared by the influx of malls. But make no mistake, these establishments make it easy for people to go about their daily shopping needs. They augment the market with items that cannot be found in regular public markets.

Despite the modern amenities, Sta. Cruz still has its old reliable market which is the most go-to place by housewives for their family needs. The Sta. Cruz River is an artery to the Laguna Lake. It is the main tributary of the town.

The Immaculate Conception Parish Church is the main catholic church in Sta. Cruz. It is also known as the Sta. Cruz Church. The town's devotion to the Virgin Mary with the image of the Holy Guardian Angel was started by Fernando dela Concepcion in 1678 and was venerated in Sta. Cruz.

Greenery is still very lush in the municipality. Rice fields can even be seen on both sides of the national highway. As compared to other places, I should say that Sta. Cruz is successful in zoning its lands. Farming is alive there.

Of course, there are spaces for Lagunenses who like living in enclaves. Housing developers have sprung up for those who would want to feel secured living in villages. Camella and Bria at just two of the many housing projects in Sta. Cruz.

Sta. Cruz will always have a special place in my heart. With the many times that I have gone to the town, I can't just wait for the next time that I will set my foot there. Besides, it is where I discovered one of the most successful Filipina supermodels who is now based in New York - Charlene Almarvez, Filipino pride.

As always, her parents, Kagawad Teddy and Councilor Lea Almarvez never forget to see me when I am there. They have welcomed me to their home in Barangay Patimbao. I also enjoy the company of Charlene's aunts, Aina Alagon and Daisy Alagon-San Juan. I have not only made friends in Sta. Cruz. I have a new family there. Never to be forgotten are the staff of LTCATO in the Governor's Office who have not ceased to invite me to judge in their events through the years.

Kayang-kaya nyo yan, Sta. Cruz!

Credit to the owners of the photos.

The Waters that Surround Hawaii May Be Blue but Honolulu is Definitely Red

Honolulu is the capital city of the state of Hawaii in the United States of America. Located at the southeast coast of the island of O'ahu, the name of the city means "sheltered harbor" or "calm port." Just like any other American city, Honolulu is busy and life there is flaming red.

Whether from the mountain or from the sea, Honolulu has a stunning aerial view. Buildings add to the beauty of the city. But I can just imagine how beautiful it was during the olden days with the structures back then (some of which are still preserved in the whole city).

Just like any other modern city in the world, Honolulu has its share of tall buildings that makes it more cosmopolitan. But when I was there, even if there were tall structures around, there was always that Hawaiian atmosphere that you can only feel and experience there.

No wonder, it is one of the most visited cities on earth. I, myself, is a witness to that. When I arrived in Honolulu, there were a lot of flights that arrived at the time of our arrival and there were lots of tourists that visited the city from all over the globe.

With its many visitors, I think that the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport needs an upgrade to cater to the needs of the growing number of tourists. Its sea port is also as busy as its air counterpart. Growth is part of a beautiful city such as Honolulu and its facilities upgrade is necessary.

One thing that I noticed is the use of old structures for government offices. This is one way of preserving historical edifices and, at the same time, making use of them for important service-oriented offices. This way, culture is still rich and history is kept.

Wherever we go in the world, malls have become part of any country's culture. Honolulu has its Ala Moana Center which caters to all kinds of markets. They have affordable stores as well as high-end brands for everyone's shopping delight. The International Market Place is another option for locals and tourists as well.

Aside from swimming in the beaches of Honolulu, surfing is a reason for visiting the city. With the high waves from the Pacific Ocean, it really is an ideal surfing place. Mountain trekking is also a popular activity to appreciate the city more from the view above.

But whatever reason may be, a visit to Honolulu is a must once in someone's lifetime. For me, I will be back to this lovely city. The Filipinos there are even more hospitable. I felt that my 10-day stay was so short. Never there was a dull moment especially that I was able to meet new friends. Yes, the waters around Honolulu may be blue but the city is as red as can be.

Thank you to Lorna Imperial and Ramon Sumibcay for bringing me to Honolulu and for producing the "Islas" fashion show (which I directed) of Edgar Madamba held at the Grand Ballroom of the Dole Cannery. Other new-found friends worth the thank you are Pacita Ignacio, Bennie Medina, Sarah Luz Hosaka, Hawaii superstar Iwalani Tseu, Dr. Nancy Walsh, Charo Feliciano and all the countless others who made my stay a very memorable one.

From the bottom of my heart, MAHALO!

Credit goes to the owners of some of the photos.