Siargao Province, May 7, 2009 – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is co-hosting this year’s Invitational Game Fishing Tournament here today, together with the First District of Surigao del Norte.

Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism opens this landmark event with Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, together with Rep. Francisco Matugas of the First District of Surigao, and attended by local and foreign dignitaries.

“With our specialized tourism activities, the country is ready to be positioned as a significant game fishing venue. Blessed with a prime location, the Philippines is ready to welcome enthusiasts of this unique sport,” said Durano.

Considered as a form of recreational fishing as well as a legitimate sport, game fishing targets to catch the largest bony fish in the open sea, a timely initiative as the country’s tourism industry continues to go for niche marketing to get a ‘big catch’ of arrivals for 2009.

Durano reiterated, “Domestic travel is a key component in the country. We continually encourage activity in local communities, and with events like this enjoining both local and international delegates, we are assured that tourism growth is on a very solid foundation.”

The scenic coastal town of Pilar, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte is host to second run of this international tournament, expecting to draw numerous local and foreign anglers from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan and the United States.

Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr remarked, “This will certainly boost Surigao’s tourism industry, which is also known as a surfing destination. Breathtaking views of coastlines and sunsets and a wide array of activities continue to captivate travellers the world over.”

Matugas agreed, “Cloud Nine, the largest mangrove forest in the country at 8,760 hectares, pristine white sand beaches, and tropical marine life-rich coral reefs, continue to attract a huge volume of tourists each year.”

Resolute that tourism is the prime vehicle for development in the island and of the whole Province of Surigao del Norte, he added, “With enhancement of the area’s travel opportunities, tourism will be a major contributor to the upliftment of the community’s livelihood.”

April 22, 2009, Department of Tourism (DOT), together with MTV Asia, Media Contacts and Yehey, launched the Awesome Philippines campaign which aims to promote the Philippines to the youth travelers.

During the launch, DOT also announced a mini competition for bloggers. It’s the same as their Online Video Remix contest where you can create your own dream holiday in the Philippines. The only difference is that this mini contest is exclusive for the event’s attendees.

They gave us our own user names and passwords and we were given until April 24 / Friday / 12 noon to submit our entries.

To make the story short, I made an entry and I named it “Philippines is the place to be.” When I was doing my video remix, I wasn’t expecting anything.  I just love doing video remixing. I even made our wedding video, you can watch it below:

Anyway, last May 5, 2009, I received an awesome email… Sherry of Media Contacts announced the winner of the bloggers’ Video Remix contest. It says:

Hello everyone,

Good morning! We thank everyone who tried out and submitted their videos for our mini-contest. We received a number of good submissions from all of you and it took us time to decide to whom we award our special prize to. One video stood out, however, and we would like to congratulate Awesomeblogger 34, Ms. Iris Camille Mejia, for her winning video “Philippines is the place to be.” You may get in touch with me directly for the details of your Palawan trip prize.

In behalf of the Philippine Department of Tourism and Media Contacts Philippines, we would like to thank you all for your support of Awesome Philippines.

Have an awesome day everyone!

Sincere regards,

Sherry

I was really speechless that morning. I got in touch with Sherry and she told me that she’s still coordinating with the DOT for my prize and will advise me of the details. I’m really excited for my Palawan trip.  I think I need the most effective diet pills so I can wear my swimsuit. =)

Anyway, if you want to win a trip for 2 to beautiful Philippines, you can still join the Awesome Philippines Online Video Remix contest.

Here’s the mechanics:
AWESOME PHILIPPINES PROMO MECHANICS
1. Create your dream holiday video by remixing video travel clips, photos and music tracks from www.awesomephilippines.com.
2. Find the different clips of specific destinations in the Video Remixer.
3. Pick and edit cuts of the different travel clips and photos based on your own storyline.
4. Choose the soundtrack of your video from the songs available.
5. Register to enter the contest. As a user, you may submit more than one video entry.
6. All submitted videos will be showcased in the website (www.awesomephilippines.com) gallery and widgets.
7. Your video will be rated by other registered users via a thumbs-up, thumbs-down system.
8. Videos with the highest ratings will be short listed. From the shortlist, 11 videos will be selected by MTV Asia and the Philippine Department of Tourism as the winning entries.
9. Each creator of a winning video will get to fulfill his/her dream holiday with a friend.
10. This promo runs from February 27 to May 24, 2009. All submitted videos will automatically become the property of the Philippine Department of Tourism.

Weeee! I’m really excited. For sure it will be an awesome experience. Thanks The Philippine Department of Tourism, Media Contacts, MTV Asia and Yehey.

The Awesome Philippines campaign includes the awesome Video Remix Contest.

AWESOME PHILIPPINES PROMO MECHANICS
1. Create your dream holiday video by remixing video travel clips, photos and music tracks from www.awesomephilippines.com.
2. Find the different clips of specific destinations in the Video Remixer.
3. Pick and edit cuts of the different travel clips and photos based on your own storyline.
4. Choose the soundtrack of your video from the songs available.
5. Register to enter the contest. As a user, you may submit more than one video entry.
6. All submitted videos will be showcased in the website (www.awesomephilippines.com) gallery and widgets.
7. Your video will be rated by other registered users via a thumbs-up, thumbs-down system.
8. Videos with the highest ratings will be short listed. From the shortlist, 11 videos will be selected by MTV Asia and the Philippine Department of Tourism as the winning entries.
9. Each creator of a winning video will get to fulfill his/her dream holiday with a friend.
10. This promo runs from February 27 to May 24, 2009. All submitted videos will automatically become the property of the Philippine Department of Tourism.

The Awesome Philippines campaign also includes:

• a Concert featuring some of the Philippines musical pride

• A Second Life Virtual community featuring famous tourists spots in the Philippines

Check out the Awesome Philippines and support Philippine Tourism!