Travel Cafe Philippines

http://www.travelcafephilippines.com/index.php
Two orders of a regular cup of coffee and a trip for two to the beautiful island of Boracay please…

Fancying this can happen? Imagine no more as entering a café can now get you a delicious cup of coffee, a travel booking around the country, and a one-of-kind experience of the Philippines as a great destination like no other.

As the old famous saying goes, it is “only in the Philippines” that the world is able to see things that are more than the usual. The introduction of the first-ever destination-themed Lifestyle Café, TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® (TCP), which is a pioneering “branding initiative” for tourism promotions of the Philippine Department of Tourism, can attest to this. But TCP will not offer merely ordinary twists to coffee shops; its unique and creative philosophy is to combine the elements of “coffee, travel and more.”

TCP offers a beverage menu with organically grown, Fair Trade Philippine Coffee from Batangas, Mount Matutum, and Cordillera Mountains. Furthermore, TCP introduces one of the rarest types of coffee and what is considered as the most expensive type in the world, the Coffee Alamid (Philippine Civet Coffee). It also boasts off its world-class food menu which is reflective of traditional Filipino cuisine offering limited but exclusive selection of soups, salads, pasta dishes, full course meals and desserts.

Aside from these, what makes TCP totally unique is the Travel Shop that is manned by a full-time Travel Concierge providing personalized consultation and travel advice to its customers. To serve as the “conversion vehicle” for Philippine tourism, the Travel Shop offers travel services from simple inquiries of when and where to go in the Philippines, travel information about where to stay, shop, dine, etc., to actual onsite travel bookings to the country’s various destinations. TCP provides a very convenient facility to everyone wanting to experience the country. Its Travel Library houses reference materials, maps, guidebooks, newsletters and magazines about the country.

As part of Philippine Department of Tourism’s (DOT) campaign, TCP has been born out of the vision of creating global awareness and recognition for a successful and outstanding brand for the country’s tourism. The utmost aim is to establish numerous TCPs worldwide through franchising while maximizing on the global acceptance by consumers of the trendy concept of a “café” as a “lifestyle venue.”

The brilliant concept behind TCP started in September 22, 2005 when it was introduced by Mr. Kazuyuki Goto of Travel Café Co., Ltd. (a Japanese company specializing in the operation of themed cafes all over Japan) to the Philippine Department of Tourism. Months after, DOT and Travel Café Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of Travel Café Philippines in Tokyo.

In July 25, 2006, the very first TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® (TCP) was opened in Iidabashi, Tokyo, Japan. From its opening day, TCP in Tokyo has continuously received overwhelmingly positive response for the Japanese market. Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano recognizes this tremendous success and this has led him to expand the TCP into a franchise business model.

Here in the Philippines, a prototype TCP has been established in Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center in Makati (launched on 18 December 2007). A satellite TCP in the SMX Convention and Exhibition Center in Pasay City will open in July 2008.

In order to establish a thematic plan for TCP, the team of top interior designer Budji Layug and premier architect Royal Pineda created a TCP design philosophy inspired by traditional Filipino craftsmanship and the usage of three design elements: bamboo, weave, and the ancient Filipino calligraphy “Baybayin” for all design elements of the TCP. Their aim is to transform traditional Philippine materials into uniquely modern designs, combining form and functionality in the architectural and interior design of TCP.

To achieve uniformity, the design philosophy is applied as well to other elements such as the menu, décor, merchandising (TCP Music Menu, limited edition TCP apparel, signature ceramic art pieces and Philippine Coffee), etc. To create the unique and sumptuous food and beverage menu, Makati Skyline Inc., one of the premier names in the food and beverage industry, was commissioned by TCP for its signature menu. Even the dinnerware and other tableware to be used are specially made by ceramic artists like Lanelle Abueva Fernando and Clemens Wirth of The Stoneware Pottery to create an exclusive line for TCP.

The TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® will open in other parts of the world: the TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® San Francisco, California, U.S.A. will open in December 2008. Negotiations are underway for TCPs in New Delhi, Seoul, Beijing, and Melbourne, Australia. TCP will enter into strategic partnerships with private entities who share with them a common vision and strong commitment to build a strong global TCP brand.

The TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® will be strategically located in trendy, up-market areas in key cities, targeting the new urban professionals while encouraging everyone to travel to the Philippines. TCP is sure to showcase and create a stylish, chic yet distinctively Filipino lifestyle among the market.

With the advent of TRAVEL CAFÉ PHILIPPINES® in the world market, there is no doubt that the coffee experience is no longer just a plain boring one. TCP reinvents your coffee, your travel, your lifestyle and your experience of the Philippines.

It's An Awesome Planet

I Love the Whole World

Spoken
Astronaut 1: It never gets old, huh?
Astronaut 2: Nope. It kinda makes you want to…
Astronaut 1: Break into song?
Astronaut 2: Yup

Sung
I love the mountains, I love the clear blue skies
I love big bridges, I love when great whites fly
I love the whole world, and all its sights and sounds
Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah

I love the oceans, I love real dirty things
I love to go fast, I love egyptian kings
I love the whole world, and all its craziness
Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah

I love tornadoes, I love arach-a-nids
I love hot magma, I love the giant squids
I love the whole world, its such a brilliant place
Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah
Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-dah, Boom-de-ah-da, Boom-de-ah-dah

Philippines' Himala is CNN's Best Asia Pacific Film of All Time!

You came, you voted - http://xxxriainxxx.multiply.com/links/item/109 and yes, Filipinos and non-Filipino voters... You came in thousands to support one of the best films of Asia's oldest film industry.

Himala ("Miracle") is an award-winning international Filipino film directed by Ishmael Bernal. Based on a 1967 incident, it was premiered in 1982 and was shown in other countries. The film stars the Filipino actress Nora Aunor, who is best known for her performance as the false visionary Elsa in this film. The role was considered by some critics to be the best performance in her career.

Subject and impact

The film is centered on the issues of religious faith and faithlessness. In a notable line from the film, the character Elsa says:

"Walang Himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao... ang himala ay nasa puso nating lahat."

(Translation:"There is no miracle! Miracle[s] are in the heart of a person... miracle[s] are found in all of our hearts!")

This line is well-known in the Philippines, and is considered the most famous line in Aunor's career. The film was a box-office hit, earning an impressive 30 million pesos, becoming one of the highest grossing Filipino films in the 80's.

 

The best ever Asian films: What you said

 

By CNN's Mairi Mackay

LONDON, England (CNN) -- "Oops -- missed a giant here, guys! How could you NOT include Akira Kurosawa's 'Seven Samurai' ('Shichinin No Samurai'). This is a granddaddy in the genre!" scolded Mary Ann.

 You said we should include some Japanese anime like "Princess Mononoke" (pictured), "Akira" or "Tokyo Godfathers."
It's never nice to have your failings pointed out, but any list that claims to be a "best of" something as subjective as film is bound to fuel debate.
And our call out to help pick the best Asian films of all time was no exception -- the debate raged long and fierce.

As our list is very much a work in progress we were delighted to get so much feedback -- both positive and negative -- on what we are hoping will be a collaborative effort. What do you think the best Asia Pacific film should be?

Many of you commented on the concerning phenomenon of New Zealand moving into Asia in our film inclusions. Roald said: "Can we have a definition of Asian film please?"

Oscar was worried he had missed a major seismic event: "Can anyone tell me when did they move New Zealand to Asia? Was there an earthquake or something?"

So, to clarify, in the spirit of inclusion, we have decided to include films from New Zealand and Australia and, for that matter, the Pacific region, so we are now asking for the best films of all time from Asia Pacific.

This stirs up a hornet's nest of other difficulties, not least choosing a few films to represent the best of such a diverse geographical and cultural area, but we never claimed a scientific approach.

Roald also asked if we would be including films made by Asian filmmakers in the West. We decided no, we will keep it geographically specific, but Roald, if you are reading this and would like to propose a top 10 Asian films made in the West, we'll post it up on The Screening Room blog.

Now, on to the films.

It would seem we made some glaring omissions, the most serious of which appears to be Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai." Thank you JAS for really getting the point across: "Hello? 'Seven Samurai'? Duh!?"

Another popular film we missed is Chan-wook Park's "Oldboy." "What? No 'Oldboy'?" said Walt. A sentiment echoed by Wever who said: "Absolutely shocked 'Old Boy' is not on this list ... "

"Unfortunately somebody forgot Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' (1956)[sic]" chimed shakan@vsnl.com. Ricky agreed, saying, "Where's Satyajit Ray's 'Apu Trilogy'? Leaving it out is just wrong." Murali was right there with them on this one: "I am surprised some of Satyajit Ray's movies are missing especially 'Appu [sic] Trilogy'."

Chinese Zhang Yimou's "Raise the Red Lantern" is a firm favorite among CNN readers, as is Vietnamese Anh Hung Tran's "The Scent of Green Papaya": "The bigger shocker to me is that there is no mention of 'Scent of Green Papaya'. I always considered that film one of the breakthrough Vietnamese films," said Alvin.

Taiwanese Hou Hsiao Hsien was another popular omission. "Taiwan: Hou Hsiao Hsien's 'CITY OF SADNESS' and 'THE PUPPETMASTER'" offered Katja.

Animation is another area close to your hearts: "How about the anime 'Mononoke Hime'? Like 'Enter the Dragon' did for Kung Fu movies, 'Mononoke' introduced an established sub-genre to a wider Western audience," instructed Willwander, leaving us all a little better-educated.

Other honorable mentions include Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" (and also "My Neighbour Totoro" -- in fact, anything from Studio Ghibli), "Akira" and "Tokyo Godfathers."

But enough about what we missed. You did think we got some films right.

Typical of many of you who left comments, Shahriar Khonsari is a huge fan of Wong Kar-wai: "'In the Mood for Love" is among all of these films. Every time I watch it, I see more details and deeper thoughts."

"'2046' -- Kar Wai Wong -- prefer it to 'In The Mood For Love', but both are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and moving," opines Damned Thing.

You also approved of "Shower": "'Shower' -- Yang Zhang, 1999 -- my all-time favourite. Just a story about human society, about the loss of the old, and the growth of the young," gushed Helen.

But the clear favorite has to be Ishmael Bernal's 1982 film "Himala," which elicited an avalanche of raving positivity. Here is a small sample:

"'Himala' is the best asian film I've ever watched. It's so beautiful! Acting is superb!" said Bongskie. Arthur said,"'Himala' is the greatest filipino film."

"The classic film, 'HIMALA' is considered as Philippines' best. It won several major acting awards including the BEST ACTRESS award for NORA AUNOR (all time greatest actress of philippine cinema). Himala deserves to be in the TOP list of BEST ASIAN FILMS OF ALL TIME," said Meng Natividad.

Finally, a word of warning from John: "To make a list of 'best Asian movies' is like making a list of the best European movies. There can be no such thing.

"Any sort of 'boiling down' of the best of this massive, abundant, and fruitful crop of films -- admittedly, gleaned from a group that suited Western tastes --does disservice to the cacophonous diversity of movies from the continent."

Well, we thought we'd give it a go anyway, John -- if only to shine a little light on exactly that fruitful crop.

PHILIPPINES ALSO WINS IN THE BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST! CLICK HERE, CLIQUEZ ICI, KLIK MO DITO.