AirAsia Announces Davao to Kuala Lumpur‎ Flight

DAVAO, 21 JULY 2017 - AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, has announced its latest route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with four times weekly direct flights from Davao commencing 21 January 2018.

Operated exclusively by AirAsia Berhad (flight code AK), the new route marks as the fourth direct route from the Philippines to Malaysia after Manila, Cebu and Kalibo.

The launch event was attended by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Ambassador Alfredo Yao, one of the Filipino investors of AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said, “We see Davao City as a major point of growth in the international market, especially with agriculture being the city’s largest industry. Our aim for the city is also to grow it to become a hub for financial, tourism, service and education in Mindanao. The introduction of the direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Davao could not be more timely and is a key step in this direction to empower local players across various economic activities.”

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, who was one of the speakers at the conference said, “Davao has a special place in my heart. It was one of the first cities we flew to when we started our Philippines operations in 2012. In fact, Clark-Davao, which we pioneered, was one of the two maiden routes when we started AirAsia Philippines five years ago. Since then, we have worked to strengthen our network in Davao. In this year alone, we have launched new flights from Davao to Cebu, Palawan and Boracay, and enabled Fly-Thru via Cebu to international destinations such as Singapore, Taipei and Seoul.

“Today marks the start of the next phase of our commitment to Davao. We believe Davao has the potential to be the international gateway for Asean to the southern Philippines, beginning with this new route to Kuala Lumpur. We strongly support the development of cities outside Metro Manila, and we are confident that by increasing connectivity and accessibility to affordable air travel, AirAsia can help play a role in boosting economic growth in the south. We can't do it alone and we need airports to share in the responsibility, but together we can make His Excellency President Duterte’s vision of a more prosperous Philippines come true.”

To celebrate the new route, AirAsia is all-in-fares from as low as Php99* one-way are available for booking from 21 July 2017 until 30 July 2017 for the travel period from 21 December  2017 to 28 August 2018. Visit airasia.com or use the AirAsia mobile app on the iPhone or Android devices to enjoy the special promotional fares.  

AirAsia Philippines (flight code Z2) currently operates several flights from Davao to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Palawan and Boracay.

Kuala Lumpur or “KL” is the perfect representation of the harmoniously multi-racial Malaysia. From its humble beginnings of a tin mining city, the ‘muddy confluence’ has progressively transformed into one of the most developed capital cities of Southeast Asia. Kuala Lumpur’s world-famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), and the surrounding attractions that host cultural elements from the various ethnicities represented in Malaysia are some must-visit sites when visiting the capital city. Places to visit such as the 421m tall KL Tower, Central Market (Pasar Seni), Petaling Street, KLCC, Malaysia Tourism Centre and Bukit Bintang are all accessible from the free GoKL bus. A day trip to visit other nearby attractions such as Port Dickson, Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Tinggi, Putrajaya, Batu Caves, and Sunway Lagoon are also ideal from the city centre.

Guests who wish to explore more of Malaysia can also take advantage of AirAsia’s domestic network to the idyllic resort island Langkawi; or fly further to the tip of Borneo Island Kota Kinabalu to marvel at Southeast Asia’s highest peak Mount Kinabalu, discover the mysterious Mulu Caves as well as dive into the world famous underwater world at Sipadan Island.

*Promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

Flight Schedule for Davao, Philippines (DVO) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)

Flight No	From	To	Departure	Arrival	Flight Schedule
AK591	DVO	KUL	1455	1845	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
AK590	KUL	DVO	1025	1425	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

About AirAsia

​AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia by passengers carried, services an extensive network of more than 120 destinations. Since starting operations in 2001, AirAsia has carried more than 400 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 200. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines as well as India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and the US. AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards nine times in a row from 2009 to 2017. AirAsia was also awarded World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the 2016 World Travel Awards, where it beat a field of full-service carriers to become the first ever low-cost carrier to win World's Leading Inflight Service.

Keep up-to-date with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via Twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (www.facebook.com/airasiaph), Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino), and on Viber public chat (@AirAsiaPh). /PR

Sinulog 2017 Schedule of Activities

The biggest and grandest festival in the Philippines in honor of Señor Santo Niño is celebrated every third weekend of January. This 2017, the Sinulog Grand Parade will be on January 15, 2017 (Sunday).

CLICK HERE FOR SINULOG 2018 SCHEDULE

Taken during the Sinulog Novena Mass 2016 at Basilica del Santo Niño

SINULOG 2017 Schedule of Activities (as of December 2, 2016) * bookmark this page for Sinulog 2017 live coverage on January 15, 2017 * Click here for SINULOG 2017 Schedule of Novena Masses

December 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017 : Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

December 30, 2016 - Sinulog Fun Run

January 6, 2017 (Friday)  Sinulog 2017 Kick Off

10:00A.M. : Sinulog Trade Fair @ SM City Cebu by Department of Trade and Industry
2:00 P.M. : Solemn Mass (Basilica del Santo Niño)
3:00 P.M. Launching Parade (Basilica Del Santo Niño to CCSC)
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
7:00 P.M. Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña

January 7, 2017 (Saturday)  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan

1:00 P.M. Parade of Participants (Capitol to CCSC)
2:00 P.M. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at CCSC
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
7:00 P.M. Ms. Cebu 2017 Pre Pageant Night @ Ayala Activity Center
10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands

January 8, 2017 (Sunday)  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan

3:00 A.M. : Cebu City 2017 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
1:00 P.M. : Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City  Sports Center
2:00 P.M. : Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan @ Cebu City Sports Center5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass
9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 9, 2017 (Monday)  

5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass
9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 10, 2017 (Tuesday)                 

5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass
9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 11, 2017 (Wednesday)      

9:00 A.M. : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass
7:00 P.M. : Ms. Cebu 2017 Coronation Night @ Waterfront Hotel Cebu City
8:00 P.M. : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2017 (Thursday)

9:00 A.M. : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:00 P.M. : Balik Cebu Welcome Party @ Ayala Activity Center
6:30 P.M. : Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
8:00 P.M. : Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
8:00 P.M. : Sinulog 2016 Idol Grand Finals @ the Fuente Osmeña
9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2017 (Friday)  Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 A.M. : Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña - Sto. Niño
9:00 A.M. : Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers)
                  @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
6:00 P.M. : Sinulog 2016 Dance Crew Finals @ Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 P.M. : Sinulog Festival Queen 2016 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 P.M. : Cebu Popular Music Festival @ Cebu Coliseum

January 14, 2017 (Saturday)           

6:00 A.M. : Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
9:00 A.M. : Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Santo Niño
12:00 P.M. : 12th "The Street Vibration & Big Bike Rally 2017" by V-max Owner's Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter
2:00 P.M. : Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 P.M. : Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 P.M. : Street Party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

January 15, 2017 (Sunday) - Sinulog Grand Parade

 

Sinulog 2017 - Grand Parade Route. Photo by: https://www.facebook.com/CebuCityC3/

4:00 A.M. : Mañanita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 A.M. : Pontifical Mass
8:00 A.M. : Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 A.M. : Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 P.M. : Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks at CCSC
9:00 P.M. : Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show at SM City Cebu)
5:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. : Sinulog DJ Mixing Grand Finals Night at Fuente Osmeña Circle
12:00 MN : Sinulog Fireworks at SRP (South Road Properties) 

January 16, 2017 (Monday)  : Awarding Ceremonies @ Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2017 (Friday)    “HUBO”

January 31, 2017 (Tuesday)   : Judging Sinulog 2017 Photo Contest

February 1, 2017 (Wednesday)  : Judging of Finalist in Short Film / Video Documentary and Music Video Contest

February 4, 2017                                

1:00 P.M. : Screening of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival @ SM City Cebu
6:00 P.M. : Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest @ SM City Cebu

February 4, 2017 – February 13, 2017  :  Photo Exhibit “Winning Photos Sinulog 2017" @ SM City Cebu 

 Source: Sinulog.ph

Below are my photos of Sinulog 2016:

During the Grand Parade. Can you see me? Ha ha ha ha!

Sinulog 2016.

With my friends Jay Dequito together with Celine and Minette from WhenInManila.com.

Crowd at the General Maxilum Avenue, Cebu City around 5pm during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Singapore Tourism Board 2016: Funtastic Fun For Everyone

Summer is here and it's time for us to take a break. Singapore is considered as one of the popular destination for Filipinos in Asia. Singapore offers boundless thrills and excitement this 2016 that are sure to provide Filipino first-time or repeat travelers a variety of unique experiences that are guaranteed to create special bonding memories and make it a holiday to remember.

Marina Bay Skyline of Singapore. Photo by: YourSingapore.com

Exciting Events to Experience

For the first time ever, be prepared to experience the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series held in Singapore from April 16 to 17, 2016 at the National Stadium. Besides cheering on your favorite teams and the non-stop action on the field, be prepared to be amazed by spectacular array of family-friendly entertainment options off the field as well.

Moving from the rugby pitch to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore once again continues to be the host for the 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, the world's only street night race. The adrenaline-pumping non-stop action will enthrall crowds for the ninth year as the world's finest drivers prove prove their mettle from September 16 to 18, 2016. Check out the various out-of-circuit entertainment options during this exciting weekend for non-stop action.

For tennis fans, mark October 23 to 30, 2016 on your calendars as the top-ranked females tennis starts battle it out in on the courts at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals for the third time. The Singapore Sports Hub will witness Agneieszka Radwanska defend her singles championship trophy against the fastest rising stars in women's tennis.

Family Fun For Everyone

With Singapore a familiar favorite for Filipino families due to the variety of attractions available, they will be pleasantly surprised to know of more family-friendly places that have opened up recently. Pororo Park Singapore is themed around the Korean animated series that follows the adventurous Pororo the Penguin and friends. Located within Marina Square shopping mall, the 11,000 square feet outlet is the first in Southeast Asia and the largest character-themed playground in Singapore. It integrated entertainment and educational elements designed to give kids innovative methods to learn and have fun.

For a more digital learning experience, check out MOSH!, an interactive digital multi-media theme park newly-opened in Sentosa, which showcases cutting-edge technology from Japan, to allow visitors the artistic power to express their creativity through edutainment.

Dining Delights

Feeling hungry after all the fun-filled excitement? Pop by Palette Restaurant and Bar located at Capitol Piazza where you can sample various award-winning Asian gourmet and street food which will definitely satisfy all cravings for authentic local cuisine. 

If the kids love arts and craft, do check out Eat, Play, Love Craft Cafe, a Thai-Western cafe serving Thai delights alongside simple Western food. With various art materials available for anyone keen to unleash their creative side, this cafe is a perfect venue for kids and adults alike to indulge in great food, engaging activities and definitely an experience to remember for the whole family.

Retails Therapy

No trip to Singapore is complete without purchasing some pasalubong for families and friends back home. Admire the authentic souvenirs from Naiise, a home-grown label with three physical store locations and stocks more than 8,000 products from 600 emerging and established brands from Singapore and around the world, certain to appear to all design aficionados.

For something more edgy, Dover Street Market, a multi-brand fashion retail and concept store conceived by Commes des Garcons' Rei Kawakubo, will open in one of two blocks on Dempsey Road. Designed to showcase the trendiest and limited retails items, this store will definitely be a treasure trove for fashion followers eyeing one-of-a-kind merchandise.

With so many interesting sight-seeing, dining and retails activities and experience available for the family for 2016, it is the perfect time to make a trip to Singapore. /PR

For more information, please visit: http://www.stb.gov.sg or http://www.yoursingapore.com

Tony Fernandes recognized for his contribution to the growth of Asean and U.S.-ASEAN relationship

Tony Fernandes of AirAsia

SAN FRANCISCO, 22 FEBRUARY 2016 – Tony Fernandes, co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia has been recognised by the US-ASEAN Business Council with the Fourth Pillar Award for his extraordinary contribution towards the growth of Asean and the U.S.-ASEAN relationship.

The award was presented by Mr. Keith Williams, President & CEO, UL LLC and Chairman, U.S.-ASEAN Business Council to Tony Fernandes, making him the second recipient after the Administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. The ASEAN Economic Community Conference 2016 dinner reception was held in San Francisco with key business leaders and government officials from across ASEAN and the U.S. in attendance.

The ASEAN charter speaks to a community comprising three pillars: political security, economic and socio-cultural. The Fourth Pillar Award is presented to a person or organization representing the “fourth pillar”, a person that has made an extraordinary contribution towards the growth of ASEAN as well as fostering better U.S.-ASEAN relationship, effectively making the foundation of ASEAN stronger through their focus and involvement.

Tony Fernandes, who is also a member of the ASEAN Business Club Advisory Council said, “The theme of this conference – Asia’s Best Kept Secret: The ASEAN Economic Community – says it all. ASEAN is a dream and if we put the ASEAN people first, who knows what we can achieve. When you combine all ten member countries into a single market and production base, you are tapping into a community of over 600 million people. The potential this region holds is immense, and as a truly ASEAN brand, we will continue to lobby and spearhead ASEAN integration, especially but not  limited to the aviation, travel and tourism industries.”

“I believe it is time for ASEAN to take a bold step towards commonality and standardisation. There is an urgent need of one ASEAN regulator to ensure a unified ASEAN standard. The current process of relying on consensus that require approval from all 10 countries should be reviewed so important initiatives move forward.”

“It is a true honour to be recognised by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council for what we have done as an ASEAN brand, but there is much more to do. Our hope is for all ten member countries’ governments to come together as harmonisation allows for more efficient use of resources, achieve better economies of scale, contribute towards the reduction of unit costs and lead towards faster growth for the region,” added Fernandes.

The AirAsia Group, led by Tony Fernandes and partner Datuk Kamarudin Meranun has grown into an ASEAN powerhouse with operations connecting all ten ASEAN member countries in addition to providing one of the widest route network across Asia, Australasia and beyond via its long-haul operations.

The U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, founded in 1984, is the premier advocacy organization for U.S. corporations operating within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Council works to elevate the importance of U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship to American and ASEAN public policy makers and business leaders.

The Council works across all ten member countries of ASEAN, representing 152 major U.S. corporations.

About the AirAsia Group

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over

100 destinations. Within 14 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 300 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 170. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia,  Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries and beyond. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for seven consecutive years from 2009 – 2015. AirAsia is the first airline globally  to collaborate with INTERPOL to implement the I-Checkit system to screen the passports of all its prospective passengers against information contained in the world police body’s Stolen and  Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database. /PR

AirAsia celebrates Sinulog Festival with special treats and promos

MANILA, 6 January 2015 – AirAsia, the world’s best low cost carrier for seven consecutive years, is giving away free party passes, discount treats and other exciting freebies in line with this year’s celebration of Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

From January 12 to 16, all AirAsia passengers bound for Cebu from Manila, Incheon (Seoul) and Kuala Lumpur and vice versa will each receive a Red Hot Sinulog festival kit which provides them free and exclusive access to festival concerts, parties, tours and discount coupons to popular restaurants, cafes and clubs. Limited edition Sinulog t-shirts from AirAsia and Island Souvenirs are also available for purchase onboard AirAsia flights starting today for only P250.00.

AirAsia services Manila-Cebu route with 8x flights daily with international flights from Incheon (Seoul) and Kuala Lumpur to Cebu. Promo fares to/from Cebu and other AirAsia destinations from the Philippines are also up for grabs now until January 10, 2016 at www.airasia.com with all-in fares from as low as P799 only. The promotional fares are also available on AirAsia mobile Application that can be downloaded via iPhone and Android, and at mobile.airasia.com.
For more updates on AirAsia Philippines and its latest promotions and activities, follow them on social media through Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh).