Philippine Travel News Review

25 September '00
From Terrorist Hideout to Tourist Bolthole
Authorities on Basilan Island, one of the country's poorest provinces, want to turn a captured mountain hideout of the extremist Abu Sayyaf into a tourist attraction. Tourism council members are enthused by the view and 'historical significance' of the hideout. They are also suffering from a huge drop in visitor numbers since April, when the Abu Sayyaf seized 21 hostages from the Malaysian island of Sipadan. Camp Abdurazzak, the hideout on Basilan, was where the guerillas beheaded two hostages after keeping more than 50 Filipino Catholics hostage for more than a month. Four more hostages were killed when the army attacked the camp. The Philippines Tourism Minister has questioned the wisdom of the idea.

22 September '00
Army Goes Into Bat for Hostages
As the Jolo hostage crisis that began in April drags on, France is celebrating the daring escape of two journalists taken hostage by Abu Sayyaf Muslim separatist rebels. Jean-Jacques Le Garrec and Roland Madura were abducted when they attempted to interview the 17 hostages (13 Filipinos, three Malaysians and an American) held captive in the Muslim-majority island to the south of the Filipino archipelago. In an attempt to settle the dispute, the Philippines armed forces have launched an offensive against the rebels. It was during an attack early Wednesday morning - forcing the rebels to move camp - that the journalists made their run for freedom. The island has been sealed off to outsiders as the army attempts to break the deadlock: evacuations of residents have begun. The army denies civilian casualties, but there are anecdotal suggestions of civilian deaths, including 10 members of a wedding party. The French journalists, as well as the American hostage, have criticised the army's actions as indiscriminate and provocative.

24 July '00
Travellers heading to the Philippines should check the small print in their insurance policies referring to acts of god, after the archipelago was declared the most disaster prone country on earth by a Brussels-based institute. The Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) logged 120 natural disasters in the Philippines over the past 15 years, ranging from typhoons, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to plane crashes, capsized ferries and fires. Runners-up in the disaster stakes were China and Japan. According to CRED, natural disasters have claimed the lives of more than 20,000 people in the Philippines since 1985. The worst include flash floods from typhoon Uring in 1991 which killed 5000 people, and the 1990 Luzon earthquake which claimed 1600 lives. The Philippines has lived up to its reputation over the past two weeks with a catalogue of disasters, including two typhoons, a landslide of garbage and a severe earthquake - not to mention several hostage crises and widespread military action against Muslim insurgents.

13 July '00
One hundred scavengers living in a garbage dump on the outskirts of Manila died this week when an avalanche of trash caused by heavy rains crushed their shanties and buried them under a 300-ton pile of rubbish. The trash caught fire from a fallen power line burning many of the residents trapped in the debris. A further 100 people are missing, feared dead, as rescue efforts continue to be hampered by poor access, lack of equipment and the sheer stench of the disaster area. The 13-hectare Payatas dump in the Manila suburb of Quezon City was home to more than 800 people, most of whom are now housed in emergency shelters. Residents lived in a shanty town known as the Promised Land and scraped a living scavenging for recyclable scrap. The Payatas site was considered dangerously overloaded, but dump residents had refused to move without promises of government assistance. The symbolism of the dump disaster is not lost on the Philippines' government, who flattened the infamous Smokey Mountain dump in Manila in the mid-1990s after it became synonymous with Filipino poverty.

23 June '00
The Philippines was shaken by two earthquakes measuring 5.7 on the Richter Scale this week and local authorities issued warnings that more aftershocks are expected. The larger of the two quakes was centred on Baguio City in northern Luzon, where 2000 people died when a tremor measuring 7.7 on the Richter Scale devastated the area in 1990. No casualties were reported. The tremors follow an alarming increase in seismic activity in the east Asian region over the past two weeks, including a quake in Indonesia which claimed 103 lives and a tremor in Taiwan, which caused two deaths.

15 June '00
An unemployed man caught stealing from a church donation box during mass in Cebu City last week inadvertently caused a stampede when the congregation mistook him for a terrorist bomber. The luckless drifter was hustled away by a security guard at the famous Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, sparking fears among the congregation that he had planted a bomb. A mass panic was triggered when churchgoers yelled out the name of a violent separatist guerrilla group. Several people were trampled in the aisles in the stampede for the exits. The Philippines has been shaken by a recent bombing campaign, blamed on Muslim separatists fighting for an independent homeland in the country's south.

8 June '00
Travellers arriving and departing Manila's Ninoy Aquino international airport should expect delays following a bomb blast outside the arrivals hall this week. Tossed from a passing vehicle, the bomb damaged parts of the terminal complex and triggered a massive security clampdown at the airport. The blast was the third to rock the Philippine capital in recent weeks, following explosions in two shopping malls which claimed the life of one person and injured 25 others. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings, but authorities have pointed the finger at Islamic rebels fighting for an independent state in the country's south.

31 May '00
A cuckolded husband took his emotional distress out on a Philippine Airlines Airbus flying between Davao City and Manila last week. The man fired shots into the cockpit and threatened the pilot with a hand grenade, while tearfully recounting how his wife had betrayed him with a local policeman. Supposedly disguised in a blue bonnet, he then robbed passengers, before forcing the pilot down to 1800m (6000ft) and leaping out of the aircraft with a parachute attached. The flight landed safely in Manila without casualties; Philippine authorities claim to have captured the upset hijacker.

20 May '00
The Philippines hostage crisis continues to worsen. Muslim separatist rebels now claim two of their foreign hostages died 3 May in clashes with military troops. The 21 hostages, including 10 foreign tourists, were kidnapped by the rebels on 23 April from a Malaysian diving resort, and are currently held captive in Talipao, Jolo Island in the southern Philippines. Officials say they have no confirmation of any hostage fatalities. The Abu Sayyaf Rebels, fighting for a separate Islamic state on the Filipino island of Jolo, have threatened to behead two foreign tourists if the military persists in encircling their hideout. The tourists were taken from the Malaysian island resort of Sipadan off Borneo on Easter Sunday. Another group of Abu Sayyaf rebels are holding 27 other hostages on neighbouring Basilan; military assaults failed to find the hostages.

20 May '00
At least 15 people are dead and many more injured following bomb blasts which occurred in the Southern Philippines on 3 May. The explosions took place just after Muslim rebel groups ordered a counter attack against the government. The port city of General Santos on Mindanao Island reportedly suffered three blasts.

16 May '00
The hostage crisis in the southern Philippines has prompted warnings regarding travel to the area. A rise in politically motivated violence has seen an increase in criminal acts such as kidnappings and bombings. The safety situation in the southern island of Mindanao has deteriorated, with insurgent groups particularly targeting foreign nationals. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns that the violent activities could spread. Travellers are advised to defer all travel to Lindanao and to avoid all travel to the Sulu Archipelago, Basilan, parts of Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, North Cotabato, Maguindanao and parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Similar warnings have been issued by the US State Department and other embassies. Travellers should remain up to date with current events, and consult their embassies and other relevant authorities about travel safety issues.

29 April '00
An airliner crashed on a southern resort island in the Philippines on 19 April killing all 131 passengers. The Air Philippines Boeing 737-200 came down in a coconut plantation on Samal Island as it was preparing to land at Davao airport. Weather has been identified as a possible contributing factor in the crash, as air traffic controllers reported that mist and rain were causing the pilot difficulty. The crash has prompted questions over the safety of the 22-year old 737-200 model. Just days prior to the crash a Federal Aviation Administration panel had recommended the rudder assembly on the 737 be redesigned - although officials say the rudder was unrelated to the crash.

10 April '00
The Philippine Weather Agency recently announced that it would no longer only use female names for storms, in an attempt to avoid discrimination. Instead, a 'name the storm contest' was held. Slang words have been suggested as new names for the tropical storms and typhoons, and 210 have been chosen from 19,000 entries. The Filipino words for handsome, sweetheart, pauper and toughie are on the list. Other suggestions are chilli, scorpion, jeep, retaliaton, and the word 'EDSA', which the street location of the peoples revolt in 1986. However some of the suggestions have caused controversy, such as the word 'nognog' which refers to a dark skinned person. Weather officials want names to attract attention so that citizens will pay attention to storm warnings, but others say it is important the names are not offensive to any groups.

29 March '00
Overweight and out of shape police officers in the Philippines National Police Force will now have to climb Mt Pinatubo as part of trimming training. Under 'Operation Pot Belly', the waists of hundreds of policemen and women will be measured. Plump police will be given six months to get their waist-size down to 86cm (34in) - and if they don't slim sufficiently, they'll be out of a job. The programme is intended to maintain the image of the police force, from which many officers have been fired for corruption.

27 March '00
Tourism officials are claiming that Donsol, Sorsogon is now the whale shark capital of the world, after capturing video footage of a recent whale shark feeding frenzy. Whale sharks were only discovered in Donsol in 1998, and until now no real evidence existed of the numbers of sharks in the area. More than 42 sharks were counted in the recent sighting. Feeding frenzies occurs rarely during the year, when the sharks watch for the spawning season of plankton and krill. The Donsol River releases a unique abundance of these organisms into the sea, providing the perfect feeding ground for whale sharks. Whale sharks are the world's largest fish - some measure up to 18m (60ft) - but are gentle and eat only plankton. Sorsogon is the capital of Sorsogon Province, an area at the eastern tip of South Luzon. The people of Donsol are attempting to promote eco-tourism in the region.

21 March '00
A long-running airline war flared again yesterday as the Philippines and Taiwan cancelled all flights between the two countries. An interim airline agreement on 28 January allowed for the resumption of flights by Philippine Airlines, China Airlines and Eva Air but, according to the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board, passenger loadings favour the Chinese carriers operating the route. The sudden cancellation of flights left hundreds of passengers stranded in Taipei and Manila, with one aircraft forced to dump fuel in the sea and return to Taipei after being refused entry to Philippine air space. With no meetings scheduled in the near future between the two aviation authorities, air travellers must now take the longer and more expensive route via Hong Kong.

21 March '00
The rarified atmosphere of the prestigious Manila Hotel, overlooking Manila Bay, has been disturbed over the last weeks by an on-going dispute between workers and management. Yesterday two clergymen, a labour leader and 13 other demonstrators were arrested and some injured as truncheon-wielding policemen, and hotel security guards dressed in their elegant barong uniforms, attempted to disperse the gathering. The disturbance took place in front of the historic hotel as the workers were holding a religious service around 6pm. The hotel is functioning as usual, and will presumably continue to do so while the flow of well-heeled guests remains unperturbed by the picket line outside.

15 March '00
The death toll from the ferry explosion at Ozamis in Mindanao on 26 February has risen to 43. Security forces confirmed that bombs on board two separate buses on the same ferry caused the explosion. During the last week of February and first week of March, the level of unrest in Mindanao heightened to coincide with the visit of President Estrada to the troubled province. A bomb exploded at the bus station in Cagayan de Oro, and there was a rocket attack on a radio station in the centre of Cotobato city. Each explosion caused injuries to passers-by. Both government security forces, and spokespeople for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), blame the explosions on Muslim separatist splinter groups. While the situation appears to have calmed down, travellers are still advised to be particularly careful while in Mindanao at present, and to heed local advice about travel through areas of potential insecurity.

9 March '00
The Philippines' Mount Mayon volcano continues to erupt, as 'pretend' refugees crowd relief centres. Monday saw the strongest explosion since the volcano erupted last week, sending a 7km column of ash into the air and sending lava streaming from the volcanic crater and pyroclastic flows pouring 4km down the mountain. All those living in the 'danger zone', a 6-8km radius around the volcano have been ordered to evacuate to shelters, schools, tents and government buildings. However it appears that many other people not living within the 'danger zone' area have crowded into evacuation centres, pretending to be refugees. The result is that over half of around 50,000 evacuees staying in the shelters should not be there. There are already insufficient toilets and facilities in the cramped centres, and officials fear that food and medical supplies will be depleted, and disease could break out. Disaster officials have said that although many of the 'unexpected' refugees are there for free food and relief goods, others are genuinely afraid of the eruptions, and will not be rejected. Authorities will compose a list stating which villages' residents will be entitled to evacuation resources. Vulcanologists warn the volcano could be emitting lava and superheated ash for up to two months.

9 March '00
Two explosions on a bus killed 12 people in Ozamis, on the Philipine island Mindanao, on 26 February. The bus was one of many daily services from Iligan to Ozamis city, and was on board the roll-on roll-off vehicle and passenger ferry between Kolambugan to Ozamis port. The cause of the explosions is not yet known, but public vehicles in Iligan are regularly checked for bombs. The area around Iligan sees frequent incidents between government forces and Muslim separatists. The bus and ferry route between Iligan and Ozamis is the quickest and easiest way for travellers in Mindanao to reach Baliangao Wetland Park, and the northwestern cities of Dapitan and Dipolog. The longer land-only route is not advisable because of security concerns. Alternative methods of transport include Mindanao Express, which operates irregular flights in the area, and Philippine Airlines which flies several times a week between Manila and Dipolog. A fast ferry runs daily between Dapitan and Cebu via Dumaguete.

6 March '00
Two of the Philippines' largest banks have recently merged, with Equitable Bank buying out PCI Bank. The new entity is called the Equitable PCI Bank. Formerly, travellers could cash advance on Visa cards at the Equitable and on Mastercard at the PCI. Eventually all Equitable PCI Bank branches will offer cash advance facilities for both cards, but at the moment this is usually only possible at the main branch in big cities. In the meantime, to avoid confusion and delay at the counter, ask locally and use whichever branch was formerly linked with the appropriate credit card. Card holders are advised that at present the former Equitable Bank branches are most likely to offer both services. The change-over at former PCI Bank branches is taking longer.

3 March '00
Extensive seismic activity at the Mayon Volcano in southern Luzon has forced Philippine authorities to rack up their assessment of the 2462m-high (8450ft) volcano from 'alarming' to 'critical'. The picture-perfect, symmetrical volcano has been grumbling since mid-1999. It last erupted in 1993, resulting in the deaths of over 70 people and the forced evacuation of 50,000 villagers. The volcano is located near the port of Legaspi, 250km (155mi) southeast of Manila. Travellers contemplating trekking in the area should contact the tourist office in Legaspi before venturing anywhere near the volcano.

3 March '00
The Department of Immigration in Cebu is relocating in March 2000 to a building behind the fire station in Mandaue City, on the way to the airport, from its current home on the fourth floor of the PCI Bank Building near the Cebu port. The visa extension process is several hours shorter in Cebu than in Manila, and payment of a P500 'express fee' ensures that passports are returned within half an hour. Travellers choosing not to pay the express fee can expect to wait up to one week for the return of their passport.

1 March '00
Mount Mayon volcano erupted violently on Thursday, causing massive evacuations of the area. Around 30,000 people fled the area, many loaded into army trucks as lava, ash and rocks spewed from the volcano. Some rocks were the size of small cars, and ash rained on several villages. A river of lava gushed down the slope of Mount Mayon, with temperatures in the lava flows reaching around 1000 degrees celsius. Fourteen different explosions occurred over the day, and tremors reached as far as Legazpi, around 11km from the volcanic crater. One explosion produced an ash column 7km (4.3 mi) high. Officials have advised residents of villages up to 8km (5 mi) away from the south eastern side of the volcano to evacuate, and experts warn that more explosions could occur at any time. The government declared a "state of calamity" in the entire province of Albay, so that those affected can be helped with food and shelter. Mount Mayon, about 250 km (155 mi) southeast of Manila, is the most active of the Philippines' volcanoes, and has erupted at least 45 times.

28 February '00
One person was reported killed and 18 others injured when a series of bomb and grenade blasts occurred on 20 February on the island of Basilan, southern Philippines. The explosions damaged the Isabela public market and two police stations. The Basilan attacks follow a week of tensions and clashes in Maguindanao province, north of Basilan. Government forces have clashed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a large rebel group seeking an independent Islamic state in Maguindanao. Around 25 people have died in the last week of fighting, which erupted after the army launched an offensive on the MILF Camp.

22 February '00
Transport options to popular Camiguin Island, Mindanao, have narrowed with the recent closure of the fast ferry service direct from Cagayan de Oro. With only half a day's notice the boat operators cancelled the scheduled service, resulting in confusion for several days. Passengers now have to revert to the old boat route from Balingoan, 85km (52mi)north of Cagayan. Alternative transport includes ferries that leave Balingoan wharf several times daily for the hour trip to Camiguin and regular buses that leave Cagayan de Oro for Balingoan and take one and a half hours.

17 February '00
Forty years after their Western sisters burnt their bras, Filipino women are burning their panties outside the US embassy in Manila to protest against the resumption of US-Philippines military exercises. The women claim that the exercises US soldiers engage in are not confined to the battlefield, and that R 'n' R activities will inevitably lead to an increase in prostitution, AIDS and fatherless Amerasian kids. The knicker-burning escapade has kept US spin doctors busy all week, denying claims they don't give a fig leaf for local sentiments.

10 February '00
Joint military exercises between the armed forces of the Philippines and the United States are set to recommence. Balikatan 2000 will be the first large-scale joint military exercises to be held in the Philippines in five years, as the government seeks to revive defence ties with the US. Nationalist and communist groups, as well as many other citizens are fiercely opposed to the move. Protesters have voiced their anger at the Visiting Forces Agreement, declaring they will not allow their country to be a military playground for the United States. A resurgence in prostitution is feared, as bars and clubs prepare for the imminent 'entertainment' boom when the troops come to town. US military officials have given assurances that Americans will be kept in line, with curfews and alcohol intake limits a possibility; as well as increased sporting activities, designed as alternatives to curb 'testosterone levels'. A US-ruled colony for 50 years, the Philippines remained under a strong US military presence after independence in 1946.

10 February '00
The Sixth Annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off in Clark Field, Pampanga from 10 to 13 February. Twenty hot air balloon pilots from around the globe will participate, including entries from Australia, Malaysia, Germany, Japan and the Philippines. The festival will also include other aerial events such as airplane rallies, sky diving, paragliding, precision kite-flying and aero-modelling (flying remote controlled planes). The annual balloon festival is part of an effort to promote Clark Special Economic Zone as a major tourist destination and an Asian air sporting capital. Local tourism was damaged greatly by the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991.

28 December '99
A Philippine ferry carry 750 people heading home for Christmas holidays sank in high seas off Bantayan Island on 23 December. The MV Asia South Korea sank in the Visayan Sea while on its way from Cebu to Iloilo City on the island of Panay. The death toll was restricted to 42 people thanks to a massive rescue operation which plucked more than 700 survivors from the sea, including a Canadian, a German and two Swiss citizens. The Philippines has one of the world's worst maritime safety records due to the routine overloading of unseaworthy vessels. The MV Asia South Korea was licensed to carry only 600 passengers but attempted to leave port with close to 850 people on board; Cebu coastguards forced 100 passengers to disembark before allowing the ferry to leave port.

21 December '99
An earthquake registering 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Manila on the weekend, and the city is anticipating more aftershocks. Six people have died, and cracks have been found in many buildings and bridges. The earthquake was located 190km (117mi) north of Manila, in Pangasinan province. Seismology experts have recorded 139 aftershocks, with more tremors expected.

7 December '99
Air Philippines will resume its Subic-Manila flights this December. The new flights are part of the Air Philippines project to expand and upgrade local flight services. Operations at the Subic Bay International Airport, Freeport will resume by the end of the month, with twice-weekly flights from Subic to Manila, and vice-versa.

30 November '99
Fighting has again broken out between government troops and Muslim separatists on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, threatening peace talks aimed at ending the 27-year-old rebellion. Thirty-two people were killed and hundreds of families forced from their homes by fighting in North Cotabato, while 16 people died in gun battles in Lanao del Sur. Muslim separatists also took 100 Christian villagers from Tibao hostage, before releasing them unharmed. The fighting comes on the eve of peace talks scheduled for 13 December between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, seeking to establish an Islamic state in the southernmost region of the Philippines. The US State Department warns that insurgent activity in Mindanao can make travel hazardous to the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, North and South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

30 November '99
The Philippines is the latest country to get caught up in the mind-numbing global debate over which cities, islands and boats will be first to see the first sunrise of the year 2000. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has stepped in to resolve the dispute concerning whether Mt Apo in North Cotabato or Pusan Point in Caraga, Davao Oriental will be the first point where the sunrise will be seen. Mt Apo is the winner, according to Pagasa, and will beat Pusan Point to the sunrise by a whopping two minutes. However, Pusan Point is considered the better place for sunrise sighting in terms of facilities and accessibility.

16 November '99
The deterioration of the Ifugao rice terraces has raised alarm in the Philippines, prompting calls for urgent action to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage. Illegal logging, soil erosion, and commercial tourism have exacerbated the decline of the Banaue terraces. Political leaders have highlighted the need for national eco-tourism measures to establish a framework for sustainable ecological development. While rapid growth in the tourism industry is welcomed, seeking the tourist dollar has forced some farmers to abandon fields for tourist activities, worsening exploitation and damage. The rice terraces around Banaue have been called the eighth wonder of the world. The landscape took the Ifugao tribespeople over 2000 years to create with their primitive implements.

16 November '99
Travel options from the southern Philippines to Malaysia increased in October with the opening of Malaysian Airline's Monday and Friday flight between Zamboanga and Sandakan (Malaysian Borneo), with Philippine Airlines in Zamboanga acting as the local handling agents. This is in addition to the current Monday, Wednesday and Thursday boat services available on the same route.

14 November '99
Several innovative non-government organisations in the Philippines have, in conjunction with local communities, started working on small-scale community-based Sustainable Tourism projects. These often involve homestay accommodation where travellers can be participants or observers in daily life. People can go fishing with hosts and then help cook the catch; or hike out to collect weaving fibres; or snorkel in a marine sanctuary while hosts get on with their environmental monitoring survey. This is not tourism for the seeker of five-star comfort or wild nightlife; but it's a great chance to briefly feel like an insider rather than an outsider in someone else's culture and country. And it's good to know that your money is staying within and benefiting the local community. ASSET (email: asset@pacific.net.ph) is the umbrella organisation handling projects in various locations in Mindanao, Luzon, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Marinduque.

19 October '99
As tourism numbers to Asia soar, the continent's cultural and natural treasures are coming under increased threat, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) report has warned. Unesco reported that 23 of the world’s 100 most endangered sites were in Asia. The report stressed that urgent action by government and industry is required to prevent permanent damage to historic sites. As the world’s fastest growing destination, Asia-Pacific takes up around a quarter of global tourism. While tourism could make a major impact on the economies of poor communities, the report said, the tourist attractions themselves must be protected from irreparable damage. Included on the endangered list are Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, colonial buildings in George Town, Malaysia, and the Philippines’ ancient rice terraces of the Cordilleras.

9 October '99
A week-long Mardi Gras Festival will take off in the southern city of Bacolod on 19 October. Known as the MassKara Festival, the boisterous celebration involves a variety of festivities including street parades, competitions, cultural shows and dancing. The festival is the largest on the island of Negros, and is famous for its street dancing and groups of people wearing smiling masks. The revelry attracts many local and foreign visitors each year. Bacolod is the sugar capital of the Philippines, known for its sweet delicacies. Bacolod is an hour plane-ride from Manila, and also accessible by bus and boat.

16 August '99
The monsoon season continues to wreak havoc across Asia. Terrible flooding in the Philippines has left 111 people dead. The Cherry Hills area has been reduced to rubble and many people remain missing after a landslide engulfed a housing development. The monsoon has caused casualties and damage in several northern provinces and in and around the capital Manila. Torrential monsoon rains, floods and landslides have caused destruction throughout east Asia, in Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, China and the Korean peninsular. The International Red Cross has launched a massive appeal to get international aid to those in need in China, where over 700 people have died in the monsoons season so far, and millions are now homeless.

3 August '99
The Philippines is continuing promotion of its active volcanoes as tourist attractions. The latest attempt to cash in on visitors' interest in volcanic activity comes from a group of investors keen to establish a golf course on Taal Volcano Island in Batangas. Government officials are less than enthusiastic about this proposition, cautioning that it is a national park. Experts have pointed out that it won't be such a good investment if the volcano actually erupts. In general, however, officials are very supportive of volcano-tourism, declaring that they should take advantage of the Philippines' natural assets. Last week officials encouraged increasing tourist arrivals to Lagazpi City, where Mt Mayon is currently spewing pyroclastic materials into the air. The volcanic activity can be safely viewed from a distance of 10-15km (6-9mi), and it has been suggested that the whole area be declared a 'geological park' to attract more tourists. Other potential volcanic tourist attractions are Mt Kanlaon on Negros Island, and Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao, which boasts seven volcanoes.

19 July '99
If you've always wanted to witness a volcano erupting now could be your big chance. Erupting volcanoes will be the new tourist attraction promoted by the Philippines if top scientists get their way. The Mayon volcano looks likely to erupt in the near future, and according to the country's chief vulcanologist the event should be promoted to tourists. The 2640m (8660ft) Mayon volcano, famed for its perfectly symmetrical cone, has been emitting steam for over two weeks and is currently on 'alert level two'. When it reaches alert level four an eruption is expected within the week. The most recent eruption in 1993 generated flows that killed 68 people and prompted the evacuation of 60,000 others. Volcano experts say viewers would be safe this time as long as they avoid the southeast side of the crater where lava is expected to flow. Visitors could safely get a panoramic view of the eruption from hotels 15km (9m) away from the peak. Mayon is near Legaspi City which can be reached in about 12 hours by bus or 45 minutes by plane from Manila. You can view the Mayon from the airport on a clear day.

11 June '99
Congestion and delays at Manila's domestic airport should ease with the opening of a new terminal. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal II will open this month, designed to service over 4 million domestic passengers a year. This should prevent the departure delays that have been occurring because of commercial planes overcrowding the tarmac.

28 May '99
Domestic air travel in the Philippines has had a much-needed boost with the announcement of a number of new flights and services. Air Philippines has just commenced flights to Laoag City, in North Luzon departing three times weekly. Next on the agenda for Air Philippines are planned services to Tuguegarao and Bhutuan. The flights to North Luzon will hopefully boost tourism and economic growth in the region. Air Philippines is due to make its first international flights later this year, with routes from Cebu and Manila to cities in Japan, Taiwan and the United States.

12 April '99
Philippine Airlines (PAL) have resumed a daily service between Cebu and Iloilo, and more daily services between Cebu and Davao, and Cubi and Bacolod. PAL has resumed flights five times a week to the Cotabato area via Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

19 March '99
Hundreds of serious adventurers will set out on a unique race across the rugged terrain of the island of Samar. Using means such as traditional Filipino boats and rafts, as well as mountain bikes, hang gliders and scuba gear, the adventurers will navigate rivers, cross seas, explore caves and jungles, scale mountains and visit villages. Starting 15 April, the course will take them across Samar, Leyte Island and Biliran, but exact itineraries are not known until 24 hours before the race. This massive ecotourism event is the 'Elf Authentic Adventure' competition, which contains the unique component of an exchange project. Each team must carry out a project relating to artistic, cultural or scientific aspects of the host country, such as exhibiting local art or building a community church. Many onlookers, press and visitors are expected as well as the teams participating in the three adventure categories. Teams of seven include four participants and three logistic support crew, and must include two women, at least one participating in the course. The registration fee is US$7535.

15 March '99
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched 'Operation Smile', a project to ensure that people receive polite and friendly service from immigration officers. Foreigners and Filipinos dealing with the BI should benefit from the improved services that are part of the refurbished agency. After talks with Philippine Airlines executives, Filipino tourism authorities have agreed to the development of a popular tourist development similar to Bali or Phuket. Currently, popular areas like Boracay and Samal are not easily accessible by air or lack the tourist infrastructure to sustain a huge tourist influx.

15 March '99
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched 'Operation Smile', a project to ensure that people receive polite and friendly service from immigration officers. Foreigners and Filipinos dealing with the BI should benefit from the improved services that are part of the refurbished agency. After talks with Philippine Airlines executives, Filipino tourism authorities have agreed to the development of a popular tourist development similar to Bali or Phuket. Currently, popular areas like Boracay and Samal are not easily accessible by air or lack the tourist infrastructure to sustain a huge tourist influx.

22 February '99
New airports will shortly open on the islands of Camotes and Bantayan in the Visayas allowing for more travel possibilities and increased economic development on the islands. Recently new rural airports opened in Coron, Palawan and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

27 January '99
Tourist police in Manila will shortly be assisted by pushbike riding volunteers who will patrol Manila's most popular tourist areas. The volunteers will mostly be around Itramuros and Rizal Park and the tourist sections of Malate and Ermita. The pushbike patrols will be in these areas each day from 9am to 9pm and can be identified by their black and white uniform. As one of the scams that goes on in Manila is the "fake police" scam - locals with fake police badges who cruise tourist areas and are very good at taking your money - look carefully not only at these bike riding volunteers identification, check out their quads as well.

28 December '98
If you're planning on taking part in holiday revelry in the Philippines, be extra wary of stray bullets and fire-crackers. In early New Year celebrations 10 people have already been hit by stray bullets and 156 more have been injured by firecrackers, according to the Department of Health. Extra police and traffic forces will be deployed on New Year's Eve to uphold the peace.

14 December '98
Philippine Airlines (PAL) believes it may get back in the skies without financial assistance from either Northwest Airlines or Cathay Pacific. Five government-backed financial institutions have announced they will attempt to raise some of the capital needed to get the airline flying again. Negotiations between PAL, Cathay Pacific and Northwest Airlines have been abandoned as agreement between the airlines appears impossible.

21 October '98
Typhoon Zeb has now swept over three countries, killing more than 100 people and causing untold destruction. Last week more than 80 people died in the Philippines when Typhoon Zeb hit the northern islands, causing floods and landslides that swept away flimsy homes. Over 30,000 people were evacuated and thousands of hectares of rice paddies were destroyed. Zeb reached 'super typhoon' status at its peak, with winds measured at over 241 kph (150mph). In Taiwan the typhoon caused further damage and domestic flights to Kaohsiung and nearby islands were cancelled. Zeb has been the first typhoon to hit Japan in eight years, and it struck on the weekend, causing hundreds of landslides and killing at least 10 people. Its typhoon status has since eased into a tropical storm.

19 October '98
Philippine Airlines says it will resume business this week. In the next installment of the Philippine Airlines soap opera, the company has settled on a rehabilitation plan. The airline was forced into bankruptcy two weeks ago when airline unions rejected this deal.

12 October '98
While last week it was certain that Philippines Airlines (PAL) had been completely shutdown, this week it seems they may fly again. Europe's largest aircraft manufacturer and supplier to PAL, Airbus Industries, has stepped in to assist the failed airline. Airbus Industries has approached the firms which have leased planes to PAL and their creditors, asking them to allow PAL some chance to get flying again. PAL has submitted a management plan, which includes reducing their fleet from 54 planes to 22, to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

30 September '98
The Hong Kong airline, Cathay Pacific, has taken over domestic air routes previously operated by Philippine Airlines (PAL) . Philippine Airlines ceased operations on 24 September despite many last minute bids to keep the airline flying. Singapore Airlines, the only airline other than Philippine Airlines to offer a direct flight between Manila and Singapore, quickly responded to the collapse of the airline by doubling its fare from Singapore to Manila and withdrawing all excursion and special fares between the two countries. On top of the airline crisis in the Philippines comes more transport chaos for residents and travellers with the announcement that seven ferries operated by the same company as the Princess of the Orient, which sank on 18 September, are to be suspended. The ferries will undergo government authorised safety checks before they can resume transport services.

24 September '98
The Philippine national carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), officially ceased operations at midnight 24 September. A last minute bid to save the airline failed when PAL workers refused to accept a management recovery plan for the airline. The domestic airline Air Philippines has taken over some of the routes, using borrowed planes, previously operated by Philippine Airlines. But many parts of the Philippines remain without air services. A number of airlines, including Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific have expressed an interest in taking over the airline.

13 September '98
Philippines Health officials in Manila have advised of a number of new dengue fever hot spots in the Philippines. San Pablo City, Legaspi City and Camarines Norte Province, all on the island of Luzon, have been identified as new areas of high dengue fever risk. The disease can be fatal if not treated and more than 202 people have died from dengue fever this year in the Philippines. There is no preventative drug available for this mosquito-spread disease. A sudden onset of fever, headaches and severe joint and muscle pains are the first signs before a rash develops. Recovering from dengue fever takes weeks, and the after-effects may linger for a lot longer. As there is no prophylactic for dengue fever, the best policy is to cover up at all times (mosquitoes carrying this disease bite during the day), wear repellant, use a mosquito net and avoid wearing perfumes.

30 August '98
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will shortly resume flights to Australia, Asia and the Middle East after months of uncertainty for the airline. A series of strikes by PAL pilots and ground crew combined with the regional economic crisis almost completely grounded the airline earlier this year. Flights within Asia are expected to resume next month and the resumption of services to Australia and the Middle East are planned for November.

15 April '98
Emergency food supplies have been sent to the southern Philippines island of Mindanao which is experiencing food shortages because of severe drought. The Red Cross is distributing rice and other food to more than 1 million people on Mindanao, the second largest of the Philippine islands.

18 March '98
The US Embassy in Manila has issued a warning for travellers in the Philippines. The Embassy has received information that the area between Tanay and Sinoloan in Rizal Province may be subject to insurgent activity in the near future. The area is east of Laguna de Bay and is a major route for travellers returning from southern Luzon. Travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution in the area for the next month.