PRRD to tap Gray as PH tourism ambassador: DOT

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray faces the media after her meeting with Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the DOT office in Makati City. (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue working with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in promoting the Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte seeks to tap the beauty queen as the country's tourism ambassador, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday.

"We want her to be our tourism ambassador. According to the President he really wants her to be our tourism ambassador," Romulo-Puyat told reporters when asked if the agency will ask Gray to serve the role after her reign as Miss Universe 2018.

Romulo-Puyat said Gray herself was excited in further promoting the country's destinations.

"She wants to promote all, she was saying there's so much to offer, so much to show the world," Romulo-Puyat said.

Gray on Tuesday paid courtesy calls on Senate President Vicente Sotto III prior to her meeting with Romulo-Puyat and other ranking DOT officials in Makati City.

During her speech, Romulo-Puyat stressed that Gray has vigorously promoted the country even before she won the prestigious pageant in 2018.

The DOT has been instrumental in her introduction clip for the Miss Universe competition featuring the beauty of the world-renowned Palawan and Mindanao, among others.

"Cat has already been promoting the Philippines even before she won and thank you for that for promoting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. You have made our country proud," she said.

"Because of you becoming Miss Universe, the Philippines... there is now awareness all over the world," she noted.

Gray, meanwhile, said promoting the Philippines is "something she is very passionate about."

"I feel like if people will see what we have to offer, the level of interest will spike. We have so much potential to share that with the rest of the world. I hope that in my own way of being Miss Universe 2018, I could work in promoting the Philippines," she said. (PNA/By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Baguio City remains all-time favorite summer destination

MANILA -- With the scorching months of March, April and May coming soon, expect thousands of Filipinos to flock to Baguio City (aka the City of Pines) to escape the searing heat.

Located 4,810 feet or 1,470 meters above sea level, the nation's Summer Capital is also known for its 

"Panagbenga" or the annual Flower Festival, which highlights the city's diverse cultural heritage and unique environment.

John Eric Mendoza, 20, of Caloocan, described Baguio as “cold and beautiful”.

“Kahit summer, ang lamig. Gustong-gusto ko yung lamig. Mas malamig nang (k)onti sa aircon (It's really cold, even in summer. I really love the cold. It's slightly colder than an air conditioner),” Mendoza said, recalling his visit to the city last year.

He said he would love to go back to the city because of its cold climate, yummy treats, and the pine trees, though he only saw a few when he went there.

"Masasarap mga (pasalubong) ‘dun, saka mura. Strawberry, pili nuts. Actually 'yung Baguio, stopover ko lang ‘yun, kasi pagpunta ko galing ako Mountain Province, may sinamahan ako, nagpa-tattoo ako sa (The food that they sell are delicious. I bought strawberries and pili nuts. Actually, I only had a stopover in Baguio. 

I went to Mountain Province to accompany a friend. I also got a tattoo. We went to the) Mountain Province, Sagada, Bontoc, then Banaue, Baguio," he narrated.

For 21-year-old Christian Sigua of Antipolo, aside from the cold climate of the city, the warm welcome of its people is what he fell in love with.

“More than the beauty of the place and its cold weather, I fell in love with Baguio because of its people who are very welcoming," he added.

Alvin Ilustrisimo, 20, of Rodriguez, Rizal, meanwhile marvels at the city’s unique beauty and climate.

“Ang ganda talaga sa Baguio tapos ang lamig-lamig pa. Tapos aantabayanan mo rin yung sunrise, kasi ang ganda talaga (Baguio City is really a beautiful and cool place. Also, you will really look forward to its sunrise),” he said.

Monreal, 18, a tourist from Manila, however, expressed a different view.

“Nung pumunta kami, parang Maynila rin. Mainit, pero sa bandang hapon malamig,” he said, noting that he nonetheless loves the city.

“Nagustuhan ko yung klima at ang lamig dun sa Baguio (I enjoyed Baguio's cool climate),” Flor Frivaldo, a 50-year-old professor stated. (By Priam Nepomuceno /With reports from Darwin C. Pesco, OJT/PNA)