Taiwanese celebrity ties the knot in Bora

MANILA, Philippines - Asia’s popular celebrity singer, Fish Leong, and businessman Tony Chao recently tied the knot in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

A result of the aggressive and extensive promotional efforts by the Department of Tourism (DOT), highlighting country’s pristine beaches as premier wedding destinations, DOT’s Romantic Philippines campaign has lured couples to put the country in their wedding wish lists.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano says, “We continue to highlight the country’s position as a desired location for weddings, and this helps boost our specialized segments, also benefiting local businesses, generating income from a constantly flourishing market.”

He adds, “People will not hesitate to invest their resources in the one of the most important events of their lives, also expecting nothing less but the most romantic, most memorable, top-notch location.  The Philippines offers that and more.”

Some 50 Taiwanese tourists including the family and relatives of Fish and Tony flew all the way from Canada and Taipei to Boracay to witness the wedding rites in Discovery Shores. The event was also attended by some Taiwanese media from leading newspapers in Taiwan including the Singapore-based Vogue Magazine.

Fish Leong, also known as Leong Chui Pen, is a sought-after music artist in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, with all her albums landing the bestseller list in the East Asia region.

“For about a year Tony and I have been traveling from one country to another and have seen a lot of amazing places, breathtaking views and serene beaches, met a lot of people and covered a lot of destination weddings, but it is the beach that is the closest to our hearts,” she said.

She shared when asked about their choice for a wedding destination, “We didn’t have a hard time choosing.  Both of us agreed, ‘Where else but in the beautiful island of Boracay, Philippines’?  It is indeed the most perfect place to tie the knot. There is something about the island that makes everyone feel at home.”

The solemn wedding rites facing the beautiful sunset of Boracay was proceeded by an intimate reception at a wedding tent in front of Discovery Shores, especially customized for the affair.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., who heads DOT Planning and Promotions, said, “Our facilities, venues, event planners and organizers, are all ready to welcome those who will celebrate this momentous occasion. We aim to further tap this niche market through offering more programs and packages through our partners.”

World-class entertainment for the guests at the reception was given by Iloilo’s pride, the Gerry Gray Jazz Band, which played the couple’s favorite romantic songs. The simple yet elegant wedding rite has attracted several onlookers and foreign tourists to the resorts to feel the romantic ambience in the beach front.

According to Amanda Tirol, an expert in planning beach destination weddings, the average number (of beach weddings) in Boracay is 200 per year, which includes small to big weddings. Majority of the foreign clients come from Australia, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong and also quite a number from Europe.

 She said, “The best time for a beach wedding in Boracay is from January up to the middle of May because of the cool northeast wind or the so-called amihan season,” characterized by moderate temperatures with little or no rainfall and a prevailing wind from the east.

Boracay has become a popular beach wedding destination for both local and foreign couples because of its accessibility and value-for-money packages.  Direct flights from Taipei to Kalibo by Philippine Airlines and China Airlines continue to boost tourist activity in the island, as well as Manila-Caticlan flights via SEAIR, Asian Spirit and Cebu Pacific.

Numerous activity choices in Boracay like water sports, snorkeling, shopping, spa and wellness retreats, and beach parties, also include the list of top draw cards to the area.