Four C’s at Sarawak travel fair: Color, culture, couture, cuisine

Something indigenous, something ingenious… That’s how officials of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) approach the task of putting up exhibition pavilions during travel fairs — whether it is at the International Tourism Borse in Berlin, Germany, or at the Travel Exchange in Sarawak, Malaysia.

The DOT recently invited The Philippine STAR to cover the third BIMP-EAGA (or Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asian Growth Area) Travel Exchange at the Permata Exhibition Center in Kuching, the capital of the East Malaysian State of Sarawak. Kuching is the most populous city in Sarawak, and the fourth largest Malaysian city.

For this particular travel fair, DOT officials showcased what our country is famous for: sumptuous dishes, elegant designs, rich cultural heritage and, of course, unparalleled tourist attractions. The focus this year was on Palawan and Mindanao as island destinations. 

“Our goal is to promote these places as eco-tourism and family holiday destinations,” DOT regional director Louella Jurilla told reporters who interviewed her during Philippine Day in the exhibition hall.

The hardworking DOT director mentioned two UNESCO Heritage Sites that are worth a visit by Malaysian tourists: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which boasts the world’s longest underground river; and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, which is a must-see for divers with over 300 coral species and sea creatures. Around 100,000 Malaysians already visit the Philippines annually, but she’s optimistic these numbers will increase once expo visitors find out there’s more to the country than corals and underwater constellations of color.

Guests at the Sarawak travel exchange couldn’t help but marvel at the attractions at the Philippine pavilion: everything from coco-wood picture frames and cashew nuts to wooden boat décor and beautiful fabrics from Mindanao. The 36-square-meter pavilion showcased the various attractions in Mindanao and Palawan — activities spanning culture, adventure and nature. With golfing and diving on the side.

DOT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano instructed the department’s Team Asia Pacific to conduct marketing activities in support of the BIMP-EAGA. Some of the initiatives being conducted by the DOT include working on a joint promo campaign with air carriers servicing the region such as Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirt; organizing familiarization tours for media and agents; and conducting product presentations for travel agents.  

The Malaysian journalists were impressed with the performances of the Hinugyaw Cultural Troupe from Koronadal City as well as the Bislig City Government Employees Singing Society of Bislig City (Caraga Region). The Hinugyaw dancers looked resplendent in their purple costumes. A reporter from a Malaysian daily said the number was “beautifully choreographed.” I couldn’t agree more.

Another highlight of the whole DOT mission to Sarawak was the fashion show that featured one of our country’s best designers, Renee Salud.

At the official dinner held at the Crowne Plaza Riverpark Hotel, Salud showcased his creativity in appropriating weaves from Mindanao and Palawan, and creating contemporary pieces out of them.  The fashion show was held just as we finished partaking of sumptuous Filipino food (such as adobong manok) courtesy of chefs from Marco Polo Davao City. 

Jurilla concludes, “We want to show the people here in Sarawak what we have to offer.”

Even if our country already attracts 100,000 Malaysians a year, DOT continues to showcase what makes our country such a great tourist destination. Whatever it is that attracts our good neighbors from Sarawak — whether it’s cuisine, culture, couture or corals — our country has it.

To “C” is to believe.