The Patiqueros
MANILA, Philippines - The Patiqueros is composed of DJ Leandro Zayco, Ramoncito Taño (congas and vocals), Kristoffer Centena (bongos and timbali) and John Mark Jaud (cowbells and timbalito). DOT Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion discovered the group at a beach bash in Punta Bulata in Sipalay (around 200 kilometers south of Bacolod) back in 2005. From there, she has taken the group to Singapore, China, Russia, and most recently to Germany.
DJ Leandro says, “Everybody else was spinning. It all pretty much depended on what one spun or how one spun the music but essentially, DJs played music to a crowd. The act had to get better somehow. One couldn’t help but notice how much the drumbeaters of La Carlota (about 200 kilometers south of Bacolod) were stirring up the crowds at practically any event they’d participated in. Somehow, one just had to put the two together and — bam! The group was born.” Zayco’s friend suggested the name “Patikeros” (patik being an Ilonggo term for “hitting, tapping, drumbeating”). Zayco’s aunt suggested they embellish the spelling. Hence, “Patiqueros.” He concludes, “I’m really thankful to U-Sec Carrion and the Department of Tourism. They took the group under their wing and made it fly. It’s been a heck of a ride for me and the guys.”
Marco Vincent Dive Resort
Marco Vincent Dive Resort president and CEO Mel Agudo and vice president Mercy Agudo. Mel says, “Marco Vincent is a 40-room boutique diving resort in Puerto Galera, which offer diving and lessons for beginners. The resort’s emphasis is on excellent facilities, dive boats and food, and most importantly a dedicated staff. On April 17, we will be launching the most modern and comfortable dive boat in Puerto Galera.” One of Marco Vincent’s foreign clients came up to Mel and told him something unforgettable. Mel recalls, “The client said, ‘My country has a lot to offer to its people but it offered him less; your country has less to offer to its people but it offered him more. I hope you never take it for granted.’” (For information, visit www.mvdive.com or www.marcovincent.com)
Expedition Fleet
Yvette Lee, Expedition Fleet Liveaboards director for marketing & media affairs, says, “The most terrific thing about Russians is that, for diving at least, they travel in groups, same amount of laway for 10 to 20 times the amount of bodies. The other Europeans — French, Germans, Brits — are more of ‘FITs’ or free and independent travelers. So for Russians, the same effort to arrange booking hotel transfers, etc., but group ang income.” Her company offers expedition tours to Palau, Tubbataha and essential dive spots in the Philippines. “The Visayas route is very popular among Europeans because it visits all the famous dive spots — we start in Mactan, then go to Malapascua for the treasure sites, go down the western side of Cebu island to Pescador, then to Apo Island, to Cabilao and then back to Mactan. Our reefs compared to other famous Asian destinations are still pristine and there are still a lot of places that remain undiscovered.” (For information, visit www.expeditionfleet.com)
Prime Tours
Prime tours president and CEO Rudy Abenoja and general director Alya Abenoja. Rudy says, “As for our competitive edge, not only is our (Moscow-based) company owned by a Filipino and managed by a Russian, but Alya and her team have in-depth knowledge about the Philippines. They advise various tour combinations for individual or group needs. Alya alone has been traveling in our country since 1999. She has an incomparable 10-year experience and knowledge about our country. We have the best partners in the Philippines (tour operators, resorts, hotels; etc.). Our prices are very competitive, and we regularly monitor the Russian tourism market in terms of supply, demand, growth and other factors.” As for Prime Tours’ participation in this year’s Golden Dolphin, Rudy says, “We just signed a deal with a group of 15 Russian divers who would visit Philippines this May.” (For information, visit www.prime-tours.ru)
