Southbound Travel and Adventure Fair 2016, held at Solenad 3 in Nuvali, turned out to be a fusion of travel highlights, on its launch. The presenter, Voice of the South, and the organizer, South Trade Caravan, agreed to dedicate the event to all those who tour the Philippine islands, for the adventure, for the wonderful sights, or the many other reasons that, ultimately, bear personal growth and development, as side effects. An extensive assortment of travel-related industries, however, came to participate, and some even rushing to join in the last minutes before the fair commenced.
Showcased in the event were various travel destinations, adventure tours, beach hotels, lake resorts, farm excursions, zoo expeditions, golf and country clubs, theme parks, water sports facilities, emerging provincial restaurants and gastronomic travel stops, picnic areas, leisure playgrounds, camp sites, spa vacations, entertainment districts, beach enclaves, new must-see urban sprawls. But other aspects of travel and tourism were featured as well, like ‘one town, one product’ displays, the latest car models, car care services, tires and wheel services, action cameras, water-proof gadgets, hiking gear, travel apparel, portable storages, personal safety equipment, vision-enhancing eyewear, travel insurance, and booking agencies. And, actually, the event offered a whole lot more to the participants and mall-goers alike.
In the course of the 3-day event, the emcees conducted a travel-related trivia contest meant to highlight and educate the public on our country’s wonders, geography and tourist destinations. The prizes for correct answers by contestants ranged from gift certificates to hotel and resort accommodations, to discount cards and vouchers to restaurants, department stores, entertainment and recreational getaways, and car services.
Manila Jockey Club’s Horseshoe-Throwing Game was an instant “hit”.
A fashion show by Tiddletots Tutu Couture, which featured various ethnic costumes, aimed to highlight the Philippines’ cultural diversity and, thus, inspire tourism in the country, while Life & Arts presented some captivating song numbers by very talented children.
The Laguna Tourism Council and the Provincial Capitol of Laguna even provided a 33-piece brass band to amuse the audience.
Experts shared smart travel tips, information on booking and reservations, instructions on how to optimize the use of gadgets when travelling, and advice on travel and life insurance products.
Professional carvers from Paete, Laguna demonstrated their skills by creating ice and fruit sculptures in front of the crowd.
Former Gel Boy Randy Concepcion, with his new group The Chili Papas, capped the event’s three evenings with performances that thrilled the audience.
Sponsored by Ayala Malls, Sandari Batulao, Club Ananda, Manila Jockey Club, Chantilly Restaurant, Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa, Canyon Woods Resort Club, Canyon de Boracay, Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Springs Resort, Club Punta Fuego, Aquaria Water Park, Playa Laiya, Seda Hotel-Nuvali, The Wild Juan Resto-Bar, Lago De Oro Wake Park & Resort, Tanay Adventure Camp, Anlu Uy Car Care Services, Michelin Tires, Bosch Batteries, Azumi Boutique Hotel, Minerva Tyres, Dunlop Tires, Toyo Tires, Tiddletots Tutu Couture, Volvo-Alabang, Sun Cellular, Costales Nature Farm, Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park, Manila Ocean Park, Splash Suites, Splash Oasis, Paradizoo, Zoobic Safari, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, Residence Inn, Caliraya Resort Club, White Knight Hotel & Segway Tours, SunLife Insurance, Urban Gadgets, GoPro, Marshalls Headphones, Brat Pack, Back Joy, Grind, Storage Solutions, Luminox, Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park, The Opticians, Microtel Inn-South Forbes, The Coral Beach Club, Mercedes Benz-Alabang, Peugeot-Alabang, Toyota-Makati, Hyundai-Sta Rosa, Lceus Travel Agency, Pacific Princess Travel Agency, Fly Book Travel Agency, Gerry’s Grill, Chubby’s, Buffalo Wings N’ Things, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Nonna’s Pasta & Pizzeria, Tia Belle’s Pancit Malabon & Pichi Pichi, Sultan Shawarma, Harry’s Diner, Sbarro Pizza, Justine Barbara Salon, Clairvoyant Architecture, Coca Cola, Life & Arts School of Arts, Dance & Voice, Storm Electronics, Treasured Banquets Catering and Events Specialists, Paete Tourism Council, Laguna Tourism Council, and the Provincial Capitol of Laguna—Southbound Travel and Adventure Fair 2016 was a concerted effort by the tourism stakeholders, travel-related businesses and the southern community in general to inspire life, growth, travel and adventure.
