More Exciting Events Await Visitors at Poro Point Baywalk
Tourists looking for fun experiences up North should definitely make their way to Poro Point Economic Zone’ Poro Point Baywalk, which makes a scenic backdrop for a host of exciting activities lined up for the rest of 2016.
Halloween will take a frighteningly fun turn as Poro Point Baywalk hosts the Baywalk Zombie Run on Oct. 27. Recreating a zombie apocalypse reminiscent of Train to Busan, World War Z, and The Walking Dead, the 5-kilometer horror race is the first event of its kind in La Union, and will have exciting parkour and drone exhibitions.
Young entrepreneurs can also learn more about how to jumpstart their businesses at 2nd Youth Conference to be held on Nov. 25 and 26 at the Poro Point Baywalk Events Center. With the theme “Young Innovators, Millennial on the Rise” two-day festival-themed event will gather other young innovators and pioneers who will share their experiences in building a successful enterprise.
Visitors and conference participants can also enjoy other activities at the event, such as the art camp, film viewing, pottery making, and mixology and cooking seminars.
The conference will be capped off with a special discussion on developing corporate social responsibility programs.
Poro Point Baywalk is increasingly becoming a popular recreation destination, drawing locals and tourists alike with features and amenities such as parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and gazebos.
The events center and commercial strip have also become venues for various activities and events. Built on the eastern side of the Poro Point peninsula and fronting the San Fernando Bay, the Baywalk offers a panoramic view of the City and the adjacent towns of San Juan and Bacnotan. (PNA)
Tourism department plans to redevelop Intramuros
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is finalizing a proposal to revive the walled city of Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history, director for public affairs and advocacy, Czarina Zara Loyola, has said.
The plan, spearheaded by tourism Assistant Secretary Gwen Javier and Undersecretary Alma Jimenez, envisions the five-hectare Intramuros as a historical and cultural center that will promote Manila as a premier tourist destination.
Loyola said the department plans to fix Intramuros' longtime problems to make the city a walking tourist site, just like Vigan in Ilocos Sur province.
She said to make Intramuros accessible, the department plans to improve the sidewalks that are obstructed by posts and have varying curb heights, put up signs that would guide tourists in navigating the area, and implement an appropriate traffic plan that would address the volume and schedule of traffic, as well as parking.
The proposal also includes the restoration of the Maetranza Park to become a venue for cultural shows, concerts, and vintage car shows.
The department is also eyeing a public-private partnership (PPP) for holding events and concerts at the Clamshell Tent, situated along Anda St., Loyola said.
Meanwhile, to address complaints on the overcharging of the "kalesa" operators, she said, “We are studying the possibility of tapping Beep to work with us, para sigurado na yung kukunin sa turista ay yung halagang dapat lang kunin sa kanila (to ensure that the tourists will be charged the right amount).”
Beep cards, provided by AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), are currently accepted at Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3.
If the partnership between the DOT and AFPI pushes through, tourists can easily get around Manila as they could ride the train, public bus and other modes of transportation in Metro Manila using the electronic smart card, Loyola said.
Tourism Seretary Wanda Teo is set to give an update on Tuesday regarding the rehabilitation plans for Intramuros. (PNA) CVL/JGA/ssc/RMA/PR-BCDA/EDS/Josephine Grace Aguilo
