Tourism
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Two More LGUs Join Opposition to Batangas Port Terminal Fee Increase
Two additional local government units (LGU) have joined Oriental Mindoro’s provincial board in opposing a proposed 233-percent increase in passenger terminal fees at Batangas Port, citing issues over the burden on low-income travelers and students.…
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Oriental Mindoro Generates P6.17 Billion in Tourism-related Revenue in 2024
Oriental Mindoro province has positioned itself as a rising star in the Philippine tourism landscape, generating P6.17 billion in tourism receipts during 2024 while recording over half a million visitor arrivals — a 19.35% increase…
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Ferry Service Expands Mindoro Routes from Semirara Island
MV Ma. Cristina-1 has launched expanded ferry services connecting Semirara Island to top Mindoro destinations, with daily routes to San Jose and Bulalacao beginning this week. The vessel operates daily services to San Jose, Mindoro…
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Batangas Port Terminal Fee to Increase 233% Affecting Thousands of Mindoro Travelers
The operator of the Philippines’ primary gateway to Mindoro Island is seeking to more than triple passenger terminal fees, a move that could impact tourism costs for travelers to one of the country’s most popular…
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Oriental Mindoro Welcomes Record Half-Million Tourists in 2024
Oriental Mindoro has recorded more than half a million tourist arrivals for the first time, showing an encouraging recovery in the country’s tourism sector. The island province welcomed 529,745 visitors in 2024, representing a 19%…
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Two MIMAROPA Beaches Rank Among World’s Best for 2025
Two beaches in MIMAROPA region have secured positions on the “World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025” list, the government announced Thursday. Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, ranked No. 2, up from fourth place last year,…
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Gov’t Launches P9.5 Million First Aid Facilities for Tourists in Puerto Galera
The Philippine government has approved a P9.5 million project to establish Tourist First Aid Stations and Booths across major tourist sites in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, officials announced Tuesday. The project, part of a larger…
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Digital Ticketing System to Bring Relief for Mindoro-Bound Travelers
Travelers to and from Mindoro Island will soon enjoy the convenience of booking ferry tickets from their homes as the Philippine government prepares to relaunch its electronic ticketing system at key seaports, officials announced Monday.…
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MIMAROPA Cuisine Takes Center Stage During Filipino Food Month 2025
The island provinces of MIMAROPA are showcasing their distinctive culinary heritage as part of Filipino Food Month 2025, showing a rich tapestry of flavors from a region better known for its beaches and landscapes. The…
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CAAP Issues Power Bank Restrictions Ahead of Holy Week Travel
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a reminder about power bank restrictions as travelers prepare for Holy Week flights, one of the busiest travel periods in the country. According to CAAP…
Founder’S Profile
Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo
Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.
The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.
