Tourism
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Swiss Diver Rescued in Medical Emergency off Mindoro Coast
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a swift medical evacuation of a foreign national at Sablayan Port in Occidental Mindoro on Saturday. A 30-year-old Swiss tourist experiencing severe breathing difficulties was rescued after participating in…
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P704M Puerto Galera Cruise Port Contract Awarded to Premium Megastructures
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has awarded a P704,548,888.13 contract to Premium Megastructures Inc. (PMI) for the construction of a dedicated cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, following a competitive bidding process. According…
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Idle Pinamalayan Airport May See Revival Under Abalos Plan
A long-dormant airport in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro could be revitalized if administration senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. wins a seat in the upcoming May 2025 elections, as he pledges to prioritize infrastructure development in Mindoro…
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Oriental Mindoro Signs Agreement for P706-M Cruise Ship Port Development
The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro has signed an economically-vital agreement to establish a cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, a famous tourism spot in the country. The agreement, signed by Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito…
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Travelers Take Note: Updated Trip Schedules to Occidental Mindoro
Planning a trip to Occidental Mindoro? Travelers now have updated schedules for sea transport services connecting the province to Coron, Palawan, and Batangas, making it easier to experience the beauty of the island. Caminawit Seaport…
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New Schedule of FastCat for Batangas-Calapan-Batangas Route Effective January 22, 2025
FastCat has announced a new schedule for its ferry service between Batangas and Calapan, effective from January 22, 2025. The updated departure times from Batangas are at 12:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM,…
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New Shipping Route May Soon Connect Batangas to Pola Port
Shogun Shipping Lines is exploring the launch of a new maritime route connecting Batangas Port to Pola Port in Oriental Mindoro, potentially offering passengers a more convenient travel option with high-end vessel amenities. Ryan Yaco,…
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MIMAROPA Tourism Achieves Landmark Growth and Global Recognition in 2024
MIMAROPA region marked a banner year for tourism in 2024, recording an 11.52% increase in visitor arrivals and garnering multiple international accolades, according to officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourist arrivals reached 2,601,253…
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DFA’s Passport on Wheels Program Coming to Bansud
The local government unit of Bansud has partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to bring mobile passport services to residents through the Passport on Wheels program on March 18, 2025. The one-day event…
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Oriental Mindoro Mandates Sea Transport Firms to Air Tourism Videos
The Oriental Mindoro provincial government has issued an ordinance requiring all sea transportation companies operating in the province to air tourism promotional and cultural preservation videos on their vessels. Provincial Ordinance No. 179-2024, authored by…
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.
