High Five, Pilipinas! Taiwan Excellence’s FuBear Goes Around the Philippines and Shares the Gimme Five Cheer to Thousands of Filipinos!

The Taiwan Excellence mascot continues its mission of giving high fives and spreading encouragement to everyone, now here in the Philippines! From visiting offices in Metro Manila to roaming around parks in Central Visayas, Filipinos enjoyed fun surprise appearances from the friendly black bear. FuBear also steals the hearts of Filipino netizens on social media as the Gimme Five initiative reaches the internet.

 

Who is FuBear?

From Taiwan, FuBear is a character made in the likeness of the Formosan Black Bear, Taiwan’s national animal. FuBear’s mission is to champion the spirit of excellence by giving high fives around the globe and, now, in the Philippines.

 

Pilipinas, Good Job and Gimme Five from FuBear!

The Gimme Five online initiative touched the hearts of thousands of Filipino netizens, with many becoming fans of the mascot and its message. In many videos posted on the Taiwan Excellence social media pages, FuBear tours many places in the Philippines and searches every corner, finding a friend to give a big high five to.

 

 

Filipinos experienced a pleasant surprise when seeing FuBear in theme parks filled with families bonding, in tricycle stations where commuters and drivers are waiting in line, and in office pantries where young professionals are taking their break time. FuBear even ensures that its message is understood in many languages by using local Filipino languages in its videos posted online, making sure its high five reaches every kind of Filipino.

 

Where Can We See FuBear Next?

FuBear is set to make more appearances in the Philippines before completing its Gimme Five mission. For updates on FuBear’s journey, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

JUANDERCON 2025: Strengthening Philippine Tourism Through Education, Innovation, and Collaboration

 

The Philippine tourism and hospitality industry will be the spotlight as JUANDERCON 2025 is held on October 23–24, 2025, at Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City — a two-day national convention to empower the nation's tourism industry through education, innovation, and cooperation.

Organized by Exlink Management and Marketing Services (Exlinkevents) and in partnership with the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP), JUANDERCON 2025 is a dynamic forum that connects tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and future leaders. The forum aims to promote and upgrade tourism marketers and professionals.

The convention will feature world-class speakers and thought leaders who will deliver concepts regarding tourism marketing, destination branding, leadership, and digital transformation.

Day 1 – Tourism Marketing

• Asec. Sharlene Batin, Department of Tourism – Keynote Address: "The Future of Tourism: Marketing in a Competitive World"

• Bobby Horrigan, CEO, Horrigan Hospitality – "From Boracay to the World: Crafting Global Destination Brands"

• Art Boncato, Group GM, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts – "The Psychology of Travel: Selling Dreams, Not Just Destinations"

• Panel Discussion: "What Employers Want: The Skills & Mindset Needed in Tourism Careers" with Arlene Alipio (DOT), Christina Aquino (Taylor University), and Arjun Shroff (PHILTOA), moderated by Dean Kathlene Apillado (JRU)

• Bertch Ian Namuag-Ranis, Managing Director, Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation – "Growing Your Career Beyond the Philippines"

• Dean Henry S. Tenedero, St. Clare College – Closing Keynote: "NeuroWanderlust: Inspiring the Mind to Travel and the Heart to Serve"
  

Day 2 – Tourism, Hospitality & Leadership

• Mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig City – Keynote Address: "Transformational Leadership: Building Trust, Transparency, and Innovation"

• Ivannovich Dmitriv Agote, OIC-ARD, DOT-NCR – "Global Trends Shaping the Future of Travel and Hospitality"

• Eylla Gutierrez, OIC-Executive Director, Asian Institute of Management – "Smart Destinations: How AI is Rewriting the Future of Tourism Marketing"

• Philip Tiongson, GM for Data Science and Analytics, Havas Ortega – "Prosumer Report: The Rise of Mindful Traveling in the Philippines"

• Arch. Joey Rivas, Director, ROKID Philippines – "Enhancing Travel Experience Through Technology"

• Panel Discussion: "Leadership: From Island Hopper to Industry Leader

— Why Tourism Needs You Now!" with Liani Lou Miranda (JTHMAP National President 2019–2021) and Pio Sanchez (Director of Sales, El Nido Resorts), led by Jojo Villamin, JTHMAP Founder

• Malu Galang, FBSE Master Trainer – "Hospitality with a Heart: Servant Leadership in Tourism"

The convention shall also feature the JTHMAP Awards Ceremony, recognizing distinguished students, organizations, regions, advisers, and the coronation of the new JTHMAP Ambassadors.

"JUANDERCON 2025 is not merely a convention—it's a movement that will elevate Philippine tourism by shaping leaders who can inspire innovation, service excellence, and national pride," said Orly Ballesteros, Project Head. "We envision a new generation of tourism practitioners who are going to lead the Philippines to world recognition."

As the country's best convention of the tourism marketers and leaders of tomorrow, JUANDERCON 2025 places particular importance on the role of education, leadership, and cooperation in ensuring the competitiveness and dynamism of Philippine tourism.

For further details, log on to www.juandercon.com

NorthPhil Expo 2025 Opens at SMX: Discover Travel Deals, Culture, and New Destinations

Travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and adventure seekers are invited to experience NorthPhil Expo 2025, officially opening today, October 15, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Running until October 18, this four-day event offers an exciting showcase of the Philippines’ northern travel destinations, exclusive travel deals, and rich cultural heritage. Organized by the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon (ATOCEL) in partnership with the Philippine Exhibitions and Trade Corporation (PETCO), and held in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, NorthPhil Expo brings together a dynamic mix of provincial tourism offices, tour operators, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, local artisans, and major tourism stakeholders—all under one roof.

“NorthPhil Expo 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s a celebration of travel, culture, and opportunity,” said Marissa Nallana, one of the event’s organizers.

“We’re proud to give visitors a space to connect, plan, and rediscover the beauty of the Philippines.”

What to Expect at NorthPhil Expo 2025:

• Provincial Tourism Booths showcasing top destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems

• Exclusive Travel Packages from leading airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and resorts

• Traders’ Area featuring regional crafts, delicacies, and souvenirs

• Live Cultural Presentations, interactive games, and raffle prizes

For businesses, the Networking Reception provides a valuable opportunity for tourism boards, corporate buyers, service providers, and tour operators to meet, collaborate, and forge strategic partnerships.

Who Should Attend? The expo is open to travel agents, tour planners, students, educators, corporate buyers, and leisure travelers looking for fresh ideas, unbeatable deals, and travel inspiration. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome.

Don’t miss your chance to explore, connect, and experience the best of Northern Philippines—all in one place!