Chinese choose Philippines as 'Most Romantic Destination'

MANILA -- Chinese have chosen the Philippines as the "Most Romantic Destination" based on the consumer survey conducted by the Shanghai Morning Post, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

Consul General Charles Jose received recently the award, which was presented by Liu Sha, editor in chief of the Shanghai Morning Post. He was accompanied to the event by Niel Ballesteros of the Philippine Tourism Office in Shanghai.

Other country-winners include: Australia as "The Best Tour Destination for Discovery;" Switzerland as "The Best Shopping Paradise;" Korea as "The Best Skiing Destination;" and Germany as "The Best Destination for Art Appreciation."

Early this year, the Philippines also received one of the "Best Tourist Destination" awards given by the Oriental Morning Post during its annual World Travel – Special Trips Awards.

More and more Chinese are traveling to the Philippines especially during this winter season in China and for the upcoming week-long Chinese New Year holiday in February, the DFA said.

Several Philippine carriers have re-launched their flight services from China to the Philippines to cater to the growing demand of Chinese travelers for short-haul beach holidays.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the Chinese topped the number of foreign nationals that were issued alien certificate of registration identity card in last year.

Based on the bureau's data released Monday, a total of 203,753 aliens registered as of December 31, 2012, which is six percent higher than the previous year with 194,356 aliens.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Chinese nationals recorded the highest number of registered aliens with 59,000, followed by Koreans numbering to about 31,000 and some 26,000 Americans.

David said the government issues alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) to foreigners as proof their lawful sojourn in the country.

The ACR I-Card, being issued by the bureau's alien registration division (ARD), is given to aliens with immigrant, non-immigrant and special non-immigrant visas. It also serves as an exit and reentry permit for departing aliens. (SDR/FP/Sunnex)