Pristine waters, lush green forests, powdery white sand beaches with rich
marine life are among the things to watch for when Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV) exhibits the Great Ourdoor Adventure for the “Philippines' Bests! 2005” with Eco-tourism and Beach Holidays as the theme on July 8-31, 2005.

The grand opening of Region IV’s Great Outdoor Adventure is scheduled on Friday, July 8, 2005 at 5 p.m., Clamshell 1, Intramuros, Manila. The event will be graced by Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Senator Bong Revilla, members of diplomatic corps, and officials from the local government units.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) hospitality pavilion will be the centerpiece structure of the regional showcase that will feature wellness and spa salon set in a beach setting that will be decorated by Fuego Hotels.

Five smaller structures will surround the main pavilion to be connected by a boardwalk. White sands will be surged around the cottages together with palm/coconut trees to emulate a beachfront. All the five built as cottages will showcase the different tourism products of MIMARO (Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, and Romblon) and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). The DOT-Region IV with Director Louella Jurilla at the helm packaged the July exhibition.

Concession booths inside the exhibit area will sell delicacies, arts and
crafts, as well as tourism products and services from the region. A
lecture-series on eco-tourism and success stories in environment
preservation will enhance the theme of protecting the environment.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said that Region’s IV showcase will not only be entertaining but also educational as it offers daily lecture on eco-tourism and bio-diversity.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment because
once neglected there will be nothing left of us to experience the bounty of nature,” Durano added, “Understanding the importance of nature to us and appreciating its gifts will make one realize the need to protect and
preserve it from extinction and destruction.”

Other activities lined-up by the provinces of Southern Tagalog region are
craft demonstrations, travel fair, onstage concerts, fashion shows, cultural event, and exciting outdoor activities.