The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Tourism of India have recently signed a cooperative agreement that will jumpstart projects mutually benefiting the travel industries of the Philippines and India.

"In picture from L-R: Wendell Garcia of PUPIL, Francine Prieto, Dok Sergio of PUPIL, Diane Ventura of PUPIL, Paolo Contis, Ely Buendia of PUPIL, Josa Primero (not seen in picture: Maureene Larazabal and Domini Primero)"

Shanghai Tang, a leading global brand, was launched in the Philippines on December 1. SM Department Store and Branded Lifestyle Inc. introduced Shanghai Tang’s Spring 2009 Collection to select guests at One Esplanade.

STARTING JANUARY 2 IMMIGRATION TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST OVERSTAYING FOREIGNERS.

As part of its drive for foreigners to legalize their stay in the country, the Bureau of Immigration hereby grants a waiver of applicable fines and penalties to overstaying foreigners who will update their stay during the period December 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. The waiver of such fines and penalties is ranged from 25% to 100%, depending on the reason/s for failure to update their stay within the prescribed period.

Last week Hon. Ambassador of Philippines to India Hon. Francisco Benedicto spoke in front of the Indian Chamber membership supporting the 60 years project.

He will work out a PHILIPPINE POSTAL STAMP be issued honoring this friendship.
His plan is also to name an existing garden in the Philippines as INDIAN GARDEN.

The Indian Ladies Club announced the full program of NPMI during its membership meeting at Legend Restaurant last dec 3. Thank you President Jharna. Many now know about this program.

Hon. Vice Consul of the Philippine Consulate was honored by the Indian Chamber last Nov 29 at a testimonial dinner attended by close to a hundred community members. Leading the list of invitees were Hon. Amb. of Philippines to India Francisco Benedicto who flew in Manila specially for this occassion and was accompanied by his charming wife. Also present was Hon. Amb Rajeet Mitter of the Indian Embassy of the Philippines. The Benedicto families were there present and was headed by Ceferino Benedicto, Sr. who is also the consul of. Mrs. Uma Swaminathan was also present.

A IMMIGRATION BOOK to be launched next month by Popular Publishing house. President Arroyo and Commissioner Libanan presented with the Book Cover layout.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed on Nov 17 Executive Order 758 in ceremonies at the Rizal Hall in Malacanan Palace. E.O. 758 or known as the SPECIAL VISA FOR EMPLOYMENT GENERATION or “SVEG” will allow foreign investors to stay in the country indefinitely if they have at least 10 Filipinos employed in their company.

THE GOVERNMENT will import and test hybrid cotton from India in January 2009 as part of plans to increase domestic cotton production, an official of the Agriculture department said recently.