180. 34TH PTM & ISABELA RICE ART
President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr., in his speech during the opening
of the three-day 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on September 1 said: “As you
continue to invest your energies and passion into your trade and craft, you can
be assured of this administration’s fervent support for the entire tourism
industry. Policies and programs are underway to create a wholesome climate and
stable foundation through the upgrading of critical tourism infrastructure,
capacity-building for our workforce and entrepreneurs, fostering a more
business-friendly environment, and [improving] the security and the rule of law
in our country.” He also recognized the tourism industry’s contribution to the
economy, “providing livelihood opportunities to more than five million of our
kababayan [compatriot]. With the innate beauty of our 7,641 islands and our
people, our tourism will remain to be a vital economic sector for our country
in the decades to come.”
The Philippine Travel Mart is the grandest annual fair dedicated to promoting
the diverse beauty of the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Tour
Operators Association (PhilTOA), the event took place from September 1 to 3 at
the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Bringing
together nearly 300 exhibitors from all 17 regions of the country, the PTM
offers a comprehensive showcase of hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour
operators, and tourism offices, all gathered under one roof. The PTM promotes
international tourism, showcases the resilience and strength of the industry,
generates employment and livelihood opportunities, highlights the beauty and
hidden gems of the Philippines, and provide exclusive discounts and deals for
travelers.
The PTM began as a DOT initiative in 1989, meant primarily to cater both to
trade and the consumer market. In 1994, the PhilTOA took over the event and has
organized and staged it as its flagship project up to present.
The DOT Regional Office 02 Booth, stood as a distinctive showcase that
beautifully amalgamated architectural elements inspired by the sturdy stone
houses of Batanes and the timeless allure of a lighthouse. What set it apart
was the captivating rice art that adorned its walls, skillfully crafted to
symbolize the agricultural setting of the region. The meticulously designed
rice art, now a part of the booth's history, not only added a unique aesthetic
dimension but also served as a poignant representation of the agricultural
richness embedded in the cultural identity of the area. The booth, in
retrospect, became a captivating narrative of the region's rural landscapes,
blending the charm of traditional architecture with the symbolic essence of its
agricultural heritage.
The Provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya also had a separate booth at this
year’s PTM. Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo "Dax" E. Cua and
Congresswoman Midy N. Cua graced the opening ceremonies bringing with them the
Quirino Bamboo Ensemble whose performance was lauded by DOT Secretary Christina
Garcia Frasco. Nueva Vizcaya, on the other hand, brought the Ari-Tau Folkloric
Society Inc. and executed also an outstanding performance. Santiago City’s
Balamban Cultural Dance Troupe also flexed their piece at the annual travel
mart. The event was also attended by the Tourism Officers of Cagayan Valley and
other tourism stakeholders in the region.
An innovative rice art revolution stole the spotlight in the 34th annual
tourism event. The PTM witnessed an extraordinary artistic revolution as the
spotlight shone on the Rice Art Nation, a dynamic collective of visionary
artists hailing from the heartland of Ramon, Isabela. The highlight of the
event was a remarkable portrait of Secretary Frasco, crafted entirely out of
rice grains. This captivating masterpiece was gifted to the lady Secretary by
DOT Region 2, showcasing the boundless creativity and innovation flourishing
within the community.
Giovanni Garinga, the Isabeleño behind the rice art and a local visionary, gazed
upon the lush landscapes of Ramon, Isabela, and envisioned more than just
sustenance; he saw an opportunity for art and community growth. Thus, rice art
was born – a concept aimed at transforming the very essence of the hometown
into a canvas of inspiration for the youth. This initiative gained traction as
local artists embraced the Rice Art movement, proudly uniting under the banner
of "Rice Art Nation."
Supported wholeheartedly by LGU Ramon, the Rice Art Nation flourished. The
artistic journey led by Garinga and his team of talented rice artists
transformed an agri-eco booth into a mesmerizing showcase of rice artistry. The
partnership between the artists and the community grew stronger, fostering a
shared sense of pride and ambition. The creations of the Rice Art Nation
captivated audiences at the Philippine Travel Mart, demonstrating the
innovation and creativity thriving within Ramon's heart. While the concept of
rice art wasn't unique, Ramon's vision extended beyond local admiration. With
each stroke of genius, the Rice Art Nation aimed to transcend borders,
capturing hearts not only within the Philippines but around the world. Through
their online presence and captivating challenges, the Rice Art Nation's
creations reached global audiences, resonating with those who appreciate
creativity and innovation.
With unwavering dedication, the Rice Art Nation envisioned becoming the
"Next Big Thing" for the Philippines. Their dream encompassed not
just artistic expression, but also a cultural legacy, economic prosperity, and
a transformative artistic movement. Their grand ambition was to encapsulate the
Philippines' diverse landscapes through rice art, creating each masterpiece as
a destination in itself.
The tribute to Secretary Frasco marked a significant milestone for the Rice Art
Nation. Crafted with precision and passion, the portrait made of rice grains
symbolizes the community's dedication to innovation, artistic expression, and
the promotion of their cultural heritage.
The Rice Art Nation's journey is a testament to the power of a single idea
nurtured with dedication. With hearts brimming with hope and inked with
ambition, the Rice Art Nation beckons to the world, calling out, "Hello
Isabela!, Hello Philippines!, Hello World!" This artistic revolution
continues to inspire generations, showcasing how a collective vision can
transform into a beacon of innovation and creativity.
The final day of the 34th Philippine Travel definitely ended with a bang as
guests and exhibitors went home with smiles on their faces, thanks to their
shared passion for promoting the local travel industry and re-experiencing the
Philippines in a new light. The three-day festivities were filled with games,
performances, and a thrilling awarding ceremony, that made everyone feel like
winners. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the Philippine Travel
Mart is “another driving force to push the tourism industry closer to its
pre-pandemic levels and further to even exceed it.”
Mabuhay Philippine Travel Mart! Mabuhay Rice Art Nation! Love Cagayan Valley!
Love The Philippines!
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