Author: PRNEWS Admin

Bangkok Claims Top Spot in MasterCard’s Inaugural Asia Pacific Destinations Index

PRNEWS Admin

Inbound arrivals to Bangkok grew 28.6% in 2015, with three Thai destinations securing top 10 positions

Bangkok has increased its lead over the pack as the region’s most popular destination, with international overnight visitors breaking the 20 million mark for the first time, according to the results of the inaugural MasterCard Asia Pacific Destinations Index. Second place was a close fight between Singapore and Tokyo.

The inaugural index provides a ranking of 167 destinations across Asia Pacific. Thailand dominated the top ten destinations, taking three of the top ten rankings, with Phuket securing fifth place (9.3 million) and the coastal city of Pattaya coming in at eighth place (8.1 million).

Half of the top 10 destinations saw 10 percent growth or more in international overnight visitor numbers between 2014 and 2015 – Osaka (54.0 percent), Tokyo (53.2 percent), Bangkok (28.6 percent), Phuket (15.5 percent) and Pattaya (10.0 percent).

The top 20 destinations of Asia Pacific represent around half of all international overnight arrivals to the 167 Asia Pacific destinations covered by the Index.

The top ten Asia Pacific destinations ranked by international overnight visitor numbers: Bangkok – 21.9 million, Singapore – 11.8 million, Tokyo – 11.8 million, Kuala Lumpur – 11.3 million, Phuket – 9.3 million, Seoul – 9.2 million, Hong Kong – 8.3 million, Pattaya – 8.1 million, Bali – 7.2 million, and Osaka – 6.5 million.

Asia Pacific’s tourism industry is the largest in the world by total contribution to GDP, having overtaken Europe in 2014. Tourism contributed US$2.27 trillion to Asia Pacific economies and 153.7 million jobs in 2015.

Bangkok also ranked number one in total expenditure at US$15.2 billion, with Seoul (US$14.4 billion) coming in second place, followed by Singapore (US$14.1 billion), Tokyo (US$11.9 billion) and Kuala Lumpur (US$10.5 billion).

The top ten Asia Pacific destinations by total expenditure are: Bangkok – US$15.2 billion, Seoul – US$14.4billion, Singapore – US$14.1 billion, Tokyo – US$11.9 billion, Kuala Lumpur – US$10.5 billion, Bali – US$10.3 billion, Taipei – US$9.5 billion, Phuket – US$8.0 billion, Hong Kong – US$6.7 billion, Sydney – US$6.0 billion.

Of the top 20 destinations by total expenditure per day, Shanghai (US$269 per day) welcomed the biggest spenders, followed by Beijing (US$262 per day), Seoul (US$258 per day), Singapore (US$255 per day) and Hong Kong (US$240 per day).

Matthew Driver, Group Executive, Global Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific, MasterCard, commented, “The tourism industry in Asia Pacific is continuing to show robust growth with an increasing number of destinations receiving well over five million visitors a year, driven by increased consumer wealth, particularly from China. Our Asia Pacific Destinations Index (APDI) 2015 reveals the continued resilience of the Thailand market for tourism led by a resurgent Bangkok, as well as the return to popularity of Japan for visitors as demonstrated by the more than 50 percent growth year on year in its top four destinations. Providing in-depth analysis of overnight arrivals in 167 Asia Pacific destinations, the APDI can help businesses and governments better understand the underlying components of in-bound tourism demand, so they can plan investment to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This is becoming increasingly important as tourist numbers continue to rise, as at current growth rates, Asia Pacific will have more than 500 million tourist arrivals by 2020.”

Honda hauls in the All-New Pilot

PRNEWS Admin

Mr. Toshio Kuwahara - President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines officially launched the All-New Pilot at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Designed and developed in America by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., the All-New Pilot showcases generous space, powerful and dynamic performance, more advanced technology, and more premium attributes and amenities. It has earned several awards since it was first displayed at the 2015 Chicago International Auto Show in North America.

LUXURIOUS COMMANDING SUV

Honda’s redesigned premium SUV sports a sleeker design accentuated by distinctive character lines and an aggressive new face. The LED Projector Type Headlight with Signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Tail Lights, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels complete the All-New Pilot’s modern and commanding look.

The contemporary concept extends to the advanced technology of the Smart Entry System, which utilizes a Smart Key with multiple functionalities such as Remote Control Engine Start and Power Tailgate Operation.

On the inside, abundant use of high-quality soft-touch material, posh black leather, and available ambient lighting can be found all throughout the cabin.

For audio and entertainment, Honda’s latest thinking for advanced technology is incorporated in its 8-inch Touchscreen Display Audio interface powered by a new Android based operating system and more powerful processor. Advanced features, such as Bluetooth, HDMI, USB Connectivity and 7 Speakers also fully extend to the front-line quality of the cockpit’s numerous functions.

For the rear passengers, there is a 9-inch Entertainment System with DVD and HDMI capability available for in-transit entertainment needs.

the all new pilot-1White Diamond Pearl 

UNCOMPROMISED VERSATILITY AND UTILITY

For seating, a 10-way Power Seat with memory for the driver and a 4-way Power Seat for the passenger are available.  All these features make riding the All-New Pilot’s commodious cabin a true contemporary experience.

The All-New Pilot retains its exclusive 8-passenger seating capacity with a 60:40 split second row seat that allows for maximum passenger comfort.

Designed with versatile utility in mind, the All-New Pilot carries an additional 3 inches overall length to provide more cargo flexibility for different hauling needs without compromising the third-row seating capability. A Flexible Cargo Management System features a two-position cargo lid that permits item storage in a lower compartment, adjustable to provide higher cargo space.

Along with this, the All-New Pilot also highlights key innovations, such as Triple-Zone Automatic air-conditioning with Independent Rear Controls, Rear Door Sunshades, and One Touch 2nd Row Walk-in seat feature. With just one touch of the All-New Pilot’s One Touch Walk-in feature, the second row seat slides and tilts for easier third row passenger entry and exit.

CONFIDENCE INSPIRING PERFORMANCE

Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology 3.5-liter Direct Injection i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and a 6-speed Automatic Transmission are featured in the All-New Pilot. This delivers maximum power output of 284 ps. The All-New Pilot also features new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4), an All Wheel Drive system with torque-vectoring function that can apportion torque across the rear axle to aid cornering. This helps deliver more dynamic handling that provides confident, efficient, and dynamic all-weather performance. This is paired with the New Intelligent Traction Management, a system that offers four different All Wheel Drive modes (normal, snow, mud, and sand).

pilot black-1

Crystal Black Pearl

CLASS LEADING SAFETY

The All-New Pilot has premiere safety features that are at the fore-front of its class. Awarded the 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, the All-New Pilot boasts of the Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, and Honda SENSING. The All-New Pilot is the second Honda vehicle in the Philippines to exhibit this system following the Legend.

The Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure not only absorbs and disperses the energy of a frontal collision, but also protects the occupants with the efficient ultra-high strength door ring design both from frontal and side impacts.

On the other hand, the Honda SENSING is a comprehensive set of driver assistive technology, which effectively prevents and responds to dangerous driving situations by expanding the driver’s situational awareness. These functions use a monocular camera and radar behind the front grille. The suite of technologies include the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) , Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Other standard safety features include four-channel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Driver and Passenger Side Airbag, and complete Side Curtain Airbag. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures has been added in the All-New Pilot.

Engineered to deliver true premium luxury with the commanding and influential presence one can only get from a luxury SUV, the All-New Pilot will be available at all Honda dealerships with a suggested retail price of Php 3,380,000.00.

The All-New Pilot is readily available in three colors:

White Diamond Pearl (additional Php 20,000)

Crystal Black Pearl

Modern Steel Metallic

Dark Cherry Pearl (on a per order basis)

HCPI invites everyone to catch the All-New Honda Pilot on display along with other Honda vehicles in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Level 1 from February 24 to 28, 2016, and avail of exclusive offers.

For more information about the All-New Pilot and more exciting Honda news to come, visit www.hondaphil.com.

Honda hauls in the All-New Pilot

PRNEWS Admin

Mr. Toshio Kuwahara - President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines officially launched the All-New Pilot at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Designed and developed in America by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., the All-New Pilot showcases generous space, powerful and dynamic performance, more advanced technology, and more premium attributes and amenities. It has earned several awards since it was first displayed at the 2015 Chicago International Auto Show in North America.

LUXURIOUS COMMANDING SUV

Honda’s redesigned premium SUV sports a sleeker design accentuated by distinctive character lines and an aggressive new face. The LED Projector Type Headlight with Signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Tail Lights, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels complete the All-New Pilot’s modern and commanding look.

The contemporary concept extends to the advanced technology of the Smart Entry System, which utilizes a Smart Key with multiple functionalities such as Remote Control Engine Start and Power Tailgate Operation.

On the inside, abundant use of high-quality soft-touch material, posh black leather, and available ambient lighting can be found all throughout the cabin.

For audio and entertainment, Honda’s latest thinking for advanced technology is incorporated in its 8-inch Touchscreen Display Audio interface powered by a new Android based operating system and more powerful processor. Advanced features, such as Bluetooth, HDMI, USB Connectivity and 7 Speakers also fully extend to the front-line quality of the cockpit’s numerous functions.

For the rear passengers, there is a 9-inch Entertainment System with DVD and HDMI capability available for in-transit entertainment needs.

the all new pilot-1White Diamond Pearl 

UNCOMPROMISED VERSATILITY AND UTILITY

For seating, a 10-way Power Seat with memory for the driver and a 4-way Power Seat for the passenger are available.  All these features make riding the All-New Pilot’s commodious cabin a true contemporary experience.

The All-New Pilot retains its exclusive 8-passenger seating capacity with a 60:40 split second row seat that allows for maximum passenger comfort.

Designed with versatile utility in mind, the All-New Pilot carries an additional 3 inches overall length to provide more cargo flexibility for different hauling needs without compromising the third-row seating capability. A Flexible Cargo Management System features a two-position cargo lid that permits item storage in a lower compartment, adjustable to provide higher cargo space.

Along with this, the All-New Pilot also highlights key innovations, such as Triple-Zone Automatic air-conditioning with Independent Rear Controls, Rear Door Sunshades, and One Touch 2nd Row Walk-in seat feature. With just one touch of the All-New Pilot’s One Touch Walk-in feature, the second row seat slides and tilts for easier third row passenger entry and exit.

CONFIDENCE INSPIRING PERFORMANCE

Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology 3.5-liter Direct Injection i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and a 6-speed Automatic Transmission are featured in the All-New Pilot. This delivers maximum power output of 284 ps. The All-New Pilot also features new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4), an All Wheel Drive system with torque-vectoring function that can apportion torque across the rear axle to aid cornering. This helps deliver more dynamic handling that provides confident, efficient, and dynamic all-weather performance. This is paired with the New Intelligent Traction Management, a system that offers four different All Wheel Drive modes (normal, snow, mud, and sand).

pilot black-1

Crystal Black Pearl

CLASS LEADING SAFETY

The All-New Pilot has premiere safety features that are at the fore-front of its class. Awarded the 2016 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, the All-New Pilot boasts of the Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, and Honda SENSING. The All-New Pilot is the second Honda vehicle in the Philippines to exhibit this system following the Legend.

The Advance Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure not only absorbs and disperses the energy of a frontal collision, but also protects the occupants with the efficient ultra-high strength door ring design both from frontal and side impacts.

On the other hand, the Honda SENSING is a comprehensive set of driver assistive technology, which effectively prevents and responds to dangerous driving situations by expanding the driver’s situational awareness. These functions use a monocular camera and radar behind the front grille. The suite of technologies include the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) , Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Other standard safety features include four-channel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Driver and Passenger Side Airbag, and complete Side Curtain Airbag. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures has been added in the All-New Pilot.

Engineered to deliver true premium luxury with the commanding and influential presence one can only get from a luxury SUV, the All-New Pilot will be available at all Honda dealerships with a suggested retail price of Php 3,380,000.00.

The All-New Pilot is readily available in three colors:

White Diamond Pearl (additional Php 20,000)

Crystal Black Pearl

Modern Steel Metallic

Dark Cherry Pearl (on a per order basis)

HCPI invites everyone to catch the All-New Honda Pilot on display along with other Honda vehicles in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Level 1 from February 24 to 28, 2016, and avail of exclusive offers.

For more information about the All-New Pilot and more exciting Honda news to come, visit www.hondaphil.com.

The All-New Honda Civic soon to debut in the Philippines

PRNEWS Admin

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) sets itself for the upcoming launch of the much-anticipated 10th generation Civic. The All-New Civic carries forward innovations to deliver powerful driving performance and advanced technologies that complement its all new premium sporty design.

The All-New Civic boasts an aerodynamic styling with its low and wide stance, shortened front overhang, sharply defined character lines, and aggressive new face. The premium sporty exterior of the All-New Civic is further amplified by its Signature LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED Tail Lamps.

Under the hood, the All-New Civic is powered by either a 1.8-liter engine or Honda’s first-ever turbocharged engine that produces a power output of 172 ps and 220 Nm of torque for high cruise efficiency and robust performance. New to the 10th generation Civic is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, which delivers a powerful driving performance and a fun-to-drive experience in different driving situations.

To represent a true essence of the Civic’s sporty heritage, the All-New Civic is the second vehicle among HCPI’s line up to be integrated with the Road Sailing (RS) design, Honda’s sporty grade designed to embody Honda’s aggressive approach on unique exterior styling.

With these key developments and innovation, the All-New Civic has earned its prestige by garnering the “2016 North American Car of the Year”  and “2016 Canadian Car of the Year” awards for its new aggressive styling, excellent driving performance, and advanced technology and safety features that truly add value that characterizes the All-New Civic.

The All-New Civic has also been recognized as the “Overall Best Buy of the Year” by experts at Kelley Blue Book for delivering great value, and an all-new customer experience and ownership, and as “Autoguide.com 2016 Car of the Year” for its upscale styling, and powerful turbocharged engine.

All authorized Honda dealerships nationwide are now accepting reservations for the All-New Civic.

The All-New Civic will be available in 1.8 E and RS Turbo Variants with the following colors:

  • Cosmic Blue Metallic (new color)
  • Midnight Burgundy Pearl (new color)
  • Lunar Silver Metallic
  • White Orchid Pearl
  • Modern Steel Metallic
  • Rallye Red

Catch the latest updates for the All-New Civic by visiting www.hondaphil.com or any authorized Honda dealership nationwide.

Caltex TOOLS addresses growing demand for skilled scaffolders

PRNEWS Admin

TOOLS Partners: From left, seated: American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc. president Edwin Feist, Chevron Philippines Inc. general manager for Philippine Products Peter Morris, Hinch Tech president Barny Hinch and CPI HR manager Ramon Ortiz. Standing as witness: ACF treasurer Robert Sears and Hinch Tech IT manager Dinky Crys Vinarao.

 Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, has a new demand-driven skills training program with a job placement component in its host community of San Pascual, Batangas. Appropriately called Caltex TOOLS (Training in Occupational Opportunities for Life Skills), the pioneer project of this program addresses the gap between supply and demand both here and abroad for highly-skilled scaffolders by providing free technical and values training to qualified disadvantaged youths.

TOOLS was borne out of the partnership between CPI, Hinch Tech and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc. (ACF) that all saw the need for livelihood in the community and the mismatch between job needs from industrial employers versus available skills in the job market. With a glut of training on welding and automotive mechanics, the TOOLs project partners decided to focus on a livelihood training that offers higher pay for its beneficiaries.

Scaffolding installation is classified as a high-risk specialized occupation in other countries, hence, the high demand for certified workers in the global labor market. “As a highly specialized skill, scaffolding has great industry demand, making it a career with high return of investment and potential income.” said Mr. Barny Hinch, president of Hinch Tech

Hinch Tech, one of the leading technical schools in the country, boasts of trainers with international accreditations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification and the CompEx (Competency for Explosion Proof Materials) license. “Since we launched Hinch Tech in 2014, we had a total of 100 graduates to date of which 10% has acquired CompEx license. This is an impressive record in this highly specialized industry. Our successful deployment of highly-skilled technical manpower here and abroad is the result of our school’s world class training facility, complete with simulated work sites, training rooms and even accommodation for our out–of-town trainees,” added Hinch.

CPI country chairman Peter Morris added that since scaffolding is a high risk job, the training will highlight global standards in safety – a core value of Chevron. “We wanted to give more value to our graduates. Today, it is not enough to give basic training. There is a need to match the technical and vocational skills of the people with the demand of the clients and the global standard in safety which is not being met by the quality of the available manpower.”

As the training will be situated in an industry hub, Caltex TOOLS targets at least 100% of its graduates employed within six months following the completion of the course. San Pascual municipality, where Hinch Tech is located, and adjacent Batangas City are home to vibrant shipping, energy, and transport industries where TOOLS graduates can readily ply their trade.

More unique components of Caltex TOOLS are the job tracking and values training such as financial management and work ethics courses offered by ACF to ensure a more well-rounded development for the trainees. “There’s a scarcity of people with technical training. The advantage of Caltex TOOLS is that graduates get jobs straightaway, local or international. The support for Caltex TOOLS means that these students are able to graduate faster, earn more money and contribute to the society quicker”, added ACF president Edwin Feist.

The Caltex TOOLS program is one of the undertakings of Chevron’s Energy for Learning Initiative which supports projects that provide learning and skills to the disadvantaged.