Skip the traffic, see the Philippines with Google Street View

With the persistent traffic problem in the country, the idea of exploring the Philippines might be intimidating or discouraging for some. Google has found a way to let people explore the Philippines without going through EDSA or air-traffic-congested airports.

With the support of the Department of Tourism, Google announced last September 16 that the “Street View” imagery of the Philippines is now live on Google Maps.

Street View imagery offers 360-degree panoramas of over 30 major metropolitan areas in the Philippines such as Greater Manila and Baguio, over 30 historic locations like Vigan, and nature-rich destinations like Mount Pulag or Bantigui Island. Through Street View, people can explore landscapes, research driving routes, arrange meeting points, and see towns closely.

“This new Street View imagery showcases how countries are embracing online tools such as Google Maps as mediums for preserving their heritage and landscapes. With these images, Filipinos and visitors alike can now explore the beauty of the Philippines and share these with their friends and family at home and abroad,” said Ken Lingan, Country Manager, Google Philippines.

Street View also allows people to get a glimpse of the hometowns or favorite spots of celebrities. World-class athlete and Sarangani Congressional Representative Manny Pacquiao said, “I’m happy that I can share the beauty of my hometown and province to the world through Street View… Through this, people can also virtually tour my farm, my beach resorts, or take a glimpse of the Wildcard Gym, where I have fond memories as a boxer.”

Travelers take note—Street View is not just for people who want to stay indoors.   It’s a useful tool for people who want to physically travel and explore.

“Not many people know that we have a lot of eco-tourism wonders in Sarangani and one of the biggest fish ports in the country in General Santos City.  Now, they can take a look and plan their next visit,” as Manny Pacquiao suggested during the launch of Street View.

“By allowing users to see a glimpse of the Philippines from wherever they are, we hope that Google Street View will inspire new visits from people who have not yet experienced the beauty of the country for themselves. And for those who have already been to the Philippines, we hope that this will give them new reasons to explore areas they may not have considered before, encouraging them to visit the Philippines again,” said Department of Tourism Secretary, Ramon Jimenez.

For more information about Street View visit: www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/.

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Aston Martin arrives in Manila

From the silver screen to our streets—the cars driven by James Bond are now in the Philippines.

Aston Martin’s first dealership opened in Manila last September 16, established by DBPhils Motorsports Incorporated with Marc Tagle and Wellington Soong at the helm.

The dealership carries the full range of Aston Martin sports cars—the Vantage, DB9, Rapide S, and the Vanquish.

Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is a renowned British Company headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Its state-of-the-art showroom in Manila is located at G/F W Fifth Avenue Bldg., 5th Ave., corner 32nd St., BGC, Taguig.

“I am very happy that Aston Martin enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy ownership of these exclusive luxury sports cars,” said Marc Tagle of Aston Martin Manila. Customers in the Philippines can get door-to-door pickup, and delivery services for maintenance and repairs of their vehicles by Aston Martin Manila.

Also present at the launch of Aston Martin Manila was Aston Martin Asia Pacific Regional Director Patrik Nilsson who said, “I am very pleased that we have found the perfect partners in Manila who share our passion for Aston Martin.”

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Karen Jimeno is a junior partner at Jimeno Cope & David Law Firm and a law professor.  She hosts LegalHD on CNN Philippines Tuesdays at 9:30PM. She graduated from UP Law School and Harvard Law School, and is licensed to practice law in the Philippines and in New York.