Ally

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Sept, 2007) - In an effort to raise global awareness for its unparalleled dive offerings, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is working with Ocean Environment Australia to stage the 6th annual Celebrate the Sea Marine Imagery Festival (CSMIF) in Manila this upcoming weekend (Sept. 21 - 23).

Conducted in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Antibes - also known as the "Cannes of Underwater Film Festival," the CSMIF is the biggest imaging event of the sea in the Asia Pacific. Since 2002, the annual festival has attracted entries from over 38 countries and a loyal following of dive enthusiasts scoping out potential dive sites for future vacations.

This year's CSMIF includes an international prints competition featuring $30,000 worth of prizes, an exhibit on marine environmental issues, a children's painting competition, and the Underwater Film Festival, where 15 award-winning documentary features will be brought for screening throughout the three days.

In addition, the event will feature seminars led by a panel of world renowned image makers and marine scientists such as David Doubilet of National Geographic, whale shark scientist Brad Norman, "Celebrate the Sea" author Michael Aw, and Daniel Mercier, founder of the World Underwater Picture Festival, among others.

"We are pleased that the country has been chosen as the venue of this prestigious event, adding further emphasis to the Philippines' place on the map of top international dive sites," said Cynthia Carrion, PDOT Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving.

"The festival has evolved to be one of the most important international events of the sea as it raises public awareness and inspires people to protect and preserve our natural environment," added Carrion.

Vernie Morales, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago, offered similar sentiments, adding that "many divers visiting Manila for the festival will take the opportunity to venture outside of the city and explore some of the world-class dive sites in and around the 7,107 islands that comprise our beautiful country."

This year's CSMIF will be held Sept. 21 - 23 at the Coconut Palace, a remarkable venue constructed of specially engineered coconut lumber and featuring highlights such as a 101 coconut shell chandelier.

The CSMIF will remain in Manila for the three years, positioning the Philippines as the capital of underwater imagery in the Asia Pacific region.

For more information on the CSMIF, contact cts@oneocean.com or visit www.celebratethesea.com

For more information on diving in the Philippines, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or contact the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles at 213-487-4525; San Francisco at 415-956-4060; New York at 212-575-7915 or Chicago at 312-782-2475. Visit the PDOT in cyberspace at www.wowphilippines.com.ph

Philippine Department of Tourism

The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.

The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph

Kahn Travel Communications (KTC) is the appointed publicist for the Philippine Department of Tourism, covering North America. Media may contact KTC at (516) 594-4100, or via e-mail at j.kahn@ktcpr.com