Seoul, 12 September 2013 – The Philippine Department of Tourism Korea team won two prizes at the recently concluded four-day Busan International Travel Fair 2013, which closed on Monday, 9 September 2013 at BEXCO in Busan.

The PDOT Korea team, led by Ms Maricon Basco-Ebron, tourism attache at the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea, won the Best Folklore Performance Award and Best Booth Design Award.

Manila-based Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, Inc. received recognition for its performances at the main stage and at the Philippine Pavilion of the Busan event, which reportedly drew 100,000 plus visitors.

Ten Philippines booth spaces offered daily lotteries offering free return flights to the Philippines sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Air Busan.

The well-organized promos of PDOT this time are tailored to tap market potential for the archipelago in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, in and around the country's second largest and affluent international port city of Busan , some 450 km south of Seoul,.

Inspired by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group under the tutelage of the National Artist for Dance Mr. Ramon Arevalo Obusan, Sindaw (meaning “flame” in Maguindanaoan) is a cultural organization formed in May 2001 to promote art and culture through the re-staging of various folk dances of the Philippines. The members are composed of young and energetic artists who have been members of professional Philippine dance companies for years. It is led by Mr. Randy C. Guevara as the Artistic Director.

Under the auspices of the Department of Tourism, the group was able to represent the country in different folk dance festivals, and travel fairs and marts held in different countries to help promote the tourism industry. Occasionally, the group performs in different local venues for different corporate shows and events, concerts and other theatrical productions.

In the meantime, Ms.Basco-Ebron attended the first-ever Philippine Tourism Week (PTW) in Pasay City starting on September 6, which attracted 350 local exhibitors showcasing destination and tour products from all over the Philippines.

Against the backdrop of good governance, better infrastructure and improved peace and order situation in the Philippines, more Korean tourists are expected to visit the Philippines this year beyond the landmark record of one million Korean visitor arrivals in the Philippines achieved in 2012, PDOT Korea said.