HOHO trip around fun circuit

Emerging as a hub for entertainment, the neighboring cities of Pasay and Parañaque have attracted locals and tourists alike. | Photograph courtesy of DOT

The first-ever Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours has a new itinerary in its route.

“The launch of HOHO tours in the Pasay-Parañaque circuit reinforces the area’s position as a leading destination for visitors,” Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said at the inauguration held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall recently.

She cited the unique experience that the Entertainment Hub will offer being host to an interesting blend of modern-day premier recreational facilities, and cultural and historical landmarks.

“The Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours have successfully promoted our heritage sites, museums and lifestyle centers in the metropolis, as well as the entertainment spots, heralding our stories as a people.”

Traversing the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, HOHO will now bring tourists into these entertainment hotspots that boast a blend of modern entertainment complexes, vibrant nightlife and historical and cultural landmarks.

Emerging as a hub for entertainment, these neighboring cities have attracted locals and tourists alike.

The Entertainment Hub features 13 designated bus stops at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Newport World Resorts, City of Dreams, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parqal, Okada Manila, Solaire Resort, Luxe Duty Free, MOA Main Stop, SMX Convention Center and MOA Seaside.

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan laid out the red carpet for the guests at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia:

 “We are proud to be part of this venture. This represents a groundbreaking approach in tourism, giving tourists the freedom to explore the city at their own pace.”

The inaugural launch of the HOHO Entertainment Hub brought guests to a curated tour itinerary highlighting premier destinations at the Mall of Asia, Luxe Duty Free, Newport World Resorts, City of Dreams, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Okada Manila, where pocket performances and walkthrough gave a glimpse to their offerings.

The secretary also spoke about HOHO’s foray into digitalizing tours as a huge step forward to the country’s desire to boost the ease of doing business and travel.

Frasco pointed out the use of digital technology as among the goals under the NTDP, which she said “is being met in part by our Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, allowing tourists to travel at their own convenience by curating their experience through an online booking app.”

To elevate the HOHO experience is a mobile application developed for the tour where they can book their own itinerary, either guided or do-it-yourself.

The mobile app gives tourists the opportunity to explore nearby attractions at their leisure, as well as check the schedule of the departing bus in various HOHO stops in real-time.