Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Thursday unveiled the third and latest stop of the Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tours – the Entertainment Hub.
“As we launch the Hop-On-Hop-Off tours in the Pasay-Paranaque circuit, we will be reinforcing this area’s position as a leading destination for visitors,” Frasco said at the inauguration at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
The latest project broadens the National Capital Region’s and the country’s diverse tourism offerings, according to Frasco.
“The Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours have successfully promoted our heritage sites, museums and lifestyle centers in the metropolis and the entertainment spots, heralding our stories as a people,” she said.
She said the initiative forms part of the strategies under the National Tourism Development Plan.
The HOHO bus takes tourists on a journey through Pasay and Paranaque, visiting prominent entertainment hotspots, modern complexes and historical landmarks. This caters to the area’s growing popularity among locals and tourists alike, who are drawn to its dynamic attractions.
The Entertainment Hub boasts of 13 designated bus stops, offering convenient access to various destinations including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 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 the MOA Seaside.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan welcomed the partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a significant milestone in public-private collaboration, praising the program for its innovative approach to tourism.
“This represents a groundbreaking approach in tourism, giving tourists the freedom to explore the city at their own pace,” he said.
Frasco lauded the introduction of digital elements into the Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) experience that successfully aligns with the DOT’s vision to enhance ease of travel and doing business in the Philippines.
The HOHO experience now features a dedicated mobile app, allowing visitors to craft their own personalized itineraries—guided or self-guided—and effortlessly navigate the city.
The app also incorporates real-time bus schedules across various stops, ensuring seamless exploration throughout the journey.
Available for download on both App Store and Google Play Store, the HOHO app empowers tourists to explore at their leisure, maximizing their time and immersing themselves in the city’s endless offerings.