Philippine Information Agency | Davao City's Black Taxis sport tourism logos

DAVAO CITY, Aug 24 -- Davao City’s unique Black Taxi fleet have began sporting tourism pictures showing the different attractions of the region. 

The picture stickers pasted in the front doors of the taxi sedans is patterned after London Black Taxis, which sported "It's More Fun in The Philippines" logos. However, according to Pierre Ryan Tan, manager of the Black Taxi fleet, they have taken a step further by adding pictures instead of just logos. 

Among the photos are the Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, durian, spelunking, Aliwagwag Falls, Kadayawan Festival, Monfort cave bats, Digos bibingka makers, among many other regional tourism spots and icons. 

Tan said that the photos pasted were in partnership with Department of Tourism (DOT)-11 under Regional Director Art Boncato. 

Aside from promoting tourism, the photos also puts an assurance to passengers with its government partnership. 

“The fact that we have a partnership means that our taxis are up to standards,” Tan said during the launch last August 18. 

The Black Taxi line, the newest addition under the Mabuhay Taxi Company started by Pierre Ryan Tan and his sister 19 years ago, is reputably one of the country’s most sophisticated taxi units. It boasts of point-of-sales remote terminals that allows debit and ATM card cashless transactions, and are equipped with global positioning system terminals for tracking and efficient dispatch. 

Tan said the taxis combine elegance, class and passenger comfort and convenience and has been a hit with the taxi riding public and an internet viral sensation at the same time. 

The Black Taxi tourism taxi launch was held at the Matina Town Square (MTS) and was graced by DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez. The Secretary took a short ride in a Black Taxi unit and was briefed with the taxicab's unique features. 

Aside from the Black Taxis, a homegrown coffee shop, the Blue Gre café, also launched its "It’s More Fun in the Philippine" cups. Budget airline Seair also had the tourism slogan emblazoned on its fuselage. 

“These people (owners of Black Taxi, Seair, Blugre) represents those which treats tourism as an industry and not just a hobby or activity,” Jimenez said during the launching’s press conference at Blue Gre café in MTS. 

The tourism secretary said that these are exciting times for Philippine tourism. He added that they are hopeful of meeting the 4.16 million tourism arrival target for 2012. (PIA/RG Alama)