Cebú Projects and Constructions [Archive] - Page 8

Jimbu

July 3rd, 2006, 03:20 PM

Ayala mall to build 5-level complex
By Regina Aguilar
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 10:59am (Mla time) 07/03/2006

Ayala Center Cebu's (ACC) expansion project will build a P300-million mall facility, which could push Cebu as the new shopping mecca in the country.

According to Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) president and chief executive officer Jose Rene D. Almendras, Cebu would soon be home to fashion and technology premium-brand retail shops once ACC's five-level mega-complex is completed in the first quarter of next year.

"Cebu has become the primary destination in the Visayas and Mindanao, and is the international gateway. This is our way of filling up the gap," said Almendras during the groundbreaking last Friday.

Around 50 more popular local and international well-known brands, which are not yet available in Cebu, will open its respective shops in the 6,000-square meter lease area of the extension mall.

CHI, which operates Ayala Center Cebu, has allocated around P1 billion in investment for the entire mall's facilities and enhancements.

The mega complex is the company's first major expansion project for the mall, which started operations in 1994.

"This five-level mall expansion is only the start of a series of developments to happen in Ayala Center Cebu in the next three-and-a-half years," said Almendras.

He noted that ACC has the "most number of tourists per square meter" compared with other malls in Cebu.

In fact, the growing demand from sophisticated tourists as well as the local market pushed the mall to expand to resolve the lack of premium or high-end signature brands in Cebu, Almendras said.

ACC's existing four-story building, he said, is already "technically full."

Moreover, the construction of the mega-complex will be done by the Makati Development Corp.

Almendras said a special zone for technology products and services will be created for ACC's annex building.

"The zone will bring in technology to a very convenient level, where there will be a whole convergence of the latest media technology," said Almendras.

Rustan's Supermarket will be the anchor supermarket store in the mall's annex building. It will also open its second Fresh Supermarket in the area.

ACC's Rustan's Fresh Supermarket would be a bigger supermarket compared to the newly opened outlet in Banawa. Rustan's Supermarket-Ayala will be situated in a 2,000-square meter floor area.

Almendras said shoppers can expect enhanced services as the mall, which recently acquired a triple ISO certification, adopts new higher standards of operations.

sugbuanon

July 3rd, 2006, 03:25 PM

^^ two backhoes are already deployed at the site but still no sign of contstruction.. also they still have to start fencing the site's perimeter..

slerz

July 3rd, 2006, 04:46 PM

20 more floors to go before topping off..

hapit na gyud madugay :D

sugbuanon

July 3rd, 2006, 05:59 PM

LordCarnal

July 3rd, 2006, 06:08 PM

jrevalde

July 3rd, 2006, 11:53 PM

^^ Wow, so who's financing it? Is it from the pockets of the building owners themselves? I wonder what encouraged them to put so much money cladding their old buildings with aluminum......:)

Sinjin P.

July 4th, 2006, 12:42 AM

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6209/fromcebu3a4lo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img274.imageshack.us/img274/458/fromright1a9de.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cebu international convention center

The exterior details are getting better and better. :okay: But bad uncooperative weather! :rant:

Sinjin P.

July 4th, 2006, 03:11 PM

slimer

July 4th, 2006, 03:44 PM

Update: VIDICHI I.T. COMPLEX is soon to rise on the lot adjacent to the entrance of the Cebu Yacht Club (across Mactan Marina Mall). A rendering is posted on the construction site. I hope someone (if not me) can take a photo of it. :)

mao ba bai? anha man ko dapita maglabangan padung marina mall everyday pero wa jud ko ka-notice. daghan man sakyanan diha gud mao wa nay lingi2, maligsan nya ko hehehe... simbako!
good news sad ni dah!

Jimbu

July 4th, 2006, 06:12 PM

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6209/fromcebu3a4lo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img274.imageshack.us/img274/458/fromright1a9de.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cebu international convention center

Vice Guv's worry a wake-up call

The Freeman 07/05/2006

Capitol consultant on information, organization and management, Atty. Pablo John Garcia said the statement of Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez expressing worries over the completion of the Cebu International Convention Center in time for the 12th ASEAN Summit this December is a "wake-up call".

But despite the fears Sanchez expressed, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is still optimistic the infrastructure can be completed in time for the summit.

Pablo John yesterday said that in a talk with the governor on the implications of Sanchez's statement, she reportedly said that, "that is precisely why they are tapping the expertise of the vice governor to ensure that this project is finished on schedule." The governor left for an official business in Manila last Monday night.

"Maybe the vice governor as a civil engineer is just guardedly optimistic about the schedule. But we believe that with his presence there and with his expertise, we can finish the CICC on time," he said.

In relation to this, CICC project architect, Manuel Guanzon, in an interview over dyLA yesterday said that a regular public bidding for the CICC superstructure and other related works is definitely "not an option" at this point, as time is of the essence.

The contractor has roughly four months to complete the project, which is expected to be finished by the first week of November.

When sought for reaction, Gwen said using alternative modes of procurement, specifically direct purchase, for the CICC superstructure is something that has to be studied seriously by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC-Infra).

Further, both Gwen and Guanzon expressed gratitude to the WT Construction Inc. for fast-tracking the construction works despite some kinks, especially on government bureaucracy and bad weather condition.

Before the governor left for Manila, she already signed a check worth P43 million to be issued to WT as initial payment for its more than P150 million expenses for the construction works at CICC.

WT needs the money to purchase some more equipment for the CICC superstructure.

WT already spent P59 million for the CICC substructure and another P150 million for the purchase of equipment and materials for the CICC superstructure. - Cristina C. Birondo

sugbuanon

July 4th, 2006, 06:29 PM

^^

Bai there's this very old building across the Department of Foreign Affairs, near Santo Niño Basilica. It's being retrofitted with guess what........... aluminum cladding! More aluminum cladding for the old buildings (except the heritage ones) in downtown... not bad after all...

they should have retained the structure's old architecture so it would blend in with other old buildings in the area..

update lang: workers already started fencing the perimeter of the old PUJ terminal in ACC.. but one thing lang, im not really impressed with the design of ACC's expansion bldg.. hope the actual structure would look better than whats on the rendering..

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 02:04 AM

update lang: workers already started fencing the perimeter of the old PUJ terminal in ACC.. but one thing lang, im not really impressed with the design of ACC's expansion bldg.. hope the actual structure would look better than whats on the rendering..

Maybe the rendering is just too broad, just like CICC's (nga nagkadugay, nagkadaghan ang details sa renderings). And basin, they are afraid, nga kopyahon sa SM ilang design, wala pa rabay rendering ang SM. :hilarious

mao ba bai? anha man ko dapita maglabangan padung marina mall everyday pero wa jud ko ka-notice. daghan man sakyanan diha gud mao wa nay lingi2, maligsan nya ko hehehe... simbako!
good news sad ni dah!

Yeah, nindot sad baya to iyang rendering. Please do try to take a photo.

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 02:52 AM

UPDATE:
*Landscaping Works along M.L. Quezon Avenue and Maximo Patalinjug Avenue in Lapu-lapu City are ongoing
*Widening of the Sergio Osmeña Avenue in Cebu City has begun
*Widening of the Circumferential Road along Brgys. Mactan and Soong in Lapu-lapu City has begun
*La Nueva Supermarket in Lapu-lapu City is soon to open
*Widening of the Basak Road in Lapu-lapu City is ongoing (they're still working on the drainage system)

brodix

July 5th, 2006, 02:57 AM

they should have retained the structure's old architecture so it would blend in with other old buildings in the area..

update lang: workers already started fencing the perimeter of the old PUJ terminal in ACC.. but one thing lang, im not really impressed with the design of ACC's expansion bldg.. hope the actual structure would look better than whats on the rendering..

it might just be the rendering that's not impressive. i don't think cbp imposes guidelines that buildings situated in their vicinity to have inspiring designs and theirs just plain and simple. all the press releases describe the expansion as a high-end complex and will put cebu's shopping experience at a higher level. the description may refer to both the amenities and the design, well hopefully.

or perhaps ayala center will try to impress their shoppers when they're already in the complex itself...

brodix

July 5th, 2006, 03:00 AM

where in particular is sergio osmeña avenue located? is it osmeña boulevard?

do you have images of the ayala center expansion rendering?

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 03:04 AM

^^ This Sergio Osmeña Avenue I'm referring to is the one along North Reclamation Area. About pics on the rendering, sadly I don't have any. :(

fundraiser

July 5th, 2006, 03:27 AM

^^ time for google earth siguro sinjin, hehe

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 04:23 AM

^^ Grr, I'm so outdated with that Google Earth thing. It's not compatible with my PC (Windows ME). But soon enough, I'll be upgrading to XP. :)

sugbuanon

July 5th, 2006, 04:47 AM

Maybe the rendering is just too broad, just like CICC's (nga nagkadugay, nagkadaghan ang details sa renderings). And basin, they are afraid, nga kopyahon sa SM ilang design, wala pa rabay rendering ang SM. :hilarious

ive already seen the rendering of SM's annex bldg and basing lang on the rendering, its much better than the present SM city cebu and ACC's expansion.. pero sayang its hard to get a pic of the rendering coz its in the admin office of SM..

OT: wala ka klase mike?

it might just be the rendering that's not impressive. i don't think cbp imposes guidelines that buildings situated in their vicinity to have inspiring designs and theirs just plain and simple. all the press releases describe the expansion as a high-end complex and will put cebu's shopping experience at a higher level. the description may refer to both the amenities and the design, well hopefully.

or perhaps ayala center will try to impress their shoppers when they're already in the complex itself...

sakto diay.. dont judge the book, cover it.. :D

bitaw bai, based on what ive seen in their rendering it looks more like a warehouse than a mall.. siguro the guy who made the 3D rendering of ACC was not able to get the best angle of the bldg.. we'll just wait for its completion next yr.

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 05:09 AM

^^ Ni-stop na bitaw ko ug school @Marvs... Check out the Wala Lang Thread. :)

brodix

July 5th, 2006, 05:49 AM

^^ Ni-stop na bitaw ko ug school @Marvs... Check out the Wala Lang Thread. :)

we are sorry to know that sinjin. we hope for your early recovery. i'm sure your teachers and classmates missed your candidness and articulateness.

ashton

July 5th, 2006, 06:31 AM

^^ we are worried to know that. you have all our prayers. :)

LordCarnal

July 5th, 2006, 06:45 AM

^^ This Sergio Osmeña Avenue I'm referring to is the one along North Reclamation Area. About pics on the rendering, sadly I don't have any. :(

By the way, there's already a proposal to rename Osmeña Boulevard to Osmeña Avenue, because judging by its lay-out, it's actually not a boulevard but just an avenue.

A boulevard, according to Councilor Leyson, is one where there is water or sea beside it tapos tree lined, just like Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

With the renaming, there's a possibility that the existing Osmeña Avenue in NRA and the existing Osmeña Boulevard will just be merged as one..

As of now, Osmeña Boulevard runs from Capitol all the way to Plaza Independencia where it ends with M.J. Cuenco avenue, after which it reconnects again with the old McArthur Boulevard, now S.Osmeña avenue, in North Reclamation Area.

Ummmm, lots of Osmeña streets noh? kulang nalang i-rename ang Cebu as Osmeña City... There's even another proposal before to rename the South Coastal Highway as Osmeña Highway but I guess it didn't push through.

LordCarnal

July 5th, 2006, 07:32 AM

^^ Grr, I'm so outdated with that Google Earth thing. It's not compatible with my PC (Windows ME). But soon enough, I'll be upgrading to XP. :)

Better upgrade with Mac Sinjin... Also, if you're using Internet Explorer now, I suggest you use Netscape 6...or firefox will do.

Just a while ago, I had problems with Internet Explorer and with the PC itself in general... This has been going on for over a week already..

Right now, I'm using Netscape. Wala na problema..

Sinjin P.

July 5th, 2006, 07:48 AM

@Arnold: I'm actually on Firefox. And about upgrading to Mac, I think that would be impossible because my dad has already bought an original Windows XP Installation CD. :)

^^ we are worried to know that. you have all our prayers. :)

Thanks but there's actually nothing to worry. I just stopped schooling because I couldn't cope with the daily pressures of schooling, that's it. And I'm just having my body checked from head to toe. :D

slimer

July 5th, 2006, 03:29 PM

Maybe the rendering is just too broad, just like CICC's (nga nagkadugay, nagkadaghan ang details sa renderings). And basin, they are afraid, nga kopyahon sa SM ilang design, wala pa rabay rendering ang SM. :hilarious

Yeah, nindot sad baya to iyang rendering. Please do try to take a photo.

very funny. i just saw the rendering this morning (nindot bya) but this afternoon wala na... ako nasad tan-awn ugma.

edifice_complex3

July 5th, 2006, 04:17 PM

By the way, there's already a proposal to rename Osmeña Boulevard to Osmeña Avenue, because judging by its lay-out, it's actually not a boulevard but just an avenue.

A boulevard, according to Councilor Leyson, is one where there is water or sea beside it tapos tree lined, just like Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Bai, i'm not sure if his definition of a boulevard is correct. Here in LA, I can name at least 2 major boulevards nga walay body of water beside it. One is Ventura Blvd & the other Santa Monica Blvd. I'm not saying that the Americans can not make a mistake in naming streets but if that is the only condition that a street be called a boulevard, gi tang-tang na unta nila ang word nga boulevard.
Not an important topic though, he,he.

Jimbu

July 5th, 2006, 04:28 PM

^^ This Sergio Osmeña Avenue I'm referring to is the one along North Reclamation Area. About pics on the rendering, sadly I don't have any. :(

this is at present a six-lane road, do you mean they are adding more lanes on both sides or using the port side only? and how many lanes were added?

sugbuanon

July 5th, 2006, 04:32 PM

flesh_is_weak

July 5th, 2006, 04:57 PM

di pud tingali kopyahon sa SM ang design sa yala...nagsige na baya sila ug trabaho sa annex...lisod na pud kung mag-usab na sad sila ug design

LordCarnal

July 5th, 2006, 04:58 PM

this is at present a six-lane road, do you mean they are adding more lanes on both sides or using the port side only? and how many lanes were added?

ei here's good news and I think this is what Sinjin is referring to..

The CIP donated it's road to the city government.. Have you noticed this road that runs parallel to this avenue in North Reclamation Area? The one being separated with an interlink fence? The fences have been removed because the road will be integrated with the avenue.

I'm not sure though if they will remove the plant boxes but I guess they won't because there are already grown up trees there.. Imagine Roxas Boulevard in Manila, diba there's a road parallel to it that is separated by an island?

Originally Posted by edifice_complex3
Bai, i'm not sure if his definition of a boulevard is correct. Here in LA, I can name at least 2 major boulevards nga walay body of water beside it. One is Ventura Blvd & the other Santa Monica Blvd. I'm not saying that the Americans can not make a mistake in naming streets but if that is the only condition that a street be called a boulevard, gi tang-tang na unta nila ang word nga boulevard.
Not an important topic though, he,he.

Yeah even I myself too bro don't really know what's the correct definition of it but that was what was posted in the article with Councilor Leyson saying that boulevard daw has a body of water beside it.. He might be wrong though since you mentioned about that boulevard there in states.

LordCarnal

July 5th, 2006, 05:01 PM

The group daw will build a mall with a hotel but isn't the lot a bit small? Hehehe

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/mall_in_banilad01.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/mall_in_banilad02.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/mall_in_banilad03.jpg

slerz

July 5th, 2006, 06:45 PM

Bai, i'm not sure if his definition of a boulevard is correct. Here in LA, I can name at least 2 major boulevards nga walay body of water beside it. One is Ventura Blvd & the other Santa Monica Blvd. I'm not saying that the Americans can not make a mistake in naming streets but if that is the only condition that a street be called a boulevard, gi tang-tang na unta nila ang word nga boulevard.
Not an important topic though, he,he.

It was argued in one of radio forums in abs-cbn and based sa definition of a Boulevard (A broad city street, often tree-lined and landscaped.), Osmeña blvd should be called a Boulevard coz it is lined with trees and is landscaped. No water mentioned that's why they said that Mr Leyson made his own definition of a Boulevard coz in any definition sa mga dicionaries, encyclopedias or bisag asa pa ka mo search, Boulevards' definition has no water specified, only sa definition ni Mr. Leyson. So they ended with a conclusion that Jones is more of a Boulevard than an avenue.

Jimbu

July 5th, 2006, 08:47 PM

ei here's good news and I think this is what Sinjin is referring to..

The CIP donated it's road to the city government.. Have you noticed this road that runs parallel to this avenue in North Reclamation Area? The one being separated with an interlink fence? The fences have been removed because the road will be integrated with the avenue.

I'm not sure though if they will remove the plant boxes but I guess they won't because there are already grown up trees there.. Imagine Roxas Boulevard in Manila, diba there's a road parallel to it that is separated by an island?

thanks. but if they won't remove those trees how can they make equal the number of lanes both sides. don't tell me 3 lanes on one side and 5 lanes on the other side. they should find ways to replant those trees.

Sinjin P.

July 6th, 2006, 01:24 AM

this is at present a six-lane road, do you mean they are adding more lanes on both sides or using the port side only? and how many lanes were added?

I don't know. I got this news from an article when I read Cebu Daily News but it wasn't specified how many lanes are going to be added. But I always pass by that area and yes, the interlink fence and the plant boxes that separates Sergio Osmeña Avenue and this parallel road have been destroyed. We'll just wait and see.

UPDATE: I'm also seeing that they're piling some hollow blocks around the "Cebu City" sign in the approach to NRA.

D'Transporter

July 6th, 2006, 02:09 AM

thanks. but if they won't remove those trees how can they make equal the number of lanes both sides. don't tell me 3 lanes on one side and 5 lanes on the other side. they should find ways to replant those trees.

Here in LA, "Boulevards" are East-West bound major roadways ang "Avenues" naman are North-South bound roadways. Ang "Place", "Lane" and "Court" are usually extensions for really short roadways. If i'm not mistaken "Street" extension is for East-West bound minor roadways.

flesh_is_weak

July 6th, 2006, 12:56 PM

kung ako lang pabut-on, di man na importante ang pangalan sa road--parehas gud atong subway sa srp na dugay-dugay pud na gilalisan--basta na tarong lang pagka-maintain, ug presentable tan-awon para sa mga locals ug tourists, ug labaw pa gyud sa tanan, basta disiplinado ang mga tawo na nagamit--drivers ug pedestrians--fights na kaayo na...

LordCarnal

July 6th, 2006, 01:24 PM

^^

yeah that's right. :)

D'Transporter

July 6th, 2006, 04:24 PM

In a way it's helpful here in LA coz the area has rectangular grids with N-S, E-W directions. It helps a lot of visitors in getting to their destinations coz it helps them orient themselves, this way if they are on a boulevard they know they are either headed east or west of the city.

Jimbu

July 6th, 2006, 07:01 PM

On completion of CICC Gwen: "We will deliver"
The Freeman 07/07/2006

"We will deliver because we can," Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said during her visit yesterday at the construction site of the Cebu International Convention Center, the main venue for this year's gathering of leaders of Southeast Asian Nations in December. This was in reply to apprehensions raised that the superstructure will not be completed on time.

Apprehensions were first expressed by Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, saying he fears that the facility will not be finished in time for the ASEAN Summit, citing government bureaucracy that ties down some construction works particularly on the process of bidding and purchase of materials and equipment for the construction.

Garcia, Sanchez, CICC project architect Manuel Guanzon and members of the Bid and Awards Committee yesterday gathered at the site for a meeting to address the problems raised by the vice governor recently.

During the meeting, Garcia instructed the members of the BAC to adopt the alternative mode of procurement, which is limited source of bidding specifically on direct purchase of equipment and materials for the superstructure by inviting suppliers.

Regular bidding will take months since this will go through several stages like publications, receiving letters of intent and checking of interested bidders, among others. The alternative mode of procurement is allowed under the new Procurement Law.

During the meeting, Garcia said, "We will finish this on time...I'm staking my name on it," to which Guanzon replied "Of course, we will finish on time because we have no choice."

After their meeting, Garcia and Sanchez proceeded to check the construction site. President Arroyo is expected to visit the place today.

"This is worth more than a thousand words. We will show the President what we have done so far," Garcia said as she pointed to reporters the columns being put up on the site.

Garcia believes that the construction will be finished by November saying, "we're ahead of schedule still."

The entire project cost the provincial government a total of P375 million instead of P250 million.

But Guanzon said the P250 million was a rough estimate, covering only the structure's shell while the P375-million estimate includes landscaping, furnishing, interiors and utilities.

Sanchez, who previously had doubts the project will not be finished on time, was impressed upon seeing for himself that 45 columns that have already been erected. At least 186 columns are to be erected to indicate that the building will be finished on time. He believes that the 186 columns will be fully erected within 30 days including the roofing and beams of the building. - Garry B. Lao

sugbuanon

July 7th, 2006, 06:03 PM

http://img279.imageshack.us/img279/7325/8201027891060bg4qb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img428.imageshack.us/img428/3706/2201027891060bg2ek.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9958/3501027891060bg2dh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9861/9101027891060bg5lw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/2781/5101027891060bg0vy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/9890/7101027891060bg8qk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/8297/7301027891060bg7yg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

club ultima tower I

Sinjin P.

July 8th, 2006, 03:31 AM

^^ Wonderful views of the city. :okay:

AH-7Raja

July 10th, 2006, 04:13 AM

slimer

July 11th, 2006, 03:34 PM

Parklane Hotel

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3391/parklane11mr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2699/parklane26xl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5213/parklane40lq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dive-cebu

July 11th, 2006, 03:45 PM

^^ samoka gyud sa mga wire oi!

flesh_is_weak

July 11th, 2006, 03:48 PM

guys, saun pag-sulod sa club ultima? makasayon-sayon ra ba ug sulod ngadto or kailangan gyud naay membership?

MarkiiBoi

July 11th, 2006, 03:56 PM

has to be accompanied by a member bro

dive-cebu

July 11th, 2006, 04:02 PM

re parklane pictures, usahay ba, murag 3 gyud ka pictures ang gi post ni slimer pero 2 lang ang ma open, ang isa kay naka X. pero ganina, 2 na lang gyud, then wala nay X... curious lang ko unsa itsura sa 3rd photo...

Sinjin P.

July 12th, 2006, 02:56 AM

Nagkagwapa jud ang Parklane International Hotel. :D So, does anyone know when this precious thing will finally open?

tigidig14

July 12th, 2006, 03:12 AM

nice sugbuanon

ic3man25

July 12th, 2006, 04:27 AM

Nagkagwapa jud ang Parklane International Hotel. :D So, does anyone know when this precious thing will finally open?
murag nag soft opening nman cgro bai kay pg agi nako last nyt kay naa naman bell boy sa entrance.

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 01:56 AM

My Road trip 7/12/06
first stop:

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/997/imgp23700xd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/6892/imgp23722bs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5157/imgp23737lq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/8098/imgp23742ou.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9329/imgp23756rd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9643/imgp23696av.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
City Lights Garden

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 02:00 AM

2nd stop: Asiatown IT Park

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9966/imgp23668up.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/281/imgp23672lz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
PIPC Building

dabert

July 13th, 2006, 02:02 AM

is this beauty bigger than the new CDU bldg? hehe.. just curious..

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 02:06 AM

^^ Cdu Building is much bigger than PIPC Building. i have some pics so you can compare it.. enjoy bai!!

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 02:16 AM

3rd stop: Cebu Business Park

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/452/imgp23765el.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/3051/imgp23775ti.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/6097/imgp23783ss.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Cebu Towers

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6730/imgp23799wp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/3851/imgp23800cv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Lexmark

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1614/imgp23811tp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3930/imgp23827je.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/2382/imgp23830ah.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/664/imgp23858zn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
any idea unsa ni nga building??

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3660/imgp23864hj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Pioneer Insurance

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2341/imgp23873vl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5329/imgp23881wx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Tower Palace

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 02:45 AM

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3126/imgp23896gm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/6922/imgp23905nu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2582/imgp23916pw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
along panagdait, beside cartzone..

brodix

July 13th, 2006, 02:58 AM

thank you so much ic3man25. you are bridging the gap...

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 03:02 AM

^^more picz to come bai in a little while..

brodix

July 13th, 2006, 03:14 AM

what has happened to the cebu business park?! :D almost all corners are under construction...

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 05:23 AM

Thanks for the updates iceman! Btw, how's the construction of the Ayala Expansion Building?

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 05:50 AM

^^welcome bai, wala ko chance ug take ug picz didto dapita kay traffic man. i saw there renderings but it does not impress me.

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 06:04 AM

my last stop.. north reclemation

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3202/imgp23920cy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9906/imgp23949bn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/2134/imgp23953zt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/760/imgp24112wd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6669/imgp24138lo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Cebu Doctors

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1166/imgp23995vd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/535/imgp24018dr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4140/imgp24025lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8955/imgp24039qe.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/9826/imgp24046np.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/7761/imgp24055ew.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6871/imgp24065bk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2373/imgp24079sn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7733/imgp24087nu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/55/imgp24098ki.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7286/imgp24126jz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
CICC

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 06:24 AM

^^ Hmm, newly painted ang center island... An invitation for vandals :lol:

MarkiiBoi

July 13th, 2006, 06:24 AM

is that the fence of CICC? hahaha panget naman!

Jimbu

July 13th, 2006, 07:12 AM

ic3man25 bai, thanks for the updates. nice pics.

brodix

July 13th, 2006, 07:49 AM

is that the fence of CICC? hahaha panget naman!

i don't understand why they are fencing it that way. kaweird anang convention center nga kinural. patay ang mga kural ana sa vandalism.

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 07:52 AM

^^for security reason cgro..

brodix

July 13th, 2006, 07:59 AM

^^for security reason cgro..

they should have designed it better. imagine that entire block with all those fences, it will look like another mandaue sports complex. kaalegre biya aning walay aesthetics!!!

kabantay mo tanang establishment sa mandaue reclamation kinural? asta pud boardwalk? maoy gi-advise sa palafox? hehehehe.

hinoon, wa pa man gyud na mahuman, basin manindot ra diay gihapon.

Jimbu

July 13th, 2006, 08:27 AM

they should have designed it better. imagine that entire block with all those fences, it will look like another mandaue sports complex. kaalegre biya aning walay aesthetics!!!

kabantay mo tanang establishment sa mandaue reclamation kinural? asta pud boardwalk? maoy gi-advise sa palafox? hehehehe.

hinoon, wa pa man gyud na mahuman, basin manindot ra diay gihapon.

speaking of boardwalk, is the construction ongoing? i hope it is..

ic3man25

July 13th, 2006, 09:11 AM

^^ mingaw man didto sa area.

flesh_is_weak

July 13th, 2006, 11:35 AM

hoy, bati lagi ang kural sa CICC...plain ra kaayo...di mo-bagay sa design sa building

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 12:13 PM

^^ Hmm, I dunno what this fence is all about but I'm sure Governor Gwen and Mayor Teddy still want the best especially if they will have their faces embroidered on CICC. :rofl:

dive-cebu

July 13th, 2006, 01:07 PM

^^ mga bai, kabalo nako kung nganong gi kural ang cicc... para dili makakita ang mga guests sa surroundings... hehe! bati man gud ang view sa gawas, labi na ang uniwide, eyesore gyud kaayo... kung ang convention center didto pa sa asiatown or cbp, murag di gyud cguro kuralon....

dive-cebu

July 13th, 2006, 01:10 PM

by the way, GOOD JOB bai iceman... nice pics bai maski obvious kaayo nga nag bagyo gyud dha sa cebu... dre sa davao, perte jud tawong inita...

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 01:15 PM

by the way, GOOD JOB bai iceman... nice pics bai maski obvious kaayo nga nag bagyo gyud dha sa cebu... dre sa davao, perte jud tawong inita...

Wala man mi bagyoha, medyo cloudy lang then grabe ang hangin. :D

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 01:48 PM

^^

Parklane is already open. I saw a full page ad yesterday in CDN and Sunstar.

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 01:50 PM

^^

Parklane is already open. I saw a full page ad yesterday in CDN and Sunstar.

Nice to hear that. :applause: May untag bisag maka-overnight stay mi diha, I'm curious over what views of the city I can get from there. :D

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 02:14 PM

Nice pics ic3man.. I-resize pod kay mukamang ang computer. Hehehe.. :colgate:

By the way, I also saw this u/c across Park Tower II. Notice also the ongoing underground cable project of Globe Innove. I think only Slimer can provide us information what this really is.
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/2382/imgp23830ah.jpg

I don't think this is a wall mga bai.. My fair guess would be that they elevated the land there to make the CICC look more prominent. Aside from that, elevating the land would also serve as an advantage with regards to security. My guess though based on my observations..

I have also seen the landscaping in front of CICC (where I guess they would put a fountain), it's actually elevated and looks like a hill..

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7733/imgp24087nu.jpg

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 02:30 PM

^^

Notice also the picture. That equipment at the rightmost part of the picture looks as if it's filling the area there with soil.

dabert

July 13th, 2006, 03:49 PM

wowow... murag na-igu akong ulo sa mga cranes da,. its nice to learn new updates from those pics.. thanks bai iceman, CDU is definitely bigger than the PIPC building, now itL take more or less 10 minutes to go from level 1 to level 8 if ever iL have classes there. patay.. hehe..

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 03:59 PM

^^

nag eskwela ka sa CDU karon daBert?

dabert

July 13th, 2006, 04:44 PM

^^ yap.. cdu ku run.. mao prmi ko ka-kita sa mga dev'ts sa osemeña blvd ug fuente dapit.. lipay na kaau ku ahehe...

slerz

July 13th, 2006, 04:47 PM

Wala man mi bagyoha, medyo cloudy lang then grabe ang hangin. :D

@sinjin, Cebu was affected by the typhoon in the international standards on weather forecasts. CNN, BBC, bloomberg, accuweather, hurricane center, jtwc etc. has a wide area of storm observance not limited to only a hundred kilometers from the center of the storm unlike pagasa that only focuses on the kilometer radius of every signal rejecting the effects of the tail (monsoon enhancements due to a storm) of the storm that is evident by the enhancement of the southwest monsoon due to typhoon florita... In short, in international forecasts, the enhancement of the southwest monsoon is part of typhoon bilis' wrath... in pagasa, enhancement of the southwest monsoon isn't part of typhoon bilis' structure which I can't consider and incomplete...OT btw.

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 05:08 PM

^^ yap.. cdu ku run.. mao prmi ko ka-kita sa mga dev'ts sa osemeña blvd ug fuente dapit.. lipay na kaau ku ahehe...

yeah me too..actually diha ko tig standby pirmi sa Krookys every after review. Ganiha kay didto ra pod ko Krookys.

dabert

July 13th, 2006, 05:22 PM

CDU pud diay ka bai arnold...? medicine??
sa gitanos ra sd mi tigstandby.. magtuun, magsturya, maglingaw2x.. hehe
-----
about sa typhoon, murag naa jd coz knna naa'y murag dako nga electric fan mao hangin kaau, pr0 la man uLan..

slerz

July 13th, 2006, 06:06 PM

^^

Parklane is already open. I saw a full page ad yesterday in CDN and Sunstar.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/07-13b.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/07-13c.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/07-13d.jpg

LordCarnal

July 13th, 2006, 06:22 PM

^^

what really is that fenced lot across Park Tower 2?

Jimbu

July 13th, 2006, 08:40 PM

Meridian realty sees market shifting to condo preference
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 07/14/2006

The Meridian Realty Corporation (MRC), the developer of Park Terrace Executive Homes located in Talamban this city, is going to build an eight-story Park Terrace Condominium within the 1.2- hectare by the end of this year.

MRC, which is led by Dennis Y. Lua, was established in 1992, as a spin-off realty company of the Socor Construction Corporation, it is currently selling the remaining executive home or high-end townhouse units under the phase 2, and 3 components of the project.

In an interview with Joel D. Pangalay, the company's sales and marketing manager, the eight-story condominium will have around 60 units to offer. Construction will start towards the end of this year.

Because of the area's close to nature ambiance and overlooking terrain, most of its buyers were foreigners married to Filipinas. Achieving a positive response from the market, only eights units are now left for sale.

Both phase 2 and 3 have a total of 19 executive home units, which prices ranged from P7.6 million to as high as P13.9 million, depending on the floor area, and the unit.

Pangalay said the real estate market, especially for executive town houses in Cebu is vibrant. He added that buyers are taking advantage of buying a property as soon as they can because of the fast value appreciation of real property estates.

The company also made arrangements with some banks for a 20-year payable financing, with monthly amortization going as low as P48,000.

He said MRC decided to build a high-rise condominium instead of townhouses, because of the limited land area in the hilltop along Nasipit, Talamban road. Besides, he said condominium demand for Cebu is bouncing back.

Although, the company is also continuously selling its remaining eight units of executive homes, three units in phase 2 and 5 units in phase 3, it is poised to pre-sell its condo units probably within the months of October or November this year.

Meridian, a sister company of Philippine Springwater Resources Inc. (Nature Spring), and Oceanjet, started developing the 1.2 -hectare property in 1995, which became the site of the Nasipit Commercial Plaza, and now the Park Terrace Executive Homes.

With Cebu's fertile prospects for real estate, the company is poised to enter into more development projects and become one of the leading real estate companies in Cebu.

ic3man25

July 14th, 2006, 05:26 AM

Nice pics ic3man.. I-resize pod kay mukamang ang computer. Hehehe.. :colgate:

:carrot: :carrot: next time bai ako i-resize.. hehehe

flesh_is_weak

July 15th, 2006, 02:39 AM

ok ra lang bisan unsaon na nila ang CICC, basta nindot lang ang outcome unya wala lang ang dako na nawong ni ouano kay eyesore gyud kaayo na

gridloc

July 15th, 2006, 12:04 PM

Got this on the brochure of SM: (sorry sa quality)http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/glennbp/futuresmmalls.jpg

LordCarnal

July 15th, 2006, 12:10 PM

^^

thanks for sharing.. ummm, the architecture doesn't look good.. hehehehe..

flesh_is_weak

July 15th, 2006, 12:30 PM

is that a multi-level parking to the right?

LordCarnal

July 15th, 2006, 12:43 PM

^^

The entire expansion building is actually a multi-level parking at the upper three levels.. The first 2 levels will be for the commercial spaces..

The reason daw for positioning the parking space in the upper three levels is for the customers to have a direct access to the cinemas. I got this from someone..

flesh_is_weak

July 15th, 2006, 05:20 PM

ok...sakto gyud mo mga bai na dili kaayo nindot ang architecture sa SM...they should emulate the Siam Paragon's design...the best that i've seen so far...

slerz

July 15th, 2006, 06:47 PM

LordCarnal

July 17th, 2006, 06:19 AM

ok...sakto gyud mo mga bai na dili kaayo nindot ang architecture sa SM...they should emulate the Siam Paragon's design...the best that i've seen so far...

Yeah Siam Paragon. Been there too. :)

Sinjin P.

July 17th, 2006, 07:23 AM

@sinjin, Cebu was affected by the typhoon in the international standards on weather forecasts. CNN, BBC, bloomberg, accuweather, hurricane center, jtwc etc. has a wide area of storm observance not limited to only a hundred kilometers from the center of the storm unlike pagasa that only focuses on the kilometer radius of every signal rejecting the effects of the tail (monsoon enhancements due to a storm) of the storm that is evident by the enhancement of the southwest monsoon due to typhoon florita... In short, in international forecasts, the enhancement of the southwest monsoon is part of typhoon bilis' wrath... in pagasa, enhancement of the southwest monsoon isn't part of typhoon bilis' structure which I can't consider and incomplete...OT btw.

Hala gasermon jud si Ernie Baron Jr. :rofl: @Slerz, I know but what I was trying to mean is that we weren't directly affected by Florita. :D

Got this on the brochure of SM: (sorry sa quality)http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/glennbp/futuresmmalls.jpg

Nice but how will it blend with the current building's manila paperish colour? Maybe they will repaint it somehow.

rustyboi

July 18th, 2006, 09:52 AM

^^SM Cebu's current manila paperish color reminds me of Edsa Shang Mall. it's not bad at all. i think the annex bldg finishing touches will be similar to the mall of asia's. so it'll look glossy especially at sunset. and i bet they'd repaint the main building once the annex is up. ;)

slerz

July 18th, 2006, 06:26 PM

@sinjin, patay na to si baron oi, just call me kuya Kim btw...;)

tomahawk21

July 22nd, 2006, 11:51 AM

ninduta na cebu oi! :)

cebulife

July 22nd, 2006, 12:56 PM

They need beautiful pix of cebu guyz, please help....tnx

please click => cebuliving.com (http://www.cebuliving.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=42)

Starring si Markiiboi didto!heheh

slerz

July 22nd, 2006, 04:34 PM

ACT IT mall now working on ots 4th floor...
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/jul22a.jpg

rustyboi

July 22nd, 2006, 05:51 PM

Got this on the brochure of SM: (sorry sa quality)http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/glennbp/futuresmmalls.jpg

did u guys happen to know if this annex mall will house an ice skating rink? or converting the present entertainment center back to ice skating rink? :dunno:

Sinjin P.

July 23rd, 2006, 02:17 PM

^^ Hmm, if I may ask, when did the old ice skating rink close down and what were the reasons? I was too young back then, lol. ;)

rustyboi

July 23rd, 2006, 03:00 PM

here are the google images i photoshopped...

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20Business%20Park/ayala_center_cebu2006.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Cebu%20Business%20Park/ayala_center_cebu2007.jpg
^^ACC will appear most probably like this thru Google Earth. :D

dive-cebu

July 23rd, 2006, 03:21 PM

^^ i like the one that u photoshoped bai! murag madungagan ug 1/4 ang round-shaped ACC, pero according to them, gamay ra man daw ang gi excavate karon...

Sinjin P.

July 23rd, 2006, 03:22 PM

^^ How about the new terminal? :colgate: Hehe, anyway, ang ganda but diba hindi na nila susundin yung original design?

rustyboi

July 23rd, 2006, 03:34 PM

thanks! what's the gross area again for the expansion mall? they can't go on full scale yet since they are still excavating for the basement levels. i don't think the official announcement mentioned they won't follow the original design. i hope they'll at least finish the circular structure of the mall.

Jimbu

July 23rd, 2006, 08:27 PM

Korean-led firm kicks off 5-star resort development
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 07/24/2006

Philippine BXT Corporation, a Korean-led company, officially started its P3 billion five-star resort development in Mactan Island, adding another 600 premium accommodation in Cebu.

The Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort and Spa, situated in a 7.5 hectare property in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, kicked off its development in a ceremonial ground breaking event, graced by Department of Tourism (DOT) chief Joseph Ace Durano.

Phil. BXT Corporation, the developer of the project, has tapped the services of Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul, Korea to run and manage the resort. Imperial Palace Hotel is one of the finest in Korea with a vast network in their home country and the rest around the world.

"This is the single biggest [so far] Korean investment in the country," said Durano in an interview during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The resort will be fully operational by 2009. It will also finish its 110- hectare development project in Cordova as an added facility for the 27-hole golf course, and other leisure facilities, said project consultant Jefferson Lim.

According to Durano, five-star resort projects promise good return of investments (ROI) in the Philippines, specifically Cebu, as 90 percent of tourists prefer to stay in four-star or five star resorts or hotels.

To complement Mactan's existing hotel and resort establishments, Phil. BXT Corporation, which was organized in 2005, plans to develop a 616-room world class AAA resort consisting of six medium rise, three low-rise buildings, and 40 single units complete with amenities. The company also planned to develop complete recreational facilities inside the hotel, which includes swimming pools, tennis courts, water-park, ballrooms, and among others.

This project is the first venture of BXT Busan Express Terminal Corporation, the Korean-based counterpart of the Philippine BXT Corporation.

In an earlier interview with the company's chairman Yong Jun Park, he said Cebu is one of the feasible sites for investments in the Philippines, especially in tourism-related facilities. Park used to engage in construction business and shipping trade in Korea, now likes to take advantage of the good tourism prospects in Cebu.

The land, which was owned by the Woolbright family, the family that developed Beverly Hills Subdivision, was purchased by the Joil UBF Corporation, which is 60 percent owned by Cebuanos, and 40 percent owned by Korean nationals.

Park visited Cebu April of last year, and easily got interested into investing hotel project with the help of Augusto Go, Consul of Korea to Cebu, upon noting that the province desperately needs hotel accommodations, especially five-star resorts.

The 600 five-star room accommodation, however, will not totally solve the room shortage in Cebu, Durano said but it is a great help.

"As the capacity expands, more and more tourists will be lured to come to Cebu," Durano said adding that building these kinds of facilities are still encouraged especially in Cebu.

Even if Cebu will have to build 1,000 more rooms, Durano said shortage will not be totally solved, as the demand is continuously increasing.

With the additional pool of five-star rooms in the Philippines, or Cebu , there is no reason why the country will not hit 20 million tourist arrivals in the next few years, complemented with the right infrastructure.

The Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort & Spa will be the fourth five-star resort in Mactan Island, including Shangri-La Mactan Island Resorts, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, and the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa.

sugbuanon

July 24th, 2006, 03:51 AM

Sinjin P.

July 24th, 2006, 04:15 AM

^^ Wow, mura sad siya ug ShangriLa ug porma. :D

LordCarnal

July 25th, 2006, 10:48 AM

Article below posted by Grace Ganzon at the New Constructions Subforum here in SSC:

Tuesday, July 25, 2006
EGI to build 12-storey condo hotel, addresses room shortage problem Cebu,Philippines

A 12-storey condominium hotel will soon rise in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in “response” to the need for more hotels in Cebu, Philippines to accommodate the influx of tourists.

The proposed E. Ganzon Inc. (EGI) Cebu Mactan Condominium Hotel will be constructed as an expansion to the EGI City by the Sea Resort and Hotel. The condo hotel will be located within EGI’s four-hectare property in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“The local government of Cebu and the Department of Tourism have been on an intense marketing blitz promoting Cebu as a vacation destination in the Philippines. The influx of tourists, mainly from neighboring Asian countries, created a demand for more accommodation,” a statement said.

Completion

The construction of the condominium hotel, stated April 30,2006, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The condo hotel will be a new addition to resorts in Mactan Island, which include the Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Hilton Cebu and Plantation Bay.

Grace Ganzon, President of All Estate Realty ,exclusive sales and marketing of EGI Cebu Condo Hotel,said the 170-room condominium hotel will cater to both foreign and local clients.

The Cebu Mactan Condominium Hotel, which will rise on a 1,844-square-meter land area, will operate as a full service condominium hotel giving unit owners the benefits and privileges of a full hotel service like room service, free use of swimming pool, restaurants, shuttle service, among others.

Investment

“Purchasing a condo unit at the new EGI Cebu Mactan Condominium Hotel is an investment opportunity offered to those who would like to acquire a unit as a vacation home or to prospective buyers and investors who would probably only occupy the units for just a couple of weeks in a year,” the EGI statement said.

Owners of EGI Cebu Mactan Condominium Hotel units, who include their condos in EGI’s pool of hotel rooms, do not have to pay maintenance charges when they are not occupying the property. This is because EGI hotel management will manage and operate the units like any room in a hotel.

“You’ll earn a fixed guaranteed rental income every month and at the end of each year and share the profits of the hotel operation, making ownership of the condominium unit an income generating (venture).” The EGI webpage is www.egicebuinvestmenthotel.com

fundraiser

July 25th, 2006, 01:32 PM

Internal problems impede Coral Reef hotel disposal
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 07/25/2006

The Philippine National Bank is close to clenching a deal with a China-based group on the acquisition of the idle 20-hectare Coral Reef Resort property in Mactan, this according to Department of Tourism (DoT) secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

In an interview, Durano said the Chinese group is planning to build a medium rise hotel and resort development with a convention center, and develop the 9-hole golf course of Coral Reef.

He said the buyers' initial plan, name withheld upon request, is to build 1,000 rooms, sensing the big shortage of rooms in Cebu.

However, the Cebuano DOT chief added that the negotiation may take a little longer, as there are still a number of internal problems that need to be ironed out, although the buyer and PNB had already agreed on the price.

There are past claims of unpaid employees, and those who bought shares, and a claim that a Japanese buyer has already given a down payment for the property to its former owner.

"They [PNB and the buyer] have to marry these all together and solve these problems first," Durano said.

If the problems will be settled in the next few months, Durano said this is one of the few new tourism-related projects that Cebu can brag about this year.

PNB has foreclosed the Coral Reef property few years ago, due to ballooning loan exposure.

Durano hopes that both PNB and the Chinese buyer would be able to resolve the internal problems, in order to start another hotel/resort project in Cebu.

If this project will push through, this will be the biggest resort project ever built in Cebu, in terms of number of rooms.

Even if Cebu will be able to add over 1,000 rooms in the next few years, Durano said this will not solve the problem of room shortage, as demand is also expected to triple.

This year, the Philippines is projecting to reach the level of three million foreign arrivals. In the last five months, the country already registered 1.5 million foreign arrivals in the Philippines.

"We are a little ahead of target, we have to achieve about 10 percent more," Durano said.

Durano believes that if Cebu will be able to build more resorts in the next few years, demand for rooms is also expected to grow tremendously.

He said the need for Cebu now, is not so much on business hotels, but on resort facilities, especially with triple A accommodation, or five-star.

Aside from the multi-billion pesos Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort and Spa, an ongoing project is currently constructed by Filinvest Development Corporation, the P4 billion- Seascape resort town also in Mactan Island.

LordCarnal

July 25th, 2006, 01:55 PM

^^

Diba pau we saw last sunday the unfinished midrise structure in Coral Reef ?

LordCarnal

July 25th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Aside from the multi-billion pesos [B]Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort and Spa, an ongoing project is currently constructed by Filinvest Development Corporation, the P4 billion- Seascape resort town also in Mactan Island.

I believe this is Seascapes. I wonder how it would look like after the P4 billion expansion. Pic taken during last Sunday's gig...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Olango_Field_Trip/new_resize_19.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Olango_Field_Trip/new_resize_18.jpg

sugbuanon

July 26th, 2006, 02:57 AM

^^ no bai.. thats coralpoint resort..

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3333/coralpointresortpm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

heres a rendering of its expansion

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3743/seascapes10eq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

seascape resort

sugbuanon

July 26th, 2006, 03:41 AM

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8017/1628457d77bb6yx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7699/p1000369tu8np7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img488.imageshack.us/img488/65/p1000364nh4cm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

residencia de vistamar

dabert

July 26th, 2006, 03:49 AM

wowow... so many resorts to be put up in a few years time in mactan. Just curious though, what's the total number of hotel rooms in boracay? is it greater in mactan or mactan has more number of rooms? sus. sauna ra jd ko wala kaybaw ani da.. hehe :D

fundraiser

July 26th, 2006, 04:32 AM

^^

Diba pau we saw last sunday the unfinished midrise structure in Coral Reef ?

yeah nold, that structure was built when it was still the coral reef, wala na lang natiwas kay na bankrupt, i dont know what the new investor will do sa unfinished structure, mas maayo kung i demolish na lang to sa mu take over kay structurally corrupt na to ang unfinished building. and i noticed pagka sunday, usually daghan maligo sa coral reef kay its open to the public man, you just pay 5 or 10 pesos. pero last sunday, it was deserted, wala na gyud diay gipasudlan, a good indication of their serious plan on the property. hehe.

LordCarnal

July 26th, 2006, 12:10 PM

oh thanks for the clarification Marvin.. :) Seascapes is different from Coralpoint diay..

^^ no bai.. thats coralpoint resort..

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3333/coralpointresortpm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

heres a rendering of its expansion

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3743/seascapes10eq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

seascape resort

sugbuanon

July 27th, 2006, 03:29 AM

no problem arnold..

Internal problems impede Coral Reef hotel disposal
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 07/25/2006

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/6364/p1000326mc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/512/p1000319oy7wq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

the unfinished hotel of coral reef resort..

rage@cebu

July 28th, 2006, 02:40 AM

mura man gi trabaho ang coral reef bai...
pag-adto namo dha kay naa man mga heavy equipment sa Dakay Const...
dako pud rama ang area sa resort...
apil pa gud kuno tong secret passage dapit (10.00 per head)...
dako-dako gyud kay pwede man to butngan ug golf course dapita...

Jefferyi

July 30th, 2006, 01:48 AM

I really like the very Filipino design proposal of Seascape resort.

Are any of these proposed resorts going to be constructed along Marigondon Beach? I remember going there when I was a kid. :)

flesh_is_weak

July 30th, 2006, 03:23 AM

guys ive seen the excavation for the ayala expansion, lawom na kaayo pero gamay ra gyud kaayo ug area kung ikompara sa SM annex...unsa kahay plano sa yala?

MarkiiBoi

July 30th, 2006, 03:32 AM

maybe gamay ra ang substructure bai pero bigger ang supestructure.

ivanc

July 30th, 2006, 09:11 AM

i hope ayala expansion would be quite big. based on the rendering near the terminal, mura man ug gamay. its supposed to be five storeys right? mura ra man gud ug 3 floors and rendering.

xXx carlos xXx

July 31st, 2006, 04:30 PM

^^so dili na to i build katon naay duha ka high rise?? kay naa naman ang builing sa may terminal...

MarkiiBoi

August 1st, 2006, 09:36 AM

CICC:

(ramp)
http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/7744/dsc02024copydv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/2969/dsc02021copylg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4588/dsc02022copyvn0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

TAFT IT Plaza:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4458/fwalk7xq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3507/dsc02020copyff1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

LordCarnal

August 1st, 2006, 10:16 AM

maybe gamay ra ang substructure bai pero bigger ang supestructure.

ummm, mga CICC terms.. Hehehe..

MarkiiBoi

August 1st, 2006, 10:31 AM

^^ sakto jud bai. hehehe

ryanr

August 3rd, 2006, 06:27 AM

wow...awesome development coming out of Cebu lately.:okay: Its booming that i've missed a lot in just 2 months.

Sinjin P.

August 3rd, 2006, 06:59 AM

^^ Yes, Cebu is booming especially now that the ASEAN Summit is coming... :colgate:

dive-cebu

August 4th, 2006, 08:57 AM

^^ and they have started the 120-day countdown to ASEAN just this week...

MarkiiBoi

August 4th, 2006, 11:26 AM

^^ wala pa bai. by august 11 pa, which is 120 days before december 10.

LordCarnal

August 5th, 2006, 07:03 AM

6 property dev’t projs. to rise in Ayala’s CBP
By Malou M. Mozo Sun.Star Correspondent

Six buildings will soon rise on an aggregate area of about 8.5 hectares (85,000 square meters) at the Cebu Business Park (CBP), an official of Ayala Land Inc. affiliate Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) said.

CHI chief operating officer Francis Monera said the six projects are the result of the growing information technology (IT) industry in Cebu and bolster the province’s efforts to become the IT hub in the region.

“Expect more businesses and more traffic in the area,” said Monera, also president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The six projects are: the 14-story Cebu Towers that will house IT offices; two expansion buildings (22-storey and 8-storey building) of Lexmark Research and Development; Tower Palace, a 20-story residential condominium; Pioneer Insurance, an eight-story office; and Security Bank.

“I see more coming up. All they need to do is to submit their plans,” Monera said in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.

He also revealed that the parcel of CBP lot at the corner of Mactan Road and Samar Loop is the site of a “telecom line-laying project.”

He said more developments are also expected at the Asiatown IT Park.

“Locators are planning on expansion and have bought several lots already,” he said.

He said seven lots at Asiatown IT Park have already been sold. Development projects that will be implemented in the area will include a hotel and a school. He declined to give details, though.

He said there will be “exciting development” at The Village, an entertainment center within the Asiatown IT Park, which was closed for renovation works at the end of last year.

“It (The Village) will be developed into a 24/7 (24-hour) retail and entertainment facility that will cater to the lifestyle of those working in Asiatown IT Park,” he said.

Apart from several call centers like E-telecare, PeopleSupport and Qual-fone, several software development companies such as, MEC, Epson, NCR, Tsu-neishi and Versagra-phics are also located at Asiatown IT.

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit draws near, Monera said that both Cebu Business Park and Asiatown IT Park will be a major destination.

“We are gearing up for the influx of more people coming from outside Cebu and the Philippines so we are organizing tours for these areas,” he said.

According to Monera, CCCI has formed a team to study the feasibility of having the entire Cebu province declared an economic zone.

dive-cebu

August 5th, 2006, 07:18 AM

^^ wala pa bai. by august 11 pa, which is 120 days before december 10.

sorry, me bad...

IsaRic

August 8th, 2006, 11:46 PM

is there any buildings that will rise up to 50 storeys?

MarkiiBoi

August 9th, 2006, 03:49 AM

None so far. Bigfoot had plans of building a 3-tower building at CBP which will have 28, 38, and 48 floors respectively. But the plan was scrapped because they found out that their financial capability can only build the basement of the three towers.

Sinjin P.

August 9th, 2006, 04:18 AM

^^ Lol, so they don't have a stable financial status yet?

bedista

August 12th, 2006, 11:44 AM

guys, ive been readingyour posts and im pretty amazed by all the new constructions going on in Cebu, parang kelan lng nung last visit ko. kelan b expected n matapos lahat ng projects?

MarkiiBoi

August 12th, 2006, 12:03 PM

^^ Thanks for dropping by bedista. Most of the U/C's that has started already will be finished sometime next year 2007. Although there are some projects that will be completed on 2008.

gee

August 12th, 2006, 05:16 PM

University of San Carlos Vision 2020

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3868/usc2020pk1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dive-cebu

August 13th, 2006, 04:57 AM

^^ im so excited about this plan. hope this will be realized in 14 years time... but surely, we're getting there... the latest would be the New Engrng Bldg., thanks to Mr. Gokongwei...

flesh_is_weak

August 13th, 2006, 06:47 AM

ibutang pud to dinhi ang giant sto. niño na topic...

dive-cebu

August 13th, 2006, 06:51 AM

^^ marvin has that photo pero katong ubos sa marco polo plaza... if somebody can edit that and replace that image of mature jesus sa child jesus or sto nino... i still prefer that it be placed sa hills of cebu than in SRP...

slerz

August 13th, 2006, 05:57 PM

CEBU CITY HALL RENOVATION, on full swing...
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/Slerz2/chren3.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/Slerz2/chren4.jpg

was added 1 floor
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/Slerz2/chren1.jpg

A NEW 8 STOREY BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN AREA
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/Slerz2/chren2.jpg

KiBeN

August 13th, 2006, 06:18 PM

wow! daming renovations and developments sa cebu. Go cebu! :okay: hihihi :D

dabert

August 13th, 2006, 06:26 PM

^^ yap.. dami nga.. pr0 we badly need a mass transit system and a much more decent international airport... hope these mega-projects will soon be realized,.

KiBeN

August 13th, 2006, 06:33 PM

^^ yap.. dami nga.. pr0 we badly need a mass transit system and a much more decent international airport... hope these mega-projects will soon be realized,.

oonga e, pero wala naman masyadong traffic dyan sa cebu diba? or mayrun den? hehehe. Sarap ngang irenovate at lagyan ng bagong int'l airport ang Cebu, yung design na mag-fifit sa place na world-class ang dateng! asteeg! hehehe, can't wait for that. hehe :D

dabert

August 13th, 2006, 06:49 PM

^^ actually, traffic seems to get worse everyday but this only occurs during peak times.. anyway, even if the prob is not yet grave compared to the much bigger metro manila, i think it is feasible in the long run if this will get materialized as soon as possible and not wait for another pandemonium of traffic. hehe, pr0 kayang kaya pa rin sa mga roads ng metro cebu, a bit of remedies lang such as flyovers and some road widenings.. and about the airport, as you said, masarap nga talaga kpag world-class na ang airport kasi much of the tourists in pnas go in cebu kaya they deserve an exceptional experience in the place where they will make their first and last step... :D

papable

August 13th, 2006, 10:08 PM

Jimbu

August 13th, 2006, 10:44 PM

Monday, August 14, 2006
Waterfront Cebu Hotel sets renovation

By JAMES A. LOYOLA

MACTAN, Cebu — Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (WCCH), the flagship property of publicly-listed hotel operator Waterfront Philippines Inc. (WPI), is spending P60 million for the renovation of 35 suites.

The firm said the renovation of the new designer suites will be completed by the end of October in time for Cebu’s hosting of the ASEAN summit. The hotel recently unveiled its new design concepts for its suites.

Waterfront is optimistic that its new suites will ensure its continued leadership in the lodging and hospitality business in Cebu especially in the First Class Hotel category, as these suites offer innovations in design and comfort that will be introduced for the first time in Cebu.

Designed by world renowned Filipino-designer Anton Mendoza, the new suites are uniquely modern-Filipino, efficient and bear amenities tailored-fit for different guest needs.

The new suites which will come in three categories Executive, Bridal and Executive will all feature furniture designs from the best furniture makers in Cebu, which is famed for world-class furniture designers and manufacturers; as well as designer fabrics and carpets flown in from Italy.

In addition to these, bathroom fixtures and floor marble were imported from the US and Spain.

"Our new suites are a blend of the best of local and imported materials, the design execution of the suites and the furniture are truly Filipino yet imported materials were flown in to manufacture these items" according to the hotel’s General Manager Marco Protacio.

Company managers also add that the new rooms and suites of the hotel will be the biggest in terms of floor area in the Cebu-City market.

The superior rooms will measure up to 40 square meters each, while the Executive, Bridal and Family suites will be measuring 55, 100 and 130 square meters per unit respectively.

"The size of our suites will definitely ensure total guest comfort" said Karen Mendoza, the hotel’s Front Office Manager.

To add to the luxurious furnishings of the suites, Waterfront also spruced up the amenities of each suite.

After conducting extensive marketing research on its clientele’s needs and preferences, the suites’ amenities were tailor fitted to accommodate each market segments preferences thereby making the designs efficiently guest-friendly.

With the travelling businessman in mind the hotel operator equipped its Executive Suites with personal fax machines, flat-screen computers with high-speed broadband Internet access and premium coffee making facilities.

Complimentary use of the fitness center and complimentary laundry and shinning services were also added in to the said suite category.

The Bridal Suites on the other hand were furnished with in-room Jacuzzis and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Newly wed couples will also be pleased with the breakfast-in bed and romantic bed-turndown services offered by the hotel when staying in the Bridal Suites.

The biggest suite category, the Family Suites will feature two bedroom units with separate bathrooms and child-friendly amenities.

As the hotel targets traveling families, the Family Suites were furnished with child-entertainment amenities such as play stations; and toddler-friendly amenities such as cribs, baby tubs and sterilizers.

In addition to these personalized amenities all the suites will feature the hotel’s new "Slumber Splendor Beds" that features goose feather pillows and duvets, guarantying its well-heeled guests a goodnights’ rest. MB

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:00 PM

I think kaya pa ng cebu i-manage ang traffic. Kaya lang kailangan i-maximize ang resources and facilities. Like stopping illegal parking. These vehicles consumes space. Preventing illegal vending in sidewalks. The pedestrians have to spill out to the streets, kasi occupied ang sidewalks ng mag vendors. Proper mainenace of the roads, proper drainage (to prevent floods). Sustained campaign for motorists and drivers discipline. Sana mangyari lahat.

Right bro..

Actually, what I really wanted to happen was for all the activity to be diverted to the North Reclamation Area, the South Road Properties, and even to Mandaue City's reclamation area..

As of now, despite the decades presence of the North Reclamation Area, activity in Cebu City is still confined mostly in the downtown area (and it would have been worst I guess if the Ayalas didn't develop the Cebu Business Park). All (or at least some) of the businesses in Colon should have been relocated long ago to the NRA (if only the NRA before was managed properly) and downtown right now should have been just more of like a heritage district where only plazas, restaurants, shoppes, and hotels can be found..

I just hope that the South Road Properties will not become another NRA and I have very high hopes for this since it is a special economic zone already.

The NRA has very wide boulevards and grid-like streets pero sayang...Right now, only the squatters are benefiting from the spaces there.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:08 PM

^^

Yeah right.. This is really what the city needs now: decongest the main city center and spread everything out. I guess the width of our roads are enough, even Hongkong has very narrow roads; the only problem that we need to address is how to decongest the city since it seems that activity is mostly confined in the downtown and uptown area. We have very wide grid-like roads at the North Reclamation Area and yet, there's no traffic there.

And like what toledonhon said, maximize the available resources which I guess includes the South Reclamation Project, the North Reclamation Area. I do hope too that Mandaue City will fasttrack the development of its reclamation area so that their city will also be decongested.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:09 PM

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/cebu_business_park04.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/cebu_business_park03.jpg

MarkiiBoi

August 15th, 2006, 02:13 PM

^^ So Metro Ayala is also 'expandinig' a bit, maybe in preparations for its competition with Rustan's.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:30 PM

^^

Yeah and at least it will give some sort of an "art" to an otherwise boxy industrial type of building.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:32 PM

I think this is the 15-storey I.T. Building (under construction with crane) which was supposed to be 22-storeys tall but according to Hans, CBP's zoning didn't allow it to go further.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/cebu_business_park19.jpg

Golden Prince Suites is also nearing completion.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/cebu_business_park15.jpg

MarkiiBoi

August 15th, 2006, 02:37 PM

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/cebu_business_park04.jpg

I hope they wont use GI sheets for this one :ohno: :

Im guessing that they will use some sorta transparent roofing for natural light to come in, then transfer their foodcourt to that area, just like their setting in Metro Colon.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 02:41 PM

^^

Hehe, just like Metro Colon.. So it will vibrate too?

By the way bai, text lang tomorrow regarding sa Irreversi.. Wala pa ko naka-load ug balik.. Sus, 24hours pa bya na ma-activate ang unli noh?

MarkiiBoi

August 15th, 2006, 02:45 PM

^^ yeah basin mo vibrate sad na bai. :lol:

Ok bai text lang ugma. pero maactivate sa na dayun unlimited text bai. basta paabot lang ato ilaha confirmation message.

papable

August 15th, 2006, 02:55 PM

^^

Hehe, just like Metro Colon.. So it will vibrate too?

By the way bai, text lang tomorrow regarding sa Irreversi.. Wala pa ko naka-load ug balik.. Sus, 24hours pa bya na ma-activate ang unli noh?

How I wish that I can go to Cebu immediately for Irreversi, and visit again the city. I love the place, if only the officials would have the political will to REALLY CLEAN UP the place.

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 03:01 PM

^^

Yeah.

Last week bro, I saw dozens of workers sweeping Osmeña Boulevard. Also yesterday, another set of workers were declogging the drainages in the same area and also in downtown area.

I really hope that this will continue "with or without" the upcoming Asean Summit. It doesn't need an international event for these officials to cleanup the city.

MarkiiBoi

August 15th, 2006, 03:12 PM

diehardbisdak

August 15th, 2006, 04:38 PM

Hi....I'm new here! First off, I'd like to share some photos from my trip in Taipei but since dili daw kuno sakto mag-post diri og lain pics aside sa Cebu ....gipapas na lang nako para walay gubot...(read: i feel i'm not welcome.....heheheheh!) :( Anyways, glad to let you know that even I'm far away from the Philippines, I'd still would want to promote our country thru this forum. By the way, I'm an OFW here in Riyadh and luckily, I got some perks for travel and got to see real skyscrapers in city like Taipei which as of now the TAIPEI 101 holds the record of having the tallest building in the world and I've been there last May. Also, a city like Riyadh where I'm currently working, has a few tall buildings but there is one tower here called KINGDOM CENTER which is the 33rd tallest building in the world. How I wish that one day CEBU would have these super structures.... though, it's a long shot but I'm very optimistic about Cebu's economy. PEACE !!!

LordCarnal

August 15th, 2006, 04:47 PM

^^

Thanks for the photos but I think they don't fit here.. :) Hehe.. Basin makasab-an ta sa moderator..

slerz

August 15th, 2006, 04:57 PM

^^

Actually bai the film is still in post-production is unfinished, and the feedback of tomorrow's viewers will be used for the final cut.

Re Cebu's cleanliness, if only the people would also descipline themselves. The officials can only do so much if their efforts are just put to waste, literally. But there is really a big improvement bai with how the streets and public places are being maintained.

Discipline, cooperation and political will... just like here in our barangay, coz before people just throw their garbages in the designated throwing area anytime that calls for scavengers and dogs but now, our captain gave a schedule when to throw the garbage in the designated throwing area from 6pm to 8pm monday and thursday... Our place is a depressed area that means majority are illiterate but I was amazed to see them following the rules of garbage throwing. Peole here cooperated naman coz before I really thought that our captain will really have a hard time to discipline these people here coz a lot of them haven't gone to school (bogo ba) pero I'm beginning to like them coz mo follow man sad diay ning mga imata og rules... So we should have discipline, cooperation and political will to make Cebu's future better.

rage@cebu

August 16th, 2006, 02:54 AM

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMAG1164.jpg

ACT BUilding...

rage@cebu

August 16th, 2006, 02:55 AM

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/Picture014.jpg

Going up... fuente tower... UC...

dabert

August 16th, 2006, 05:12 AM

^^ kaluuy tanawun sa mga ASEAN banners ui... i hope they will fix that coz they look so sore. :D

rage@cebu

August 16th, 2006, 09:19 AM

^^ kaluuy tanawun sa mga ASEAN banners ui... i hope they will fix that coz they look so sore. :D

kusog man gud kaayo ang hangin.... hope they'll fix it...

ergit222

August 17th, 2006, 07:12 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc01.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc02.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc03.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc04.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc05.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc06.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/cicc07.jpg

tyronne

August 17th, 2006, 07:38 AM

very nice :okay:

JAMAICUS

August 17th, 2006, 12:57 PM

New developer looking at Chinatown project in Cebu

The developer of the P250-million shopping center called Neo Chinatown Mall in Parañaque is considering putting up a similar development in Cebu.

Bay Pacific Neo Chinatown, Inc. board member Dindo Wenceslao said the expansion would depend on the decision of shareholders.

Neo Chinatown sits on a 4-hectare property at the reclamation area in Macapagal Avenue, Parañaque.

"It is one of the ideas we have because of the large Chinese community in Cebu. These are all plans and not concrete [yet]. If the project is successful and they want to build one in Cebu, we are open to that," he told BusinessWorld.

Led by chairman and Hush Puppies proprietor Guillermo Chutick, a group of second- and third-generation Chinese-Filipino businessmen thought of creating a new Chinatown that will be as authentic as possible with a shopping complex that mixes business and trade with social and leisure activities.

Architect Mark Steven Ong, who is a graduate of the Pratt Institute in New York, said the unique commercial-cum-leisure complex is being marketed as the new Binondo.

"It is very difficult to go to Chinatown to buy the goods we need. We decided to take the Chinatown in a new location where it is more convenient and more accessible. We will have the usual stuff you expect or look for such as night market, cultural shows, and the traditional architecture. I believe this is the first for the country," he added.

In his speech, Mr. Chutick said the project "offers not only a unique business opportunity, but also reinvigorates Manila as a multicultural destination."

"Our vision is to combine the old world charm of the original Chinatown in Ongpin with the latest innovations in commercial development. Behind the backdrop of traditional Chinese architecture, Neo Chinatown will offer the best authentic Chinese products and cuisine, as well as some of our modern commercial concepts. It will be the new Chinatown that we will all be proud of," he added.

Six clusters will comprise Neo Chinatown, each with distinct offering.

Talks are ongoing with mainland Chinese investors keen on setting up Chinese restaurants in the complex. Chinese chefs and food experts from Szechuan, Xiamen and Shanghai will be based here as culinary expatriates.

Mr. Ong said he did not only consider space and design, but also the public.

"The new generation of Chinese does not live in Binondo anymore. We notice a lot of people want to go and buy goods and go to these restaurants. But they are uncertain in Binondo since it is really congested. We felt there is this need to put it in a better place," he added.

Mr. Wenceslao likes going to Binondo where many Chinese-Filipinos live and run their businesses, but finds it a hassle because of difficult-to-find parking lots.

"Binondo is for the first generation Chinese businessmen. What we are doing is to have a project that the second- and third-generation will be proud of. We are optimistic about the outcome of the project. When you are in our mall, you will feel like you are in China. A lot of our raw materials were bought from China. It is not a regular mall," he added.

Francis Chua, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc., said Neo Chinatown is addressing a niche market.

"The problem of the 168 Mall can actually present itself a good opportunity for Neo Chinatown. He [Mr. Chutick] will convert his establishment into a club that anybody can come to shop and buy. A club that does not have to follow existing retail trade restriction of the country. That is what the new Chinatown is going to adopt.

"With this noble idea, this new Chinatown will go a long, long way. A very few people have the courage of duplicating a new Chinatown," Mr. Chua added.

While the property is near the SM Mall of Asia, he said the Sy-led mall "does not have the Chinese culture which Neo Chinatown is going to offer."

The SM Mall of Asia is the biggest shopping mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

On developments in Parañaque, Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita said the city is "a little late in terms of development."

"The Pasay area is developing faster but we have no doubt that we will catch up with our neighbors and give them a run for their money. Eventually, we will see a big development in our area," he said.

He cited a planned entertainment center to be put up at the reclaimed area on Roxas Boulevard called Pagcor City, a project of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

"You will see the makings of the new Las Vegas family entertainment city right next to Neo Chinatown. It will consist of hotels, recreation centers and a few casino. But that is not the focus. We like to develop it as a major family entertainment center.

"We are also going to have Nayong Pilipino right near Neo Chinatown. I assure you, you are located in a perfect spot," Mr. Zialcita said.

Mr. Ong said the next phase of development for the 4-hectare property are the residential and commercial components. -- Ruby Anne M. Rubio

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW081706/content.php?id=102