yip it's spreading too, they will be opening restos in escario st. (beside Shell), soon at the Asiatown IT Park (The Village), and Next month McDonalds Sykes will be serving McChickens and Burger McDo...

There's a new larsian in Panagdait, Mabolo, near SYKES sponsored by Pepsi, will be open on saturday :)

Pardon me for my ignorance but what is Larsian, is it a food brand? Or is it a general term for a dining place?

just a little dream for Cebu...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/subway.jpg

[QUOTE=SleMarKen;13808611]Cityscapes Part 1





http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200704.jpg


Good evening mates,

Awesome ! When i left Cebu since 2000, there is only one highrise in the downtown area , now it has three. Thanks for the picture Markiiboi.:banana: :cheers:

Pardon me for my ignorance but what is Larsian, is it a food brand? Or is it a general term for a dining place?

it's the name of one of the original barbecue stalls in the fuente osmna area during the 70's (m not sure what decade though hehe) the name is use until now because people use it often as a general reference to the barbecue stalls in the area....i dunno f the people behind the original larsian are still there... :)

[QUOTE=SleMarKen;13808918]Cityscapes Part 2



Very nice pictures. Thanks mate.

Goodness. PUJs are everywhere! Nagkalat sila :ohno:


and so are taxicabs...

as long as u have money u can have an LTFRB franchise, blame those corrupt officials :ohno: i dnt think they are limiting taxicabs here in cebu :ohno:

Nice. I like that vision. It's the best vision yet. It's better than my over-ambitious one. :yes:

But there should be a line from Mabolo Station to Mandaue City. There will be a terminal station somewhere near A.C. Cortez/Gov. Cuenco intersection which would be the meeting point of the lime-green line that proceeds through SM City - Cebu and this line extension. This terminal station will redirect passengers to a freighter/inter-city line to Danao City.

Plus, there SHOULD be an airport line, as well as, an SRP line.

P90B capital to boost tourism in Central Philippines (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view_article.php?article_id=72116)

By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 01:31pm (Mla time) 06/19/2007

Cebu, Philippines - A total of P90 billion in market capital has been invested in the accommodation sector in the central Philippines in a bid to promote tourism, a cabinet official said on Thursday.

Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said the figure is the highest amount given in a span of two years for the tourism industry.

Durano, who spoke during the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Congress, said the Arroyo administration has made tourism a pillar of the country's economic agenda and declared central Philippines the focus of tourism developments in the country.

“Achieving 14 percent annual growth rate for the past three years, the vast tourism expansion in central Philippines happened,” he said.

Durano cited Palawan, Aklan (Boracay), Romblon, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Samar and the Bicol region as areas in central Philippines which benefited from tourism expansion.

In Cebu, Durano said Imperial Palace Resort, a 100-percent Korean investment in Mactan, will open soon.

Also as part of tourism's development, Durano cited the expansion of Cordova Reef Resort and Parklane Hotel and the launching of Hilton Cebu's third tower among others.

“We also have the latest addition in Shangri-La Cebu, the signature P500 million worth Chi Spa Village which is the first in the Shangri-La network,” he said.

Durano also cited the expansion of Palawan's resorts including Club Paradise, Dos Palmas and “the biggest integrated resort development in Palawan, the San Vicente ecozone resort project.”

In Bohol, Victory Liner, the country’s biggest bus company, has invested in the Amorita Resort.

BORACAY

“In Boracay, around 1,000 new rooms will open this year. Some have already opened and some are in the advance stages of completion,” Durano told participants ASEAN Tourism Congress.

He said the DOT was expanding to Boracay’s neighboring Carabao Island in Romblon to relieve Boracay from overdevelopment.

The Romblon development is a 100-percent Korean investment under the under the Euro-Asian group integrated resort development.

“Part of this development is an airport with 4,500 meter runway and a terminal capacity of one million passengers per year at no cost to the government,” Durano said.

In Iloilo City, the business sector was investing in hotel projects to prepare for the influx of foreign visitors especially with the opening of the Iloilo International Airport.

Durano said other provinces like Camiguin and the Bicol region also offer different paradise versions for its visitors.

The first of its kind in Asia, Bicol will showcase a year-round weight boarding complex which will be complemented with one hundred villas. This project is funded by the province of Camarines Sur.

“This is one of the projects which prove that if we just have a tourism-oriented, progressive local executive, they can really contribute a lot to the country's tourism development,” Durano said.

Other key destinations in the Philippines that Durano cited were Samar's Kalikuan Surf Resort, which is the latest addition to the country's surfing circuit, and Oriental Negros' Bahura Resort, which is another scuba diving destination.

Durano also called for expansion in tourism infrastructure to cope with the country’s foreign tourist arrivals especially with the dramatic expansion of commercial flights into and within central Philippines.

In two years, Durano said commercial flights from Moscow to Cebu are already available to capture central Philippines' fastest growing European market, Russia.

FLIGHTS

With the presence of different commercial flights — Taipei-Cebu, Singapore-Cebu, Kuala Lumpur-Cebu, Hong Kong-Cebu — Durano is confident that more tourists will come to the Philippines.

“Also the presence of our domestic flights will make it easy for every tourist coming directly to the Philippines to do paradise to paradise connections,” he said.

To subscribe to the Cebu Daily News newspaper, call +63 2 (032) 233-6046 for Metro Manila and Metro Cebu or email your subscription request here.

Parklane will expand? How?

^^ Well, obviously by adding another building at the lot at the back. :yes:

^^ if i'm not mistaken, there is still a big vacant lot at the back of the hotel...perhaps, they bought it and will build another high-rise but I guess, it will be a residential condominium, not a hotel...


...or, if you remember an article in the newspaper about a year ago which stated that what they are offering now is just the first phase of their hotel project...

^^ there are shanties at the back portion of the hotel. :(

^^ they have enough space...

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/hongkonghotel.jpg

^^ oh yeah...that's a huge space nga! i hope they can develop it into a mini tourism/ commercial complex! I never thought there's still that huge space sa likod!

Nice. I like that vision. It's the best vision yet. It's better than my over-ambitious one. :yes:

But there should be a line from Mabolo Station to Mandaue City. There will be a terminal station somewhere near A.C. Cortez/Gov. Cuenco intersection which would be the meeting point of the lime-green line that proceeds through SM City - Cebu and this line extension. This terminal station will redirect passengers to a freighter/inter-city line to Danao City.

Plus, there SHOULD be an airport line, as well as, an SRP line.

thanks :)

actually, i plan on 'covering' the entire metropolitan area, but i wasnt able to find a decent enough map online...

im kind of having a hard time thinking about the Mandaue line, should it go all the way from SM to Mandaue South Reclamation (CICC and Cebu Doc) before turning to the poblacion and off to a branch going to the Mactan line...or should the SM station be abandoned and have the line follow the old highway, with stations at wireless and tipolo...

Parklane will expand? How?

I think they will increase the room capacity by putting additional floors. That's what I remember. Their original plan was 400 rooms 26 story building. I can't find the link but here is a similar news item about it posted about two years ago.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=245389&page=16

@windshear: the IATA code...it's kind of a sad thought to think about since most foreigners think that Manila is the only city in the Philippines...although a travel guide to the Philippines that i picked up in one of Toronto's libraries list the main cities of cebu as Cebu City and Moalboal :lol:

I can't blame them because most of the are.... Philippine Geography dorks. :lol:

It will be nice to bring a map of Philippines (or better yet, map of Cebu) while you travel.

^^ additional floors! Now that's what I like! I hope this time they can do something with the facade too.

^^They will have to add floors because they will look midget once the Hongkong Hotel is completed . :)

^^ plus the 25 storey Grand Cenia which is a couple of meters away from Parklane

^^ i-post lang nako diri bai: (so, they're adding up more floors)


***************(this was in year 2005)**********

Park Lane Int’l Hotel Cebu set to open 100 rooms by October


International hotel chain, Park Lane International Hotel Cebu will open up 100 rooms this coming October, as the construction of the P700 million hotel project of Cebu-based Five Power Venture Development is nearing completion.
The entry of Park Lane Cebu has brought good news to the tourism industry player in the province, as it is currently suffering from room shortage that hold off volume of tourists arrivals both foreign and domestic visitors.

Park Lane Cebu is the fourth international hotel chain to enter in Cebu, joining international names operating here, like Cebu City Marriott Hotel, ShangriLa Mactan Island Resort, and Cebu Hilton Resort and Spa.

Park Lane International Hotel Cebu general manager Mars Benitez said the hotel has to hasten the initial commercial operation of the 100 rooms before the holding of Advertising Congress this coming November.

The 26-story Park Lane Cebu is scheduled to be in full operation, and open up the total 220 business class hotel rooms early next year, Benitez said.

The four-star Park Lane Cebu is built in a 2,950 square meter area right across the Cebu Business Park. Benitez said the hotel building would be built to have a total room capacity of 400. However, it will initially operate 220 rooms in the next few years.

“Our long term plan is to open the 400 rooms, as the building is built to this capacity. But, in the meantime, we will be opening first the 220 rooms,” he said.

Currently, he said the construction is already touching off the interior finishing, so that it could already accept guests by October this year. Tentatively, he added that soft opening is set on the first or second week of October.

Park Lane Hotel in Cebu, will be the first hotel to be built in the last few years, after Hilton Resort in Mactan Island started its construction in 1998.

Tourism players welcome this development saying this is good news for Cebu, as the province is currently suffering from hotel room shortage amid the growing tourists.

Several efforts were initiated both by the private and government sectors to invite capitalists to invest in hotel project in Cebu, as business potential is very promising.

To date, Cebu can only offer a little over 6,000 hotel room accommodations. The room shortage is one of the barriers why Cebu can’t take off to achieve its target of 5 million arrivals in the next five years.

International tourism experts recently told Cebu tourism players that the five million tourist arrival target in the next five years is unrealistic and too ambitious considering that the province is facing room shortage problem.

“Five Power Ventures Development Corporation, has considerably contemplated on its purpose of constructing a Hotel and making sure that it shall provide a venue and facility that will make Cebu as another Hotel and Convention destination both for local and international markets. This is where the emergence of Parklane International Hotel Cebu,” Benitez said.

^^ oh yeah...that's a huge space nga! i hope they can develop it into a mini tourism/ commercial complex! I never thought there's still that huge space sa likod!

i think the huge space behind the hotel is the 'pocket forest'. i don't think the owner's selling it..

...i think the resort's name is redundant!...hehheheh!

****************

Tubod Flowing Water Resort
Upper Pakigne, Minglanilla,
Southern Cebu, Philippines
pics by @jojoog2004

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Ronda’s “humba” to hit the local, export markets
The Freeman Online (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71&aid=20070619172)
By Ehda M. Dagooc
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/531018710_7b94f431e3.jpg
flickr pic by @on2boy

Cebu’s unique recipe of pork stew locally known as “humba” will soon hit the commercial market as technical and marketing study is currently being developed to make this potential product another delicacy that’s uniquely Cebuano.

In the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program, the town of Ronda in the southern part of Cebu province has identified “humba” as its potential product for development that could stimulate the local economy once developed.

DTI-Cebu officer-in-charge Elias Tecson announced that a group of students from the College of Institute and Technology (CIT) is now helping the people of Ronda in developing good packaging for the product, including how to preserve “humba” for longer shelf-life in preparation for massive production for the local and export markets.

According to Tecson, DTI-CPO is helping Ronda “humba” makers to find their way to a good business opportunity. DTI-CPO initiated a move to link these people to the academe who could be instrumental in providing them with better and fresh ideas in making this product a potential business venture for local residents.

The formal partnership of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the academe in the OTOP program will be showcased during the upcoming OTOP fair dubbed “Pasigarbo Sa Sugbo” exhibit to be held this coming October 2007 at SM City Cebu.

Few of the possibilities that will be developed to strengthen “humba” commerciality may be an introduction of canned “humba”, pasteurized “humba” packaged for mass production, Tecson said.

Ronda’s “humba, is just one of the few products that is being developed from each town in the province aimed at paving way for economic activity in each town, especially that Cebu province is a tourism destination.

OTOP is one of the flagship programs of the government aimed at stimulating economic activity in the countryside. It targets to utilize and maximize the resources of the countryside and empowering the various local government units to contribute significantly to the country’s development.

According to Tecson, DTI has recognized the huge contribution of the academe in helping the OTOP program, such as developing business plan, full-blown marketing plan, packaging, among others to help each town’s product be marketed nationwide, as well as achieve export quality.

“Students of Business Administration [or business related courses] of the selected universities will be able to come up with a marketing or full-blown business plan for the OTOP projects of the LGUs,” Tecson said in an interview.

Each municipality or town in the entire Cebu province has identified its own product to develop, in order to give additional livelihood to the residents.

Talisay City for instance, has identified “Lechon” as their best delicacy, as the famous Cebu’s delicious Lechon originated from Talisay many years back.

Dalaguete, on the other hand, which is the vegetable basket in the province will have to get technical, as well as financial support from the government to market its vegetable products.

Carmen town with its handicraft making (Sinamay); Argao’s Torta; boneless danggit in Bantayan, Madridejos with its famous “fish tocino”; Shoes product in CarCar; Consolacion “Saruk”, Sta. Fe for tourism; Compostela’s “Quiseo” or locally produced dairy product; “Suli-Suli” in San Francisco (Camotes) and Handicraft in Poro, (Camotes).

China opens to Cebu traders

CEBU exporters have been invited to send delegates to the China-Asean Expo (Caexpo) in Nanning City, China.

A local entrepreneur has yet to attend the annual state level economic and trading exchange event since it began in 2004.

“The market is huge but we don’t even know they (China) have a platform for international marketing. This is the first time,” said Anton Ho, past president of Filipino-Chinese Community in Cebu.

The expo, which is sponsored by 11 countries and departments in charge of China’s economy and trade, focuses on products and services that each country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) produces, like handicrafts, foodstuffs, jewelry and palm oil.

He Lipeng, deputy secretary general of Caexpo, said the expo will take place between Oct. 20 and 23.

Categories

Exhibitors will be categorized into four pavilions: commodity trade (machinery and equipment, electrical appliances and electronics), investment cooperation (investment-inviting and overseas investing projects, human resource cooperation and financial services), agriculture applicable technology and harbor development.

Ho said Cebu has several products that can be exhibited at the expo, like its famous mango and other handicrafts.

“We have been exporting our products to China through Hong Kong because we did not know that there is such an international expo. There was a lack of information,” he said.

Nanning is the capital of Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region and is the center of politics, economy, culture, science and education.

Cooperation

Lipeng said a China-Asean Port Development and Cooperation Forum—where key port leaders from China and Asean countries, investors and operators of international piers, large shipping companies, logistics enterprises and ship building companies are to meet with minister of communications and officials of Nanning-will be one of the highlights of the four-day expo.

There will also be a China-Asean Business and Investment Summit and a series of forums among participating business leaders to allow them to illustrate their market analysis and explore investment potentials in the region.

China’s Consul General to Cebu Cui Luosheng, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Francisco Benedicto, National Economic Development Authority 7 Director Marlene Catalina Rodriguez, Department of Trade and Industry Director Asteria Caberte and local business leaders attended the presentation of the exposition’s profile. (AIV/With TEP)

Cityscapes Part 1

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200702.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200701.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200704.jpg
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http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200710.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/CebuCitySkyline0618200708.jpg

thanks, i really enjoyed this pictures

omg i just realized how CLOSE SM is to ROBINSONS, if only cebu had excellent infrastracture, it'd probably take only 10 minutes to get from Robinson's to SM. I never realized how close they were, same with Ayala and SM. When I lived there i always thought they were far away from each other lol

Sun.Star
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Future mall at recla to house Cebu brands (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/20/bus/future.mall.at.recla.to.house.cebu.brands.html)

EVEN before proponents held its groundbreaking, a mall project at the Mandaue City reclamation area has drawn the interest of companies in Cebu and in Metro Manila.

“So far, the acceptance of the concept by prospective tenant partners has been encouraging,” said James Co, managing director of Parkmall At 168 (Parkmall@168), a future shopping destination that will rise across the Cebu International Convention Center.

Co, during a press conference held shortly after the groundbreaking of the pro-ject last week, said Parkmall will open in the last quarter of this year.

According to a press statement from Parkmall proponent Golden Great Venture Properties Co., the mall will be a “Philippine retail store” of Cebu home-grown brands and will serve as “incubation platform” for the new breed of local entrepreneurs.

“They just need to submit their business plan… to address the need for incubation,” Co said. “We will do our part to raise entrepreneurs in Cebu.”

The company is encouraging all businesses in the province and those in Metro Manila to become its partner-tenants.

Parkmall, which involves an investment of about P350 million, has a total lease area of 30,000 square meters.

Project proponents stressed that Parkmall does not duplicate existing malls as it is more like a “tiangge” concept. Golden Great Venture is also inviting call center companies to become potential tenants.

With the opening of a new public utility jeepney route, the company said Parkmall will be accessible to the public. The future mall complex will also house a parking lot with over 700 slots.

Parkmall will rise on a six-hectare lot at the Mandaue City reclamation area and will feature an accented piazza that will be a “venue for people to stroll, relax, jog, and do other fun activites.” (TEP)

^ This is confusing. Previous recent articles stated that Parkmall@168 is not to be associated with a tiangge. Hmmm. :hm:

Cebu City gov’t self-reliant soon (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007062096258.html)
Mayor cites P4-B income from sale of SRP property

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY — Mayor Tomas Osmeña said yesterday that Cebu City will soon become self-reliant, earning R1 billion per year, after paying off all its debts and realizing income that will be derived from the South Road Properties (SRP).

Osmeña, who was guest at the 888 News Forum held yesterday at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, said that in his own criteria, Cebu City is now self-reliant but it has to pay its debts yet and it has been very picky in selecting investors for SRP.

"We have sufficient money. We can even pay more than 20 percent of our debts. In my criteria, we are now self-reliant," Osmeña said, but added that being totally self-reliant will take place in the next three years or within his last term.

The mayor said, however, the public has not seen yet the effect of Cebu City’s progress because only 25 percent of the total budget for the city is allotted for projects. The rest are spent for salaries, gasoline, and other expenses.

"Cebu City now has the ability to control its destiny. We are closed to being totally self-reliant," said Osmeña.

This year at least two hectares of the SRP, costing some R4 billion, were bought by entertainment company Bigfoot. The company is expected to buy additional five-hec-tares of the properties, with several other factories and companies expressing intention to purchase lots in the newly-developed SRP.

"Over the last five years we have paid our debts on time. We are on the verge of pay-off. You will see in the next few years," Osmeña said.

Osmeña made the pronouncements as his critics claimed that the city is on the verge of bankruptcy because of the loan it incurred to develop the SRP. But Osmeña said taking out the loan was very important because the City "can’t take off if it won’t take risks."

The city government has already paid some R250 million to the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for its SRP loan last February, and is scheduled to make its second and last payment for this year in August for the same amount.

The SRP was funded by yen loan from the JBIC.

The Cebu city government will bid out a 30-hectare lot at the 295-hectare SRP to raise the R500 million needed for debt servicing this year.

Osmeña said lots at the SRP can be sold for as much as R14,000 per square meter, and can raise up to R4.2 billion from the 30-hectare property alone.

"That will give us R2 billion if sold at P7,000 per square meter, or R4 billion if sold at P14,000 per square meter, and R500 million is nothing. That’s why I’ve been saying this is a good project. It’s only risky because it’s a very big project," he said.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/494204064_65a60e7af3.jpg?v=0
photo by TOLZ (http://flickr.com/photos/tolz/)

On to Paseo (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/20/life/on.to.paseo.html)
By Jenara Regis Newman

OPEN only at 2 p.m. but staying open until midnight daily is the night market which greets you as you enter Paseo.

It’s what Paseo management calls “the whole nine yards of shopping,” though it’s certainly more than nine yards, what with 100 stalls selling a variety of goods: fashion must-haves, pasalubong items, gadgets and gizmos, accessories, bedroom furnishing, native banig items, home décor, jewelry.

Why, there’s even an airbrush studio and a money-changer outlet!

The anchor stores of the place are Off-Price, which sells branded ready-to-wear; Flame It, with grilled burgers and sausages; Mr. Coffee, which is open from 10 a.m. up; RC Goldline, which sells cellphones and accessories; and Chillout Spa Bar which, not only has chillout mixes, but also Sawadee massages!

If all that is not enough to see you there, then there are the 23 restaurant bars, moderately priced, reason enough for being in Paseo to shoot the breeze, to be with friends and to drink and dine. The food area is beyond the market stalls, which open out to a huge court surrounded by the resto-bars Neo Neo Express, Pipeline, Hot Spot, Pitlane, Molecule, Seven, Ground Floor, Booze and Burps, Numero Doce, Sugbu Silog, Cocina Ysabella, Wingnutz, Ow! Tribal Bar, All In, Hangover, Come on Baby, Gozar, Tubil, Fat Joe’s, Le Guar, Japs Samurai, The Big Easy Pizza, and Pot of Rice.

You name it and this food court probably has it and more! The court, which can seat 2,000 and accommodate 5,000 standing, has a resident DJ on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays; acoustic bands from 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Latin vibe with solo percussionist on Thursdays and Sundays from 8 p.m. onwards.

This covered court can also be the site for special events. The Sunstar Isuzu Treasure Quest Challenge 4 took place there last June 16. For Cebu Business Month on June 23, it will be the venue of Techno Amazing Challenge.

So see you in Paseo, visit its market and chill out at the covered court. You’ll be surprised to meet so many like-minded guys and gals there who have discovered the place and made it their istambayan.

President to visit Cebu for Euro Money conference
(http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/20/news/president.to.visit.cebu.for.euro.money.conference.html)
PRESIDENT Arroyo will be in Cebu tomorrow to address the Euro Money Conference at the Mactan Shangri-la Hotel and Resort, said Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Secretary Cerge Remonde.

With the Philippine economy growing at a steady rate and the local market at an all time high, Arroyo thought it appropriate that she should speak before the business group from the European countries, Remonde said.

The PMS secretary said the President will discuss the outstanding economic performance of the country, the business opportunities in the country, and the stronger peso.

Prestigious

“The President readily accepted the invitation because the Euro Money Conference is a prestigious group worldwide,” Re-monde said.

Remonde said many international conferences have been held in Cebu since it hosted the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit last January.

“I believe that more international conferences will be held in Cebu in the future,” he said.

After her speech, Remonde said, the President will proceed to Vigan, Ilocos Sur upon the invitation of defeated senatorial candidate Chavit Singson.

No schedule

Remonde said he doesn’t know what the agenda of the Arroyo-Singson meeting is, but he was also told that the President will inaugurate a big project there.

Remonde said he expects local leaders here in Cebu to welcome the President at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base although there is no schedule for a formal meeting with them.

“As I said there is only one majority activity that the President will attend to, and that is the Euro Money Conference. There is no other meeting scheduled in Cebu,” he said. (EOB)

Garcia wants cityhood bids to be reevaluated (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070619218)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

With more towns in Cebu Province aspiring for cityhood this year, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has called on the next Congress to reevaluate the law on the conversion of municipalities to cities.

Although she claimed to fully support the creation of at least three more cities within the year in Cebu province, she said it is not fair for the province to continue to support more component cities without recompense.

Garcia cited the provision of the law stating the province can no longer get a share of real property taxes from component cities.

She said it is unfair to continue extending assistance to component cities that do not remit their share to the province.

Garcia cited Talisay City, the last town in Cebu Province to become a city, which continues to receive financial assistance for projects such as road asphalting.

Residents of Bogo in the 4th district of Cebu Province recently voted to have their town converted to a city under Republic Act 9390.

The Commission on Elections also set the plebiscite for Carcar town’s cityhood bid for July 1.

Last year House Bill No. 6041 converting Naga town into a component city was also approved and already transmitted by Congress to Malacañang, although no schedule for the plebiscite has been set.

Bogo, Cacar and Naga were exempted from the amended law increasing the minimum income requirement for a town to become a city from P20 million to P100 million since the proposals were submitted prior to the change.

During the campaign period, 3rd district Representative-elect Pablo Garcia also promised to make Balamban town a city, if he wins a seat in Congress.

P90B capital to boost tourism in Central Philippines (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view_article.php?article_id=72116)

In two years, Durano said commercial flights from Moscow to Cebu are already available to capture central Philippines' fastest growing European market, Russia.




This is an interesting development here. A direct flight to Moscow, (double the distance compared to existing international flights in Cebu) will really cement Cebu's reputation as a (prime) international tourist destination.

Hmm, on an interesting note, when will Cebu achieve Gamma-class World city status? Any estimates?

^^ Sadly, probably never. In order for Metro Cebu to be considered a gamma-level city it needs to be ten to twenty times its current size in terms of economic standing/output. It also needs to be a "regional" financial hub (i.e. Singapore or Hong Kong) [Small cities need to have such mechanism so as to enable it to be of influence, at least, in the regional scale].

Americal Division forces approach beach landing site at Talisay, near Cebu City, Philippines, March 26, 1945.

Army Signal Corps photo #204237, Natl. Archives
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/567296916_767cbf703f.jpg?v=0

First troops of the 3rd Battalion, 132nd Infantry, Americal Division, wade ashore, across heavily-mined beaches, during invasion of Cebu Island, P.I., at a point juse [sic] south of Cebu City. The invasion was preceded by heavy naval and aerial bombardment. 3-26-45.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/573245069_8f22f4a934.jpg?v=0

Americal Division troops on the beach after landing at Talisay on March 26, 1945, commencing the liberation of Cebu.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/567296772_84f6d4d4e3.jpg?v=0

"Shipping and dock facilities are easily distinguishable in this aerial view made of the harbor of Cebu, P.I., 4/4/45."
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1236/568449208_baff356c2d.jpg?v=0

Aerial view of Cebu City dock area after liberation, 1945
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/568916967_c4f4a781e8.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/568448706_ce1a8eda3b.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/568916413_a764c03c37.jpg?v=0

"This is the way Cebu City, Cebu, P.I., second largest city in the Philippines, appeared to troops of the Americal Division upon their entrance to it. Wrecked by retreating Japs [sic], after such fighting across heavily mined roads. Note skeletons of buildings in background.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/568448144_b2d19245a6.jpg?v=0

Cebu Provincial Capitol Building after liberation, 1945
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1142/568916113_466065fcaa.jpg?v=0

"Members of the 182nd Infantry, Americal Division, check throught linens found in a Japanese cave on Babag Ridge, Cebu, P.I.
4/19/45"
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1369/568915957_24e35b0b5a.jpg?v=0

Photos and captions by Americal 125 QM (http://flickr.com/photos/americal125qm/)

For the benefit of those who do not know the rankings of the cities:

Level: (Score)

*************************************************************

Alpha World Cities A: (12) (full-service world cities)
New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris

Alpha World Cities B: (10) (full-service world cities)
Chicago, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Milan, and Singapore

*************************************************************

Beta World Cities A: (9) (major cities)
San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto, and Zurich

Beta World Cities B: (8) (major cities)
Brussels, Madrid, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo

Beta World Cities C: (7) (major cities)
Seoul, and Moscow

*************************************************************

Gamma World Cities A: (6) (minor world cities)
Amsterdam, Boston, Caracas, Dallas, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Houston, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Osaka, Prague, Santiago, Taipei, and Washington

Gamma World Cities B: (5) (minor world cities)
Bangkok, Beijing, Montreal, Rome, Stockholm, and Warsaw

Gamma World Cities C: (4) (minor world cities)
Atlanta, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Miami, Minneapolis, Munich, and Shanghai

@SLEMARKEN
thnks for the pix.....


just a little dream for Cebu...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/ether_2006/subway.jpg

good envisioned, i hope Cebu Provincial Government will give much attention to this project b4 the city will be fully develop with high rise towers and businesses

How big do you think Metro Cebu would get in terms of population and overall nominal GDP (in billions of dollars) as well as in GDP per-capita population?

Ako I'm hinging on the prospect that population could peak at 5 million for the expanded Metro Cebu. While GDP could peak at US$ 50 billion. That'd make Metro Cebu's per-capita GDP at US$ 10,000.

^^ what year are we looking at here bai? would this be 5 to 8 years from now?

btw, heard on balitang bisdak (news) that a direct flight from US to Cebu will be open next year. This is a great development if it materializes.

^^ good news indeed but i believe this is not the first time... several years back, ive learned from arnold (not sure though) that there were direct flights to the US...

^^ good news indeed but i believe this is not the first time... several years back, ive learned from arnold (not sure though) that there were direct flights to the US...

Murag chartered flights, during Sinulog.. Hehehe..




..

^^ aok... thanks for the info bai...

^^ And finally our Bisdak friends in US may come back without passing MNL. And more tourists and investors too. :D

^^ what year are we looking at here bai? would this be 5 to 8 years from now?

That would be the peak, bai. :D In other words, at what level will the Expanded Metro Cebu's (this means that it includes the City of Car-Car, San Fernando, Naga, the City of Danao, Lilo-an, Compostela, Consolacion and the Olango Island) economy and population peak?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/568448706_ce1a8eda3b.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/568916413_a764c03c37.jpg?v=0



lots of potential ruined by years of haphazard planning...if only the builders of Modern Cebu after the devastation of WWII saw it fit to come up with a gridiron street-plan, and strict zoning, Cebu would have been better than the way it is now...

ic. :)


That would be the peak, bai. :D In other words, at what level will the expanded Metro Cebu's economy and population peak?

^^

GDP/GNP wise, I read an article that if the island was a separate state, its economy could grow and equal to that of Singapore..

We have an export-oriented economy, we are industrialized and not agricultural, we have shipbuilding, MEPZ, among others so why not? Hehe..


..

@pirena
was it you buying pizza kanina sa PizzaHut Ayala?

@SleMarKen: Is the skywalk connecting Robinsons and the Mercury Drug building the worst in the city? Does it have the most mendicants?


Yup... as compared to the other side (Jones side), we noticed that there were no beggars @ that time.

^^ And finally our Bisdak friends in US may come back without passing MNL. And more tourists and investors too. :D


...actually bai, tourists and visitors can enter Cebu without passing Manila... they can via...Hong Kong, Singapore, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Taipei, Incheon ...hehhehe!

@pirena
was it you buying pizza kanina sa PizzaHut Ayala?

yup

Thanks for those excellent finds Jhaelnis!! First time i've seen those pics.

GDP/GNP wise, I read an article that if the island was a separate state, its economy could grow and equal to that of Singapore..

We have an export-oriented economy, we are industrialized and not agricultural, we have shipbuilding, MEPZ, among others so why not? Hehe..

^^ Really? Well, that'd be great. :happy:

I'm wondering, though, if that's a bit too lofty an ambition for Cebu. Remeber, it is Singapore's location (in the middle of the Malacca Trade Route) which made it the way it is now. I doubt Metro Cebu could ever surpass that. Metro Cebu is sort of like a "Visayan and Mindanaoan hub" but not a "Regional-hub" like Singapore.

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1258/567463666f7477585b6bjn4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

From Flickr.com by Ronald Suello

^^ looks like one of those Japanese cities...hehehhehe!

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2851/panofuenterb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/133/panowindlandsy7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/869/panosrp01copyzu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

To ease traffic on Bacalso Avenue, bus terminal may have to go
By Rene U. Borromeo
Thursday, June 21, 2007

The days of the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. could already be numbered.

This as the traffic authority of Cebu City, CITOM, is seen to recommend the transfer of the terminal to help ease the flow of traffic in the area.

The City Traffic Operations and Management task force is presently conducting a traffic study at N. Bacalso to determine the causes of congestion.

City public information officer Nagiel Bañacia admitted that there could be a possibility that the city may move for the transfer of the south bus terminal from its present location if — by doing it — would help decongest the traffic situation at Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

Thousands of vehicles are using the six-lane Natalio Bacalso Avenue everyday because it is the main access to the southern part of the city and province.

Some observers believe that the move of CITOM could be a retaliation of the city to plans of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to take back the province-owned lots located in the city, including the Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City Zoo and the one occupied by the Fuente Osmeña police station.

But chief City Hall planner Nigel Paul Villarete explained that the CITOM’s move of conducting a traffic study at Natalio Bacalso Avenue is not really intended to transfer the south bus terminal from its location, but to improve the traffic situation in that place.

Bañacia and Villarete are both members of the board of the CITOM.

Villarete said some operators and drivers of public utility vehicles had earlier complained, because they could no longer park at the south bus terminal, because it is always overcrowded with vehicles.

But many motorists who pass Natalio Bacalso Avenue everyday complained because whenever the passenger buses come out of the terminal, this obstructs the flow of traffic.

“Gikan god sa terminal, ang bus kinahanglan man nga motabok sa duha ka opposite lanes kon mopaingon na sa iyang destinasyon balik sa south mao nga mababagan ang mga sakyanan nga nagpaingon sa north,” said Robert Flores, a motorist.

The south bus terminal sits on a province-owned lot along N. Bacalso Avenue.

Gov. Garcia just shrugged off the move of CITOM.

“Why do they want to watch the terminal? I understand they are doing a lot of traffic study,” Garcia said.

She however refused to comment whether the move is one way of getting back at them.

Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda also said “we are pleased to know that CITOM are studying the traffic situation in the area.”

Sepulveda said the governor will wait for whatever recommendation the CITOM will make based on their study on the traffic situation in the N. Bacalso.

Meanwhile, the CITOM is now looking into the possibility of implementing the so-called “No-Fault zone” at Osmeña Boulevard from Fuente Osmeña to Capitol and Governor Mariano Cuenco Avenue from Gaisano Country Mall to Foodland.

A “no-fault zone” is meant that the traffic enforcers would apprehend the drivers even if he only commits a minor

traffic offense.

“Kon masuta gani nga epektibo ang pagpatuman niini, ang No-Fault zone ipatuman sa uban pang mga dapit sa syudad,” said Villarete. - with Garry B. Lao/NLQ

good day to all!

last night i saw a clearing operations in a vacant lot infront of winland tower beside the gasoline station in escario. Any idea re: development on the area?

^^

yeah we saw it too. maybe its for McDonald's because they are planning to open in that area.

^^ And finally our Bisdak friends in US may come back without passing MNL. And more tourists and investors too. :D

basta north america gikan dna knahanglan mo agi mnl pwd cla hk dn cbu...

A new way to control traffic...

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ01.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ03.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ02.jpg


... but is still unnoticed or unimplemented.


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ04.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ06.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h282/MarkiiBoi3/NoPUJ05.jpg

saw the documentary about these new traffic scheme... originally from Brazil (very effective, the BRT system originally is theirs), now being implemented in pilot areas in India, South Africa and Thailand... and NOw in CEBU!!!! :banana:

good pm ninyo mga bai! naghatod ko sa ako cousin sa airport gnha while passing Marcelo Fernan Bridge... i saw the rendering of the Cebu North Coastal Road, could anyone take pictures of the site...

salamat!

^^

I think dugay naman cguro nang No PUJ Lane but not properly implemented lang.. I still remember when I was in college sa CebuDoc, naa tu No PUJ Lane nga marking pero medyo faded lang. Anyway, Osmeña Blvd. will now be a no fault zone so I guess it would strictly be implemented na.



Really? Well, that'd be great.

I'm wondering, though, if that's a bit too lofty an ambition for Cebu. Remeber, it is Singapore's location (in the middle of the Malacca Trade Route) which made it the way it is now. I doubt Metro Cebu could ever surpass that. Metro Cebu is sort of like a "Visayan and Mindanaoan hub" but not a "Regional-hub" like Singapore.

@Cebuano_Exultor

I'm now more inclined to believe that Cebu will be having a problem if it was a separate state unless if it takes with it either Leyte or Negros. But I guess it will be having a bigger problem as an "entrepot" like Subic, Singapore or Hongkong because of its central location. If Cebu City was in Negros (facing towards the South China Sea), murag advantageous cguro, hehehe..


To ease traffic on Bacalso Avenue, bus terminal may have to go
By Rene U. Borromeo
Thursday, June 21, 2007

The days of the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. could already be numbered.

This as the traffic authority of Cebu City, CITOM, is seen to recommend the transfer of the terminal to help ease the flow of traffic in the area.

Agree kaayo ko nga ibalhin nila ang terminal.. A perfect location would be Talisay City, perhaps near the Talisay City Hall.. The existing site of the south terminal, mas maayo i-develop as commercial center.




..

^^ South Bus Terminal: kung pwede lang, to build a mini-park para mu-green ang Cebu...hehheheh!

^^

For me, bati jud kaayo ang location sa South Bus Terminal, Gwen should bid it out and transfer the terminal elsewhere preferably in the outskirts like Talisay City.. KMK Bus will also benefit from it since a lot of passengers would now be taking the Cebu City-Talisay City route.. Who knows, mas feasible na ang mass transpo system like MRT kay daghan na mangadto sa Talisay, hehehehe..


Expect more traffic also once the new ACT Campus opens.

^^ Bitaw, the Cebu South Bus Terminal really needs to transfer to a wider location. The current location is too small for the tons of buses and mega-jeepneys that use the terminal daily. And besides, the place has become so delapidated (just like Cebu's Port Area before the clean-up) we need a fresh brand-spankingly new facility.

Every weekend (when I go home to Cebu from Dumaguete and vice versa), I use this terminal and every time I use this terminal I always have an unpleasant experience. What...with vendors houding you all the way inside the bus trying to sell to you everything from "fake" Ray-Bann shades to a bundle of ampow (Why the hell will I need to have that many packets of ampow?!). If ever they build a new bus terminal they'd better make it more traveller-exclusive in that no vendors are allowed inside the premises of the bus terminal.

Makapisti kaayo na and mga vendors...moreso because they overcharge their customers by 300%. Hatagan tamo'g example, a Cebu Daily News costs P35.00 instead of the normal P10.00. I mean, can you believe that! Maulaw pud kang mubalibad kay sila pa'y mamugus nga muhakwat sa imong bag padulong sa taas. :ohno:

^^ South Bus Terminal: kung pwede lang, to build a mini-park para mu-green ang Cebu...hehheheh!

^^ I agree, converting it into a park will be a delightful redevelopment plan. :yes:

^^ Bitaw, the Cebu South Bus Terminal really needs to transfer to a wider location. The current location is too small for the tons of buses and mega-jeepneys that use the terminal daily. And besides, the place has become so delapidated (just like Cebu's Port Area before the clean-up) we need a fresh brand-spankingly new facility.

Every weekend (when I go home to Cebu from Dumaguete and vice versa), I use this terminal and every time I use this terminal I always have an unpleasant experience. What...with vendors houding you all the way inside the bus trying to sell to you everything from "fake" Ray-Bann shades to a bundle of ampow (Why the hell will I need to have that many packets of ampow?!). If ever they build a new bus terminal they'd better make it more traveller-exclusive in that no vendors are allowed inside the premises of the bus terminal.

Makapisti kaayo na and mga vendors...moreso because they overcharge their customers by 300%. Hatagan tamo'g example, a Cebu Daily News costs P35.00 instead of the normal P10.00. I mean, can you believe that! Maulaw pud kang mubalibad kay sila pa'y mamugus nga muhakwat sa imong bag padulong sa taas. :ohno:



^^ I agree, converting it into a park will be a delightful redevelopment plan. :yes:


Ampao and assorted biscuits, hehehe..

What's the best location bai? Para nako, okay ang Talisay side sa SRP, like near the Talisay City Hall..

..

I'm now more inclined to believe that Cebu will be having a problem if it was a separate state unless if it takes with it either Leyte or Negros. But I guess it will be having a bigger problem as an "entrepot" like Subic, Singapore or Hongkong because of its central location. If Cebu City was in Negros (facing towards the South China Sea), murag advantageous cguro, hehehe..

^^ Looks like you've read my mind, bro. :D :okay:

Bogo City


repost now that it's already a city.


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo02.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo09.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo12.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo04.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo11.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Bogo/bogo10.jpg

What's the best location bai? Para nako, okay ang Talisay side sa SRP, like near the Talisay City Hall..

^^ Yah, I nindot unta sa Talisay. Unya hopefully, and KMK Bus Transit will have its own terminal as well. Unya magtupad 'ta sila...or pwede pud ang terminal itself will be one huge integrated terminal for transit/commuter buses, out-of-town buses, and a high-speed train line to the City of Car-car (as in a Shinkansen, ICE, or TGV--I prefer an ICE...:lol: he:lol: he).:D

^^

Even the existing port, for me, would be much better if transferred to another location like in Mandaue City perhaps, sa ilahang proposed North Harbor reclamation. The site of the existing port can then be developed into a boardwalk and commercial area. :okay:

I can't wait for the day when skyscrapers would line the harbor, tapos naa dayon "viewing deck" at the Lapu-Lapu City side facing Cebu City, thus replicating a Kowloon-Hongkong Island atmosphere, hehehe...





..

^^

like this..


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/archive/cebucity.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Hongkong/hk01.jpg

^^

@cebuano_exultor

- bai, we will see new developments at the Pier area ...clean up drive is on going....in fact, about 80% to 90% of the squatters and illegal vendors at the port area were evicted already...so, new business establishments will come soon...



@arnold_carl

- I'm sure that transferring the south bus terminal to Talisay City will draw flak from the commuting public... well, they better do it now because election is over....hhehehehhe!

I can't wait for the day when skyscrapers would line the harbor, tapos naa dayon "viewing deck" at the Lapu-Lapu City side facing Cebu City, thus replicating a Kowloon-Hongkong Island atmosphere, hehehe...

^^ Ako pud bai...pero...dugaya pa kaha ana mahitabo sa. :lol:he:lol:he

^^ Bogo City

...i wish the local government plans and implements as early as now to bury those cable wires undergound than wait new business establishments sprouting in the city...

^^ South Bus Terminal: kung pwede lang, to build a mini-park para mu-green ang Cebu...hehheheh!

i agree :okay:, there is indeed a need for public space in Cebu City, and seeing that this lot is better off empty--owing to the traffic that it causes when utilized or developed for commercial purposes--why not turn it into a decent park then? the government should also order the demolition of all structures beside rivers--especially that the rains are coming--and turn these into parks that follow the entire course of the river, providing scenic riverside walkways...

- bai, we will see new developments at the Pier area ...clean up drive is on going....in fact, about 80% to 90% of the squatters and illegal vendors at the port area were evicted already...so, new business establishments will come soon...

^^ That's good news. At least arriving at the port area won't be as "yucky" as it used to be.

^^hopefully we'd have a decent-looking and maybe even 'safe to walk through' waterfront/harborfront in 5 to 10 years...

Bai, okay naman siguro mag-lakaw-lakaw dira sa waterfront area kay nanga-hadlok naman tanang mga hold-upper tungod sa mga vigilante killings. Hehe. :D

^^ Bogo City

...i wish the local government plans and implements as early as now to bury those cable wires undergound than wait new business establishments sprouting in the city...

The Martinezes have controlled Bogo for a very long time and it still looks very much the same as it was before -- no improvements. It's even fast deteriorating now like the condition of the roads, the drainages, the stingy public market, etc. and yet they keep on saying that the province has left them thus their support for Sugbuak.

Anyway, for me it's good news that Clavel lost.

^^

Even the existing port, for me, would be much better if transferred to another location like in Mandaue City perhaps, sa ilahang proposed North Harbor reclamation. The site of the existing port can then be developed into a boardwalk and commercial area. :okay:

I can't wait for the day when skyscrapers would line the harbor, tapos naa dayon "viewing deck" at the Lapu-Lapu City side facing Cebu City, thus replicating a Kowloon-Hongkong Island atmosphere, hehehe...





..

I hope the proposed relocation of the CIP to Cordova's Shell Island will push through. :)

The Martinezes have controlled Bogo for a very long time and it still looks very much the same as it was before -- no improvements. It's even fast deteriorating now like the condition of the roads, the drainages, the stingy public market, etc. and yet they keep on saying that the province has left them thus their support for Sugbuak.

Anyway, for me it's good news that Clavel lost.

And the new mayor for Bogo (still a Martinez) is promising wider and better roads in a year's time. They are looking at Bogo to be Cebu's "Little Makati". Hmm.

Bus terminal transfer just a plan: Jakosalem amid worry of operators, commuters (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/22/news/bus.terminal.transfer.just.a.plan.jakosalem.amid.worry.of.operators.commuters.html)

COMMUTERS, not bus operators, will be the ones to suffer if the Cebu South Bus Terminal is transferred, Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association (CPBOA) president Nicholas Villahermosa said yesterday.

In an interview, he told Sun.Star Cebu bus owners can adjust, but the riding public will have to change rides at least three times just to reach Colon St.

Cebu City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, however, said the feasibility study for the traffic situation and possible transfer of the terminal is “not a solid deal.”

He said it was just discussed as an offshoot of the complaint.

“That has been floated around for a long time now. It was just formally brought up in the Citom board last Wednesday. Wala pa gani na sa (It’s not yet even in the) proposal stage,” Jakosalem said. He presided over that Citom board meeting.

If the terminal is situated outside Cebu City, passengers will have to ride public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to the city.

But since they are intra-city PUJs, they are prevented under City Ordinance 1958 from going beyond the One Citilink Terminal.

Aside from riding Citilink shuttle multicabs, passengers will be forced to ride other PUJs for Colon St.

In its meeting last Wednesday, the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) board, as requested by City Planning Officer Paul Villarete, tasked its planning division to conduct a two-week study on the possibility of transferring the south bus terminal.

Vehicle “saturation” on N. Bacalso Ave. from the terminal up to Bulacao area at the boundary of Talisay City was cited as the primary reason.

Citom Executive Officer Arnel Tancinco told Sun.Star earlier that the move has nothing to do with the conflict between the City Government and the Capitol.

It came about, he said, only after the discussion on a letter from a mini-bus drivers’ group. The complaint was against another group, whose presence at the bus terminal was alleged as the cause of congestion there.

As council committee on transportation chairman, Jakosalem said it is also his concern that the convenience of moving the terminal elsewhere will outweigh the inconvenience it will cause the public.

“I have to be concerned about the aspect of the rights of the public. The bottom line is, will it (transfer of the terminal) be beneficial, or will it bring more convenience or inconvenience to the public?” he said.

Julie Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, said that those who will suffer if the present bus terminal is closed are small business owners, students and workers who have to spend extra for more rides.

The association’s members, who ply the Cebu City-Sibonga route, will have a regular meeting on June 29 at the Cebu South Bus Terminal conference room, supposedly with officials of the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

But now that the terminal’s transfer has been brought up, Flores said they may instead invite legal luminaries who can advise them on how to counter such a move in court.

“That south bus terminal is serving not only the people of southern Cebu but also the people of Cebu City. The people from southern Cebu are purchasing goods from Cebu City. The youth from the southern towns are studying in Cebu City schools. The others are working in various Cebu City firms,” Flores said.

The fact that the Cebu City Government has accredited One Citilink shows that it recognizes the need for such a facility. A government facility like the Cebu South Bus Terminal should be allowed to continue serving the public, she added.

Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong agreed with Flores that small entrepreneurs, students and workers will bear much of the burden if the south bus terminal is moved.

Provincial Board Member-elect Wilfredo Caminero observed that some small business owners buy goods from Carbon market and grocery stores, then hire pushcarts to bring their goods to the terminal.

Imagine their inconvenience, he said, if the terminal is transferred outside Cebu City. Caminero added, however, that he is optimistic City Hall will reconsider the plan.

VM Rama for transfer of South Bus Terminal (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070621194)
Friday, June 22 2007 (www.philstar.com)

Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he would favor the transfer of the South Bus Terminal outside the city if only to ease the traffic situation along N. Bacalso Avenue.

“If it will solve the problem on traffic, why not,” The vice mayor said as he denied that the planned transfer has something to do with the conflict between Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Governor Gwen Garcia.

The terminal located in a provincial-owned lot, and is owned and managed by the Capitol but Rama said the move is the city’s way to resolve the traffic congestion in that area. “People are just adding political color to it,” he said.

Rama said that if the traffic problem remains unsolved, then the time will come when the city would become as congested as Manila, a situation that would shun away many investors. “We should not wait for (such) time,” he said.

“Terminals ought to be outside the city” so that city streets would be decongested, said the vice mayor.

The City Traffic Operations Management has started a study of the traffic on N. Bacalso Avenue, where the terminal is located, to determine the causes of congestion there.

City public information officer Nagiel Bañacia said that if Citom finds out that the terminal’s presence causes the heavy traffic there, then the agency would recommend for the transfer of the facility to another site outside the city.

The 6-lane N. Bacalso Avenue is the main access and exit points of thousands of motorists to and from the southern part of the city and the province.

Nick Villahermosa, president of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association, has admitted that the terminal had caused the congestion, citing the more than 100 mini-buses and the 300 buses of the association’s members using the facility.

Villahermosa however told DYLA yesterday that it would be up to the provincial officials and traffic authorities to decide on how to improve the traffic situation in that area, which is part of barangay Pahina Central.

Pahina Central barangay captain Sisinio Andales, for his part, also supported the transfer of the terminal but suggested that the nearby Citilink Terminal must be relocated also.

“Kon balhinon man ang South Bus Terminal, angay nga apilon usab ang Citilink Terminal para patas,” said Andales.

South Bus Terminal is the oldest terminal in Cebu that served public utility vehicles from all towns of the province. Later on, it became a facility solely for southbound PUVs after the northbound ones were province with their own terminal in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Citilink Terminal, located beside the Cebu City Medical Center, also allows south-bound PUVs to unload and load passengers.

New ACT bldg starts operations sans occupancy permit (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070621195)

Friday, June 22, 2007

The administration of the Asian College of Technology has been accused of violating the law for starting operations at the school’s new 10-story building along Leon Kilat and P. del Rosario streets without an occupancy permit.

ACT, owned by Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa, has started classes in its new building even of the OBO has yet to issue the required occupancy permit for it.

Josefa Ylanan, the assistant OBO head, admitted that ACT has already applied for a partial occupancy permit but the application is still being reviewed.

Abellanosa, however, explained that all the required documents needed for the occupancy permit have been submitted to OBO three weeks ago, vowing to comply with all the requirements immediately.

Constructed on the area previously occupied by the ABS-CBN television network, Abellanosa’s building remains unfinished although it is already operational.

The ACT used to rent a building along Colon Street but when its contract expired, Abellanosa decided to use the third, fourth and sixth floors of his new building for his students and applied for a partial occupancy permit.

“Mora man god og ngil-ad kaayo tan-awon nga ang mga tinun-an nga mosaka paingon sa ilang classrooms, magkadungan og ang mga construction workers nga mopaingon usab sa ilang trabaho sa building,” a parent of one of the students said.

The building also became controversial last year when its contractor just dumped into the street in front of the building some construction materials that hampered the traffic flow.

It prompted the City Council to enact an ordinance that imposes sanction on any building contractor who commits similar acts.

Ylanan said Abellanosa should immediately follow what the law requires so his application for a partial occupancy permit will be approved.

Osmeña to help Cortes run Mandaue (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view_article.php?article_id=72324)

By Doris C. Bongcac, Dale G. Israel
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 01:15pm (Mla time) 06/20/2007

Cebu, Philippines – A greater cooperation among Metropolitan Cebu cities is one of the aims of Mandaue City Mayor-elect Jonas Cortes for his administration.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña couldn't agree more.

As a symbol of cooperation between two cities, Osmeña was willing to offer the services of Cebu City's traffic management personnel to help Mandaue while it recreated its own traffic agency, Cortes said.

Cortes said the offer came as a surprise to him, as he only asked for technical assistance from Cebu City on Mandaue's traffic situation.

Osmeña said he was willing to offer Cortes more than just technical assistance and personnel.

He sent a traffic supervisor from the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) office as well as personnel from the street lighting division, and Cebu City's Public Information Officer Nagiel Bañacia to Mandaue in response to Cortes’ request.

Osmeña said he would also send some members of his Mayor's Management to Mandaue City.

He said he was willing to talk to Cortes about Cebu City's ordinances, banning public utility jeepneys (PUJ) from outside the city, including Mandaue, from plying interior Cebu City roads.

Many Mandaue-based PUJs have been impounded by the Cebu City government for violating the ordinance.

“If Jonas will ask for it (talk about the ordinance) then we will look into it, but it does not automatically mean that I will agree,” said Osmeña.

“Whatever he needs, all our doors, and even our windows, are open. We will work with them. Whatever our staff is capable of doing, we are willing to extend help,” Osmeña said.

Cortes said there was no need for Citom personnel to be deployed in Mandaue City.

He would, however, need people to train new Mandaue City traffic enforcers, which he would want Citom personnel to do.

Cortes is disbanding the existing Traffic Efficiency Development and Management (Tedman) office created and named after incumbent Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.

Cortes said he would create a new office called the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), composed of new enforcers and rehired Tedman officers who pass an evaluation.

^^
HONGKONG VIEW IS UGLY NO Green Scenery BUT SMOG
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/archive/cebucity.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Hongkong/hk01.jpg
HONGKONG VIEW IS UGLY
KEEP CEBU'S Green Scenery

VM Rama for transfer of South Bus Terminal (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070621194)
Friday, June 22 2007 (www.philstar.com)

Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he would favor the transfer of the South Bus Terminal outside the city if only to ease the traffic situation along N. Bacalso Avenue................Citilink Terminal, located beside the Cebu City Medical Center, also allows south-bound PUVs to unload and load passengers.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED
DURING RUSH HOURS along N. Bacalso Avenue
We need good sidewalks. It surely would make our city look more beautiful. We can walk home and it is healthy.
Benefits of Walking - How Walking Reduces Health Risks
Walkers have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer and get mental health and spiritual benefits.
In fact, if you walk from The Capitol to Cebu City Hall is not even enough daily exercise.
There is not even decent sidewalk to walk. We walk inside the Mall and eat more deadly stuff.
I use to walk from my house to Abellana HS then to U San Carlos. The traffic, the dust and the noise if not ran you over is all over the place. From my house to the jeep corner people even take a pedicab.

Has someone passed the Toledo-Talisay Road? via Manipis? Because, to be honest, its pwirting nipisa pud! I wonder why LTFRB would allow V-hires bound for Toledo City and vice-versa to pass by this dangerous route, plus its quite isolated, especially in Campo Ocho and beyond.

I was so scared that I did not took any pictures and the V-hire was running so fast. Ipinikit ko na lang ang mata ko. :(

^ They're being true to the name, Manipis Road. Perhaps there's a proposed Malapad Road parallel to it :lol: :jk:

Anyway, I thought all those steep cliffsides beside roads have been elevated already? :dunno:

^^ Ang Malapad Road perhaps was the one going to Naga. Because the road will branch into two, one heading to Carmen Copper and Barangay Das all the way to Manipis which is narrow, steep and used by v-hire vehicles, and the other one used by the buses going to Toledo.

By the way, traffic in Bacalso Avenue earlier this afternoon is unbearable! Is it because of the South Terminal or the construction on going in Junquera-P.DelRosario (beside USC)?

^^ i think it's bcos of the drainage improvement along p. del rosario wherein the lane going south is closed.

yup! i passed by manipis last week and im not going to pass there anymore. not in my lifetime. from the road, i can see the coconut trees down the cliff with no exaggeration, about 2-3" lang. its that high. and the road, its one lane road one side will be the cliff, the other the wall of the mountain. mind you, 2 way pa gyud and dump trucks pagyud ang mo agi. GGGGGRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Some pics i took today.

Students are really occupying ACT now.

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/2193/act1bv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2054/act2xc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5869/act3kd8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


SM

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/7528/sm1ws3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8243/smhotelaj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Some pics i took today.

Students are really occupying ACT now.

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/2193/act1bv8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2054/act2xc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5869/act3kd8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)




and they undermine the danger posed by the ongoing construction. tsk tsk.

i was even shocked to see that they were already holding classes there despite the ongoing heavy construction. we had this similar situation before when we had our first classes in the new CDU bldg last summer but those were only minor works, very unlike this one.

grabe sad sa ACT, dakop man gyus kwarta, IMO they shouldnt have been allowed to open the building so soon. na palay matagakag martilyo dha.

^^

in fact, they dont have the occupancy permit yet.

Osmeña to hire urban planner who designed Boardwalk



Cebu Daily News



Cebu City, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña plans to acquire the services of an internationally renowned urban planner and design specialist to help in the city's urban planning and the design of the South Road Properties (SRP).

But Osmeña said it would take a little while before he will be able to ink a consultancy contract with Felino Palafox Jr. He did not elaborate why.

Palafox is the founder of the Palafox and Associates that is known for their architecture, interior design, urban and master planning and landscape architecture.

The design of the proposed Mandaue City Boardwalk, SM South Mall and the Cebu Business Park are among their numerous works.

“We plan to hire Jun Palafox for consultancy, as a consultant for urban planning,” Osmeña said in a media forum on Tuesday at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Osmeña said he was able to work with Palafox and four other consultants in 1995. They did a year-long study on the viability of the proposed Cordova Reclamation Project on behalf of the Lopez Group.

While Palafox is an internationally known design and urban planning expert, Osmeña said he also had to travel abroad to attend waterfront and tourism development conferences and observe the design of tourists destinations in Hawaii, Saipan and Phuket among others.

Because of their exposure together, Osmeña said, “many of the inputs in the SRP has his (Palafox's) background and my exposure to tourism and background of what they have in the different parts of the world.”

Osmeña said the city government needed Palafox’s expertise.

Recently, Osmeña met with representatives from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to solicit their technical assistance especially in the marketing of the 300-hectare reclamation project to Japanese investors.

City Planning and Development Officer Nigel Paul Villarete said in an earlier interview that they were awaiting a formal proposal from JBIC on how to go about the implementation of their marketing strategies.

Villarete said JBIC had always extended free technical assistance to countries where they had projects.

Osmeña said he wanted to make sure that the SRP is properly cared for because it is the “future” of the city.

“Cebu City now has the ability to control its destiny (because of the project income that will be derived from the SRP). We are near to being financially self-reliant,” he said.

Osmeña said that while the city government incurred billions of debts from the SRP, it was also expected to raise revenues that would augment whatever it was that the city government raised from taxes.

The city government now operates on a P2-billion annual budget. Of the allocation, at least 25 percent goes to projects, while another 25 percent is allocated for debt servicing.

He said the remaining 50 percent of the city's annual budget is spent for personnel services and maintenance and other operating expenses. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac

Osmeña to hire urban planner who designed Boardwalk



Cebu Daily News



Cebu City, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña plans to acquire the services of an internationally renowned urban planner and design specialist to help in the city's urban planning and the design of the South Road Properties (SRP).

But Osmeña said it would take a little while before he will be able to ink a consultancy contract with Felino Palafox Jr. He did not elaborate why.

Palafox is the founder of the Palafox and Associates that is known for their architecture, interior design, urban and master planning and landscape architecture.

The design of the proposed Mandaue City Boardwalk, SM South Mall and the Cebu Business Park are among their numerous works.

“We plan to hire Jun Palafox for consultancy, as a consultant for urban planning,” Osmeña said in a media forum on Tuesday at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Osmeña said he was able to work with Palafox and four other consultants in 1995. They did a year-long study on the viability of the proposed Cordova Reclamation Project on behalf of the Lopez Group.

While Palafox is an internationally known design and urban planning expert, Osmeña said he also had to travel abroad to attend waterfront and tourism development conferences and observe the design of tourists destinations in Hawaii, Saipan and Phuket among others.

Because of their exposure together, Osmeña said, “many of the inputs in the SRP has his (Palafox's) background and my exposure to tourism and background of what they have in the different parts of the world.”

Osmeña said the city government needed Palafox’s expertise.

Recently, Osmeña met with representatives from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to solicit their technical assistance especially in the marketing of the 300-hectare reclamation project to Japanese investors.

City Planning and Development Officer Nigel Paul Villarete said in an earlier interview that they were awaiting a formal proposal from JBIC on how to go about the implementation of their marketing strategies.

Villarete said JBIC had always extended free technical assistance to countries where they had projects.

Osmeña said he wanted to make sure that the SRP is properly cared for because it is the “future” of the city.

“Cebu City now has the ability to control its destiny (because of the project income that will be derived from the SRP). We are near to being financially self-reliant,” he said.

Osmeña said that while the city government incurred billions of debts from the SRP, it was also expected to raise revenues that would augment whatever it was that the city government raised from taxes.

The city government now operates on a P2-billion annual budget. Of the allocation, at least 25 percent goes to projects, while another 25 percent is allocated for debt servicing.

He said the remaining 50 percent of the city's annual budget is spent for personnel services and maintenance and other operating expenses. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac

Osmeña to hire urban planner who designed Boardwalk

...“Cebu City now has the ability to control its destiny (because of the project income that will be derived from the SRP). We are near to being financially self-reliant,” he said.





Osmeña shouldn't count his chicks before they hatch. :)

^^right. but maybe he knows where he's going that's why he said so also.

I hope the proposed relocation of the CIP to Cordova's Shell Island will push through. :)

correct me if im wrong but shell island is the small island you see when youre at CSC road at SRP, so they want to transfer CIP there? and then build another bridge to connect shell island to mainland cebu? i dont think thats a very good plan.

on a side note... daghan gyud ang nasuya sa cebu, they never fail to mention our city in their thread!

oh cebu! ano bang meron ka! :lol:

Sun.Star
Saturday, June 23, 2007
City to upgrade zoo instead of giving it up
(http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/23/news/city.to.upgrade.zoo.instead.of.giving.it.up.html)
EVEN if the Cebu City Council authorized him to return the property to the Capitol, Mayor Tomas Osmeña will not turn over the seven-hectare zoo in Barangay Kaluna-san to the Province.

Instead, the mayor will expand and upgrade the facility into a “world-class” night safari, which will be operated by a private company.

Osmeña said he does not have to return the lot because it will still be used for the same purpose it was donated to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP).

“We are allowed to use it as a zoo. It’s part of the deal between the Province and the BSP and under that deal, the City has a seven-hectare share we can use provided it’s used for a zoo. It was covered in the deed of donation,” Osmeña said yesterday.

Earlier this year, the council passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to return the property to the Capitol since the City can no longer maintain the zoo due to financial constraints.

Osmeña and other City Hall officials already agreed with Gov. Gwen Garcia on the turnover of the lot when relations between them were still cordial.

But in his news conference yesterday, the mayor said he’s now looking at other possibilities for the zoo, and that he wants to do what’s best for residents of the city.

“I haven’t signed any document to return the lot yet, and I don’t intend to. I was given authority to turn it over to Capitol but it’s not obligatory on my part, it doesn’t mean that I have to,” he explained.

“In the past, we were willing to compromise the lot in the spirit of cooperation with the Province but that’s finished already. Now we will just look out for our own interests,” Osmeña said.

Animals

If the plan pushes through, the upgraded zoo will operate in two years’ time and will be managed and run by animal lover and businessman Robert Yupangco, owner of the Yamaha musical instruments and co-owner of the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Olongapo.

And instead of just the pigeons and monkeys currently housed in the city zoo, the facility in Kalunasan will eventually be home to 40 tigers, several lions, giraffes, bears, orangutans and other wild animals.

Osmeña met with Yupangco last Thursday and the latter expressed interest to provide the animals and facilities and operate the facility for a fee.

The mayor said the City may assist in the transport of the animals, and may also get a share of the zoo entrance fee, depending on the arrangement with Yupangco’s group.

“They prepared a business plan already... He’s excited and so am I. I think it’s good. I’ll have a world-class zoo and we can have night activities there. It will be good for the children,” said the mayor.

On Sept. 18, 1969, the Capitol donated Lot 1298 to the BSP for campsites in Kalunasan. Seven hectares, specifically a gully in the area, were excluded from the BSP’s use because the parcel was set aside for the zoo, which was at Fort San Pedro that time.

The donation contained a provision where the lot should be reverted to the Capitol’s ownership if it is no longer used as intended in the agreement. (LCR)

Zoobic Zafari wants to manage city zoo (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070622197)

Saturday, June 23, 2007
The Freeman

Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced yesterday that a company is interested to revive the Cebu City Zoological Garden and make it “world class.”

The mayor said that he is excited over the development because the Yupangco Group of Companies has expressed interest to run the zoo, which the province wants to recover because Capitol owns the lot where it is located.

Osmeña said that he had a meeting with Robert Yupangco of the Yupangco Group of Companies last Thursday and that they had discussions on what to do with the city zoo to make it world class.

Yupangco, who’s into distribution of Yamaha musical instruments here, is also the man behind the famous Zoobic Zafari located at Subic Bay in Olongapo City, Zambales. He is also the one who is supplying tigers to Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who is also a good friend of Osmeña.

At present, the mayor said that Yupangco has very big collection of animals that include some 40 tigers. Yupangco had also once put up a zoo in barangay Busay that later closed down.

Osmeña said that Yupangco’s group has already prepared a business plan for the city zoo. “I’m excited. It’s good because we would have a world-class zoo,” the mayor added.

Further, Osmeña said that once they have signed a memorandum of agreement, Yupangco’s group would be providing everything for the zoo, including its renovation and animals to be placed there. But he said it takes about two years for all of these plans to realize.

According to him, Yupangco has plans to present the city zoo very much like that of the Zoobic Zafari, with different kinds of animals and an array of fun activities for visitors/tourists. There even would be night activities. “It’s very good for our children,” the mayor said.

Osmeña also said that the city government would get a share on the fees because the project proponent intends to solicit fees from zoo visitors.

For quite some time, the city government has not given much concern to the city zoo. But there are still a few animals like monkeys, snakes and crocodiles left in there.

Because of this, there were discussions in the past to return the zoo to the province. The City Council had even issued a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the papers to formalize the move, but Osmeña did not sign them.

“I did not sign the documents. I did not intend to return the lot because we were looking at other possibilities,” Osmeña said.

Earlier, the mayor also stressed that he would not return the zoo to the province unless there is a court order telling him to do so.

Osmeña said that the province and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines have a memorandum of agreement that the Capitol would donate the lot to the BSP, and seven hectares of which is given to the city as share to be used as location for the city zoo.

Recently, representatives of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also went to the Cebu City Zoo, telling everybody there to vacate the place because the Capitol wants to recover the lot. But Osmeña said that the order of the province has no effect and he challenged Capitol officials to go to court. — Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV

^ I've been to Zoobic Safari in Subic and I loved the experience. I hope this realizes as soon as possible! :banana:

Cebu traders invited to join expo in China (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007062396423.html)

An excellent venue to promote Cebu products, organizers say

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU CITY — Organizers of the 4th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) have invited business and enterprise leaders in Cebu to join the expo that will be held at the Nanning International Convention Center, Nanning, China on Oct. 20-23.

He Leping, vice secretary general of the CAEXPO Secretariat, said during his visit to Cebu that the 4th CAEXPO is the perfect venue for business leaders in Cebu and China to interact and exchange ideas and commodities.

"The CAEXPO is an important platform for ASEAN enterprises to explore the Chinese market. Via the CAEXPO, enterprises of Cebu can expand their export to China and explore new market in China," said Leping.

In fact, Leping added, sectors like food processing, aquatic products, furniture, among others, of Cebu enjoy comparative advantage in Chinese market, a market with 1.3 billion consumers and huge purchasing capacity.

Via the CAEXPO, Cebu enterprises can purchase quality Chinese products that cater to the ASEAN market, such as machinery and equipment, electronic and electric appliances, building materials, agricultural materials, and a lot more.

"Via the CAEXPO, investors of Cebu can find not only quality projects in China but Chinese capital for projects in the Philippines as well. Via the CAEXPO, the Philippines can showcase the charms of its harbor cities, and cooperate with their Chinese counterparts in the field of harbor logistics," Leping stressed.

The CAEXPO, co-sponsored by the departments in charge of economy and trade of China and the 10 ASEAN countries plus the ASEAN secretariat, is a giant international event at state level for economic and trading exchange staged annually in Nanning, Guangxi, China.

Over 3,000 international standard booths will be set up, including 2,500 indoor booths and 500 outdoor ones to cater to an expected swelling of visitors and exhibitors.

Exhibitors are categorized into four different pavilions: Commodity Trade (machinery and equipment, electrical appliances and electronics, ASEAN Commodity Section), Investment Cooperation (investment- inviting and overseas investing projects, human resource cooperation, financial services, etc.), Agricultural Applicable Technology (agricultural plantation, agricultural bio-technology, modern agricultural equipment, etc.), and the Cities of Charm (a harbour city chosen to showcase their city images and business opportunities for harbour development and related fields.)

The China-ASEAN Port Development & Cooperation Forum will invite representatives from the key port groups of China and the 10 ASEAN countries, investors and operators of international piers, large shipping companies, logistics enterprises and shipbuilding and repairing companies etc. to meet with ministers of communications, mayors of Cities of Charm for discussions on the harbor cooperation and development.

Another special expo highlight is the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and a series of forums to be held for business leaders to illustrate their market analysis and explore investment potentials in the region.

Amenities include a business prematching, e-booths, country of honor, and cultural events.

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region, is the center of the region’s politics, economy, culture, science and education in the country’s southern area of opening to outside world.

At present, Nanning has 48 star hotels, aside from three five-star hotels under construction. To prepare for the China-ASEAN Expo, these star hotels invest funds on the hardware and software improvement, and their accommodating capacities will be greatly enhanced in the next six months.

Cebu traders invited to join expo in China (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007062396423.html)

An excellent venue to promote Cebu products, organizers say



This is good! We gotta open up and trade with US' next economic rival! :banana:

grabe sad sa ACT, dakop man gyus kwarta, IMO they shouldnt have been allowed to open the building so soon. na palay matagakag martilyo dha.


^^ I agree...delikado baya. I always notice those poor studes sa ilang building everyday. Wa pa baya nahuman ang ubang floors...Mangahulog pa nuon na sila. Sobrang delikado. Even sa ilang side, fronting sa Emall..sometimes naay mga debris na mga hulog. I was even a victim once. Thank God buhi pa ko...mga ginagmay na graba ra nuon to na nakalusot sa ilang net. :ohno:

Green Cebu Business Park

by shutter888 (http://flickr.com/photos/janice-shutter/)

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Cebu Hilton

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by chiqui_11 (http://flickr.com/photos/jacq_qcaj/)

the province is busy meddling in the city's affairs... blaming the mayor sa conflicts krn. tsk tsk tsk....

a cover.up pra dili ma.ukay ang ASEAN Summit issues specifically the CICC which now ballooned to almost php1Billion according to credible reports...

Cebu's Sea and Sky

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/585932558_c22290b211_b.jpg

by wow_hanep (http://flickr.com/photos/wow_hanep/)

Photo Feature: MALABUYOC, Cebu

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by xelor (http://flickr.com/photos/69806882@N00/)

i was even shocked to see that they were already holding classes there despite the ongoing heavy construction. we had this similar situation before when we had our first classes in the new CDU bldg last summer but those were only minor works, very unlike this one.

Yup. Quite noisy and some classrooms are not yet fully furnished. My students are complaining about Room 201. Another problem that CDU has to solve is its accessibility problem. Its far from the jeepney routes but fortunately there are shuttle buses that serve CDU-SM City.

@Dabert. You may just meet me at the hallway every afternoon, hehehe!!! :D

^ You are a teacher at CDU? :?

^^ Sort of, hehehe!! :D

^^ Sort of, hehehe!! :D
what do you mean sort of?

what do you mean sort of?

Ok fine. I am a history/anthropology instructor na. :D

Anyway Chy, hope that you can go here in Cebu coz I was there last Thursday in a hurry. :D

@DelRosario. yeah, maybe its because of the ongoing construction in Junquera. But regarding the traffic in Bacalso Avenue,its so jam packed that from Citilink to ACT would take you 30 minutes to move.

the province is busy meddling in the city's affairs... blaming the mayor sa conflicts krn. tsk tsk tsk....

a cover.up pra dili ma.ukay ang ASEAN Summit issues specifically the CICC which now ballooned to almost php1Billion according to credible reports...

kamao jud ni c gwen da :lol:

MANY visitors are content to kick off their sandals, languish on the picture postcard shores and engage the famed hospitality of the Cebuanos.

But look beyond Cebu's pretty beaches and you will find a city steeped in history and tradition.

From religious icons to deep sea ruins, this central Philippine island is the perfect place to get in touch with a bit of the past.

Mr Mohamad Azlan Amzah, 37, who works in a chemical lab, took time off to get up close with Cebu's underwater treasures in Moalboal last month.

A three-hour drive from Cebu city, Moalboal is arguably one of the best and most affordable diving spots in South-east Asia.

'The group before us saw a 3m-long thresher shark,' said Mr Azlan, who went on a dive trip with two friends.

'I saw groups of small shrimps that divers rarely see.'


Not quite a wreck, but a lesson in history nonetheless. A diver explores a light aircraft that a dive shop placed on a sandy shelf about 25m under water nearly 10 years ago. It is now home to many fishes and coral has started growing on it.

Moalboal offers superb visibility and a striking range of marine life.

Mr Azlan and his friends covered 12 dive sites in three days.

'The dive sites were awesome because we could see the unique shape of Pescador Island (a neighbouring island) under water.'

Not keen on getting wet?

Then visit Basilica Minore del Santo Niato, the oldest church in the Philippines.



It was built in Cebu in 1740 and throngs of devotees go there to see the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the Santo Nino statue.

It was given to Queen Juana of Cebu by Portuguese explorer Fernando Magellan.

A few steps away from the church lies the Cross of Magellan, a symbol of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines.

This cross, now housed in a chapel, was supposedly planted by Magellan when he arrived in the Philippines in 1521.

Another must-see is Fort San Pedro.

Located in the Pier area of Cebu city in what is now Plaza Indepedencia, it was built in 1740.

Fort San Pedro is the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country.

Set amid lush greenery, the fort makes a good place to take a breather from downtown Cebu city's chaotic streets.

kamao jud ni c gwen da :lol:

Dynasty issue mars Garcia bid

Congressman-elect Pablo Garcia of Cebu is hardly the face of reform his backers have led people to believe because he is the head of a full-scale political dynasty that is banned by the 1987 Constitution and is the bane of Philippine democracy and national development, a senior lawmaker said Friday.

Rep. Mauricio Domogan said Garcia and his son, Pablo John, who represents Cebu’s Third District, have not responded to charges that they are the spearhead of a political dynasty, a ban of which the House of Representatives will seek to legislate by reviving the anti-dynasty bill of Assistant Majority Leader Arthur Defensor.

At the same time, Rep. Junie Cua called on Rep.-elect Pablo Garcia to heed the handwriting on the wall and “withdraw from the speakership race gracefully with the wisdom of a statesman.

He said the actions of Garcia and his small band of Kampi supporters have betrayed a “growing desperation which no amount of bravado and media propaganda can rescue.”

“The Garcia camp is staring at the road to perdition if it persists in its campaign,” said Cua.

Deputy Speaker Eric Singson earlier said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo revealed at a luncheon in Vigan Thursday that Speaker Jose de Venecia has the number needed to secure the speakership through the multi-party Majority Coalition made up of Lakas CMD, Kampi, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Liberal Party-Atienza wing, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino and the PDSP.

Domogan said Garcia is known to be facing two cases before the Ombudsman, and he has not adequately answered charges that his family is a full-scale political dynasty—a practice the 1987 Philippine Constitution specifically prohibits.

De Venecia and his top allies earlier said the speaker is not just up against Garcia but his family that includes Garcia’s daughter, Gwendolyn, who is the governor of Cebu; his son Pablo John, who represents Cebu’s Third District; and his son Winston, who is general manager and president of the Government Service Insurance System.

Osmeña to hire urban planner who designed Boardwalk

...“Cebu City now has the ability to control its destiny (because of the project income that will be derived from the SRP). We are near to being financially self-reliant,” he said.




Osmeña shouldn't count his chicks before they hatch. :)

Busy counting! huh!
Ang masyadong Bilib sa Sarili is not good @ all!

... it pays to be optimistic and confident...if not all the time but most often! ...it does not make us lesser of a person if we believe in dreams and visions...much more if we have plans for the betterment of our lives....

^^i agree with you bai. sometimes if we always think negatively, we ended up with what we thought as negative. libre'ng mangarap. wa'y gasto anyway. hehe..

Jack Gaisano: Gold is sold cheap
By THE GO NEGOSYO TEAM
The Philippine Star

Aside from narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains, the Queen City of the South also proudly rears a shopping mecca that blends in with Cebu’s highly urbanized metropolitan core.

The Gaisano family started fostering retail operations in 1982 with the Vicsal Development Corp. (VICSAL). Its inception was through the vision of Victor Gaisano, a seasoned retailer and one of the revered members of the Gaisano family. The Gaisanos owned and managed the former White Gold Department Store, the first department store and supermarket business in Cebu. White Gold lasted for 30 years and became the largest of its kind since its establishment in 1949.

Through the leadership of Jack Gaisano, president and director of VICSAL, the company has rapidly grown into a multitude of successful ventures. VICSAL also penetrated the world of real estate development, travel agency, stock brokerage at the Philippine Stock Exchange, banking and other financial services.

At present, VICSAL operates six department stores with supermarkets like the Super Metro Mandaue, Metro Ayala Center, Metro Legaspi, Metro Lucena, Metro Market Market and the Metro Gaisano Colon in Cebu.

“Our endeavors lean towards an image of quality and affordability because Filipinos love to spend less and get more than they bargain for,” Jack said. “That’s why we managed to create ‘a metropolis of our own’ without stealing from our customers’ pockets.”

Situated along the oldest center commercial district in downtown Cebu City, the Metro Gaisano is now Cebu’s premier shopping haven, testified by the customer traffic in the downtown area. Six floors of exciting purchases within everyone’s means, from men’s wear, pharmacy, jewelry, ladies’ wear, cosmetics, toys, school supplies, recreational areas, among others, drove Cebuanos into frenzy.

“People come to us because in Gaisano, everyday is mega sale,” he proudly exclaimed.

Successfully implementing a “people-centered” business that shuns the typical mall service that only caters to the select high-end market, Jack’s leadership made it possible to attract all, regardless of stature, for a gratifying shopping experience.

Jack now holds major responsibilities as he further uplifts his family’s living legacy. Aside from manning the Development Corp., Jack is also the president of Victoria Asian Corp., Securities and Stock Brokerage, Metro Value Ventures Inc., Tabok Properties, Value Shop Market Market Inc., Valueshop Stores, Inc. and Metro Legaspi Development Corp. He’s also the director of Grand Holidays Inc. and the Pacific Mall Corp.

“A chance for luxury is not the birthright of a few,” Jack said. “It’s a shot handed out by those who have more for those who have less.”

For his remarkable feat in helping build a formidable Cebu commercial arena that refutes class discrimination and his family’s significant addition to Cebu’s roster of raging businesses, Jack Gaisano will be cited as one of the most inspiring Cebuano entrepreneurs to be awarded by the Philippine Center of Entrepreneurship at the Go Negosyo Entrepreneurship Conference. The conference is the latest leg of the continuing Go Negosyo campaign spearheaded by Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III and chaired by Jay Aldeguer, owner of Island Souvenirs, slated at the Cebu International Convention Center. It is also the first stop of the Go Negosyo Caravan, which brings Go Negosyo forums and expositions to key cities outside Metro Manila.

As part of the month-long celebration of the Cebu Business Month, the Go Negosyo Entrepreneurship Conference is in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) through the support of CCCI president Francis Monera and Consul Sam Chioson.

Is it possible to create a separate thread for the movie Deep Gold? Where should it be put? Hehe, Economy and Industry?


From DeepGold's Multiply Account
http://deepgoldmovie.multiply.com/photos/photo/68/13



DAY 33rd SHOOTING

The Jeepney cum studio
http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/64/400x400/15/070523-0241.jpg?et=JzeLnkWyCEv6sNrhubPJGQ

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/64/400x400/13/070523-0209.jpg?et=4x93TKvSs1OSsQpEKs2klA


Filming
http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/64/400x400/6/070523-0128.jpg?et=rJfiRgMaL0PNoyGigNKHAA

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/64/400x400/5/070523-0085.jpg?et=LGSaifR6RX%2BAZb8l20pZCg


Sceneries
http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/6:deepgoldmovie/photos/64/400x400/1/070523-0001.jpg?et=Gs92xMGCLIN2ObXhdfrnMw



DAY 35th SHOOTING

Extras
http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/9:deepgoldmovie/photos/68/400x400/1/070525-0143.jpg?et=uxOWjR2iRrG%2BFz8SXD0bVQ


Filming
http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/68/400x400/13/070525-0441.jpg?et=wdjkKVY7NmNLYzsYclUQUA

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/7:deepgoldmovie/photos/68/400x400/4/070525-0229.jpg?et=7atyldcqchR4LLtGx9hBSw

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/7:deepgoldmovie/photos/68/400x400/19/070525-0532.jpg?et=m0P2PP0QrEdXiMD2TtTy0g

^^ i think pwede bai...sa economy, industry...

http://deepgoldmovie.multiply.com/photos/photo/71/6

DAY 36th SHOOTING

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/69/400x400/9/070526-0241.jpg?et=Nk%2CP73V%2BXwZslEvcYC%2BxDA

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/69/400x400/11/070526-0287.jpg?et=f%2BNpnxGQSVuJIQ%2B2CEcxBA


DAY 37 SHOOTING

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/70/400x400/7/070528-0156.jpg?et=95SuLOA0uZlvUr%2CLgculnw

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/70/400x400/9/070528-0202.jpg?et=kHPEjCGNFwZyUXL6P6%2CG9w

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/70/400x400/14/070528-0307.jpg?et=sy%2BVzWCEnxUnYKnUmAj1rg

..

^^ i think pwede bai...sa economy, industry...


Ahh okay because everyday they have new photos, hehe. I think they're on the 39th day already.

Here, http://deepgoldmovie.multiply.com/photos

and here, http://www.deepgoldthemovie.com/


..

^^ or, i-post na lang bai under sa Bigfoot Thread

nganu deep gold man ang title nold? naa kay link about the story? hehehehe

^^

SYNOPSIS:

Shortly after Cebuano freediver Amy Sanchez breaks an important freediving record, her boyfriend - Philippine Air Force Pilot Tony - mysteriously vanishes together with a flight that is supposed to bring millions of dollars worth of gold to the Central Bank in Manila.

Determined to discover the truth, she goes off with her sister to find out.

Is Tony actually dead? Or if not, is the man she loved really part of the plot to steal the gold? But she has no idea that she is about to discover the unexpected, and entangles herself in a web of lies and deceit before she finds out that somebody used her for what turns out to become a much larger conspiracy.



More: http://www.deepgoldthemovie.com/

^^ Deep Gold is really considered as one of those big time movies because it is registered in EARTH'S BIGGEST MOVIE DATABASE (IMDb)

here: http://imdb.com/title/tt0929742/

^^

Hehehehe.. More photos from http://deepgoldmovie.multiply.com/photos/photo/63/10


http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/63/400x400/10/070522-0172.jpg?et=rY22Zee%2COZwCrPWk5iMknQ

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/66/400x400/9/070524-0174.jpg?et=3UoZXlsHf3TnolSWtZAmfg

http://images.cristinacantos.multiply.com/image/5:deepgoldmovie/photos/66/400x400/12/070524-0264.jpg?et=pRdN7DcjFB61kN4XU0jbxg

http://images.kentjubela.multiply.com/image/4:deepgoldmovie/photos/44/400x400/10/IMG_3444.jpg?et=I5JjdHZZmbsDXoFDcdj%2Cbg

keep em coming nold! :) Cebu's very own international movie!

Ok fine. I am a history/anthropology instructor na. :D



sa tingin ko, student mo yung kapatid ko.. history 11 sa section k.. tama ba?

^^ Hmmm...lemme check the schedule pa, hehehehe!!! :D

Yup. Quite noisy and some classrooms are not yet fully furnished. My students are complaining about Room 201. Another problem that CDU has to solve is its accessibility problem. Its far from the jeepney routes but fortunately there are shuttle buses that serve CDU-SM City.

@Dabert. You may just meet me at the hallway every afternoon, hehehe!!! :D

there's also this noisy construction activity outside the building (up until now, i still have no idea what it's going to be).. not to mention the heavy vehicles passing by that area.. but anyway, it's really good to know that you're an anthro/hist instructor in CDU. but sayang., you could have been our teacher jud.. hehehe.. :D

^^ Wahahaha!!! Gani man. Anyway, you might have some socsci courses by 2nd sem. hehehe!!

Anyway, lets hope that the opening of CDU and CICC would really be the catalysts for business and leisure for the New Mandaue.

^^ plus the upcoming Parkmall@168 and Boardwalk Mall.. all within few meters apart from each other.. :D

^^ And asa kamo padung pagkahuman class pag nahuman na ang mga ana? hehehehe!!! :lol: Bantay lang kamo! :lol:

I hope the public transport system in the Mandaue Reclamation Area will also be pushed through for the convenience of the public. Its a new day for Mandaue! :)

^^ mmhh.. i'd prefer the Boardwalk mall since it's nearer and it has a breathtaking view of the harbor.. walking under the scourging heat of the sun just to reach Parkmall would surely be a big turn-off to cdusians (but that excludes me).. hehe.
and yeah, a public transpo is badly needed now.. i guess CDU would really be pushing for that one coz i'm sure they would hate the idea of ferrying the students from SM to CDU vice-versa using their newly refurbished buses for the next few years, even though they have this overpriced tuition fee and still could not afford to equip the classrooms with airconditioning units. wakeke :))

PERPETUAL SUCCOUR HOSPITAL OF CEBU

pioneer in many fields of specialty in southern philippines.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01308.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01337.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01338.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01311.jpg

Statue of St. Paul @ the saint paul of chartres MEDICAL SPECIALTY CENTER - perpetual succour hospital

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01315.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - serving patients from as far as mindanao to the south to masbate in the north

THE CEBU CANCER INSTITUTEthe pioneer in oncology treatment in southern philippines.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01313.jpg

THE ADVANCED REHABCARE - a center of excellence

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01312.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - perpetual succour hospital

CEBU UROLOGIC INSTITUTE

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01329.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01333.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - perpetual succour hospital

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01332.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - perpetual succour hospital

SKIN AND LASER SURGICENTER

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01326.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01328.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - perpetual succour hospital

ORO-FACIAL DIAGNOSTICS AND ESTHETIC SURGICENTER

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01323.jpg

NEUROSCIENCE CENTER

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01321.jpg

EYE SURGICENTER

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01320.jpg

SPECIALTY AREAS - perpetual succour hospital

ASSOCIATED CEBU EYE SPECIALISTS (ACES) EYE REFERRAL CLINICS

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01316.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01306.jpg

^^ nice pics bai!

perpetual succour hospital

PHARMACY

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01303-1.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01339.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01298.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01301.jpg

perpetual succour hospital

CHAPEL

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01310.jpg

INTERNET CAFE

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01309.jpg

the first and the pioneering heart center outside manila

THE CEBU HEART INSTITUTE - perpetual succour hospital

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01307.jpg

INFO TECH NEWS

Cebu hailed as next ICT frontier


Cebu is making significant strides as a center for information and communications technology (ICT) services as government gears up for "tremendous growth momentum" in the industry, reported senior trade department officials.


With an overall industry growth rate of 35 percent, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now focusing on benchmarking global process standards and skills mapping to enhance the Philippines’ marketing efforts in the US, EU, Asia and the rest of the world, according to Jeanette Carillo, Department of Trade and Industry brand manager for IT services.

"We're developing an inventory of skills in various locations nationwide which will enable us to confidently point investors to places that can deliver," Carillo said. "Right now, we’re seeing growth in back office services and Cebu can play a major role in supplying the requirements of this sector."

The DTI attributes the industry’s high growth to the continuous expansion of early locators, the entry of new global players and their immediate ramp up, as well as greater interest in investing in the Philippines. It also identified seven priority sectors — contact center, back office business process outsourcing, health information management, animation, software development, engineering design and more recently, game development.

"Our strategy is to let investors see and experience the country for themselves," said Domingo Bagaporo, director of the ICT and electronics department of the Board of Investments. "We regularly conduct outbound missions to facilitate networking and business matching, and organize the annual eServices Conference and Exhibition. Cebu ICT is definitely a great complement to all these efforts."

Carrying the theme "Pioneering Landmark ICT Collaboration in Asia," the Cebu ICT 2007 Conference and Exhibition will feature more than 75 experts and top executives from global and Asian ICT and BPO firms, suppliers and associations in plenary sessions at Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa June 26, and in breakout sessions at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) June 27. It will also host a three-day exhibition showcasing the best of the regional BPO space, set to take place June 26-28 at CICC.

Source (http://www.mb.com.ph/INFO2007062496461.html)

^^ mmhh.. i'd prefer the Boardwalk mall since it's nearer and it has a breathtaking view of the harbor.. walking under the scourging heat of the sun just to reach Parkmall would surely be a big turn-off to cdusians (but that excludes me).. hehe.
and yeah, a public transpo is badly needed now.. i guess CDU would really be pushing for that one coz i'm sure they would hate the idea of ferrying the students from SM to CDU vice-versa using their newly refurbished buses for the next few years, even though they have this overpriced tuition fee and still could not afford to equip the classrooms with airconditioning units. wakeke :))

Yeah. Gidalian pud pagpabalhin sa CDUsians? I noticed that some faculty are telling me that everything was so rushed, including the transfer to the new facility in Mandaue. I think they can afford to put up a centralized airconditioning units in the building. The elevator is still not operating.

Municipality, Code, Income Class, Rural/Urban, District, Registered Voters
1. ALCANTARA
072201000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 8,070
2. ALCOY
072202000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 7,207
3. ALEGRIA
072203000 4th Class Partially Urban 2nd 11,965
4. ALOGUINSAN
072204000 4th Class Partially Urban 3rd 14,986
5. ARGAO
072205000 2nd Class Partially Urban 2nd 37,449
6. ASTURIAS
072206000 3rd Class Partially Urban 3rd 22,780
7. BADIAN
072207000 4th Class Partially Urban 2nd 19,204
8. BALAMBAN
072208000 1st Class Partially Urban 3rd 33,226
9. BANTAYAN
072209000 2nd Class Partially Urban 4th 34,761
10. BARILI
072210000 3rd Class Partially Urban 3rd 33,442
11. BOGO
072211000 1st Class Partially Urban 4th 40,891
12. BOLJOON
072212000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 8,320
13. BORBON
072213000 4th Class Partially Urban 5th 17,539
14. CARCAR
072214000 1st Class Partially Urban 1st 47,675
15. CARMEN
072215000 3rd Class Partially Urban 5th 24,429
16. CATMON
072216000 5th Class Partially Urban 5th 13,791
17. CEBU CITY (Capital)
072217000 1st Class Highly Urbanized Urban 6th 464,802
18. COMPOSTELA
072218000 5th Class Partially Urban 5th 19,741
19. CONSOLACION
072219000 2nd Class Urban 6th 42,596
20. CORDOBA
072220000 4th Class Urban 6th 19,213
21. DAANBANTAYAN
072221000 2nd Class Partially Urban 4th 37,282
22. DALAGUETE
072222000 2nd Class Partially Urban 2nd 31,125
23. DANAO CITY
072223000 3rd Class Component Partially Urban 5th 67,781
24. DUMANJUG
072224000 4th Class Partially Urban 2nd 23,182
25. GINATILAN
072225000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 9,042
26. LAPU-LAPU CITY (OPON)
072226000 1st Class Component Urban 6th 137,021
27. LILOAN
072227000 2nd Class Urban 5th 38,330
28. MADRIDEJOS
072228000 4th Class Urban 4th 16,785
29. MALABUYOC
072229000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 9,823
30. MANDAUE CITY
072230000 1st Class Highly Urbanized Urban 6th 142,975
31. MEDELLIN
072231000 3rd Class Partially Urban 4th 24,651
32. MINGLANILLA
072232000 1st Class Partially Urban 1st 42,137
33. MOALBOAL
072233000 4th Class Partially Urban 2nd 16,151
34. NAGA
072234000 1st Class Partially Urban 1st 44,315
35. OSLOB
072235000 4th Class Partially Urban 2nd 12,315
36. PILAR
072236000 5th Class Partially Urban 5th 7,876
37. PINAMUNGAHAN
072237000 3rd Class Partially Urban 3rd 28,419
38. PORO
072238000 4th Class Partially Urban 5th 13,206
39. RONDA
072239000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 10,590
40. SAMBOAN
072240000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 12,042
41. SAN FERNANDO
072241000 2nd Class Partially Urban 1st 28,767
42. SAN FRANCISCO
072242000 4th Class Partially Urban 5th 23,967
43. SAN REMIGIO
072243000 3rd Class Partially Urban 4th 28,537
44. SANTA FE
072244000 5th Class Partially Urban 4th 12,388
45. SANTANDER
072245000 5th Class Partially Urban 2nd 8,664
46. SIBONGA
072246000 3rd Class Partially Urban 1st 22,301
47. SOGOD
072247000 4th Class Partially Urban 5th 17,021
48. TABOGON
072248000 4th Class Partially Urban 4th 20,034
49. TABUELAN
072249000 4th Class Partially Urban 4th 12,192
50. CITY OF TALISAY
072250000 4th Class Component Urban 1st 84,610
51. TOLEDO CITY
072251000 3rd Class Component Partially Urban 3rd 74,549
52. TUBURAN
072252000 2nd Class Partially Urban 3rd 31,733
53. TUDELA
072253000 5th Class Partially Urban 5th 6,821

this information is of March 30, 2007...


1st class municiplaity na diay ang Mingalanilla ug Balamban! so pwede napud csila masyudad!

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/province.asp?provcode=072200000&regCode=07&regName=REGION+VII+%28Central+Visayas%29

@BErnie, dabert

Before it was CDCian, so now it's CDUsian..

Anyway, when I was still in college, the original plan was to build a campus in Talamban, near NorthGen. I remember Dr. Larrazabal saying that they were still waiting to acquire a few more hectares in Talamban to build the new campus but all of a sudden sa reclamation naman, hehe..

The specialty center of PSH looks like a building in Asiatown IT Park. Hehehe..



PERPETUAL SUCCOUR HOSPITAL OF CEBU

pioneer in many fields of specialty in southern philippines.



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01337.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01338.jpg

@PINOYMeat: Thanks for all those photos of Perpetual Succour Hospital. I personally think the canteen is the best part of the hospital. I'm speechless about their food. :eat:

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070609/capt.mla10106090527.philippines__us_helicopters_mla101.jpg

spot the hueys.... hehehehe

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2301.jpg

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Smart Bro... spot it. a good advertisement, hehehehe!
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2298.jpg

under the tree mkita ang city...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2311.jpg

pumnta ako knina sa rendering ng Cebu North Coastal Road pra picturan... malas kaayo kay na.lowbat ang cam...

anywayz... the coastal road will have 2 bridges: Casanga Bay Bridge in Consolacion and Suba Bridge in Lilo-an... nindut jud kaayo ang rendering guyz! bsin ugma mubalik ko.

a project of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo under the Super Regions...

^^ u took that pic bai nga naa si gma and us amb.?

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2303.jpg



nice shot, a green and modern city by the sea :okay:

^^ with the shining, shimmering alkansya (translation: piggy bank) bldg!!! hehehe!

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070609/capt.mla10106090527



[IMG]http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2308.jpg

Gaisano Country Mall looks massive.

just want to share a few of Club Ultima Tower's many unique amenities and features from their newly updated website www.clubultima.com

Obervatory deck
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Club%20Ultima/cu01.jpg

Virtual Golf and Virtual Firing Range
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Club%20Ultima/cu02.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/cebupics3/Club%20Ultima/cu00.jpg

for more images: http://www.clubultima.com/corporate_picturegallery.html

Grabe i love their grill and some resto on the top floors! i should go there when i have the chance. SSC-CEBU Meet 2008! hehe

^^is the observation deck already functional?

albeit im not a member, i plan to sneak-in somebody...

^^ i've seen the official website of Club Ultima.... wow! hanep sa amenities!

...try the virtual brochure... galing pagka-gawa ng website!

^^Asa located ang Observatory Deck. Its been a while since we last went there. :D

^^ article worth reading about Club Ultima from Mr. Talk Show, BOY ABUNDA

***********

Go ahead, indulge yourself!
DIRECT LINE
By: Boy Abunda

When I was young and unadulterated, time at the beach was our family bonding. In the province, an excursion to the beach was a Sunday ritual. We would bring lunch consisting of saging na saba, gabi, kinilaw, pritong isda and tuba. Nanay had camote with kinilaw as viand. Tatay in between is dips in the sea, would take little sips of tuba. We felt like tourists in our hometown.

Tatay had busy days as a small-town politician and soaking in the salty waters was his way of relaxing. Nanay, on the other hand, thought otherwise. It was for her a form of socialization, which I did not understand then. She would pack our lunches in baskets and would spread the finest banig we had on the sand. Maybe she thought we were in St. Mortiz. She would lie on the banig and would burst into a hearty laughter.

Until today, Nanay laughs as if it’s the last day of the world. Or maybe she was just showing off that we were different because despite the fact that we lived by the sea, we made it special by preparing the trip to the beach. Tatay often said that soaking your body in water relaxes tired nerves and short tempers.

When I came to Manila, I was amazed at how every hotel in the city would offer spa services. Even beach side resorts have their own spa recipes. I have a regular masahista who comes to the house for my body massage. I also have a manikurista who treats my in-growns like she would a neighborhood fisherman. My manikurista is highly opinionated. She would fight tooth & nail in every issue she stands for. Today, her favorites are opposing Senatorial candidates like Mike Defensor and Chiz Escudero. She says she’s willing to clean anybody’s nails – for free – so long as they vote for Mike and Chiz. Don’t even try to argue with her, you’ll end up bloodied.

When I went to Cebu, I had my first real spa experience. It was heavenly and exhilarating that you’d forget all the cares in the world. One of the best spas in the world for me is PRANA MEDI SPA located at the 10th floor of Crown Regency Suites, Mactan and the 16th floor of the posh Club Ultima in Fuente Osmeña Boulevard

Prana Medi Spa will take you to an exquisite journey of pampering health and tranquility for that delicious day of indulgence. The calming ambiance, both in Mactan and Club Ultima center are in Asian inspired interiors, setting the coarse for a relaxing session. Soft sounds, subdued lights and Asian décor evoke a wholistic healing touch, an impression of some exotic destination, plus the most important element – the pleasure of silence. The wholsitic approach leaves your senses fulfilled, a feeling of mind, spirit and body rejuvenation in an atmosphere of total serenity.

Prana Medi Spa at Club Ultima offers state-of-the-art medical aesthetic equipments not found in several existing spa centers in the country today. Club Ultima center, situated at the 16th floor, features the Spa Jet, a high multi-sensory spa capsule that solves skin problems; fights anti-aging and reduces cellulite. It’s also used for firming and detoxification it also offers vibratory massage therapy for complete rejuvenation. It also introduces the Oxyjet, a machine that reduces fine lines, giving a youthful appearance to the face and neck. Many have discovered that we need oxygen facials for younger, more radiant skin.

Some of the most modern spa staples at the Prana Medi Spa are the Indonesian Deep Tissue Massage; the 75-minute Eastern Massage that employs brisk deep tissue pressure and cross fiber strokes that will take your mind off your sore muscles; The Ratus, or the 20-minute time-honored-femme sensual smoking for cleansing with aromatherapy (often suggested for pre-bridal preparations) and the Kerokan, a 20-minute Javanese treatment to expel unwanted air that enters our body with its warm herbal balm applied by Javanese royalty for centuries past.

There is a separate section for men and women at Club Ultima and Crown Regency Suite’s Prana Medi Spa. Club Ultima is now on its soft-operation phase and is preparing for a grand launching in time for the summer and bikini season!

Might be OT but it may have been one of the origins of the "Ceboom!" word, hehe! Enjoy ice cold SMB! :D

n3PMn_m8hI8

the first and the pioneering heart center outside manila

THE CEBU HEART INSTITUTE - perpetual succour hospital

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01307.jpg

thanks sa picture of PSH!!

@PINOYMeat: Thanks for all those photos of Perpetual Succour Hospital. I personally think the canteen is the best part of the hospital. I'm speechless about their food. :eat:

is that a compliment or an insult? (dollars kaayo presyo!!)

who says cebu is one big concrete jungle?

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01324.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/DSC01325.jpg

:) :) :)

is that a compliment or an insult? (dollars kaayo presyo!!)

Its a compliment. Their food will leave you breathless at very affordable prices ;)

Committee to monitor new Mandaue market (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/25/news/committee.to.monitor.new.mandaue.market.html)

CONSIDERING its cost, the new public market of Mandaue City should be under a project monitoring committee that will ensure its completion on schedule.

Vice Mayor-elect Carlo Pontico Fortuna said in an interview that with the controversy surrounding the market, its construction, design and operation should be monitored.

The monitoring committee will also help prevent slippage.

Fortuna said, though, that “operation” refers to the setting up of stalls, traffic, parking and the like.
The day-to-day operations will be handled by the market authority.

Fortuna said it will be up to Mayor-elect Jonas Cortes to appoint the people to compose the monitoring committee.

Sought for comment, Cortes said a project monitoring committee will surely be created, bu it will focus not only on the public market but also on unfinished road projects such as the Gerardo Ouano road extension in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia and the Jovita Ouano Martinez road in Barangay Looc.

Not completed

Both roads lead to the Ouano compound in Barangay Opao and haven’t been completed due to land acquisition problems.

Cortes said in a separate interview that the roads shouldn’t have been constructed if there were problems in the acquisition of certain properties in the first place.

He said that when in office he will order the creation of the monitoring team.

The City has a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines worth some P379 million. It will be used to complete the public market.

Phase 2 is now being implemented by the winning contractor.

Last March, Mayor Thadeo Ouano was authorized to sign a contract with Young Builders to complete the market,

Under the draft contract, Young Builders will have to finish the public market 365 days after its receipt of the notice to proceed.

Phase 1 of the public market already cost almost P100 million. It consisted of pile driving and work on the foundation of the two-storey building.

Nine Yards opens at Paseo (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/25/life/nine.yards.opens.at.paseo.html)

AFTER the success of last December’s Christmas Nights Bazaar at Banilad Town Centre, which pioneered night market shopping, comes a new and grander permanent night market destination in Cebu.

Newest

Located along the booming F. Cabahug St., Paseo is Cebu’s newest shopping and entertainment destination. This sprawling, al fresco establishment boasts of 100 retail shops complemented by 31 food outlets and five anchor stores, with ample parking space.

Paseo is owned and operated by Devasia Corp. while the shopping center is managed by Crinnovent Corp., the same company that produced BTC’s Christmas Nights Bazaar.

“Cebu’s response to the Christmas Nights Bazaar was very favorable,” said Jodie Lynn Soontit, Crinnovent’s project manager. “We attribute this to Cebu’s continued urban growth, which is moving Cebuano lifestyle into the fast lane and longer hours. We share Devasia’s vision that now is the right time to permanently establish night market shopping for the Cebuanos.”

Nine Yards

The shopping center has been named Nine Yards by Crinnovent Corp.

“Nine Yards simply means the whole nine yards of shopping,” said Wylie Chavez, Crinnovent’s creative director. “This is because our shopping center has the widest product selections in the bazaar category – fashion and lifestyle, gadgets and technology, accessories, pasalubong, native products, toys, novelties, and specialties.”

Nine Yards at Paseo is reminiscent of Manila’s Tiendesitas, a very upscale bazaar and shopping destination for Manila’s rich and famous.

“Of course, Paseo is not as exclusive,” Soontit quickly assured. “The shopping center is for anyone who is after value shopping. We carry the right products for the right price. And the age-old hangyo which Cebuanos love is also very welcome.”

Nine Yards is open daily from 2 p.m. to 12 m.n. As an added attraction, their Afternoon Rush Sale is currently ongoing. Between 2 to 5 p.m., shoppers can get discounts of up to 30 percent on almost all items.

Gwen hits Tomas’ plan to expand zoo (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070624180)

Monday, June 25, 2007

Governor Gwen Garcia yesterday criticized Mayor Tomas Osmeña for boasting the expansion of the seven-hectare zoo in barangay Kalunasan as his leverage in holding on to the property against the looming takeover of the provincial government.

Garcia said the mayor’s move to upgrade the zoo into a world-class venue, under the operation of a private company, might be his intended “legacy” for his last term in office.

The governor said the mayor’s concern for the zoo is a nice gesture but then her own plan for the property is better.

Garcia wanted to convert the property, after the Capitol recovers it, into a site for a P25 million Provincial Women’s Center.

The governor further said the mayor had changed his previous plans. She said that, early this year, the City Council approved a resolution for him to return the property to the Capitol because of financial constraints in maintaining it.

If it was the city government that first raised its plan to give up the site of the zoo, then Garcia said she wondered why Osmeña is now holding on to it and even announced to have the zoo upgraded to “world-class standard.”

Under Osmeña’s plan, the zoo will be upgraded and ran for two years by businessman Robert Yupangco, a co-owner of the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Olongapo City.

The Yupangco plan is to make the zoo in Kalunasan the home to 40 tigers, lions, giraffes, bears, orangutans, and other animals, Osmeña told the media earlier.

On Sept. 18, 1969, the Capitol donated Lot 1298, in Kalunasan to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines for the latter’s campsites. Seven hectares, specifically a gully in the area, were excluded because it was set aside for a new location of the city zoo, which was at Fort San Pedro then.

The donation provided that the lot should be reverted to Capitol ownership if the lot is no longer used as intended in the agreement.

-----------------------
A world class zoo or a provincial women's center?

^^ Haaay...si Dodong Tomas ug Nene Gwen intawn...nag-away napud. :ohno:

Might be OT but it may have been one of the origins of the "Ceboom!" word, hehe! Enjoy ice cold SMB! :D

n3PMn_m8hI8

There is actually an old song (US) called Shh Boom. It was adapted by San Miguel for its ad, and it came to be synonymous with CEboom, the first wave of so called Cebu economic miracle under gov lito osmena, but cut short by the asian financial crisis and another disaster called erap estrada.:bash:

Nine Yards opens at Paseo (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/25/life/nine.yards.opens.at.paseo.html)

Nine Yards

The shopping center has been named Nine Yards by Crinnovent Corp.

“Nine Yards simply means the whole nine yards of shopping,” said Wylie Chavez, Crinnovent’s creative director. “This is because our shopping center has the widest product selections in the bazaar category – fashion and lifestyle, gadgets and technology, accessories, pasalubong, native products, toys, novelties, and specialties.”

Nine Yards at Paseo is reminiscent of Manila’s Tiendesitas, a very upscale bazaar and shopping destination for Manila’s rich and famous.

“Of course, Paseo is not as exclusive,” Soontit quickly assured. “The shopping center is for anyone who is after value shopping. We carry the right products for the right price. And the age-old hangyo which Cebuanos love is also very welcome.”

Nine Yards is open daily from 2 p.m. to 12 m.n. As an added attraction, their Afternoon Rush Sale is currently ongoing. Between 2 to 5 p.m., shoppers can get discounts of up to 30 percent on almost all items.


Nine Yards will also open a branch at the Boulevard.

And confirmed already that the underconstruction in front of the Windland Towers near the Shell station along Escario St. is going to be another McDonald's. :)

^ Cebuanos seem to just can't get enough of the Bee and Ronald (McDonald) :D

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2360.jpg

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http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2367.jpg

^^

kanus-a gani na sugdan ang north coastal road?

^ Last April ;)

i hope the bridge is high enough to let small vessels pass the bay...

^^ Is the construction of Cebu North Costal road started? How much is the cost of the project? Anyway cheers for Cebu for that big project. It will help alot to further develop the Island.

^^ Is the construction of Cebu North Costal road started? How much is the cost of the project? Anyway cheers for Cebu for that big project. It will help alot to further develop the Island.

yup! around Php2B... :cheers:

The Busay Skyline is shaping up... hehehehe!
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2372.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2369.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2370.jpg

^^ t.y. sa updates bai! ....i'm sure it will be more scenic to drive thru this soon to open north coastal road than SCR...

...this pic is "San Francisco-ish" sans the Gaisano signage

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2372.jpg

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4881/intersection5c4wb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^ Looks similar to the Cebu Towers Commercial Center in CBP

^^ North Coastal Road Project (google earth pics)

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/ncr.jpg



http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/cansagabaybridge.jpg




...i didn't know that there is an existing bridge in Suba?
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/subabridge.jpg

^ Nice. Seems that there are just a few inhabitants on the areas to be passed by the North Coastal Road. That's good. Investments will surely be poured on that area once it gets completed

...reminds of the infamous love-story movie, "The Bridges of Madison County" ...perhaps, another love-story movie.... "The Bridges of Cebu" to be produced by Bigfoot Film...hehehheh!

...i didn't know that there is an existing bridge in Suba?

Bitaw, ngano kaha mu-contruct pa sila'g lain nga bridge nga naa na ma'y existing bridge? Weird.

Edit:

Basin ilang i-widen ang existing bridge structure into four-lanes. :dunno:

^ Well they want it new and spanking fresh :D

^^ Hehe...true...true. :D

Hongkong Plaza Hotel Updates:

How they arrive the name:

here's the name they want for the hotel

-Cebu Plaza Hotel - already existing in DTI

-Cebu Mandarin Hotel - already existing in DTI

-Cebu Regency Hotel - already existing in DTI

-Cebu Pacific Hotel - there is a problem

They want to put the name of Cebu but they tired for thinking for the name, so they decided to name it Hongkong Plaza Hotel...since they have a joint venture with it...they need to have a name for registration of the building in DTI....

Hongkong Plaza Hotel is not yet official as 25-storey Tower, because they still depending on the bank...
They used 25-storey as for their registration in OBO....
The project does not exist by 25-storey...we will just pray that it will reach as high as 25-storey...

About the rendering, there is an available but not yet final, they still have changes with it... they dont know yet the color of the cladding...

Once all the project is done & final.......i will post it here..ok


Target completion 2-3yrs from now....

snorkel Hilutungan...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/600334129_8e0a0d4e07_m.jpg

Naa na diay Cebu Mandarin Hotel? :?

^^ i know sa Manila but not in Cebu....hehehehe! bai @jarenz, where you got the info?

You know unsa'y akong na-realize...dili kaayo sila creative sa naming. I mean c'mon, Cebu Pacific Hotel (WTF!) or Cebu Plaza Hotel (:down:--It's the name of Marco Polo Plaza predecessor for peeps sake!!!). Now, by using Hong kong Plaza Hotel...it totally sounds CHEEEEEEZZZZZZYYYYYY!!! :no:

Naa na diay Cebu Mandarin Hotel? :?

don't know but its registered in DTI


^^ i know sa Manila but not in Cebu....hehehehe! bai @jarenz, where you got the info?

I interview the owner itself... i have a short speech with him...


You know unsa'y akong na-realize...dili kaayo sila creative sa naming. I mean c'mon, Cebu Pacific Hotel (WTF!) or Cebu Plaza Hotel (:down:--It's the name of Marco Polo Plaza predecessor for peeps sake!!!). Now, by using Hong kong Plaza Hotel...it totally sounds CHEEEEEEZZZZZZYYYYYY!!! :no:

we can't blame with them ... its not only composed with one owner only... They also listen also to other party...
well anyway its not our business...
were just thankful that they have that kind of project

-doublepost-

don't know but its registered in DTI




I interview the owner itself... i have a short speech with him...




we can't blame with them ... its not only composed with one owner only... They also listen also to other party...
well anyway its not our business...
were just thankful that they have that kind of project

I don't know how other people would response sa name "Hongkong Plaza Hotel",....Doesn't sounds good to me.. Anyway I don't have any background in naming or branding a hotel... Better if I'll hear it from others who have that knowledge..heheheh:lol:

I don't know how other people would response sa name "Hongkong Plaza Hotel",....Doesn't sounds good to me.. Anyway I don't have any background in naming or branding a hotel... Better if I'll hear it from others who have that knowledge..heheheh:lol:

too bad that CEBU name was not used,,, but the owner itself want to put CEBU in the name of hotel but they have hard time squizzing for the name... they came up with the Hongkong, since they have joint venture with it...They want the "Cebu Plaza Hotel" name but was used already before...

i hope the bridge is high enough to let small vessels pass the bay...

i agree...

and since Cansaga Bay's chance of being another port for Cebu will be extinguished by the construction of the bridge, maybe they could build a water-theme park there and a marina...

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6758/pict0003gl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Shot with DiMAGE X31 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=DiMAGE+X31&make=KONICA+MINOLTA) at 2007-06-25

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4881/intersection5c4wb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5871/img02248aemb9be8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

after more than 2 yrs in the drawing board this i.t bldg will finally be built..

too bad that CEBU name was not used,,, but the owner itself want to put CEBU in the name of hotel but they have hard time squizzing for the name... they came up with the Hongkong, since they have joint venture with it...They want the "Cebu Plaza Hotel" name but was used already before...

im sure there is a reason why they used the name Hongkong plaza hotel... unless it is situated in Junquera...

maybe the partner hotel is hongkong based... as i see it. :)

At least someone from government is working, unlike those two...


Cuenco eyes infra projects to help solve traffic woes (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070625176)


Tuesday, June 26, 2007


Given a fresh mandate, Rep. Antonio Cuenco has announced several projects he would want implemented during his last term as congressman of the south district of Cebu City.

He announced shortly after he took his oath of office before Mayor Tomas Osmeña at the City Hall yesterday that infrastructure projects would help solve the traffic congestion at the corner of Natalio Bacalso and V. Rama Avenues brought about by the volume of vehicles coming from the south making left turns to V. Rama Avenue.

“Kon makatukod na kita og overpass or flyover diha sa maong eskina, mahimong diretso na ang dagan sa mga sakyanan og dili na kaayo ma-congested ang trapiko,” Cuenco said.

As there are no funds yet for the construction of an overpass and an underpass at the junction of the two avenues, which he perceived to be the best solution to the traffic jam in said area, Cuenco is hopeful that he would be able to secure foreign grants, during his trip to the United States this week, for that particular purpose.

Another project, Cuenco mentioned, is the financing of some farm-to-market roads in the city’s mountain barangays that will be sourced out of his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

As for his health programs, Cuenco said he would also sustain the financial assistance worth P25,000 extended to constituents confined in government hospitals.

Further, Cuenco would want to sustain scholarship grants he already started providing to 250 poor but brilliant college students. This year, he said, he will try to increase the number of scholars to 500, after observing that there are still many poor but deserving students who wish to pursue their studies. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV

Travel group and province draft 20-year masterplan (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71)


Tuesday, June 26, 2007


The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas) partners with the Cebu Provincial Government in crafting an extensive 20-year tourism development masterplan for the province.

Naitas chairman Robert Lim Joseph said in a press conference recently that the group is highly confident of the tourism advantage of Cebu, and this can be realized in long term if a good tourism development plan will be in place.

“Among all provinces, it is Cebu,” said Joseph, who leads over a thousand travel agent members in the Philippines.

Naitas already talked with Governor Gwen Garcia on this plan, and Joseph said Garcia has verbally approved the idea, but still has to formalize this soon.

“We have to help the province. You have a dynamic Governor, she’s a progressive leader,” said Joseph.

Also, Naitas is planning to collaborate with the Cebu City government through Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña for similar program. However, Joseph said he still has to talk with the Mayor purposely on this matter.

“The government has to work closely hand-in-hand with the private sector players, because we know the real happening on the ground,” he said.

“There are people, who are just ‘talkers’ wala palang alam, [in the tourism industry],” he added.

Joseph, who is one of the pro-active tourism advocates in the Philippines, said although this 20-year master-plan is not a one-shot deal, it could provide further confidence to Cebu, as the premier or center for tourism in the Philippines.

Among other factors that shall be given priorities in the master-plan is the strong campaign for “culture of tourism” that would be done hand in hand with the tourism stakeholders and the local government units (LGUs).

Also, he said good transportation system, electricity, water supply, and most importantly protection of the environment would be taken into serious consideration.

The Cebu Provincial government should implement a strong environmental protection for the whole Cebu beaches, to preserve the charm of the province.

“If we do not protect the environment in year’s time, we will have cauliform. What will happen to these resorts?” he added.

He reiterated that Cebu should insists in being a high-end destination, and that more Shangri-La should be built, and more luxury accommodations for high-end tourists.

“We should not be content on selling ‘danggit-danggit lang’. We should develop also, more high-end shopping centers,” he said.

Joseph stressed that Cebu is already a sophisticated destination, but it needs complementary infrastructure to strengthen this advantage, such as more five-star resort accommodations, shopping destinations for high-end tourists, and others.

With these suggestions, he said the government should work together with the players who know the need and demands of the target market, Cebu is aiming for. — Ehda M. Dagooc

IT firm eyes Cebu as pilot area (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/06/26/bus/it.firm.eyes.cebu.as.pilot.area.html)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007


AN international software developer is keen on investing for the Philippine voting system, in response to Republic Act (RA) 9369 or the Election Modernization Act signed by President Gloria Arroyo in January.

Jonji Villa, Smartmatic director for Election Systems Business in Southeast Asia, said the company is banking on Cebu to pilot the automated elections in the barangay elections this October.

“The law is there, if we need to accomplish a modernized election by 2010, we need to start now to give more room for improvement during the next national elections,” he said.

Villa said Smartmatic will present its bid to the Commission on Elections and to the local government units to introduce the software technology.

Smartmatic, which has a plant in Taiwan, develops embedded and enterprise software that links devices from a wide range of existing networks, allowing them to quickly connect and simultaneously execute millions of tasks, according to its website.
Manual

With 43 million registered Filipino voters electing more than 30 candidates, manually tallying the votes has been a “nightmare,” he said.

Aside from this, questions on the transparency of the process have been raised, he added.

Villa said the company is targeting at least two percent of the entire voting population or about one million pilot voters.

“We want to pilot it in a small scale,” he said.

Three provinces have agreed, in principle, to adopt the automated elections, said Villa but added he is personally banking on Cebu stakeholders to agree on the plan.

Villa explained that Smartmatic will make use of an electronic voting pad that will show the face and name of the candidate and the logo of his or her party.

Convenience

The voting pad will consist of about 300 buttons and each button will represent a certain candidate. Voters will simply click on the button to confirm their votes.

Apart from the convenience it provides voters, poll watchers and canvassers, Villa said the technology speeds up the voting process and “automatically consolidates votes from the precinct level to the national level.”

“In maybe a few hours, we will know the official national and local results,” he said, adding that the system provides more room for transparency and helps eliminate election issues like fraud and vote buying, among others.

In terms of readiness, he said Filipinos are “more than ready.” “We are the texting capital in the world. How do we do it?
Simply by pressing buttons,” he said.

Villa said Smartmatic will present and discuss the automated elections during a two-day the Information Communications Technology Conference and exhibition beginning today at the Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa. (MMM)

The future is here. I saw this guy cruising along on his Segway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segway) on Salinas Drive one morning.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8020/segwayxs3.jpg

^^ nice.. i have also seen a japanese guy riding his electric scooter along mabolo..

The future is here. I saw this guy cruising along on his Segway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segway) on Salinas Drive one morning.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8020/segwayxs3.jpg

he is residing near the headquarters of Cafe Laguna in Brgy. Apas... he said the scooter costs him $2,000 jackie Chans shop in Hongkong... he was one of those guyz i remember dancing the tune "ang Tigulang" Bisrock @ a concert here!

Gwen hits Tomas’ plan to expand zoo (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070624180)

Monday, June 25, 2007

Governor Gwen Garcia yesterday criticized Mayor Tomas Osmeña for boasting the expansion of the seven-hectare zoo in barangay Kalunasan as his leverage in holding on to the property against the looming takeover of the provincial government.

Garcia said the mayor’s move to upgrade the zoo into a world-class venue, under the operation of a private company, might be his intended “legacy” for his last term in office.

The governor said the mayor’s concern for the zoo is a nice gesture but then her own plan for the property is better.

Garcia wanted to convert the property, after the Capitol recovers it, into a site for a P25 million Provincial Women’s Center.

The governor further said the mayor had changed his previous plans. She said that, early this year, the City Council approved a resolution for him to return the property to the Capitol because of financial constraints in maintaining it.

If it was the city government that first raised its plan to give up the site of the zoo, then Garcia said she wondered why Osmeña is now holding on to it and even announced to have the zoo upgraded to “world-class standard.”

Under Osmeña’s plan, the zoo will be upgraded and ran for two years by businessman Robert Yupangco, a co-owner of the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Olongapo City.

The Yupangco plan is to make the zoo in Kalunasan the home to 40 tigers, lions, giraffes, bears, orangutans, and other animals, Osmeña told the media earlier.

On Sept. 18, 1969, the Capitol donated Lot 1298, in Kalunasan to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines for the latter’s campsites. Seven hectares, specifically a gully in the area, were excluded because it was set aside for a new location of the city zoo, which was at Fort San Pedro then.

The donation provided that the lot should be reverted to Capitol ownership if the lot is no longer used as intended in the agreement.

-----------------------
A world class zoo or a provincial women's center?

Definitely a WORLD CLASS ZOO! Cebu Zoo's current location is strategically located and could provide a natural ambience when properly developed. A World Class Zoo would be a great welcome addition to Cebu's tourist spots.... This will not just attract foreign tourists, but can also help domestic tourism.

Gwen can always build the women's center in other location.... SRP perhaps! hehehehe

At least someone from government is working, unlike those two...


Cuenco eyes infra projects to help solve traffic woes (http://philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20070625176)


Tuesday, June 26, 2007


Given a fresh mandate, Rep. Antonio Cuenco has announced several projects he would want implemented during his last term as congressman of the south district of Cebu City.

He announced shortly after he took his oath of office before Mayor Tomas Osmeña at the City Hall yesterday that infrastructure projects would help solve the traffic congestion at the corner of Natalio Bacalso and V. Rama Avenues brought about by the volume of vehicles coming from the south making left turns to V. Rama Avenue.

“Kon makatukod na kita og overpass or flyover diha sa maong eskina, mahimong diretso na ang dagan sa mga sakyanan og dili na kaayo ma-congested ang trapiko,” Cuenco said.

As there are no funds yet for the construction of an overpass and an underpass at the junction of the two avenues, which he perceived to be the best solution to the traffic jam in said area, Cuenco is hopeful that he would be able to secure foreign grants, during his trip to the United States this week, for that particular purpose.

Another project, Cuenco mentioned, is the financing of some farm-to-market roads in the city’s mountain barangays that will be sourced out of his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

As for his health programs, Cuenco said he would also sustain the financial assistance worth P25,000 extended to constituents confined in government hospitals.

Further, Cuenco would want to sustain scholarship grants he already started providing to 250 poor but brilliant college students. This year, he said, he will try to increase the number of scholars to 500, after observing that there are still many poor but deserving students who wish to pursue their studies. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV

well well well... pa pogi points lang gyud ni permi si ceunco... kusog mag pa press release but in the end.. wala gihapoy big projects nga nahimo. he's now in his last term as a congressman, but for many years in service, he still has to deliver a big and valuable project for his district. Hope he does in his last term.

^^ i hope his projects would be pushed through...

At least someone from government is working, unlike those two...


You know, its actually good that the issue on those lots has been revived again and I hope the 2 put an end to the issue already. I have heard over the radio and news on TV that the issue on province-owned lots is not something new but is something that has been an issue between some previous Cebu City mayors and Cebu governors and it has remained unsolved. I hope Gwen and Tomas could sit down, close their doors from media (media, stop sensationalizing please!) and finally put an end to this issue. ;)

You know, its actually good that the issue on those lots has been revived again and I hope the 2 put an end to the issue already. I have heard over the radio and news on TV that the issue on province-owned lots is not something new but is something that has been an issue between some previous Cebu City mayors and Cebu governors and it has remained unsolved. I hope Gwen and Tomas could sit down, close their doors from media (media, stop sensationalizing please!) and finally put an end to this issue. ;)

AMEN to this post!

^ Even the businessmen of Cebu missed the moments when there were events wherein Gwen and Tomas would be seated in the same table and talk and laugh a lot about whatever they are talking about.

Once again, the revival of this lot-ownership issue is good and so that it could progress because it is a vital issue which involves thousands of citizens of Cebu (since it was left by the previous leaders of Cebu City and the Province). It's also good that Tomas and Gwen are independent of each other, they have different ideas and beliefs and they are ready and willing to defend their beliefs. What's making this seem dirty and unhealthy is the childish word war, the immature backbiting and the ever-sensationalizing media. So I hope this ends! I don't want this to be the reason of Ceboom getting stalled! :bash:

NEWS: Governor Garcia admits that the CICC has some "minor" defects :applause: (Governor Garcia wants to close the CICC for at least 3 months for repairs, improvements and more architectural details to be added. But the problem is, the CICC is fully booked until May 2008. "Gisaway ta nga gidali-dali ni nato pagtukod. Lagi, nagdali ta. Karon nangatangtang na ang ubang pintal. Pero hinumdumi, nabuhat kana tanan sa sulod sa walo ra ka buwan. Maayo gani kay kana rang gagmay nga mga problema ang nanggawas.) :bow:

Btw, this has never been discussed here. What is that oil exploration in Western Cebu all about?

Wet Downtown... Colon St.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2437.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2439.jpg

Port City of Cebu...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2479.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2466.jpg

bridge city...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2499.jpg

Advisory: do not pass Mac Arthur Blvd. if you are in a hurry from SM going to Plaza Independencia... Heavy Traffic! only North Bound lane being used...
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2543.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2545.jpg

Port City of Cebu...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/ragandacmichael/IMG_2466.jpg


Awesome cityscape! wait...is that dark phoenix above waterfront hotel? weeeeeeeeeeeeee :banana:

^^ Ehehe...

You got a good eye for peculiarities. :yes: ;)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7958/pict0018ih5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7901/pict0004kk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/418/pict0008oe4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/6572/pict0009jr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4162/pict0015cf0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/2623/pict0017oq5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


share lang..

last saturday we went to bogo to do an ocular inspection of marangog cove which is an upscale community owned by congressman junie martinez. we were lucky to have the congressman joined us for lunch.. ok man diay kaayo siya.. hes really serious of making bogo a premiere tourist destination in cebu. apart from marangog cove, hes planning of developing another resort beside it and a 50-hectare golf course will also be developed by a korean investor..

we'll be making a scale model of marangog cove.. ill post pics nya paghuman namo..

^^ Ehehe...

You got a good eye for peculiarities. :yes: ;)

:lol: I was born with a fourth eye :lol: Good evening Cebuano Exultor...

@ sugbuanon

Thanx for the update! That's a great addition to the booming Bogo! By the way, kaw na assign magbuhat sa scale model! Wow! beliba na nako nimo oi..parang kelan lang! ngayon u got projects na! cool! wish ya all the best sugbuanon!

NEWS: Governor Garcia admits that the CICC has some "minor" defects :applause: (Governor Garcia wants to close the CICC for at least 3 months for repairs, improvements and more architectural details to be added. But the problem is, the CICC is fully booked until May 2008. "Gisaway ta nga gidali-dali ni nato pagtukod. Lagi, nagdali ta. Karon nangatangtang na ang ubang pintal. Pero hinumdumi, nabuhat kana tanan sa sulod sa walo ra ka buwan. Maayo gani kay kana rang gagmay nga mga problema ang nanggawas.) :bow:


Yeah, I went inside the CICC for Cebu ITC 2007 as one of the exhibitors. The back entrance (the exhibits are located at the left side) are in fact is still under repairs.

:lol: I was born with a fourth eye :lol: Good evening Cebuano Exultor...

@ sugbuanon

Thanx for the update! That's a great addition to the booming Bogo! By the way, kaw na assign magbuhat sa scale model! Wow! beliba na nako nimo oi..parang kelan lang! ngayon u got projects na! cool! wish ya all the best sugbuanon!

actually hobby rman ni nako.. hehe btw, we're almost done with the scale model of the usc school hotel.. medyo nalangay mi kay daghan kaayo changes sa design..

thanx tj..

@sugbuanon
what are the names of those two IT buildings you posted?

@sugbuanon
what are the names of those two IT buildings you posted?
Yah! No names there..And where will they soon grow..heheh (parang tree planting)..:lol:

Japanese investor, IT firm eye SRP
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 03:37pm (Mla time) 06/26/2007

Cebu, Philippines - A Japanese investor and an Information Technology (IT) company have expressed interest to invest in the 300-hectare South Road Properties (SRP).

Joel Marie Yu, chairperson of the Cebu Investment Promotions Center, brought to City Hall on Monday morning guests whom he introduced to Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Osmeña later told reporters that they were discussing possible investments at the SRP during a brief meeting held inside the mayor's office.

He said a Japanese investor sees the SRP as an ideal site for the establishment of a marina, while Hewlett Packard, a company that supplies IT products, plans to establish an outsourcing business there.

While he waits for formal investment offers, Osmeña said, he intends to bid out within the year a total of 30-hectares of the SRP.

Osmeña said he needed proceeds from the disposal of the property estimated to amount from P2 billion to P4 billion for debt servicing and the implementation of infrastructure projects that are expected to boost the SRP's marketability.

“We can use the money for other developments without constraining the budget of the city,” he said.

The SRP, he said, still needed interior roads while he also needed to complete a fence that will separate the reclamation project from the Badjao community in the nearby village of Mambaling. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac

Tree planting set June 29 in quest for Guinness Book
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 03:40pm (Mla time) 06/26/2007

At least 25,000 trees of various species like Narra, Lawaan and Tuai will be planted in the villages of Buhisan and Pung-ol Sibugay in Cebu City and the towns of Carmen, Argao and Balamban in Cebu province on June 29.

The tree-planting activity will be simultaneously conducted throughout the country in a bid to qualify for the Guinness Book of Records for the most number of seedlings planted within one hour.

Lieutenant Alexander Magno of 7RCDG said the tree-planting is in line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s “Green Philippines Program.”

Government agencies in Central Visayas such as the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Education, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture, Information and Local Government and the Philippine Information Agency, led by the Philippine Army, together with partner agencies and non-government organizations, will join the event.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Lieutenant General Cardazo Luna of the Central Command are also expected to participate.

Magno said the Department of Education will plant trees inside the school premises on the holes prepared by the 53rd Engineering Brigade.

Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water representative Diane Rallon emphasized the importance of tree planting.

She said tree planting can help rejuvenate the deteriorated environment for the future of the young generation.

^^ Hopefully, kung mag-plant gani sila'g mga trees...ila sad untang i-take care ug dili lang pasag-dan. Kay kun ang latter maoy mahitabo...mahimo na nuong mas importante ang record kaysa purpose of planting trees.

^^ correct!

Philippines: PLDT makes pitch for broadband in Cebu ICT 2007

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. is focusing on broadband services to help Cebu attract investments in information and communications technology (ICT) and bring about economic development in the province.

PLDT Corporate Business Group Head Eric R. Alberto said the Cebu ICT 2007 International Conference and Exhibition from June 26 to 28, 2007, would be a good venue for showcasing these broadband services and Cebu’s strengths in ICT.

“We believe broadband services, whether wired or wireless, are crucial catalysts for development that will complement Cebu’s expanding talent pool for ICT,” said Alberto.

“Cebu is increasingly becoming an attractive place for investing in ICT. As a telecommunications provider committed to helping Cebu reach its full potential, PLDT is investing in infrastructure development and churning out cutting edge products and solutions that will help attract these investors,” said Alberto.

The PLDT Group, which will use the theme “Broadbanding the Nation” for its booth, will highlight services such as WeRoam, SWUP (Shops.work Unplugged), W@HO, BOSSCENTRAL, Blackberry, Mobile Eye and SmartBro.

These services are all geared to help investors assess the capabilities and the possibilities of doing business in Cebu.

“Of course, we also want to convey to them that PLDT, being a leader in innovation in the country, can customize solutions for clients,” added Alberto.

The Philippines is increasingly becoming an alternative ICT hub for outsourced business next to India. Alberto said it would take a confluence of efforts from the government, academe and private sector to catapult the country past India to the top of the BPO industry.

“We could say Cebu is one of the BPO hotspots for ICT. Through the efforts of the government to promote the province as an ICT hub, the commitment of academe to produce talented ICT professionals and the private sector’s efforts to strengthen the infrastructure and offer world-class telecom solutions, Cebu can become a force to reckon with in the BPO industry,” said Alberto.

Among the topics to be discussed in Cebu ICT 2007 are: “Opportunities and Threats for Asia’s Emerging ITES (IT-enabled services) Industry,” “Promoting Investments in

Asia ICT/ITES,” “Fostering and Funding Asian Innovation,” “The Workforce and Evolving ICT/ITES Hub Development Models,” “Security Challenges in an Outsourced Environment,” “ The SME Role in the ITES Industry,” “ Innovation in Technology Services: Transforming IT for Business Advantage,” “Trends and Challenges in eGovernance,” “ Leveraging Best Practice in ITES Sectors,” and “Developing and Sustaining an Innovative Culture.”

The Philippines Is Hub Of Business Processing Outsourcing
Back office services include claims processing, HR management and accounting functions.
Compiled By Adrienne Selko

June 25, 2007 -- The southern province of Cebu, located in Manila in the Philippines, is emerging as a strong tier-two center for information and communications technology (ICT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services. According to senior trade officials these areas are experiencing "tremendous growth momentum."

MORE HERE (http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14459)

@sugbuanon
what are the names of those two IT buildings you posted?

actually they are just one project.. the blue bldg is just a schematic drawing while the one posted by slemarken could be the final design.. and for the name, it was just labeled as an i.t bldg..