http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2787/srp210ka.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1724/srp43id.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4457/srp52lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6344/srp66lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

guys i'll be temporarily offline for today (monday).. :pet: hope my last 3 posts provided you some information of SRP.. see yah on tuesday.. :)

:) MABUHI ANG MGA PINOY, ANG MGA SUGBUANON :)

:cheers: have a good weekend sugbuanon - you deserves some rest!

Subuanon, u already managed to post the SRP project. Sorry for my delay. Could've done the same "PrintScreen" then post here, i actually wanted to convert it to a Hi-res image. Well I guess its already more than good enough. Cheers!

Adam Sandler eyed for movie on Cebu

First posted 10:47pm (Mla time) Nov 06, 2005
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A2-1 of the November 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

BIGFOOT ENTERTAINMENT, a Hollywood production company based in Cebu, is eyeing box-office draw Adam Sandler to topbill a movie that will be set in the Philippines.

The movie, "Cockfight," will be the company's first Philippine-made-from principal photography to post-production-project.

Written by Leslie Scott, it was originally set in Mexico.

"We plan to hire Filipino actors as well," said Scott, who met with a handful of Filipino media people recently at the Bigfoot facilities on Mactan Island.

Bigfoot chair Michael Gleissner said his firm was bent on doing "a lot of movies on Asia," in Asia.

"3 Needles," shot in Thailand, was one such project. The media group was treated to a preview of the film on board the yacht of Gleissner, who also served as executive producer, off the waters of Mactan Island.

Starring Lucy Liu, Chloe Sevigny and Stockard Channing, "3 Needles" won Best Direction (for Thom Fitzgerald) and Best Cinematography (for Thomas Harting) at the 25th Atlantic Film Festival in Canada.

Liu portrays a pregnant blood collector in China; Sevigny, a not-so-chaste nun who'll go to great lengths to save her wards in Africa; and Channing, the waitress-mom of a porn star afflicted with AIDS.

Variety described the film: "Sprawling from Montreal to South Africa to China... [it's] a great discussion tool for World AIDS Awareness Day."

In stark contrast to the preview's opulent venue is the film's gritty realism. In exquisitely photographed scenes, it presents a mass circumcision of African tribesmen; the birthing of Liu, alone and au naturel, in a prairie; and a rather icky bloodletting involving Stockard and her son.

"This is a subject that is pretty close to my heart because I lived in South Africa for a time," Gleissner explained. "This is no Lucy Liu action blockbuster."

Under Bigfoot Entertainment is Bigfoot Partners, which has two other projects in the works: "Social Grace," a romantic comedy directed by B.D. Wong and headlined by Margaret Cho, and "The Curiosity of Chance," a coming-of-age film described as a cross between "The Breakfast Club" and "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

Post-production of "Curiosity," which was shot in Belgium, will be done entirely at BP's International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) also on Mactan.

Gleissner said the director, Russell P. Marleau, will supervise post-prod and teach at the IAFT.

Timothy Doolen, BP director of Creative Development, explained the focus on Asia: "We want to show audiences that there is more to the region than just kung-fu and ninjas. We definitely want to present Asian culture in a positive light." Doolen previously worked on Dreamworks' "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Ring."

"Bigfoot's goal is to produce movies that will not get made otherwise in the present Hollywood set-up," Doolen said.

Filinvest group to develop P2-B resort complex in Mactan
Posted: 9:21 PM | Nov. 06, 2005

By Elizabeth L. Sanchez
Inquirer News Service

Published on Page B6 of the November 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

HOLDING FIRM FILINVEST DEVELOPMENT Corp. is spending roughly P2 billion for the development of a 12-hectare resort and beach club on Mactan Island to be dubbed "Seascapes," an official of the group said.

FDC's Timberland Sports and Nature Club vice president for business development Lennie Mendoza said the project would be launched toward the end of the year and the first phase would be completed by 2007.

The development of the beach resort will include 69 lots for private homes, a beach club and spa, a condominium complex that may be used as a retirement home, casitas and villas.

The first phase of its casitas segment is targetted to be completed by 2007, with a beach club groundbreaking early next year. The development period is spread over five years.

The Filinvest Leisure Group is adding Seascapes to its list of successful projects that include The Palms & Country Club in Alabang, a three-hectare project within the city.

In a separate development, the World Bank's private sector arm, International Finance Corp., announced last Friday that it had disbursed a P2.25-billion loan to Filinvest Land, the real-estate unit of the Filinvest Group. The disbursed tranche of the peso fixed-rate loan has a maturity of eight years. IFC funded this tranche by entering into an eight-year Philippine peso/US dollar cross-currency swap transaction with the Manila-based branch of a major commercial bank. The cross-currency swap transaction executed by IFC was one of the longest swaps executed in the onshore market in terms of maturity. While the loan addresses the local currency needs of Filinvest, the swap transaction also encourages local capital market development.

"IFC is delighted to have undertaken this long-term peso-dollar swap to fund Filinvest Land," said IFC vice president and treasurer Nina Shapiro. "This loan provides Filinvest Land with long-term Philippine peso financing without foreign exchange risk. It also contributes to local capital market development by using a long-term transaction executed in the onshore Philippine peso/US dollar swap market," said IFC country manager Vipul Bhagat.

IFC's loan will contribute to increasing the availability of mortgage financing to more lower and middle income buyers in a market dominated by government-owned financial institutions and commercial banks.

As one of the premier housing development companies in the Philippines, Filinvest has been rapidly extending mortgage financing to homebuyers, including many unable to obtain mortgages from other sources. The loan will be supported by a technical assistance program, funded by IFC, to assist Filinvest in improving credit policies, loan management procedures and risk management systems in its mortgage operations.

Adam Sandler?! whoa.... that's amazing... at least.. we can show the world that we, filipinos(especially cebuano's) have something extraordinary to show them.... ha! this is going to be a big break for us....

Adam Sandler? Sounds great...his movies are pretty funny:okay:

^^ but would he say yes? i sure hope so

^^ sure he would for as long as the price is right hehehe

Adam Sandler?! whoa.... that's amazing... at least.. we can show the world that we, filipinos(especially cebuano's) have something extraordinary to show them.... ha! this is going to be a big break for us....

wow! if Adam Sandler will accept the offer, most likely half-filipino Rob Schneider will do a cameo role! haha

almost all Adam Sandler's movies have Rob in it. Same with Rob's movie, Adam plays a cameo role :D

some Adam Sandler's movies with Rob as guest: 50 First Dates, Longest Yard

some Rob Schneider's movies with Adam as guest: Hot Chick, The Animal

I hope they'll get Adam for Cebu's international movie soon :D along with Rob and his Filipina mom :D

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2787/srp210ka.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cool! :cool: thanks a lot for the layout! i'm very anxious to see the future of SRP :D though i don't expect scrapers to rise on that area.

take a good rest buddy, thanks a lot for the infos :okay:

i finally found the updated and additional renderings of the Club Ultima project. :D
check out the Gold Regency logo at the 360º Crown Deck.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/club%20ultima/small/regency03.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/club%20ultima/small/regency04.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/club%20ultima/small/Fuente_towers.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/club%20ultima/small/osmena_driveway.jpg

ders nothing new dat i c

Adam Sandler eyed for movie on Cebu

First posted 10:47pm (Mla time) Nov 06, 2005
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A2-1 of the November 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

BIGFOOT ENTERTAINMENT, a Hollywood production company based in Cebu, is eyeing box-office draw Adam Sandler to topbill a movie that will be set in the Philippines.

The movie, "Cockfight," will be the company's first Philippine-made-from principal photography to post-production-project.

Written by Leslie Scott, it was originally set in Mexico.

"We plan to hire Filipino actors as well," said Scott, who met with a handful of Filipino media people recently at the Bigfoot facilities on Mactan Island.

Bigfoot chair Michael Gleissner said his firm was bent on doing "a lot of movies on Asia," in Asia.

"3 Needles," shot in Thailand, was one such project. The media group was treated to a preview of the film on board the yacht of Gleissner, who also served as executive producer, off the waters of Mactan Island.

Starring Lucy Liu, Chloe Sevigny and Stockard Channing, "3 Needles" won Best Direction (for Thom Fitzgerald) and Best Cinematography (for Thomas Harting) at the 25th Atlantic Film Festival in Canada.

Liu portrays a pregnant blood collector in China; Sevigny, a not-so-chaste nun who'll go to great lengths to save her wards in Africa; and Channing, the waitress-mom of a porn star afflicted with AIDS.

Variety described the film: "Sprawling from Montreal to South Africa to China... [it's] a great discussion tool for World AIDS Awareness Day."

In stark contrast to the preview's opulent venue is the film's gritty realism. In exquisitely photographed scenes, it presents a mass circumcision of African tribesmen; the birthing of Liu, alone and au naturel, in a prairie; and a rather icky bloodletting involving Stockard and her son.

"This is a subject that is pretty close to my heart because I lived in South Africa for a time," Gleissner explained. "This is no Lucy Liu action blockbuster."

Under Bigfoot Entertainment is Bigfoot Partners, which has two other projects in the works: "Social Grace," a romantic comedy directed by B.D. Wong and headlined by Margaret Cho, and "The Curiosity of Chance," a coming-of-age film described as a cross between "The Breakfast Club" and "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

Post-production of "Curiosity," which was shot in Belgium, will be done entirely at BP's International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) also on Mactan.

Gleissner said the director, Russell P. Marleau, will supervise post-prod and teach at the IAFT.

Timothy Doolen, BP director of Creative Development, explained the focus on Asia: "We want to show audiences that there is more to the region than just kung-fu and ninjas. We definitely want to present Asian culture in a positive light." Doolen previously worked on Dreamworks' "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Ring."

"Bigfoot's goal is to produce movies that will not get made otherwise in the present Hollywood set-up," Doolen said.

Filinvest group to develop P2-B resort complex in Mactan
Posted: 9:21 PM | Nov. 06, 2005

By Elizabeth L. Sanchez
Inquirer News Service

Published on Page B6 of the November 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

HOLDING FIRM FILINVEST DEVELOPMENT Corp. is spending roughly P2 billion for the development of a 12-hectare resort and beach club on Mactan Island to be dubbed "Seascapes," an official of the group said.

FDC's Timberland Sports and Nature Club vice president for business development Lennie Mendoza said the project would be launched toward the end of the year and the first phase would be completed by 2007.

The development of the beach resort will include 69 lots for private homes, a beach club and spa, a condominium complex that may be used as a retirement home, casitas and villas.

The first phase of its casitas segment is targetted to be completed by 2007, with a beach club groundbreaking early next year. The development period is spread over five years.

The Filinvest Leisure Group is adding Seascapes to its list of successful projects that include The Palms & Country Club in Alabang, a three-hectare project within the city.

In a separate development, the World Bank's private sector arm, International Finance Corp., announced last Friday that it had disbursed a P2.25-billion loan to Filinvest Land, the real-estate unit of the Filinvest Group. The disbursed tranche of the peso fixed-rate loan has a maturity of eight years. IFC funded this tranche by entering into an eight-year Philippine peso/US dollar cross-currency swap transaction with the Manila-based branch of a major commercial bank. The cross-currency swap transaction executed by IFC was one of the longest swaps executed in the onshore market in terms of maturity. While the loan addresses the local currency needs of Filinvest, the swap transaction also encourages local capital market development.

"IFC is delighted to have undertaken this long-term peso-dollar swap to fund Filinvest Land," said IFC vice president and treasurer Nina Shapiro. "This loan provides Filinvest Land with long-term Philippine peso financing without foreign exchange risk. It also contributes to local capital market development by using a long-term transaction executed in the onshore Philippine peso/US dollar swap market," said IFC country manager Vipul Bhagat.

IFC's loan will contribute to increasing the availability of mortgage financing to more lower and middle income buyers in a market dominated by government-owned financial institutions and commercial banks.

As one of the premier housing development companies in the Philippines, Filinvest has been rapidly extending mortgage financing to homebuyers, including many unable to obtain mortgages from other sources. The loan will be supported by a technical assistance program, funded by IFC, to assist Filinvest in improving credit policies, loan management procedures and risk management systems in its mortgage operations.

I hope this pushes through!!! :cheers:

TV Patrol World is currently live in Malacanan sa Sugbo, Cebu City. :D

nop, it's infront of Fort San Pedro... :D
TV Patrol Central Visayas is also live sa Capitol ganiha before sa TV Patrol World... mas nindot pa kaysa TV Patrol World...hehe

oist, si Ted Failon sa Malacanan sa Sugbo, si Karen Davila sa Fort San Pedro ug si Phoemela Barranda sa Plaza Independencia. :D

Yeah, TVPCV is better, venue palang daan.

Shocks, I'm online today. I need help. I need the information about the EVAT law for our Social Studies. Do you know the government website that has this? :)

oist, si Ted Failon sa Malacanan sa Sugbo, si Karen Davila sa Fort San Pedro ug si Phoemela Barranda sa Plaza Independencia. :D

Yeah, TVPCV is better, venue palang daan.

aw o diay noh? LoL sowee

u're right sa TVPCV..hehe

about sa EVat... ala kayo koy world ana but I will search for a gov't site... hope I can find any...

try this Mike...

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_cdn/2005/oct/opi/pac_21.htm

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1724/srp43id.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4457/srp52lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6344/srp66lu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

i wonder what that building activity in the middle of the first rendering is supposed to be with all those lines from the middle to the water side with a port for sail boats ? does anyone know ?

oops, looks like the part i meant is not on these renderings.....

[QUOTE=richard fischer]i wonder what that building activity in the middle of the first rendering is supposed to be with all those lines from the middle to the water side with a port for sail boats ? does anyone know ?

Originally Posted by sugbuanon
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/SRP_Plan2.jpg

Looks like a lot plan. Maybe this portion will be developed first for sale to interested buyers.

New IT Park for Lexmark
Monday, November 7th, 2005

The Chiongbian family announced that there three lots, covering 5,192 is now proposed to be leased by Lexmark Research and Development Corporation for additional expansion. The family is asking the Export zone Authority to declare it as an IT export enterprise, and for the property to be named as Lexmark Plaza.

The proposed project is expected to cost P2.5 billion and is expected to generate employment of 450 engineers and professionals. The Chiongbian family owns the lot through Efficient Holdings Inc., (EHI).


Cebuano No. 1 in Mechanical Engineering Board Exam

Cebuano Carl Bryan Go Taguiam placed first in the board exam given by the Members of the Board of Mechanical Engineering this October 2005. Taguiam graduated magna cum laude and obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of San Carlos last March 2005. He is as well a recipient of one of the the top ten outstanding graduate awardee.

Another Cebuano who made it to the top ten are Genri Solano Belarmino of the University of Cebu placing sixth 6th and Jonas Marco Villanueva Quinones of the University of San Carlos placing 7th.

Oath taking in Cebu is said to be on November 26, 2005, Saturday @ the Grand Convetion Center in Cebu along Archbishop Reyes Street in Banilad.

Cebu tops again!

Cebuano has More Buying Power
Contact centers up Cebuano workers’ buying power, bring in more investors

Aside from tourism, the contact center industry is now driving Cebu’s economy.

Many investors are now expanding their businesses in Cebu due to the bright prospects of the local market brought by the rapid growth of the contact center industry in the province, according to restaurateur Larry Cruz.

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Cruz said he opened a Cafe Adriatico restaurant at Crossroads in Banilad, Cebu City because he sees the increasing purchasing power of Cebu consumers, especially the contact center workers.

Economic heroes

In a separate interview, businessman Jonkie Ouano said Mandaue City considers contact center agents as economic heroes of the Philippines, next to overseas Filipino workers, because their high purchasing power has triggered the opening of new restaurants, retail outlets, overnight stores and coffee shops.

“These businesses also bring a lot of employment opportunities to another segment of the labor force,” said Ouano, who is also executive assistant of the mayor in Mandaue City.

Since the entry of more than a dozen contact centers in Cebu, some retail establishments like coffee shops, fastfood chains, resto-bars, as well as spa and wellness providers, have been offering 24-hour service.

According to an industry source, the entry level salary of contact center employees, also known as customer service representatives, in Cebu is between P10,000 and P13,000. This excludes allowances, commissions and benefits given by the call center companies such as PeopleSupport Philippines, Sykes, Western Watts and Convergys.

Careers

PeopleSupport Philippines’ director for strategic programs Liza Lamzon said in a statement that the company does not only give jobs, it also focuses on creating careers for their employees.

“We (PeopleSupport) continuously hire customer service e-reps (electronic representatives) who are given free training and career advancement opportunities within the company. The company provides excellent compensation and benefit packages including stock option, excellent training program through the PeopleSupport University and premium medical healthcare, ” she said.

US clients

PeopleSupport stocks trade on the NASDAQ under the stock symbol PSPT, Lamzon said.

PeopleSupport is an is an offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) provider that offers customer management services for United States-based clients from its facilities in the Philippines.

The company also provides accounts receivable management services. It is also planning to provide other back office management services.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, PeopleSupport provides services to clients in a variety of industries, including travel and hospitality, technology, telecommunications, retail, consumer products and financial services.

there are a lot of economic heroes in this forum, one of them is tj_brewed and also Rezty boy...:)



Cebu Based Premium Concepts
Sunday, November 6th, 2005

Cebu Based Premium Concepts recently won the Philippine Marketing Excellence Awards for 2005. Shown in the front banner is Premium Concepts founder, Ms. Melanie Ng with the award. Melanie also hosted the awards night and give a testimonial. Premium Concepts was cited for its leading role and company growth in introducing novelties and lifestyle ideas to the Southern Philippines market.


Cebu a Hit on the Philippine Business Conference

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry not only won major awards in the recent 31st Philippine Business Conference, but the Cebu booth was among the most visited. Just located outside the entrance of the main ballroom, the booth showcased some of the great spots to be visited.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/ccci_b_1.jpg

Cebu a Hit on the Philippine Business Conference

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry not only won major awards in the recent 31st Philippine Business Conference, but the Cebu booth was among the most visited. Just located outside the entrance of the main ballroom, the booth showcased some of the great spots to be visited.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/ccci_b_1.jpg

Nice to know Cebu remains to be one of the most attractive domestically when it comes to business :D travel-wise, Cebu province (or was it the Philippines as a whole, im not sure) was among the most visited booths during the recent world trade exhibition in Japan with Plantation Bay Mactan being the most popular. cool! :cool:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/rusty2die4/misc/AI4-4-26-05A-174.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/rusty2die4/misc/constantine-maroulis-2.jpg
Constantine Maroulis Live! in Cebu
SunStar Lifestyle Nov. 8, 2005


Television heartthrob, Constantine Maroulis of the hit reality show, American Idol is set to rock the Cebuano audience this month as lifestyle destination Ayala Center Cebu presents Constatine Maroulis Rocks Cebu.

The 29-year old New York native who set teen hearts aflutter with his signature pout and off-the-wall performances during Season Four of the singing competition, will be highlight of Ayala Center Cebu’s anniversary celebration, as the mall celebrates its 11th year this November.

Ayala Center Cebu has lined up exciting events to thank its market for the continued patronage, starting with Penshoppe’s Fashion Rally, the ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother ex-housemates mall tour, and fireworks on November 18.

Saturday, November 19, will feature Fashion Walk at the Paseos and the Activity Center, a remote live telecast of the Pinoy Big Brother eviction at the Lagoon Area, and Constantine Maroulis Rocks Cebu at the fountain area of the Ayala Food and Entertainment Center.

Shoppers can also look forward to a mallwide sale during the three-day fete at the mall, which ends with a Christmas Launching featuring the Loboc Children’s Choir and festive fireworks on Sunday, November 20.



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/SSC/skyscrapercity-cebu.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/rusty2die4/misc/AI4-4-26-05A-174.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/rusty2die4/misc/constantine-maroulis-2.jpg
Constantine Maroulis Live! in Cebu
SunStar Lifestyle Nov. 8, 2005

hey resty!!! why did you post my pic here... "hehehe balik nasad ko resty"

[QUOTE]

Looks like a lot plan. Maybe this portion will be developed first for sale to interested buyers.

that's just a parking area..

erratum: SRP is not South Reclamation Property but SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES :)

wow! thankz slerz... :)

Cebu City eyes bidding of prime block at SRP
by Irene R. Sino Cruz


The Cebu City government is set to bid out a whole block at the South Road Properties (SRP), according to Joel Mari Yu, managing director of Cebu Investment Promotion Center (CIPC).

"In the first quarter, the mayor (Tomas Osmeña) intends to publicly bid 30 hectares of the most prime area of the South Road Properties," Yu said.
Advertisement
The South Reclamation Project has been renamed South Road Properties after the completion of the project.

The area that will be bidded out is the nearest to Cebu City mainland just across the Ludo property, he said.

The floor price of the property is P10,000 per square meter and is expected to fetch a total floor price of P3 billion, Yu said.

"Cebu City will be going on a road show very soon, hopefully early January, in Manila," he said.

The city government will be inviting the leading property developers, insurance companies, banks and other institutions engaged in land banking, Yu said.

It also plans to sell between 20 to 30 hectares in smaller sizes, he added.

"We are going to open another sector for retail sales in Cebu," Yu said.

The lots will be in 1,000-square meter and 2,000-square meter sizes.

This will be open to real estate brokers and priced at P15,000 per square meter for the lots along the South Coastal Road and P10,000 per square meter for the interior lots, he said.

He also noted that between six and 10 companies in Cebu have signified interest to locate in SRP.

However, he said, these companies are asking the city to address three major concerns - power, water and professional management.

Two of these concerns are being addressed, Yu noted.

"Power is almost certain. It is in the final stage of fine-tuning the legal arrangements," he said.

While the city government owns the franchises of all utilities, he said, it is allowed to sub-contract the distribution.

"Most likely it will be sub-contracted to Veco (Visayan Electric Company). They are now in the process of putting up wires (at SRP). They will be bringing power to Kawit, where the Sugbu building is, and the new building undergoing construction," he said.

The proposed agreement, he said, requires Veco to set rates not higher than the power rates charged to locators at the two Mactan economic zones.

"We are now negotiating with the Energy Regulatory Commission so that we will not carry the lifeline subsidy because we are a total industrial area," Yu said.

On the supply of water, Yu said, South Road Properties will start commissioning its 500-cubic meter desalination plant as soon as there is power supply.

Since there will be no water consumption yet without locators, he said, South Road Properties would be selling the water generated to Metro Cebu Water District.

Yu said the city is also studying the possibility of doing a road show in other countries, starting first with Hong Kong.

Mayor Osmeña has already agreed to have a professional manager take over the management of SRP's industrial component to meet the third requirement of prospective locators, he said.

The Cebu City government has sought the assistance of the BOT Center in preparing the terms of reference to guide the bidding for the management, Yu said.

The SRP has been registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as a special economic zone.

The CIPC has been designated as the city government's marketing arm for the South Road Properties.

Cebuano No. 1 in Mechanical Engineering Board Exam

Cebuano Carl Bryan Go Taguiam placed first in the board exam given by the Members of the Board of Mechanical Engineering this October 2005. Taguiam graduated magna cum laude and obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of San Carlos last March 2005. He is as well a recipient of one of the the top ten outstanding graduate awardee.

Another Cebuano who made it to the top ten are Genri Solano Belarmino of the University of Cebu placing sixth 6th and Jonas Marco Villanueva Quinones of the University of San Carlos placing 7th.

Oath taking in Cebu is said to be on November 26, 2005, Saturday @ the Grand Convetion Center in Cebu along Archbishop Reyes Street in Banilad.

Cebu tops again!

just want to add slerz, its not just in ME that a cebuano tops. for this year alone 2005, we have 4 topnotchers:

Mark Anthony B. Kindica (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Electrical Engineering (april 2005)

Kent P. Galleros (University of San Carlos)
no. 1, Architecture (June 2005)

Alnald C. Javier (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Chemistry (September 2005)

Carl Bryan G. Taguiam (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Mechanical Engineering (October 2005)

in architecture alone, 7 of the 10 topnothers are from Cebu: 6 from USC and 1 from CIT.. :)

the result for ECE's board exam taken just this weekend will be published tomorrow. "basta ako kuya maoy no.1 bangkahan tamo tanan Slerz" haha

Cebu City eyes bidding of prime block at SRP
by Irene R. Sino Cruz


The Cebu City government is set to bid out a whole block at the South Road Properties (SRP), according to Joel Mari Yu, managing director of Cebu Investment Promotion Center (CIPC).

"In the first quarter, the mayor (Tomas Osmeña) intends to publicly bid 30 hectares of the most prime area of the South Road Properties," Yu said.
Advertisement
The South Reclamation Project has been renamed South Road Properties after the completion of the project.

The area that will be bidded out is the nearest to Cebu City mainland just across the Ludo property, he said.

The floor price of the property is P10,000 per square meter and is expected to fetch a total floor price of P3 billion, Yu said.

"Cebu City will be going on a road show very soon, hopefully early January, in Manila," he said.

The city government will be inviting the leading property developers, insurance companies, banks and other institutions engaged in land banking, Yu said.

It also plans to sell between 20 to 30 hectares in smaller sizes, he added.

"We are going to open another sector for retail sales in Cebu," Yu said.

The lots will be in 1,000-square meter and 2,000-square meter sizes.

This will be open to real estate brokers and priced at P15,000 per square meter for the lots along the South Coastal Road and P10,000 per square meter for the interior lots, he said.

He also noted that between six and 10 companies in Cebu have signified interest to locate in SRP.

However, he said, these companies are asking the city to address three major concerns - power, water and professional management.

Two of these concerns are being addressed, Yu noted.

"Power is almost certain. It is in the final stage of fine-tuning the legal arrangements," he said.

While the city government owns the franchises of all utilities, he said, it is allowed to sub-contract the distribution.

"Most likely it will be sub-contracted to Veco (Visayan Electric Company). They are now in the process of putting up wires (at SRP). They will be bringing power to Kawit, where the Sugbu building is, and the new building undergoing construction," he said.

The proposed agreement, he said, requires Veco to set rates not higher than the power rates charged to locators at the two Mactan economic zones.

"We are now negotiating with the Energy Regulatory Commission so that we will not carry the lifeline subsidy because we are a total industrial area," Yu said.

On the supply of water, Yu said, South Road Properties will start commissioning its 500-cubic meter desalination plant as soon as there is power supply.

Since there will be no water consumption yet without locators, he said, South Road Properties would be selling the water generated to Metro Cebu Water District.

Yu said the city is also studying the possibility of doing a road show in other countries, starting first with Hong Kong.

Mayor Osmeña has already agreed to have a professional manager take over the management of SRP's industrial component to meet the third requirement of prospective locators, he said.

The Cebu City government has sought the assistance of the BOT Center in preparing the terms of reference to guide the bidding for the management, Yu said.

The SRP has been registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as a special economic zone.

The CIPC has been designated as the city government's marketing arm for the South Road Properties.

thanks for that article! Filinvest or AyalaLand as the SRP developer, either of those two... solve na! :D hehe

[QUOTE]

Looks like a lot plan. Maybe this portion will be developed first for sale to interested buyers.

thanks jimbu, and what could that adjustant part be ? a habour for sailboats, yachts and a boardwalk with restaurants for buisnessmen taking their lunch and playgrounds for weekenders or something like that ?

just want to add slerz, its not just in ME that a cebuano tops. for this year alone 2005, we have 4 topnotchers:

Mark Anthony B. Kindica (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Electrical Engineering (april 2005)

Kent P. Galleros (University of San Carlos)
no. 1, Architecture (June 2005)

Alnald C. Javier (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Chemistry (September 2005)

Carl Bryan G. Taguiam (University of San Carlos)
no.1, Mechanical Engineering (October 2005)

in architecture alone, 7 of the 10 topnothers are from Cebu: 6 from USC and 1 from CIT.. :)

the result for ECE's board exam taken just this weekend will be published tomorrow. "basta ako kuya maoy no.1 bangkahan tamo tanan Slerz" haha

Yup and I think USC and CIT has the most top nochers when we speak of engineering courses...
bantay bitaw sugbuanon ha, I will expect it...:D

Is it time to build Mandaue-Mactan's third bridge?

Mandaue City to study
bridge traffic scheme

Mandaue City Administrator Serafin Blanco said he would meet with traffic and bridge management bodies before endorsing a proposal that would regulate traffic on the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

Before the plan could be implemented, Blanco said the City Traffic Efficiency Development and Management board and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge Management Board would have to approve proposal.

"We have to hear what the two bodies have to say before the Mandaue City government could act on it," Blanco said.

The proposal, created by Lapu-Lapu's City Traffic Management System (CTMS) board, prohibits vehicles with six-valve engines from using the bridge, which will be made a one-way road at certain times of the day.

The proposal is currently being studied by the CTMS board's committee on laws and transportation.

"It has been observed that the volume of vehicles passing through both bridges have increased enormously, resulting in traffic jams," the board said.

As a solution, CTMS proposed to open the bridge only to Mandaue-bound vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and only to Lapu-Lapu-bound vehicles from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The scheme is aimed at decongesting traffic at the first bridge especially during rush hours. /Reporter Doris Bongcac

Is it time to build Mandaue-Mactan's third bridge?

Mandaue City to study
bridge traffic scheme

Mandaue City Administrator Serafin Blanco said he would meet with traffic and bridge management bodies before endorsing a proposal that would regulate traffic on the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

Before the plan could be implemented, Blanco said the City Traffic Efficiency Development and Management board and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge Management Board would have to approve proposal.

"We have to hear what the two bodies have to say before the Mandaue City government could act on it," Blanco said.

The proposal, created by Lapu-Lapu's City Traffic Management System (CTMS) board, prohibits vehicles with six-valve engines from using the bridge, which will be made a one-way road at certain times of the day.

The proposal is currently being studied by the CTMS board's committee on laws and transportation.

"It has been observed that the volume of vehicles passing through both bridges have increased enormously, resulting in traffic jams," the board said.

As a solution, CTMS proposed to open the bridge only to Mandaue-bound vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and only to Lapu-Lapu-bound vehicles from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The scheme is aimed at decongesting traffic at the first bridge especially during rush hours. /Reporter Doris Bongcac

In contrary to this, the 1st Mandaue-Mactan Bridge will be have a one way scheme on "to be specified times" EFFECTIVE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a301/rusty2die4/misc/AI4-4-26-05A-174.jpg
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Constantine Maroulis Live! in Cebu
SunStar Lifestyle Nov. 8, 2005



Yes, he will perform live at Ayala Center Cebu on November 19, 2005 for the Ayala "Ravin' at 11" Anniversary Sale. AND YEAH, I have confirmed that on the Ayala 3 day Sale, this is the beginning of the SERIES OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS weekly until the New Year! :D

City mayor commends newsboy
for returning payroll money

He could have kept the money and consider it manna from heaven.

Despite poverty, newsboy Dioscoro Collamat decided on Monday to turnover the P19,000 payroll money he found last Saturday morning on a sidewalk in Gorordo Avenue, to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

His honesty was tested when he went to City Hall last Saturday. There was nobody there to receive the money.

He went back on Monday when government offices opened, and Mayor Osmeña commended him.
Collamat, who is from Barangay Lorega San Miguel, sells newspapers to fend for his family. He has two children.

Early morning of last Saturday, Collamat was hawking newspapers along Gorordo Avenue when he saw a bag along the sidewalk.

Collamat said he took the bag thinking he could still use it. When he opened it, he was surprised to see money inside.

William Tan, the security officer of Ocias Security and Detective Agency, owns the bag.

Tan, who lives in Talamban, was supposed to pay his security guards assigned here in Cebu. He works for the Manila-based agency.

Tan told reporters that he could not even remember where he lost the bag.

At City Hall on Monday, Tan came to claim the bag. The money was intact.

As a reward, Tan said he would give Collamat P5,000.

Mayor Osmeña said he would hire Collamat as one of his inspectors or collector in Barangay Lorega if there is a vacancy, because he is honest, "a very rare trait nowadays."

Yup and I think USC and CIT has the most top nochers when we speak of engineering courses...
bantay bitaw sugbuanon ha, I will expect it...:D

basta engineering CIT ug USC jud ang pambato sa Cebu.. also want to include UC.. hehehe basta no.1 siya pero kung no. 2 ra kay dili ko bangka.. haha

[QUOTE=Jimbu]

that's just a parking area..

If that is a parking area then that should be temporary only because it's so huge. Btw, they plan to sell between 20 to 30 hectares in smaller sizes for retails sales sector and the lot sizes is between 1,000-square meter and 2,000-square. Is this not the one?

Is it time to build Mandaue-Mactan's third bridge?

Mandaue City to study
bridge traffic scheme

Mandaue City Administrator Serafin Blanco said he would meet with traffic and bridge management bodies before endorsing a proposal that would regulate traffic on the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

Before the plan could be implemented, Blanco said the City Traffic Efficiency Development and Management board and the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge Management Board would have to approve proposal.

"We have to hear what the two bodies have to say before the Mandaue City government could act on it," Blanco said.

The proposal, created by Lapu-Lapu's City Traffic Management System (CTMS) board, prohibits vehicles with six-valve engines from using the bridge, which will be made a one-way road at certain times of the day.

The proposal is currently being studied by the CTMS board's committee on laws and transportation.

"It has been observed that the volume of vehicles passing through both bridges have increased enormously, resulting in traffic jams," the board said.

As a solution, CTMS proposed to open the bridge only to Mandaue-bound vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and only to Lapu-Lapu-bound vehicles from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The scheme is aimed at decongesting traffic at the first bridge especially during rush hours. /Reporter Doris Bongcac

i think a third bridge is still far from reality considering that the city government of mandaue don't have the budget to finance it.. they even had a private company to sponsor the payment for the electric bills of the second bridge..

wow new title ha.. "i love cebu" hehe

[QUOTE=sugbuanon]

If that is a parking area then that should be temporary only because it's so huge. Btw, they plan to sell between 20 to 30 hectares in smaller sizes for retails sales sector and the lot sizes is between 1,000-square meter and 2,000-square. Is this not the one?

yeah its really huge but i think they intended to have such one big parking area.. since Kawit will be develop into a amusement park, a big parking area is really needed to accomodate all those tourists that will be visiting the area.. and also the parking area in kawit is too small.. :) im not sure jimbu which part of SRP they'll be leasing to potential investors..

Yes, he will perform live at Ayala Center Cebu on November 19, 2005 for the Ayala "Ravin' at 11" Anniversary Sale. AND YEAH, I have confirmed that on the Ayala 3 day Sale, this is the beginning of the SERIES OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS weekly until the New Year! :D

speaking of fireworks... I have witnessed last nights fireworks display @ 10pm of Golden Peak Hotel @ gorordo...nice... I love foreworks!!! I swear!

Took this last night somwhere near UP Cebu in Lahug...
Christmas is already here....:)
Merry Christmas!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/07-11-05_2209.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/07-11-05_2210.jpg

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http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/07-11-05_2213.jpg

^^ there's also another one in escario st. .. they are basically everywhere.. pasko na jud

Cebu has a lot to offer; it is a paradise for the beach lover, the golf player and the diver. But for those who are interested only in business it is the place to be too. Cebu is different, it does not have just one Product, and it has two: tourism and business. Situated at a crossroad of trade, with a typhoon-free deep-sea port and an international airport. Cebu is competitive; time has proven it. But what about Promotion?

But who knows Cebu? Becoming known is a matter of making yourself known. What makes Cebu so attractive? It is a question asked not only by many tourists, but also by many Filipinos.

During the Marcos era, Cebu was neglected in almost every way. Cebuanos were notorious for their anti-Marcos feelings. Its leading politicians were either in jail or had fled abroad. Cebu had to fight on its own, it had to keep going, but at a snails pace. Many of its assets disappeared into the pockets of Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies.

The People Power Revolution in February 1986 brought down Ferdinand Marcos and swept Corazon Aquino, widow of the assassinated Se. Benigno Aquino, into power.

During the dark moments of the revolution Mrs. Aquino sought refuge in Cebu. During her six-year Presidency her power-base was Cebu and the Cebu economic growth model became the example to follow the country.

Aquino’s Presidency was marred by seven coups d’e’ tats, during the last of which, in the early days of December 1989, Cebu proved again to be the cornerstone of the country. An attempt to take over Mactan Airbase by the rebels was foiled. Without this airbase and its aircraft the rebels lacked the necessary airpower to succeed.

The bad publicity, which Manila received in the early Nineties, the chaotic way of life and the apparent lack of law and order in the country’s capital and prime city, gave way to the promotion of Cebu as “An Island in the Pacific.”

The promotion was a great success, especially in Japan. Growth of tourism and foreign investment in Cebu, in the late Eighties and early Nineties, far outpaced that of the country as a whole.

Today, Cebu’s economy is based solidly on a vast array of light electronic industries, furniture, costume jewelry and the services of its international airport and seaport. Its fast growing Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) is the cornerstone in this scenario. Tourism, based on its fabulous white sandy beaches, its excellent diving opportunities and its challenging golf courses, places Cebu on the world map.

i think a third bridge is still far from reality considering that the city government of mandaue don't have the budget to finance it.. they even had a private company to sponsor the payment for the electric bills of the second bridge..

wow new title ha.. "i love cebu" hehe

i remember reading an article (twas when the 2nd bridge was inaugurated) an engineer recommended to propose a third bridge the soonest possible to address the traffic volume in the future. and that was when Cordova-North Reclamation Area bridge proposal started to circulate. :) but til now, no official announcement whatsoever from the local govt.

it's not I LOVE CEBU.... it's I HEART CEBU hehehe

i remember reading an article (twas when the 2nd bridge was inaugurated) an engineer recommended to propose a third bridge the soonest possible to address the traffic volume in the future. and that was when Cordova-North Reclamation Area bridge proposal started to circulate. :) but til now, no official announcement whatsoever from the local govt.

it's not I LOVE CEBU.... it's I HEART CEBU hehehe

so I'm right! the 1st time I read it.."I heart Cebu" :D

the third bride will be realized sooner as the traffic problem of the two bridges will be getting worst....
building bridges for Mactan and mainland Cebu will be treated soon as minor projects coz IMO Cebu is already concentrating on very huge major projects like reclamation areas, themeparks CBD's and others...

^^ you got that right slerz!

hey be right back guys, i'm in the middle of a negotiation with a cellphone snatcher. i'm texting my bestfriend's cell number. ataya lagi. :mad:

^^ you got that right slerz!

hey be right back guys, i'm in the middle of a negotiation with a cellphone snatcher. i'm texting my bestfriend's cell number. ataya lagi. :mad:

oi mao ba? may tag matoltolan sya sa vegelantes... they're such a blackheads that needs to be pierced.. :bash:

http://img279.imageshack.us/img279/6281/b11wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sooner or later a third mactan bridge would be built to address the worsening traffic condition in the metropolis.. hope it will have a modern design similar to this one for added attraction.

^^ you got that right slerz!

hey be right back guys, i'm in the middle of a negotiation with a cellphone snatcher. i'm texting my bestfriend's cell number. ataya lagi. :mad:

resty naa koy cellphone no. ni SP01 Dumpit.. txti cya para ihawon na niya ang snatcher.. vigilante? basin naay vigilante ortigas chapter resty.. hehe

http://img279.imageshack.us/img279/6281/b11wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sooner or later a third mactan bridge would be built to address the worsening traffic condition in the metropolis.. hope it will have a modern design similar to this one for added attraction.

Great idea marvs! there should be at least two levels. one for cars and the one on top is for the MRT :okay:

@Slerz: You're right! they should be killed through firing squad televised nationwide!

guys, i might stop posting here at SSC for a while lang naman. let's say love-life problem. nakig cool off right at this moment. hehe. super depression mode ko any minute now. happy posting people :D

^^ dili jud ni maau ang uyab2.. kami lng nyay cheer up nimo resty.. hehe goodluck

Figures are saying that the influx of tourist in Cebu are increasing. No doubt about that, look around and you can tell. I can say that the Department Of Tourism must be doing a better job in promoting the province. Another aspect that promotes tourism is I think the tourists themselves that have visited this great place. You know when they go back to their homeland and tell their friends how great the experience was, the people and the place…that’s one good marketing!

Participating for the first time as one region in an international trade fair, the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) has made its mark as it highlights tourism as a major vehicle to economic growth during the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) held in Nanning, China recently.

The EAGA, which is composed of countries Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP), featured during the four-day fair the region’s diverse but united culture, its many exciting adventures and natural attractions.

Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab who is also the national coordinator of BIMP-EAGA said that it is a joint decision of the four member countries to highlight tourism in the CAEXPO.

Conceptualized in 1994, the BIMP-EAGA was intended to boost trade, tourism, and investment within the region. It comprises the areas of Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines; the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; 10 provinces in the Indonesian islands of Kalamantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Irian Jaya; and Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan in Malaysia.

Tourism Regional Director Sohura Dimaampao of Cotabato, who is also Palabyab’s deputy chair, explains "Our participation to this event is more of an image building. Here, we showcase the culture, adventure, and nature that the EAGA as one region can offer."

According to Dimaampao, statistics would show that most international in-bound tourists to Mindanao are actually from the other three countries of the EAGA region. She added, "The movement of tourists within the growth area is overwhelming. This is the same reason why we give much emphasis to improving the present ‘connectivity’ of destinations within the region."

To assure the smooth movement of tourists within the area, EAGA’s recent undertakings involve increasing the flight frequencies to and from the different destinations within the region. Currently, South Phoenix caters to passengers flying the Zamboanga-Sandakan route and vice versa. By sea, M.V. Wissam Express and Alesson navigate the same route. Merpati carrier, on the other hand, services the Davao-Sandakan-Davao route.

In recent developments, the Joint Tourism Development (JTB) cluster has submitted to the Senior Officials Minister Meeting (SOMM) the proposal to beef-up flights servicing routes from and to Davao-Kota Kinabalu, General Santos-Manado, Indonesia and Palawan-Kota Kinabalu.

Some 39 local government officials graced the CAEXPO’s official opening and participated in the various conference topics prepared for both the local and foreign delegates.

"The attendance of governors, mayors and provincial board members from Mindanao is just a beginning of the LGU’s more active participation and support to tourism" said Director Dimaampao. She further added "We are so pleased with the support we have been showered by the past and present Tourism Secretaries. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has supported us in many of our present undertakings as Senator Dick Gordon in the past had been our most aggressive supporter."

The CAEXPO is an annual event held since 2004 and was conceptualized in the goal of providing business communities, not just from Asia but all over the world, a tremendous avenue for regional economic and trade collaboration. It aims to promote the building of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area which is envisioned to yield mutual benefits and shared success among its members.

The BIMP-EAGA, though a first time participant to the event, was already given recognition by the CAEXPO organizers as they bagged the "Best Support" award for its concept of presenting four countries in one booth.

^^ dili jud ni maau ang uyab2.. kami lng nyay cheer up nimo resty.. hehe goodluck

thanks marvs, maypa SSC :D malingaw pa ko. curse man ning uyab² pare hehe.

about Cebu, it is very popular in South Korea. Cebu is known as honeymooners' paradise!

http://img279.imageshack.us/img279/6281/b11wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sooner or later a third mactan bridge would be built to address the worsening traffic condition in the metropolis.. hope it will have a modern design similar to this one for added attraction.

Why bridge, I thought the plan is to build an underwater tunnel that will connect Cebu City to Cordova the new site of an international port. Anyway bisag asa ani ok na kaayo.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/jan/03/yehey/prov/20050103pro6.html

thanks marvs, maypa SSC :D malingaw pa ko. curse man ning uyab² pare hehe.

about Cebu, it is very popular in South Korea. Cebu is known as honeymooners' paradise!

when you return here resty you would surely be surprised by the influx of korean tourists here in cebu.. in ayala alone 1 out 10 mallers siguro is a korean.. "mayta managhan pa jud na sila ky mga type rba na nko mga koreana.. haha" i joined in the forum of korea and i advertised cebu sa ila forum.. hehe

Why bridge, I thought the plan is to build an underwater tunnel that will connect Cebu City to Cordova the new site of an international port. Anyway bisag asa ani ok na kaayo.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/jan/03/yehey/prov/20050103pro6.html

i dont know, i haven't heard of that plan.. :) "basta importante ma sulbad ang problema sa traffic hapit na raba pista sa opon samot ka traffic"

USJ-R CICCT / COE Building on its final phase...
http://cicct.usjr.edu.ph/newandevents/images/cicct_bldg/bldg2.jpg
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USJ-R Inaugurates its NEW STATE-of-the-ART BUILDING
Dr. Gregg Victor D. Gabison (CICCT Dean)
27 October 2005

ST. EZEKIEL MORENO BUILDING – Advancing research and development in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and Teacher Education in the Visayas.

Rallying behind Cebu City in becoming the next ICT HUB, University of San Jose-Recoletos inaugurated its St. Ezekiel Moreno building on October 22, 2005. The five-storey facility is the home of the tertiary students under the College of Information, Computer and Communications Technology and the College of Education. Facilitating its goal of delivering not just academic knowledge, but strengthening Research and Development initiative powered by tie-ups with Microsoft Development Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA), Trend Micro Security RnD, Oracle Inc (Oracle Academic Initiative) and Globe Telecom through GTAP, this building is replete with air-conditioned rooms and equips itself with the following state-of-the-art facilities:

The newest building at the Cebu Business Park is the Union Bank regional office at Cardinal Rosales Ave. A special feature in UB’s new home is the Business Class Lounge, a concept designed to pamper the bank’s special clients.

Aside from the BCL’s coffee-on-the-house, there are tempting come-ons which include priority service, personal attention and exclusive privileges like waiver of ATM fees, commission and bank certificate charges, complimentary Union Bank Visa Gold, banking services via fax or phone, and more.

Opening day had Gov. Gwen Garcia cutting ceremonial ribbon assisted by the bank VIPs… chairman Justo Ortiz, president Victor Valdepeñas, SVP Norberto Belen and 1st VP/regional head Jose Levi Villanueva.

Cocktails followed and the assemblage then moved over to the ballroom of the City Sports Club for the scheduled economic briefings.

Peter Wallace spoke on "Philippine Economic Prospects in the Short and Medium Term;" while Dennis Posada talked about "Rice Bowl and Chips: Developing Technology Startups."

The celebration ended with a sumptuous dinner.

****

Two imposing towers will be added to the two existing ones at the Citylights Gardens up Nivel Hills, proudly announced Eugene Yong, chairman of the board of Syntech Properties, Inc., the developer of Citylights, during the official launch of its Towers 3 and 4.

Syntech is part of the Who Hup Group of Companies, one of the most established and reputable building contractor and developer in Singapore.

Highlight of the evening affair was a program that saw the dramatic unveiling of a scale model.

In her short message, Gov. Gwen Garcia thanked the Syntech group for coming to Cebu and putting up a world-class project.

A ceremonial champagne toast came next with Singaporean Ambassador Lim Kheng Hua taking the lead. The program culminated with a beautiful display of fireworks, followed by a buffet dinner.

By the way, two model units are available for inspection anytime—a three-bedroom unit with the interiors done by Sandy Deen, and a two-bedroom unit decorated by interior designer Sheila Solon.

****

It’s the same Ginza that sits serenely in a complex of classy restaurants in the old Banilad road, and yet there is a difference.

It has been reinvented and given a modern Japanese look, thanks to young architect Maya Franco.

At helm of Ginza today is a young man who is no stranger to food and the food business. A chef by profession, Johann Young (son of Ginza owners John and Elena) has taken over the reigns of the Japanese resto now that Dad has decided to take it easy.

With his background, Johann easily came up with innovations to spice up the traditional Japanese dishes, and what’s more, he has introduced new ones, too. But not to worry, the old Ginza favorites are still around.

****

"As seasons turn vinegar into wine, so must we grow in harmony with time,"…this is a quote from the invitations sent by The Ching Palace for the blessing and inauguration of its new annex building.

After two short years in business, The Ching Palace (in Salinas Drive) found the need to expand and explore new ways of pleasing its customers and so the imposing annex building came to be.

The opening day which was also a celebration of its second anniversary kicked off with the traditional Lion Dance.

Lady-at-the-helm Jan Joan Yu says that The Ching Palace has now The Great Hall which can accommodate large parties and other functions.

22nd Street Comedy Bar opens third branch in Cebu
Formal opening on Nov. 16. owned by Mon Confiado. special guests on launching: Ethel Booba, James Blanco, Chocoleit, Ate Gay, Ynez Veneracion atbp.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
does anybody knows about this new bar? is this the first Manila-based Comedy bar in Cebu??

sugbuanon. unsay name sa imong kuya bay? basin ece ako na classmate? dungan man mig take sa board last weekend..

from the seoul times :

................Singapore's Tiger Airways has signified interest to fly between Cebu and Singapore, and Malaysia's AirAsia is interested in Cebu-Kuala Lumpur and Cebu-Kota Kinabalu. Other budget carriers such as Taiwan's Mandarin Airlines and China's Far Eastern Transport started Cebu services in April. Mandarin Airlines flies from Taipei to Cebu three times a week. Other carriers flying overseas from Cebu are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Air Pacific, Qatar Airlines, Malaysian Air and Silk Air, according to Maricon Ebron, head of DOT's Team Korea. The increasing activity at the Cebu airport prompted the transportation department to propose building a new terminal. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said passengers using the Cebu airport would reach five million over five years. Ms.Ebron said that for the meantime the government was looking at a P500-million expansion of the present terminal. The Cebu airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.

22nd Street Comedy Bar opens third branch in Cebu
Formal opening on Nov. 16. owned by Mon Confiado. special guests on launching: Ethel Booba, James Blanco, Chocoleit, Ate Gay, Ynez Veneracion atbp.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
does anybody knows about this new bar? is this the first Manila-based Comedy bar in Cebu??

wala pa diay na na open? I thought that it opened the last week of October...just along Mango ave. before National Bookstore...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22nsst.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22nsst2.jpg

Figures are saying that the influx of tourist in Cebu are increasing. No doubt about that, look around and you can tell. I can say that the Department Of Tourism must be doing a better job in promoting the province. Another aspect that promotes tourism is I think the tourists themselves that have visited this great place. You know when they go back to their homeland and tell their friends how great the experience was, the people and the place…that’s one good marketing!

ysterday, I saw a lot of tourists from E mall to SM... of course Koreans and Japanese are normal to see but Europeans are also increasing... I saw a lot of em @ emall, they're like one of the contestans of the Amazing Race with all those huge backpacks and pulling wheel baggage...
That's why I always go out coz its very greateful to see them here in our paradise...:)

^ Europeans eh? I want Cebu to be highly advertised in Europe since that's basically where all the people with the $$$ are. Hehe, plus it'll make cebu feel more multi-culural. haha.

And I hope the Amazing Race does go to Cebu. It'll be great help to boost tourism.

On a random note, i just noticed that indians can be found basically anywhere in the world.. there are super lots here and i heard there are indians in manila too, so does cebu have an indian population?

in tabunok talisay i often see indian nationals riding on motorbikes, a lot of them run lending services o "pautang" and they use motorbikes to run around town collecting money. Indians are kinda like Chinese, very business minded. Here in Auckland NZ, we call sari-sari stores dairies and almost 95% of all dairies in the whole city are owned by indians

sugbuanon. unsay name sa imong kuya bay? basin ece ako na classmate? dungan man mig take sa board last weekend..

michael g. aka maki.. "ngutana ko niya kaila sd siya nimo rowell"

ysterday, I saw a lot of tourists from E mall to SM... of course Koreans and Japanese are normal to see but Europeans are also increasing... I saw a lot of em @ emall, they're like one of the contestans of the Amazing Race with all those huge backpacks and pulling wheel baggage...
That's why I always go out coz its very greateful to see them here in our paradise...:)

cebu is no doubt the country's premiere tourist destination.. wiat for january and the figures would double.. its almost sinulog and hotels now are probably gearing for the arrival of thousands of foreign tourists.. :)

from the seoul times :

................Singapore's Tiger Airways has signified interest to fly between Cebu and Singapore, and Malaysia's AirAsia is interested in Cebu-Kuala Lumpur and Cebu-Kota Kinabalu. Other budget carriers such as Taiwan's Mandarin Airlines and China's Far Eastern Transport started Cebu services in April. Mandarin Airlines flies from Taipei to Cebu three times a week. Other carriers flying overseas from Cebu are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Air Pacific, Qatar Airlines, Malaysian Air and Silk Air, according to Maricon Ebron, head of DOT's Team Korea. The increasing activity at the Cebu airport prompted the transportation department to propose building a new terminal. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said passengers using the Cebu airport would reach five million over five years. Ms.Ebron said that for the meantime the government was looking at a P500-million expansion of the present terminal. The Cebu airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.

thank you for the info richard.. more direct flights would translate to more tourists.. good for cebu!!! :)

^ Europeans eh? I want Cebu to be highly advertised in Europe since that's basically where all the people with the $$$ are. Hehe, plus it'll make cebu feel more multi-culural. haha.

And I hope the Amazing Race does go to Cebu. It'll be great help to boost tourism.

On a random note, i just noticed that indians can be found basically anywhere in the world.. there are super lots here and i heard there are indians in manila too, so does cebu have an indian population?

we also have a handful of "bombays" here in cebu and most of them if not all are engaged in the 5/6 scheme.. :) you borrow 500 from them, you pay it with 600.

Local entrepreneurs venture into film production in Cebu
By Ehda M. Dago-oc


Seeing possibilities amid the underdeveloped local film making industry in Cebu, two entrepreneurs invested nearly a million pesos to start a film production company in the province.

Entrepreneurs Boy Mendoza and Yuri Barameda established Sugbu Films Philippines Inc. (SFPI), and produced its flagship project, a television series entitled "Issa-bella Sa Akong Damgo (of my dreams)."

Mendoza who operates skin care shop called Nouveau Visage expressed his belief in the talents of the Cebuanos.

"Central Visayas, especially Cebu is home to many popular artists who excel in their respective fields. The success of these artists is a manifestation that the entertainment industry in Central Visayas, or Cebu for that matter, has the potential to shine and be as dynamic as Metro Manila," he said.

Some of the artists, who hail from Visayas are Dulce, Pilita Corales, Alma Moreno, Vina Morales, Manilyn Reynes, Giselle Sanchez, Sheryn Regis, Anna Fegi, Luke Mijares, Caridad Sanchez, Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Chad Borja, Boy Abunda and Raki Vega.

In partnership with Skylight Production, SFPI, which is currently processing its incorporation papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has gathered some of Cebu's local talent from radio and stage drama directors, scriptwriters and talents who share the same passion for uplifting the standard and quality of Cebu's film industry.

Skylight Production director Rey Borres said SFPI aims to hone actors and actresses from the Visayas and Mindanao to give them self-worth so that when they want to pursue their acting career in Manila, they will not fear the challenges.

"Many of us know how our artists-singers, actors, among others-struggle when they go to Manila to pursue their dreams," Borres said.

"Many of us know how artists, especially those coming from Manila, look down on probinsyanos like us. If our talents do not have self-worth and self-confidence, they will be bullied. They will give up and they will fail," he added.

Meanwhile, Borres is calling on all Cebuano speaking audience to support SFPI's maiden project, "Issa-bella," as this will help stimulate the growth of the local film industry, which can be another tourist attraction in Cebu.

Borres, a veteran radio drama actor, writer and director, now directs "Issabella," which is under the television program "Salamin." The program is aired Monday to Friday over IBC channel 13 at 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m

thank you for the info richard.. more direct flights would translate to more tourists.. good for cebu!!! :)

as i noticed you are someone who really posts a lot of well organized information from/about cebu, it´s my pleasure this time sugbuanon.

but they did forget to mention cathay pacific (the foreign airline with the most international flights to cebu) in their list of "other international airlines" flying to cebu.

aw manghud diay ka ni maki.. wa man ko kahibawo nga naa diay siyay manghud..wala pay result sa among board exam.hehe.. thrilling pa kaayo da.

aw manghud diay ka ni maki.. wa man ko kahibawo nga naa diay siyay manghud..wala pay result sa among board exam.hehe.. thrilling pa kaayo da.

hehe ako moy kamanghuran.. ugma naman daw publish ang results.. good luck daan ninyo.. :) basin naa kay baw.an mga bago na projects diha sa Opon rowell.. post sad nya ngari.. hehe

hehe ako moy kamanghuran.. ugma naman daw publish ang results.. good luck daan ninyo.. :)

ayay... nanimaho nang bangka ay...:D

^^ ning order nami daan ug kangaroo kay ingon sila lami daw na.. hahaha kung dili kapasar kaon lang ta ani ug tuloy o kinashon.. balik lng ko unya taod2 atak gigutom nuon ko nimo da!:D basta bangkahan tamo kamo bahala unsa inyo gusto.. wahahaha

^^ ning order nami daan ug kangaroo kay ingon sila lami daw na.. hahaha kung dili kapasar kaon lang ta ani ug tuloy o kinashon.. balik lng ko unya taod2 atak gigutom nuon ko nimo da!:D basta bangkahan tamo kamo bahala unsa inyo gusto.. wahahaha

oi makaon diay nang kangaroo? in english "sigbin"? ako sad, kaon sad ko kay nag bagolbol sad akng tummy...pa hatkikhatkik lang ta ani...hehe pero wa ko kaila anag toloy...

ok..i'll shoot the airport at our rooftop.hehehe. i'll borrow pa my brother's digicam.

oi makaon diay nang kangaroo? in english "sigbin"? ako sad, kaon sad ko kay nag bagolbol sad akng tummy...pa hatkikhatkik lang ta ani...hehe pero wa ko kaila anag toloy...

maau nang sigbin kay tambal daw na sa AIDS.. :D tuloy gud kanang isda na baratuhon makapalit ka 30 ang kilo.. dili sad siguro ka kaon ug baratuhon na isda kay mga white marlin ang imoha.. :D

as i noticed you are someone who really posts a lot of well organized information from/about cebu, it´s my pleasure this time sugbuanon.

but they did forget to mention cathay pacific (the foreign airline with the most international flights to cebu) in their list of "other international airlines" flying to cebu.

i think there's no need to mention Cathay Pacific coz it has been servicing direct flights to Cebu for a long time already.. and also those airlines mentioned in your previous post are those that just open direct flights to Cebu.. by the way richard, "thank you for visiting cebu thread" :) you are probably the only foreigner in our thread.. :)

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6664/a14rt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4593/a29xb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/9460/a42mi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Sta. Lucia, Orchard launch Vistamar
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.geocities.com/jollycabrera/vdresiddencia.jpg

Those who have no qualms about mixing business and leisure may find the appropriate environment at Residencia de Vistamar on Mactan Island.

While both residential and hotel suites at Residencia de Vistamar give occupants that feeling of living in a resort—it sits in front of Mactan’s breathtaking seascape—the property is conveniently located near the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. and Orchard Property Marketing Corp. (OPMC) recently held a topping-off ceremony for the property.

Residencia de Vistamar is equipped with complete leisure facilities and modern-day conveniences.

The proposed services on the property are at par with most hotel standards, which guarantee this nine-story hotel impressive property appreciation. Unit owners can expect steady revenues from lease rentals and fully-furnished hotel suites.

Residencia de Vistamar is built on the solid expertise of Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. and is marketed by OPMC.

Now on its 10th anniversary, OPMC is known to be the most reliable marketing network in the country. (PR)

WoW, Crocolandia is becoming bigger... the last time we went there, there isn't an ostrich yet....

maau nang sigbin kay tambal daw na sa AIDS.. tuloy gud kanang isda na baratuhon makapalit ka 30 ang kilo.. dili sad siguro ka kaon ug baratuhon na isda kay mga white marlin ang imoha..

aw mao diay na... mao nga wa ko kaila anang tuloy kay akong kan on nga isda di man kaabot og 30 ang kilo...:D

regards diay kos imong iring...hehe

WoW, Crocolandia is becoming bigger... the last time we went there, there isn't an ostrich yet....



aw mao diay na... mao nga wa ko kaila anang tuloy kay akong kan on nga isda di man kaabot og 30 ang kilo...:D

regards diay kos imong iring...hehe

oist bago lng namo dawat ang balita.. pasar ako kuya.. :D basta dili siya no.1 dili ko bangka ninyo.. :D nimingaw nman ang cebu thread ron klase nman gud.. mskwela na jud ko ugma ky lisod nani cge lng ko atubang sa computer.. hehe

hi daw ingon ako iring.. ngutana sd ako iring wala ba daw inom diha hehe

oist bago lng namo dawat ang balita.. pasar ako kuya.. :D basta dili siya no.1 dili ko bangka ninyo.. :D nimingaw nman ang cebu thread ron klase nman gud.. mskwela na jud ko ugma ky lisod nani cge lng ko atubang sa computer.. hehe

hi daw ingon ako iring.. ngutana sd ako iring wala ba daw inom diha hehe

na! gilad-ok na nuon sa akong iring...hehe
bitaw, skwela na jd ugma pero basig ig exam ninyo ang i answer nimo kay Slerz...hehe pasar jd ka perme...:D

mingaw bitaw karon pero mokalit lang niig ka puno...

dili diay no.1? oi, saon...hehe
Congrats diay ko sa imong maguwang:applause: ilamano lang ko pinaagi sa imong kamot...
cg, tog nasad ko...

SM Prime eyes property owned by Cebu government
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
The Philippine Star 11/10/2005

SM Prime Holdings Inc. will bid for a 27,351-square meter property in Cebu as it beefs up its landbank to ensure its continued expansion and growth.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SM Prime said its board approved yesterday a proposal to participate in the bidding of a property owned by the Province of Cebu located along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City.

No other details were given by the mall developer.

SM Prime has an existing landbank of 1.75 million square meters in 12 locations.

SM Prime Holdings has 21 shopping centers with a gross floor area of over 2.2 million square meters. Last month, it opened its 21st mall, SM Valenzuela. SM Molino in Cavite, meanwhile, is set to open this month.

SM Mall of Asia – SM Prime’s biggest mall project to date with a total floor area of 454,000 square meters in the Manila Bay area – is slated for opening in the first quarter of next year.

It is envisioned as the country’s premier shopping destination and tourist attraction, revitalizing the Roxas Boulevard bay area. This year, SM Prime has earmarked P5 billion for the construction of new malls and acquisition of real estate properties for future expansion.

Despite weak consumer spending, SM Prime continued to post steady growth with its net profit growing by 10 percent in the second quarter this year, mainly due to higher rental revenues. Earnings reached P1.17 billion for the period April to June this year compared with only P1.07 billion the previous year-period.

On a year-to-date basis, SM Prime posted earnings of P2.41 billion or eight percent higher than the year earlier figure of P2.23 billion. Rental income from leases in the malls and food courts remained the major driver of growth, posting a 12-percent increase to P4.29 billion in the first half this year.

SM Prime is a member of the SM Group, a conglomerate with interests in property development, retail sale, wholesale and merchandising, banking and financial services, leisure and tourism and real estate sectors.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Sta. Lucia, Orchard launch Vistamar
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.geocities.com/jollycabrera/vdresiddencia.jpg

Those who have no qualms about mixing business and leisure may find the appropriate environment at Residencia de Vistamar on Mactan Island.

While both residential and hotel suites at Residencia de Vistamar give occupants that feeling of living in a resort—it sits in front of Mactan’s breathtaking seascape—the property is conveniently located near the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. and Orchard Property Marketing Corp. (OPMC) recently held a topping-off ceremony for the property.

Residencia de Vistamar is equipped with complete leisure facilities and modern-day conveniences.

The proposed services on the property are at par with most hotel standards, which guarantee this nine-story hotel impressive property appreciation. Unit owners can expect steady revenues from lease rentals and fully-furnished hotel suites.

Residencia de Vistamar is built on the solid expertise of Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. and is marketed by OPMC.

Now on its 10th anniversary, OPMC is known to be the most reliable marketing network in the country. (PR)

i don´t understand how every developer in this country can be so proud of having the proximity of a growing airport close by. it stinks, is polluted and is hell of a lot of noise, no place i would like to spend my holidays or lifetime ! just the same foolish idea to build panglao airport right in the neighborhood to all the prisitine and silent-coven resorts, absolutely absurd in my opinion. you flee the big stinky, loudy cities for peace and fresh air, and not for less than 10 minutes arriving time......

i think there's no need to mention Cathay Pacific coz it has been servicing direct flights to Cebu for a long time already.. and also those airlines mentioned in your previous post are those that just open direct flights to Cebu.. by the way richard, "thank you for visiting cebu thread" :) you are probably the only foreigner in our thread.. :)

i really enjoy your thread. i was is cebu the last timein 1966 !! i will come again maybe in 2007 when all these new developments will have taken shape. looking forward ! but i will have to find a resort far away from all that encouraging development, for some peace and quiet relaxation. i do not like loud places for sleeping and relaxing. if i want to party, i can move on to the proper places for that entertainment. keep up the good work, and salamat !

i don´t understand how every developer in this country can be so proud of having the proximity of a growing airport close by. it stinks, is polluted and is hell of a lot of noise, no place i would like to spend my holidays or lifetime ! just the same foolish idea to build panglao airport right in the neighborhood to all the prisitine and silent-coven resorts, absolutely absurd in my opinion. you flee the big stinky, loudy cities for peace and fresh air, and not for less than 10 minutes arriving time......

If the proposed bridge from Mactan to Olango to Bohol island will materialize they better transfer the airport to Olango and convert the existing Mactan airport to economic zone expansion.
http://www.buglas.com/news/2005/july/tour/images/main.jpg

^ Not in Olango! Let's preserve it's natural beauty. I heard it's really not spoiled by development yet.

i don´t understand how every developer in this country can be so proud of having the proximity of a growing airport close by. it stinks, is polluted and is hell of a lot of noise, no place i would like to spend my holidays or lifetime ! just the same foolish idea to build panglao airport right in the neighborhood to all the prisitine and silent-coven resorts, absolutely absurd in my opinion. you flee the big stinky, loudy cities for peace and fresh air, and not for less than 10 minutes arriving time......

i agree with you richard.. noise of any kind can really be so distracting especially for those who want to escape the hassles of city-life. but those developments mentioned are not really that close to airports. take mactan for example, most of the resorts there are just 10min drive away from the airport but you could hardly hear any plane passing by. :)

i really enjoy your thread. i was is cebu the last timein 1966 !! i will come again maybe in 2007 when all these new developments will have taken shape. looking forward ! but i will have to find a resort far away from all that encouraging development, for some peace and quiet relaxation. i do not like loud places for sleeping and relaxing. if i want to party, i can move on to the proper places for that entertainment. keep up the good work, and salamat !

1966? that was already a millennium ago..:D all the proposals that we mentioned here would probably be finished when you visit cebu.. :) i'll just post here some of our resorts which are far from the city so you would have an idea on where you'll be spending your vacation here.. salamat sad richard and mabuhay!!!

i have to go to class now im already late by 2 hours.. i really love SSC!!!

PREVIEW

Bigfoot Entertainment To Produce Cebu Movie
Nov 9th, 2005 by jorge

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/adam_sandler.jpg

Cebu is now gearing to reclaim its lost status, it once held, as a major movie production center in the country by way of Bigfoot Entertainment. Through its production arm, Bigfoot Productions, it will soon produce a movie which will be entirely shot in Cebu casting both local talents and Hollywood actors.

Bigfoot Entertainment is a fully integrated entertainment company specializing in four different areas; production, professional training, production services and film financing, whose headquarters are based in Cebu City, the Philippines.


Its debut feature film, 3 Needles, starring Lucy Liu, Chloe Sevigny and Shawn Ashmore in three different lead roles, won 2 major awards including Best Direction and Best Cinematography during the 2004 Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, Novia Scotia in Canada. 3 Needles tells the moving story of how the harshest tragedy can sometimes brings out the best in people. It also premiered as a special presentation in Toronto Film Festival in September this year. Michael Gleissner, Chairman of the Board of Bigfoot Group of Companies, served as the executive producer.

Other feature films in varying stages of production in its newly constructed facilities in Mactan Island are Dogwalker, The Curiosity of Chance, Irreversi, Social Grace and Shanghai Kid. All are scheduled for international release.

The Cebu movie, initially titled Cockfight, will cast Hollywood box-office king Adam Sandler as its lead star. Local talents will also be tapped as it will also showcase Cebu’s cultural and social heritage.



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/iaftlogo.jpg
Cebu To Become Hollywood In Asia?
Nov 9th, 2005 by jorge

Have you ever thought of having the world’s major film and television studios based in Cebu? Do you entertain the idea of some film makers and industry insiders to transplant Hollywood to Cebu?

Not a single second, you say.

Well, that’s exactly what Bigfoot Entertainment have in mind when they bring to Cebu their ambitious plan to make Cebu the hub of film and television industry in Asia, just as Hollywood to America.


Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles where the principal film industry in America is centered.

Located in the heart of Asia on Mactan Island, in Cebu, Philippines, the International Academy of Film and Television aims to make Cebu the center of film-making industry in Asia. The newly constructed 8,200 square-meter facility boasts soundstages, Recording and Foley studios, a Dolby-certified sound mixing theatre, and Final Cut Pro digital editing suites. Dormitory housing and first-rate amenities like a cafe, pool, gymnasium and spa are also in the pipeline to ensure a self-contained enclave that is conducive for learning.

IAFT extends a comprehensive, hands-on approach to filmmaking and video productions using the latest in equipment and technology. Courses are designed for aspiring filmmakers as well as industry professionals looking to advance their skill sets.

Beginning January 2006, the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) will offer a One-Year Immersion Program to aspiring filmmakers from around the world. Under the direction of industry professionals from Hollywood and other film capitals of the world, students will have the opportunity to take filmmaking courses in cinematography, directing, editing, producing, screenwriting and sound design. The academy’s philosophy is to combine both theory and real-world applications to create a hands-on approach for students.

The International Academy of Film and Television brings Hollywood to Asia.

-----------------

@sugbuanon, I already have my iring drunkard version sa akng frdstr pero mas sosyal lng gamay...hehe

i really enjoy your thread. i was is cebu the last timein 1966 !! i will come again maybe in 2007 when all these new developments will have taken shape. looking forward ! but i will have to find a resort far away from all that encouraging development, for some peace and quiet relaxation. i do not like loud places for sleeping and relaxing. if i want to party, i can move on to the proper places for that entertainment. keep up the good work, and salamat !

@richard, if you are looking for real rest and serenity, i would reco bohol (panglao island). i was there 2 weeks ago on a back-to-back trip to cebu and found bohol to be a very pleasant respite. :)

i agree with you richard.. noise of any kind can really be so distracting especially for those who want to escape the hassles of city-life. but those developments mentioned where not really that close to airports. take mactan for example, most of the resorts there are just 10min drive away from the airport but you could hardly hear any plane passing by. :)

is that so ? you can´t hear the noise of the airport ? take under consideration what the place will be like in 10 years, or even 5 years. if the plans of the DOT materialize, MCIA will have 5 million passengers anually. DOUBLE as much pollution, DOUBLE as much noise ! taking under consideration that jet-engine development is getting better from generation to generation, pollution and noise distractions will be less per incoming flight, the distractions will still grow. if it really is not remarkable : GREAT ! but if, life quality will drastically change. right now everyone is vibrant about success and development. think ahead though, follow the experiences /examples of other countries. they are more or less all the same. progress takes it´s price. build your own property/home in abundant distance to airports and expressways. (just think of manila)
i am not saying to stop progress, no way. i actually love airports ! i just do not believe it is proper to attract tourists that come from all over the world, from even far away countries, spending their savings in trust for paradise and peace, and then they are next to an airport (something you do not see nor hear on a colorful broshure or a nicely set-up website). i experienced that in el nido/palawan. after 24 hours of flights, transfers, hotels, flights again, jeepney rides, banca trips : finally ! the beauty and peace of
paradise ! untill they put-up their electricity generator ! absolutely terrible ! and that was the same all over. instead of setting up quiet solar energy....
do you see what im mean ? it can ruin your life !

1966? that was already a millennium ago..:D all the proposals that we mentioned here would probably be finished when you visit cebu.. :) i'll just post here some of our resorts which are far from the city so you would have an idea on where you'll be spending your vacation here.. salamat sad richard and mabuhay!!!

i have to go to class now im already late by 2 hours.. i really love SSC!!!


great idea sugbuanon, thanks too ! and please don´t miss classes, it´s your future your missing, you know.....

@richard, if you are looking for real rest and serenity, i would reco bohol (panglao island). i was there 2 weeks ago on a back-to-back trip to cebu and found bohol to be a very pleasant respite. :)

i´m afraid you did not read the other post i wrote sugarboy. panglao is the area where the next airport will be built ! no way to get anything there. but bohol or cebu islands are vast enough and not too far away from MCIA, incase of traveling plans.......but thank you anyhow for your attention. i do feel pleased with all of your comments fellow forumers.

Oh, this thread is so fast.... I hope I'll be here for thread 8... :D

oh, i'm one of the 1,434 out of the 4,491 who passed the ece board exam..yehey!!! congrats also to sugbuanon's brother!!! we made it thru..

Globe sets up service center at mall for subscribers’ online questions

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, Innove Communications Inc. (Innove), has set up two personal computers (PCs) in its Globelines Payments and Services (GPS) center in Ayala Center Cebu (ACC) to enable customers to browse through the services and promotions being offered by Globelines.

Innove has also expanded the area of its GPS center, which has been relocated to the second level, near ACC’s main entrance, to be able to serve more customers and attend to their varying needs, such as bill payments, after-sales assistance, products and service inquiries through the PCs, Globe Telecom’s Jerome Yntig said during the inauguration of the center.

Old and new

Yntig said existing, as well as new Globeline subscribers, may visit the GPS center for any queries on Globeline products and services, such as postpaid and prepaid accounts, broadband and worldpass services or to purchase Globe 1 cards.

Globelines broadband is a high speed Internet connection that allows a subscriber to download more information, music and videos.

The service comes in three packages for subscribers to choose from—express, explore and extreme—depending on their connectivity needs and budget.

Worldpass on the other hand is Globelines’ new Internet service that allows unlimited Internet connection anytime, anywhere.

It allows subscribers to access the Internet in various ways, such as via broadband from any Globelines-connected PC, dial-up from any computer using any landline within the country, wifi (wireless fidelity) from any GlobeQuest Wiz hotspot and Internet using the iPass network.

Globe 1 cards can be used for mobile calls

Cebusoc to spend P2.5M for SEAGames opening


The opening of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games at the Cebu City Sports Center on Nov. 25 will have a festive atmosphere.

The Cebu Seag Organizing Committee (Cebusoc) will make sure of that with P2.5 million budgeted for the affair which is expected to attract close to 20,000 viewers.

“We intend to make the SEA Games opening a historical occasion for every Cebuanos. It will definitely be a worthwhile experience with remarkable presentations to look forward to,” said CebuSoc chairman Jonathan Guardo.

Mandaue City, host of karatedo and judo, will present its Mantawi Festival – the city’s way of celebrating its heritage, history, lifestyle and vigor through a grand civic parade incorporating dance, music and theater every Aug. 30.

Cheryl Ouano, Mandaue City Sports Commission head and vice chairman of the CebuSoc, said that for the past month they have been practicing for their production number.

Aside from the Mantawi Festival, the opening ceremony will also feature the Sinanggiyaw of Dumanjug, Karansa of Danao, Palawod of Bantayan and the winners of the 2005 Sinulog – Compostela (Sinulog-based second-placer) and Basakanon of Basak San Nicolas (Sinulog 2005 grand-prize Winner).

The ceremony will start with a parade of athletes from the 11 participating countries to be augmented by a group of dancers wearing the national costumes of each nation dancing to the Sinulog beat.

The affair, which will be highlighted by a 10-minute fireworks display, will be covered by local networks Cebu TV Channel 28 and ABS-CBN Cebu.

Tickets for the opening ceremony are at P30.

Wowowee! Craze

At least 30,000 hopefuls have already signed up for the Wowowee "Pera o Bayong" at the Ayala Center Cebu Lagoon Area. Only 50 will be luckily raffled to join the gameshow. The Ayala Center Cebu South Surface Parking has been closed since Tuesday for the preparations. At least 150 security guards are going to be scattered in the showdate.

Meanwhile, tomorrow, Friday, the Wowowee hosts led by Willie Revillame will have a motorcade at 3pm trailing the ABS-CBN Broadcast Complex in Jagobiao, Mandaue then to the Cebu North Road straight to the MJ Cuenco Avenue, left turn to Juan Luna Avenue, right turn to the Sergio Osmena Boulevard, to Plaza Independencia, then to Colon, to Fuente Osmena, to General Maxilom Avenue, to Gorordo Avenue, and the final stop will be at Ayala Center Cebu where a MALL SHOW will be held at the activity center at 6pm.

On Saturday, Wowowee will be aired live from the Ayala Center Cebu South Parking Area!

SM Prime eyes property owned by Cebu government
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
The Philippine Star 11/10/2005

SM Prime Holdings Inc. will bid for a 27,351-square meter property in Cebu as it beefs up its landbank to ensure its continued expansion and growth.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SM Prime said its board approved yesterday a proposal to participate in the bidding of a property owned by the Province of Cebu located along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City.

No other details were given by the mall developer.

SM Prime has an existing landbank of 1.75 million square meters in 12 locations.

SM Prime Holdings has 21 shopping centers with a gross floor area of over 2.2 million square meters. Last month, it opened its 21st mall, SM Valenzuela. SM Molino in Cavite, meanwhile, is set to open this month.

SM Mall of Asia – SM Prime’s biggest mall project to date with a total floor area of 454,000 square meters in the Manila Bay area – is slated for opening in the first quarter of next year.

It is envisioned as the country’s premier shopping destination and tourist attraction, revitalizing the Roxas Boulevard bay area. This year, SM Prime has earmarked P5 billion for the construction of new malls and acquisition of real estate properties for future expansion.

Despite weak consumer spending, SM Prime continued to post steady growth with its net profit growing by 10 percent in the second quarter this year, mainly due to higher rental revenues. Earnings reached P1.17 billion for the period April to June this year compared with only P1.07 billion the previous year-period.

On a year-to-date basis, SM Prime posted earnings of P2.41 billion or eight percent higher than the year earlier figure of P2.23 billion. Rental income from leases in the malls and food courts remained the major driver of growth, posting a 12-percent increase to P4.29 billion in the first half this year.

SM Prime is a member of the SM Group, a conglomerate with interests in property development, retail sale, wholesale and merchandising, banking and financial services, leisure and tourism and real estate sectors.


Mall operator SM Prime Holding’s Inc. will participate in the bidding of a provincial government-owned lot on Governor Cuengco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City.

In a letter to the exchange, chief information officer Jeffrey C. Lim said the boardof directors authorized the firm to bid for the 27,351-square meter lot owned by the Cebu province. He did not provide other details.

A source said SM Prime is mulling to construct another mall in Cebu, expanding its presence in the region.

SM Prime has four malls in Visayas and Mindanao. The 13.8-hectare SM City Cebu was opened to the public in November 1993 at the North Reclamation Area, with a land area of 17.5 hectares, SM City Iloilo was launched six years later.



---
Hmm, a mall within a 27,351 sq.m. lot is quite small but it may just be right enough with the presence of the Banilad Town Centre and Gaisano Country Mall within the same thoroughfare.

Mall operator SM Prime Holding’s Inc. will participate in the bidding of a provincial government-owned lot on Governor Cuengco Avenue in Banilad, Cebu City.

In a letter to the exchange, chief information officer Jeffrey C. Lim said the boardof directors authorized the firm to bid for the 27,351-square meter lot owned by the Cebu province. He did not provide other details.

A source said SM Prime is mulling to construct another mall in Cebu, expanding its presence in the region.

SM Prime has four malls in Visayas and Mindanao. The 13.8-hectare SM City Cebu was opened to the public in November 1993 at the North Reclamation Area, with a land area of 17.5 hectares, SM City Iloilo was launched six years later.

---
Hmm, a mall within a 27,351 sq.m. lot is quite small but it may just be right enough with the presence of the Banilad Town Centre and Gaisano Country Mall within the same thoroughfare.

I hope SM Prime will only bid to beef up its landbank and use the land for other commercial purposes and not to build a mall in that area. Traffic will become worse if ever. SRP is the best location for a huge mall that will cater people in the south.

Yeah, you're right! :okay:

paging ENGINEER ROWELL, ENGINEER ROWELL.. hehe congratz bai!!!!

If the proposed bridge from Mactan to Olango to Bohol island will materialize they better transfer the airport to Olango and convert the existing Mactan airport to economic zone expansion.

transfer mactan airport to olanggo? your suggestion is next to impossible.. :) the place had been declared a protected area and we have a law that prohibits the construction of any structure (except for the residents in the area) in those areas. and also olanggo is one of the few places here in our country where migratory birds regularly take refuge.. so lets just leave the place as it is.. :) constructing a bridge in olanggo is not a good idea either.. :)

Cebu Pacific cuts fares sharply to boost load factor

By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s low-fare pioneer, has adopted a new year-round pricing scheme, slashing its domestic fares between 50 percent to as much as 67 percent and saving travelers P1,000 to P2,000 per trip, announced President Lance Y. Gokongwei. The new fare schedule took effect yesterday. With this move, the airline expects to boost its revenue load factor by at least 75 percent in 2006. This year, its revenue load factor stands at 65 percent, from 70 per cent in 2004, he noted. "We forecast a 36 percent growth in carriage for all our domestic routes behind this new fare scheme," adds CEB General Manager Bong Mojica. At present, CEB carries 2 million passengers.

"We have set aside more than a million seats at fares below today’s fare levels, that’s about 30 percent of our total overall capacity over the coming year," Gokongwei explained. "Of the 1 million seats, more than 300,000 seats will be available at the lowest advertised fare levels." In 2006, CEB plans to implement the new pricing scheme on its international destinations as well, benefitting passengers to and from Hong Kong and South Korea. "That’s the intention," the President confirmed. Under the new scheme, CEB is allocating seats to be sold in advance at a discount. The balance will be sold at regular prices. The airline now offers two fare types. The first, called "flexi fare" is for business travelers and can be changed until 45 minutes before flight time. The second, "go fares" is for leisure travelers and are lower but restricted in terms of changes and cancellations. Any changes in flight plan should be made 48 hours before flight time. The lowest "go fare" for Manila-Cebu, one way, is P999, or 50 per cent lower than the regular price of P2,569. It is lowest for Manila-Roxas, at P699, one way, or 67 per cent lower than the going price of P2,149.

Studies showed that pre-selling seats at lower prices would generate higher revenues and make CEB financially stronger, Gokongwei pointed out. "This is the revenue model that many foreign airlines successful, especially Southwest Airlines, on which CEB was patterned." With "go fares", CEB can sustain its revenues throughout the year, removing the seasonality factor in its airline business, he underscored. By selling discounted seats that otherwise will not be sold especially during the lean months, CEB would be maximizing its revenues, smoothing some of the demand peaks and drops in air travel. "We can stimulate the market. People will have the initiative to fly more frequently and introduce those who have not flown before to air travel." With more stable passenger loads yearly and with extra income from increased flight frequencies as demand goes up, CEB would be financially stronger.

On the other hand, passengers who want to book the lowest fare levels only need to book early, a month or two ahead and be willing to travel mid-week or on an early morning flight. CEB pioneered low fares in the country in March, 1996. It was also the first to introduce ontime service, e-ticketing, fun games and flights and flight booking through Short Messaging System (SMS) or texting. CEB now operates two brand new A320 and two A319 aircraft and will take delivery of two more A319s next month. From 2006–2007, it will have 8 more aircraft. In two years, it will have the newest fleet in Asia. At present, CEB services 14 domestic routes and two international destinations–Hong Kong and South Korea.

oh, i'm one of the 1,434 out of the 4,491 who passed the ece board exam..yehey!!! congrats also to sugbuanon's brother!!! we made it thru..
Congratz to you guys... More Power...:okay::okay:

wow!!! congrats rowell_sk!!! ece ka pala.. so ur my senior! hehe.. galing! im studying EEE and planning to major in infocom or DSP...

transfer mactan airport to olanggo? your suggestion is next to impossible.. :) the place had been declared a protected area and we have a law that prohibits the construction of any structure (except for the residents in the area) in those areas. and also olanggo is one of the few places here in our country where migratory birds regularly take refuge.. so lets just leave the place as it is.. :) constructing a bridge in olanggo is not a good idea either.. :)

So it's not impossible. I said if the proposal to build a bridge from Mactan to Bohol passing Olango will materialize then better transfer the airport. I got this idea because of this proposal. If other countries are building islands for an airport why not us. Olango for me is the best site for a world class airport. How much economic value does Olango is giving to Cebu? It's not even ideal for tourists because of migratory birds that maybe carrying bird flu virus. If there is a law protecting that area, no problem, congress can legislate laws to lift it.

I just thought that if Metro Cebu aims an airline traffic like Manila then Mactan island is not a place for a huge airport to handle such as 20 million passengers a year. Dubai, Singapore, Hongkong airports are so huge and they keep expanding. I cant imagine what would Mactan look like with airline traffic like Dubai or Hongkong considering the resorts and subdivisions are also expanding nearby. In some aiports there are tens of kilometer distance before you can see residential areas. But in Mactan, the airport is so near the residential areas and resorts. Also, the road going to airport is narrow and with limited space for expansion.

Anyway, this will not happen in a near future. Our current governors in Visayas are ambitious but because of funds to build it they may not succeed. But we cannot stop our future leaders to dream the same.
http://www.buglas.com/news/2005/july/tour/news1.htm

So it's not impossible. I said if the proposal to build a bridge from Mactan to Bohol passing Olango will materialize then better transfer the airport. I got this idea because of this proposal. If other countries are building islands for an airport why not us. Olango for me is the best site for a world class airport. How much economic value does Olango is giving to Cebu? It's not even ideal for tourists because of migratory birds that maybe carrying bird flu virus. If there is a law protecting that area, no problem, congress can legislate laws to lift it.

I just thought that if Metro Cebu aims an airline traffic like Manila then Mactan island is not a place for a huge airport to handle such as 20 million passengers a year. Dubai, Singapore, Hongkong airports are so huge and they keep expanding. I cant imagine what would Mactan look like with airline traffic like Dubai or Hongkong considering the resorts and subdivisions are also expanding nearby. In some aiports there are tens of kilometer distance before you can see residential areas. But in Mactan, the airport is so near the residential areas and resorts. Also, the road going to airport is narrow and with limited space for expansion.

Anyway, this will not happen in a near future. Our current governors in Visayas are ambitious but because of funds to build it they may not succeed. But we cannot stop our future leaders to dream the same.
http://www.buglas.com/news/2005/july/tour/news1.htm

for now, olanggo may not be of any economic value with only few tourists visiting the island and it is virtually unknown to the public. but if we improve the facilities there (i've been to the island once and it badly needs some facelift) plus with proper promotion, then olanggo could be cebu's best seller. nowhere in our country if not in the entire asia would you find birds from around the globe and of different species converged in one small island.. only in olanggo. :)

olanggo + development + proper promotion = more tourists/ more jobs generated/ $$$$$$

the problem here is that we tend to overlook the importance of mother nature. we always crave for more developments at the expense of her. if olanggo is to be developed, its effect to the ecosystem could be catastrophic and irreversible. let's not forget that nature always has its way of getting back on us. bout the airport, mainland cebu still has more land to spare for a large airstrip. or why not make another SRP.. i think this would be much better. im not against any form of development, its just that i dont want to sacrifice nature just for the sake of having a worldclass facility. :)

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/5790/a17jz.gif (http://imageshack.us)

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At Badian Island you will find a white sandy private beach next to the hotel. And we offer free boat transport to our romantic beach at Coral Garden Bay. All of our rooms and suites are generously large and luxurious, impressive atmospheres of style surpassing international standards, our secluded balconies with enticing hammocks unfold enraptured panoramas. Experienced diving instructors with modern equipment will guide beginners and profis into the rainbow world of coral reefs and vivid tropical fish. Or take a ride on our glass bottom boat or snorkel in radiant coral gardens. Golfers will enjoy the 18 hole golf course in 15 minutes distance. If you just want to be lazy, relax at the pool or our private beach, enjoy the sunset or chat with other guests. You will notice quickly that the Badian Island Resort & Spa is refreshingly international.The Badian Dive Center is conveniently located at the beachfront of the Badian Island Resort & Spa. It operates all year round and is equipped with the highest standards of dive equipment. Every meal is a culinary delight, our ingredients are from the surrounding waters and land. Our exquisite wines are imported from across the world: California Chablis, Red wines from Bordeaux and the Provence, and Rhine wines from Germany. Enjoy balmy evenings with Folklore performances rich in exotic music, dance and song; experience Philippine "joie de vivre" as our guest on Badian Island.

TYPE OF ROOMS RATES
Deluxe Rooms
Junior Suite (min. 2 persons) US$ 120.00++
Double 95.00++
Family (4 beds/min. 3 persons) 78.00++
Single 150.00++
Extra bed 35.00++
Supplement per person per night 25.00++


Facilities: Restaurants, Bars, Beauty Parlor, Souvenir Boutique, Swimming Pool, Convention facilities, Sport, Entertainment and Excursions.

TRANSFERS:
Round-trip transfer from Cebu airport/ Cebu City to Badian Island:
FIT’s (min. Of 2 persons) Adult US$ 59.00/person
Groups (from 10 person) Adult US$ 35.00/person
Children’s reduction: when sharing with at least one adult:
*4 to 12 years old, 50% discount on rooms, meals and transfers.
*3 years and below, Meals on parents account, room and transfer free.
*We have special children’s menu.

*Rates inclusive of Welcome drink, Transfer by boat or carriage to the Coral Bay Beach for snorkeling/ swimming, evening entertainment, goodbye serenade with shell-lei.
*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.


http://www.badianhotel.com/e/index.html

That hammock is waiting for me. haha

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Alegre Beach Resort is an Internationally known five star resort, close to the charming town of Sogod on the northeastern coast of Cebu. Alegre's cottages are set in lush tropical grounds many of which offer ocean views and private gardens. The resort boasts a coconut grove, and three private beach coves. Diving is a popular pastime and the house reef offers a 100 ft. wall dive.
Perched above Cebu's most spectacular natural and uncorrupted white sand beach, Alegre Beach Resort offers its guests friendly, unobtrusive service in an idyllic tropical location. Upon arrival, the reception area offers uninterrupted views over the spacious swimming pools to the islands in the east set in delicious turquoise blue waters.
Accommodations are surrounded by lush gardens and comprise of twenty elegant, tastefully designed Filipino-spanish inspired cabañas with native thatched roofs, each of which includes two spacious bedrooms, oversized bathrooms and private verandas. Minibars, cable television and in-house movies, hairdyers, personal safes, coffee and tea makers, airconditioning and many other facilities expected of a world class resort are all included.
Adjacent to the pool, the Pavilion Restaurant and Lounge Bar offer a choice of airconditioned or alfresco dining where a variety of native and international dishes are available. Alegre also prides itself on the preperation of freshly caught seafood.
On the beach coves -- relax beneath swaying coconuts trees. For the more energetic, our aquasports area provides snorkeling, diving, jetskiing, windsurfing, kayaking and the housereef. For the adventurous and romantics: diving and island hopping to beautiful islands whose natural beauty is a source of pride for the inhabitants and the resort. Other resort facilities includes tennis court, putting green, game room, library, conference room and banqueting.
One can also indulge in bird watching, mountain biking and trekking in the rural countryside and to observe flora and fauna endemic to limestone areas. The late afternoon is punctuated by a relaxing cruise with a chance to see dolphins.
Looking at the stars on a clear night sky is also a satisfying experience. We offer one unique and enchanting atmosphere, which only our discreet and elegant resort can provide. An oasis of calm in hectic daily life. We pamper our select clientele with comforts and luxuries meticulously crafted by people who care. At Alegre Beach Resort, guests lose themselves in the enveloping arms of nature ... its scents, stunning colors, lyrical sounds right outside their very doors.
Alegre Beach Resort is approximately 75 kilometers from Mactan International Airport. Transfers can be arranged and are free of charge. On the way to the resort, one sees the island's rich cultural history through picturesque houses and old Spanish churches.

TYPE OF ROOMS RATES
Deluxe US$ 240++
Deluxe Oceanview 260++
Super Deluxe 290++
Super Deluxe Ocean w/ Garden 325++
Deluxe Suite 460++
Deluxe Oceanview Suite 480++
Deluxe Oceanview Suite w/ Garden 515++
Extra Person charge 25++

*A child below the age of 12 is lodged free of charge provided he shares a room with parents. Baby cots are provided free of charge.

FACILITIES: Restaurant, Three beach coves, Conference Room, Game room, Aqua Sports, Lounge, Three Swimming pools, Library, Tennis Court, Gift Shop, Putting Green, Mountain trekking and biking.


http://www.alegrebeachresort.com/

for now, olanggo may not be of any economic value with only few tourists visiting the island and it is virtually unknown to the public. but if we improve the facilities there (i've been to the island once and it badly needs some facelift) plus with proper promotion, then olanggo could be cebu's best seller. nowhere in our country if not in the entire asia would you find birds from around the globe and of different species converged in one small island.. only in olanggo. :)

olanggo + development + proper promotion = more tourists/ more jobs generated/ $$$$$$

the problem here is that we tend to overlook the importance of mother nature. we always crave for more developments at the expense of her. if olanggo is to be developed, its effect to the ecosystem could be catastrophic and irreversible. let's not forget that nature always has its way of getting back on us. bout the airport, mainland cebu still has more land to spare for a large airstrip. or why not make another SRP.. i think this would be much better. im not against any form of development, its just that i dont want to sacrifice nature just for the sake of having a worldclass facility. :)


Let's just hope that this 'bird flu' virus won't come via migratory birds in Olango. I remember before one poultry raiser died because all of a sudden his poultry gone because of avian pest.

for now, olanggo may not be of any economic value with only few tourists visiting the island and it is virtually unknown to the public. but if we improve the facilities there (i've been to the island once and it badly needs some facelift) plus with proper promotion, then olanggo could be cebu's best seller. nowhere in our country if not in the entire asia would you find birds from around the globe and of different species converged in one small island.. only in olanggo. :)

olanggo + development + proper promotion = more tourists/ more jobs generated/ $$$$$$

the problem here is that we tend to overlook the importance of mother nature. we always crave for more developments at the expense of her. if olanggo is to be developed, its effect to the ecosystem could be catastrophic and irreversible. let's not forget that nature always has its way of getting back on us. bout the airport, mainland cebu still has more land to spare for a large airstrip. or why not make another SRP.. i think this would be much better. im not against any form of development, its just that i dont want to sacrifice nature just for the sake of having a worldclass facility. :)

sugbuanon,
you seem to be someone with a healthy piece of common sence. spread your thoughts accross the country ! it will keep this paradise one worth a visit, for your sons and his daughters, and their daughter-daughters......

and whoever said that in this thread (it´s just too fast to remember) it´s hard to keep track, was correct. so i will say thanks now sugbuanon, salamat for those beautiful resort suggestions ! why can´t we find them on the official DOT page ?

Set up medical transcription firms
to generate jobs, SMEs urged
by Regina Aguilar

CEBU'S small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are being pushed to set up medical transcription (MT) companies as a way to create jobs in the country.

According to Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines Inc. (MTIAPI) president Evelyn S. Abat, America's huge demand for medical transcriptionists makes the business very lucrative.

"There is a continuous decline of medical transcriptionists in the US while the demand grows at 20 percent annually," Abat said.
Around 25,000 additional medical transcriptionists are needed annually in the US, she said.

The MT industry, she said, grew largely in the US due to a legislative order that dictates the transformation of public health records into digitized format.

Last year, MT's total market reached $2.3 billion and projected to increase to $4.2 billion in 2008, Abat said.

The US is the only market tapped so far by the Philippines. But Abat said there is also a wide market in the United Kingdom and Canada.

The US, meanwhile, is considering the Philippines as the "destination of choice" for MT, Abat said.

During the Pearl 2 Business World Forum held Tuesday at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Abat told almost 100 participating SMEs to consider putting up their own MT company and supply America's growing demand.

The Philippines, so far, has 30 MT companies.

"Entrepreneurs, however, must learn it first so you can ensure the quality of reports you produce for your clients," Abat said.

Medical transcription is the process whereby one accurately and swiftly transcribes medical records dictated by doctors and others.

Abat encouraged SMEs to coordinate with MTIAPI for a short-term course in medical transcription.

MTIAPI, moreover, offers courses on how to set up an MT company as well as an MT school. They could be reached through their website at www.mtiapi.com.

Hi richard.. I totally agree with you.. In fact, the airport in Hongkong is the best example..

By the way, there's already a plan if ever the present airport in Mactan needs to be transferred.. However, it is only a plan and will only materialize if there is a need to.. This has been discussed for over a decade already..

And guess what? The next international airport will be in Daan Bantayan (or I think it was Medellin Town), roughly a hundred kilometers+++ north of CEBU CITY..

Yes, there is an existing airstrip there and it was sighted by the Airport Board as a possible alternate for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.. But I guess it wouldn't happen any soon, not even in 10 years time.. But what's important is that the said site is now in the planner's mind.. :)....

It should also be noted that the International Port, which is situated right at the shores of Cebu City, will soon be relocated either at Tayud, Liloan or at Cordova -- whichever is more viable (and cheaper).



is that so ? you can´t hear the noise of the airport ? take under consideration what the place will be like in 10 years, or even 5 years. if the plans of the DOT materialize, MCIA will have 5 million passengers anually. DOUBLE as much pollution, DOUBLE as much noise ! taking under consideration that jet-engine development is getting better from generation to generation, pollution and noise distractions will be less per incoming flight, the distractions will still grow. if it really is not remarkable : GREAT ! but if, life quality will drastically change. right now everyone is vibrant about success and development. think ahead though, follow the experiences /examples of other countries. they are more or less all the same. progress takes it´s price. build your own property/home in abundant distance to airports and expressways. (just think of manila)
i am not saying to stop progress, no way. i actually love airports ! i just do not believe it is proper to attract tourists that come from all over the world, from even far away countries, spending their savings in trust for paradise and peace, and then they are next to an airport (something you do not see nor hear on a colorful broshure or a nicely set-up website). i experienced that in el nido/palawan. after 24 hours of flights, transfers, hotels, flights again, jeepney rides, banca trips : finally ! the beauty and peace of
paradise ! untill they put-up their electricity generator ! absolutely terrible ! and that was the same all over. instead of setting up quiet solar energy....
do you see what im mean ? it can ruin your life !

Let's just hope that this 'bird flu' virus won't come via migratory birds in Olango. I remember before one poultry raiser died because all of a sudden his poultry gone because of avian pest.

if that bird flu sets on our shores.. that's really a big problem!!! :) but our officials are constantly monitoring those birds in olanggo.. pres. arroyo even visited the island just this month to give it a check.. thanx jimbu :)

sugbuanon,
you seem to be someone with a healthy piece of common sence. spread your thoughts accross the country ! it will keep this paradise one worth a visit, for your sons and his daughters, and their daughter-daughters......

and whoever said that in this thread (it´s just too fast to remember) it´s hard to keep track, was correct. so i will say thanks now sugbuanon, salamat for those beautiful resort suggestions ! why can´t we find them on the official DOT page ?

thank you for the compliment richard.. :) i'll still be posting more resorts.. im still compiling all the info and pics. DOT just lacks the budget to promote all of our resorts.. and also they were just concentrating on those resorts that are already popular with tourists.. :)

Hi richard.. I totally agree with you.. In fact, the airport in Hongkong is the best example..

By the way, there's already a plan if ever the present airport in Mactan needs to be transferred.. However, it is only a plan and will only materialize if there is a need to.. This has been discussed for over a decade already..

And guess what? The next international airport will be in Daan Bantayan (or I think it was Medellin Town), roughly a hundred kilometers+++ north of CEBU CITY..

Yes, there is an existing airstrip there and it was sighted by the Airport Board as a possible alternate for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.. But I guess it wouldn't happen any soon, not even in 10 years time.. But what's important is that the said site is now in the planner's mind.. :)....

It should also be noted that the International Port, which is situated right at the shores of Cebu City, will soon be relocated either at Tayud, Liloan or at Cordova -- whichever is more viable (and cheaper).

i am very greatful for your comments arnoldsa. again new information that keeps us all updated on further plans and ideas. let us hope that everything prospers properly to the needs and for the sake of the people. nevertheless i am looking forward to the expansion of MCIA !

Hi richard.. I totally agree with you.. In fact, the airport in Hongkong is the best example..

By the way, there's already a plan if ever the present airport in Mactan needs to be transferred.. However, it is only a plan and will only materialize if there is a need to.. This has been discussed for over a decade already..

And guess what? The next international airport will be in Daan Bantayan (or I think it was Medellin Town), roughly a hundred kilometers+++ north of CEBU CITY..
.

Is this not the one proposed by former Cebu governor Lito Osmena to PGMA. Transfer the DOT, DepEd and DTI head offices to (Bogo-Medellin-Daan Bantayan) and build an airport there. Lito Osmena proposed to develop Bogo-Medellin-Daan Bantayan as regional center because the area has the largest flat land in Cebu province. Anyway it is already decided that DOT head office should be in Cebu City.

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On an island off the northern coast of Cebu, a disenchanted traveler can find unspoiled beaches as beautiful as those of Boracay, Palawan and Bohol, surrounding an old town steeped in history and rooted in faith. This is Bantayan Island, a haven for soul-searchers and sun-worshippers and, for a time, Cebu’s best-kept secret. Enhanced communication connectivity, an improved road network, and a small well-maintained airstrip for charter flights have opened up the island to the rest of the Philippines. And with the Department of Tourism identifying Cebu as one of its eight priority destinations, the tourists cannot be far behind.

The name “Bantayan” comes from the watchtowers that were built all over the island in the 17th century to serve as lookout stations warning against attacks of the seaborne Moros. People called these towers Bantayan sa Hari or “Watchtowers of the King,” in reference to the King of Spain. It became common for the locals to say they were from “Bantayan sa Hari”; later, they shortened it to “Bantayan.” The roots of Bantayan town as a Hispanic settlement are unmistakably stamped in its layout, with the old church and its plaza located in the center, and the houses and other establishments built around it. The town plaza and the well-preserved antebellum houses recall a bygone era.

The Spanish influence is also evident in the old Bantayan folks’ religious traditions. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Bantayanons hold the Pasko sa Kasakit or Semana Santa sa Bantayan, a procession of life-size statues depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ, mounted on huge, richly decorated carrozas. Children dressed as angels solemnly follow the carriages, which also bear images of their favorite saints. These statues, hand-sculpted by Spanish artisans in the 1800s, have been handed down from generation to generation. Yet this somber observance has a curious twist: while the rest of Christianity abstains from eating meat, the people of Bantayan Island do the exact opposite. A papal permission granted in the 1800s exempts them from this duty, in recognition of the fact that Bantayan fishermen do not set out to sea for seven days so as to participate fully in the Lenten rites—their penance for the season. It is a practice tourists enjoy as they feast with the locals on crisp, juicy lechon, usually served with adobo liver sauce. The key to this scrumptious delicacy is the coconut milk used to baste the lechon as it roasts. One does not have to wait for Lent to taste this local delight, though, as it is available throughout the year. But for those who prefer to observe Lent the traditional way, Bantayan offers an abundance of seafood, fresh and dried.

For the less spiritually inclined, Bantayan Island’s beaches present a welcome respite from the chaos of city life. The municipality of Santa Fe, in particular, is known for its expansive coastline, with fine, white sand and waters so clear one can watch small fish swim and feed. Off the beaten track and without the commercial bustle characteristic of more touristy areas, Santa Fe’s beautiful resorts present more than just privacy; they offer the rare commodity, serenity. To get to Bantayan Island, one can take a brief 30-minute flight from Cebu City. By land, one can ride a bus ride from Cebu City to San Remigio, where inter-island ferries to Santa Fe are available. There is also a night ferry direct from Cebu City to Santa Fe.

KOTA BEACH RESORT

TYPES OF ROOM RATES
Beachfront Suite
Air-conditioned Deluxe cottage
Superior cottage
Standard
Economy Rowhouse

Facilities: Souvenir shop, restaurant/ coffee shop, conference/convention hall, picnic hut, parking space.

*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
*No credit cards accepted.

SANTA FE BEACH RESORT

TYPES OF ROOM RATES
Cottage without aircon
Good for 2
Good for 3

Rooms with aircon
Good for 2
Good for 3
Good for 4
Extra Bed : Cottages
Aircon room

*Rates are subject to change without prior notice and are subject to government tax. Accept major credit cards.


http://home.online.no/~erfalch/bantayan.htm

Cebu Pacific cuts fares sharply to boost load factor

By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s low-fare pioneer, has adopted a new year-round pricing scheme, slashing its domestic fares between 50 percent to as much as 67 percent and saving travelers P1,000 to P2,000 per trip, announced President Lance Y. Gokongwei. The new fare schedule took effect yesterday. With this move, the airline expects to boost its revenue load factor by at least 75 percent in 2006. This year, its revenue load factor stands at 65 percent, from 70 per cent in 2004, he noted. "We forecast a 36 percent growth in carriage for all our domestic routes behind this new fare scheme," adds CEB General Manager Bong Mojica. At present, CEB carries 2 million passengers.

"We have set aside more than a million seats at fares below today’s fare levels, that’s about 30 percent of our total overall capacity over the coming year," Gokongwei explained. "Of the 1 million seats, more than 300,000 seats will be available at the lowest advertised fare levels." In 2006, CEB plans to implement the new pricing scheme on its international destinations as well, benefitting passengers to and from Hong Kong and South Korea. "That’s the intention," the President confirmed. Under the new scheme, CEB is allocating seats to be sold in advance at a discount. The balance will be sold at regular prices. The airline now offers two fare types. The first, called "flexi fare" is for business travelers and can be changed until 45 minutes before flight time. The second, "go fares" is for leisure travelers and are lower but restricted in terms of changes and cancellations. Any changes in flight plan should be made 48 hours before flight time. The lowest "go fare" for Manila-Cebu, one way, is P999, or 50 per cent lower than the regular price of P2,569. It is lowest for Manila-Roxas, at P699, one way, or 67 per cent lower than the going price of P2,149.

Studies showed that pre-selling seats at lower prices would generate higher revenues and make CEB financially stronger, Gokongwei pointed out. "This is the revenue model that many foreign airlines successful, especially Southwest Airlines, on which CEB was patterned." With "go fares", CEB can sustain its revenues throughout the year, removing the seasonality factor in its airline business, he underscored. By selling discounted seats that otherwise will not be sold especially during the lean months, CEB would be maximizing its revenues, smoothing some of the demand peaks and drops in air travel. "We can stimulate the market. People will have the initiative to fly more frequently and introduce those who have not flown before to air travel." With more stable passenger loads yearly and with extra income from increased flight frequencies as demand goes up, CEB would be financially stronger.

On the other hand, passengers who want to book the lowest fare levels only need to book early, a month or two ahead and be willing to travel mid-week or on an early morning flight. CEB pioneered low fares in the country in March, 1996. It was also the first to introduce ontime service, e-ticketing, fun games and flights and flight booking through Short Messaging System (SMS) or texting. CEB now operates two brand new A320 and two A319 aircraft and will take delivery of two more A319s next month. From 2006–2007, it will have 8 more aircraft. In two years, it will have the newest fleet in Asia. At present, CEB services 14 domestic routes and two international destinations–Hong Kong and South Korea.


the gokongwei's are famous for their "suicidal marketing or kamikaze" marketing just like what they did with sun cellular, now the other network followed, idinemenda pa nga sila ng ibang network for offering such a low rate, pero wala din namang nangyari, i think their marketing strategy is effective, ngayong nagbaba ng price ang CEB, lets see what airphil will do, either magbababa din sila ng rate or.... idedemanda din nila, hehehehe, hope it would be a healthy competition, with the consumers emerging as the big winners.

Hi richard.. I totally agree with you.. In fact, the airport in Hongkong is the best example..

By the way, there's already a plan if ever the present airport in Mactan needs to be transferred.. However, it is only a plan and will only materialize if there is a need to.. This has been discussed for over a decade already..

And guess what? The next international airport will be in Daan Bantayan (or I think it was Medellin Town), roughly a hundred kilometers+++ north of CEBU CITY..

Yes, there is an existing airstrip there and it was sighted by the Airport Board as a possible alternate for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.. But I guess it wouldn't happen any soon, not even in 10 years time.. But what's important is that the said site is now in the planner's mind.. :)....

It should also be noted that the International Port, which is situated right at the shores of Cebu City, will soon be relocated either at Tayud, Liloan or at Cordova -- whichever is more viable (and cheaper).

i think daan bantayan is not a good option considering the place is very far from all major hotels and business establishments in cebu. imagine an investor traveling from daan bantayan to his hotel in cebu city then back to the airport to catch up with his flight.. this could be a big turnoff for potential investors.. anyways, this is just a proposal. they must be thinking now of another alternative. :)

the gokongwei's are famous for their "suicidal marketing or kamikaze" marketing just like what they did with sun cellular, now the other network followed, idinemenda pa nga sila ng ibang network for offering such a low rate, pero wala din namang nangyari, i think their marketing strategy is effective, ngayong nagbaba ng price ang CEB, lets see what airphil will do, either magbababa din sila ng rate or.... idedemanda din nila, hehehehe, hope it would be a healthy competition, with the consumers emerging as the big winners.

i agree.. the good thing here ang public ang nakikinabang. :)

Cebu Pacific lowers rates

Starting today, Cebu Pacific will offer fares as low as P699 one-way year-round, giving travelers savings ranging from about P1,000 to almost P2,000 per leg.

“We have set aside more than a million seats at fares below today’s fare levels — that’s about 30 percent of our total overall capacity over the coming year. Of the one million seats, more than 300,000 seats will be available at the lowest advertised fare levels,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific (CEB) president.

“CEB’s offering of substantially lower fares follows studies that pre-selling seats at lower prices would generate higher revenues and make CEB financially stronger,” he said.

Local tourism

The airline said lower fares would also promote local tourism since travel to the provinces will become very affordable. “Our new initiative is good for the traveling public, the economy and Cebu Pacific,” Gokongwei said. “This is all about getting people to think about flying. For those who fly today we would like to encourage them to fly more frequently, and for those who haven’t flown before, we want to welcome them on board and introduce them to air travel.”

Gokongwei said the program was tested on a number of routes.

“We are now ready to offer the reduced fares the whole year round on all our domestic destinations,” he said.

Permanent

Bong Mojica, CEB general manager, stressed the new fares are not promotional but a permanent offer of discounts as is the practice of low-fare carriers worldwide.

The idea, he said, is to allocate seats to be sold in advance at discounted rates. The remainder of the seats would be sold at regular prices.

He advised passengers to book early and to be flexible with travel plans.

“If you are willing to plan a month or two ahead and to travel mid-week or on an early morning flight, then chances are you will get yourself a real bargain,” he said.

By selling discounted seats that otherwise would not be sold especially during the lean months, CEB would be maximizing its revenues and level some of the demand peaks and troughs of the seasonal airline business. (PR)

----------------------------------------------------------------
The airline said lower fares would also promote local tourism since travel to the provinces will become very affordable. “Our new initiative is good for the traveling public, the economy and Cebu Pacific,” Gokongwei said. “This is all about getting people to think about flying. For those who fly today we would like to encourage them to fly more frequently, and for those who haven’t flown before, we want to welcome them on board and introduce them to air travel.”

Businessmen like the Gokongweis have proven their great contribution to the betterment of our country! The company carries CEBU as their brand of service, something that cebuanos should be proud of :okay: The New Filipino time is on time! ;) i frequently fly with PAL, but with Cebu Pacific's efforts in promoting tourism in the country darn my full support is with 'em :D i already booked a flight to Cebu for Dec. 20 flight, P999 lang! hehe cheap! but the only thing i complain about Cebu Pacific is their Manila Terminal. it sux big time :bash:

i agree.. the good thing here ang public ang nakikinabang. :)

Exactly! it was Gokongwei's initiative to offer unlimited services in the mobile industry. i hope they'll do the same with Cebu Pacific!
FLY-UNLIMITED 24/7 :lol:

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The name means "Unfortunate Christmas". It is located only 8 km off the north coast of Cebu. It has a blindingly white bounty beach, which is one of the best in the Philippines. Time stands still as soon you step into this "Pacific Island Dream". Its exceptional long white beach stretches around the south-east coast of the island facing Cebu, Leyte and Biliran. The other side of the island has a more panoramic rocky coastline and is an attractive alternative for the ever-popular white beach. Malapascua also called "Logon" is located about 8 km. northeast of Cebu mainland and 25 km. west of Leyte. It's especially famous for its white sand beaches and unique dive spots, including the almost certain possibility to see the tresher shark.


http://www.malapascua.de/Malapascua_Map/hauptteil_malapascua_map.html

http://www.malapascua.net/

wow, another world class resort on a unique island ! how long does it take to get there from mactan airport, and are the roads bumpy or all asphalted up to the ferry-boat ?

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/940/s20oj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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LOCATION:
Situated within the sparkling blue waters of the south, a two hour north drive from Cebu City, in the quiet and beautiful village of San Remigio lies Casa Del Mar Golf and Dive Resort. Cebu's newest travel destination, the resort rests on a 150 hectare lot with a 250-meter stretch of natural white sand beach, and an 18-hole golf course and dive shop to match.

ACCOMMODATION:
26 spacious rooms inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean interiors with beach front views await each guest at Casa del Mar, each one with remote controlled air-conditioning, internal telephone, cable TV, hot and cold water, separate toilet and bath and room service. All our suites are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning for your comfort. Beautifully finished with Italian tile floors and plush fittings and decor. Plus each suite has wonderful sea views allowing you to watch the sunrise and set over the clear waters of our beach. With hot and cold water, standby generator, phone contact with reception, room service and all the other frills of a fine resort you will find it hard, not to want to stay an extra day or two.

ROOM RATES:
Single / Twin
Deluxe Bungalow USD 70.00
Deluxe Garden Terrace USD 82.00
One bedroom Safari Suites USD 92.00
Two Bedroom Safari Suites USD 112.00
Penthouse USD 180.00
Extra Person USD 30.00
• Inclusive of American breakfast
• Welcome drink
• Coffee/Tea making facilities
• Free use of recreational facilities
• 10% discount on water sports facilities
• 10% discount on Sauna
• Above rates are based on per room per night basis
• Rates are NET of taxes, inclusive of Service Charge

DINING:
Dine at the sunset café' and bistro bar and indulge in Asian and Western cuisines specially selected to fit your taste. Open from 6am to 11pm daily.

MEETINGS & BANQUETS:
Ideal for business meetings and socials in small groups. Banquet package rates are available at the resort and Manila sales offices.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Various indoor and outdoor activities are readily available to keep your adrenalin running. Karaoke, billiards and darts are just a few of the indoor activities guests will surely love. If you prefer the outdoors, why not try golf, the driving range, beach volleyball, mountain biking, trekking and Frisbee. If its water sports, try out scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing and saltwater fishing.

Robinsons to rehab hotel in Cebu


Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) earmarked P21m to modernize the Cebu Midtown Hotel in Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City. The project involves the renovation of 96 rooms including hallways but without changing the original structure and amenities provided by the hotel. Cebu Midtown Hotel has 200 guestrooms comprised of 76 standard rooms; 113 deluxe rooms; and 11 suites, including junior one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. It features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a pool with banquet facilities, and a grand ballroom that can accommodate 800 persons for theater set-up and 400 for sit-down arrangement.

wow, another world class resort on a unique island ! how long does it take to get there from mactan airport, and are the roads bumpy or all asphalted up to the ferry-boat ?

i think it would take about 3 - 4 hours depending on the traffic condition.. traveling is not a problem as most of the roads of the province are asphalted.. for the transportation, there are several busliners and v-hires to choose from.

Nov 2
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^^ quite fast! is it halfway na? :D when's the target opening date again?

@Jimbu... Exactly but actually this was brought up by Lito Osmena to former President Ramos (during his time).. The members of the airport board during that time all agreed that the area is the most viable site for the next international (in the very very far future)..

@Sugbuanon.. That wouldn't be a problem bro considering that if the time comes that the airport really needs to be transferred (year 2030 perhaps?), by that time, Cebu province would already have an efficient Mass Transport system (high speed trains perhaps) that would connect the entire island. I guess by that time too, Metro Cebu will cover the entire island itself... It should be noted that right now, Metro Cebu already covers Carcar in the south up to Danao City in the North...

In Hongkong, travel time from the Airport to the main city center is roughly 45 minutes on a very desolate expressway (meaning walay traffic).. So grabe jud kalayo.. Pero walay problema because naa may available nga high speed trains that arrive minutes apart..

Just a long term plan bro..


i think daan bantayan is not a good option considering the place is very far from all major hotels and business establishments in cebu. imagine an investor traveling from daan bantayan to his hotel in cebu city then back to the airport to catch up with his flight.. this could be a big turnoff for potential investors.. anyways, this is just a proposal. they must be thinking now of another alternative. :)

i dont think its halfway na... pero i see a lot of development since the last time i saw it....

@Slerz Nice picture of the hotel bro... Maayo pagkakuha (from the skywalk I think?)New digicam? wa naman gud ka nigamit sa imong phone cam.. :)

hi evryone! actually pirmi lng ko diri just lurking nga lang... got nothing to post eh... hehe.. musta u all>>>???

i know there were couple of articles bwt this hollywood thingy pro la lng... hehe

Bigfoot brings Hollywood to Cebu
By Monjie Lustre
The Philippine Star 11/12/2005

Only a visionary can think of something so wild it just might work. No one believed Ted Turner when he said people needed a 24-hour news network. CNN, snidely dubbed by critics as the Chicken Noodle Network, has now become as basic as chicken soup – invading every little known corner of the globe at any given second.

Just like CNN, Cebu was a move that can only make sense to a Michael Gleissner. In all the places in the world and in all the places in the Philippines, he picked a city which was not Manila. Even more surprising was the fact that Mick wanted Cebu to be Asia’s gateway to Hollywood.

Matthew Lubetich, chief operating officer of BigFoot Entertainment, repeats the corporate legend of how their chairman fell in love with our City of Smiles having been trapped in breathtaking Shangri-La Mactan Hotel for two weeks during the 9-11 tragedy. But what Matt can’t fully explain why the Bigfoot Group of Companies (with a complex network of business investments in communications, business process outsourcing, learning and entertainment) found itself occupying 11 floors in a Metro Cebu building and developing an international film school complete with sound stages, a hotel and dormitories in Mactan Island to the tune of $8 million.

The Mick Gleissner website describes him as a director, writer and photographer. His latest work involves painstaking underwater photography for his 2006 Nautical Angels Underwater Calendar. He trained his long-legged models to wear weighted heels, keep their eyes open and hold their breaths long enough to look alive on camera. This project had him relying on good old luck with very little (if any) technical magic involved.

For those who know him well, the Cebu ideal is not that surprising. Mick has always had the boldness of a pioneer. At 18, he started his first company which introduced the CD-ROM as a retrieval media in Germany. Then, in 1991, he became a trailblazer in e-commerce by developing a bulletin board system (allowing connection between computers via dial-up networking through modems) even before the Internet became widely available. Six years later, he built a call center in Namibia, Africa for German customer service a step ahead of the popularity of such technology. The year before, he sold his companies to VERIO (which later became NTT) and Amazon.com for which he was vice president for some time. Later, he acquired Bigfoot which was formerly an e-mail directory.

Then, as corporate legend would have it, Mick transplanted the company in Cebu and developed Bigfoot Communications Powerhouse (conference call services, audio and web conference call, directory services, a dating service) as well as Bigfoot Entertainment (the parent company of Bigfoot Productions, Bigfoot Production Services, the International Academy of Film and Television or IAFT, Bigfoot Production Services, Bigfoot Soundworks, and Bigfoot Partners).

Bigfoot Entertainment’s first film production is 3 Needles starring Lucy Liu, Chloe Sevigny, Olympia Dukakis, Sandra Oh, Stockard Channing and Shawn Ashmore. Set in three continents (Asia, Africa and North America), the movie presents three tales that humanize the AIDS epidemic. It has been shown in the international film circuit having debuted in the 30th Toronto International Film Festival last September where it earned a special presentation. Within the month, it had screenings at the Atlantic Film Festival where it won for Best Direction (by Thom Fitzgerald) and Ed Higginson Cinematography (by Tom Harting). Just last month, 3 Needles graced the Pusan International Film Festival in Korea.

"The primary goal of Bigfoot Partners is to invest in independent films which would have difficulty being produced," explains Tim Doolen, director of Creative Development. "3 Needles is one of the first two films we’ve produced. Bigfoot Partners will be producing small films with very modest budgets of around $200,000 to $5 million. That’s a small film because a typical Hollywood film now would cost $30 million to $40 million. We’re talking about smaller-scale films which will hopefully have a bigger impact on the audience than, say, the big Hollywood blockbusters like War of the Worlds. One of our other goals is to portray Asian culture in a positive light to a Western audience. We have felt that Asian culture does not get enough representation to Western audiences. You have Jacky Chan and Jet Lee and that’s about what we see of Asian culture. But Asia’s much more than kung fu or ninjas."

Early next year, Bigfoot will be shooting its first feature film in Cebu. Irreversi, a domestic psychological thriller, is actually set in Hong Kong. While production will begin in the former Crown Colony, most scenes will be shot locally. After that, the company will produce the action comedy Cock Fight which was re-written (from its former setting of Mexico) specifically with Cebu as backdrop. The lead role will be played by an American actor, preferably a known comedian such as Adam Sandler (a preference Timm thinks out loud). But supporting roles will, of course, be played by local actors who will be picked from auditions in Cebu and in Manila.

"We’re very committed to the Philippines. We’re very committed to Cebu (But) our products are primarily for a world audience. We’re currently not making anything for the local market. However, local companies do use our facilities and services. All except about three of our employees are based in Cebu," Timm adds.

Facilities and services offered by Bigfoot now includes the only true sound stage in the country – a 370 square areas which VP for Technical Mark Anthony Cabaluna calls "at par with international standards." Sound Stage One will be the first of three true sound stages in the IAFT complex. Acoustically, it boasts of having "special sound-lock ‘ante-rooms’ that are spatially designed to buffer noise before entering noise sensitive areas, high grade acoustic doors which perform to STC64dB control noise transmission and guarantee no disturbances during studio sessions; an air-conditioning system of greater than NC 25 with continuous operation (approximately 30 dB background noise level); internal absorptive finishes maintaining a room response RT60 @ 500HZ 0.81 second and "woodwool" acoustic boards that are impact resistant (DIN 18 032/Part 3) and fire retardant (DIN 4102)."

The film school itself is equipped with a mix theater (81 seating capacity with Dolby 5.1 digital recording and editing), a Foley stage and music theater with NC25 acoustic noise criteria and edit suits and computer laboratory that can provide everything from special effects and animation to computer simulation for film or video.

Technology, however, is only part of the equation. The intention, really, is to bring Hollywood to Asia through Cebu. Better yet, Bigfoot is bringing Asia to Hollywood. "When we talk of Hollywood, we’re talking of filmmaking done certain way which we’re hoping South East Asia can get on board. Of coursed, Filipino films can make it in the international market," assures Matt who likewise fell in love with Cebu he married a Cebuana. "You will really see that change when Vic del Rosario of Viva Films is able to translate some of his titles. I watch Filipino films at home all the time and I don’t understand them. Give me translations and I’ll watch a lot more. So, when you see that happen, you will really see the market shift and be more competitive."

The group is optimistic that the Philippine Film Industry is not dying. It’s transitioning. Proof of this optimism is the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) which will open its doors to the first batch of film students in January. Their message is simple: To survive, Filipino filmmakers must join the global village.

"We want to not only attract students locally but internationally as well," stress Bill Vincent, vice president of the IAFT. "The same goes for our faculty. Each course is run by a mentor who supervises; instructs and counsels the student. Many of the mentors are Hollywood people. Right now, we’re talking to an acting coach from Brussels who may want to teach here."

The one-year immersion program (starting January) will cost foreign students $8,000 while local students get a discounted rate of $5,000. Courses offered are animation, cinematography, directing, editing, producing, screenwriting and sound design. Students are also encouraged to specialize in electives like 3-D animation with Maya, underwater photography, documentary filmmaking, compositing with after effects and guerilla video (filmmaking on limited resources). Short courses are also made available through regular workshops.

"What’s interesting about our programs, whether they’re the one-year immersion or just a workshop, is that we ask the student to come up with a creative project which is either a short film or a music video. This, eventually, becomes part of their portfolio which we also keep to show potential employers," assures Gemma Lucero, academic director of IAFT.

Rotating enrollment for a new class of 24 students will be every two months starting January. Applicants should be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma with some experience in photography or filmmaking (even as an amateur hobbyist). Tuition fees do not include materials and housing. Dormitories are conveniently located within the complex. There will also be a hotel for visiting family members and friends.

Meanwhile, IAFT only offers certificate courses. There are, at this point, no plans of developing diploma course. "The school teaches the craft and not necessarily the academics of it," Bill emphasize. "You will find that it’s very attractive to the US community colleges which would send their students over to use our facilities and would later accredit them. Besides, filmmaking is not a field that strictly requires one to have a diploma. Many of those in Hollywood don’t have a college degree in their field. And there are also many film graduates who are out of work."

The most talented student of IAFT also have the chance get involved in Bigfoot Entertainment’s various projects. Currently in post production are the films Social Graces and Shanghai Kid. Also to be shot soon is the documentary Intoxicated which will investigate the effects of alcohol on consumers. The company has likewise been producing two travel shows for television: The Nautical Angels featuring three women visiting exotic ports and destination in Southeast Asia and Diving Asia showcasing the best diving spots in the region. Expectedly, the latter had a pilot entitled Diving Asia which was shot off Michael’s favorite Shangri-La Mactan. The show also spawned a documentary of the USS Cooper wreck in Ormoc. Directed by Daniel Foster, the film captures the dangerous dive to uncover secrets left behind by one of the biggest battles of World War II.

The soft-spoken Timm Dollen is also busy searching for a project worthy of Bigfoot Partners’ Film Fund. Target budget is $200,000 to $5 million. Accepted genres are thrillers, comedies and dramas with emotional impact. Storyline must portray Asia positively. Setting must be Asia with at least one of the lead characters being Asian. The film must be also marketable worldwide so dialogue must be in English.

"We also have the Filipino Filmmaker’s Fund which is devoted to a Filipino film to be shot by Filipinos. We’re actively soliciting ideas now," says Timm who invites submissions through their website (http://www.bigfootpartners.com/invesdt.html). "We’ve talked to some people from Cinemamalaya and we gave away some of our cards but we only got a handful of responses and not too much interest. We know we’re a new company and very few people know us. We’re also in Cebu which is a disadvantage if you’re targeting Manila-based filmmakers. But we really want to make a Filipino film with Filipino filmmakers. The English requirement is also an issue because Filipino filmmakers – and rightly so – are very proud of their own language. But for us, that’s something we have to require. I know that we will find the right project."

Michael Gleissner is just as confident he can bet on Cebu. He hasn’t been wrong about his business moves so far. There’s no reason to think he’s wrong now.

@Slerz Nice picture of the hotel bro... Maayo pagkakuha (from the skywalk I think?)New digicam? wa naman gud ka nigamit sa imong phone cam.. :)

Actually 2004 pa ni, I only use this sa gatherings parties and graduations but when I joined SSC, I found out that I can use this by taking pics of Cebu for SSC but I still have no guts to take pics of buildings coz I thought it is prohibited due to sec measures (not mentioning about Marriott hotel, hehe). Pero last Sept, my cousin borrowed it for a month that's why only now that I have taken pics of buildings... I also consulted an expert of photo capturing sa Halad sa Kapamilya of ABS CBN coz they gave free seminar.... if it's ok to take pics of government and hotels and he said it's ok, so now I can take pics anywhere:D

Cebu group inks ‘sisterhood’ pact with Subic

The Cebu Visitors and Conventions Bureau (CVCB) has sealed a sisterhood pact with the tourism management board of Subic to boost local tourism. CVCB executive director Mila Espina said CVCB’s partnership with the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB) will bring local and foreign tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to Cebu as well as provide opportunity for people from the Visayas and Mindanao to visit and explore the many attractions in Subic. During the signing of the sisterhood agreement between CVCB and GSBTB at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Thursday, GSBTB chairman George Lorenzana said his agency looks forward to its partnership with CVCB because Subic looks up to Cebu.

He explained that GSBTB considers Cebu as an international tourism destination and a model in marketing Subic to tourists. He said Subic has developed a lot of tourist attractions such as the Bat Kingdom, Bird Park, El Kabayo Equestrian Center, Forest Adventure, Insectarium and Butterfly Garden, Ocean Adventure, Tiger Safari and Zoobic Safari. Department of Tourism 7 Director Dawnie Roa said the partnership between Cebu and Subic through CVCB and GSBTB is timely, as the Gokongwei-controlled Cebu Pacific (CEB) has already agreed to mount direct flights from Cebu to Subic and vice versa.

“In principle, CEB has already agreed. The company is just waiting for its new aircrafts,” she said, Under the sisterhood agreement, CVCB and GSBTB agreed to become members of each other’s organization and help promote each other’s attractions. CVCB, which aims to concentrate on promoting Cebu as a premier convention and events destination in the Philippines, is a non-stock, non-profit, private sector-led group. Apart from monthly dues of members, CVCB gets a share of the income of event organizers.

Roa said Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano has agreed to become the honorary chairman of CVCB. Earlier, Skal International national president Charles Lim said promoting destinations among domestic tourists can help the Philippines save on advertising costs as locals, who have visited these attractions, would recommend the sights to friends and family. (JBN)

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folks, finally as promised... here's the view of mactan cebu international airport..taken from our rooftop.. it would have been so nice if there was a plane taking off or about to land unfortunately, the battery is weak... so next time na lang!!! hehe...some huge planes were blocked by trees, i'll try my best to include them next time..

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/1100/dscf00332fb.jpg

^^ wala man mi makit.an na picture engineer rowell.. :D

asa man ang picture ? excited baya ko .:)


folks, finally as promised... here's the view of mactan cebu international airport..taken from our rooftop.. it would have been so nice if there was a plane taking off or about to land unfortunately, the battery is weak... so next time na lang!!! hehe...some huge planes were blocked by trees, i'll try my best to include them next time..

http://images.rowell83.multiply.com/image/2/photos/1/orig/1.JPG?enctoken=UmFuZG9tSVaCnT.70zHx3FQl,qotF8OmRXYFKZ27viuqdnLIa7xQ8g==

kita na ko.. salamat rowell!!! ashton welcome bai sa SSC.. arangan daghan2 nata kada cebu.. :D

makita na?

salamat bai sugbuanon.. kita nako sa picture. :)

thank u sad d i ni rowell sa picture




salamat bai sugbuanon.. kita nako sa picture. :)

folks, finally as promised... here's the view of mactan cebu international airport..taken from our rooftop.. it would have been so nice if there was a plane taking off or about to land unfortunately, the battery is weak... so next time na lang!!! hehe...some huge planes were blocked by trees, i'll try my best to include them next time..

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/1100/dscf00332fb.jpg

hi rowell,
great shot ! have any more ???? just love your rooftop !
salamat

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/1100/dscf00332fb.jpg

thanks for the photos drfeelgood, rowell , marvin and slerz! welcome to SkyscraperCity new forumers :okay:

by the way guys, i encourage you to post your comments in English for obvious reasons. but i ain't telling u to stop commenting in cebuano ha kay basin masuko mo nako hehehe

ABS-CBN is in Cebu this noon. seen it on TV. Wowowee is in Ayala Cebu. hehe so many people. feels like Sinulog fever has started :D their setup is perfect, marriott hotel, keppel bldg etc are very visible at the background, exactly what we have on the CBP Urban photo challenge! :okay: made me more excited to go there! and i can imagine the whole place so clean and organized with all those funky trees and landscape :)

i had no idea Cebu is an ABS-CBN country til now. when i left cebu several years ago, network war (GMA vs ABS) hasn't started or not much of a big deal. i wasn't a kapamilya nor kapuso. though i mostly watch cable channels :D

Wowowee! Craze Part II


WOW! I just arrived from AYALA CENTER CEBU after witnessing the HISTORIC WOWOWEE SHOW since, according to estimates of policemen, it is the largest crowd ever gathered in a live television show. "Hapit gud ko kuyapi sa kadaghan sa mga tao!". The jeepney has been won; over 100 shirts have been thrown; over a million worth of prizes were given. Mineral water bottles overflowed from the shelves of the Metro Supermarket and the satellite vendors.

About Ayala Center Cebu, yes, RENOVATION has begun. The south entrance now features new floor tiles; the interiors are being painted GOLDEN YELLOW and PINK!

EVENTS @ AYALA CENTER CEBU:
November 18
>Pinoy Big Brother Mall Show
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 8pm
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-10PM

November 19
>Sabado na Gyud, LIVE!
>Pinoy Big Brother Satellite Live Eviction Night
>Constantine Maroulis @ AFEC
>HP and the GoF Special Screening
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 10:30pm (after PBB)
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-12MN

November 20
>Jud Morning, LIVE!
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 8pm
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-10PM

thanks for the photos drfeelgood, rowell , marvin and slerz! welcome to SkyscraperCity new forumers :okay:

by the way guys, i encourage you to post your comments in English for obvious reasons. but i ain't telling u to stop commenting in cebuano ha kay basin masuko mo nako hehehe

ABS-CBN is in Cebu this noon. seen it on TV. Wowowee is in Ayala Cebu. hehe so many people. feels like Sinulog fever has started :D their setup is perfect, marriott hotel, keppel bldg etc are very visible at the background, exactly what we have on the CBP Urban photo challenge! :okay: made me more excited to go there! and i can imagine the whole place so clean and organized with all those funky trees and landscape :)

i had no idea Cebu is an ABS-CBN country til now. when i left cebu several years ago, network war (GMA vs ABS) hasn't started or not much of a big deal. i wasn't a kapamilya nor kapuso. though i mostly watch cable channels :D

Yes, ABS-CBN is a kapamilya country. Hey @rusty, didn't you see me? Heh, I was so near to the cam.

Yes, ABS-CBN is a kapamilya country. Hey @rusty, didn't you see me? Heh, I was so near to the cam.

really? too bad.. i didn't get the chance to see u on TV! i only saw the opening production number and then i went out for breakfast hehe. i could have stayed longer tsk tsk. wer u able to take photos of the venue?

really? too bad.. i didn't get the chance to see u on TV! i only saw the opening production number and then i went out for breakfast hehe. i could have stayed longer tsk tsk. wer u able to take photos of the venue?

nope, since I was too careless to buy batteries forgetting that I left my camera home. :D

thanks for the photos drfeelgood, rowell , marvin and slerz! welcome to SkyscraperCity new forumers :okay:

by the way guys, i encourage you to post your comments in English for obvious reasons. but i ain't telling u to stop commenting in cebuano ha kay basin masuko mo nako hehehe



Yes, I agree with this suggestion too since we are not the only ones who are reading and posting in this thread. There are the Tagalog speaking people, etc. who view and post in this thread too. :)

nope, since I was too careless to buy batteries forgetting that I left my camera home. :D

nyahaha way to go bro! there's always next time! Hehe.. wait, the Big Brother live telecast will be at the Ayala Lagoon area right? is it tonight na ba?

catch u guys later, i'm goin out with friends :D

nyahaha way to go bro! there's always next time! Hehe.. wait, the Big Brother live telecast will be at the Ayala Lagoon area right? is it tonight na ba?

catch u guys later, i'm goin out with friends :D

Nope, it'll be next week for the 7th eviction night. Have fun! :)

Hi All,

Is it true that there's gonna be an Ayala mall in SRP?
Pls update me im away from Cebu.

Yes, but it still has to be realized by the moment.

IC. But you mentioned they are expanding their mall at CBP? Like how big is the expansion? :)

From the hearsays, after the expansion, Ayala will be TWICE as big as it is now

wow... that's kewl. :)
Cebu is really progressing. I miss home..hehe

Like what I posted in post #267, Ayala has already begun the facelift of the exteriors and the interiors and painting the mall into GOLDEN YELLOW and PINK. This will be finished this year since expansion shall begin 1st QTR NEXT YEAR

what about SM , are they gonna expand also? :) or build a new mall?

build a new mall, not this early yet. Expansion? YES!, they're gonna build a second building (5 level building : 3 levels for parking and 2 levels for shops) in the present parking area. It'll be connected, obviously. :)

I am confused with the Cebu Boardwalk Mall. From all the archives and back issues of newspapers, I read that it would be opening JUNE 2005.

Phew, WHAT A DELAY?!?! :D

I am confused with the Cebu Boardwalk Mall. From all the archives and back issues of newspapers, I read that it would be opening JUNE 2005.

Phew, WHAT A DELAY?!?! :D

Maybe 2015. It's almost 2 years now since they announce this project but until now they haven't broke ground yet.

2015? Whaaattt? Maybe not that late...Maybe 2008 or 2009? :D

folks, finally as promised... here's the view of mactan cebu international airport..taken from our rooftop.. it would have been so nice if there was a plane taking off or about to land unfortunately, the battery is weak... so next time na lang!!! hehe...some huge planes were blocked by trees, i'll try my best to include them next time..

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/1100/dscf00332fb.jpg
rowell, it´s me once again. i really like the exponated view from your house, but what can we do to see those huge planes behind the trees ? can you step on a ladder, or is it much too dangerous ? don´t try anything that might be hazerdous to your health please ! maybe you can lean the ladder to the brick wall at the buttom of the picture and shoot from there ? but please no dangerous undertakings ! thank you, regards from richard.

Yes, ABS-CBN is a kapamilya country. Hey @rusty, didn't you see me? Heh, I was so near to the cam.


really? you're there sinjin infront? I din't saw you...
me, I just watched in the house but I went to Ayala @ 6pm snd got some pics but sorry I haven't taken the exterior, just the interior... sorry also that I posted cebuano language here, I really don't know...hehe


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/0754.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN00751.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0795.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0817.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0763.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0809.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0766.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0799.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0822.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0815.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0759.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0760.jpg

just around the corner...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/967.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/968.jpg

slerz, sige ka lang og malling... o nilahos pa sa hubo-hubo.

slerz, sige ka lang og malling... o nilahos pa sa hubo-hubo.

oi...excuse me, I didn't went inside and I dunno if its a hubobo, just took a pic of it when we passed along Ramos st...:D
I haven't seen hubo hubo in my entire life yet and no plans...:)

Im not a mall freak like sinjin but because Cebu has nice, huge and beautiful malls, I can't afford not to go malling:)

rowell, it´s me once again. i really like the exponated view from your house, but what can we do to see those huge planes behind the trees ? can you step on a ladder, or is it much too dangerous ? don´t try anything that might be hazerdous to your health please ! maybe you can lean the ladder to the brick wall at the buttom of the picture and shoot from there ? but please no dangerous undertakings ! thank you, regards from richard.


ok, no problem richard and thank you for your suggestions and concern, but i think next time i give the second rendering, i will include the sunrise view of the mactan bay with hilton and shangri-la on the foreground, and also, hopefully the marina mall restaurants at night if time permits..hehe.. this could be the second time that i promise to all of you guys!!!

Sunday, November 13, 2005
GMA Network hosts 19th Ad Congress events

Cebu gets to play host to a stellar of stars as GMA 7 fields some of its brightest and most promising talents in the much-awaited 19th Philippine Ad Congress (PAC).

To be held from November 16 to 19 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City, the PAC goes back to the Queen City of the South – for the fourth time.

With the theme, Ready for the World?!, the ambiguous punctuation mark underscores the pervading doubt (or affirmation) in the Philippine advertising scene.

Also taking part in the event is Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA 7’s chairman, president and CEO, who is set to represent the media industry and share his experience and insight in making GMA the biggest and most valuable broadcast network today.

“More than just a media company, it has already branched out to the world wide web through inq7.net a few years ago and igma.tv since January this year.

Viewers who traditionally watch the shows on television get up-to-date happenings at the click of a button. While this will alter the way people view their favorite shows, GMA realizes that this is a way of the future and has already started feeding online news clips to its Internet viewers and real-time updates to mobile subscribers.”

Through his strategies, Gozon has instilled a culture of excellence, breaking stagnant ratings and cashing in on a variety of talents.

The CEO forum in which Gozon will be one of the speakers shall commence on November 18 – the second day of the congress.

On the same day, Manuel Quiogue, president, GMA Marketing and Productions Inc., will talk about the future of TV, radio and print, while GMA 7’s TV and radio personality Mike Enriquez will host the plenary sessions.

QTV or Quality Television Channel 11 – GMA’s sister station on the VHF channel GMA Network will sponsor the entertainment and dinner on the first night of the three-day event, while GMA Network hosts the succeeding night.

The advertising congress – which is held biennially, is the first systematic industry-wide effort undertaken on a national scale to upgrade professionalism in advertising and ensure the continuing development of the industry.

Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP) and Marketing & Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES) are the 19th PAC hosts.

by slerz
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/0754.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN00751.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0795.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0817.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0763.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0809.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0766.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0822.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/DSCN0815.jpg

waaaaaaah!!! it's soo much like Glorietta! thanks for the photos slerz :D


sorry also that I posted cebuano language here, I really don't know...hehe

No slerz it's not bawal to post in dialect. Sorry ha. :) i was just encouraging/ suggesting everyone to post in english so that non-cebuano forumers can relate to what's happening in Cebu :D but side-line/casual talks in cebuano is absolutely A-Okay ;) happy posting guys! thanks a lot for the interior updates. i notice the fountain at the mall atrium has been repainted :D

just around the corner...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/967.jpg



Informatics Uptown Center! Where i took my first semester before i transferred to Alabang! :D i remember back then, we always do inuman before and after major exams hahaha

Nice mall.
Off-topic, how's the water condition in Mactan and Cebu?
I heard it's bad unlike Davao where quality drinking water is abundant.

hey joey, you were askin' about the water condition in cebu. it's certainly not an off topic :) maybe cebu-based forumers here can tell us the present condition :D

Mike, Marvs, Slerz et al... pasok!

ok, no problem richard and thank you for your suggestions and concern, but i think next time i give the second rendering, i will include the sunrise view of the mactan bay with hilton and shangri-la on the foreground, and also, hopefully the marina mall restaurants at night if time permits..hehe.. this could be the second time that i promise to all of you guys!!!

nice! lookin' forward to see those pics dude! nice mactan airport shot :okay: my family's house is in Lapu-lapu City :D any other Batang-Opon around here aside from SinJin and Rowell? hehe

No slerz it's not bawal to post in dialect. Sorry ha. :) i was just encouraging/ suggesting everyone to post in english so that non-cebuano forumers can relate to what's happening in Cebu :D but side-line/casual talks in cebuano is absolutely A-Okay ;) happy posting guys! thanks a lot for the interior updates. i notice the fountain at the mall atrium has been repainted :D

Ah ok, no problemo amigo...:)
yup, they repainted the fountian but just before we left, they again repainted it with white... like a flash and also the south entrance that mike mentioned, it's already wider and bigger to see coz of the renovation...
I have also some pics of BTC, post it later....

ok, no problem richard and thank you for your suggestions and concern, but i think next time i give the second rendering, i will include the sunrise view of the mactan bay with hilton and shangri-la on the foreground, and also, hopefully the marina mall restaurants at night if time permits..hehe.. this could be the second time that i promise to all of you guys!!!

Thanks for the airport photo rowell... you know, it's hard for me to see those buildings there in Mactan paradise coz I'm very far from where you live, I'm a stranger in Lapu ct.:)

Nice mall.
Off-topic, how's the water condition in Mactan and Cebu?
I heard it's bad unlike Davao where quality drinking water is abundant.

I dunno with Mactan but I heard it's ok naman and also in Cebu City but there are times that there are some instance that water here becomes contaminated for several reasons.

Which parking area are you talking bout? That huge one at the back of the mall ? If that so, so I guess the floor area would be like the same with the original mall? :) juz wonderin'..

nice photos of ayala btw.



build a new mall, not this early yet. Expansion? YES!, they're gonna build a second building (5 level building : 3 levels for parking and 2 levels for shops) in the present parking area. It'll be connected, obviously. :)

i saw in tfc, they did wowowee in cebu

Which parking area are you talking bout? That huge one at the back of the mall ? If that so, so I guess the floor area would be like the same with the original mall? :) juz wonderin'..

nice photos of ayala btw.

Yeah, that huge one.

i saw in tfc, they did wowowee in cebu

Yeah. Read this

Wowowee! Craze Part II


WOW! I just arrived from AYALA CENTER CEBU after witnessing the HISTORIC WOWOWEE SHOW since, according to estimates of policemen, it is the largest crowd ever gathered in a live television show. Over 150 security guards were at action. "Hapit gud ko kuyapi sa kadaghan sa mga tao!". The jeepney has been won; over 100 shirts have been thrown; over a million worth of prizes were given. Mineral water bottles overflowed from the shelves of the Metro Supermarket and the satellite vendors.

About Ayala Center Cebu, yes, RENOVATION has begun. The south entrance now features new floor tiles; the interiors are being painted GOLDEN YELLOW and PINK!

EVENTS @ AYALA CENTER CEBU:
November 18
>Pinoy Big Brother Mall Show
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 8pm
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-10PM

November 19
>Sabado na Gyud, LIVE!
>Pinoy Big Brother Satellite Live Eviction Night
>Constantine Maroulis @ AFEC
>HP and the GoF Special Screening
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 10:30pm (after PBB)
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-12MN

November 20
>Jud Morning, LIVE!
>Grand Fireworks Display @ 8pm
>Mallwide Sale Mall Hours: 10AM-10PM

really? then it must be a big project for SM.

what about robinson's do they have any plans of making expansions in Cebu since the owner is a Cebuano? I observed he doesnt have much investments in Cebu. He only invested heavily in Manila. :)





Yeah, that huge one.

really? then it must be a big project for SM.

what about robinson's do they have any plans of making expansions in Cebu since the owner is a Cebuano? I observed he doesnt have much investments in Cebu. He only invested heavily in Manila. :)

I am really not contented with Robinsons Cebu. It's too small, just a department store and a supermarket + 50 stores. Maybe Banilad Town Centre is even bigger.

Ye, this is a big project for SM but in my opinion the Ayala Expansion is a bigger project.

i agree, its just because it is strategically located. thats y they called it "mall next door".
but m excited bout ayala cebu i hope it will be finished when i get home early 2007. and hopefully ayala will bring the branded shops they have in Greenbelt, because I think Cebuanos are ready for it. :)



I am really not contented with Robinsons Cebu. It's too small, just a department store and a supermarket + 50 stores. Maybe Banilad Town Centre is even bigger.

Ye, this is a big project for SM but in my opinion the Ayala Expansion is a bigger project.

i agree, its just because it is strategically located. thats y they called it "mall next door".
but m excited bout ayala cebu i hope it will be finished when i get home early 2007. and hopefully ayala will bring the branded shops they have in Greenbelt, because I think Cebuanos are ready for it. :)

Yeah, more high-end shops are opening within this year. I think that when the expansion building is done with its construction, the mall will be very organized by then. Today, Ayala's been rearranging the stores so that on the 3rd level will be the food shops; on this side the fastfoods, on that side, the fine dining; the 2nd level will be occupied by fashion outlets, on this side the high end shops, on that side the signature shops and the other corner the pang-masa shops, and so on...

just around the corner...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/968.jpg

"oist slerz, kng gnahan ka sulod ug hubo2 ky kuyogan nya tika.. mas nindot pa ngadto kay sa SSC.. hehehehe JOKE LANG!!!" :D :D :D

if ever you'll go back to ayala please nya take pictures of the miniature displayed at 3rd floor so other forumers will have an idea on how ACC would look like if ever the planned expansion will push through.. thank you daan slerz :) thank you sad slerz for posting those pics you took in ACC.. :)

hello @sugbuanon, you're currently online?!?

Banilad Malls

GCM (Gaisano Country Mall)
Banilad, Cebu City

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0833.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0837.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0835.jpg



BTC (Banilad Town Center)
Banilad, Cebu City

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/912.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN910.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/918.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/904.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/900.jpg

we've tried yellow cab pizza, the 18 inches one... so huge and also tastes better than Da Vinci...:D

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/894.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/929.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/930.jpg

@Slerz: Thanks for those nice shots. So you've been strolling on last night, huh? :D

"oist slerz, kng gnahan ka sulod ug hubo2 ky kuyogan nya tika.. mas nindot pa ngadto kay sa SSC.. hehehehe JOKE LANG!!!" :D :D :D

if ever you'll go back to ayala please nya take pictures of the miniature displayed at 3rd floor so other forumers will have an idea on how ACC would look like if ever the planned expansion will push through.. thank you daan slerz :) thank you sad slerz for posting those pics you took in ACC.. :)

Kaw jd! you're such a bad cat..LoL :jk:
I'll try to take pic of the ACC miniature, ngutana lang first ko if ok ra...way sapayan aka. u're welcome...

hello @sugbuanon, you're currently online?!?

hi there sinjin.. i'm now back with vengeance.. hehe :D wow this thread is way toooo faaaaast!!!

@Slerz: Thanks for those nice shots. So you've been strolling on last night, huh? :D

yup, coz I envy those people that won prizes sa Wowowee...hehe so I find ways for me to be happy...LoL:D
you're welcome mike...

>I'm quite excited about the developments in Ayala Center Cebu
>I cannot imagine how ACC would look like after all those painting jobs. (GOLDEN YELLOW+PINK=?!?)

yup, coz I envy those people that won prizes sa Wowowee...hehe so I find ways for me to be happy...LoL:D
you're welcome mike...

Yeah, even if I was too near the stage, I wasn't able to catch any of those shirts. :D

Banilad Malls

GCM (Gaisano Country Mall)
Banilad, Cebu City

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0833.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0837.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN0835.jpg



BTC (Banilad Town Center)
Banilad, Cebu City

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/912.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/DSCN910.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/918.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/904.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/900.jpg

we've tried yellow cab pizza, the 18 inches one... so huge and also tastes better than Da Vinci...:D

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/894.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/929.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/Malls/930.jpg

wow! thanks a lot for the photos! Country mall's exterior looks elegant. thanks for the BTC photos :okay: now i know how that hangoutplace looks like :D

wow! thanks a lot for the photos! Country mall's exterior looks elegant. thanks for the BTC photos :okay: now i know how that hangoutplace looks like :D

I'd just like to add that from my research, I discovered that the Banilad Town Center is also called "The Horseshoe Mall" since its shape follows that of a horseshoe. :D

I am really not contented with Robinsons Cebu. It's too small, just a department store and a supermarket + 50 stores. Maybe Banilad Town Centre is even bigger.

Ye, this is a big project for SM but in my opinion the Ayala Expansion is a bigger project.

i've seen the JOY Ultra commercial, u know... the beep beep jingle with Bitoy dancing haha! SM Cebu looks more huge than i thought :D part of SM Sheraton hotel was also seen :)

by the way sinjin, which part of ACC did they start repainting. its only the fountain that i saw that was already repainted. and also i noticed a construction going on at one of their entrances.

i wonder how the lagoon area looks like now after the registration for wowowee.. i read in one tabloid that "mura daw naagi-an ug tsunami ang mga tanum sa ACC"

wow, Brothers Burger is already in Cebu? that's kewl. and gonuts too. hahay, i miss cebu

by the way sinjin, which part of ACC did they start repainting. its only the fountain that i saw that was already repainted. and also i noticed a construction going on at one of their entrances.
The fountain, the entrance (which you mentioned) and some interiors (where the entrance you mentioned leads to) until the activity center where the fountain is located. :) "Sabotable ra akong explaination? :D"

i wonder how the lagoon area looks like now after the registration for wowowee.. i read in one tabloid that "mura daw naagi-an ug tsunami ang mga tanum sa ACC"

I was there and it was really like a dumpsite "full of trash" but the plants weren't that affected since there were railings. Same was true during the show yesterday and last Friday.

i've seen the JOY Ultra commercial, u know... the beep beep jingle with Bitoy dancing haha! SM Cebu looks more huge than i thought :D part of SM Sheraton hotel was also seen :)

Yeah, Bitoy mentioned that it was the longest mall in the Visayas. But I hate SM's design, too simple. Sorry SM, my heart does not belong to you. :D

what are the new shops that opened like 1 or 2 months ago at Ayala? :) or anywhere in Cebu ?


>I'm quite excited about the developments in Ayala Center Cebu
>I cannot imagine how ACC would look like after all those painting jobs. (GOLDEN YELLOW+PINK=?!?)

what are the new shops that opened like 1 or 2 months ago at Ayala? :) or anywhere in Cebu ?
I'll mention some.
IN AYALA:
>So Fab!
>Beauty Bar

Soon to open:
>Timezone
>15 more shops

wow, Brothers Burger is already in Cebu? that's kewl. and gonuts too. hahay, i miss cebu

a lot of famous brands opened in Cebu 2nd half this year. Yellow Cab Pizza, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Beauty Bar to name a few :D

i've seen the JOY Ultra commercial, u know... the beep beep jingle with Bitoy dancing haha! SM Cebu looks more huge than i thought :D part of SM Sheraton hotel was also seen :)

a cousin of dominic v. (kaila pa ka niya?) from U.K. even commented that SM Cebu is bigger than their malls in U.K. i even have to acquiant myself of the mall coz sometimes i get lost inside.. i used mcdonald's as landmark for my exit.. hehe

a cousin of dominic v. (kaila pa ka niya?) from U.K. even commented that SM Cebu is bigger than their malls in U.K. i even have to acquiant myself of the mall coz sometimes i get lost inside.. i used mcdonald's as landmark for my exit.. hehe

Yeah, in statistics SM has a GFA (Gross Floor Area) of 161,000 sq.m and Ayala has a GFA of 100,000 sq.m. but I'm confused why Ayala gets more crowded most of the time. :?

Yeah, Bitoy mentioned that it was the longest mall in the Visayas. But I hate SM's design, too simple. Sorry SM, my heart does not belong to you. :D

remember, it was built in 1993 and SM at that time is building shoeboxes all over Manila. SM Megamall, the mother of all shoeboxes haha.

thats good news, before i left i heard seattle's best coffee is opening in cebu? i know figaro is at the casino and another Gloria Jean's at casino also . Both in waterfront lahug. :)



a lot of famous brands opened in Cebu 2nd half this year. Yellow Cab Pizza, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Beauty Bar to name a few :D

a cousin of dominic v. (kaila pa ka niya?) from U.K. even commented that SM Cebu is bigger than their malls in U.K. i even have to acquiant myself of the mall coz sometimes i get lost inside.. i used mcdonald's as landmark for my exit.. hehe

of course i know him. :D i wanna hangout with u guys soon :cool:
it was a bit easy for me to get familiar with SM. i took piano lessons in SM when i was in gradeschool so i basically go there almost everyday (1994) :D

Yeah, in statistics SM has a GFA (Gross Floor Area) of 161,000 sq.m and Ayala has a GFA of 100,000 sq.m. but I'm confused why Ayala gets more crowded most of the time. :?

i think its because of the location. Ayala is in the middle of Cebu's corporate district, north and south. has more organized public transport terminal. :)

btw mike, how big is Megamall in terms of GFA? any figures?

i think its because of the location. Ayala is in the middle of Cebu's corporate district, north and south. has more organized public transport terminal. :)

btw mike, how big is Megamall in terms of GFA? any figures?

it's 331,075 square meters so with SM Cebu's 161,000 square meters, Megamall would be 2 SM Cebu's connected by an airconditioned bridge. :)

i wonder how the lagoon area looks like now after the registration for wowowee.. i read in one tabloid that "mura daw naagi-an ug tsunami ang mga tanum sa ACC"

we've also checked the devastated site:D, and from my observation, it's a cat 5 tornado havoc..:D I'm really surprised of their garden after the audition.

Yeah and after the Wowowee show, Ayala Center Cebu was really like on a fiesta since people scattered on the streets and the mall was so crowded. It was the largest crowd I ever saw inside Ayala. Crowd estimates inside the mall reach to about 250,000

http://www.smprime.com/uploads/images/SecImg1_malls_marilao.jpg
http://www.smprime.com/uploads/images/Img3_IMG_4860.jpg

Hmm, I just noticed that SM City Cebu and Marilao are quite similar in their exteriors and interiors.

PAL won’t match Cebu Pacific fare cuts

By Rainier Allan Ronda


The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), is not inclined to match the considerable price cuts made by competitor Cebu Pacific on its domestic airfare rates under a new marketing campaign. Rolando Estabillo, PAL senior vice president for corporate communications, said that PAL has no plans to engage in a price war with Cebu Pacific. He said it is Cebu Pacific’s business if they want to do aggressive fare price reductions. "If they think that’s good for their business, they’re free to do so," Estabillo said. Despite the escalating price of jet fuel, the country’s number two air carrier Cebu Pacific started offering last Friday domestic air tickets at greatly reduced prices of as much as 50 percent in all their domestic routes.

Under Cebu Pacific’s Go fare program, their current Manila to Cebu ticket price tag of P2,569 – already about 10 percent lower than competition – will go down to as low as P999 exclusive of the add-on fees such as insurance, fuel surcharges and the 10 percent value added tax. Its Manila to Davao route ticket price will go as low as P1,499 from the current P3,239; the Manila to Zamboanga flight will be offered at P1,499; Manila to Roxas P699 from P2,149; Manila to Bacolod and Manila to Iloilo P999 from P2,449; Manila to Butuan P1,299 from P3,239; Manila to Cagayan P1299 from P3,239; Manila to Tagbilaran P1,299 from P3,239; Manila to Dumaguete P1,299 from P2569; Manila to Cebu, Manila to Tacloban, Manila to Puerto Princesa, and Manila to Kalibo will be offered at P999 from P2,569; Cebu to Zamboanga and Davao to Zamboanga P999 from the current P2,319; Cebu to Davao P999 from P2,249; and Cebu to Iloilo P699 from P1,759.

"This is all about getting people to think about flying. For those who fly today, we would like to enourage them to fly more frequently, and for those who haven’t flown before, we want to welcome them on board and introduce them to air travel," Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer, said of their Go fare program. However, the catch for passengers who want to avail of the "Go" fare tickets - one would have to book a flight early since it is offered under a pre-selling concept. Cebu Pacific pioneered low fares in the country when it started operations in March 1996, forcing other airlines to also lower their fares. It was also the first to introduce on-time service, e-ticketing, fun games on flights, and flight booking through text or short message sending.

Under their on-time flights credo, Cebu Pacific now boasts of a world class reliability record of flying 93 percent of its flights within 15 minutes of schedule as of February 2005. Starting with a humble 24 flights daily to and from three destinations, Cebu Pacific now has almost 80 flights daily to 14 domestic destinations, with a fleet of two Airbus A320s, two Airbus A319s, 10 DC9-32 McConnel Douglas and two Boeing 757 aircrafts in its fleet. It will take delivery of two more A319s next month with eight more due for delivery next year until February 2007 under its re-fleeting program started last year. Cebu Pacific enjoys 36 percent market share in the routes that it serves as of December 2004 and flies from its Manila and Cebu hubs to serve its 14 domestic destinations, Hong Kong, and South Korea. On the other hand, PAL has been growing by leaps and bounds in the past few years under the stewardship of beer and tobacco magnate Lucio Tan, having relaunched just the other day its Manila to Beijing flight route after a 16 year hiatus.

http://www.smprime.com/uploads/images/SecImg1_malls_marilao.jpg
http://www.smprime.com/uploads/images/Img3_IMG_4860.jpg

Hmm, I just noticed that SM City Cebu and Marilao are quite similar in their exteriors and interiors.

but almost all SM's in the country are similar. SM SouthMall LasPiñas is very much alike Cebu's both exterior and interiors. i can say Bldg A of SM MegaMall is exactly the same with SM Cebu. the size, the interiors, the layout etc...

tired of hearing negative news bout our country.. then check this site: http://www.positivenewsmedia.ca/

Bigfoot offers week-long free lectures on filmmaking
The Freeman 11/14/2005

The International Academy of Film and Television will conduct a series of free lectures on key areas of filmmaking such as Cinematography, Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Editing, and Film History beginning today, November 14 to Saturday, November 19. This will be held at the IAFT campus at Saac II Road, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, and at Bigbuck's Coffee, Bigfoot Center along F. Ramos St., Cebu City.

This series of lectures is designed to give a compelling overview of what goes on behind the camera, providing the building blocks necessary to make a movie. The lectures will be conducted by some of Hollywood's most experienced professionals. It's open to the public and anyone who holds an interest in the basics of filmmaking or Hollywood. Visit http://www.study-film.com for lecture schedule and details.

Monday, November 14, 2005
Waterfront flexes for Asean meeting

GATCHALIAN-controlled Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (WCCHC) is now ready to house some of the delegates of the Asean meeting, which will be held in Cebu next year.

This, as WCCHC just completed the renovation of the hotel’s 18th floor.

The renovation of the 18th floor, which the hotel calls the Ambassador Club, is part of Waterfront Philippines’ P60-million renovation project for WCCHC this year, WCCHC corporate communcations manager Renee Villasin said.

Confirm

President Arroyo confirmed during her recent visit to Cebu that the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) executives will be held in Cebu.

The Philippines is the sponsor of this year’s Asean meeting.

In one of her talks with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) last year, the President revealed her plan to hold the Asean meeting in the province. She asked the chamber to help prepare Cebu, especially with regard to accommodating the delegates of the event.

CCCI president Robert Go had said the chamber will ask hotels in the province to prepare executive suites for the delegates.

Exclusive

Villasin said the 24 guest rooms on the Ambassador floor and the hotel’s suites offer an exclusive, higher level of service and deluxe amenities such as airport transfers, personal fax machine, complimentary use of gym facilities and a personal butler.

It also has lounge facilities such as an exclusive boardroom and a computer work area with broadband Internet access.

Waterfront Philippines president Rexlon Gatchalian said the 24 rooms on the Ambassador floor offer corporate and modern travelers an “all-encompassing departure and welcome.”

Waterfront Philippines is a wholly-owned Filipino hotel chain. Its properties are WCCHC, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino and the Manila Pavilion. (JBN)

tired of hearing negative news bout our country.. then check this site: http://www.positivenewsmedia.ca/
Thanx - that's very refreshing to hear upbeat news for once! :)

wow, Brothers Burger is already in Cebu? that's kewl. and gonuts too. hahay, i miss cebu

Yes, i heard Gonuts Donuts! has opened a store in Cebu!

gonuts donuts has just opened last month its first cebu branch in Banilad Town Center.. there's a big possibility of opening another branch here in cebu coz gonuts is really a big hit to the cebuanos.. they are selling like hot cakes.. :)

Cebu Pacific plans to go public in 2008

By JAMES A. LOYOLA

Cebu Pacific plans to undertake an initial public offering of shares estimated to be worth $200 million by 2008 — when the full benefit of its ongoing refleeting program impacts positively on its finances. Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei said they intend to sell shares equivalent to about 30 to 40 percent of the airline through a primary or secondary offering or a combination of both. He said by that time, the firm’s assets should have grown to about $500 million since all the planes they are acquiring to be delivered by 2007. He said Cebu Pacific’s assets are currently worth about P9 billion. The airline expects costs to drop substantially once it has completed the refleeting as the new planes will mean lower fuel consumption and less maintenance and repair costs. The lower cost will allow the firm to improve margins and profitability as well as lower fare rates to attract more travellers.

Cebu Pacific has just adopted a new year-round pricing scheme, slashing its domestic fares between 50 percent to as much as 67 percent to boost its revenue load factor to at least 75 percent in 2006 from the current 65 percent. "We forecast a 36 percent growth in carriage next year for all our domestic routes behind this new fare scheme," said Cebu Pacific General Manager Bong Mojica adding that the airline expects carriage to grow 16 percent to a total of 2 million passengers this year. "We have set aside more than a million seats at fares below today’s fare levels, that’s about 30 percent of our total overall capacity over the coming year," Gokongwei explained. In 2006, CEB plans to implement the new pricing scheme for its international destinations as well, benefitting passengers to and from Hong Kong and South Korea. Studies showed that pre-selling seats at lower prices would generate higher revenues and make CEB financially stronger, Gokongwei pointed out. By selling discounted seats that otherwise will not be sold especially during the lean months, CEB would be maximizing its revenues and aircraft utilization, smoothing some of the demand peaks and drops in air travel. "We can stimulate the market. People will have the initiative to fly more frequently and introduce those who have not flown before to air travel," Gokongwei said.

Torch relay lures hundreds

CEBU — The torch relay of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games was a big hit here as it lured hundreds of people from all walks of life since it began late Saturday afternoon. Following a short ceremony, Mandaue City councilor Carlo Fortuna and City sports chairwoman Cheryl Ouano formally received the official torch from Danao city councilor Boying Rodriguez. "We’re very inspired feeling the support of our fellow Cebuanos," said Fortuna, also the president of the Philippine Councilor League. "Our motorcade covers a six kilometer route and thousands of people joined us," added the 33-year-old councilor. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez made an inspiring speech during the program, praising the dedication and determination of Mandaue to host the two sporting events of karatedo and judo. Other sports scheduled in Cebu are mountain bike (Danao), sepak takraw (University of San Carlos), dance sport (Waterfront) and pencak silat (Cebu Coliseum).

"I’m happy to see how my fellow Cebuanos really worked hard for this event. We are now looking for Bacolod, Subic and Manila to follow this kind of preparation which is very impressive," said Ramirez. "In all places, I saw SEA Games posters and billboards. But the most important thing that I observed was the Cebuanos’ dedication to support the SEA Games activities, and I’m expecting they would also do the same thing when the meet begins," he added. His view was echoed by Sports operation chairman Richie Garcia, who said Cebu is 95 percent ready to host the event. "As far as preparations are concerned, Cebu is very much ready," said Garcia. "All the equipment needed are now in Manila and shipments of it like the different gadgets, time clock and everything concerning the six events to be held here will be arriving anytime now."

Kenn Villareal, a 16-year-old runner, carried the symbolic flame from Danao to Mandaue City. He was accompanied by fellow runners and escorted by traffic enforcers in a large motorcade. The torch will stay in Cebu until today before it proceeds to Bacolod via Dumaguete. From Bacolod, it passes through Iloilo and then Mindoro to Batangas, Calamba and Los Baños, where the aquatics events are scheduled. On the 18th, the torch will be in Tagaytay (site of the cycling and chess events), then in Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Pasig, Marikina and all the way to Pampanga, Angeles and Subic Bay. On the 23rd, the flame relay goes to Quezon City, the following day in San Juan and Taguig and 25th back to Manila where it would pass by the City Hall. The final day will have it passing by Malacañang before proceeding at the Luneta Grandstand for the highlight of the opening ceremonies. Olympian Antoinette Rivero has been designated to carry the torch and light the SEA Games cauldron on opening day. Meantime, members of the RP team whose events will be held here has found an avid supporter Gov. Gwendolyn Fiel Garcia. The first-ever lady governor of the province said she’s throwing her all-out support to the nationals’ bid in the biennial meet. "I really love sport since when I was a kid," the governor said. "I would like to thank Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco Jr. for allowing Cebu to be part of the 23rd SEA Games. It is a great honor to host different sporting events and I will keep on cheering the athletes over and over again especially when the Games start."

Developing Olango isle is daunting, but manageable

OLANGO ISLAND, Lapu-Lapu City — To Edwin J. Leung, introducing changes to improve the lives of this mainly poor island community is a big challenge. It becomes even bigger challenge when the population component is incorporated into the proposed changes. However, Leung is confident he is up to the challenge as he braces to draw from his more than 30-year experience in community organizing after he graduated from the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City with a bachelor’s degree, major in anthropology. Leung is the program coordinator of the Visayas Regional Operations of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Three years ago, the PBSP appointed him to run and supervise the Olango Island Development and Rehabilitation program, which aims to uplift the lives of the more than 26,000 residents.

For starters, Leung said he sat down with local officials of Lapu-Lapu City, as well as the barangay captains, and other community leaders of Olango to determine which of the problems should get the top priority. However, underlying all these, he explained, is the urgent need to involve the whole community in projects to be undertaken. "Otherwise, the projects are bound to fail, as proven by past experience," Leung explained. "Community participation is vital to the success of projects that involve people and their interests directly." Rehabilitation of the badly depleted mangrove forests of Olango bacame their first concern. The lush mangrove forests, which used to surround the island, disappeared when the moneyed and the influential took advantage of the policy of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in the ‘80s, which encouraged aquaculture — meaning fish production through fishponds or similar methods. Slowly but surely, some of the worst affected mangroves are being brought back to life. Leung attributes this to the active participation and involvement of residents of barangay Sta. Rosa.

The residents, he says, are paid 25 centavos for each mangrove tree propagule planted and maintained. The fee goes into a common fund in the barangay to help finance other projects agreed upon by the community. Through training seminars and discussions, barangay residents have become fully aware of the need to preserve and maintain mangrove forests to increase their catch in fishing, their major source of livelihood. "They are now aware that one square kilometer of mangroves means a potential catch of at least 1,000 tons of fish a year," Leung says. The next priority project is population management, which, Leung admits, came as an afterthought. He said they realized the projects being implemented would go for naught if population was not made part of the solution to their problems.

The reason is not hard to find. The population, pegged at 26,000 people, has been increasing at the rapid rate of more than three percent a year, and has started to threaten to overrrun the life support systems on the island. For at that rate, 700 babies are born annually, thus contributing to a "population explosion" that tends to negate whatever progress is being achieved in food production and livelihood programs. "The families in Olango have an average of from five to seven children each," Leung says. "On top of that is the problem of teenage pregnancies. There are too many teenage girls becoming mothers too soon." With these in mind, local officials, community leaders and concerned housewives, particularly the health workers, agreed to promote family planning.

haha, u know what i miss coke litro. m not in the phils right now and this place doesn't have coke litro. :) kewl. i miss cebu a lot.


Yes, i heard Gonuts Donuts! has opened a store in Cebu!

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/5848/a18bz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES

(As presented by Mr. Joel Mari Yu, Managing Director of CIPC - during the meeting of RDC-IDC held last 17 Sept. 2004 at NEDA Building, Cebu City)


SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES Marketing Program and Initiatives.

„« The SRP will be marketed as a prime mixed land use property development project. It can accommodate investments in Light Manufacturing, Commercial, Tourism, IT and other Services.

„« The main marketing strategy will be directed towards established and reputable property development companies here and abroad who will be invited to develop ¡§block¡¨ sections of the SRP. This ¡§wholesale¡¨ (as opposed to Retail) marketing of the SRP will also ensure that on-site infrastructure will be provided at no cost to the City. It will also mean that the task of creating a master plan for the property will be passed on to partner developers

However, qualified investors willing to immediately locate in the SRP will also be accommodated.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING INITIATIVES.

„« Submitted a proposal for Marketing Assistance for the SRP to the Japanese Government through JETRO, JICA and JBIC. Specific request is for the Japanese government to provide us a Consultant who will identify and arrange meetings for us with possible Property Developers in Japan

„« On their own initiative, JETRO has already circularized info on our SRP in their advisories worldwide.

„« Held discussions with Jurong Estates in Singapore and Enterprise Singapore of their governments Trade Development Board (TDB). They have committed to organize a forum in Singapore this year that will give us the opportunity to present our project to land developers there.

„« Also made the same request with our Phil. Commercial Attache in Hongkong to organize a forum with property developers there. Target companies include Hongkong Land, Jardines, Colliers, FPD Savills, etc.

„« Also made the same request with the Phil. Commerical Attache in Taiwan. We will be given the opportunity to meet with Taiwan¡¦s Bank of China Officials to present the SRP. The Bank of China is their government agency that signed a JV with Subic for rental of 300 has. of land for Taiwanese Investors.

„« Initiated discussions with the Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority (PLRA) for the inclusion of the SRP as a priority destination for Investments in Retirement Facilities. The SRP will also be considered as a site for a Training Center for the Retirement Industry which will be established by JICA as early as next year.

DOMESTIC INITIATIVES.


„« Presented the SRP to Aboitiz Land, operator of MEPZ 2. They have firm interests in leasing up to 100 has for an integrated industrial/commercial facility

„« Initial discussions with Mr. Guillermo Luchangco of Investments and Capital Corporation of the Philippines for (ICCP) for projects in the SRP

„« Initial discussions with Ms. Ofelia Bulaong of the National Development Company on joint marketing efforts for the SRP.

„« Aboitiz Land has also indicated interest in a possible solicited BOT with the City for the management and administration of the entire SRP. Towards this end, they have offered to spend for a Masterplan for the entire SRP and to fund all necessary marketing activities.

„« Ayala Land has also already sent their planners to the SRP for ocular inspection. They have indicated that proposals will be forthcoming.

„« Have scheduled a Roadshow for property developers in the Phil., Including Ayala Land, Aboitiz Land, SM Properties, Robinsons Land, Megaworld, Sta. Lucia, etc.

„« Presented the SRP to fast ferry operators in Cebu namely Supercat Fast Ferry Corp. and Ocean Fast ferries Inc. for the possibility of relocating their landing terminals at the SRP.

IN THE WORKS.

1. Aerial photo shots of the SRP which will be used in promo material including a Web Page
2. A Web Page for the SRP which will also be linked to the existing Web Page of CIPC and the City
3. Official Request to our Phil. Commercial Attache in South Korea for the organization of a Roadshow to present the SRP in Seoul.
4. For PR and Goodwill reasons, we will also mount a series of ¡§tours¡¨ to the SRP for various sectors of the Cebu community including the Media, Business Sector, Civic Groups, etc.
5. In the process of registering ¡§South Road Properties¡¨ as the business name for the facility with the Dept. of Trade & Industry (DTI)
6. In the process of creating a Property Management Office, with appropriate budget and personnel, under the office of the Mayor
7. Non-stop efforts to speed up titling of the project and securing Presidential Proclamation as a Special Economic Zone

Suggested List of Admissible Investments at the SRP


A. INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES

1. Light Engineering/Precision Assembly - Optical equipment, accessories and peripherals - Computer equipment, accessories and peripherals - Audio/Video Equipment, accessories and peripherals - Telecommunications equipment, accessories and peripherals - Timepieces - Automobile parts, accessories and peripherals - Pharmaceuticals - Garments - Toys - Jewelry and Fashion Accessories - Furniture and related items - Metalworking - Food and Non-food manufacturing - Plastics and Packaging - Etc.

B. BUSINESS/SERVICE/COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

1. Services Enterprises - Hotels - Restaurants - Shopping Centers - IT Enterprises (e.g. ¡V call centers)

2. Academic/Medical Institutions - Schools and other Centers for Learning - Hospitals and other Medical Institutions - Research Centers/Laboratories.

C. TOURISM RELATED ACTIVITIES

Retirement Villages Amusement/Theme Parks Condominiums/Leisure Living Units.



NEGATIVE LIST OF INVESTMENT AT THE SRP.

A. HOUSING

B. HEAVY INDUSTRIES SUCH AS: 1. Petro-Chemical Plants 2. Fertilizer Plants 3. Power Plants 4. Steel Plants 5. Cement Plants 6. Dynamite & other explosives

C. Gambling establishments

D. Golf Courses, Motor sports, etc.

CONDITIONS.

- Sale and Lease - Indicative Lease Rate is US$0.50/sq.m./mo. Indicative sale price is a floor of P5,000/sq.mt

- Lease period: 25 yrs. + 25 yrs extension - Water/Power will be provided by SRP Administration. Telecom services will be locators option - Acceptable conditions of contract: - Straight lease - In accordance with BOT Law.

"FOREIGN INVESTORS / INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WELCOMED"

Dutch firm picks Cebu as hub of Asian venture

A DUTCH company has chosen Cebu as base for its operations in Asia.

According to Bickers group of companies chairman Kees Janknegt, its Cebu branch, located at Ayala Life-FGU building, is the company’s first satellite office outside the Netherlands.

This means the company will be serving some of its clients in Cebu.

Services

Bickers group is engaged in providing legal, government liaising and trade related services for European companies with business interests in Europe and Southeast Asia. The group is composed of the Bickers Law Firm, Bickers Corporate and Bickers Public Solutions.

Bickers Corp. business development manager Buddy Villasis said one of the services of the company that will benefit Cebu, especially those targeting the European market, is its international trade facilitation, which covers import and export, and buyer and seller representation.

Trade portals

He said the company also hosts international trade portals where foreign and local companies can get references when they want to do business in an area, such as the Philippines.

As an initial offering for its Cebu initiative, Bickers launched www.cebu-mar-ket.com, a project primarily created to address the need for a common online directory of information on Cebu.

“(The website) includes sights and places, services and businesses that abound in Cebu,” Villasis told a press conference at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel last Thursday.

“It is, principally, a repository of information, which may be interesting to both local and international visitors, businessmen, consumers and the general public. It has sections devoted to chronicling calendars of events, job vacancies, personal clas-sifieds, photo galleries and the like,” he added.

But the website’s main attraction is a database of corporate and government establishments, shops, businesses and companies that one may refer to or use to look up for any kind of services, goods and products, Villasis said.

Lucky

Cebu is lucky to have been chosen as the hub of the company’s offshore operations in Asia because Bickers would help the country avail of the Dutch Government’s program that help the economy of developing countries by providing financial assistance to business ventures between Dutch and Filipino companies, Janknegt said.

He said the Dutch Government is encouraging companies in the Netherlands to partner with firms in developing countries like the Philippines.

“Bickers can help match a Filipino company with a Dutch company. All it takes for Filipino companies is to submit worthy proposals,” Janknegt said.

The marriage of one of Bickers’ partners to a Cebuana is the main reason the company chose to invest in the province.

“The decision was based on trust and confidence because it is easier to start a business in a place that you trust. But no regrets because Cebu is indeed a beautiful place with friendly people,” Janknegt said. (JBN)

I just got this news that Ayala Center Cebu was repainted not just for the convenience of the shoppers but also in preparation of the Philippine Ad Congress 2005!

Today is the 1st implementation day of the 1-way scheme in the Old Mactan Bridge. I passed through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge at about 5:00pm today and traffic was so heavy (in the Cebu City bound lane). It even reached the bottom Lapu-lapu side of the bridge.

I just got this news that Ayala Center Cebu was repainted not just for the convenience of the shoppers but also in preparation of the Philippine Ad Congress 2005!

Today is the 1st implementation day of the 1-way scheme in the Old Mactan Bridge. I passed through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge at about 5:00pm today and traffic was so heavy (in the Cebu City bound lane). It even reached the bottom Lapu-lapu side of the bridge.

This traffic experimentation of the 1st Mandaue Mactan bridge gave complications and more traffic congestions in Lapu Lapu and Mandaue Cities as many citizens of Mandaue and Lapu Lapu complains specially the UCLM students... but they will still observe the situation for three days...
what is happening to Mandaue and Lapu Lapu cities, they're getting more traffic jams specially in the bridge areas...not a positive development IMO...

AD Congress is silent...

This traffic experimentation of the 1st Mandaue Mactan bridge gave complications and more traffic congestions in Lapu Lapu and Mandaue Cities as many citizens of Mandaue and Lapu Lapu complains specially the UCLM students... but they will still observe the situation for three days...
what is happening to Mandaue and Lapu Lapu cities, they're getting more traffic jams specially in the bridge areas...not a positive development IMO...

AD Congress is silent...

AD Congress is still on November 16th - 20th right?

Actually IMO, the traffic scheme has positive effects. VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC during the morning SAME WITH THE AFTERNOON. BUT, during the afternoon, the CEBU BOUND vehicles are the one's tortured since they queue from the traffic light (the 1st traffic light on the Mandaue side) until Pusok, Lapulapu City

Ready For The World?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/19thpac.jpg

Ready for the World?! So goes the theme of this year’s 19th Philippine Ad Congress which Cebu is hosting for the 4th time. The ambiguous punctuation marks connote uncertainty (or affirmation) if and when the advertising scene in the country is ready to take the challenge beyond its own shores.

The congress will commence on Wednesday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel’s Cebu International Convention Center thru a screening of Cannes Grand Prix, Gold, Silver and Bronze Lion Winners at 10 a.m. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel is, again, playing host to this year’s congress for the third time as it did in 1999 and 2001.


The biennial congress is a gathering of top advertisers and media outfits of the Philippines who are in the forefront of the marketing and promotion of most consumer products through creative branding and strategic ad placements that make them become household names.

Incidentally, the first congress was also held in Cebu City in 1969. Cebu City was the most favored venue for this event since it is strategically located in the heart of the Philippine archipelago being accessible from most key cities via air and water. All the country’s four domestic carriers, PAL, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, and SEA Air have access from Cebu City to most major towns and cities across the country. Likewise, being the busiest sea port in the country, it has links to most ports in the islands.

Notable speakers from different media outlets and advertising world in the country and across the Asia-Pacific region are expected to come. More than 3,000 delegates are also expected to attend the event which will run up until November 19, 2005.

Bad news for me!!! My family's gonna be migrating to Laguna but that's when I graduate high school. I'll soon be living in Bel-air Subdivision in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. :cry: I'll miss Cebu!!! So, for my 2 years left in Cebu, I should take the opportunity to tour all around the province of promise! :)

OH? Why Laguna? Why are you leaving Cebu? what's the reason? Kinda sad :(
I've read it in your fr account and I thought it's not true...

Cebu City is all set for the ASEAN Executives Meeting next year!

Waterfront Lahug is renovating it's 18th floor at a cost millions!

Next year, we'll see in Cebu all the prime ministers of ASEAN member countries...

Not just a simple repainting bro... They have actually finished renovating the Main Entrance...

Try to go there today, nindot na kaayo... :)

I just got this news that Ayala Center Cebu was repainted not just for the convenience of the shoppers but also in preparation of the Philippine Ad Congress 2005!

Today is the 1st implementation day of the 1-way scheme in the Old Mactan Bridge. I passed through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge at about 5:00pm today and traffic was so heavy (in the Cebu City bound lane). It even reached the bottom Lapu-lapu side of the bridge.