More tourists seen to visit Cebu (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080610-141860/More-tourists-seen-to-visit-Cebu)
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 14:11:00 06/10/2008


CEBU CITY, Philippines - More tourists are expected to visit Cebu this year attracted by different tourism packages prepared by local government units and the sales mission abroad of the Department of Tourism (DOT), an official said Monday.

International flights are also expected to increase with plans of Continental Airlines that flies to Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions to open flights in Cebu.

“This is a good development that Continental Airlines is considering Cebu as a destination. If they pursue the plan that would mean we have passed their security tests. They have very high security requirement,” said Patria Roa, tourism regional director.

Roa said accessibility is always a plus factor for Cebu's tourism industry.

At least 75 international and 249 domestic flights arrive at the Mactan International Airport each week.

Roa said “word of mouth” still remains the most effective tool in marketing Cebu as a tourism destination.

During a recent visit to Florida, USA, she was asked about schedules for the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbu, a leisurely tour of Cebu's beaches and historical landmarks sponsored by the Cebu provincial government.

Inquiries came from people who had heard of the countryside tours from friends who visited Cebu, Roa said.

Visiting foreigners particularly enjoyed the local cuisine, dances and cultural sidelights featured in the Suroy-Suroy. The fiesta-spirit in the presentation of Cebu’s towns makes it a unique tour from other islands in the country, she said. /Reporter Doris C. Bongcac

if i remember right, there was already a direct flight before between cebu and guam via continental air micronesia. but it was short-lived. kulang siguro ang market.

Investors pour P4.7B in Lapu (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20080604-140681/Investors-pour-P47B-in-Lapu)
By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:52:00 06/04/2008


LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines - About P4.7 billion was invested by 15 real estate companies to develop hotels, resorts and subdivisions in Lapu-Lapu City as of the first quarter of 2008.

City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez said Lapu-Lapu projects a business-friendly environment with competitive business taxes, licenses and fees, which are lower than its neighboring cities – Cebu and Mandaue.

Filinvest is developing the P25-million Seascape Subdivision (what? 25M? only...perhaps, sa horizontal development lang ni...) in Barangay (village) Mactan and Aldea Del Sol Subdivision in Barangay Maribago.

The Robinsons Land is developing the P533-million phase 1 of the integrated resort and condominium, Amisa, while investment for the Blue Coast Residences is pegged at P12 million.

Both development projects are located in Barangay Punta Engaño.

Clavall Properties, the developer of Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, will expand the resort with an estimated cost of P1.3 billion.

Other developments include Gaisano Grand Mall of Mactan in barangay Basak (P134 million) (Parkmall is 500+million..unsa kaha ni nga less than 200M lang?), Microtel Hotel in barangay Punta Engaño (P65 million) and Mactan Oceantown Information Technology Park and Commercial Complex in Barangay Maribago (P57 million).

Lapu-Lapu City ranked second among 21 cities in the country, where entrepreneurs can easily start a business.

Ybañez said they have not increased business taxes from 1992 to 2007 despite being proclaimed as a highly urbanized city last year.

It was only recently that the City Council approved an ordinance which proposed a two to five percent increase in business taxes, according to city treasurer Elenita Catag-Catag.

But she said that the increase is only applicable to companies with gross sales and receipts of P2 million.

Michael Dignos of the City Attorney's Office said these investments bring Lapu-Lapu City closer to becoming an international gateway for business and tourism by 2020 as indicated in the Mactan Island Integrated Development Plan.

Dignos said the results of the survey — Doing Business in the Philippines — indicate that Lapu-Lapu City continues to attract investments from big companies, which directly deal with the local government.

The survey was conducted by the International Finance Corp., the private arm of the World Bank, and the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center.

“The survey was undertaken without the knowledge of the city government. It was done with stakeholders,” Dignos said.

Ybañez said the study's results were proof of the government's good transaction records with businessmen.

He said the survey presents “objective findings as opposed to subjective, unfair findings we have encountered a few months back.”

“It serves as an inspiration to do better because the survey provides us with knowledge on where we failed so that we can improve it. It also points out best practices of other cities which we can emulate,” he said.

i wonder how the expansion of Shangri-la Mactan would look like? Is there still space for the expansion to start with? Anyway, maybe Shangri-la is doing this to maintain its edge over Imparial Palace Resort, imo..:)

saw Tomas on TV this afternoon, it was a report about him and his kid personally arresting traffic violators who double-park around the rotunda...instead of feeling glad as to how oud dear mayor does the dirty work himself, i got pissed off instead...and not because i'm among those 'double-parkers' around the rotunda whenever i go out late at night to get snacks from mercury drug :lol:

it's because, i feel that he is not doing his job as mayor all too well...well, i used to be head over heels for him, but it seems that the passing of time made him, uhm, i daresay, dull...

if he is the brilliant mayor that the world proclaims him to be, then he should have come up with a plan to solve this 'fuente problem', instead of just going on with a so-called band-aid solution, that is arresting traffic violators...

why, if our city is as rich and debt free as he would want us to believe, then it wouldnt be too hard for him to say for example, excavate the rotunda which happens to be his namesake, and build an underground parking lot...hey, he could even add a retail level...that ought to put that property into good use...let's face it, people will always have the need to park in the vicinity of Fuente, considering that it's the heart of the city and all, but the problem is there are no parking lots...and so, as steward of the city, he ought to have come up with a solution to address this...

i dont know, but it seems like he is to entrenched in his rivalry with the lady sitting beneath that lovely domed building...or it seems that he's too busy expending all the city's resources into marketing his pet project, what else of course, but the SRP...which just recently, i'm starting to consider to be a bad idea...crazy as it may sound, but maybe with talks of global warming and all, reclaimed land doesnt count as prime property anymore...

damn it...if only he attended to the city's present needs before jumping into an ambitious plan for the future or instead of prioritizing the beautification of his palace, er, city hall...i even doubt if he has any idea as to what goes on right under his nose on the Fuente skywalks...does the phrase 'rugby boy' ring a bell? his rival may not be much of a 'force-majeure' politically, but at least even he had a plan of salvaging our rotting downtown...dont bother asking about my political leanings, i'm not even a registered voter, but my parents do pay taxes...

Mayor Osmeña is first and foremost the steward of this city and its people, and from the way i see it, i dont think he's doing a very good job, for now...

^^

what do you mean "him and his kid?"

His son Miguel was there too arresting the violators?


//

^ Yes you're right, nold.

i wonder how the expansion of Shangri-la Mactan would look like? Is there still space for the expansion to start with? Anyway, maybe Shangri-la is doing this to maintain its edge over Imparial Palace Resort, imo..:)

P1.3 Billion expansion of Shangrila Mactan is big....

Maybe they will build a highrise building similar to Hilton in one of the vacant lots.

But I think it's better if they spend the money on building "another" Shangrila so that there will be two Shangrilas in Cebu..

Hehehe.. Perhaps a Shangri-La Hotel in Cebu Business Park... Hehehehe..



//

^^ bai, read this news article about Mayor Tom....here:



**********

Osmeña apprehends cabbies at Fuente for illegal parking (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080610165)
Philstar Online
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña personally apprehended yesterday some illegally parked taxicabs and private cars, including the vehicle of the ABS-CBN dyAB news team, along the Fuente Rotunda in front of the Rajah Hotel.

The mayor, together with his son, Miguel, passed by the area around midnight yesterday and upon seeing the situation, he disembarked from his vehicle and started apprehending the vehicles for illegal parking.

“It was by chance niagi ko. Sobra ra man sab. Dili lang triple parking, sobra ra gyod dili na lang sila mopatuo sa traffic laws,” Osmeña said.

Drivers of around 10 taxi units and private vehicles were issued citation tickets.

Even the dyAB news crew which was covering the apprehension was apprehended by traffic enforcers.

“Wa tay mahimo ana unsaon man naapil man gyod. Pero kadali ra man unta to ni-park, igo ra man ko gi-drop sa driver,” said dyAB reporter Dave Tumulak, barangay captain of Basak Pardo.

The mayor, who stayed for a while in front of the hotel, expressed his disappointment over violations to the “no double parking rule.”

“There is a problem in the implementation of our traffic laws here. It seems natural lang sa mga drivers ang mo-violate sa traffic laws dinhi,” Osmeña said.

However, traffic officer SPO2 Breman Budiongan explained that they have been campaigning for drivers to observe the “no double parking” along Fuente Rotunda. He said they even had an operation in the area two hours before the mayor came.

“Dili man lang ang Fuente Rotunda ang atong gi-monitor god, naa pa ma’y Colon area. Kun dunay operation sa Fuente, mag-fiesta sab ang mga PUJ ug taxi sa Colon, and vice versa,” Budiongan said. - Ramil Ayuman/MEEV

P1.3 Billion expansion of Shangrila Mactan is big....

Maybe they will build a highrise building similar to Hilton in one of the vacant lots.

But I think it's better if they spend the money on building "another" Shangrila so that there will be two Shangrilas in Cebu..

Hehehe.. Perhaps a Shangri-La Hotel in Cebu Business Park... Hehehehe..



//

How about a Shangri-La Mountain Resort? :D

^^ sana nga magkaroon sila ng presence sa Cebu City...

saw Tomas on TV this afternoon, it was a report about him and his kid personally arresting traffic violators who double-park around the rotunda...instead of feeling glad as to how oud dear mayor does the dirty work himself, i got pissed off instead...and not because i'm among those 'double-parkers' around the rotunda whenever i go out to but late-night snacks from mercury drug :lol:

it's because, i feel that he is not doing his job as mayor all too well...well, i used to be head over heels for him, but it seems that the passing of time made him, uhm, i daresay, dull...

if he is the brilliant mayor that the world proclaims him to be, then he should have come up with a plan to solve this 'fuente problem', instead of just going on with a so-called band-aid solution, that is arresting traffic violators...

why, if our city is as rich and debt free as he would want us to believe, then it wouldnt be too hard for him to say for example, excavate the rotunda which happens to be his namesake, and build an underground parking lot...hey, he could even add a retail level...that ought to put that property into good use...let's face it, people will always have the need to park in the vicinity of Fuente, considering that it's the heart of the city and all, but the problem is there are no parking lots...and so, as steward of the city, he ought to have come up with a solution to address this...

i dont know, but it seems like he is to entrenched in his rivalry with the lady sitting beneath that lovely domed building...or it seems that he's too busy expending all the city's resources into marketing his pet project, what else of course, but the SRP...which just recently, i'm starting to consider to be a bad idea...crazy as it may sound, but maybe with talks of global warming and all, reclaimed land doesnt count as prime property anymore...

damn it...if only he attended to the city's present needs before jumping into an ambitious plan for the future or instead of prioritizing the beautification of his palace, er, city hall...i even doubt if he has any idea as to what goes on right under his nose on the Fuente skywalks...does the phrase 'rugby boy' ring a bell? his rival may not be much of a 'force-majeure' politically, but at least even he had a plan of salvaging our rotting downtown...dont bother asking about my political leanings, i'm not even a registered voter, but my parents do pay taxes...

Mayor Osmeña is first and foremost the steward of this city and its people, and from the way i see it, i dont think he's doing a very good job, for now...


oh c'mon! if you were the mayor, i think the city will be messy. it sounds like you welcome the violators in your city. come to think of it, DISCIPLINE is the best tool of progress.

the mayor gave that task to the enforcers but the problem is they did not implement the law. so, whats wrong with what the mayor has done?

and with regards to the SRP issue, it is not a pet project. many did not understand really the future of that good investment by the city.

i have no problem with mayor tom apprehending parking violators personally but i agree with flesh_is_weak about the need for adequate parking at fuente. Hopefully the private sector can realize what a great business opportunity it is to put a multi-level carpark at fuente if it is indeed true that there is huge demand there for parking. About the SRP, it is a great project and i personally think that this will drive econonmic growth for cebu city in the future once the CBP-asiatown area gets fully developed.

i have no problem with mayor tom apprehending parking violators personally but i agree with flesh_is_weak about the need for adequate parking at fuente. Hopefully the private sector can realize what a great business opportunity it is to put a multi-level carpark at fuente if it is indeed true that there is huge demand there for parking. About the SRP, it is a great project and i personally think that this will drive econonmic growth for cebu city in the future once the CBP-asiatown area gets fully developed.

Yeah, the mayor obviously got pissed off and everyone knows he's probably the most arrogant mayor around, so his actuations didn't surprise me. And, more than a decade ago, I remember former mayor Alvin Garcia doing a similar stunt, somewhere in Mango Ave., when there was this traffic gridlock (can't remember why), and he had to get out of his car and act as a traffic enforcer, apprehending jeepneys and taxis unloading passengers at No Stopping Areas. Something similar also happened to former Mandaue City Mayor Ouano, during those rerouting exercises which ultimately ended up in a boxing match between him and a well-known and respected lawyer. hehehe..

But honestly, I think there's a need for a parking area in Fuente (reminds me of those nightmarish look-for-a-parking-space scenarios in Dubai), but even if a parking area will be provided, (say for example that Robinson's lot which is now used for a yet unknown project), the people will still look for a more convenient way, and will violate laws, double park, park anywhere obstructing the road, etc. hehehe.. It's quite sad, but Pinoys naturally want the easy way out. Ganahan jud ug sayon. We need discipline.

Yeah, the mayor obviously got pissed off and everyone knows he's probably the most arrogant mayor around, so his actuations didn't surprise me. And, more than a decade ago, I remember former mayor Alvin Garcia doing a similar stunt, somewhere in Mango Ave., when there was this traffic gridlock (can't remember why), and he had to get out of his car and act as a traffic enforcer, apprehending jeepneys and taxis unloading passengers at No Stopping Areas. Something similar also happened to former Mandaue City Mayor Ouano, during those rerouting exercises which ultimately ended up in a boxing match between him and a well-known and respected lawyer. hehehe..

But honestly, I think there's a need for a parking area in Fuente (reminds me of those nightmarish look-for-a-parking-space scenarios in Dubai), but even if a parking area will be provided, (say for example that Robinson's lot which is now used for a yet unknown project), the people will still look for a more convenient way, and will violate laws, double park, park anywhere obstructing the road, etc. hehehe.. It's quite sad, but Pinoys naturally want the easy way out. Ganahan jud ug sayon. We need discipline.

I am happy to Mayor Tom for the job well done. Keep up the good work. Cheers:banana:

^^the problem with mayor tom is the way he manage the city.

Major Expansion!


http://www.lrdchrd.com/images/poster_jobfair.gif

for more info, www.lrdchrd.com

More funds needed for Oslob church reconstruction

By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 13:04:00 06/09/2008

CEBU CITY, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said there is still no specific date for when the reconstruction of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Oslob town, south of Cebu, will be started with only less than P1 million in collections so far for the project.

“Aside from the parish collections, from the second collections and other fund raising activities like the benefit concert, we now have P700,000 plus,” the prelate told Cebu Daily News (CDN) on Thursday.

The Cardinal said he is still waiting for word from the engineers and architects that the archdiocese has consulted for the reconstruction of the church, which was razed by fire last March 26, 2008.

“We still have to be sure about the architecture and engineering (aspect) of the project before work can be started. We have to see if it (the church) is still strong enough to hold the roofing,” Vidal said.

However, conservation architect Melva Rodriguez-Java, a member of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission of the Cultural Heritage of the Church, said the amount collected so far was not enough to start the expensive reconstruction work on the 161-year-old church.

“It would cost us (to reconstruct the church) about P25,000 to P30,000 per square meter,” she told CDN, adding that she could not give an estimate as to the total cost of the entire project.

The church, which was about 64 meters long, 15 meters wide and nine meters high, was struck by fire three times since it was built.

The first was in 1942 when Filipino guerrillas burned down the church and only the walls and the columns, which were made of coral stones, were left of the church.

Based on the book “Angels in Stone” written by Father Pedro Galende, OSA, a second fire of unknown origin hit the church in 1955 that gutted the whole complex except for the masonry wall of both buildings.

The third time that the church was burned down was in March this year. Fire officials said the fire was caused by faulty wirings.

Architect Java, who gave a lecture on the Oslob church renovation on Thursday at the Cebu Cathedral Museum, said she and her students from the University of San Carlos College of Architecture were able to make drawings of the various designs of the doors and windows of the church.

She said that these patterns can be used as basis for the reconstruction work.

She added that there are “two very fragile things that survived the fire,” the high relief of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the flowers that can be found beside the walls of the church.

“The image (of the Virgin Mary) is carved in wood while the flowers that survived were right at the side of the wall (of the church) that got burned,” she said.

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


Copyright 2008 Cebu Daily News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20080609-141614/More-funds-needed-for-Oslob-church-reconstruction

Got a question:
How do you differentiate Tomas' management of the city with the previous mayors of Cebu City? Was it also an Osmeña that became the mayor during the "Ceboom Phenomenon" back in the 90's? How about the Garcias?

Sorry if I'm asking quite political. Thanks! :)

from Sunstar Daily Cebu
Fastfood opens 13th Cebu branch

BULLISH about Cebu’s growing economy and its receptive market, fastfood giant McDonald’s will open its 13th company-owned branch in Cebu on Friday.

This, as the international fastfood chain looks forward to the completion of the renovation of the outlets in JY Square in Lahug, Cebu City and in South Road as well as the opening of another branch in Iligan City by August.

The 13th McDonald’s branch in Cebu is a tenant of Asiatown IT Park’s retail and entertainment complex, The Walk, and specifically caters to employees in the neighboring business process outsourcing companies.

With a seating capacity of more than 200 customers, the 24/7 fastfood store will be managed by 72 crew members and 10 managers.

Operations consultant Aaron Castro explained that they have witnessed and studied the receptiveness of the Cebuanos towards their products and services.

“We have a brand that is McDonald’s. (Through) our brand, we are able to protect our customers by ensuring that their visit to our store is worthwhile. They love our outstanding service and on-time delivery, which are among the strengths of our company,” he said in a news conference yesterday.

McDonald’s-IT Park restaurant manager Benjamin Picson added that they strictly observe international food safety practices and have always been consistent with their product line.

In fact, they produce their own ice for their cold products and require their kitchen crew to sanitize their hands every 30 minutes, using the company’s own soap.

Owing to the market’s receptiveness, the company opened three stores within the year--McDonald’s-Sykes last July, McDonald’s-Escario last September and McDonald’s-Tabunok last March.

McDonald’s-IT Park, with its traditional company design and drive-through service, will be its fourth new store. The company devoted roughly P30 million for the putting up of the newest branch.

Proximity

Castro said that the park is a booming area and its branch there may attract the customers of McDonald’s-JY Square because of the proximity. But the company is confident of the Cebu market, stressing that McDonald’s-IT Park has a niche market that includes professionals, transients and teenagers.

Picson said they are also expecting a lot of walk-in deliveries for nearby companies.

To sustain customer presence, he and his staff will form an initial 20-member McCoffee Club assigned for particular days to provide call center employees a “break” from work.

The management will organize learning activities, table competitions and parties for these clubs.

Got a question:
How do you differentiate Tomas' management of the city with the previous mayors of Cebu City? Was it also an Osmeña that became the mayor during the "Ceboom Phenomenon" back in the 90's? How about the Garcias?

Sorry if I'm asking quite political. Thanks! :)

Mayor Tom did well in managing the city. During his previous terms, traffic lights was installed, in fact the Cebu City Gov't helped the installation of the traffic lights in Davao City.

Economically, he did well. to many to enumerate. SRP is one of his biggest achievement, although the impact cannot be recognized today. i know he has a lot of critics, but if we dig deeper, we can say that he is a good administrator.

he's strict, arrogant but he's also a good disciplinarian.

stikto pero naa sa lugar.

Tommy Osmena is an asshole, plain and simple. An arrogant, self-centered asshole.

city night pics by @kenntan of flickr!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2569719548_5c26d6c947.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2568897397_08a394323c.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2569722536_6576c3d1b3.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2569724828_f8cb3be154.jpg

Tommy Osmena is an asshole, plain and simple. An arrogant, self-centered asshole.


hey...be careful on what you're saying...you must be grateful that cebu city is helping you to bring food on your table...

hey...be careful on what you're saying...you must be grateful that cebu city is helping you to bring food on your table...

Bai Ron, I believe he can say whatever he wants to stay regarding Tomas. Not all likes Tomas. But again, it would be the public that would be the judge over his administration. I've seen some rantings against Ouano of Mandaue here before, and at most Radaza.

After all, these public servants should serve us, as mandated by the people. :)

^^ it would have been okay if it was a constructive criticism...this is not a "hate thread" or better he/she joins a fight club to express his anger....

^^ Anyway, as long as Tomas is handling the city good, then thats fine. We can't please all people anyway. :)

Maybe they simple love Alvin Garcia as mayor. Let's respect them. Cebuanos love TOMMY OSMEÑA thats why he is our undefeated mayor of our Booming City of Cebu.

^^ your right! GO MAYOR TOM! he maybe arrogant but he is definitely the best Cebu has... pick up your stones na cebuanos!

^^ako suporta sad ko ni mayor tom. I mean there are aspects of his personality that I dont like, his arrogance and stubbornness and his vindictive nature in particular. Pero even I can't deny that he has also done some wonderful things for our city.

oh my God, what's wrong with me? i re-read my my post...and wow...ang daming grammatical errors :lol:

as for my views naman, from an ordinary person's point of view, it's that i feel as if Tomas could do more, being the brilliant person that he is (no sarcasm intended)

by the way, i must say that i took offense from the post regarding me 'welcoming traffic violators' you obviously misread me (or was my post constructed poorly? :lol:) since what i criticized about the mayor's action was that his 'solution' for the traffic problem was merely arresting those violators...

people who break the law are like grass, you cut them down (apprehend them) and more grow back sooner than you might think...but if you pave in your lawn, then there would be no chance for the grass to grow back...

now, double parking in Osmeña Circle is a problem, yet it is also a sign of a bigger problem, and that is, as what my friend @jrevalde pointed out, the lack of decent parking spaces in the area...and so instead of a 'band-aid' solution to the problem, which is apprehending the violators, the mayor, as manager of the city, ought to come up with a long term solution...and yeah, your DISCIPLINE solution would work...(and i guess so would be my suggestion of an underground parkade :lol: )

although i must admit that i got a bit off-track regarding the SRP issue...hey, i'm just a concerned citizen, worried why our city's 'economic miracle' remains empty to this day...oh well, must be about the mayor being choosy about locators and all...but at least a press-release every week or so on the progress of negotiations between the city and investors would bring me relief...

i rest my case :)

Tommy Osmena is an asshole, plain and simple. An arrogant, self-centered asshole.

And you sir, are a fucking dumb-ass. Now how does that feel? :cheers:

^^ Bai, cool sa mo, hehe!! :cheers: Well, thats how we live in a democratic world. Basta, exercise your right to vote. And I think Cebuanos of Cebu City have confidence with Tomas. :)

By the way, who's next in line after Tomas? Will it be Rama?

oh my God, what's wrong with me? i re-read my my post...and wow...ang daming grammatical errors :lol:

as for my views naman, from an ordinary person's point of view, it's that i feel as if Tomas could do more, being the brilliant person that he is (no sarcasm intended)

by the way, i must say that i took offense from the post regarding me 'welcoming traffic violators' you obviously misread me (or was my post constructed poorly? :lol:) since what i criticized about the mayor's action was that his 'solution' for the traffic problem was merely arresting those violators...

people who break the law are like grass, you cut them down (apprehend them) and more grow back sooner than you might think...but if you pave in your lawn, then there would be no chance for the grass to grow back...

now, double parking in Osmeña Circle is a problem, yet it is also a sign of a bigger problem, and that is, as what my friend @jrevalde pointed out, the lack of decent parking spaces in the area...and so instead of a 'band-aid' solution to the problem, which is apprehending the violators, the mayor, as manager of the city, ought to come up with a long term solution...and yeah, your DISCIPLINE solution would work...(and i guess so would be my suggestion of an underground parkade :lol: )

although i must admit that i got a bit off-track regarding the SRP issue...hey, i'm just a concerned citizen, worried why our city's 'economic miracle' remains empty to this day...oh well, must be about the mayor being choosy about locators and all...but at least a press-release every week or so on the progress of negotiations between the city and investors would bring me relief...

i rest my case :)

You have a valid concerned regarding the SRP just like joel garganera however all companies/corporations negotiating with the City Government are in final stage of negotiations. Lets just wait for the proper announcement of both parties involved. A corporation is subject for the SEC rules and regulations in disclosing the companies planned development in SRP.

^^ Bai, cool sa mo, hehe!! :cheers: Well, thats how we live in a democratic world. Basta, exercise your right to vote. And I think Cebuanos of Cebu City have confidence with Tomas. :)

By the way, who's next in line after Tomas? Will it be Rama?

Discipline and rule of law are nice words if the citizens are also provided with good governance (financial health, strong infrastructure, business friendly, etc.) , adequate social services (education, health care, public housing, etc.), fairness and justice, and not too much politicking and self-propaganda. By these indicators mayor osmena has mostly failed. imo lang po, world peace!

Tommy Osmena is an asshole, plain and simple. An arrogant, self-centered asshole.

With what you said, you are also saying what his wife said in the ZEE magazine interview last 2006. Margot said that she cannot deny that her husband Mayor Tom is arrogant, but that is because Mayor Tom is elected not to please bitter coffee bean like you nor to please sweet dried mangoes like Cebuanos. According to her wife, Mayor Tom is elected to perform a duty according to his beliefs, principles and ideals.

I voted Mayor Tom in the last 2006 election based on what Bobby Nalvaro said, Mayor Tom is arrogant but he will still vote for this arrogant mayor because he is the only one who knows well how to manage Cebu City's debts, population, basic services and other urban problems.

See! Even the man who hated the mayor so much still voted for Mayor Tom.

I vote public servants based on performance and not on attitudes!

Now, let me ask you! Does your coffee have an attitude and performance? If so! Then let me see you Coffee perform infront of me and let me tell if you are a bitter or better tasting Coffee! :lol:hahahaha...Gotcha!

Discipline and rule of law are nice words if the citizens are also provided with good governance (financial health, strong infrastructure, business friendly, etc.) , adequate social services (education, health care, public housing, etc.), fairness and justice, and not too much politicking and self-propaganda. By these indicators mayor osmena has mostly failed. imo lang po, world peace!

Can you be specific? (financial health, strong infrastructure, business friendly, etc.) , adequate social services (education, health care, public housing, etc.), fairness and justice, and not too much politicking and self-propaganda). Can you justify if Mayor Osmeña really FAILED?:ohno:

i voted for tom too... i like him... i dont mind him being arrogant.. i think there are times that arrogant mayors are better because they are firm, they have strong personality, and they know what they want and can get it...

i dont want to name names but i'd prefer tommy over soc fernandez of talisay... soc is kind, soft spoken, and good natured but i am not that confident in his leadership in talisay... just my opinion.

Can you be specific? (financial health, strong infrastructure, business friendly, etc.) , adequate social services (education, health care, public housing, etc.), fairness and justice, and not too much politicking and self-propaganda). Can you justify if Mayor Osmeña really FAILED?:ohno:

1. loans incurred by the city, (mainly srp), he has been saying there are buyers, who?, when?. in the meantime, a big portion of the city budget goes to debt servicing, to the detriment of basic services
2. poor infrastructure, lack of drainage, narrow roads, inadequate communication service for emergencies, stinking markets, garbage
3. no city initiated higher educational programs, even skills training. other smaller and "poorer' cities have city colleges and universities" for their poor citizens. he even talked of taxing educational institutions!
4. no decent city hospital. the city medical center in a big joke. he keeps on blaming other people for its state, but as mayor the buck should stop at his office (again, smaller and poorer cities have new, and modern and functioning hospitals).
5. no visible program for street children, beggars, prostitutes that roam around the city.
5. no action against pirated dvds, porno materials that clutter the city sidewalks
6. no sustainable program for the thousands of squatters in the city. instead of having a clear policy of getting rid of slums in the city (and properly relocating or improving their areas) , he protects squatters and in process abetting their illegal activity (especially of they occupy land owned by the province (under his nemesis)
7. the public market reconstruction remains unfinished and he keeps blaming everybody else but him
8. the downtown area is as ugly as ever. it is also a very dangerous place. all efforts to rehabilitate it have not been sustained.
9. whatever economic strides cebu has done (and there are), it is because of private initiative (not because, but despite, of him)

BIGGER! BETTER!

STARBUCKS LEISURE OF OASIS, AYALA CENTER CEBU.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3369.jpg

1. loans incurred by the city, (mainly srp), he has been saying there are buyers, who?, when?. in the meantime, a big portion of the city budget goes to debt servicing, to the detriment of basic services
2. poor infrastructure, lack of drainage, narrow roads, inadequate communication service for emergencies, stinking markets, garbage
3. no city initiated higher educational programs, even skills training. other smaller and "poorer' city have city colleges and universities" for their poor citizens. he even talked of taxing educational institutions!
4. no decent city hospital. the city medical center in a big joke. he keeps on blaming other people for its state, but as mayor the buck stops in his office (again, smaller and poorer cities have new, and modern and functioning hospitals).
5. no visible program for street children, beggars, prostitutes that roam around the city.
5. no action against dvd pirates, porno materials that clutter the city sidewalks
6. no sustainable program for the thousands of squatters in the city. instead of having a clear policy of getting rid of slums in the city (and properly relocating or improving their areas) , he protects squatters and in process abetting their illegal activity (especially of they occupy land owned by the province (under his nemesis)
7. the public market reconstruction remains unfinished and he keeps blaming everybody else but him
8. the downtown area is as ugly as ever. it is also a very dangerous place. all efforts to rehabilitate it has not been sustained.
9. whatever economic strides cebu has done (and there are), it is because of private initiative (not because, but despite, of him)

Thanks but no thanks! Indeed you really don't know what you are talking about. Same question raised by the opposition to the City Government.

^ Point # 8. Downtown in now cleaner (well if ugliness in your statement refers to cleanliness) and now safer than before. I've seen it myself.

Thanks but no thanks! Indeed you really don't know what you are talking about. Same question raised by the opposition to the City Government.

you asked me to be specific, and this is all you can say?

i rest my case.

BIGGER! BETTER!

STARBUCKS LEISURE OF OASIS, AYALA CENTER CEBU.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3369.jpg

Thanks for the update. Wow, nisamot ka gwapa ang Starbucks sa ACC. Murag hapit na gyud muabli ang Leisure Oasis dah. :okay:

Btw, kabantay mo anang Entertainment Center sa ACC? Nawala lagi ang Hap Japs kay gibungkag. Isumpay kaha ni sa Leisure Oasis?

point # 5.. dili diay ma consider ang operation second chance ni margot ani? hehe:)

Sayang di ko kita sa pic.. Ngita-an nako paagi. ;)

BIGGER! BETTER!

STARBUCKS LEISURE OF OASIS, AYALA CENTER CEBU.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3369.jpg

Point # 5. Pirated DVD... Unsa na city sa Pinas ang walay pirated DVD's gibaligya kay maayo ila Mayor mu fight???

Sayang di ko kita sa pic.. Ngita-an nako paagi. ;)

Blocked ang Photobucket diha?

Anyway, ako gitransload sa Imageshack. Tell me if you still can't see it.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/91/1003369nt8.jpg

Dili gyapon nako ma view.. Kadjot lang ako storyahon amo IT manager.

Blocked ang Photobucket diha?

Anyway, ako gitransload sa Imageshack. Tell me if you still can't see it.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/91/1003369nt8.jpg

Point # 5. Pirated DVD... Unsa na city sa Pinas ang walay pirated DVD's gibaligya kay maayo ila Mayor mu fight???

it is not an excuse. an illegal activity is an illegal activity. at any rate, mas rampant sa cebu, at in the open pa. sa ibang lugar, sabihan ka lang patago ng dibidi,dibidi. :) :):)

anyway, my consolation is cebu is growing economically inspite of him.

^ Oh you said it right.. But limme rephrase it.. 'Cebu is growing economically because of him'. :)

Mayor Tom did well in managing the city. During his previous terms, traffic lights was installed, in fact the Cebu City Gov't helped the installation of the traffic lights in Davao City.

Economically, he did well. to many to enumerate. SRP is one of his biggest achievement, although the impact cannot be recognized today. i know he has a lot of critics, but if we dig deeper, we can say that he is a good administrator.

he's strict, arrogant but he's also a good disciplinarian.

stikto pero naa sa lugar.


SRP started I think during the time of Mayor Alvin Garcia.

I think It was also Mayor Garcia who proposed the tunnel beneath Fort San PEdro but I'm not sure because as far as I remember the original plan then was a skyway that will cross Plaza Independencia..


..

it is not an excuse. an illegal activity is an illegal activity. at any rate, mas rampant sa cebu, at in the open pa. sa ibang lugar, sabihan ka lang patago ng dibidi,dibidi. :) :):)

anyway, my consolation is cebu is growing economically inspite of him.

maayo unta ug muanhi si edu para wagtang silang tanan..

anyway, u r not from cebu aight?

SRP started I think during the time of Mayor Alvin Garcia.

I think It was also Mayor Garcia who proposed the tunnel beneath Fort San PEdro but I'm not sure because as far as I remember the original plan then was a skyway that will cross Plaza Independencia..


..

Eeew, I cannot imagine a huge ugly concrete monster passing over a historical landmark.

maayo unta ug muanhi si edu para wagtang silang tanan..

anyway, u r not from cebu aight?

Bitaw, mao bitaw na nga wala nay pirated stuff sa ubang malls sa Metro Manila kay giraid na ni Edu. Maayo untag muanhi si Edu or if not, dapat naay presence ang optical media board nationwide, dili lang sa Manila. :)

maayo unta ug muanhi si edu para wagtang silang tanan..

anyway, u r not from cebu aight?

i am from cebu but my work brings me to different places.

5. no visible program for street children, beggars, prostitutes that roam around the city.

Unicef to make Cebu City streetkids’ program a model
By Linette C. Ramos
Sun.Star Staff Reporter

Impressed with Cebu City’s initiatives for street children and minor offenders, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) wants to make the City’s program for children a model not only for other provinces but for other Asian countries as well.

Unicef officials found remarkable the coordination between the City Government and a network of nongovernment organizations working together for the cause of children in the city.

Colin Davis, Unicef senior programme officer, said they are impressed with the achievements of the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (CCTFSC), particularly its non-formal education and health services for street kids.

“Very good”

With 20 years of experience in taking care of out-of-school youth, street children, children in conflict with the law and abused children, Davis believes CCTFSC has a lot of successful projects that other local government units can learn from.

“They’re all very good, very well established and very focused on their cause. It’s about the only one I’ve seen that’s gone a little step further to provide other services like Internet access to street children. It’s this going an extra mile, going one step ahead of the others that makes them different and interesting,” Davis told reporters yesterday.

Davis specifically lauded the task force’s barangay-based diversion program for minor offenders and the dynamic leadership in Cebu City in the area of programs for children.

Unicef and Canadian International Development Agency (Cida) officials were in Cebu yesterday to monitor the initial results of the implementation of the Sixth Country Program for Children (CPC 6).

Some components of the City’s program for children receive an annual funding of close to P9.3 million from the two agencies.

Lawyer Aleberto Muyot of the Unicef’s children’s justice committee said local government units are not the only ones interested to learn from Cebu City’s experience.

Ideas

In the past three years, various government agencies and NGOs from Mongolia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China have been coming to Cebu and have been coordinating with Unicef to learn more about the programs of the task force and the City Government, he said.

“Most of the time, we do not just sell the program for children here as the Cebu City model. We’re selling the ideas and the program as model for Unicef,” Muyot said.

At the Pari-an Drop in Center yesterday morning, CCTFSC co-chairperson Margot Osmeña briefed the officials on the success of the projects of the task force, which they got to see during a tour.

The officials had a chance to interact with some 40 street children at the drop-in center and visited the pre-natal and breastfeeding center at the Pasil health center.

They also visited about 100 children in conflict with the law at the Operation Second Chance, the first jail facility for minors in the country.

Davis was also impressed with the task force’s mobile school, which allows some 500 community-based street children to attend informal classes.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve seen. These are just some of the projects we want to take to other cities and provinces.
We’re trying to look at what Cebu City has achieved and see if we can replicate their services in other provinces and cities,” Davis said.

Despite their successful programs, Osmeña admits a lot still has to be done for the children and some government agencies. For example, the police still needs further training on how to deal with minor offenders.

Aside from programs for children, Cida country program manager Robert Patzer said they also want to focus more on preparing the youth for employment, “so they can take advantage of better job opportunities in the future.”

Cida is working on private sector development projects in Cebu and other provinces that are also seen to help bring about more employment opportunities for the youth.


HERE (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2006/04/28/news/unicef.to.make.cebu.city.streetkids.program.a.model.html)

2. poor infrastructure, lack of drainage, narrow roads, inadequate communication service for emergencies, stinking markets, garbage

GALING POOK FOUNDATION
a tribute to innovation and excellence in local governance
Providing Emergency Medical Service

Cebu City 1995 - Trailblazing Health Programs and Services

The Emergency Medical Service of Cebu City addressed the need of city residents and neighboring towns for professional response to medical and rescue emergencies. It provided free emergency medical treatment and transport of patients to various hospitals in the city. It also functioned as a training arm of Cebu City in first aid and basic life support, disaster preparedness and response, and safety promotion activities. It organized the disaster brigades in all barangays.

The emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), a partner NGO of the city of Cebu, runs this program. It consists of fully trained paramedics, doctors and other health practitioners with state of the art life-saving apparatus and fully equipped ambulances and trauma vans.

For the past four years, program volunteers has provided free-hospital transport and rescue services to more than 5,000 patients resulting in reduced mortality rate, early period of recovery, and shortened period of hospital confinement.

HERE (http://www.galingpook.org/awardees/1995/1995_health_cebu.htm)

Unicef to make Cebu City streetkids’ program a model
By Linette C. Ramos
Sun.Star Staff Reporter

Impressed with Cebu City’s initiatives for street children and minor offenders, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) wants to make the City’s program for children a model not only for other provinces but for other Asian countries as well.

Unicef officials found remarkable the coordination between the City Government and a network of nongovernment organizations working together for the cause of children in the city.

Colin Davis, Unicef senior programme officer, said they are impressed with the achievements of the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (CCTFSC), particularly its non-formal education and health services for street kids.

“Very good”

With 20 years of experience in taking care of out-of-school youth, street children, children in conflict with the law and abused children, Davis believes CCTFSC has a lot of successful projects that other local government units can learn from.

“They’re all very good, very well established and very focused on their cause. It’s about the only one I’ve seen that’s gone a little step further to provide other services like Internet access to street children. It’s this going an extra mile, going one step ahead of the others that makes them different and interesting,” Davis told reporters yesterday.

Davis specifically lauded the task force’s barangay-based diversion program for minor offenders and the dynamic leadership in Cebu City in the area of programs for children.

Unicef and Canadian International Development Agency (Cida) officials were in Cebu yesterday to monitor the initial results of the implementation of the Sixth Country Program for Children (CPC 6).

Some components of the City’s program for children receive an annual funding of close to P9.3 million from the two agencies.

Lawyer Aleberto Muyot of the Unicef’s children’s justice committee said local government units are not the only ones interested to learn from Cebu City’s experience.

Ideas

In the past three years, various government agencies and NGOs from Mongolia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China have been coming to Cebu and have been coordinating with Unicef to learn more about the programs of the task force and the City Government, he said.

“Most of the time, we do not just sell the program for children here as the Cebu City model. We’re selling the ideas and the program as model for Unicef,” Muyot said.

At the Pari-an Drop in Center yesterday morning, CCTFSC co-chairperson Margot Osmeña briefed the officials on the success of the projects of the task force, which they got to see during a tour.

The officials had a chance to interact with some 40 street children at the drop-in center and visited the pre-natal and breastfeeding center at the Pasil health center.

They also visited about 100 children in conflict with the law at the Operation Second Chance, the first jail facility for minors in the country.

Davis was also impressed with the task force’s mobile school, which allows some 500 community-based street children to attend informal classes.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve seen. These are just some of the projects we want to take to other cities and provinces.
We’re trying to look at what Cebu City has achieved and see if we can replicate their services in other provinces and cities,” Davis said.

Despite their successful programs, Osmeña admits a lot still has to be done for the children and some government agencies. For example, the police still needs further training on how to deal with minor offenders.

Aside from programs for children, Cida country program manager Robert Patzer said they also want to focus more on preparing the youth for employment, “so they can take advantage of better job opportunities in the future.”

Cida is working on private sector development projects in Cebu and other provinces that are also seen to help bring about more employment opportunities for the youth.


HERE (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2006/04/28/news/unicef.to.make.cebu.city.streetkids.program.a.model.html)

these are good press releases, and maybe there are some initiative, but the bottom line is what you actually see. why are still there so many street children roaming around the city? why are there so many of them sleeping on sidewalks at nighttime? nobody can deny these sights, and they always point to the kind of governance the officials have.

there are no instant solutions, but a chief executive like a mayor has a lot of power and resources in his hands.

peace!

these are good press releases, and maybe there are some initiative, but the bottom line is what you actually see. why are still there so many street children roaming around the city? why are there so many of them sleeping on sidewalks at nighttime? nobody can deny these sights, and they always point to the kind of governance the officials have.

there are no instant solutions, but a chief executive like a mayor has a lot of power and resources in his hands.

peace!

these streetchildren are not from cebu.. di na nako isulti kung asa sila nag-gikan sa kung asa dapita, basta im sure that these streetchildren are not cebuano streetchildren..

luoy pud bya ni sila..

whew! lamia sa inyong mga arguments oi. pero di ta magdaug ana kay wa gyuy pinoy magpapilde hehehe... pero naa sad koy akong opinyon oi.
bilib gyud ko ni mayor tom bisan unsa pay opinyon sa uban! kapoy kay nang magpa-feeling sweto ta pero wa tay agi!!

still there so many street children roaming around the city? why are there so many of them sleeping on sidewalks at nighttime?

that would be paradise my friend!

there are no instant solutions, peace!

then what are you whining about? these government initiative is not an instant solution, and as you said, THERE ARE NO INSTANT SOLUTION but at least cebu's local government is doing something. something that can even be replicated in other cities not just in the philippines but in other SEA nations.

whew! lamia sa inyong mga arguments oi. pero di ta magdaug ana kay wa gyuy pinoy magpapilde hehehe... pero naa sad koy akong opinyon oi.
bilib gyud ko ni mayor tom bisan unsa pay opinyon sa uban! kapoy kay nang magpa-feeling sweto ta pero wa tay agi!!

as citizens and as taxpayers, we have the right to expect good service from our officials, whether local or national. they are, after all, public servants. or has this phrase already lost its meaning?

in the meantime, we do what we can do as private citizens.

^^

Daghan projects ni Mayor Garcia na gipahunong ni Tomas simply because of "dumot" that's why maka-ingon ta nga maayo si Tomas compared ni Garcia kay halos tanan projects naa ron kay Tomas naman.. Iya naman gipangpapas ang mga projects nga dili iyaha.


//

i hate to compare cebu city from other cities, but in spite of the debt-servicing of cebu, cebu is still better-off than other major urban centers. investments keep on pouring in (in volumes that are miles away from other "financially fluid" major urban centers). true, "as citizens and as taxpayers, we have the right to expect good service from our officials" but not to the extent of paranoia and hallucination. because there is "no instant solution" and we cant solve it if we just keep on whining and wish for a magic wand to solve these problems overnight. cebu is growing not because of a single person but because of the initiative of the private citizens... the cebuanos.

^^

Sakto jud that's why Tomas should patch up with his "enemies" -- especially with the Province -- for the betterment of Cebu.

In my opinion, his quarrel with the province is bringing the city down.


//

So much about Mayor Tom guys!

He is out of the city hall by 2010, whether he likes it or not. I think it is better if we focus our attention to Cebu City's future with the possible and most likely the new Mayor, Mike Rama.

I tried my best to think of Mike Rama's asset, but sad to say! I can't think of any!

I know that he is a lawyer but the City needs an administrator or a manager or a banker like Tomas.

Alvin Garcia is a lawyer, but what he did during his terms? 6 months suspension and a series of ombudsman cases that he did not escape.

I'll give Mike Rama my vote for the his first term, and then I'll take it from there.

as citizens and as taxpayers, we have the right to expect good service from our officials, whether local or national. they are, after all, public servants. or has this phrase already lost its meaning?

in the meantime, we do what we can do as private citizens.

yes you're absolutely right. but a running a city as urbanized as cebu is not as easy as wiping the dirts off your shoe. i'm a taxpayer myself man but i appreciate what he's done. although there is still much to be done,let us hope they do their job well.

well, IMO, mayor garcia won as mayor before because he is the predecessor of tom until everything turn sour between them.

anyway, i learned that part of Landco's development is a mall to be surrounded by bpo/commercial buildings up there in the mountains. although this will not happen yet at least until 2011.

Originally Posted by papable View Post
these are good press releases, and maybe there are some initiative, but the bottom line is what you actually see. why are still there so many street children roaming around the city? why are there so many of them sleeping on sidewalks at nighttime? nobody can deny these sights, and they always point to the kind of governance the officials have.

there are no instant solutions, but a chief executive like a mayor has a lot of power and resources in his hands.

peace!

The City Government should address the problem on the growing number of street children and vagrants. They're almost everywhere sniffing a bottle of solvent. If you ask me, these people will turn out to be criminals in the future.

When it comes to politicians, I'm rather ambiguous. I TRY to love all of them despite their flaws. I acknowledge their achievements as well as their failures. No politician is perfect. I have since lost some faith in the government ever since the ERAP regime, but that's no reason to hate everyone in the government. I don't love Tomas, neither do I hate him. His weakness lie in his attitude and not in his power to govern. I myself am witness to improvements in the city. I'm affiliated with an NGO dedicated to providing medical services to the needy, and despite the increase in dengue cases, medical services have reached more people in Cebu City than in Mandaue or Lapu-lapu city, and we have figures to prove it.

Anyway, Cebu City is lucky to have good leaders. Mayor Alvin Garcia was a good mayor I have to admit. Cebu City underwent significant changes under his term despite issues and controversies. Besides, no politician is immune from allegations, criticism, and controversies. You can't please everyone.

Unicef to make Cebu City streetkids’ program a model
By Linette C. Ramos Sun.Star Staff Reporter

GALING POOK FOUNDATION a tribute to innovation and excellence in local governance Providing Emergency Medical Service
Cebu City 1995 - Trailblazing Health Programs and Services


these are good press releases.......
there are no instant solutions, but a chief executive like a mayor has a lot of power and resources in his hands.
peace!

Honesty of Cebu City.
FINANCIAL REPORT of CEBU CITY
http://203.177.42.139/Index.php?pageno=23
Give us another city in the world that reports full financial disclosure.
a sample w/out downloading:
http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:EVK8F4F9s5oJ:www.cebucity.gov.ph/Downloads/Transparency/100.pdf+Downloads/Transparency/100.pdf&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

The City Government should address the problem on the growing number of street children and vagrants. They're almost everywhere sniffing a bottle of solvent. If you ask me, these people will turn out to be criminals in the future.

Ah yes, this has to be addressed soon. But looking back at my travels, this kind of problem is really hard to eliminate. Imagine my shock, when during my trip to Paris, our van was ambushed by children beggars!! And no less than in La Defense, the financial district with all those skyscrapers! We asked our guide, and he said, this has been a problem for years mostly because they were not Parisians, but from nearby towns where unemployment rates are surprisingly high. And that's from a developed country! I have yet to see a city successfully solve this problem. Even Singapore has beggars and vagrants! (Again, to my surprise) But really, the majority of street children and beggars are Badjaos, and not native Cebuanos.

1. loans incurred by the city, (mainly srp), he has been saying there are buyers, who?, when?. in the meantime, a big portion of the city budget goes to debt servicing, to the detriment of basic services
2. poor infrastructure, lack of drainage, narrow roads, inadequate communication service for emergencies, stinking markets, garbage
3. no city initiated higher educational programs, even skills training. other smaller and "poorer' cities have city colleges and universities" for their poor citizens. he even talked of taxing educational institutions!
4. no decent city hospital. the city medical center in a big joke. he keeps on blaming other people for its state, but as mayor the buck should stop at his office (again, smaller and poorer cities have new, and modern and functioning hospitals).
5. no visible program for street children, beggars, prostitutes that roam around the city.
5. no action against pirated dvds, porno materials that clutter the city sidewalks
6. no sustainable program for the thousands of squatters in the city. instead of having a clear policy of getting rid of slums in the city (and properly relocating or improving their areas) , he protects squatters and in process abetting their illegal activity (especially of they occupy land owned by the province (under his nemesis)
7. the public market reconstruction remains unfinished and he keeps blaming everybody else but him
8. the downtown area is as ugly as ever. it is also a very dangerous place. all efforts to rehabilitate it have not been sustained.
9. whatever economic strides cebu has done (and there are), it is because of private initiative (not because, but despite, of him)



just one thing, asa man nga syudad ba ang wala ani tanan??? kay ato tagaan ug plake ang mayor...

ato padaganon ug presidente kay as far as my radar could reach, way syudad dre sa pilipinas nga naperpekto ug natubag ang imong mga rants accordingly to what exactly u want...:ohno:

anyway, i learned that part of Landco's development is a mall to be surrounded by bpo/commercial buildings up there in the mountains. although this will not happen yet at least until 2011.

So will Landco continue their destructive practices despite the growing evidence that such projects will cause landslides and floods in the lowlands?? I'm all for development, but I hope they find ways to limit the destruction, and bulldozing of mountains. I've always marveled at Cebu's discrete nonobtrusive low-rise skyline against the backdrop of majestic mountains, but now those bald areas are an eyesore.

Ah yes, this has to be addressed soon. But looking back at my travels, this kind of problem is really hard to eliminate. Imagine my shock, when during my trip to Paris, our van was ambushed by children beggars!! And no less than in La Defense, the financial district with all those skyscrapers! We asked our guide, and he said, this has been a problem for years mostly because they were not Parisians, but from nearby towns where unemployment rates are surprisingly high. And that's from a developed country! I have yet to see a city successfully solve this problem. Even Singapore has beggars and vagrants! (Again, to my surprise) But really, the majority of street children and beggars are Badjaos, and not native Cebuanos.



i think there's some people backing up these badjaos...u know those typical in drama series na naay mga syndikato and all. i even saw ones sa our lady of the rule na church sa lapu lapu, naay woman naa sya mga baligya na religious stuff then at the same time nasakpan nako sya nga iyang gpwesto ang usa ka buta na babae somwer sa kilid sa entrance. she was a bit hostile sa buta kay iya singgitan nga ipataron ang iyang kanta (nagkanta man tong buta)...nya permi nyang bantayan...darn na change ao outook ato nila, since then i never give to those na mangau ug alms sa streets especially diha sa may mabolo area o daghan kaau. bahala na ug d ko muhatag i know in the long run sila ra man sad mubenefit ana. maypa idonat na lang na nako sa world vision akong ilimos naks..;p

unsa kaha no kung ma-federal na ang form sa goverment, mangayo ta ug status na parehas sa Quebec para maka-buot ta kung kinsa ang pwede mo-puyo sa atong state? nindot kaayo kay ang mga beggars na badjao, ang mga hold-upper ug snatcher na dayo, dili maka-sayon-sayon ug puyo dinhi sa Cebu...

i'm not intolerant, neither am i a religious bigot, but there's actually this small muslim settlement near our place that's giving the area a bad reputation, since some of those muslims living in the area are engaging in illegal and gang activities...

^^ bai, read this news article about Mayor Tom....here:



**********

Osmeña apprehends cabbies at Fuente for illegal parking (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080610165)
Philstar Online
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña personally apprehended yesterday some illegally parked taxicabs and private cars, including the vehicle of the ABS-CBN dyAB news team, along the Fuente Rotunda in front of the Rajah Hotel.

The mayor, together with his son, Miguel, passed by the area around midnight yesterday and upon seeing the situation, he disembarked from his vehicle and started apprehending the vehicles for illegal parking.

“It was by chance niagi ko. Sobra ra man sab. Dili lang triple parking, sobra ra gyod dili na lang sila mopatuo sa traffic laws,” Osmeña said.

Drivers of around 10 taxi units and private vehicles were issued citation tickets.

Even the dyAB news crew which was covering the apprehension was apprehended by traffic enforcers.

“Wa tay mahimo ana unsaon man naapil man gyod. Pero kadali ra man unta to ni-park, igo ra man ko gi-drop sa driver,” said dyAB reporter Dave Tumulak, barangay captain of Basak Pardo.

The mayor, who stayed for a while in front of the hotel, expressed his disappointment over violations to the “no double parking rule.”

“There is a problem in the implementation of our traffic laws here. It seems natural lang sa mga drivers ang mo-violate sa traffic laws dinhi,” Osmeña said.

However, traffic officer SPO2 Breman Budiongan explained that they have been campaigning for drivers to observe the “no double parking” along Fuente Rotunda. He said they even had an operation in the area two hours before the mayor came.

“Dili man lang ang Fuente Rotunda ang atong gi-monitor god, naa pa ma’y Colon area. Kun dunay operation sa Fuente, mag-fiesta sab ang mga PUJ ug taxi sa Colon, and vice versa,” Budiongan said. - Ramil Ayuman/MEEV

similar tactic to gloria arroyo...maybe PR lang to for mayor tom...or purely coincidental lang jud na milabay sya and he saw the whole thing and nabadtrip sya. we dont really know....basta the good thing, na apprehend ang mga dapat iapprehend.

So will Landco continue their destructive practices despite the growing evidence that such projects will cause landslides and floods in the lowlands?? I'm all for development, but I hope they find ways to limit the destruction, and bulldozing of mountains. I've always marveled at Cebu's discrete nonobtrusive low-rise skyline against the backdrop of majestic mountains, but now those bald areas are an eyesore.

same here...

and i refuse to believe their propaganda as to how 'environment friendly' their modern methods of developing are...it's still the same...destroying Cebu's majestic mountains and natural scenery to make way for a capricious and elitist development...i would have appreciated it if they teamed up with the local government and terra-formed the area to make it suitable for farming, then moved all the squatters dwelling in the city up there for them to live (for a minimal fee of course) and farm up there :lol:

if i remember it right, it was posted here before that it was the nouveau riche of the 40's that 'developed' parts of uptown Cebu, and are to be blamed for the haphazard lay-out of the area...now, this generation's nouveau riche are committing a much more heinous crime, destroying Cebu's natural crown to give way for an artificial one

unsa kaha no kung ma-federal na ang form sa goverment, mangayo ta ug status na parehas sa Quebec para maka-buot ta kung kinsa ang pwede mo-puyo sa atong state? nindot kaayo kay ang mga beggars na badjao, ang mga hold-upper ug snatcher na dayo, dili maka-sayon-sayon ug puyo dinhi sa Cebu...


This is actually a possible scenario considering it's been done in other countries, but I find it too discriminatory in our culture. One thing that is unique in Philippine culture is the diversity, and it's something we can't escape.

With regards to the Badjaos, we live near SOS Talamban, and it seems that at some point, they were housing Badjaos, but according to some donors the Badjaos hated that kind of set-up. They just want to roam around the city, sleep anywhere, beg... So they left, ranaway. Not really worth it eh..

^^that's why we need to keep them out...

given a choice between a messy diversity and Singapore's sterile environment, i'd pick S'pore :)

no need to give in to sentimentality and all, we need to move forward...

Bai Ron, I believe he can say whatever he wants to stay regarding Tomas. Not all likes Tomas. But again, it would be the public that would be the judge over his administration. I've seen some rantings against Ouano of Mandaue here before, and at most Radaza.

After all, these public servants should serve us, as mandated by the people. :)

so you're saying it's Okay for him to call our mayor an "asshole". you would not want him or people like him to call you one, would you? ;) and besides, those words are coming from someone who ain't Cebuano and can't even say good things to the city who gave him food in his bitter mouth.

Wow, init kaayo diri...political issues na ni sa locale akong mabasahan diri. Hehe!! :D

But anyway, even if we insist that private institutions were the main cause of Cebu's economic boom, we still cannot isolate politicians or politics over it. Development may still be also contributed to politics of a locale. My 10 pesos worth (di na uso dos sentimos ron kay moreklamo mga bata, hehe!!) :D :2cents:

so you're saying it's Okay for him to call our mayor an "asshole". you would not want him or people like him to call you one, would you? ;) and besides, those words are coming from someone who ain't Cebuano and can't even say good things to the city who gave him food in his mouth.

No, what I mean is he can say whatever he wants as a citizen. Tomas is a public figure and yes he has to endure insults that is being thrown to him. What I like about the mayor is that he doesn't mind these bashings to him at all. If it is something personal, then thats another example. I would even hear some of us common people saying "tarantado si..." or "gago si..." whenever we describe politicians whom we do not like outside of this forum. I don't want to be a hypocrite if I have to say this to anyone I am irritated with. I've even seen politicians slap faces or curse other people on public telly.

And the issue here is not ethno-linguistic. ;) Whether you are a langyaw or a Cebuano, you still have the right to express your praises and sentiments, there is no unwritten rule that forbids a langyaw to do it so. If that's what he thinks so, then let him speak.

But again, some people has to practice some delicadeza in expressing their sentiments so that he or she would not be perceived as undisciplined or untamed or in vernacular, wala'y breeding. After all, there are proper ways to express sentiments in proper places at proper time.

Politicians would forever be politicians. Whatever angle will it be, they are not perfect. But what is important is that they can do is to serve the people whom they have been given power. They have to deliver what is for the benefit of the greater majority of the people and the locale.

"Authority of the Government Emanates from The People" as what the Capitol of Cebu says. ;)

Tommy Osmena is an asshole, plain and simple. An arrogant, self-centered asshole.


Plain and Simple... Because CEBU is in his heart.

Anyway, on the lighter side of things, has anybody here ever been to Aloguinsan?? We'll be having a medical mission there sometime next month, and it seems like a really nice place. I saw some pictures from a previous medical mission and I kinda like how the golden sandy beach ends on hills and cliffs.. ano ba tawag nito, coves??

image from wikipedia:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ee/DSCN2413.JPG/800px-DSCN2413.JPG

^^ Where is Alonguinsan located by the way? Never been there bai.

^^ Not familiar with the bordering towns and cities, maybe you can help:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Ph_locator_cebu_aloguinsan.png/250px-Ph_locator_cebu_aloguinsan.png

image from wikipedia

And I just learned a few minutes ago that the municipality of Aloguinsan will be included in the next round of Suroy-suroy along with Tabuelan, Toledo, among other municipalities.

Looks like its between Barili and Toledo City. Ah, ok remember na jud nako kay naa to nga jeep na mogawas to sa usa ka mountain market hub barangay sa Barili na naa'y Alonguinsan.

No, what I mean is he can say whatever he wants as a citizen. Tomas is a public figure and yes he has to endure insults that is being thrown to him. What I like about the mayor is that he doesn't mind these bashings to him at all. If it is something personal, then thats another example. I would even hear some of us common people saying "tarantado si..." or "gago si..." whenever we describe politicians whom we do not like outside of this forum. I don't want to be a hypocrite if I have to say this to anyone I am irritated with. I've even seen politicians slap faces or curse other people on public telly.

And the issue here is not ethno-linguistic. ;) Whether you are a langyaw or a Cebuano, you still have the right to express your praises and sentiments, there is no unwritten rule that forbids a langyaw to do it so. If that's what he thinks so, then let him speak.

But again, some people has to practice some delicadeza in expressing their sentiments so that he or she would not be perceived as undisciplined or untamed or in vernacular, wala'y breeding. After all, there are proper ways to express sentiments in proper places at proper time.

Bai simple raman to statement ni coffee. "asshole si Tomas." it's poisoning the Cebu thread. irritating. respeto nalang unta sa mga Cebuanos diri. he feels he's so great that he has the nerve to call Tomas an asshole. and can post in Cebu thread just like that. ang uban gani diri differ the way they think but never sila rude to Tomas.

Mas maayo nalang si Tomas namadlung sa mga nag double-triple-quadruple parking sa fuente kaysa siya masakpan nag double parking sa Fuente! ako everytime i drive, when a jeepney is stopping in the middle of the road to unload their passengers, pwerteng ka loud akong salbato (almost everyday), never hesitate to blow my freaking horn loud enough to cause panic in the streets! hehe. maka high-blood baya ning mga jeepney and taxi drivers sa Cebu. pwede raman diay mag Citizens arrest noh. i doubt if i can do that too.

And I just learned a few minutes ago that the municipality of Aloguinsan will be included in the next round of Suroy-suroy along with Tabuelan, Toledo, among other municipalities.

Except for Balamban, Toledo City, Barili and Dumajug. I haven't seen that much of western Cebu.

I've passed by Tabuelan but it was 1 AM. I'm very curious how the people live here, I mean the economy and lifestyle. I've seen MetroCebu and eastern Cebu towns are hustling and bustling.

Bai simple raman to statement ni coffee. "asshole si Tomas." it's poisoning the Cebu thread. irritating. respeto nalang unta sa mga Cebuanos diri. he feels he's so great that he has the nerve to call Tomas an asshole. and can post in Cebu thread just like that. ang uban gani diri differ the way they think but never sila rude to Tomas.

trees that bear fruit are always perfect targets :lol:

just dont mind that @coffee guy...he sounds to me like the jealous, sour-graping neighbor who could throw insults at you all day and night, and still end up just second-best :lol:

Bai simple raman to statement ni coffee. "asshole si Tomas." it's poisoning the Cebu thread. irritating. respeto nalang unta sa mga Cebuanos diri. he feels he's so great that he has the nerve to call Tomas an asshole. and can post in Cebu thread just like that. ang uban gani diri differ the way they think but never sila rude to Tomas.

Lagi, I understand pud na bai. That is why I've mentioned that if he has something against Tomas, he should have said it in a more urbane or civil way. And there are other mediums of expression that would be appropriate when he wants to curse Tomas or any other people on a proper place. And since we're talking economic development, promotion and even politics here in SSC in a very civil manner

In short, ngita sya uban nga paagi para mogawas iya nga sentimyento batok kay Tomas. :D

But I'm glad that we here in SSC discuss in a very civil manner because of our main goal is for the betterment of the society. We really cannot disregard politics if we are talking about urban and countryside development.

Ok, lets move on to other things that Cebu can offer to its visitors and investors. :okay:

Except for Balamban, Toledo City, Barili and Dumajug. I haven't seen that much of western Cebu.

I've passed by Tabuelan but it was 1 AM. I'm very curious how the people live here, I mean the economy and lifestyle. I've seen MetroCebu and eastern Cebu towns are hustling and bustling.

I've been to Tabuelan, they have this nice long stretch of beach with fine golden sands (Durhan's beach resort), and the port/harbor is quite scenic IMO, enclosed by cliffs and hills. It's still a sleepy town and where the NPA used to be active (I think they've disbanded and moved to Negros so it's safer now...)

I posted this pic 2 months ago I think. Here's Tabuelan:

poor quality pics (camera phone)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii73/ashen_cordonata/durhanstrip.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii73/ashen_cordonata/durhanstrip2.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii73/ashen_cordonata/durhanresort.jpg

so you're saying it's Okay for him to call our mayor an "asshole". you would not want him or people like him to call you one, would you? ;) and besides, those words are coming from someone who ain't Cebuano and can't even say good things to the city who gave him food in his bitter mouth.

...napuno na gyud ko na anang @coffee...if you summarize his posts diri sa SSC, kasagaran gyud mga negative og sige siya'g tira sa Cebu...ambot, mura'g galagot gyud na siya sa Cebu or nasuya na siya sa development sa atoang siyudad... mao ni akong ni panan-aw ha...

...a 1.5 billion "spa hospital" soon to rise in Cebu! :cheers:


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

Firm eyes ‘spa’ hospital in Cebu (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/06/12/bus/firm.eyes.spa.hospital.in.cebu.html)
Sun-Star Online
12 June 2008

A SUBSIDIARY of First Pacific Company Ltd., which owns a significant stake in the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT), is planning to build a hospital in Cebu.

Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of First Pacific and PLDT, said he is “talking to a local partner to put up a brand new hospital” in Cebu. He said the local partner which he declined to identify is already involved in hospital operations.

He told a news conference Tuesday in Makati that the talks has yet to be finalized and “the earliest we can break ground is next year.”

First Pacific subsidiary Metro Pacific Resources Inc. has shareholdings in Makati Medical Center and Davao Doctors’ Hospital, as well as a nine-percent stake in PLDT.

Pangilinan, who also chairs the PLDT board of directors, did not disclose potential sites for the hospital but when asked whether the future hospital in Cebu would be designed to tap the medical tourism potential of the province, he said “a convalescing (tourist would find it) helpful to convalesce in a nice beach like in Argao.”

Investment

He said Metro Pacific is looking at an investment of P1.5 billion while the company’s local (Cebu) partner will provide the land for the Cebu hospital, which would have “spa-like” facilities and probably “start with 300 beds.”

“Cebu is an area where we feel we need to have a presence,” he said. But he added that while Metro Pacific prefers to buy shares and invest in an existing hospital, “walang magbenta sa Cebu (nobody is selling in Cebu).”

“We prefer (to invest in) existing hospitals because they already have an established client base,” he said.

He said Metro Pacific is also looking at investing in hospitals in Pampanga, Pangasinan, Ilocos and Baguio.

Potential

He stressed, though, that Metro Pacific is investing in hospitals not to provide clients to PLDT’s medical or health care transcription arm, Spi.

“(Besides) doctors in the Philippines have not yet adopted medical transcription,” he said. He pointed out that the Philippines, in general, has “excellent” potential in medical tourism, especially since Filipino doctors “have better bedside manners” than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

He said, though, that hospitals where Metro Pacific has a stake in cater mainly to local residents but existing, as well as future facilities, would adopt international health care standards.

Metro Pacific, he said, is looking at creating a network of hospitals that will allow the group to purchase materials—like bandages and syringes, among others—in bulk so services can be offered at lower rates to patients.

“We’re talking with pharmaceutical companies,” he said, but refrained from disclosing details of possible arrangements with drug companies. (LAP)

^^ related news....this must be a sure project!


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

Metro Pacific to invest P1.5B for spa hospital (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71)
Philstar Online
By Ehda M. Dagooc
Thursday, June 12, 2008

In its bid to create the first nationwide network of hospitals in the Philippines, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation recently announced to invest P1.5 billion on a brand new Spa Hospital in Cebu.

The Cebu investment follows MPIC’s acquisition of shares in Medical Doctors Inc., owner and operator of the Makati Medical Center, and the recent signing of share purchase agreements with the shareholders of Davao Doctors Hospital (Clinica Hilario) Inc.

These investment moves mark the beginning of MPIC’s mission to expand into the hospital business and help improve the delivery of health care services throughout the country.

MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said that First Pacific Company Limited, the mother company of MPIC, would have wanted to buy a significant stake of an existing hospital in Cebu like the company’s successful involvement with MakatiMed and Davao Doctors, however, they could not find of any here in Cebu.

MPIC is currently in talks with a local partner to build the new Spa Hospital here in Cebu.

Pangilinan said he believes Cebu is a perfect location to take advantage of the increasing market of medical tourists all over the world who are seeking for medical attention within a health-friendly environment.

He said one would prefer to get medical services in a calming environment, like somewhere near the beach.

“It would be if we could treat a person near a beach hospital in Argao,” Pangilinan said. He however refused to divulge the identity of the would-be partner, to respect their ongoing negotiation.

“[B]We would like to break ground next year,” said Pangilinan in an interview on the sidelines of the PLDT annual stockholders’ meeting held in Dusit Hotel in Makati City, Tuesday.

He reiterated his belief on the potential of Cebu to take advantage of the growing medical care industry as well as take advantage of its beaches as ideal sites for modern medical facilities, such as a Spa Hospital concept.

“Hospital is a good business,” he said stressing a point however, that the Philippines’ standard of medical care needs attention.

Aside from Cebu, the group is also looking at acquiring stakes of hospitals in other areas in the Visayas such as Iloilo and Bacolod.

The planned Spa Hospital in Cebu will offer an initial accommodation of 300 beds. Currently, Metro Pacific has a total of 2,000 beds. It targets to accumulate 3,000 bed accommodations by the end of this year.

MPIC is a subsidiary company of First Pacific Company Limited, one of the stakeholders of telecommunication giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).

SRP started I think during the time of Mayor Alvin Garcia.

I think It was also Mayor Garcia who proposed the tunnel beneath Fort San PEdro but I'm not sure because as far as I remember the original plan then was a skyway that will cross Plaza Independencia..


..

North Recalmation Area was a project of Serging and SRP is a project of Mayor Tomas Osmena. It was continued during the term of Alvin. The tunnel was originally part of the SRP Proposal.

same here...

and i refuse to believe their propaganda as to how 'environment friendly' their modern methods of developing are...it's still the same...destroying Cebu's majestic mountains and natural scenery to make way for a capricious and elitist development...i would have appreciated it if they teamed up with the local government and terra-formed the area to make it suitable for farming, then moved all the squatters dwelling in the city up there for them to live (for a minimal fee of course) and farm up there :lol:

if i remember it right, it was posted here before that it was the nouveau riche of the 40's that 'developed' parts of uptown Cebu, and are to be blamed for the haphazard lay-out of the area...now, this generation's nouveau riche are committing a much more heinous crime, destroying Cebu's natural crown to give way for an artificial one


parejas gyud tag sentimento nitz. Ive seen recent panorama pics of cebu city and the whole LANDCO development is a real eyesore. Everyone here has been dreaming of Cebu as being the next Hong Kong, pero if you look at Hong Kong, they had the sense to leave their mountains alone. IMO the thing that that makes Hong KOng so great is that you get the feeling that there is a balnce between nature and urban development. Looking at the recent pics, it ruins my idea of cebu as an idyllic laid-back resort city. It looks like its gonna turn into another polluted, over-crowded, overdevelped place.

parejas gyud tag sentimento nitz. Ive seen recent panorama pics of cebu city and the whole LANDCO development is a real eyesore. Everyone here has been dreaming of Cebu as being the next Hong Kong, pero if you look at Hong Kong, they had the sense to leave their mountains alone. IMO the thing that that makes Hong KOng so great is that you get the feeling that there is a balnce between nature and urban development. Looking at the recent pics, it ruins my idea of cebu as an idyllic laid-back resort city. It looks like its gonna turn into another polluted, over-crowded, overdevelped place.

Don't we have a law protecting the mountains? I agree, nga sayang kaayo ang majestic look sa mountains if they will put buildings up there.

BIGGER! BETTER!

STARBUCKS LEISURE OF OASIS, AYALA CENTER CEBU.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3369.jpg

What will happen to the current Starbucks store in Ayala?

Anyway, on the lighter side of things, has anybody here ever been to Aloguinsan?? We'll be having a medical mission there sometime next month, and it seems like a really nice place. I saw some pictures from a previous medical mission and I kinda like how the golden sandy beach ends on hills and cliffs.. ano ba tawag nito, coves??

image from wikipedia:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ee/DSCN2413.JPG/800px-DSCN2413.JPG

Nice. I've heard and read that beachfront lots are being sold for P150/square meter :shocked:

What will happen to the current Starbucks store in Ayala?

^^ The structure housing the first Starbucks Coffee outlet in Cebu was demolished to make way for the Leisure Oasis. A brand-new outlet, that is fully-integrated within the Leisure Oasis' complex, will take its place.

^^ The structure housing the first Starbucks Coffee outlet in Cebu was demolished to make way for the Leisure Oasis. A brand-new outlet, that is fully-integrated within the Leisure Oasis' complex, will take its place.

Thanks, Bai.

I think, it was in the previous posts that i learned that the Oasis will be opened on this month...Madayon ni?

You're welcome. :D

I think, it was in the previous posts that i learned that the Oasis will be opened on this month...Madayon ni?

^^ Wala baya ko kabalo, bai. :(

You should ask Sinjin P. because, I think, he knows. :yes:

kabantay ko sa Leisure Oasis! ang mga brown thing kay mura man na ug design sa Greenbelt. basta naa sd in.ana sa Greenbelt

translation (rough):

Ive checked the Leisure Oasis deisgn! and those brown things (braces) are just like the design in Greenbelt.

Thanks, Bai.

I think, it was in the previous posts that i learned that the Oasis will be opened on this month...Madayon ni?


...if i'm not mistaken, the latest press release, Leisure Oasis will open around September

...the latest photo of Starbucks, looks like it will operate shortly...

North Recalmation Area was a project of Serging and SRP is a project of Mayor Tomas Osmena. It was continued during the term of Alvin. The tunnel was originally part of the SRP Proposal.

It wouldn't be right to put the credit on the SRP to Tommy alone. Lots of people are behind the project especially the MCDP III (Metro Cebu Development Project).

The need for space to accommodate the growth of the city for sure has resulted to discussions in the past about reclaiming land even before Tomas "settled" in Cebu from the USA and became mayor. As what I've mentioned before, there's a circa 1960-70s map of Cebu City and the proposed SRP was already there.

As far as I know, the original proposal was not a tunnel but rather a skyway that will cross the Plaza Independencia but lots of people made noises about it thus the tunnel was proposed.

When Tomas became mayor in the 2000s, he submitted a proposal to NEDA to scrap the tunnel project because he found it too expensive. But the tunnel project went ahead anyway.



//

It wouldn't be right to put the credit on the SRP to Tommy alone. Lots of people are behind the project especially the MCDP III (Metro Cebu Development Project).

The need for space to accommodate the growth of the city for sure has resulted to discussions in the past about reclaiming land even before Tomas "settled" in Cebu from the USA and became mayor. As what I've mentioned before, there's a circa 1960-70s map of Cebu City and the proposed SRP was already there.

As far as I know, the original proposal was not a tunnel but rather a skyway that will cross the Plaza Independencia but lots of people made noises about it thus the tunnel was proposed.

When Tomas became mayor in the 2000s, he submitted a proposal to NEDA to scrap the tunnel project because he found it too expensive. But the tunnel project went ahead anyway.



//

tomas was first elected as mayor in 1988, then reelected in 1992 (up to 1995 term). he was again elected in 1998 and reelected twice (up to the present term). He has been mayor of cebu for 14 of the past 20 years.

...if i'm not mistaken, the latest press release, Leisure Oasis will open around September

...the latest photo of Starbucks, looks like it will operate shortly...

The Leisure Oasis will open on the last week of June or the early weeks of July based on ALI's most recent presentation.

^^ ay ganun ba @sinj...parang may nabasa kasi ako na September...anyway, that's good news na early sila magbukas...

So will Landco continue their destructive practices despite the growing evidence that such projects will cause landslides and floods in the lowlands?? I'm all for development, but I hope they find ways to limit the destruction, and bulldozing of mountains. I've always marveled at Cebu's discrete nonobtrusive low-rise skyline against the backdrop of majestic mountains, but now those bald areas are an eyesore.

it's not actually landslides (that's the way i put it), but it's those soils that they excavated that were not disposed of immediately. they are doing the drainage system currently. i have the same sentiments myself but if you talk to these people involved, you will understand that they are not stupids and that they're doing everything they can to avoid such problems mentioned.

Tomas is a good administrator. I hope he gets a good urban planner. I guess everybody here checks google earth. just compare cebu city with other cities. i love cebu but it doesnt look that good from above. i mean its so chaotic!!!

Mayor Tom has a lot of good programs for the city. The MARS (for banks and other business establishments), elite police team (Dumpit, Labra, etc.), Emergency Rescue Team, Cebu City's Program for Minors and Steetchildren.

In the downtown area and the other parts of the city, i saw the effort of the City Government to maintain the cleanliness of the city, but Filipinos are hard headed person, pataka lang gihapon ug labay.

he knows well unsaon pagda sa ciudad.

Kang Alvin puros lang pamolitika, while kang Tomas way gipili bisan kinsa maligsan basta ni violate ( sori for comparing between the 2).

Here in the Phil, we need to have a strict leader.

Cebu City’s ‘simple’ website wins award from Malacañang


SOME visitors of the Cebu City Government website may have noticed the rather drab design or layout of the webpage, sometimes mistaken for a lack of creativity.

But the simple design has a purpose. It ensures easy accessibility and usage among the hearing impaired and even the
blind.

For this, the Cebu City Government will receive a special award in Malacañang next month for being the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to adopt the website accessibility guidelines prescribed by the United Nations (UN).

The City Government will also compete with the cities of Makati and Olongapo for the best local disaster coordinating council in the country.

Cebu City Hall’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) department will receive the special award from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons next month.

Disabilities

“We made the the website design and structure very simple for the sake of accessibility to comply with the UN standards for website accessibility, which says that websites should be accessible to everybody, including those with disabilities,” MICS department head William Cris Artajo told Sun.Star Cebu.

Among the features of the City Government’s official website is the text reader, which can convert the text content to voice, making it easier for the blind to access the website.

It also has less Flash, animation and graphics, which is said to trigger episodes among epileptics and those with similar illnesses.

The website, www.cebucity.gov.ph, has all the information a Cebu City resident or tourist would need to know about the city, including City Hall services, directory, mass schedule, job openings, tourism, city officials’ profile, news and forum.

Specifications

“A lot of people observed that our website is too plain. But gituyo gyud na nato. We minimized the animation and Flash because it triggers an attack among users with certain illnesses. We simplified the design and concentrated on the content,” said MICS assistant department head Conrado Ordesta.

Even without using a mouse, one can navigate through the website using the tabs of the keyboard, which is often the case with some disabled individuals.

The website can also be viewed using any browser, using even the old computer units with low end specifications.

“If it’s too artistic, we will be compromising the accessibility. A government website should have content that is useful to the constituents,” he said.

Also, the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council was nominated for the Gawad Kalasag, a national award given by the Office of the President, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Office of the Civil Defense to the most outstanding disaster council in the country.

The City Government was awarded as the winner in Visayas for its ordinances and resolutions on disaster mitigation, control and rehabilitation, and for conducting activities on disaster control.(LCR)

CPVDC plays host to 60 merchants at ‘The Walk’

Friday, June 13, 2008

Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPVDC) recently opened its first food, retail and entertainment facility at the 25-hectare Cebu Asiatown IT Park.

The facility called “The Walk” houses 60 food and beverage, lifestyle outlets to meet the increasing demand for entertainment outlet options to the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers within the cyberpark.

The Ayala Center Cebu management team will operate the “The Walk” facility, formerly known as “The Village.”

CPVDC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Francis O. Monera said that despite the threat of a looming decline in the retail industry, Cebu’s retail sector is seen to withstand the threat saying it has continuously sustained the dynamism, because of strong investments especially in the BPO sector.

During the soft opening of “The Walk” held recently, some outlets have already opened such as coffee brand Figaro, Shakey’s, Pier One restaurant, Mc Donald’s, La Maria, soon to open are Spa and Wellness facilities, Mercury Drug, among others.

He said the Cebu’s dynamic market has encouraged the CHI, the holding company of CPVDC, to expand actively in the entertainment and retail segment, with the rapid growth of personal consumption expenditure.

He said Cebu has a good blend of economic drivers, with good concentration of OFWs, growing BPO workers, tourists, and out-of-town shoppers.

Within this year, CHI will also open its Ayala Center Cebu shopping mall expansion, the Lagoon. This will provide additional and high-breed entertainment and shopping facilities to Cebu.

The retail (and entertainment) business is very promising in Cebu, Monera said. In fact, he said after the opening of these two major retail and entertainment destinations, the company will immediately begin the construction of five-star BPO enclave in the Phase of the Asia Town IT Park.

In the BPO Enclave, Monera said the company will also put a retail strip within the area that will be managed by the Ayala Center Cebu Mall management team.

Soon, the company will unveil the names of these two entertainment and shopping destinations, he said.

About 15 tenants will open their shops at the IT Park entertainment and retail hub by the third quarter of this year.

Monera said Cebu’s retail industry including dining and entertainment are, so far not affected by the declining value of the US dollar against the Philippine peso.

He also stressed that Cebu’s position as the top eight OFW earning province has fueled the growth of retail, dining, entertainment, and other leisure related businesses in Cebu. – Ehda M. Dagooc

As a Website Developer, and in my opinion, Cebu City Website is the best LGU website because of accessibility.

The rest of the sites, well, it is nice to have an Flash or animated GIF but that's not the purpose. The main purpose of having a website is to dissimenate information as fast as possible.

After all, some far-flung areas still has 56kbps internet connection.

Cebu City’s ‘simple’ website wins award from Malacañang


SOME visitors of the Cebu City Government website may have noticed the rather drab design or layout of the webpage, sometimes mistaken for a lack of creativity.

But the simple design has a purpose. It ensures easy accessibility and usage among the hearing impaired and even the
blind.

For this, the Cebu City Government will receive a special award in Malacañang next month for being the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to adopt the website accessibility guidelines prescribed by the United Nations (UN).

The City Government will also compete with the cities of Makati and Olongapo for the best local disaster coordinating council in the country.

Cebu City Hall’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) department will receive the special award from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons next month.

Disabilities

“We made the the website design and structure very simple for the sake of accessibility to comply with the UN standards for website accessibility, which says that websites should be accessible to everybody, including those with disabilities,” MICS department head William Cris Artajo told Sun.Star Cebu.

Among the features of the City Government’s official website is the text reader, which can convert the text content to voice, making it easier for the blind to access the website.

It also has less Flash, animation and graphics, which is said to trigger episodes among epileptics and those with similar illnesses.

The website, www.cebucity.gov.ph (http://www.cebucity.gov.ph), has all the information a Cebu City resident or tourist would need to know about the city, including City Hall services, directory, mass schedule, job openings, tourism, city officials’ profile, news and forum.

Specifications

“A lot of people observed that our website is too plain. But gituyo gyud na nato. We minimized the animation and Flash because it triggers an attack among users with certain illnesses. We simplified the design and concentrated on the content,” said MICS assistant department head Conrado Ordesta.

Even without using a mouse, one can navigate through the website using the tabs of the keyboard, which is often the case with some disabled individuals.

The website can also be viewed using any browser, using even the old computer units with low end specifications.

“If it’s too artistic, we will be compromising the accessibility. A government website should have content that is useful to the constituents,” he said.

Also, the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council was nominated for the Gawad Kalasag, a national award given by the Office of the President, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Office of the Civil Defense to the most outstanding disaster council in the country.

The City Government was awarded as the winner in Visayas for its ordinances and resolutions on disaster mitigation, control and rehabilitation, and for conducting activities on disaster control.(LCR)

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.

but didn't you notice ikaw lang tawag ni Tomas an "asshole"? it's true and normal for people to be disappointed and upset with our city mayor. for your information, cebuanos are aware of his "arrogant" manner but mostly misunderstood by the people. but don't make it sound like we agree to your nonsensical and insensitive "a-hole" comment. no one is stopping you from speaking up. you were just messing up with an elected official who has earned respect from the cebuanos. if you think he's arrogant, that doesn't make him an asshole. lakas naman ng loob mo making such comment ni hindi ka cebuano. just to remind you, an a-hole is an insulting term addressed to people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous. guess what, i just found a perfect example. and you should know who i'm referring to! ;) welcome to Cebu bai! :lol:

Check out the following outlets in Ayala Center Cebu!!!


NEW OUTLETS
-------------------------------

Cocoon: Not enough style and color in your wardrobe? Let Cocoon’s selections bring out the artist in you.

Location: Level 2, Paseo Marina (beside Bisaya Ispisyal)

(Ladies Apparel and Accessories - Local)

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

Meg: Whether it be for office or casual wear, you’ll surely find something here to match your style.

Location: Level 1, Paseo Marina (beside Karimadon)

(Ladies Apparel - Local)

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

Mantaring: Reknown for fine quality leather, avail of Mantaring’s customized leathercrafts and repair services.

Location: Level 2, West Entry (between Business Box and BDO-EPCI Bank)

(Services - Leathercraft)

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

Levis Kids: Now’s your chance to clothe your kids and babies with your favorite Levis jeans and stylish outfits.

Location: Level 3, Paseo Marina (beside My Playroom, opposite McDonald’s)

(Kids Apparel - Foreign)


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


NEW ATMS

Enjoy shopping with more convenience as we add more ATMs in strategic locations!



Location: Level 1, South Surface Parking
Asia United Bank / BDO

Location: Level 1, Paseo Solana (between Starbucks and Mango)
BPI


-----------------------------
RELOCATED OUTLETS



Copylandia: Now in an even better location to cater to your printing needs.

Location: Level 2, West Entry (beside LBC)

(Services - Photocopying)

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


Mail and More: With better accessibility to accept mails, packages, ForEx and other services.

Location: Level 2, West Entry (between Freshaire and Golden JC)

(Services – Courier, Ticketing & More)

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


RELOCATED CART



Zen Zest: World-class yet affordable, Zen Zest offers personal care products and fragrances to women of all ages.

Location: Level 2, Paseo Ciudad (bridgeway near Mercury Drug and Aji Ichiban)

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

RENOVATED OUTLETS



National Bookstore: All set for the school opening? Buy your requirements in your old favorite bookstore with an all-new and enhanced look.

Location: Level 2, Rotunda (between Blue Magic and Marcella)

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


Human: This alternative clothing and lifestyle brand is revamped with a makeover that celebrates fun, spunk, and individuality!

Location: Level 2, Rotunda (between Bench and Big & Small/Havin’ a Baby)

(Unisex Apparel and Accessories - Local)

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

Greenwich: With a livelier and more inviting ambience complemented by crunchier and tastier pizza products, experience the whole new Greenwich!

Location: Level 3, Rotunda (beside Jollibee)

(Pizza Parlor)

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


Ruiz Derma: With your well-being as their concern, enjoy better pampering services with improved facilities.

Location: Basement Level 2

(Ladies Shoes and Bags - Foreign)


SOURCE: CHI

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.

If you don't like Mayor Tom. You can go back to your home province.

Coffee

I agree that he may be an arrogant, but never call him an a-hole. A-holes belong whose IQ is below 50, just like... the one who commented it. :devil:

hahahahaha... love where this thread is going... ;)

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.

Nah, I think you actually missed the point. It's true he's arrogant. No, we're not denying that. But did we ever agree on him being an a-hole?? Besides you didn't even care to post your reasons. I suggest you backread so you can see the sheer stupidity of your comment. And besides, being a TRUE Cebuano myself, I can say you're nothing but a WANNABE CEBUANO who just happens to live here in Cebu. Of course you have the right to speak up, but considering you are probably the first to use the word "a-hole" in this thread and on a fellow Cebuano no less, then you've forfeited that right in THIS thread since you've done nothing but ignite the flames of war with your needless flamebait (which defeats the purpose of this thread since this ain't a HATE thread boy and this ain't a HATE site). Say, what do we call that in the net? Trolls?? Griefers? Bashers? Hatemongers?? But anyway, WELCOME TO CEBU! Just remember, this is where Ferdinand Magellan was killed... :lol:

Go team Cebu! :)

Anyways, I found these interesting info about Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). I'm not sure if this has already been posted before. But it really made me proud. :)

. ERUF is the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation of Cebu City, on Cebu Island in the Philippines.

. It is one of the few ambulance and rescue services that gives its services to the people free of any charge even if they have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Most privately owned services in the Philippines seem to be insurance company-based.

. They have three stations - their Headquarters are in the Cebu City, the Cebu City Sports Complex and in Lapulapu City. They also have bases in other locations.

. They have 32 full time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) staff, 152 EMT volunteers; 26 comms personnel; 10 operational staff and are supported by 60 doctors and 6 lawyers.

. For vehicles they have 6 ambulances, 3 trauma vans, 3 fire trucks, and three other vehicles. They can also call upon a helicopter if required.

. In 1999 they attended 3971 calls for an ambulance, 117 medical back-up events, 372 other emergency calls such as rescue and fire etc and took part in 4276 training sessions in safety promotion and disaster preparation for the local villages

. ERUF has started to run courses for other Ambulance Services in the Philippines from their training centre in Cebu.

. A team of staff from a newly formed Ambulance Service in Floridablanca, Pampanga has visited the training centre in Cebu to complete a course in Basic Response.

. A programme of training is to be established to bring ERUF trained EMT staff up to the British standard.

Anyways, I found these interesting info about Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). I'm not sure if this has already been posted before. But it really made me proud. :)

. ERUF is the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation of Cebu City, on Cebu Island in the Philippines.

. It is one of the few ambulance and rescue services that gives its services to the people free of any charge even if they have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Most privately owned services in the Philippines seem to be insurance company-based.

. They have three stations - their Headquarters are in the Cebu City, the Cebu City Sports Complex and in Lapulapu City. They also have bases in other locations.

. They have 32 full time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) staff, 152 EMT volunteers; 26 comms personnel; 10 operational staff and are supported by 60 doctors and 6 lawyers.

. For vehicles they have 6 ambulances, 3 trauma vans, 3 fire trucks, and three other vehicles. They can also call upon a helicopter if required.

. In 1999 they attended 3971 calls for an ambulance, 117 medical back-up events, 372 other emergency calls such as rescue and fire etc and took part in 4276 training sessions in safety promotion and disaster preparation for the local villages

. ERUF has started to run courses for other Ambulance Services in the Philippines from their training centre in Cebu.

. A team of staff from a newly formed Ambulance Service in Floridablanca, Pampanga has visited the training centre in Cebu to complete a course in Basic Response.

. A programme of training is to be established to bring ERUF trained EMT staff up to the British standard.

I happen to know some of the benefactors and donors for ERUF. Grabe man sad sila manghatag. Most of them are practicing doctors, and they make it a habit to share a significant percentage of their PF to ERUF. I recently talked to Dr. Pek Eng Lim, a gastroenterologist who is one of the people responsible for running ERUF, in a recent medical convention, and it seems there are also wealthy businessmen and institutions as well as private citizens who contribute huge amounts of money to ERUF. Dr. Lim himself contributes significant amounts of money to ERUF. Their headquarters is in the Cebu Medical Society building which is situated just across Crossroads, and is supposed to be the site of Ciudad, and which unfortunately has caused some problems and bitterness between the medical community and the Cebu provincial government over this matter.

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.

calma lang coffee, magrespeto-ay lang ta ngari.

Init diri wui? Abi nako nahuman na ang issue nga ni?

@Coffee,

Are you also saying that those people who believed and voted Tom are also a-holes?

Take note, Bai....Even with Tom's dark side, we Cebuanos do salute him and respect him...And some do even love Tom more because of his dark side.

So, next time, just slow it down a bit and be a civil like us...Ok?.. :)

abi nako makaparelax ang coffee.. na init mn nuon ang mga tao ngari.. :D

i voted for tomas during the last election though i have to admit that i very much hate his attitude especially his being "dumtanon" and "kontrahon" anyone who opposes him.. but i know that he's very capable of running our city..

sa senate naay daghan mga buotan, pro-masa, etc pero walay nabuhat cge lng lalis..

CPVDC plays host to 60 merchants at ‘The Walk’

Friday, June 13, 2008

Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPVDC) recently opened its first food, retail and entertainment facility at the 25-hectare Cebu Asiatown IT Park.

The facility called “The Walk” houses 60 food and beverage, lifestyle outlets to meet the increasing demand for entertainment outlet options to the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) workers within the cyberpark.The Ayala Center Cebu management team will operate the “The Walk” facility, formerly known as “The Village.”

CPVDC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Francis O. Monera said that despite the threat of a looming decline in the retail industry, Cebu’s retail sector is seen to withstand the threat saying it has continuously sustained the dynamism, because of strong investments especially in the BPO sector.

During the soft opening of “The Walk” held recently, some outlets have already opened such as coffee brand Figaro, Shakey’s, Pier One restaurant, Mc Donald’s, La Maria, soon to open are Spa and Wellness facilities, Mercury Drug, among others.

He said the Cebu’s dynamic market has encouraged the CHI, the holding company of CPVDC, to expand actively in the entertainment and retail segment, with the rapid growth of personal consumption expenditure.

He said Cebu has a good blend of economic drivers, with good concentration of OFWs, growing BPO workers, tourists, and out-of-town shoppers.

Within this year, CHI will also open its Ayala Center Cebu shopping mall expansion, the Lagoon. This will provide additional and high-breed entertainment and shopping facilities to Cebu.

The retail (and entertainment) business is very promising in Cebu, Monera said. In fact, he said after the opening of these two major retail and entertainment destinations, the company will immediately begin the construction of five-star BPO enclave in the Phase of the Asia Town IT Park.

In the BPO Enclave, Monera said the company will also put a retail strip within the area that will be managed by the Ayala Center Cebu Mall management team.

Soon, the company will unveil the names of these two entertainment and shopping destinations, he said.

About 15 tenants will open their shops at the IT Park entertainment and retail hub by the third quarter of this year.

Monera said Cebu’s retail industry including dining and entertainment are, so far not affected by the declining value of the US dollar against the Philippine peso.

He also stressed that Cebu’s position as the top eight OFW earning province has fueled the growth of retail, dining, entertainment, and other leisure related businesses in Cebu. – Ehda M. Dagooc

^^those highlighted in red ba, is it a typo error nga ang "The Walk" houses 60 tenants? I mean, the current building is too small to house 60 tenants.. expansion perhaps in the future?

as for the five star BPO enclave, mao ba ni ang giingon ni ka_bino during our meet last week nga kadtong 25 storeys nga itukod after mahuman ang e-block? after cguro matukod ug mahuman ang mga buildings sa it park, nindot na gyud kaayo didto.. mas nindot pa sa cbp, imo..

:banana: :cheers:

Perpetual Succour Hospital

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd215/linuar_bat/perpetual.jpg

inside the building

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd215/linuar_bat/perpetuallobby.jpg

sa akong nahibaw-an, ang e-block 2 (mao lang sa ni ato itawag ron) kay adto tukoron sa phase 2 or the so-called 5star bpo enclave. wa pa ko kahibaw sa possible height though.
btaw @rau, nindot kay'g ambiance ang IT park tungod sa mga sosyal nga shops. unsa kaha kung naa nay tag-as nga buildings.

^^ i used to work in one of the bpo companies in it park..
january this year lang ko ni-resign, yet pagbalik nko didto during our meet, so much has changed.. grabe gyud ang paglambo sa it park.. :cheers:

Here's for you @COFFEE!

The NORTHWING experience!

You're a star @ STARBUCKS COFFEE

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3388.jpg

Let's spill the beans @ THE COFFEE BEAN

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3389.jpg

Let's talk about bread @ BREAD TALK

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3390.jpg

asshole - people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous
http://www.elook.org/dictionary/asshole.html

stupid - Very dull; insensible; senseless; wanting in understanding; heavy; sluggish; in a state of stupor

irritating - Troubling the nerves or peace of mind, as by repeated vexations

ridiculous - Unworthy of serious consideration

up to you guys if hes an asshole!

for me! he's not stupid or ridiculous! irritating maybe coz of his arrogance! and his attitude! so if thats the meaning of asshole. then he is technically an asshole coz it says stupid or irritating or ridiculous. its coz of the "or" term. any programmer would understand this.

he's a good administrator! i just hope he gets a good urban planner!

so coffee i guess i agree with you! technically! hehe!

^^ I guess the mayor is doing good man...business friendly kau and Sugbo

Notice that no one disagreed with me when I said Tomas is an arrogant asshole. Even the people that support him would agree with that.
We disagree with you. Cebuanos do not display when they disagree. Read in-between the lines.
(blueguy)I guess the mayor is doing good man...business friendly kau and Sugbo
(Wind Shear)I agree that he may be an arrogant, but never call him an a-hole. A-holes belong whose IQ is below 50, just like... the one who commented it.
(betro)If you don't like Mayor Tom. You can go back to your home province.
(leylander)Go team Cebu!

And I live in Cebu so you can't say I don't have the right to speak up.
We all agree that you are lucky you found a job or are making you're livelihood in Cebu.Try saying asshole to your hometown/barrio mayor in Valencia, Negro Oriental

There's a LOT of new sattelite imagery at Google Earth/Maps. Just a few weeks ago we had nothing at all in Negros Oriental. Now we have at least the town centers of: Canlaon - Vallehermoso (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=21306636#post21306636)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=21306636#post21306636
Please leave your fury back to Canlaon. I tried to check where Valencia is if it is around the Ass of Canlaon.
Cebu does not have any single volcano.

Let all make money, stay healthy and as you blog always....I can sexy!

^^ It's his type of managing the city, other people might misunderstood him. But if you talk to him one on one, you will definitely agree that he is a catalyst for the growth of Cebu...his visions for SRP...you'll be surprised...

I was an audience when once he lambasted MCWD officials in front of NWRB executives for not doing anything on the rising cost of water and not even trying to bring the services to the city's mountain barangays...and instead they (MCWD) supported a developer for a Liloan project...yun ang tamang mayor...may bayag...

Here's for you @COFFEE!

The NORTHWING experience!

You're a star @ STARBUCKS COFFEE

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3388.jpg

Let's spill the beans @ THE COFFEE BEAN

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3389.jpg

Let's talk about bread @ BREAD TALK

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/hgmb1978/100_3390.jpg

Wifi hotspots ba ang SB ug CBTL?

Also, alimoot lagi sa sulod sa BreadTalk, pawisan gyud ang tanan nga naa sa sulod.

@van: Do you have any idea kung kelan mapupuno ng shops ang The Northwing? Although gusto ko ang mga existing shops, nakakapagod maglakad from one store to another kasi ang laki ng space sa Northwing tapos konti palang ang bukas na shops. :)

@leylander: :lol: Go Team Cebu. Beat L.A.! :lol:


Nah, I think you actually missed the point. It's true he's arrogant. No, we're not denying that. But did we ever agree on him being an a-hole?? Besides you didn't even care to post your reasons. I suggest you backread so you can see the sheer stupidity of your comment. And besides, being a TRUE Cebuano myself, I can say you're nothing but a WANNABE CEBUANO who just happens to live here in Cebu. Of course you have the right to speak up, but considering you are probably the first to use the word "a-hole" in this thread and on a fellow Cebuano no less, then you've forfeited that right in THIS thread since you've done nothing but ignite the flames of war with your needless flamebait (which defeats the purpose of this thread since this ain't a HATE thread boy and this ain't a HATE site). Say, what do we call that in the net? Trolls?? Griefers? Bashers? Hatemongers?? But anyway, WELCOME TO CEBU! Just remember, this is where Ferdinand Magellan was killed... :lol:

you said it all Zen! apir beh! :cheers: i think we all have clearly stated our point. lets leave it to him kung kahibaw ba na siya musabot. dukol jud ni kung dili gihapon kasabot. hehe. i rest my case, afterall this ain't a HATE-thread. relax na ta kay too much attention na kaayo ato nahatag niya, murag artista. hehe. next topic na pud ta :D

Wifi hotspots ba ang SB ug CBTL?
we have the same question sinj :D by the way, i've been looking for the list of wifi hotspots in the city. can't seem to find it.


Also, alimoot lagi sa sulod sa BreadTalk, pawisan gyud ang tanan nga naa sa sulod.

i think they are maintaining a certain temperature level to keep their wheat/baked products fresh bro sinj. that's always been the case in all BreadTalk stores i've been to. Frenchbaker if i'm not mistaken same pud mejo alimoot. :)

i've been to Cyberzone Northwing recently, more pc/gadget stores are opening. naa silay DELL Store open na, a first in the country. :cool:

it should be a little hot, so that the oils on the bread, like butter, etc wont float.. lu od nana tanaw on heheh..

i miss going to this place..

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd215/linuar_bat/tops-1.jpg

sinj.. are you in Informatics???
if want to learn autocad and civil 3d
try microcadd in cyberzone @ sm

^^ Microcadd, they are certified partner pa ng Autodesk....

Cebu to be model rice distributor
By Fred P. Languido And Wenna A. Berondo
Saturday, June 14, 2008

The national government is looking at Cebu City as a model in the distribution of subsidized rice despite Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s earlier objection to having barangay captains opposed to his leadership participate in such distribution.

Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde managed to secure that concession from Osmeña in a meeting they had yesterday with barangays and city officials.

Remonde was in Cebu yesterday to give a briefing on the food and energy crisis gripping the country.

Cebu City became the first local government to respond to the call of President Arroyo for local communities to help find solutions to the problem.

Remonde said Arroyo ordered her Cabinet last Tuesday to pound the countryside and conduct forums on the twin crises.

“ The President saw that we need to share this with you. By sharing this with you, you can also share this with the people and we can work together to address the problem, ” Remonde said, assuring everyone in the forum at the Cebu Grand Convention Center that the government was working as fast as it could to mitigate the impact of the problem on the people and on the country’s economy.

here (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080613177)

i think they are maintaining a certain temperature level to keep their wheat/baked products fresh bro sinj. that's always been the case in all BreadTalk stores i've been to. Frenchbaker if i'm not mistaken same pud mejo alimoot. :)

i've been to Cyberzone Northwing recently, more pc/gadget stores are opening. naa silay DELL Store open na, a first in the country. :cool:

No, lahi gyud siya compared to the other BreadTalk stores I've been to. (Glorietta, ATC, TriNoma, etc.). Btw, I interviewed the cashier sa BreadTalk, Tagalog siya. Gikan diay siya sa BreadTalk Glorietta then nabalhin sa ATC then karon naa na sa Cebu. Hehe, gipangutana nako siya kung mas gamay ba ug variety of products sa ilang Cebu outlet kay mao akong napansin, tubag niya kay oo daw. Ambot ngano. I hope ilang dagdagan pa ilang products kay nakulangan pa ko. :lol:

^^ sabi pa nga daw 80% of items cannot be found in their Manila stores....uniquely sa Cebu lang...the reason? their breads are being "pirated" by other stores...

Try checking their outlets in Manila...

^^ 80% of items cannot be found in their Manila stores....uniquely sa Cebu lang...the reason? their breads are being "pirated" by other stores...

Mao ba? If akong mama ang pabut-on, didto siya mamalit sa bakeshop sa Rustan's (ACC) kay dili oily ang bread then mas barato pa and lami pa gyud. Siguro ang target sa BreadTalk kay ang youth. :lol: Bitaw, naa'y langaw sa BreadTalk yesterday. :ohno:

^^ depende man na pud sa taste buds..."flies" well siguro they need to maintain housekeeping...

youth?...dili siguro...daghan mamalit mga tiguwang...mas gusto nila...daghan man sila variety

mga bai... sign up mo sa JOBSDB.com, hehehe.. nay free 2 Gift certificates sa Starbucks


..

^^those highlighted in red ba, is it a typo error nga ang "The Walk" houses 60 tenants? I mean, the current building is too small to house 60 tenants.. expansion perhaps in the future?

as for the five star BPO enclave, mao ba ni ang giingon ni ka_bino during our meet last week nga kadtong 25 storeys nga itukod after mahuman ang e-block? after cguro matukod ug mahuman ang mga buildings sa it park, nindot na gyud kaayo didto.. mas nindot pa sa cbp, imo..

:banana: :cheers:


I think this is the site of the former BBRC that they're going to develop as a BPO enclave.

//

ERUF also has a speed boat. I saw one at the Lapu-Lapu base.

Nice noh? Our very own version of USA's 911..



Anyways, I found these interesting info about Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). I'm not sure if this has already been posted before. But it really made me proud. :)

. ERUF is the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation of Cebu City, on Cebu Island in the Philippines.

. It is one of the few ambulance and rescue services that gives its services to the people free of any charge even if they have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Most privately owned services in the Philippines seem to be insurance company-based.

. They have three stations - their Headquarters are in the Cebu City, the Cebu City Sports Complex and in Lapulapu City. They also have bases in other locations.

. They have 32 full time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) staff, 152 EMT volunteers; 26 comms personnel; 10 operational staff and are supported by 60 doctors and 6 lawyers.

. For vehicles they have 6 ambulances, 3 trauma vans, 3 fire trucks, and three other vehicles. They can also call upon a helicopter if required.

. In 1999 they attended 3971 calls for an ambulance, 117 medical back-up events, 372 other emergency calls such as rescue and fire etc and took part in 4276 training sessions in safety promotion and disaster preparation for the local villages

. ERUF has started to run courses for other Ambulance Services in the Philippines from their training centre in Cebu.

. A team of staff from a newly formed Ambulance Service in Floridablanca, Pampanga has visited the training centre in Cebu to complete a course in Basic Response.

. A programme of training is to be established to bring ERUF trained EMT staff up to the British standard.

I happen to know some of the benefactors and donors for ERUF. Grabe man sad sila manghatag. Most of them are practicing doctors, and they make it a habit to share a significant percentage of their PF to ERUF. I recently talked to Dr. Pek Eng Lim, a gastroenterologist who is one of the people responsible for running ERUF, in a recent medical convention, and it seems there are also wealthy businessmen and institutions as well as private citizens who contribute huge amounts of money to ERUF. Dr. Lim himself contributes significant amounts of money to ERUF. Their headquarters is in the Cebu Medical Society building which is situated just across Crossroads, and is supposed to be the site of Ciudad, and which unfortunately has caused some problems and bitterness between the medical community and the Cebu provincial government over this matter.

IT Park Update!
(pics taken on June 10, 2008)

View from Skyrise 1

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k176/miaka_cham/DSC00241.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k176/miaka_cham/DSC00238.jpg

^^

Thanks for the update..

Here's a repost of Fred Umabong's aerial shots from another website ,
http://www.panoramio.com/user/405818



Wala pa ang I.T. Park, upper left portion
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/old_cebu_aerials/old_cebu_aerial15.jpg


The city looks like a European town like those that I've seen in Postcards, hehe..
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/old_cebu_aerials/old_cebu_aerial01.jpg



There are still oil depots in Shell Island, upper right portion
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/arnold_carl/old_cebu_aerials/old_cebu_aerial03.jpg

^^lol how long ago was this taken? at least naa na ang metro

ERUF also has a speed boat. I saw one at the Lapu-Lapu base.

Nice noh? Our very own version of USA's 911..

do they have helicopters also bai nold?

sa akong nahibaw-an, ang e-block 2 (mao lang sa ni ato itawag ron) kay adto tukoron sa phase 2 or the so-called 5star bpo enclave. wa pa ko kahibaw sa possible height though.
btaw @rau, nindot kay'g ambiance ang IT park tungod sa mga sosyal nga shops. unsa kaha kung naa nay tag-as nga buildings.

aside from ambiance, daghan pa jud kaayo mga nindot nga chix.. :lol:

medyo mga laisyo lang..

do they have helicopters also bai nold?

Dunno bai, I think what Leylander meant was that they can also get a helicopter if there's a need to..

But regarding the speed boat, I saw it in their Lapu-Lapu station near City Hall..

Anyway, free diay ang ERUF? I thought naa bayad.. I even heard someone before sa hospital na mahal daw ila charge..



@jrevalde

1990, hehehe..






//

^^thanks nold 1990 pa diay..
About ERUF, if its free then were do they get the funding?? Also do they primarily operate in Cebu City, kay sauna I used to live in Talisay and I never see them around our area.

aside from ambiance, daghan pa jud kaayo mga nindot nga chix.. :lol:

medyo mga laisyo lang..

mao bitaw na akong pasabot sa ambiance bai:lol:

aw apil na diay..


@nold

i think P1,500 ila charge but im not so sure though

how much ba ang RORO rate from Toledo City to San Carlos City?

^^ I think its P150.

^^ what I mean pag me vehicle ka...

What I heard, its about P1,000+ or something for the vehicle. Basta for passengers, its just P150.

Contact PPA-Toledo for more details or visit the office of Lite Ferries, since they operate Toledo-San Carlos route. Check Sunstar today since they post ferry schedules and their contact numbers.:)

^^ OK THANKS


HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please come and see the sunrise pics I took one fine Friday the 13th.

URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaoffrey

taz.... i would greatly welcome any comments especially from the regular forumers... a newbie here.

good news, naa nay rendering ang redevelopment sa sidewalk surrounding sa Cathedral.. murag pareha siya sa City Hall..

Hopefully ma ingon ani unta tanan sidewalk sa Cebu, hehehehe.. or hopefully maski ang Plaza Independencia lang, paninduton hehehe..


//

Fish all you can! (Tilapia Fish Pond in Lapulapu City - pic by @marories of flickr!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2579750360_4446086a0a_o.jpg

Please come and see the sunrise pics I took one fine Friday the 13th.

URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaoffrey

taz.... i would greatly welcome any comments especially from the regular forumers... a newbie here.


Welcome bai jiffy! ...i'd like to post some of your pics here!


Ayala Center Cebu
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2574609083_04a9095613.jpg


Asiatown IT Park
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2574601605_9e8a78046a.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2575318738_5626f1301f.jpg


CIFC Tower @ NRA
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2560956736_1eeafb2aaa.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2560924052_0cef8edd10.jpg


Waterfront Hotel
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2560147697_ab61033742.jpg

@riarryoddfoot of flickr!

Cebu Harbor - pic by @diamonds_in_the_soles_of_her_shoes

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2573238926_c21ddfc376.jpg

PAL Mabuhay Lounge @ MCIA - pics by @georgeparilla of flickr!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2572764108_d9bc0bca58.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2571940715_61ef2b54fa.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2571941859_7139617e21.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2571941309_7ce31fdb20.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2572765188_c37c5ae4dc.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2572764740_6eb4698a63.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2572764586_df4998491b.jpg

Hidden Valley Resort - Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu (flickr pic by @tedseclon)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2580393016_fb13ebf3c5.jpg

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/06/16/article_261041_06-16-2008.jpg
Compaña Maritima, the triangular three-story structure built in 1910, was the old Aduana and was named after one of the pioneer shipping companies in Cebu. Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants to open a maritime museum and entertainment & leisure center in the idle edifice near the South Coastal Road. (Sunstar file photo)

P200M hotel-school (Monday, June 16, 2008)
Sun-Star Online
Monday, June 16, 2008

THE University of San Carlos (USC) confirmed Saturday an announcement by Network of Independent Travel Agencies president Robert Lim Joseph that it will open a hotel-school.

The proposed USC School of Hospitality Management, which will be called Verdant, will sit on a lot—with an area of about 1,000 square meters—on Don F. Sotto Drive, Cebu City, across the USC North Campus.

The hotel-school, projected to cost about P200 million, will cater to the needs of the USC Department of Hospitality Management, become “a venue for practical applications of the students” and simultaneously generate income for the university.

Verdant is designed by architect Ellis Puerto, director of the Institute of Planning and Design of USC’s College of Architecture and Fine Arts.

Immediate future

Puerto told parents and students of USC hospitality management school that the university wants to implement the project “in the immediate future.”

“(The name) Verdant is coined from verbum (the Word) since USC is a Catholic institution with a creed to witness to the Word. The hospitality project is an extension of living and spreading the word. It also honors the order of the (Society of the Divine Word or SVD) fathers managing USC,” he explained.

He said that as an architectural concept, Verdant will suggest the “flourishing of greenery” and the design of the building will “incorporate environmental and sustainable approaches.”

Puerto said that Verdant has long been conceptualized and would have been built at about the same time as USC’s Law and Business School located on Pelaez Street, Cebu City, which was inaugurated last January.

Due to budget constraints and lack of location then, the hotel-school is in the planning stage.

Construction

It will be presented soon to the university’s cabinet and board of directors. If approved, hospitality management students will be able to enjoy the facility 12 months after the start of construction that Puerto hopes to begin within this school year.

“We now identified a location for the hotel-school and we hope to start construction soon, in order to catch up with the inflation,” he said.

The National Statistics Office recently reported that the inflation rate—rise in prices of goods—in May this year rose to 9.6 percent, the highest in nine years. This prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise its key interest rates.

Puerto said that discussions are still being made among members of the administration, including Fr. Mark Matthias, SVD, dean of the USC College of Commerce, on the operational set-up of the hotel-school.

Initially, there are two options being considered. One is that USC will fully operate the hotel-school. Two, it will look for a partner hotel to do so, which will prioritize USC student interns.

Verdant will have 12 floors, including the roof deck that will serve as a restaurant and bar.

Facilities for the hotel-school will include a gym, spa, business center, travel and tours office, fine dining restaurant, laundry and linen room, guest rooms, and a parking area, among others.

It will have a total of five function or meeting rooms that may be converted to larger rooms, three lecture rooms, two laboratories or classrooms, and 70 guest rooms. (NRC)

Fish all you can! (Tilapia Fish Pond in Lapulapu City - pic by @marories of flickr!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2579750360_4446086a0a_o.jpg

which barangay in Opon is this?

^^ sa Soong na bai!

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/240/cimg0620rk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5964/cimg0624xx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6708/cimg0623dl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

P200M hotel-school (Monday, June 16, 2008)
Sun-Star Online
Monday, June 16, 2008

THE University of San Carlos (USC) confirmed Saturday an announcement by Network of Independent Travel Agencies president Robert Lim Joseph that it will open a hotel-school.

The proposed USC School of Hospitality Management, which will be called Verdant, will sit on a lot—with an area of about 1,000 square meters—on Don F. Sotto Drive, Cebu City, across the USC North Campus.

The hotel-school, projected to cost about P200 million, will cater to the needs of the USC Department of Hospitality Management, become “a venue for practical applications of the students” and simultaneously generate income for the university.

Verdant is designed by architect Ellis Puerto, director of the Institute of Planning and Design of USC’s College of Architecture and Fine Arts.

Immediate future

Puerto told parents and students of USC hospitality management school that the university wants to implement the project “in the immediate future.”

“(The name) Verdant is coined from verbum (the Word) since USC is a Catholic institution with a creed to witness to the Word. The hospitality project is an extension of living and spreading the word. It also honors the order of the (Society of the Divine Word or SVD) fathers managing USC,” he explained.

He said that as an architectural concept, Verdant will suggest the “flourishing of greenery” and the design of the building will “incorporate environmental and sustainable approaches.”

Puerto said that Verdant has long been conceptualized and would have been built at about the same time as USC’s Law and Business School located on Pelaez Street, Cebu City, which was inaugurated last January.

Due to budget constraints and lack of location then, the hotel-school is in the planning stage.

Construction

It will be presented soon to the university’s cabinet and board of directors. If approved, hospitality management students will be able to enjoy the facility 12 months after the start of construction that Puerto hopes to begin within this school year.

“We now identified a location for the hotel-school and we hope to start construction soon, in order to catch up with the inflation,” he said.

The National Statistics Office recently reported that the inflation rate—rise in prices of goods—in May this year rose to 9.6 percent, the highest in nine years. This prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise its key interest rates.

Puerto said that discussions are still being made among members of the administration, including Fr. Mark Matthias, SVD, dean of the USC College of Commerce, on the operational set-up of the hotel-school.

Initially, there are two options being considered. One is that USC will fully operate the hotel-school. Two, it will look for a partner hotel to do so, which will prioritize USC student interns.

Verdant will have 12 floors, including the roof deck that will serve as a restaurant and bar.

Facilities for the hotel-school will include a gym, spa, business center, travel and tours office, fine dining restaurant, laundry and linen room, guest rooms, and a parking area, among others.

It will have a total of five function or meeting rooms that may be converted to larger rooms, three lecture rooms, two laboratories or classrooms, and 70 guest rooms. (NRC)

There's actually a rendering in today's issue of Sun.Star.

CPA seeks partners to fund proposed international port (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71)
By Ehda M. Dagooc
Monday, June 16, 2008

The Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) is currently seeking for potential partners to help fund the construction of the P18 billion international seaport to be located in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

CPA general manager Angelo Verdan said that his office is now actively looking for entities to help fund the project, although it currently has ongoing negotiations with two international shipping lines, which have expressed interest to speed up the completion of the project.

Although not urgently, Verdan emphasized that Cebu definitely needs a new port.

“We have received proposals to fund the project from the Cebu provincial government and private companies from Japan and Dubai on a build-operate-transfer agreement. Two blue international shipping lines have also expressed interest,” he said.

If a private company will finance the construction, CPA will still be the administrative body, Verdan pointed out.

CPA aims to start actual construction of the 120-hectares seaport in 2010.

He said CPA together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already completed the preliminary studies for the proposed New Cebu Port, however actual construction is still slated by 2010.

The New Cebu Port will sit on a 120-hectare (ha) reclaimed property in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

Construction will be done in two phases. Phase one will include the reclamation development of the first 80 hectares.

Verdan stressed that, though it may take five to eight years for the international port to be finished and operational, he said this buys CPA more time to study other possible developments in the existing Cebu International Port (CIP).

Among the considerations raised was utilizing the area as a feasible cite for commercial or residential buildings either for hotels or condominiums, as likened to the harbors of Hong Kong and Singapore.

"The CIP is still not yet saturated. We have the time," he said, adding that once the New Cebu Port opens, it will catapult Cebu as "an international shipping trading center."

Verdan expressed belief that the New Cebu Port is a "necessary investment" for Cebu if it wants to be competitive in the global shipping industry because the Mean Low Level Water average of the existing docking area at the CIP only has a depth of 8.5 meters which is below international standards of at least 10 meters.

That of the proposed New Cebu Port, Verdan said it has a depth of 15 to 18 meters which can accommodate Panama-class vessels.

For Verdant render (post 444)

^^ Can anyone care to post it? Thanks, Im quite curious about the design due to this comment from the article...

He said that as an architectural concept, Verdant will suggest the “flourishing of greenery” and the design of the building will “incorporate environmental and sustainable approaches.”

Arroyo approves donation of Compaña Maritima to city
Monday, June 16, 2008

President Gloria Arroyo has finally granted the request of the Cebu City government to have the Compaña Maritima building turned over to the city.

Compaña Maritima, a national government property, is the “old structure standing forlornly” at the entrance of the South Road Properties, few meters away from the Malacañang sa Sugbu.

Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde announced the new development during a recent forum that was attended by the city and barangay officials at the Cebu Grand Convention Center.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña has long been requesting the President to turn over the old building to the city for it to be developed.

“The President is turning over the Compaña Maritima to the city. The President told me that Tommy (Osmeña) is unlike other local officials; when he asks for something it is really very important so it should be given immediate attention,” Remonde said.

more (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080615194)

CPA seeks partners to fund proposed international port (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71)
By Ehda M. Dagooc
Monday, June 16, 2008


Where exactly is Barangay Tayud? Is it located at the small bay?

SYSTEM FOR AIRPORT EXPANSION PROPOSED (http://sugbo.cebu.gov.ph/?Newsid=334&getwhatindex=2)

IT is possible to expand the capacity of an airport in a few months and without disrupting operations, according to experts.

Clem Mcloskey, senior vice president for Asia operations of the General Electric Commercial Aviation Services, disclosed that their company has done a similar job with the airports in London and in Hainan, China using the modular system.

In a courtesy call with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last Wednesday, Mcloskey said that the system is a cheaper way of expanding an airport’s capacity, not to mention cleaner and faster.

Moreover, it can also support Cebu’s economy because materials needed in the system could be sourced locally.

“We intend to bring our team here and let them loose for a few days,” said Mcloskey.

Finding out first hand the situation at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the team could check for themselves how Cebu could have a better but low cost and passenger-friendly terminal and most importantly, expanding its capacity.

Tourism and airport officials have long been stating that the Cebu international airport should have undergone expansion years ago.

“We needed this yesterday,” said Gov. Garcia, who sits at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority board of directors.

Gov. Garcia also believes that public-private partnership is the best way to go for the expansion.

Plans have yet to be finalized, but taking into consideration the rise in the number of passengers using the airport, and the aim to make Cebu as the region’s tourism hub, the airport may be expanded to accommodate eight to 12 million passengers from the current four million.

^^

By the way, you can contribute articles and photos to the official publication of the province.

The email add is, pio-cebu@gmail.com



..

If you make it in Cebu, you can make it anywhere
By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:40:00 06/16/2008

CEBU CITY—Cebuanos are famous—or infamous—for holding on to their money with a viselike grip.

Such an ingrained attitude has kept many companies from Metro Manila away from the Queen City of the South, thinking that it will take just too much effort and money to make their business prosper here.

What they do not realize is that Cebuanos do open their wallets, which are often fattened by money coming in from overseas Filipino workers in their family.

But they have to first be convinced that a product or a service will give them much value for their hard-earned money before they loosen their hold on their cash.

This is why entrepreneurs who have made it big in Cebu have a big chance of giving their counterparts in Manila a run for their money.\

If they can sell to the generally thrifty Cebuanos, they can sell to anybody.

John and Nadine Gonzales, the couple behind the upscale Seeds homeware store in the Ayala Center in Cebu, are just two of the many Cebu-based entrepreneurs who are riding high on the growth in the retail industry here and studying the possibility of eventually branching out to the capital.

Like many successful entrepreneurs, they got into business quite by accident.

John is an interior decorator while Nadine used to work for a top hotel chain, but they did not pass up the opportunity to join some partners in setting up a home furnishing store in 2000.

The store imported pieces from different countries in Asia and then sold them to the Cebuano market that was yearning for something fresh and modern.

Since it enjoyed a first mover advantage in the retailing of furniture and home decor, the store did well for many years. But challenges inevitably started to creep in.

When the novelty wore off, sales started to plateau and then the couple and their partners had different ideas on how to make the business work.

The Gonzaleses eventually bought out their partners and continued Collage on their own in 2003, armed with a little more than the passion to share their love for beautiful furniture and accent pieces that will liven up any home.

Their big break came in 2007 when they were invited by the Ayala group to set up a different kind of a souvenir shop in the newly refurbished mall that would cater to the high-end market looking for nontraditional furniture, fashion accessories and accent pieces.

The biggest challenge, the 42-year-old John told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was to source just what the market wanted from the manufacturers in Cebu, who have long been known for their exquisite export products.

It was not as easy as they thought.

“We talked to so many of them to supply us what we needed, but less than half agreed and many won’t even give us the items until we paid for them in cash,” John said.

But John and Nadine were relentless and they were eventually able to come up with a list of suppliers who were willing to support them in their venture, and thus Seeds opened its doors in June 2007.

John, with his interior decorating skills, takes care of the merchandising and store display while Nadine handles finance and operations.

Both embark on buying trips together, saying that it is in choosing the items they want to share with their buyers that they find fulfillment. They also get a high out of knowing that they are able to showcase the best of what the Cebuano artisans have to offer.

About 85 percent of the items featured in Seeds come from Cebu with the rest coming from other provinces. This novel approach to furniture retailing has earned for Seeds The Most Promising Retailer award from the Ayala Center Cebu in April this year.

This has inspired the couple to make Seeds an even better store. They were even encouraged enough to put up a store, a tropical lifestyle concept called Cocoon, which opened last June 6, also in Ayala Center.

“We are constantly traveling and we are out of the country almost every other month just to check the trends. In this business, we have to always keep our store exciting, always many steps ahead of competition,” said 40-year-old Nadine.

They said they have no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying the items for their store, but they said that each item they have in their store is something they would love to have in their own home.

“That is why sometimes, we wish that some of our items would not be sold so that we could just bring them home,” Nadine said, “But they end up getting bought anyway.”

John and Nadine said they would probably earn more money if they had decided to pursue other lines, such as food or garments. But they said they were happy with their modest profits simply because they love what they are doing.

“Up to now, we still love unpacking our boxes. We still get excited about what we have,” Nadine said, “and we also appreciate how we can do this business together and have fun at the same time.”

Café Laguna

Like the Gonzales couple, Julita P. Urbina puts a lot of love into the running of the Café Laguna group of companies, which includes the beloved Café Laguna restaurant and the upstart Lemongrass, a Vietnamese and Thai concept restaurant also in the Ayala Center.

Perhaps this is why the Café Laguna group has become an indispensable part of the Cebu experience 27 years after Urbina put up a small carinderia (eatery) in Lahug to help her husband raise their six children.

She called it Café Laguna in honor of the province where she and her husband came from. They moved to Cebu in 1975 when her husband took up the job as a local doctor.

Urbina recalls how she handled almost everything in the running of the carinderia with the help of her trusty laundry woman and driver.

She went to market herself, did the cooking and then served the food. She would also man the cash register and then help in the cleaning at the end of every work day.

It was quite a backbreaking routine, but Urbina said she drew strength from the droves of satisfied customers who enjoyed her line of Filipino favorites executed Laguna style, which included adobo, menudo, kare-kare, sinigang and lumpiang ubod.

“At the time we started, there was lack of restaurants serving Filipino food. There were a lot of good Chinese restaurants, but no Filipino ones,” Urbina explained.

Café Laguna thus became the answer to many Cebuanos’ prayers for good Filipino food and by 1989, the Urbinas were able to save enough to expand their little carinderia from a six-table affair to one with 12 tables, with cushions and air conditioning.

“We would have three batches of people having lunch and then four batches over dinner,” Urbina said, “we kept on getting extra space as our clientele grew and eventually, we were offered space inside the Ayala mall.”

Today, the 66-year-old Urbina has relinquished the reins of the company to her four children who are involved in different parts of the business. The other two ventured into the medical profession.

But she said she would still occasionally pitch in and do the cooking with her chefs whenever she’s needed.

“I just simply love to cook. My mother, Remedios, was a very good cook and I improved on many of her recipes and that is what we serve in Café Laguna today,” she said. “I am happiest when I feed people.”

There are four Café Laguna in operation in different parts of Cebu and one just started operations in Cagayan de Oro City and she’s happy to note that it is doing just as well.

“Filipino restaurants do well because we can eat Filipino food every day unlike Chinese or Italian,” she explained.

As long as people will keep on looking for Filipino food, Urbina said Café Laguna would be there to serve it.

HERE (http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view/20080616-142919/If-you-make-it-in-Cebu-you-can-make-it-anywhere)

^^ nice find bai pao.. i enjoyed reading it

If you make it in Cebu, you can make it anywhere
But they have to first be convinced that a product or a service will give them much value for their hard-earned money before they loosen their hold on their cash.

If they can sell to the generally thrifty Cebuanos, they can sell to anybody.



i think the same is true in television... if they (ABS and GMA) want to know which shows are GOOD and which ones arent then they should take a look at what shows cebuanos are watching... but not via ratings or surveys.... try to go around the city and you'll hear what cebuanos are watching... these are the better quality shows... opinion lang

^^ also in Telecommunications... hehehe Globe vs. PLDT

Yeah, cebuanos have rather discriminating tastes.. Remember racks?? They failed here, and they attempted to open elsewhere outside Manila after they closed their Cebu branch and those failed too... But lately, Cebuanos are more open as higher paying jobs are now easily accessible.. I remember before, hadlok kaayo mopalit ug Bench or Penshoppe mga tawo diri, karon kusog na kaayo mopalit ug Marks & spencer, lacoste, or unsa pa diha.. hehehe..

^^ But I heard RACKS is coming again to cebu....owned by Shakeys na daw e

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/tofpahateresa/IMG_1474.jpg

...saw this pic at "soul searchin" thread of @marie...i've never seen this pic before but this is an old one, seeing the Crown Regency is not topping off yet...but wow, nice pic!


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/353862597_ed22b242b8_o.jpg
Source: avuo888 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52351716@N00/) flcikr!

^^ the queen's castle

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/tofpahateresa/IMG_1474.jpg

Is this the church inside USC with a gym below? tama ba?:)

^^ nope! the chapel is actually part of the main bldg. the gym on the other hand is at the back of the usc main campus, its already facing sanciangko st

^^ OIC, i thought the chapel is above the gym...maybe the underground portion is part of the entire gym

^^ it's separate building bai....

I think below the chapel are the offices of the Regsitrar and other administrative offices.

There's actually a rendering in today's issue of Sun.Star.

can someine pose th erendering... how bout you sinj? csn u pose it for us?
:):)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG0602.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG0604.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG0606.jpg

Mactan as international gateway
By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 13:14:00 06/17/2008


CEBU CITY, Philippines - A business chamber has presented a 10-point plan to boost Mactan Island’s role as the main international gateway for Visayas and Mindanao.

The Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) is also organizing a forum to bring together representatives from government, business, non-government organizations and civic groups interested in the positive development of the island.

Jun Monzon, MICCI secretary-general, said the June 26 forum will “highlight the potentials and problems of Mactan Island.”

It aims to establish a Protocol of Cooperation between the business community, civil society and the government. The focus is on the immediate development of Mactan Island as the primary international gateway for Visayas and Mindanao, he said.

Invitations were sent to the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to deliver keynote speeches.

After the speeches, an open forum will follow.

“We hope to have these agencies help us bring positive change to Mactan,” Monzon said in a phone interview on Monday.

The chamber's 10-point agenda include declaring the other half of the island as a tourism estate, building a 20-kilometer highway from Punta Engaño to Cordova town, enforcing a no-new squatter policy, solving the garbage problem and stopping illegal collections.

The 10-point plan also include cleaning the Mactan Shrine, protecting coral reefs and making the entire Hilutungan channel coastline a marine sanctuary, enforcing tourist-friendly behavior, providing basic services such as water and electricity, and finding ways to stop corruption.

“We need simplified processing that will not allow or tolerate permit delays. We need to draw up transparent procedures,” MICCI said in an official statement.

The chamber also said the island needs a one-stop shop where investors can process requirements.

“The chamber is willing to provide such facility at the Mactan Marina Mall free of charge to the DOT and Department of Trade and Industry to start this. Through transparency and simplified procedures, the graft that goes with these activities will disappear,” they said.

According to the chamber, the government needs to widen roads, provide proper asphalt topping and install “honestly priced” streetlights that meet international standards.

“It is time to allocate a substantial budget for road and infrastructure improvement. This is just a fraction of the budget being spent for the region when Mactan is supposed to be the primary tourism hub of the Philippines,” the chamber added.

The chamber also noted the neglect of the Mactan shrine, the site of the historic battle between Lapu-Lapu and Magellan took place.

It called for proper tourism facilities within the shrine.

“We can build a decent, hygienic and environmentally sound tourist complex in this area and still have shops, restaurants and other tourist activities that can sustain itself if rents are properly paid and documented,” the chamber said.

HERE (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080617-143182/Mactan-as-international-gateway)

Hi everyone! newbie here in SSC, proud Cebuano!

^^welcome bai...

welcome gcort1! :)

welcome @gcort. yoroshiku o-negai shimasu! sakto ba? hehehe

hello! i'm also new here.. :-)

Welcome newbies!

FYI to newbies...we have other forums in Samahan like Magkita Ta Bai and SSC Cebu Meet. Also, we have forums under Philippine projects on the rise. Just scan and check SSC.

Enjoy your stay newbies and hope to meet you soon!

Dayon, mga newbies...Ato ni, mga bai... :)


And now, let's have a countdown to Ayala's Leisure Oasis opening... :)

@Newbies

Please post your friendster email address so that we can add you guys to our friendslist and please join SkyScraperCity Cebu friendster group.

TY!

Cebu, Slovenia capital to link together (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080616-142962/Cebu-Slovenia-capital-to-link-together)
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:20:00 06/16/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- The province of Cebu and the city government of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) to promote cooperation in science and technology, trade, industry, investments, education, culture, tourism, and sports, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The MOI was signed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Ljubljana's Deputy Mayor Aleš Čerin, signing on behalf of Mayor Zoran Janković, in simple ceremonies held at the City Hall of Ljubljana on June 3.

Ljubljana is the largest city of Slovenia and has a population of 267,386. Slovenia is one of the most economically dynamic of the new EU countries and is the most progressive of the former Yugoslav States, the DFA said.

The two parties discussed points of mutual interest and shared best practices on governance and public administration, and explored possible areas of cooperation, including tourism promotion, educational exchanges, as well as the sharing of technical expertise in the preservation and restoration of historical buildings, landmarks, and artworks.

The signing was the high point of a meeting between the Ljubljana City government and the visiting delegation of Cebu provincial officials led by Garcia, the department said.

The signing was witnessed by Philippine Ambassador to Slovenia Linglingay Lacanlale, members of the Cebu provincial board, and the heads of Ljubljana's municipal agencies, and attached public and academic institutions.

The Cebu governor also extended her invitation to Ljubljana officials to visit Cebu during the province's week-long celebration of its 439th anniversary to kick off on August 6.

IT-related facility to open at UP Lahug (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/community/view/20080617-143179/IT-related-facility-to-open-at-UP-Lahug)
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 13:09:00 06/17/2008


The Technology Business Incubation (TBI) facility will open at the University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) in Lahug, Cebu City.

The TBI project is a joint collaboration of UPVCC and Ayala Foundation, Inc.

A memorandum of agreement on the project will be signed by Ayala Foundation executive vice president Guillermo Luz and UP Visayas Chancellor Dr. Glenn Aguilar on June 20 about 3:30 p.m. at UP audio visual room.

The facility will provide an “enabling” environment for start-up companies to grow and remain financially viable, help encourage established companies to relocate in the region and provide an investment vehicle for investors.

It will be managed by the faculty of the Department of Computer Science of UPVCC which was recently awarded by the Commission on Higher Education as a Center of Excellence in IT education.

Indeed, Cebu is the "ultimate destination"!


IMAX - SM Cebu opening in November 2008!


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


IMAX experience to hit Visayas via SM Cebu (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71&aid=20080616124)
Philstar Online
By Rhia de Pablo
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The dynamic consumer market and its rosy economic environment have attracted diverse investments to keep pouring in Cebu.

One of these developments would be the coming in of the first IMAX Theater in Visayas, which is seen to provide more value added entertainment for Cebu's thriving consumer market.

SM City Cebu's mall manager Sherry Tuvilla said that by November SM Cebu will house the first ever IMAX Theater within the Visayas and Mindanao area. This facility is the second in the country, the first being at the Mall of Asia, which opened in 2006.

Tuvilla said that the opening of an IMAX Theater here in Cebu will be scheduled in time for the screening of the upcoming new installation of the Harry Potter movie series.

"The IMAX will have an entirely different setup from that of an ordinary cinema houses as its screen is tall and wide and the whole theater will be elevated," Tuvilla described.

SM City Cebu's IMAX Theater will have a 400 seating capacity and will feature the latest digital projection system being developed by IMAX.

According to releases, the system is configured for an IMAX MPX(R)-style auditorium, which is designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theater business. The theater will be capable of playing Hollywood movies that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of “The IMAX Experience,” as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.

At a P350 movie ticket rate, only selected movies and presentations will be screened for a specified target market such as documentaries, educational materials and big blockbuster movies that will primarily target students, said Tuvilla.

Despite the advancement of technology these days making home theater available to the market, SM City Cebu's theaters are still able to generate a significantly huge number of cinema traffic which oftentimes exceed average rates on blockbuster movies, stressed Tuvilla.

She added that at the moment, face lifting for their two theaters, Cinemas 5 and 6 are undertaken after newly renovating their Cinemas 7 and 8 to provide a more value-added entertainment services to the growing market in the city.

"We believe that the IMAX will provide SM City Cebu an added patronage because it can generate a separate following from Cebuano moviegoers," added Tuvilla.

The first IMAX Theater in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest screens in the world at 22 by 30 meters; the height similar to an eight story building and holds a seating capacity for 600 viewers. The theatre is the first to offer the most advanced cinematic 3D in the world, known as the IMAX 3D.

This new entertainment technology was brought to the country through the partnership of SM Supermalls with Coca-Cola and San Miguel Corporation. Since it opened, it had instantly become an anchor attraction at the SM Mall of Asia and attendance has already surpassed 175,000 individual ticket sales.

The IMAX brand under the IMAX Corporation in Canada is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 2007, there were already 296 IMAX theaters operating in 40 countries around the world.

Center for International Education - Cebu City


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2587123848_c725f38731.jpg
pic by @christine_cueto of flickr

Indeed, Cebu is the "ultimate destination"!


IMAX - SM Cebu opening in November 2008!


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


IMAX experience to hit Visayas via SM Cebu (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71&aid=20080616124)
Philstar Online
By Rhia de Pablo
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The dynamic consumer market and its rosy economic environment have attracted diverse investments to keep pouring in Cebu.

One of these developments would be the coming in of the first IMAX Theater in Visayas, which is seen to provide more value added entertainment for Cebu's thriving consumer market.

SM City Cebu's mall manager Sherry Tuvilla said that by November SM Cebu will house the first ever IMAX Theater within the Visayas and Mindanao area. This facility is the second in the country, the first being at the Mall of Asia, which opened in 2006.

Tuvilla said that the opening of an IMAX Theater here in Cebu will be scheduled in time for the screening of the upcoming new installation of the Harry Potter movie series.

"The IMAX will have an entirely different setup from that of an ordinary cinema houses as its screen is tall and wide and the whole theater will be elevated," Tuvilla described.

SM City Cebu's IMAX Theater will have a 400 seating capacity and will feature the latest digital projection system being developed by IMAX.

According to releases, the system is configured for an IMAX MPX(R)-style auditorium, which is designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theater business. The theater will be capable of playing Hollywood movies that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of “The IMAX Experience,” as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.

At a P350 movie ticket rate, only selected movies and presentations will be screened for a specified target market such as documentaries, educational materials and big blockbuster movies that will primarily target students, said Tuvilla.

Despite the advancement of technology these days making home theater available to the market, SM City Cebu's theaters are still able to generate a significantly huge number of cinema traffic which oftentimes exceed average rates on blockbuster movies, stressed Tuvilla.

She added that at the moment, face lifting for their two theaters, Cinemas 5 and 6 are undertaken after newly renovating their Cinemas 7 and 8 to provide a more value-added entertainment services to the growing market in the city.

"We believe that the IMAX will provide SM City Cebu an added patronage because it can generate a separate following from Cebuano moviegoers," added Tuvilla.

The first IMAX Theater in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest screens in the world at 22 by 30 meters; the height similar to an eight story building and holds a seating capacity for 600 viewers. The theatre is the first to offer the most advanced cinematic 3D in the world, known as the IMAX 3D.

This new entertainment technology was brought to the country through the partnership of SM Supermalls with Coca-Cola and San Miguel Corporation. Since it opened, it had instantly become an anchor attraction at the SM Mall of Asia and attendance has already surpassed 175,000 individual ticket sales.

The IMAX brand under the IMAX Corporation in Canada is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 2007, there were already 296 IMAX theaters operating in 40 countries around the world.


2 cinemas under are under renovation. it will be the IMAX theater na?

@Newbies

Please post your friendster email address so that we can add you guys to our friendslist and please join SkyScraperCity Cebu friendster group.

TY!

salamat kaayo mga bai sa pag welcome.
@hans: where should we post our friendster email add? ok ra diri nga thread?:)

I just observed from reading the previous posts, there are lots of Carolinians here also. I am also a USC graduate BSME batch 2000.
I hope in the near future Fuente Osmena Rotonda will have also a structure like this called CIRCLE WALK to make it more beautiful landmark in Cebu.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a344/gcort/SCENERIES/yokohama061508078.jpg

By the way, Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, is pronounced as lyu-bli-ya-na.

Just a FYI. :)

Cebu, Slovenia capital to link together (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080616-142962/Cebu-Slovenia-capital-to-link-together)
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:20:00 06/16/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- The province of Cebu and the city government of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) to promote cooperation in science and technology, trade, industry, investments, education, culture, tourism, and sports, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The MOI was signed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Ljubljana's Deputy Mayor Aleš Čerin, signing on behalf of Mayor Zoran Janković, in simple ceremonies held at the City Hall of Ljubljana on June 3.

Ljubljana is the largest city of Slovenia and has a population of 267,386. Slovenia is one of the most economically dynamic of the new EU countries and is the most progressive of the former Yugoslav States, the DFA said.

The two parties discussed points of mutual interest and shared best practices on governance and public administration, and explored possible areas of cooperation, including tourism promotion, educational exchanges, as well as the sharing of technical expertise in the preservation and restoration of historical buildings, landmarks, and artworks.

The signing was the high point of a meeting between the Ljubljana City government and the visiting delegation of Cebu provincial officials led by Garcia, the department said.

The signing was witnessed by Philippine Ambassador to Slovenia Linglingay Lacanlale, members of the Cebu provincial board, and the heads of Ljubljana's municipal agencies, and attached public and academic institutions.

The Cebu governor also extended her invitation to Ljubljana officials to visit Cebu during the province's week-long celebration of its 439th anniversary to kick off on August 6.

re:circle walk: that could be nice...although that would block the view of the fountain and the capitol to the distance...but hey, should gokongwei decide to build something like it to connect his two robinsons, why not?

although a tunnel, underground parking, and a shopping center under fuente wouldnt be too bad either...

* * *

by the way, just a thought, what happened to the Lakaw Boys' night-time street drive videos? i guess now would be a good time for them to come up with an update :D

Hello! :wave:

Welcome to SSC, bai! :D

BTW, that circular walk is in Yokohama, right? :?

Hello! :wave:

Welcome to SSC, bai! :D

BTW, that circular walk is in Yokohama, right? :?
Yes, bai its in Yokohama port area I just saw it last Sunday.

Veco to ‘pilot test’ system in 2009 (http://http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080618-143394/Veco-to-pilot-test-system-in-2009)


By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 14:35:00 06/18/2008


CEBU CITY, Philippines - Distribution utility firm, Visayan Electric Company (Veco), plans to start next year operations of prepaid electricity meters within its franchise area.

Veco officials said the firm had yet to submit a study to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and wait for agency's approval the scheme.

"We decided to adopt the scheme after a team from Veco visited South Africa last April 2008 and saw the successful implementation of the prepaid meter system there," said Ma. Chona Y. Tiu, Veco vice president for administration and chief finance officer.

Tiu said that during the trip they visited the South Africa’s energy regulating body and some electric cooperatives.

Veco will hopefully submit the study in August 2008, she said.

The study will include the company's plan to do a “pilot case” on a voluntary basis in Cebu.

“We will start on a voluntary basis, those who want to try the system. So we might as well start with our employees,” Tiu told Cebu Daily News in an interview inside the Veco office in Barangay (village) Banilad, Cebu City.

The pilot testing, however, will have to wait until January 2009 as the company pending ERC approval as well as order prepaid meters from suppliers.

“Based on our latest discussion with suppliers. It will take four to five months between ordering meter and finalizing things (with ERC). So we're looking at January 2009,” she said.

A specific point of discussion with ERC involves the billing system, she said.

“We're fine tuning the billing (system). There might be a request from ERC to have breakdown of charges like that of current electric bill,” she said.

Tiu said owners of apartment and condominium units will benefit from this system as their concerns usually involve “boarders or lodgers” who run away not paying the electric bills.

“Condo owners end up paying the electricity bills themselves,” she said.

With this system, Tiu said consumers can have their budget and adjust energy consumption to save money.

Sebastian R. Lacson, Veco vice president for administration, said he is optimistic of the public's response on the new system because Cebuanos and Filipinos in general are accustomed to the prepaid concept.

Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, Veco senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the meter system will adopt the same concept of prepaid phone and will use a different meter.

In a previous interview, Aboitiz said a prepaid meter costs between P3,000 and P5,000, while a normal electric meters costs between P1,000 and P2,000.

He said consumers may buy cards in fixed peso rates within the range of P3,000 to P10,000.

He said the system will be convenient for Veco and consumers.

Implementation of prepaid meter system means no meter reading and billing on Veco, thus saving on paper and transportation costs, reducing disconnection or reconnection costs, and avoiding billing disputes, mistakes and utility disconnects.

Consumers, on the other hand, will now be aware of power consumption since they can only consume electricity based on prepaid load.

Kabayan Hotels target local transient market

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Kabayan Hotels is now targeting the huge Cebuano traveling market, most specially the government workers and students to sustain its market niche of Pinoy transients in Manila.

Kabayan Hotels, which is one of the accommodation facility brands operated by Legends Hotels International Corporation (LHI), is capitalizing on the growing number of Filipinos who travel to the capital city, as well as focus on another potential market, which is the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Cebu, one of the most dynamic cities in the South, is a good market to tap, said Kabayan Hotels sales and marketing manager Jane Andres, during a recent sales blitz held by the company in Cebu.

With the expanded accommodation capacity of Kabayan Hotel in Pasay, Andres said the company has intensified its marketing campaign to the provincial markets, especially for government, schools, and OFW markets, because of the proximity of the hotel to important government agencies, including US Embassy, maritime recruitment agencies, among others.

The Kabayan Hotel-Pasay now offers a total of 250 rooms and is positioned as the value hotel for budget-conscious Pinoys who need to travel to Manila for very important transactions, such as Embassy interview, overseas employment renewal, nursing board examination review, bar exam, among others. It is also located near the Mall of Asia.

“We also have Kabayan Hotel outlets in other areas in Metro Manila, in Cubao [Quezon City] and Caloocan. But our biggest is the Pasay outlet to accommodate the growing number of transients that need to transact businesses, and other matters in that area,” Andres said.

At present, about 30 percent of the hotel’s total occupancy rate is coming from Cebu, Andres said the company aims to increase this share to 45 percent, through its active and close partnership with travel agencies here.

She said one of the largest markets in Cebu is the government offices, and schools. This time, Kabayan Hotels is poised to offer very attractive and affordable rates for these target markets.

“We have a very specific market niche. We are targeting the cost-conscious Pinoy travelers, thus we are offering several room accommodation packages that will suit to every travelers’ need,” she said referring to the offering of single-pad accommodation, family room, five-hour rest and nap accommodation, group (six persons) accommodation, among others.

LHI is owned by Armadillo Holdings Inc., (AHI) a 100 percent Filipino owned company engaged in hospitality and accommodation, leasing, laundry and garments, and real estate development.

In an earlier interview with LHI assistant vice president Dante C. Cruz, he said that the group has plans to invest within P250 million to P300 million, for an establishment of a 600-room City Resort Hotel in Cebu.

LHI, which is operating several hotel brands in the Philippines, mostly in Luzon, like the Legend Villas, Kabayan Hotels, the Mabuhay Manor, and The Legend Palawan, will kick off its regional expansion in the country, starting with Cebu very soon. — Ehda M. Dagooc

Another BPO building

EXPECTING further growth in Cebu’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the property development arm of the Robinsons group and holding company JG Summit Holdings Inc. is constructing a building that will house more BPO offices.

Roseann Coscolluela-Villegas, Ro-binsons Land corporate public relations manager, said the company is constructing a seven-story building on a company-owned property at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, in front of Chong Hua Hospital.

She said the first two levels of the building, to be named Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, will house retail shops, restaurants and service outlets. A building will also feature a convenience store that will cater to the needs of BPO personnel who work late at night or early morning.

The third to seventh floor of the building, which is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2009, will house spaces for BPO companies.

Villegas said Robinsons Land has its eyes on Cebu and other growth areas outside Metro Manila.

English proficiency

In Cebu, she said the company expects the BPO industry to grow further as Cebuanos are known to be proficient in English and speak the foreign language almost without an accent. She added that the presence of several universities in Cebu also ensures a sustainable labor pool for the BPO industry.

She said the company also foresees demand for housing to grow as the BPO industry continues to move forward. This is why Robinsons Land is investing in three residential projects—AmiSa and Blue Coast Residences in Lapu-Lapu City and Aspen Heights in Consolacion—in Cebu.

Robinsons Land also considers trends in tourism in deciding where its next project would be.

“The tourism industry is doing extremely well,” said Villegas, citing growing tourist arrival figures reported by the Department of Tourism. She said the active tourism industry in Cebu is also the basis for AmiSa’s design.

OFWs

AmiSa is a five-hectare complex that will feature a residential condominium, a hotel and a gaming facility.

“It’s a dream retirement or vacation home,” Villegas said.

She assured that while one of Robinsons Land’s target markets are overseas Filipino workers and their families, the company is confident about its future growth.

“OFWs have evolved. They are now more knowledgeable about wealth management,” she told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview. She added that many OFWs consider real estate property as a long-term investment.

She said demand for residential condominiums, on the other hand, are driven mainly by middle-income individuals and households.

Robinsons Land also has ongoing projects in Tacloban, Leyte and Dumaguete City in Oriental Negros. The company is building shopping malls in both cities.

Shang Properties to work on three projects this year

LISTED SHANG Properties, Inc. is coming up with three major projects this year to strengthen its residential and retail businesses.

In a report to stockholders, President and Chief Executive Officer Juan Andres D. Bautista said they were still finalizing the plans for the project on a 1.5-hectare lot it had bought in Fort Bonifacio Global City together with Shangri-La Asia and Alpha Land Corp.

"Initial plans show that we will have more than 60-story residential buildings there and it will be the first residential complex built on top of a Shangri-La Hotel. We will have the groundbreaking some time in July," he said in an interview.

He added that Shang Properties is in the final stages of executing the next phase of redevelopment of its 8.6-hectare Shangri-La Place in the Ortigas business district.

Mr. Bautista said they might also expand the mall by another 30,000 square meters to enhance their integrated community. The company is also in talks with Shangri-La Asia for a joint venture in Mactan, Cebu.

A NEW high-end establishment plans to employ at least 300 people when it starts operations by the end of the year.

Chris Karageorges, chairman of the Don Christo Inc., said its recruitment efforts have already started with the hiring of department heads.

Aside from this, the company has also started finalizing the design concepts of the “Hollywood-like” disco club.

“We have talked with American designers as well as Filipinos designers with American education,” Karageorges told a news conference yesterday.

The final interior design concept will be known in 45 days, after which design implementation will take place.

Aware of some negative perceptions that might be attributed to his company, Karageorges said Don Christo Inc. is strictly complying with all the rules for it to operate.

Jose Gloria, executive director, said the company will see to it that it will maintain a good and wholesome image.

Karageorges currently holds a lease term of not less than 20 years for the old casino building located at Nivel Hills in Lahug, Cebu City.

Although the final details of the design have yet to be completed, Karageorges gave members of the media a peek of how the establishment will look like.

“Going inside, you will see the main disco area,” he said. This area is considered to be multi-functional and can accommodate approximately 8,000 people (not 1,000 as earlier reported).

The ground floor will also feature a number of bars and VIP (exclusive) rooms. The basement section will house the main games room that will feature a bingo area, slot machines, billiards, snookers and family karaoke rooms.

“We are (also) talking with Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.)” Karageorges said, in reference to the casino operations of the future establishment.

Although the whole establishment, covering a total floor area of 3,600 square meters, will feature a number of facilities, Karageorges said the company will handle all amenities to maintain quality standards.

The entire old casino complex, which has an area of about one hectare, will also feature a paradise garden restaurant, patisseries and parking area.

The paradise garden restaurant, which will operate 24 hours a day, will be the first facility to operate in the complex, prior to the projected full operation in December this year.

At present, Don Christo already accepts bookings for corporate events scheduled in time for its opening in December.

Don Christo is also aiming for a five-star accreditation from the Department of Tourism. (DME)


source: HERE (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/06/19/bus/proposed.entertainment.facility.to.employ.300.by.december.08.html)

So, this year would be the opening of IMAX at SM, Ayala Leisure Oasis and this high-end bar... :)

^ WOW! So many super good news. Nahan man sad ta ani. haha! ;)

Here is a list of establishments that opened in this year, AFAIK...

- North Atrium
- The Walk
- SM Northwing
- Parkmall

Any news on these:

- The Gallery
- Boardwalk

By the way, i heard that the Benedicto College is building another school building somewhere near NASA...Is this true?

^ Yep Benedicto College is building a huge campus there. I posted photos of it last year. I dunno if it's already completed. The Gallery already has some tenants which are open already. The Boardwalk Mall? I dunno. I'm not seeing any activity in the area anymore. Hmmm.

Anyway, here is the original masterplan of the ACC Superblock in CBP. I hope they will pursue this plan as stated in news reports earlier this year.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8674/18964851sv4.jpg

^ Yep Benedicto College is building a huge campus there. I posted photos of it last year. I dunno if it's already completed. The Gallery already has some tenants which are open already. The Boardwalk Mall? I dunno. I'm not seeing any activity in the area anymore. Hmmm.

Anyway, here is the original masterplan of the ACC Superblock in CBP. I hope they will pursue this plan as stated in news reports earlier this year.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8674/18964851sv4.jpg

It's nice to see those 4 towers materialized...Hopefully.... :)

^^ woow.. i'd love to see those towers rise within the year...go CEBOOM!!:banana:
:eek2:

Juice koh!! Unrecognizable na ang Ayala Center pagbalik nako diha! Wow! :eek:

naunsa man ning server sa skyscrapercity oi! cge man ka down! tungod jud ni sa mga tao nga cgeg check sa CEBU Thread!!! hehe!!!

Here is a list of establishments that opened in this year, AFAIK...

- North Atrium
- The Walk
- SM Northwing
- Parkmall

Any news on these:

- The Gallery
- Boardwalk


The Gallery has opened but doesnt look like it's fully operational. Boardwalk mall on the other hand i noticed still has ongoing construction activities which probably they're still finishing the interiors.

The Manila Foodshoppe has recently opened in Parkmall. PierOne Parkmall soon, will occupy a single-detached (not sure of the term) building which is still under-construction, within the Parkmall complex.

daghana developments sa Cebu. klaro kaayo daghan napud masuya. ang mu react guilty. :D

^ Yep Benedicto College is building a huge campus there. I posted photos of it last year. I dunno if it's already completed. The Gallery already has some tenants which are open already. The Boardwalk Mall? I dunno. I'm not seeing any activity in the area anymore. Hmmm.

Anyway, here is the original masterplan of the ACC Superblock in CBP. I hope they will pursue this plan as stated in news reports earlier this year.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8674/18964851sv4.jpg

The Benedicto College almost complete na ang construction. pwede na siya ma occupy from the looks of it (from my observation, last week of May) i heard they were rushing to finish at least some of the classrooms in time for June class opening. haven't visited the site recently though.

The Ayala Center expansion when materialized will reinforce Cebu's bid to become one of Asia's top shopping destinations. :cheers:

....will this be Cebu's first MiniStop?


http://www.ministop.com.ph/images/new_logo2.jpg


Another BPO building

....Roseann Coscolluela-Villegas, Ro-binsons Land corporate public relations manager, said the company is constructing a seven-story building on a company-owned property at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, in front of Chong Hua Hospital.

....A building will also feature a convenience store that will cater to the needs of BPO personnel who work late at night or early morning.

Ayala opens nature park in Cebu City watershed (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080619-143584/Ayala-opens-nature-park-in--Cebu-City-watershed)
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:52:00 06/19/2008


A company that develops condos, subdivisions and real estate properties yesterday inaugurated a 71-hectare nature park in the uplands of Cebu City.

The Kan-irag Nature Park, which has winding trails and a watchtower, is envisioned by Ayala developers with its partners in five neighboring barangays and environment NGOs as an eco-tourism showcase and educational facility on how to properly manage a watershed.

The park will be open to the public starting today.

The park, described as a “work in progress” took three years of planning. Phase 1 of about 20 hectares was turned over yesterday to a new foundation that will operate the park.

The park will be developed as a “one-of-a-kind“ natural science laboratory that showcases biodiversity, integrated watershed management, eco-tourism and stakeholder partnership.

“Protection of the natural environment is one of the three pillars of the Ayala Social Initiatives program. The goal is sustainable development amid progress to ensure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” said Ver dela Cerna, head of the Corporate Communications and Customer Affairs Division of Ayala Land Inc. - Vismin area.

The park is located at the headwaters of the Kotkot River watershed and occupies parts of five upland barangays - Pung-ol- Sibugay, Malubog, Sirao, Budlaan and Taptap.

ALI’s partners in designing and developing the park include water and environment experts in Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW), Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc. and the University of San Carlos Water Resource Center.

The new Ayala Heights Nature Park Foundation Inc.was formed with these partners as members.

The foundation was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2007 and is tasked to be the park’s “steward”.

Dela Cerna said the group is working on its applicatio for an Environmental Clearance Certificate and a Special Agreement for Protected Areas.

He said he doesn’t forsee any problem with this since all rules of watershed protection were followed “by the book.”

The mountain site of Ayala was not orignally planned for a park.

“When the company learned that this was part of the watershed, it was turned into what it should be,” he said.

“This (park) will complement the village residents who will also benefit from the restored environment,” he said.

Socorro Atega, CUSW executive director, said a nature park in Central Cebu’s watershed is a welcome development since this falls in a “multiple use zone where we can conduct massive education and strengthen barangay management of the environment.

Students and nature lovers are welcome to arrange for tours and lectures in the new park, which is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Ayala opens nature park in Cebu City watershed (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080619-143584/Ayala-opens-nature-park-in--Cebu-City-watershed)
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:52:00 06/19/2008


A company that develops condos, subdivisions and real estate properties yesterday inaugurated a 71-hectare nature park in the uplands of Cebu City.

The Kan-irag Nature Park, which has winding trails and a watchtower, is envisioned by Ayala developers with its partners in five neighboring barangays and environment NGOs as an eco-tourism showcase and educational facility on how to properly manage a watershed.

The park will be open to the public starting today.

The park, described as a “work in progress” took three years of planning. Phase 1 of about 20 hectares was turned over yesterday to a new foundation that will operate the park.

The park will be developed as a “one-of-a-kind“ natural science laboratory that showcases biodiversity, integrated watershed management, eco-tourism and stakeholder partnership.

“Protection of the natural environment is one of the three pillars of the Ayala Social Initiatives program. The goal is sustainable development amid progress to ensure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” said Ver dela Cerna, head of the Corporate Communications and Customer Affairs Division of Ayala Land Inc. - Vismin area.

The park is located at the headwaters of the Kotkot River watershed and occupies parts of five upland barangays - Pung-ol- Sibugay, Malubog, Sirao, Budlaan and Taptap.

ALI’s partners in designing and developing the park include water and environment experts in Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW), Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc. and the University of San Carlos Water Resource Center.

The new Ayala Heights Nature Park Foundation Inc.was formed with these partners as members.

The foundation was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2007 and is tasked to be the park’s “steward”.

Dela Cerna said the group is working on its applicatio for an Environmental Clearance Certificate and a Special Agreement for Protected Areas.

He said he doesn’t forsee any problem with this since all rules of watershed protection were followed “by the book.”

The mountain site of Ayala was not orignally planned for a park.

“When the company learned that this was part of the watershed, it was turned into what it should be,” he said.

“This (park) will complement the village residents who will also benefit from the restored environment,” he said.

Socorro Atega, CUSW executive director, said a nature park in Central Cebu’s watershed is a welcome development since this falls in a “multiple use zone where we can conduct massive education and strengthen barangay management of the environment.

Students and nature lovers are welcome to arrange for tours and lectures in the new park, which is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.


If only the site of the Monterizzas de Cebu (am not sure of the spelling...to lazy to look for it) will be converted something like this, i think, it will be a better idea than having another gated village for the elite... :)

Fete De La Musique in Cebu!

Les Amis de la France, Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines together with ABS-CBN, M. Lhuillier Philippines and Nokia are proud to present the first FETE DE LA MUSIQUE (Cebu) 2008 on Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 5:00pm to 4:00 am at Paseo, Cebu.

Fete de la Musique started out in France in June 21, 1982. A French Memorandum was issued lamenting the sad and sorry state of the millions of musical instruments stored in the closet and cupboards of French artists. It started the idea of setting aside one day of each year to give all musicians, professionals and amateurs alike, an opportunity to play and showcase their talent in every venue conceivable.

Since then Fete has spread to Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Israel, India and many more. Today Fete is considered as one of the most popular music festival in the world with over 120 countries joining in this simultaneous celebration.

The first Fete de la Musique in the Philippines was held in Metro Manila in the year 1994 having more than 30 bands coming from the different music genre and has been celebrated yearly since its birth. Last year(2007) the music of Fete de la Musique echoes in four diferent stages having heard by more than twenty thousand spectators who were present to witness the live performances of various artists.

The highly anticipated Cebu debut of Fete de la Musique will feature performances by over twenty bands with Junior Kilat, Hardwood, Island Joe, Powespoonz to name a few.

The event not only gives an opportunity for artists to showcase their music, for people to hear music and for instruments to be displayed and utilized; the primary success of it lies in bridging people from all walks of life, all culture, and all levels of society. For that one day, there are no barriers, no walls. All are one in celebrating the universal language that is music.

Fete de la Musique is also brought to you by: Marco Polo Plaza, Pepsi Cola, San Miguel Corporation, UBS, Paseo, Yehey.com, Bite Magazine, Cebu Daily News and Monster Radio

HERE (http://www.yehey.com/Lifestyle/Nightlife/article2.aspx?id=32199)

Cebu City honored as best LGU in CV
Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cebu City was yesterday honored as the best local government in terms of financial and fiscal management.

It is the only LGU to receive such recognition during the general assembly of the treasurers and assessors in Bohol yesterday.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña was so pleased with the award that he cancelled his trip to Taiwan to be able to attend the awarding ceremony.

In his speech, the mayor said Cebu City has been very strict in implementing tax collection and managing its financial resources.

But he explained that one big problem in tax collection is the word business permit, which is more of regulatory. “So there should be a major change. The main function of the treasurer is to generate and not regulate.”

Osmeña said one major reform that the city had adopted is that anyone who do business and make money should pay taxes.

“In Cebu City, if you do business, you pay taxes. I don’t care if your business is legal or illegal, moral or immoral. If you’re doing business in the city, you pay or we’ll find a way to kill you,” he said, drawing applause from the nearly 400 local government assessors and treasurers from across the region.

He also gave a technique to tax collectors to put more tax burden on the structure than the land because those who put up big buildings are actually those who can pay more.

During interview with reporters, Osmeña said the award will prove that despite the allegations that the city is already bankrupt, it can still manage its financial resources well.

The Bureau of Local Government Finance announced earlier that Cebu City has been chosen as the sole recipient of the award as the Best Performing LGU among the 136 local government units in Central Visayas because of its remarkable performance in the local fiscal and financial management. —Wenna A. Berondo/LPM

HERE (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=52&type=2&sec=70&aid=20080618194)

If only the site of the Monterizzas de Cebu (am not sure of the spelling...to lazy to look for it) will be converted something like this, i think, it will be a better idea than having another gated village for the elite... :)

i'm so with you in that

btw, part of me is hinting that could this be out of the half-success of their mountain development, which was being threatened by land-slides?

that ought to teach them a lesson not to trifle with Cebu's mountains :lol:

yZJymlnYFJQ

A foreign couple enjoying their cebu vacation...

Cebu cyberpark to lease out more space to BPOs, shops (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW061908/content.php?id=046)
Business World Online
19 June 2008

CEBU CITY — The Asiatown IT Park will lease out more space to business process outsourcing (BPO) and retail companies, with more workers to be hired in the process.

A new 12-story office building will be completed as scheduled by the third quarter and will provide 21,000 square meters of additional leasable space for information technology firms, as well as 1,700 square meters of leasable space for retail outlets.

Francis O. Monera, president of Asiatown developer Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp., noted that once completed, the entry of these locators would generate more jobs. As of last year, locators at the park created 11,637 jobs.

The building, called the eBloc, is a project of Asian I-Office Properties, Inc., a special purpose vehicle created by Cebu Property Ventures and the Ayala Land, Inc. corporate business group.

"We will be putting out even more products and concepts into the global information and communications technology market that are proudly produced through Filipino ingenuity," Mr. Monera said at the recent topping-off ceremony for the building.

He said they were talking with a number of prospective locators, but declined to identify them.

He said more than half of the leasable space within the building would be occupied by the end of the year.

Cebu Property Ventures recently held a soft opening for The Walk, a 2,500-square meter retail strip that hosts shops, bars, restaurants and other retail outlets that cater to the 24/7 lifestyle at Asiatown.

Four out of 18 outlets, namely Pier 1, La Marea, Figaro and Shakey’s, have started operations (...recently, McDonald's). — Marites S. Villamor

The Benedicto College almost complete na ang construction. pwede na siya ma occupy from the looks of it (from my observation, last week of May) i heard they were rushing to finish at least some of the classrooms in time for June class opening. haven't visited the site recently though.

The Ayala Center expansion when materialized will reinforce Cebu's bid to become one of Asia's top shopping destinations. :cheers:

The new Benedicto college campus looks like a mall, and it's huge...

I hope they will put a cable car. Nice also if they will build a man made lake and put canoes there, hehehe.. And then a campsite of course.. Hehehehe..




Ayala opens nature park in Cebu City watershed (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20080619-143584/Ayala-opens-nature-park-in--Cebu-City-watershed)
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:52:00 06/19/2008


A company that develops condos, subdivisions and real estate properties yesterday inaugurated a 71-hectare nature park in the uplands of Cebu City.

The Kan-irag Nature Park, which has winding trails and a watchtower, is envisioned by Ayala developers with its partners in five neighboring barangays and environment NGOs as an eco-tourism showcase and educational facility on how to properly manage a watershed.

The park will be open to the public starting today.

The park, described as a “work in progress” took three years of planning. Phase 1 of about 20 hectares was turned over yesterday to a new foundation that will operate the park.

View from TG Tower IT Park, taken from http://jjt168.multiply.com

http://images.jjt168.multiply.com/image/6/photos/17/orig/1/Untitled_Panorama1.jpg?et=aTyO%2BH7z9dkFH1xmid5uJw&nmid=101796235

http://images.jjt168.multiply.com/image/4/photos/17/orig/4/Untitled_Panorama4.jpg?et=ejrhLIFYZmVOz0wuw4jB2Q&nmid=101796235

http://images.jjt168.multiply.com/image/4/photos/17/orig/2/Untitled_Panorama2.jpg?et=swOubFk4kiR9PR%2BAjiD2xQ&nmid=101796235

http://images.jjt168.multiply.com/image/5/photos/17/orig/3/Untitled_Panorama3.jpg?et=uyZnIJAgzdGC2AqloN9goA&nmid=101796235

Ecozone space reserved for locators’ expansion

CEBU CITY — Despite the preference of foreign investors to expand in China, the city government is allotting space at the South Road Properties for the expansion of some multinational locators in the two Mactan economic zones.

Joel Mari S. Yu, managing director of the Cebu Investment Promotions Center (CIPC), said the city government will not touch for planned real estate development about 40 hectares of the 300-ha South Road Properties (SRP) and save these for the Mactan economic zone locators.

"We keep hearing that some of these companies plan to expand. The SRP was conceived to accommodate the expansion of the companies operating at MEZ 1 and 2. That’s why Japan agreed to lend us the money. So we will not touch those 40 hectares," Mr. Yu said.

The two Mactan economic zones are fully occupied.

The 150-hectare MEZ 1, one of the government-owned industrial enclaves in the country, has over 100 locators led by TMX Philippines, Inc. while the 63-hectare MEZ 2, which was developed by Aboitizland, Inc., has over 40 locators like Lexmark International Philippines.

The Cebu city government secured a ¥12-billion loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to reclaim 300 hectares and develop this into the South Road Properties.

The property has been declared as a special economic zone and is designed for mixed land use that can accommodate manufacturing, commercial, tourism, information technology, and other service enterprises.

The CIPC, exclusive marketing arm of the Cebu city government for the South Road Properties, is currently negotiating with Filinvest Land, Inc., which has proposed to develop close to 50 hectares at the South Road Properties.

Filinvest has proposed to purchase a 13-hectare lot worth about P2 billion and develop a 35-hectare lot jointly with the city government.

Other developers have also expressed interest to acquire lots at the South Road Properties, although they have yet to firm up their proposals. — Marites S. Villamor

Ey, any updates or schedule of activities for today's Cebu Business Month?