Cebu City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 8

Sinjin P.

September 21st, 2005, 03:08 PM

As the gross domestic product (GDP) of Cebu grows, so does one of its major gross by-products — garbage.

Garbage is any useless, unwanted or discarded material. It is yesterday’s newspaper and junk mail, today’s dinner table scraps, fallen leaves and grass clippings, non-returnable bottles and cans, animal manure, worn-out appliances and furniture, abandoned cars, crop residue, food-processing wastes, sludge from wastewater treatment plants, fly ash from coal-fired power plants, mine and other industrial wastes.

Although some solid wastes that are hazardous to human health must be isolated and stored, most of the things we throw away should be regarded not as solid waste but as wasted solid, which we need to reuse or recycle.

Let us focus wastes produced by homes and businesses in or near urban areas. There are several reasons for this focus.

First, because these solid wastes are concentrated in highly populated areas, it must be removed quickly and efficiently. This is very expensive. Second, the volume of urban solid wastes indicates the rate of growth. Third, present methods of disposal of these wastes are inadequate. Finally, we have more information on the amount and composition of these types of waste because most of it (at least two-thirds) are collected.

What happens to the trash that is left on the street for pickup? Most citizens and businesses don’t care where their trash are disposed of as long as they don’t smell it, see it or pay too much to have it taken away.

Based on this “out-of-sight-out-of-mind” principle, local sanitation departments or privately-owned collection services gather garbage and dump, burn or bury them.

As a result, many existing dumpsites cause water pollution and groundwater contaminaton. The governments concerned should require all new and existing dumpsites to be converted into landfills that have (1) a clay lining to prevent water from the garbage to seep and contaminate bodies of water; (2) synthetic liner as additional prevention of seepage, and; (3) a leachate collection system.

All landfills must be monitored. If leaks are observed, immediate repairs should be made. The disposal of liquids in landfills should not be permitted unless the liquid is mixed with an absorbent or solid matter.

A sanitary landfill is the easiest facility to manage, involves relatively low initial investment and operating costs and can be put into operation in a short period of time.

If properly designed and operated, the presence of pests will be minimized and diseases due to contamination can be avoided.

A well-designed and properly run landfill will also prevent air and water pollution, and will not be an eye-sore.

Methane gas produced by the decomposition of wastes can be used as fuel. A landfill is also a way to reclaim submerged land.

A number of analysts have pointed out that a fundamental goal of any national resource and solid waste management program should be to waste fewer resources by: reducing resource use per product (e.g., smaller cars); lessening resource use per person (e.g., fewer cars per family); increased product lifetime (e.g., longer lasting cars, tires and appliances); and increasing resource reuse by substituting throwaway items (e.g. aluminum cans) with packaging that can be reused (e.g. glass bottle which can be refilled).

Sinjin P.

September 21st, 2005, 03:10 PM

Imagine a bar where dreadlocked rastafarians jam in the same space as head-banging metal rockers. Only in Cebu will you find such a place.

Hidden for more than a year now in the shadow of the more popular Kahayag Acoustic Café is Handuraw, named after an old Cebuano word meaning “the power to imagine”. Handuraw is literally behind Kahayag in the old Coaco building at M.J.

Cuenco, Mabolo--just as cozy and artsy, with large paintings on the walls and potted plants in the corners, but with lots more room for conversation, or even several rounds of board games. But what makes Handuraw truly different from its sister café is in what you dare to imagine.

On weekdays, the family-owned Handuraw seems like a typical restaurant which offices or clubs can book for meetings, parties, or launchings. A room can be reserved for small-group seminars and workshops. The 24-hour internet café is conveniently available for business-related services like email, scanning or printing.

But on weekends, Handuraw takes on a totally different character. The small function room becomes a personal karaoke studio. The internet café becomes a network gaming center. The jamming studio beside it buzzes with one band after another practicing for gigs. Even the couch in the foyer becomes an alternative hang-out for spill-overs. And the Handuraw Learning and Leisure Café is transformed into the Handuraw Events Café.

From full moon festivals that cast a spell with neo-ethnic music and tarot card readings, to plugged-in parties that rock, to the cool rhythms of Ska Wars, and the funky beat of Hip Hop Rap Nights, Handuraw showcases the most diverse range of musical genres, and the best of local indie culture. It even has theme nights like Lilith Angels, featuring bands fronted by women performers, and Klasique, with new wave and other 80’s hits rolling out of the speakers.

The bands that play here, unlike those in most bars, play original compositions as well as cleverly reinvented covers.

Handuraw’s mission, after all, says its marketing and events manager Zarah Pestaño Smith, is “to provide the appropriate venue to support original music by Cebu-based bands”. Among its mainstays are Jr. Kilat, Sheila and the Insects, and Urbandub, all of which are now famous in Manila and other parts of the country. Zarah herself plays a fascinating fusion of rock, bossa nova, jazz, and alternative.

Then again, indie culture isn’t just about music. Handuraw also holds screenings of short films and music videos written, directed, and produced by Cebuanos. Occasionally, poets hold their readings here, too, with space enough for dancers to stretch their limbs.

And while Kahayag next door is designed more as a bar for a night-out, Handuraw gives plenty of choices for those late-night cravings, with its exquisite thin-crust pizzas, pasta, salads, sandwiches and soups, as well as full-blown meals. Here, even food is a form of creative expression.

So it really doesn’t matter if you enjoy the blare of trombone and cymbals while whipping up a new dessert, while your neighbor prefers soothing harp strings as a backdrop to the gracefulness of brushstrokes. Handuraw always offers something for every taste and passion. For in art, we all come together in one place: in our power to imagine.

slerz

September 21st, 2005, 03:10 PM

Thanks Chymera.... but it isn't clear what schools and its no. within Cebu City only..

Sinjin P.

September 21st, 2005, 03:13 PM

Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants General Electric (GE) to manage Cebu City Hall’s desalination plant at the South Reclamation Project (SRP).

With GE as plant operator, the City will be able to make money from the SRP by selling 10,000 cubic meters of water a day to locators.

And while the SRP is empty, the City can sell to Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MWCD) its water supply, at rates cheaper than what Carmen town is offering the firm.

Osmeña said he’d rather have GE operate and manage the two desalination plants owned by the City because their integrity is “unquestioned.”

“The name implies reliability and competence,” said the mayor, who just got back from his trip to Singapore, where he attended an international conference on desalination.

Osmeña and MCWD officials attended last week a six-day conference initiated by the International Desalination Association in Singapore.

He wanted the City to get a hands-on experience on how to reduce the cost of operating a desalination plant, and to expose itself more to other models, so it can produce water for prospective locators of the 295-hectare property.

‘Outrageous’

The mayor had lamented that most of the offers the City is getting are “outrageously expensive.”

The City already completed a desalination plant and a sewage plant that use the activated sludge process with membrane.

“The reason water is becoming viable is the development of membranes that require less energy and also of an energy recovery system that is quite efficient...New techniques have been devised to recycle energy,” the mayor said.

He said the City has two desalination plants capable of this technique.

The technique is not to use pure saltwater, so the City will use brackish water from the unfilled Pond A of the SRP as alternative source.

“The water in Pond A is 50 percent salty. We can create potable water with less pressure, as it is not pure seawater. Another source will be the wells in the reclamation area, whose water has a salinity of only five to 10 percent. It’s almost drinkable,” the mayor said.

But he was not pleased with how the City Council reacted to the SRP consultant Katahira’s failure to appear and update them of the status of the SRP titles.

Responsibility

While Osmeña said the titling is still underway, he’d rather not announce the details “because we have people who are interested in blocking what we are doing.”

The mayor was alluding to the Talisay City Government, which is staking a claim on 53.44 hectares of the SRP.

“Don’t expect me to announce it. Why would I announce that, because you are a member of the council? Why is that so important to them, because there’s P3 million involved? It’s not their responsibility. They just want to feel they’re important. Right now, there are more important things. The consultant’s job is to fill in the blanks, not give a minute-by-minute account,” he added.

Katahira, a consulting firm, has been contracted by the City to work on the documents and other requirements for the titling of the SRP, under a P3.4-million contract.

Insulted by Katahira’s snubbing of their three invitations to an executive session on the contract, Vice Mayor Michael Rama said the council will take this into consideration when they deliberate on future projects with the consultants.

However, he stressed they do not mind as long as Katahira reports regularly to the mayor on the status of the titling. (GAC)

slerz

September 21st, 2005, 06:06 PM

edifice_complex3

September 21st, 2005, 06:40 PM

I am really looking forward on this boardwalk. the santa cruz beach boardwalk here might be great, but the beaches does not compare even compare to the beaches over there..

You're right. The beaches here pale in comparison to our beaches. But there are more bitches here than back home. Lol.

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 06:52 PM

Here are the Universities in Cebu City that I remember.

1 University of the Philippines
2 University of San Carlos
3 University of Cebu
4 University of the Visayas
5 University of San Jose Recolletos
6 University of Southern Philippines
7 Cebu Normal University
8 Cebu Doctors University
9 South Western University

some other Universities?
how bout the state colleges?

Some Colleges:
AMA Computer College
Asian College of Technology
Asian Computer Institute
Baptist Theological College
Cebu Aeronautical Technical School
Cebu City Medical Center College of Nursing
Cebu Institute of Medicine
Cebu Institute of Technology
Cebu Polytechnic School
Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges
Cebu School of Midwifery-Cebu
Cebu Technical School
Cite Technical Institute
College of Technological Sciences-Cebu
Collegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Concord Technical Institute
Davzone Technological Institute
Don Bosco Technical School
Good Shepherd Convent - Banawa Hills
Immanuel Bible College
Indiana Aerospace University
Interface Computer College - Cebu Branch
Royal Christian College
Saint Theresa's College
Seminario Mayor de San Carlos
STI College
Visayan Nazarene Bible College

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 07:17 PM

CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CNU1.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CNU.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CNU2.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CNU3.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CNU4.jpg

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 08:01 PM

University of San Carlos - Main Campus
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/USC_Main.jpg

The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City is considered as the oldest school in the Philippines. Formerly known as the Colegio de San Ildefonso, it was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595. This makes the university older than the University of Santo Tomas (1611) in Manila and Harvard University (1636) in the United States of America.

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 08:17 PM

University of Cebu - Banilad Campus
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/UC-Banilad.jpg

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 08:31 PM

University of San Jose Recoletos - Basak Campus
http://basak.usjr.edu.ph/highschool/images/about.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/USJR_basakcampus.jpg
The new five – storey structure at the USJ- R Basak Campus that would house the College of Information, Computer and Communications Technology and College of Education.

Jimbu

September 21st, 2005, 08:53 PM

Tokyo firm wants to build hotel in SRP

A tokyo-based hotel wants to put up right away a mid-rise hotel in the South Reclamation Project (SRP) near Kawit Point.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that if Alpha Home Limited of Tokyo City has to start right away, there are some things they have to study.

The mayor said the firm will build a seven-story mid-rise building, not 15 stories.

He said that building a hotel is allowed within the SRP, which has been declared a special economic zone, such as Clark and Subic.

“There is even a tourism zone inside the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. I gave (them) an incentive inside the walls of Kawit because we will immediately need a hotel there,” the mayor told a news conference yesterday.

The City Government will not be selling any part of Kawit Point to investors.

Instead it will consider offering Alpha Home a percentage-sharing scheme of its gross monthly income.

Taking risks

Osmeña said the City can collect 20 percent of the gross receipts inclusive already of business taxes “in lieu of rentals” from the investor.

“It’s like we’re taking the risk together with them. So, the percentage would depend on how much is the income of the hotel. We’ll be talking about these things with City Council. Our discussion is along that line,” he added.

The mayor also announced that officials of Filinvest, a subdivision developer, will be meeting him on Saturday to discuss its earlier proposal of developing Kawit, which is part of the Pond F of SRP.

Bigfoot Global Solutions is also interested in putting up a yacht club with an entertainment complex and a restaurant at the site.

Proposals

The City has received proposals from Landco, a developer, who wants to invest about 20 to 40 hectares of the Kawit Point portion of the SRP, but the City is still studying the details.

The mayor said he has not committed anything for Pond F because of Filinvest’s interest.

The City is also expecting a visit from a high-ranking official of the Makati Stock Exchange to look into the possibility of transferring its operations in Cebu.

Osmeña said the City will be offering them a hectare or two for free should they decide to transfer their operations to Cebu City. (GAC)

edifice_complex3

September 22nd, 2005, 12:37 AM

NORKIS CITY:CEBU'S NEWEST CITY
Unlike chartered cities though, Norkis City is an oasis amidst the chaos and industrial decadence of the northern suburb of Metro Cebu.

A brainchild of Norberto Quisumbing, the city began with the establishment of a huge 20-hectare industrial complex where the Norkis Group of Companies has an assembly plant for its motorcycle and multicab vehicles.

The city encompasses 200 hectares of land in Compostela, a town some 25 kilometers away from Cebu City. The city was designed to provide a refuge to those who want slow-paced rural living and enjoy the nature at its pristine settings. The main attraction of the city is the Q Park, a true oasis of greeneries and esplanades where people can stroll, contemplate and meditate. A themed park, Q Park will feature religious, national and environmental themes that would emphasize the relation between man and God, his country, and his environment.

The most prominent structures in Q Park are the complete stations of the Way of the Cross uniquely made of wrought iron. Many pious members of the Cebuano community came to the park during the Lenten season for their own spiritual enlightenment.

The city will eventually include residential areas, initially for loyal Norkis employees or Norkisans.

edifice_complex3

September 22nd, 2005, 01:01 AM

These could be the best Hilton Hotel photos I've ever seen. Nice angle and the color pink is not too emphasized.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/edifice_complex/HiltonHotel1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/edifice_complex/HiltonHotel3.jpg

edifice_complex3

September 22nd, 2005, 01:15 AM

slerz

September 22nd, 2005, 02:20 AM

WoW! School buidings in Cebu can compete with modern commercial buildings based on its designs. like the proposed USJR IT building....and also the Cebu Doctors building @ north reclamation.

tj_brewed

September 22nd, 2005, 04:48 AM

is this the planned tunnel sa cebu? i wish it will be materialized soon....i hope it will be like that existing tunnel connecting London and France... eheheheheheh.....

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/corridor2.jpg

slerz

September 22nd, 2005, 05:00 AM

ryanr

September 22nd, 2005, 05:00 AM

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 06:10 AM

Some Colleges:
AMA Computer College
Asian College of Technology
Asian Computer Institute
Baptist Theological College
Cebu Aeronautical Technical School
Cebu City Medical Center College of Nursing
Cebu Institute of Medicine
Cebu Institute of Technology
Cebu Polytechnic School
Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges
Cebu School of Midwifery-Cebu
Cebu Technical School
Cite Technical Institute
College of Technological Sciences-Cebu
Collegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Concord Technical Institute
Davzone Technological Institute
Don Bosco Technical School
Good Shepherd Convent - Banawa Hills
Immanuel Bible College
Indiana Aerospace University
Interface Computer College - Cebu Branch
Royal Christian College
Saint Theresa's College
Seminario Mayor de San Carlos
STI College
Visayan Nazarene Bible College

it seems the list isn't updated. :) to add:

Centre for International Education
Informatics Computer Institute
Genetic Computers

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 06:16 AM

These are for Rusty. He asked me before if I had these.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/edifice_complex/CIScampus.jpg
Football field

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/edifice_complex/campus_012.jpg
Pool

Wow cool! astig :okay: thanks a lot for sharing those pics! :bow: My friend studies at CIE (Centre for International Education) and the building looks like a hotel :D i'll try to search some pics :)

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 06:18 AM

But Iloilo is the educational centre in the south with most number of colleges. thats what I heard.

i'm not sure but the figures say otherwise. i was able to obtain the numbers but can't remember where i left 'em. darn. hehe i'll look for it. :)

richard fischer

September 22nd, 2005, 07:17 AM

does anyone have news about MCIA´s new international terminal construction plans ? any renderings yet ? is there an official website of cebu, maybe it might be mentioned there ?

dominique

September 22nd, 2005, 07:51 AM

it seems you missed the Cebu State College of Science and Technology. I passed by this school years back along MJ Cuenco. or did it change its name?

dominique

September 22nd, 2005, 07:53 AM

...and Abellana College

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 07:59 AM

Japan, Kuwait firms to explore for oil in Tanon Strait

The Department of Energy has approved the agreement made between Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Co. involving oil and gas exploration in the Tañon Strait.
Kuwait Petroleum, Kuwait’s arm in exploration and development of small oil and gas reserves in foreign countries, has acquired 35 percent interest in the block from the operator JAPEX, which controls 65 percent.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a press release welcomed the entry of KUFPEC as it partners with JAPEX to develop the country’s indigenous energy resources. He said he is pleased the company has taken interest in the Philippines as it expands its operations worldwide.

Kuwait Petroleum is engaged in exploration, development, and production of crude and natural gas. It has operations in South Africa, Indonesia, and Tunisia.

In the Philippines, Kuwait Petroleum and JAPEX’s contract with the DOE provides for seven-year exploration rights over Tañon Strait. Once the reserve is proven to be of commercial quantity, the contractors are given another 25 years for production period.

kyle@1008

September 22nd, 2005, 08:36 AM

what about the best one... the university of san carlos

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 08:52 AM

Centre for International Education
Cebu City

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cie-cebu.jpg
Makati branch (left) and Cebu bldg on extreme right

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cie4.gif http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cie2.gif
I like their school uniform. the girls look sexy ;) hehe

Main school - Mabolo, Cebu City
CIE recently opened their branch in Makati City. RCBC Plaza in Ayala Ave.

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 09:03 AM

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/UC-Banilad.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/USJR_basakcampus.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/edifice_complex/CIScampus.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cie4.gif

notice the metropolis' trend in college buildings? they are all well designed. modern yet blends well with the environment. too bad i dont have cebu doctors university renderings.

Jimbu

September 22nd, 2005, 09:55 AM

it seems you missed the Cebu State College of Science and Technology. I passed by this school years back along MJ Cuenco. or did it change its name?

Right, the list is not updated. Cebu State College of Science and Technology, Talisay City College, Cebu Eastern College and maybe a lot more not in the list. Maybe in next few months the Cordova College and the Mandaue City College will add to the list.

HOUSE BILLS SPONSORED/AUTHORED
1. HB02211 [History]
AN ACT CONVERTING THE CEBU STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF CEBU, AND ITS SATELLITE COLLEGES NAMELY: THE COLLEGE OF FISHERIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MOALBOAL, THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL AND FORESTRY COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ARGAO, THE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DAANBANTAYAN, THE FISHERY AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DANAO, THE COLLEGE OF FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CARMEN, THE ABELLANA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TRADES IN THE CITY OF MANDAUE, THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BARILI (PREVIOUSLY LOCATED IN SUDLON, LAHUG OF CEBU CITY), THE EXPERIMENTAL STATION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SIBONGA AND THE NEW CAMPUS TO BE CREATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MALABUYOC, ALL MUNICIPALITIES LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF CEBU INTO A UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CEBU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (CUST) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Status: Pending with the Committee on HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION since 2004-08-16

Jimbu

September 22nd, 2005, 03:14 PM

Cebu Waterfront
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/Waterfront_view.jpg

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 03:22 PM

wow, are those bohol and leyte's mountain ranges?

waterfront hotel could easily earn a 5-star status if it wants to. :)

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 03:37 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/CIS.gif

The primary aim of Cebu International School is to develop well-balanced global citizens who are intelligent, dynamic, respectful of universal moral values within a multicultural environment, and able to cope responsibly in an ever-changing interdependent world.

Cebu International School was founded in 1924 as the Cebu American School which grew from a multi-level tutorial 5-room schoolhouse to a complete K through 12 school by 1986. Generally international in curriculum, CIS is a day school which uses English as the language of instruction and follows a calendar year from August to May.

In February of 2003, the school was pleased to be awarded Republic Act 9190 from the Philippine Government giving CIS full recognition as an educational institution, international in character. CIS is the only school in the Visayas region with this recognition.

Republic Act 9190 further resulted in a revision of the school's By-laws. The essence of the revision was that the school is now governed by an elected ten member Board of Trustees selected from within the school's international parent community.

The school serves a broad based community that includes both Filipino citizens and expatriates who wish to have their children pursue tertiary studies either locally or abroad.

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 03:40 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_00.gif http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_07.gif

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_04.gif http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_03.gif

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_01.gif http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/cis_header_05.gif

rustyboi

September 22nd, 2005, 03:45 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_05.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_08.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_03.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_010.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_017.jpg http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/campus_016.jpg

chymera00

September 22nd, 2005, 05:02 PM

Cebu Waterfront
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/Waterfront_view.jpg
wow this shot is really nice ... from where wasthis taken?

Jimbu

September 22nd, 2005, 06:26 PM

wow this shot is really nice ... from where wasthis taken?
It's really a nice shot. I just took it from this site:http://www.pbase.com/turnpike61/image/5282365/original

slerz

September 22nd, 2005, 06:43 PM

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/Waterfront_view.jpg

WoW! Waterfront Hotel is really huge....
Those monutain ranges in the upper right are the chocolate hills in Bohol.... its very visible from our barangay.

slerz

September 22nd, 2005, 07:03 PM

I took this just tonight (Sept 22) @ 10pm during our Fiesta celebration.
Even the wide South Coastal Road was opened but it didn't prevent the congestion @ South Expressway.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2011.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2025.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2030.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2037.jpg

even secondary roads are full.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2224.jpg

Some of fiesta fun...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/22-09-05_2227.jpg

xDieselJockx

September 23rd, 2005, 02:01 AM

status: u/c
target of completion: 2008

wow , nice tunnel !!!! If only we can all see the picture...LOL (kidding)

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 11:00 AM

Park Towers 1&2

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/PARKTOWER12.jpg

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 11:12 AM

Cebu City - Abellana Sports Complex
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CebuCitySportsComplex.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CebuCitySportsComplex_pool.jpg

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 11:50 AM

Mactan's Best Resorts

Plantation Bay
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/PlantationBay1.jpg

Blue Water Resort
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/MactanBlueWaterResort.jpg

Shangri-la Resort
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/ShangrilaMactan.jpg

Cebu Hilton
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/HiltonCebu.jpg

xDieselJockx

September 23rd, 2005, 12:28 PM

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 12:35 PM

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 01:09 PM

wow! Great updates guys! Good Job! :applause:

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 01:13 PM

The entry of big hotels in Cebu could facilitate the province’s success in its bid to become a convention hub, according to an industry player.

This is why Gatchalian-controlled Waterfront Philippines Inc. (WPI) remains confident that the opening of Marco Polo Hotel (formerly Cebu Plaza Hotel) will not affect the revenues of the WPI’s hotels in Cebu—Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (WCCHC) and Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan.

“We are actually excited about Marco Polo’s coming to Cebu. The Cebu market, both tourism and convention, is growing. There is plenty of room for new players. The more hotels Cebu will have, the more conventions will be held here,” WPI president Rexlon Gat-chalian said.

Limited rooms

“We (Cebu) are losing out to other convention destinations in Asia because of the lack of rooms,” he added.

Gatchalian said many convention organizers, who initially wanted to hold their conventions in Cebu, had backed out due to the limitation of hotel rooms in the province.

He admitted that WPI would benefit from more conventions because it would be able to operate its convention facilities to the fullest.

“Right now, we can’t operate our convention facilities to the maximum. But we keep on investing though to prepare for more conventions in Cebu. We treat the convention business as a separate business,” Gatchalian said.

He said the company has earmarked some P60 million this year for the renovations of the hotel and convention facilities in WCCHC. The renovation will include the hotel rooms and the Atlantic ballroom in preparation for the Advertising Congress in November.

WPI is also investing in its commissary, located in WCCHC, to fully operate its subsidiary, the Waterfront Food Concepts Inc. (WFCI).

WFCI was formed to manage the operation of WPI’s food and beverage concepts outside its properties.

“We strategized and we realized that there is a market for pastry and baked goods. WFCI remains to be the most dynamic subsidiary last year. It engaged a multi-awarded Filipino pastry chef and facilitated the construction of our pastry commissary that would cater to institutional accounts,” Gatchalian said.

WFCI aims to have at least 12 institutional clients by next year. (JBN)

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 01:16 PM

One-way traffic may be imposed during peak hours on the first Mactan-Mandaue Bridge next year, to decongest the area.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that representatives of the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, as well as the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board and Land Transportation Office, agreed on this plan during the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) meeting yesterday.

But the guidelines to implement this are still being finalized.

The two cities will also have to pass ordinances before the plan can be implemented.

Garcia observed that in the morning, traffic going to Lapu-Lapu City is heavier because of the workers bound for the Mactan Economic Zone, but in the afternoon, traffic from Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu is busier.

“The one-way scheme will have to conform with the flow of traffic,” she said.

The imposition of one-way traffic on the first bridge will only apply to peak hours. During these times, traffic will be diverted to the second bridge, which is wider than the first bridge.

At least 7,000 vehicles use the first Mandaue-Mactan bridge every day, according to a study by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The first bridge has been used since 1973 and, after 32 years, has yet to undergo major rehabilitation.

On the other hand, only 2,000 vehicles pass through the second bridge daily.

Another option is to ban certain types of vehicles from the first bridge.

Whatever’s decided, after Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have passed ordinances on the proposal, there will be a public hearing before it will be implemented.

Also yesterday, Garcia announced that the board is moving towards the creation of the MCBMB Foundation, which will handle the board’s money matters.

The firms paying monthly dues to the board will be asked to course their payments to the foundation, as soon as this will be finalized.

Garcia announced that the board is in “good fiscal standing” with P1.4 million. (MBG)

chymera00

September 23rd, 2005, 01:19 PM

Cebu City - Abellana Sports Complex
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CebuCitySportsComplex.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/Jimbu/CebuCitySportsComplex_pool.jpg
This looks very similar to Iloilo Sports Complex :)

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 02:11 PM

http://www.dticebu.net.ph/images/iez_map.gif

Just found out that pic above on the existing and planned Economic Zones in Cebu and wow!, I didn't know that there is a Naga-Minglanilla Reclamation Project and based on that map, the leasable land is 1,284 hectares which is about 4 times bigger than that of SRP!

Plus, the planned ECONOMIC ZONES:
Cordova Reclamation Project - 500hectares
Toledo - 600hectares
Polambato, Bogo - 100 hectares
Tayud, Liloan - 110 hectares

WOW!!! :D What big projects for Cebu...

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 02:14 PM

It is not just a promise or potential. Cebu is demonstrated capability with an excellent economic track record.

It is the second largest city and fastest growing economy in the Philippines.

Cebu's export growth rate for the past 5 years has averaged close to 20% considerably higher than that of the country and any other province in the Philippines .

It leads the country in export items such as furniture, fashion, accessories, carrageenan and gifts, toys and housewares.

It is the most accessible place in the Philippines, with more domestic air and sea linkages than Manila.

Cebu is base to over 80% of inter-island shipping capacity in the Philippines.

Cebu is the tourism gateway for the Central and Southern Philippines. It is not in an earthquake zone or typhoon belt, nor are there volcanoes in the island.

Cebu has one of the best records for peace & order in the country.

Its labor force is oriented towards non-agricultural lines and is one of the most productive in the country.

The development of its infrastructure is balanced; it has all the ingredients necessary to be competitive and to sustain investments. It is a cosmopolitan area with all the support facilities and amenities for an ideal lifestyle.

http://www.dticebu.net.ph/images/pre_slide2.jpg
http://www.dticebu.net.ph/present2.htm
http://www.dticebu.net.ph/present3.htm
http://www.dticebu.net.ph/present4.htm

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 02:26 PM

Below is a PIC of a golf course before it was reinvented to the present, CEBU BUSINESS PARK!

http://www.makatidev.com.ph/includes/projects/IMAGES/CebuBusPark.jpg

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 02:53 PM

***Did you know that Gaisano Main is the first MALL in Cebu? This opposes to what most of us know that Metro Gaisano (Colon is the oldest.)
Gaisano Main was established in the late 70's while Gaisano Colon was established in the early 80's

---
Cebu Trivia
Day One
---

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 03:00 PM

I pass by the NORTH RECLAMATION AREA every day...
Cebu Boardwalk Updates...
*Building A and B are now building the columns...Construction is getting swiftier recently.

*I hope I could take pics of it ASAP.

AYALA CENTER CEBU Events' Update:::
Sept 24, 2005
Search for the Star In a Million Live Show
5 pm
Activity Center

Sept 30-Oct 2, 2005
Cebu Bridal Show
Activity Center

Sept 30-Oct 2, 2005
Sale, Shop, Save Ayala Center Cebu Mallwide Sale

Sept 30-Oct 2, 2005
Metro Ayala Center (Ayala Center Cebu's Anchor Store)
11th Anniversary Sale

MALL HOURS:
Sept 30 10AM-10:30PM
Oct 1 10AM-10:30PM
Oct 2 10AM-9PM

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 03:22 PM

I pass by the NORTH RECLAMATION AREA every day...
Cebu Boardwalk Updates...
*Building A and B are now building the columns...Construction is getting swiftier recently.

*I hope I could take pics of it ASAP.

Thanks for the update. I hope more buildings will be built in that area in addition to Taft IT Zone and Cebu Doctors University. Few years from now that area will be filled with economic activity that may rival with Ayala Cebu business park.

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the update. I hope more buildings will be built in that area in addition to Taft IT Zone and Cebu Doctors University. Few years from now that area will be filled with economic activity that may rival with Ayala Cebu business park.

There's even another update...

The Newly Opened BTC (Banilad Town Center) is rivaling well with its neighbor Gaisano Country Mall... Yuppies even love calling Banilad Town Center as BTC or (Better than Countrymall) hehe :D

BUT, seemingly, another investor is interested in the vicinity since I saw a rendering of a mini-mall beside University of Cebu-Banilad Branch. Infact, construction is ongoing...

WOWCebu!

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 03:29 PM

Hilton Cebu's beach looks small in that 3rd picture or is it really smaller comparing to Sharila's? It looks beautiful though. I've been to all 3 other resorts before, bluewater, shangrila and plantation, I think I like all of them, but somehow Shangrila seems to have more appeal to me the most. I'm looking forward for my next trip to the Philippines, whenever that maybe...

Yup, Hilton boasts more of the view than their white beach. any photos of their swimming pools? Shangrila Mactan no doubt has the most appealing beach front. its the number one resort hotel in the philippines, was even recognized as the best in whole of asia. :)

hilton is still on its infancy, plantation bay is approaching puberty. shangrila? nah.. its AGELESS! getting even better everyday. :okay: hehe

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 03:33 PM

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 03:37 PM

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the update. I hope more buildings will be built in that area in addition to Taft IT Zone and Cebu Doctors University. Few years from now that area will be filled with economic activity that may rival with Ayala Cebu business park.

Yup! the Cebu theme park, a japanese hotel and internat'l exhibit center will be built within the complex. it will definitely spur more activities once the boardwalk mall and cebu doc university are done! :D i'm excited about the marina and the yacht club hehe :D

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 03:45 PM

Yup! the Cebu theme park, a japanese hotel and internat'l exhibit center will be built within the complex. it will definitely spur more activities once the boardwalk mall and cebu doc university are done! :D i'm excited about the marina and the yacht club hehe :D

And I am also sure that Traffic in NRA's roads would congest once it's done + you also forgot the MANDAUE CITY NEW PUBLIC MARKET. :D

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 03:46 PM

oh cool! thanks for bringing this up. great projects indeed! lets go for FEDERALISM so we could funk this harder! haha

Yes, if FEDERALISM was really taking place, all the income from these economic zones would be solely taken advantage by Cebu...

But, as for now, let's not be selfish to our neighbors too! :D

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 03:54 PM

There's even another update...

The Newly Opened BTC (Banilad Town Center) is rivaling well with its neighbor Gaisano Country Mall... Yuppies even love calling Banilad Town Center as BTC or (Better than Countrymall) hehe :D

BTC - better than countrymall? haha! u got me. my friend recently had a vacation trip in Cebu. she couldn't believe most stuff you can see in manila are in cebu. :? naks! it just shows a lot of filipinos still have no idea whats goin on within their country. like myself, i just discovered Bacolod has a gimick place and a kinda huge shopping center. :bash:

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 04:07 PM

There's even another update...

The Newly Opened BTC (Banilad Town Center) is rivaling well with its neighbor Gaisano Country Mall... BUT, seemingly, another investor is interested in the vicinity since I saw a rendering of a mini-mall beside University of Cebu-Banilad Branch. Infact, construction is ongoing...

WOWCebu!

another shopping / leisure center within the area? now thats another goodah news! you are a great help mike, you are unstoppable! or... cebu just never ceases to grow? hehe we appreciate your contributions to this thread buddy :okay: keep us posted!

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 04:28 PM

another shopping / leisure center within the area? now thats another goodah news! you are a great help mike, you are unstoppable! or... cebu just never ceases to grow? hehe we appreciate your contributions to this thread buddy :okay: keep us posted!

Yeah! It's another leisure hub! Thanks! :D

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 04:31 PM

my friend back there just told me NeoNeo grill will open its branch in Lapu-lapu near Mactan grill soon. let us know if open na ha! hehe

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 04:35 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/SSC/skyscrapercity-cebu.jpg
Links: CEBU Thread I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248852) | CEBU Thread II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248855) | CEBU Thread III (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=245389) | CEBU Thread IV (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=252313) | CEBU Thread V (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=259961)

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 04:41 PM

Yeah! It's another leisure hub! Thanks! :D

All the roads are leading to BTC these few weeks... it became wellknown faster by those people who loves entertainment and shopping.
I can also hear often about BTC @ diffrent FM and AM stations. Its the newest and hottest entertainment hub here in Cebu + the fact that it is near to Maria Luisa Village. Home of the Sosies....

but don't forget, there are more places to have fun...

The Village
Crossroads Banilad
SM Fiesta Strip
Ayala Entertainment Center
the old Harrison park

what else?

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 04:44 PM

I pass by the NORTH RECLAMATION AREA every day...
Cebu Boardwalk Updates...
*Building A and B are now building the columns...Construction is getting swiftier recently.

*I hope I could take pics of it ASAP.

Michael, is that already the Cebu Boardwalk? or maybe its the Cebu Doctors...
I really wanna check what is happening in that area but I'm not familiar with the place.... Anyway, thanks for the newest exciting info of yours Mike, I hope you can take pics of it as soon as possible. Thanks a lot.

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 04:58 PM

All the roads are leading to BTC these few weeks... it became wellknown faster by those people who loves entertainment and shopping.
I can also hear often about BTC @ diffrent FM and AM stations. Its the newest and hottest entertainment hub here in Cebu + the fact that it is near to Maria Luisa Village. Home of the Sosies....

but don't forget, there are more places to have fun...

The Village
Crossroads Banilad
SM Fiesta Strip
Ayala Entertainment Center
the old Harrison park

what else?

Cebu Grand Convention Center complex
Northgate Center where Sinners and Saints is
restobars along Banilad as well

man, i wanna see that BTC place! all my friends there are telling a lot of stuff but di ko mkarelate. i'll make sure its one of my priorities when i get there :)

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 05:08 PM

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 05:13 PM

Michael, i got this pics last fri 9.16
I think they just semented the gravel parking and there's still no sign yet of SM extension building.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1623.jpg

wow, thanks for the photos. Sheraton is so huge! it now has those tall trees hehe. regarding SM's expansion, i think the MAIN ground parking is where the mall's annex bldg is.

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:17 PM

Michael, is that already the Cebu Boardwalk? or maybe its the Cebu Doctors...
I really wanna check what is happening in that area but I'm not familiar with the place.... Anyway, thanks for the newest exciting info of yours Mike, I hope you can take pics of it as soon as possible. Thanks a lot.

I think it's the Cebu Boardwalk because the rendering is just in front of it but I'm not that sure. :D

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:19 PM

my friend back there just told me NeoNeo grill will open its branch in Lapu-lapu near Mactan grill soon. let us know if open na ha! hehe

Yes, I visited the area recently and Yeah, they're on the final steps of construction. I'm so sure that it will topple down Mactan Grill. :D NeoNeo serves the best food in town from its Mabolo Branch to its Mandaue Branch and now, its Lapulapu branch :D

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:20 PM

Michael, i got this pics last fri 9.16
I think they just semented the gravel parking and there's still no sign yet of SM extension building.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1623.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1625.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1624b.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1626b.jpg

Yes, I really thought that they would already be constructing the expansion building because huge cranes came for a while pero, it was just a simple Concretion of the Parking Area.

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:22 PM

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1623.jpg

wow, thanks for the photos. Sheraton is so huge! it now has those tall trees hehe. regarding SM's expansion, i think the MAIN ground parking is where the mall's annex bldg is.

Yes, I think the same way too because I figured out that it'll be a 5 level building (connected to the old building) and the first 3 floors will be utilized as a parking area.

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 05:22 PM

man, i wanna see that BTC place! all my friends there are telling a lot of stuff but di ko mkarelate. i'll make sure its one of my priorities when i get there :)

but its not that big nmn and not yet fully occupied. the reason why it became well known faster because the last entertainment center that opened prior to BTC was the E Mall which opened last Dec 2004 and is not as accessible as other entertainment areas so a long wait I think is the reason for this. And also it is along the Banilad area where famous party centers are located. Its a way of comparing the new one to the oldies.. which is better and more sosyal thats why it clicked.

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 05:23 PM

Cebu Doc's concrete podiums were in place way back in April pa. the university is speeding up the construction, they have been maximizing their classroom capacity for several years now. :)

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:24 PM

but its not that big nmn and not yet fully occupied. the reason why it became well known faster because the last entertainment center that opened prior to BTC was the E Mall which opened last Dec 2004 and is not as accessible as other entertainment areas so a long wait I think is the reason for this. And also it is along the Banilad area where famous party centers are located. Its a way of comparing the new one to the oldies.. which is better and more sosyal thats why it clicked.

Another thing, the mall hasn't enough parking space but anyway, my TITO, a manager of the mall said that they'll be utilizing the back part of the mall as a future expansion area and parking lot. :D

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:26 PM

Wow, what a grand entrance, kuya rus! :)

But wait, we got to fill up the 4th one first or this'll get closed again. :D

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 05:32 PM

ooops, I took those pics of SM parking last 9.12 pa diay.

Oh, really? your Tito is the Manager of BTC? Ingna nya ha adto mi...hehe joke

Sinjin P.

September 23rd, 2005, 05:36 PM

ooops, I took those pics of SM parking last 9.12 pa diay.

Oh, really? your Tito is the Manager of BTC? Ingna nya ha adto mi...hehe joke

Yeah. Hey kuya Slerz, could you take pics of Ayala's Sale on Sept30-Oct2.. Just for comparison between Ayala and SM... hehehe... :D

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 05:44 PM

aside from being the newest and accessible leisure hub, the entry of several famous establishments from Manila and abroad made it more attractive such as Yellow Cab Pizza, Gloria Jeans Coffe, Postrio, Apple Retail Store etc.. i was glad too when i found out Gonuts Donuts is open for business hehe. it's in JY Discovery mall dba? favorite man gud na nako dri. :)

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 05:47 PM

Sheraton is so huge! it now has those tall trees hehe.

Some of my Sheraton shots. just for fun. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1633.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1632.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b337/hurtyp/12-09-05_1631.jpg

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 05:53 PM

haha cool! if only the hotel could talk, i bet its screaming like hell saying: FINISH ME UP... FAST! hehe

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 06:01 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/manros_new2.gif

hey guys, are you familiar with Manrose Business Center? its just across Fooda in Mango Avenue. there'll be a major face-lift on that area but i dont think there's construction going on. do u notice any construction activity on that place? :D the office tower rendering looks nice! its pretty tall too. i think its a 25-storey bldg.

rustyboi

September 23rd, 2005, 06:07 PM

^^ ahh mike you should know this place, just a few meters away from your school. hehe

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 06:07 PM

Yeah. Hey kuya Slerz, could you take pics of Ayala's Sale on Sept30-Oct2.. Just for comparison between Ayala and SM... hehehe... :D

Ok, Ill try Mike... I'll go there for my "window" shopping. :D

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 06:13 PM

slerz

September 23rd, 2005, 06:14 PM

So this means Cebu thread V tomorrow? till the 500th post....

fenix

September 23rd, 2005, 07:41 PM

great updates! :) ^ from just looking at it, i believe the cebu thread might be the first one that will hit 5th thread in the philippine forum.

Jimbu

September 23rd, 2005, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by slerz
Michael, is that already the Cebu Boardwalk? or maybe its the Cebu Doctors...
I really wanna check what is happening in that area but I'm not familiar with the place.... Anyway, thanks for the newest exciting info of yours Mike, I hope you can take pics of it as soon as possible. Thanks a lot.

I think it's the Cebu Boardwalk because the rendering is just in front of it but I'm not that sure. :D

If the area covered in the construction is so huge based on the rendering previously posted then that must be the Boardwalk. I hope it is.

olineil

September 23rd, 2005, 08:16 PM

Many say that the rooms (and room accomodations) in Shangrila aren't that impressive infact, some expressed that they only loved the pool, the beach, the spa and other facilities except the rooms. How true is this? I've been to Shangrila many times but I never had the chance to get in the rooms.

Hmmm...lets see if I can help here...dig, dig, dig... :wink2: :wink2:

Here we go...Impressive enuf 4 me...This I believe is the cheapest...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture107.jpg

Might not nlook nice on the Pic but believe me the ambience of the room is very cozy and comfortable
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture106.jpg

Room facility is very complete and convenient...

tj_brewed

September 24th, 2005, 04:23 AM

Jimbu

September 24th, 2005, 05:58 AM

UPDATES!!!!

The TAFT IT ZONE Plan

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk7.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk4.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk1.jpg

Another IT Park at the North Rec. Area

Thanks for the pictures. I thought they're going to build a medium rise building. But the lot area is big, 5 hectares.

Taft I.T Zone is conceived as a well-planned I.T economic zone within immediate access of Cebu’s global gateways. Spread on 5 hectares of prime industrial land in Mandaue City, it has world-standard facilities for locators in the information technology services like software development, content development, hardware design, research and development services, computer-based support services, telecommunications and the like.
Furthermore, TAFT I.T. Zone is Mandaue’s latest infrastructure development to address the pressing need of foreign IT investors to locate their businesses in Cebu.

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 06:08 AM

Hmmm...lets see if I can help here...dig, dig, dig... :wink2: :wink2:

Here we go...Impressive enuf 4 me...This I believe is the cheapest...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture107.jpg

Might not nlook nice on the Pic but believe me the ambience of the room is very cozy and comfortable
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture106.jpg

Room facility is very complete and convenient...

based on the pics, it's great. So the rumors aren't any truth. :D

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 06:08 AM

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 06:25 AM

THE CEBU City government is stepping up efforts to regain its lofty position in the Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Asia.

In 1996, an Asiaweek Magazine survey named Cebu City as the eighth most livable city in Asia. Four years later, however, its ranking slid to 22.

At a brainstorming session yesterday, representatives from different sectors came up with a common goal: to make Cebu City "The Most Livable City in Asia by 2015."

How will they do this? By making Cebu City the most peaceful, and cleanest and greenest urban center not only in the Philippines but the Asian region.

Participants to yesterday's brainstorming claimed this could be achieved by providing efficient delivery of basic services, establishing good transportation and communications sytems, creating employment opportunities, and upgrading the quality of education to an internationally competitive level.

Despite the slip in ranking in the Asiaweek survey, the Institute of Solidarity in Asia recognized Cebu City as one of the eight most promising cities, also known as "dream cities," in the country on August 10.

ISA was established in 1999 as an autonomous non-profit foundation aiming for economic and financial reform, strengthening corporate and political governance, and conducting educational programs for local governments.

The organization chose eight cities its officials think would fulfill the Public Governance System in five to 10 years.

The PGS utilizes a scoring system, the Balanced Scorecard, to ensure that local officials are keeping up with their responsibilities.

Other cities in the ISA list include: Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Calbayog City in Samar, Iloilo City, Naga City in the Bicol Region, Marikina City in Metro Manila, Samal Island City, and San Fernando City in La Union.

"We were number one before, even better than Japan's economy," Cebu City administrator Francisco "Bimbo" Fernandez, who led yesterday's brainstorming, pointed out.

The participants, composed of businessmen, urban planners, educators, non-government organizations, and local officials, focused on six "areas," including peace and order, tourism, education, and job creation.

To make Cebu City a center for tourism and sports, the participants aims to host at least one major international sporting event every year.

They also want to conserve the city's heritage, particularly Spanish and American-era structures in the waterfront and old city areas.

There is also a need to develop "culture tourism" among people by, for example, teaching taxicab drivers, who are at the forefront of tourism, basic courtesy, tourist spots, and other information, the participants said.

"This can be incorporated into their (taxi drivers) annual renewal of licenses in the form of a one-day seminar," they said.

Joy Augustus Young, city education consultant, pointed out the importance of quality education.

He said the quality of education was deteriorating because students "are confused due to the large number of subjects."

"They (students) learn all subjects but master none of them," Young lamented.

Joey Yu, an official of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center, suggested a change in the system of education, wherein elementary students would only be taught four major subjects-reading, writing, mathematics, and science.

The participants also agreed on grouping students according to their intelligence, with diplomas or certificates issued to students based on their specialization. This system would be patterned after the European system of education.

By 2015, at least 50 percent of graduates should be experts in the field of information technology, medical science and engineering, they said.

slerz

September 24th, 2005, 07:53 AM

like myself, i just discovered Bacolod has a gimick place and a kinda huge shopping center. :bash:

Really? good for you...
And also Gaisano in Iloilo I think is much bigger than Gaisanos here in Cebu.
Its my long dream to visit Bacolod and Iloilo...hehe. cheap dream coz it can be achieved anytime! :D
I see Iloilo and Bacolod is our big pertners and if others say that this two cities are still far fetched, well for me they aren't.
For me they're just the same as Cebu's status and level. Iloilo also has traffic problems now so it means its one of the countries centers with big economy.
Its a shame for me who has the interest on places but haven't been to my neighbors place.

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 07:57 AM

Really? good for you...
And also Gaisano in Iloilo I think is much bigger than Gaisanos here in Cebu.
Its my long dream to visit Bacolod and Iloilo...hehe. cheap dream coz it can be achieved anytime! :D
I see Iloilo and Bacolod is our big pertners and if others say that this two cities are still far fetched, well for me they aren't.
For me they're just the same as Cebu's status and level. Iloilo also has traffic problems now so it means its one of the countries centers with big economy.
Its a shame for me who has the interest on places but haven't been to my neighbors place.

Gaisano's in Cebu:::
SOUTH GAISANO CHAIN:
Gaisano South
Gaisano Fiesta Mall
Gaisano Carcar
Gaisano Mactan
Gaisano Danao

GAISANO BROTHERS CHAIN:
Gaisano Main
Gaisano Country Mall
Gaisano Bogo

METRO GAISANO CHAIN:
Metro Gaisano Colon
Metro Ayala Center
Super Metro Mandaue
Super Metro Liloan (soon!)

how many Gaisano's does Ilo-ilo have? :D

slerz

September 24th, 2005, 07:58 AM

slerz

September 24th, 2005, 08:00 AM

Gaisano's in Cebu:::
SOUTH GAISANO CHAIN:
Gaisano South
Gaisano Fiesta Mall
Gaisano Carcar
Gaisano Mactan
Gaisano Danao

GAISANO BROTHERS CHAIN:
Gaisano Main
Gaisano Country Mall
Gaisano Bogo

METRO GAISANO CHAIN:
Metro Gaisano Colon
Metro Ayala Center
Super Metro Mandaue
Super Metro Liloan (soon!)

how many Gaisano's does Ilo-ilo have? :D

I dunno :D

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 08:02 AM

how large is the Gaisano City (sq. m) in Ilo-ilo? just wanna know

slerz

September 24th, 2005, 08:07 AM

how large is the Gaisano City (sq. m) in Ilo-ilo? just wanna know

I think Chymera can answer... paging Chymera..

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 08:20 AM

The Metro Cebu Water District and Japanese consultants who are conducting a feasibility study on the proposed desalination plant in Mactan said the price of desalinated water would not be too expensive for locators inside the Mactan Export Processing Zone.

During the second presentation of the feasibility study last Tuesday, Angelo Cabije, MCWD’s JBIC-SWRO (Japan Bank for International Cooperation-Saltwater Reverse Osmosis) project coordinator said that in terms of water cost, locators inside MEPZ could afford to buy water from the plant.
He said water from the desalination would cost P P68.03 per cubic meter in 2009, when the project is expected to start operating.

According to Cabije, P68.03 per cubic meter four to five years from now would be no longer that high. “In terms of cost, MEPZ locators can afford to pay P68.03. At present, they even buy water by as much as P200 per cubic meter from trucks,” he said. MCWD also supplies water to MEPZ at P43 per cubic meter.

Shiraishi Masayuki, team leader of the group that conducted the feasibility study, said that if locators in MEPZ would not buy desalinated water, that would be the “worst case that could happen.” However, he said they are keeping their faith that the investors would buy water from the plant because Mactan, at present, needs more water because of the growing number of investors in the economic zone.

According to him, they had initial talks with the industry owners already and would have still more talks in the future about the project.

Earlier, Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima said that desalination is costly and the price of the water that would be supplied to industries inside MEPZ could be much higher than the present price that is supplied by the MCWD.

She said that while they expect more industries to relocate in MEPZ, they are hoping that they could lower the demand for water inside the economic zone in the next few years through conservation and wastewater treatment and water reuse.

“We can’t assure na kukunin namin lahat kasi nga mahal (We can’t assure that we would buy all the water because it is expensive),” De Lima said, adding that they are also hopeful that Cebu can get water from Bohol soon to augment the supply of MCWD.

While she admitted that the demand for water inside MEPZ is quite high, she said that they are working on how to lower it by finding alternative sources and through their newly constructed wastewater treatment plant.

The desalination plant is expected to produce 15,000 cubic meter of water a day. Water price is estimated to be at P68.03 per cubic meter in 2009 when the plant starts operating. At present, MCWD supplies water to MEPZ at P43 per cubic meter.

Based on estimates, the construction cost of the project alone amounts to at least P2 billion for the facilities for pre-treatment (P250 million), reverse osmosis (P600), and post treatment (P150 million), including the input taxes.

Operating and maintenance cost of the plant would also amount to P93 million a year for its power, P32 million for chemical dosing, P11 million for reverse osmosis element, and P0.7 million for safety filter.

Based on the feasibility study, the ideal site for the plant is in Punta Engano. Seawater would be taken from Hilutungan channel through intake pipes that are 100 meters offshore from the coastline in 10 meter deep in the sea and would be processed through reverse osmosis method.

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 08:39 AM

Prudential Bank in Cebu Business Park will begin construction soon! :)

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 08:57 AM

1. Parklane International Hoter
2. Cebu Boardwalk Complex
3. International Academy of Film and Television

please quote and add to the list the other projects you know. :D

chymera00

September 24th, 2005, 11:34 AM

I think Chymera can answer... paging Chymera..
sorry dontknow that one, I been googling all over the internet for it but I can't find it.

chymera00

September 24th, 2005, 11:52 AM

fundraiser

September 24th, 2005, 02:15 PM

Airport runway safe after complete repairs
A bigger terminal for more passengers
may be next project
by Doris C. Bongcac

THE LONG overdue rehabilitation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) runway was completed with a ceremonial inauguration yesterday.

Airport Manager Adelberto Yap said the P83.4-million asphalt overlay on the runway was finished within budget with a savings of at least P0.9 million from its actual cost of P93.5 million.

The runway was the target of many complaints from airlines who feared risking the safety of passengers on board. Some near-accidents involving plane landings in Mactan had also been reported in the press in recent years.

Other expansion projects are being eyed for the 15-year-old airport.

The terminal can accommodate 2 million to 2.5 million passengers a year. Transportation and Communiications Assistant Secretary Nilo Jatico said a tourism destination requires a terminal good for 5 million to 7 million visitors.

Aside from Korean and Chinese tourists, more Japanese visitors are coming in, he said.

The runway rehabilitation was the first of its scale since the airport was built.

"With this we expect safer and better flight operations for all the airlines," Yap said.

Officials are now looking into repairs of the taxiway, ramps, the perimeter road and the construction of more parking spaces.

A separate runway also has to be built to accommodate more international flightss.
Governor Garcia said she has been discussing with Yap her plans to develop the Camotes Island airstrip to boost tourism in the island.

"My direction is for tourism to showcase the entire province and not just the beaches and historical landmarks in Metro Cebu. Cebu (province) has so much (to offer)," Garcia said.

Yap said they are also considering the development of airstrips in the municipalities of Bantayan, Toledo, Medellin and Argao.

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 02:33 PM

Just arrived from watching the Search for the Star in a Million at Ayala..
Sorry, wala akong baon na pics because it was too crowded and I was afraid to wave my cam because maraming guards..

Anyway, Cebu's pride Jimmy obviously was the crowd favorite... :D

rustyboi

September 24th, 2005, 03:17 PM

Hmmm...lets see if I can help here...dig, dig, dig... :wink2: :wink2:

Here we go...Impressive enuf 4 me...This I believe is the cheapest...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture107.jpg

Might not nlook nice on the Pic but believe me the ambience of the room is very cozy and comfortable
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/cebu%20march%202/Picture106.jpg

Room facility is very complete and convenient...

thanks a lot for those photos olineil. the last time we checked in? it was when the hotel had its major expansion. about 10 yrs ago, can't remember well what its like to stay there. haha. the hotel was opened around 1993 fyi, so its been a while operating in mactan.

rustyboi

September 24th, 2005, 03:35 PM

wow, nice updates! Haven't heard of this project in NRA. I wonder how NRA will look like with all these establishments. :D

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk7.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk4.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/_f_walk1.jpg

cool! :okay:

the trend nowadays in IT offices are the "module-type" thing. faster to build but not necessarily cheaper. AsiaTown IT Park's first office building was the e-Office One (looks similar to the IT Taft by the way) which houses NEC, PeopleSupport among others. the e-offices were already operating while finishing the bigger buildings like the Globe Tower, etc. :)

rustyboi

September 24th, 2005, 03:43 PM

Memorial park company targets 20 percent growth
By Cebu Daily News

A MANILA-based memorial park company is targeting 20 percent growth here in Cebu despite the economic crisis.

Manila Memorial Park-Cebu (MMPC) branch manager Arlene del Socorro said there is stiff competition among industry players in Cebu.

This means that the Cebu market has become a lucrative market for the memorial estate industry, Del Socorro said.

"Competitors in the industry are very aggressive now. Even we who have been sitting on our laurels for years will compete in the marketing game to attract more potential buyers and keep our investors," said del Socorro.

Manila Memorial Park Cemeteries Inc. (MMPCI) also assured clients of the company's stability amid reports of financial woes faced by some players in the pre-need industry.

Several pre-need companies offering education plans are facing financial difficulties and could no longer pay the tuition of matured educational plan holders.

In contrast, she said that company operations in Cebu alone has been "ahead of the P9 million quota" for this year as of last August.

In terms of market share, MMPCI accounts for almost 60 percent of the national market. MMPCI has six memorial parks located in Paranaque, Bulacan, Quezon City, Cavite, Cebu and Davao.

The company has also been included in the recent list of top 1000 corporations in the Philippines published in the Business World.

The company registered P805 million of gross revenues, 4.9 percent higher than the previous year. Because of the industry's bright prospects, the company plans to get a share of all market segments.

MMPCI's 32-hectare memorial park in Liloan, Cebu has completed its 15-hectare phase I development plan. About 40 percent of the total lots has already been sold.

Del Socorro said she feels confident the firm will hit their 20 percent targeted growth for 2005 because their memorial lots are affordable.

The company has set aside a P1.5-billion memorial park care trust fund, which it claims is the biggest in the industry and will be used for the future maintenance of the parks even if the company will cease operations.

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

sloid

September 24th, 2005, 04:13 PM

Joy Augustus Young, city education consultant, pointed out the importance of quality education.

He said the quality of education was deteriorating because students "are confused due to the large number of subjects."

"They (students) learn all subjects but master none of them," Young lamented.

Hope they can improve the quality of education by changing the education system for High School students. Like here in Canada, we have 8 subjects every year and they're divided into 2 semesters so four subjects each semester, somewhat like college and every year we have optional courses depending on what job we want to have in the future; like business, computer engineering classes, computer science. unlike there we have to take home economics, arts, etc. every year.

slerz

September 24th, 2005, 04:40 PM

Closed for a while until the 4th to have 500 posts!!! :D

rustyboi

September 24th, 2005, 05:12 PM

MACTAN air - the new way to fly!!!
- flying our skies second quarter 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------
Cebu* MOBILE C-mobile - global name with a global standard
setting a new revolution in philippine mobile industry with its introduction of 3G phones first quarter 2006

quite catchy signature u got in there fundraiser! im wondering if these companies exist? or eventually? :D

Sinjin P.

September 24th, 2005, 05:23 PM

Hope they can improve the quality of education by changing the education system for High School students. Like here in Canada, we have 8 subjects every year and they're divided into 2 semesters so four subjects each semester, somewhat like college and every year we have optional courses depending on what job we want to have in the future; like business, computer engineering classes, computer science. unlike there we have to take home economics, arts, etc. every year.

In USC, they have 8 subjects per day with an hour each but I think it is irrelevant, we're not learning that much...

rustyboi

September 24th, 2005, 06:11 PM

during highschool (Don Bosco Technology Center Cebu), we took technical courses aside from the regular academic subjects:

1st year - Electrical Engineering
2nd year - Mechanical Engineering
3rd year - Civil Engineering
4th year - Electrical Engineering again

Drafting / Architecture, General Technology and Computer subjects are taken in all levels. DBTC is a catholic school and we have a HOLY MASS subject. our Mass sched back then was every monday. so i basically hear mass 4 times a week. Monday-Wednesday-Friday in school, Sunday with my family! its a shame i'm too sinful nowadays but i'm not saying i wasn't before. :bash:

tj_brewed

September 24th, 2005, 10:46 PM

$1-B light rail system for Cebu proposed
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
The Philippine Star 09/25/2005

A Cebuano lawmaker has filed a bill proposing to establish a $1-billion new light rail transport (LRT) system in Metro Cebu.

"There is no argument that Metro Cebu desperately needs an efficient and reliable LRT system to keep pace with rapid population growth and economic expansion," Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas said.

This need would be addressed in a big way by a fast, safe, convenient and economical LRT system, said Gullas, a former Cebu provincial governor.

"Owing to severe congestion, we now have motor vehicles running 10 to 15 kilometers per hour in many parts of Metro Cebu," Gullas lamented.

Metro Cebu covers the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay and the municipalities of Minglanilla, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Cordova.

Under House Bill 3006, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) would be mandated to prepare and execute a plan to establish and operate the LRT system.

The DOTC would be tasked to draw up feasibility and engineering studies. It would then come up with a plan to acquire the sites, equipment, materials and services for the project.

Project funding would be included in the national budget.

The DOTC actually already has a plan to build a $1-billion LRT system in Metro Cebu. But project implementation lacks visibility.

The DOTC earlier forged a build-operate-transfer agreement with the AMA Group Holdings Corp. for the construction of a 71-kilometer LRT system that would run through Metro Cebu from the municipality of Carcar in the south to Danao City in the north.

Phase 1 would start from Talisay to Mandaue with Cebu City as center of the main line. Phase 2 would extend the main line farther south from Talisay down to Carcar. Phase 3 would stretch the main line farther north from Mandaue up to Danao.

However, project execution remains unclear mainly because the DOTC is not committed to award the project to AMA. The department said it has to get lower offers from other contractors then AMA can then match the best offer.

This, even as the Cebu provincial board has been prodding the DOTC to expedite its detailed study on the viability of the project.

Despite the construction of skywalks and flyovers, the board noted that congestion has not eased because of the continuing surge in traffic volume and the unsound road conditions.

Traffic congestion in Metro Cebu is heaviest for motor vehicles plying the Talisay-Cebu-Mandaue routes and vice versa.

Jimbu

September 25th, 2005, 12:00 AM

Cttee okays mass rail transit system in Cebu
Committee Source: RAILWAYS AND RO-RO SYSTEMS

TO ENSURE that the basic infrastructures keep pace with Cebu’s increasing population and fast-paced economic life, two measures proposing to establish a rail-based mass transit system in Cebu City and Metro Cebu were approved in principle by the Committee on Railways and Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) Systems under Representative Augusto Baculio (2nd District, Misamis Oriental).

House Bills 56 and 3006, which the body agreed to consolidate, were filed respectively by Deputy Speaker Raul Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City) and Rep. Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu). Both bills seek the construction and operation of a light rail transport (LRT) in Cebu City and Metro Cebu. The LRT is seen to address the worsening traffic situation in Cebu and improve the mobility of the greater majority of the people.

During the meeting of the Committee on the matter last week, Rep. Baculio said that Cebu might lose its attraction as the number one tourist destination if the worsening traffic situation in the area is not addressed.

A mass rail transit system will help solve the problem, he said, adding that this is a better option than roads.

Rep. Gullas expressed his hope that the LRT project would be started soon. “If there is any other metropolitan area (in the country) viable for mass railway transit, it is no other than Cebu,” he added. He said Cebu is the center of industry and trade, investment and tourism, as well as education and culture.

However, the chair informed the body that a public mass transportation system for Cebu City and Metro Cebu is not included in the Medium Term Public Investment Program for 2005-2010 of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

This, he said, was conveyed by Augusto Santos, secretary of NEDA’s socio-economic planning in a letter he sent to the Committee.

According to Santos, Phase I of the Cebu Light Rail Transport Project, which was approved by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of NEDA in 2000, was not considered for funding under the Japanese government’s Special Yen Loan Package (SYLP).

The project, he added, would have involved the construction of a 20.4-kilometer viaduct from Tabunok, Talisay City to Consolacion.

He added that in December 2002, the DOTC entered into a memorandum of agreement with AMA Group Holdings Corporation for the latter to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a rail transit system in Cebu at no cost to the government. The study will validate the previous study made that was the basis of the ICC’s approval of the project in 2000.

Reacting to the information, Rep. Gullas appealed to the body to convince NEDA to amend the Medium Term Public Investment Program to include the Cebu railway project. Otherwise, he said, the project would have to start after year 2010.

According to AMA’s representative, Steve Cases, who expounded on the study made on the railway project, the highest road traffic volume in Cebu is centered in the urban core of Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City. He said that Phase I of the Metro Cebu railway project, costing $636 million, would cover these places.

Cases said light rail transit has a clear advantage over road transportation within the urban core in terms of speed. Jeepneys within the central business district have average travel speed of only 10 to 15 kilometers per hour, while the proposed LRT type rail system will have an average travel speed of 30 to 35 kph.

Further, Cases said that while the project may be financed, either through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) or ExIm (German-based) funding, this is not advisable since the government needs to raise its counterpart fund. This may be difficult at this time given the country’s current fiscal condition, he explained.

Cases also said that the study revealed that sourcing the required counterpart funding from the private sector through a commercial loan is also not viable. In the same vein, allowing the private sector to finance the project 100 percent is also not viable, he added.

He said that while they are proposing that other sources of funds need to be explored to make the project viable, they are pushing for a 60-40 partnership venture, with the government infusing only 15 percent capital out of its 60 percent share and the rest would be taken from ODA. The 40 percent will be shouldered by the private sector, he said.

As to the type of train to be used, Herman Fiddler of Siemens Transportation System said that the train would look like a modern tramvia that is being used in Houston, Texas and San Diego, California.

In terms of fare, Juanito Ramos of AMA said that the fare for Cebu MRT would cost P1 for every kilometer. This means that the first phase that extends for about 20 kms. would be affordable to the public, he added.

When asked to comment, Renato Bañares of DOTC said that the department is currently undertaking a review of the feasibility study conducted by AMA. The provincial board of Cebu has passed a resolution endorsing the project, he added.

Rep. Baculio requested the proponents to submit to the Committee the proposal for a 60-40 partnership venture. He also asked the DOTC to submit its report as well as recommendations with regard to the proposed Cebu MRT project.l

Source: Committee Administrative Support Service, Committee Affairs Department
Page last updated on 22 September 2005

tj_brewed

September 25th, 2005, 05:04 AM

As to the type of train to be used, Herman Fiddler of Siemens Transportation System said that the train would look like a modern tramvia that is being used in Houston, Texas and San Diego, California.

Then it may look as these (hopefully):

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/lightrailcarhouston.jpg

this one above is being used in Houston

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/sandiego_gal1.jpg

and this one above is of San Diego...Wow galing.......hopefully mas maganda pa sya compared dito sa metro manila....and i hope mas ok and wider pa compared sa megatren or LRT2 which can be found below

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/megatren_lrt2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/news_image00.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/Train20at20Station2002.jpg

and MRT2 (EDSA) (below)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/mrt.jpg

==========================================================

UPDATES...

AMA Group offers to build Cebu railway
BusinessWorld
9/6/2005 10:21:52 AM
Kerlyn G. Bautista
AMA Group Holdings Corp. of businessman Amable Aguiluz wants to build
a $622-million, 18.4-kilometer mass rail transit in Cebu City under a
build-operate-transfer contract with the government.

Based on a proposal submitted to the Transport department, the AMA
Group said the railway system was expected to ferry two million passengers
daily to Cebu City from the nearby towns of Compostela, Liloan,
Consolacion, Mandaue, Talisay, Minglanilla, and Naga.

Fourteen three-car trains with a capacity of 300 passengers per car
will be fielded to service 19 stations, it said.

If constructed, the railway will serve the commuting work force for
the group's proposed Cebu IT industrial park, which it had dubbed CyberCity
- a mixed commercial, residential, and school complex.

In the business proposal, AMA Group vice-president Juanito G. Ramo,
Jr. also said the railway's construction could be financed by official
development assistance, loan from foreign Export-Import banks, credit from
financing institutions, or a mix of commercial loans.

If totally through foreign aid, then the government will shoulder 15%
of the construction cost and pay a commitment fee of 1% of total aid. For
Export-Import loans, the government will pay 20% of construction, and loan
interest will be 3%. If through commercial loan or mixed funding, then the
government will pay at least 9% interest.

But railway officials are skeptical if the AMA proposal will be
approved. The proponent, they said, fails to guarantee that the project
will be deficit-neutral, and will not require government subsidies.

tj_brewed

September 25th, 2005, 05:10 AM

‘Swiss challenge’ for Cebu mass rail transit

GOVERNMENT is not committed to award a contract to build Metro Cebu’s first mass rail transit to the AMA Group of Holdings Corp. without going through a “Swiss challenge,” according to Assistant Transport Secretary Robert Castañares.

A Swiss challenge is a bidding process that allows other investors to offer a lower cost for the project than the original proponent.

“In this case, AMA shall be conveyed the right of first refusal to match any other viable proposal for the implementation of the project by Swiss Challenge or otherwise pursuant to and in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the [build-operate-transfer] BOT Law,” Castañares said in a statement issued by the AMA Group.

In the same statement, the company said its final report on the construction of the MRT will be ready by March.
“We are prepared to submit our feasibility study as early as March this year,” Juanito G. Ramos Jr., AMA Group vice president and chief operating officer, said.

If the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) considers the project as viable, it will endorse the same to the National Economic and Development Authority for first pass approval.

The transportation department had forged a BOT agreement with the AMA Group to build an MRT system, which would run from Carcar to Danao with an approximate railway length of 71 kilometers. The project is estimated to cost $1 billion.

Phase 1 of the project will start from Talisay to Mandaue with Cebu City as the center of the main line. Phase 2 will extend the main line from Talisay down to Carcar segment, while Phase 3 will be from Mandaue up to Danao.

According to Ramos, traffic volume is highest between the Cebu to Mandaue stretch with vehicles running at speeds of 10 to 15 kph. The farther from these areas either to the north along the Cebu North Road or to the south along the Cebu South Road, traffic volume decreases.

Last year Cebu’s provincial government requested DOTC to speed up the study of building the MRT in order to solve the heavy congestion in the cities of Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue. In Resolution 1150-2004, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu noted that the construction of skywalks and flyovers did not solve the heavy traffic congestion because of the increase in the number of vehicles plying the Talisay-Cebu-Mandaue routes and terrible road conditions

fundraiser

September 25th, 2005, 05:22 AM

after the success of its mall, the business park, the IT park and ayala heights, another ayala trademark will soon rise in liloan, the amara.... cebu is unstoppable! while in manila its "rallies as usual" sa cebu naman its "business as usual"

www.amara.com.ph

garwood hotel was formerly called park place hotel before it was closed, now it will reopen again as the rajah park hotel, hotels in cebu are growing like mushrooms, after the hilton, magrereopen ang cebu plaza as marco polo plaza, nagkaron din ng crown regency mactan, may tinatayong 26 floor parklane hotel, at ang 36 storey building ng crown regency cebu

Jimbu

September 25th, 2005, 06:23 AM

However, project execution remains unclear mainly because the DOTC is not committed to award the project to AMA. The department said it has to get lower offers from other contractors then AMA can then match the best offer.

This, even as the Cebu provincial board has been prodding the DOTC to expedite its detailed study on the viability of the project.

I have been hearing this project for a long time now. I just hope DOTC could fastrack the project this time. The centrist system really is not working favorably for Cebu. Big projects that could support tourism potentials are coming so slow.

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 08:34 AM

I will have an interest on these projects when it is already u/c.

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 08:38 AM

just a while ago, if passed by Lancaster Condotel (near Days Hotel)... I thought it was still u/c...The whole building is accomplished na pala? :)

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 08:40 AM

I'm so disappointed with the local government of Lapu-lapu City... In all the roads I'm passing through, there are really several potholes... I hope I would be able to stress it to ABS's Citizen Patrol...hehe :D

ryanr

September 25th, 2005, 08:43 AM

Great news on the mass transit approval for Cebu. I've been waiting for this for several years. A modern tramvia sounds good...but a heavier system might be needed for the long term.

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 09:46 AM

Municipal Hall
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/balamban-cebu/images/stories/mun1.jpg
Mt. Manunggal
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/balamban-cebu/images/stories/manunggal%20trek%202003%20041.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/balamban-cebu/images/stories/manunggal%20trek%202003%20015.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/balamban-cebu/images/stories/manunggal%20trek%202003%20005.jpg

MAP:
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/balamban-cebu/images/stories/balambanmap[2].gif
PROFILE:
CLASSIFICATION:
Balamban is classified as a Second Class Municipality
Annual IRA Share: 2004 - 49,348,690.00
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
The town is divided into 28 barangays, nine (9) of which are coastal areas while the other nineteen (19) are completely landlocked.
LOCATION:
The Municipality of Balamban is situated 21 statute miles (31 kms.) North 40 degrees 30 minutes West from the City of Cebu, squatting on a coastal area facing Tañon Strait. Bounded by the town of Asturias on the North; Toledo City on the South; Danao City and Compostela on the East and Tañon Strait on the West. Its geographic coordinates are:
10 degrees 24 minutes - 10 degrees 33 min. North latitude
123 degrees 40 minutes - 123 degrees 53 minutes East latitude
With Cebu City as the point of take off, Balamban can be reached through four(4) land routes, namely: Naga-Uling route (73 kms.); North route via Logo (132.3 kms.); Transcentral highway route (approx. 43 kms) passing the Lahug-Busay of Cebu City as entry point and the Talisay-Lutopan route (63.9 kms).
LAND CHARACTERISTICS:
Land Area – Balamban has a total land area of 337.00 sq. kms. (33,700 has.) 55.9% of which is classified as alienable and disposable and the remaining 44.51% as timberland.
The town proper or Poblacion is composed of the barangays Aliwanay, Sta. Cruz – Sto. Niño and Baliwagan with a combines land area of 1.93 sq. kms. or 193 has. The rural area consists of 25 barangays with an aggregate area of 335.07 sq. kms. or 33,507 has., representing 99.43% of the total land area.
Topography – The land form of terrain of Balamban is characterized by flat lands, scraggly hills, small mountain ranges and deep narrow passages between mountain and hills. The Poblacion is relatively flat with an elevation of less than 3.0 meters above sea level. The highest known elevation is situated in the southwestern section of the Municipality which is about 908 meters or 2,978.24 ft. Settlements are found along the flat lands particularly in the Poblacion where there is accessibility to transportation. The populated barangays are Arpili, Buanoy and Pondol.
Land Use (Town’s land Use Classification)
Agricultural - 3,423.67 hectares Built-up area - (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional)
a. Urban - 5,329.23 hectares b. Rural - 191.48 hectares
Protected Landscape - 13,198.58 hectares a.Central Cebu National Park and Kotkot Lusaran Watershed -5,147.02
b. Grasslands &Severely eroded - 8,051.56 Agro-Forestry -3,764.82 hectares

--
1000th post :)
--

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 11:50 AM

Why Tourists Keep Coming Back To Cebu?

Welcome to our islands!

We may not have world-class attractions as splendid as Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Machu Picchu Ruins in Peru, Angkor Wat Ruins in Cambodia, Taj Mahal in India or the Serengeti Park in Tanzania, but we still keep visitors coming back to our islands over and over again.

Is it the theatrical video presentation on television ad spots or is it the two-page spread in a glossy travel magazine? Is it the efficient public transport system that conveys tourists from one place to another? Is it the glistening white sandy beaches in Bantayan or Malapascua islands? Is it the world-class dive spots off Pescador island in Badian and Olango in Mactan island? Or, is it the posh resorts around Mactan island?

Most Cebuano people are cognizant of our government and business leaders, and industry stakeholders on their sincere effort to support the burgeoning tourism industry in Cebu. Concerning agency leaders are embarking on a full-scale tourism program that would somehow attract foreign and local tourists to the islands. This include putting up mass advertisements on television, print, and broadcast media showcasing the many allures and major points of interests Cebu has to offer.

Business leaders and industry stakeholders on the other hand are organizing promotional events and other activities that would bring in domestic and foreign tourists alike. These include international and national events such as conventions, exhibitions, expositions, and sports tournaments.

Business and resort hotels are constantly reinventing themselves to suit their guests’ needs. While some of them are adding more services and facilities to lure more visitors such as the world phenomenon - spa, that spawns health tourism around the world, a number of them are also expanding by adding more rooms or refurbishing them.

Government support programs such as improvements in tourism infrastructures like roads, bridges, airports and seaports, and public transports are also in the priority list of paramount importance to spur tourism growth.

The Cebuano community in general is the main draw of the local tourism industry. The hospitality that we sincerely show to our visitors is one thing they would bring back home as a lasting impression from their visit to our islands that would possibly arouse their interest to keep coming back.

Come again soon!

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 11:51 AM

The Philippine Malls ARCHIVE THREAD
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=260692
click the link above and please contribute what you can

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 11:54 AM

Golf with a View in Cebu
Wednesday, September 21st, 2005 at 12:57 pm by ericgo

Cebu is home to the two greatest Asian golfers, Ben Arda and Celestino Tugot, it’s no accident that several excellent championship courses have been located around the the area.

The first golf course, Cebu Country Club, was organised in 1935 but it wasn’t until 1948 that the first country club facilities were constructed on a rural farm site near the edge of a then quiet country town. Now boasting of an 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course, Cebu Country Club hosts several national golf tournaments every year. It’s reputation as a world-class golf course, with white sand traps that are furnished with coral rock, situated in the city’s premier business district also adds to the club’s flavor.

Carved out of the verdant hills of Pardo in Cebu City, another championship golf course, the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club, follows the natural terrain and beauty of this breathtaking hilltop recluse from the world. Golf aficionados, nature-lovers, and family members will fancy the surrounding view of the city, birds-crowned hills, the blue waters of the Cebu Straits and the isles of Mactan and Bohol that lurk beyond.

The golf course-cum-recreational center features a par 72, 18-hole championship golf course, a multi-function clubhouse, two covered tennis courts, a covered basketball court, covered squash court/badminton court, 8-lane tenpin bowling alley, swimming pools (adult/children), a gym (men/women), table tennis, and fine-dining restaurants among others.

Just a little further but worth the visit is Verdemar Golf & Dive Resort in Bogo, Cebu — a quiet town located on the northern tip of the Island of Cebu. Although the golf course is exclusive to members, tourists and guests are allowed to putt into Verdemar’s greens and have the opportunity to meet very interesting people. The golf course is nestled on a 120-hectare oasis and is surrounded by mango trees and tropical plants, white beaches, and the Camotes Sea. The several creeks and well-manicured greens add to the pleasurable golf experience.

On the opposite side lies Badian Island, a little sleepy island that houses the Cebu International Golf and Resort, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course set amid a majestice landscape, where rolling hills meet the “dolphin habitat” Tañon Straight.

Cebu International Golf and Resort is considered as a hideaway-tropical gem built on the lagoon side of the island of Badian, in eight hectares of lush landscaped gardens.

fundraiser

September 25th, 2005, 12:00 PM

500th!!!!! eto na ata pinaka mabilis na cebu thread! see you at thread V!!!!

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 12:06 PM

Oh, this is the 501st post.
I should be the one to close this thread AGAIN.
Thanks for your contributions Guys, WE're on our way
:dance:

:wave: :lock: CLOSE SESAME :lock: :wave:

:cheer: REOPEN THE 5th THREAD which I unofficially closed:D :cheer:

:cheer: :cucumber: :cucumber: :pepper: :pepper: :banana2: :banana2: :fiddle: :cheers1: :carrot: :cheer:

5th Cebu thread
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=259961

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 12:09 PM

OPEN :D :D :D

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 12:11 PM

Bravo! Cebu, La Islas Filipinas, Reyna de los Hiejos! :D HEHE!

---
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=260692
Above is the Philippine Malls Archive Thread
See if you can contribute something to the thread.

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 12:15 PM

BRAVO BRAVO :applause: :applause:

gtg, simba pa ko :)

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 12:55 PM

http://www.dticebu.net.ph/images/iez_map.gif
Just found out that pic above on the existing and planned Economic Zones in Cebu and wow!, I didn't know that there is a Naga-Minglanilla Reclamation Project and based on that map, the leasable land is 1,284 hectares which is about 4 times bigger than that of SRP!

Plus, the planned ECONOMIC ZONES:
Cordova Reclamation Project - 500hectares
Toledo - 600hectares
Polambato, Bogo - 100 hectares
Tayud, Liloan - 110 hectares

WOW!!! What big projects for Cebu...

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 12:55 PM

Below is a PIC of a golf course before it was reinvented to the present, CEBU BUSINESS PARK!
http://www.makatidev.com.ph/includes/projects/IMAGES/CebuBusPark.jpg

Sinjin P.

September 25th, 2005, 01:07 PM

C-harming
E-nthusiastic
B-looming
U-nique

CEBU, Philippines
The Pride of Southern Philippines...

Thank You everyone,
for being a part of our 4th Thread...

Now, a new beginning welcomes us...
The Longest Thread Series in the Philippine Forums

CEBU's 5TH THREAD click here... (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=259961)

fundraiser

September 25th, 2005, 01:07 PM

fireworks for everybody!!!! hehehehe

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/peejay_domek/sinulog1.jpg

fundraiser

September 25th, 2005, 01:12 PM

Philippine Business Magazine: Volume 11 No. 1 - Geographics

Destination: Cebu

While the boom sort of slowed down after 1997, Cebu remains an attractive investment proposition. The clincher – business-friendly economic zones and first-class infrastructure facilities

For starters, here’s Cebu’s economic activity by some indicators. Export receipts:nine percent of the Philippines’ tota. Exports growth rate in the past five years:close to 20 percent. Monthly production output of cameras (mostly digital) at the Pentax facility inside Mactan Export Processing Zone: 300,000. Number of weekly commercial flights at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport: 525. Daily passenger traffic at the airport: 6,500.

Estimated number of people who attended the 2004 Sinulog festival (see separate article in the Lifestyle section): one million.

Half of Cebu province’s 3.4 million people now live in what is called Metro Cebu – comprised of six cities, namely, Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Danao, and Toledo. This is the biggest concentration of urban population in the Philippines outside the National Capital Region – a veritable gold mine for the malls, restaurants, and service and leisure establishments that mushroomed after Cebu’s boom – the Ceboom phenomenon – in the late 80s and early 90s. Partly a product of the most aggressive investment promotion blitz in the country – with a private sector group, the Cebu Investment Promotion Center (CIPC), working hand-in-hand with government economic agencies in marketing the island-province as an investment destination. Further, the group is working toward “a better distribution of opportunities outside Metro Manila,” according to its Managing Director, Joel Yu. As a result, Cebu bagged big-name investors, both Filipino (i.e. the Ayalas put up the Ayala Center-Cebu in 1994) and foreign (i.e. American firm Fairchild Semiconductors and Asahi-Optical of Japan among others).

True, investments have not yet matched the pre-1997 levels before the Asian currency crisis struck the country. (In 1994, total investments totaled a high P52.14 billion, but slid to P292 million by 1999.This was up again to P1.5 billion in 2000, but in 2002, Cebu’s registered investments were down to just P289 million). And yet, Cebu continues to up the ante, through its economic zones and air, land, and sea facilities – and is ever ready for the next wave of Ceboom.

Mactan showed the way

Started in 1979, the 150-hectare Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ I) is located near the waterfront of Mactan island and strategically accessible via the seaport and the Mactan International Airport. It currently hosts more than a hundred companies from a wide range of industries – from electronics and computers to metals and precision instruments, from chemicals to garments and furniture.

Factories inside the MEZ I churn out watches (TMX Phils.), cameras (Asahi Pentax), stylish furniture (Maitland Smith), diodes/transistors (Fairchild Semiconductors) that find their way in export markets, mostly in Japan and the United States. Proof of how successful the economic zone program has been the development of the 63-hectare Mactan Economic Zone II (MEZ II), privately developed however (Aboitiz Land), that attracted some 42 locators. Combined employment of MEZ I and MEZ II account for some 43,000 jobs, infusing some P300 million a month to Cebu’s local economy. Directed towards manufacture-for-exports, locators inside MEZ I and II are entitled to income tax holidays and duty-free importation of equipment, among other incentives – as mandated by the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7916).

Today, there are six other economic zones and industrial parks following the success of the Mactan ecozones. What’s more, these industrial parks are spread across the province, according to a masterplan for managing economic development in Cebu. MEZ I and II and the Cebu Light Industrial Park are located in Mactan island, the New Cebu Township in Naga, in the northern part of the province, the West Cebu Industrial Park in Balamban, the western part of Cebu in Balamban, and the Cebu Asia Town IT Park. The Miranila Economic Zone is a 2,800-hectare property being developed in Aloguinsan and Barili, South of Cebu.

The private sector manages and develops all of the above except for the Cebu South Reclamation Project. The Cebu City government is developing the 300-hectare prime property development on reclaimed land just a few meters off the coast of the Cebu central business district. PEZA-registered as a special economic zone, locators at the Cebu South can avail of special incentives. The Japanese investors, who own more than half of Cebu’s top export firms, are funding the project cost of P3 billion, through the Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC). They also funded the adjacent Cebu Coastal Road, a four-lane, 12-kilometer highway built to ease traffic in the city. Starting this year, the Cebu South will be ready for occupancy and both manufacturing and service industries are welcome. A great come-on for locators, aside from the guaranteed sound infrastructure done by the Japanese is the proximity of the central business district and the international port (ten minutes away) and the International Airport (30 minutes).

Flying and shipping ‘em

Approximately 600 kilometers south of Manila, Cebu’s location is right at the center of the Philippine archipelago, making it an ideal base and transshipment point for domestic and of course, international trade. In this aspect, consider Cebu’s history as trading outpost even before the 16th century when the Spaniards came. The taipan John Gokongwei Sr., founder of Cebu Pacific Air and Chairman of one of the country’s biggest conglomerates, JG Summit, is a Chinese-Filipino born in Cebu and started his career as a trader by bringing goods by boat to and from Manila. Cebu’s predisposition to trade goes hand in hand with island’s mountainous topography being dominated by mountain – making the island less-than-ideal for agriculture. Today, more than 60 percent of Cebu’s exports are industrial goods, rather than agriculture or resource-based products. Thankfully, as factories inside Cebu’s economic zones hum away with watches, cameras, electronic chips, or classy furniture, these products get instantly whisk away as cargo via sea or air throughout the world.

By sea, cargo from the Cebu International Port reaches Japan from six to 16 days, the United States in 16 days, Singapore in just five days and Hong Kong in nine days. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, Cebu is the country’s busiest port and base to over 80 percent of inter-island shipping capacity – with its numerous ports servicing 44 local shipping lines and 13 international carriers / shipping lines. Aside from the international airport, a general-purpose berth exclusively for domestic cargoes and the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships and a domestic terminal for inter-island ferries, containers, break-bulk cargoes and passengers make up the Port of Cebu.

Foreign container traffic for the Port of Cebu averaged 12 percent yearly growth (1996 to 2000), according to the Cebu Port Authority. Ship calls are up six percent a year, while passenger traffic averages almost 13 million annually.

By air, exporters are assured of reliable air freight. All the major international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS and TNT operate in Cebu. In 1998, in recognition of Cebu’s export strength, Federal Express included the province in its AsiaOne network. Five times a week, Airbus A310 aircraft pick up packages and freight from the Mactan International Airport transit to Jakarta, to Singapore, and to the United States. Two bridges join the airport located at Mactan island to the Cebu mainland.

Clean and spiffy, having just completed its P2.6 billion expansion and modernization program, the airport is one of the major reasons to do business in Cebu. Regular direct international flights are available to key Asian cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Narita, Kota Kinabalu and Seoul. Domestic flights are available practically to all Philippine cities, from Basco in the north to Tawi-Tawi in the south. International cargo volume grew eight percent in annual average while domestic cargo grew at an average four percent. Proof of how Cebu has attracted foreign businessmen and tourists is the growth of passenger traffic at 23 percent annual average for the past 12 years.

Proactive promotion

Certainly, one of the biggest reasons for Cebu’s economic success was the take-charge attitude of its local government and business community. Cebu’s elite knew that it had to corner a huge chunk of foreign investments to provide jobs — looking at how FDIs transformed the economies of Singapore, Malaysia and now, China. And how it played the game, and still does — by being investor-friendly and yet, being competitive-minded at the same time. CIPC rolls out the red carpet for prospective investors. It will arrange the itinerary of visitors, brief them on useful, organized information from statistics to government policies and incentives and link them to important contacts and partners. “We have the ability to provide timely information, as we have gathered inputs from all concerned, companies, and government agencies alike “ says Yu. And knowing that prospective investors are always on a shopping and comparison mode – CIPC zeroes in on the information that matters, tailor-made to a specific audience. For example, since the Philippines is now facing tough competition from China as a manufacturing destination, CIPC plays the information technology card. Cebu has more than enough of engineers and college graduates to man call centers, software companies and IT-related services. Or consider, how CIPC takes care of its special relationship with Japan, Cebu’s top source of FDIs. CIPC’s website can be alternatively read in the Japanese language while its latest promotional video will also be alternatively dubbed in Nippongo.

A typical briefing by Yu, a Cebu native, is peppered with how Cebu compares with Subic, Clark, or Calabarzon in terms of business costs, wages, infrastructure and the like. For those who view the country as a single patriotic package from Aparri to Jolo, this smacks of provincialism. True, the underlying tone of competitiveness in CIPC’s gameplan underscores how Filipinos splinter – choosing safe and comfortable ties such as family or ethno-regional origins when faced upon limited choices towards progress. But provincialism is what you get with the lack of a united and singular strategy or vision to move the entire country forward – and this one’s the call of national leaders.

And yes, there’s always more than meets the eye – past the gleaming airport, the festive atmosphere, the numerous hotels. Today, certain sections of Cebu palpably echo the run-down side of Metro Manila – where the poor, the less flit footed are relegated to the sidelines. As Yu admits, “Cebu is dirtier now than ten years ago.” But hey, with Cebu’s progress – most of the time anyway – one can’t argue with success.

eazyboy

September 25th, 2005, 01:26 PM

MACTAN air - the new way to fly!!!
- flying our skies second quarter 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------
Cebu* MOBILE C-mobile - global name with a global standard
setting a new revolution in philippine mobile industry with its introduction of 3G phones first quarter 2006

interesting sinature fundraiser, btw, how is c-mobile related to t-mobile in the states? hehehe, may share ba ang t-mobile sa c-mobile? just a query, hehe

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 04:21 PM

Posted by tj_brewed

As to the type of train to be used, Herman Fiddler of Siemens Transportation System said that the train would look like a modern tramvia that is being used in Houston, Texas and San Diego, California.

Then it may look as these (hopefully):

http://www.quaderns.net/fotos/tramvia.jpg

this one above is being used in Houston

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/sandiego_gal1.jpg

and this one above is of San Diego...Wow galing.......hopefully mas maganda pa sya compared dito sa metro manila....and i hope mas ok and wider pa compared sa megatren or LRT2 which can be found below

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/megatren_lrt2.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/news_image00.jpg http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/Train20at20Station2002.jpg

and MRT2 (EDSA) (below)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/mrt.jpg

==========================================================

Cttee okays mass rail transit system in Cebu
Committee Source: RAILWAYS AND RO-RO SYSTEMS

TO ENSURE that the basic infrastructures keep pace with Cebu’s increasing population and fast-paced economic life, two measures proposing to establish a rail-based mass transit system in Cebu City and Metro Cebu were approved in principle by the Committee on Railways and Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) Systems under Representative Augusto Baculio (2nd District, Misamis Oriental).

House Bills 56 and 3006, which the body agreed to consolidate, were filed respectively by Deputy Speaker Raul Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City) and Rep. Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu). Both bills seek the construction and operation of a light rail transport (LRT) in Cebu City and Metro Cebu. The LRT is seen to address the worsening traffic situation in Cebu and improve the mobility of the greater majority of the people.

During the meeting of the Committee on the matter last week, Rep. Baculio said that Cebu might lose its attraction as the number one tourist destination if the worsening traffic situation in the area is not addressed.

A mass rail transit system will help solve the problem, he said, adding that this is a better option than roads.

Rep. Gullas expressed his hope that the LRT project would be started soon. “If there is any other metropolitan area (in the country) viable for mass railway transit, it is no other than Cebu,” he added. He said Cebu is the center of industry and trade, investment and tourism, as well as education and culture.

However, the chair informed the body that a public mass transportation system for Cebu City and Metro Cebu is not included in the Medium Term Public Investment Program for 2005-2010 of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

This, he said, was conveyed by Augusto Santos, secretary of NEDA’s socio-economic planning in a letter he sent to the Committee.

According to Santos, Phase I of the Cebu Light Rail Transport Project, which was approved by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of NEDA in 2000, was not considered for funding under the Japanese government’s Special Yen Loan Package (SYLP).

The project, he added, would have involved the construction of a 20.4-kilometer viaduct from Tabunok, Talisay City to Consolacion.

He added that in December 2002, the DOTC entered into a memorandum of agreement with AMA Group Holdings Corporation for the latter to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a rail transit system in Cebu at no cost to the government. The study will validate the previous study made that was the basis of the ICC’s approval of the project in 2000.

Reacting to the information, Rep. Gullas appealed to the body to convince NEDA to amend the Medium Term Public Investment Program to include the Cebu railway project. Otherwise, he said, the project would have to start after year 2010.

According to AMA’s representative, Steve Cases, who expounded on the study made on the railway project, the highest road traffic volume in Cebu is centered in the urban core of Cebu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City. He said that Phase I of the Metro Cebu railway project, costing $636 million, would cover these places.

Cases said light rail transit has a clear advantage over road transportation within the urban core in terms of speed. Jeepneys within the central business district have average travel speed of only 10 to 15 kilometers per hour, while the proposed LRT type rail system will have an average travel speed of 30 to 35 kph.

Further, Cases said that while the project may be financed, either through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) or ExIm (German-based) funding, this is not advisable since the government needs to raise its counterpart fund. This may be difficult at this time given the country’s current fiscal condition, he explained.

Cases also said that the study revealed that sourcing the required counterpart funding from the private sector through a commercial loan is also not viable. In the same vein, allowing the private sector to finance the project 100 percent is also not viable, he added.

He said that while they are proposing that other sources of funds need to be explored to make the project viable, they are pushing for a 60-40 partnership venture, with the government infusing only 15 percent capital out of its 60 percent share and the rest would be taken from ODA. The 40 percent will be shouldered by the private sector, he said.

As to the type of train to be used, Herman Fiddler of Siemens Transportation System said that the train would look like a modern tramvia that is being used in Houston, Texas and San Diego, California.

In terms of fare, Juanito Ramos of AMA said that the fare for Cebu MRT would cost P1 for every kilometer. This means that the first phase that extends for about 20 kms. would be affordable to the public, he added.

When asked to comment, Renato Bañares of DOTC said that the department is currently undertaking a review of the feasibility study conducted by AMA. The provincial board of Cebu has passed a resolution endorsing the project, he added.

Rep. Baculio requested the proponents to submit to the Committee the proposal for a 60-40 partnership venture. He also asked the DOTC to submit its report as well as recommendations with regard to the proposed Cebu MRT project.l

Source: Committee Administrative Support Service, Committee Affairs Department
Page last updated on 22 September 2005

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 04:31 PM

Where should the Philippines build its Silicon Valley environment?
By DENNIS POSADAS
Consultant
UP Ayala Technology Business Incubator

Mr. Posadas is the author of the book, "Rice Bowl & Chips: How Asian countries are using the Silicon Valley model to develop technology startups."

These series of articles on technology entrepreneurship are brought to you by the MIT Philippine Emerging Startups Open (PESO) business plan competition.

The comments here are my own, with some inputs from people I respect greatly. I am just calling things as they are, with no fear or favor from anyone:

MAKATI and ORTIGAS
Makati and Ortigas are the financial zones of the Philippines. Their key strengths are the availability of venture capital, presence of good watering holes where people can talk and discuss deals, and in general they have a positive outlook towards doing business.

Weaknesses include lack of research institutions and labs in the area. Although there are very good management schools in these locations, if ever there are satellite schools for the key universities (i.e. Ateneo, DLSU, Mapua), these are not where the top technologists congregate.

Nevertheless, these areas are home to a fair number of software and hardware companies. (Author’s note: I live in the Makati business district).

EASTWOOD and the FORT
Eastwood and the FORT seem to exude the right type of excitement that is needed for encouraging startups. In fact, one of the earliest incubators in the Philippines -- HatchAsia -- is located in the Fort. It is close enough to Makati and Ortigas for the financial community to consider.

Unfortunately, there are no significant institutions of higher learning in the area -- let alone research facilities -- although Eastwood City is a bit close to UP and the Ateneo.

Personally, the thing I do not like about established financial districts is that the atmosphere of conservative corporate business (rightly so) reigns supreme in these areas. Unfortunately, these sometimes tend to stifle entrepreneurial initiatives.

ALABANG / South of Metro Manila
The Alabang area and Santa Rosa are the focal points of the semiconductor and electronics industry. Most semiconductor and electronics companies are located in this area.

The semiconductor industry, in association with PEZA [Philippine Economic Zone Authority], has also set up something called the Advanced Research and Competency Development Institute (ARCDI). There are also some venture capital and technopreneurs in the area, most notably venture capital firms like Narra Venture Capital and technology companies like IMI EAZIX.

Unless Alabang can really build up the research facilities of ARCDI, I am afraid it will also be lacking in that area. Maybe the new campuses of De La Salle University and the planned new campuses of Mapua and UST can contribute to this area once they are fully enabled.

CEBU
Cebu is very gung-ho on developing itself as an IT hub. I had the pleasure of visiting Cebu a few weeks ago. Its laid back vacation type atmosphere can serve to enable the phrase ³work hard, but party hard².

Of all the local government groups that I have met, Cebu seems to be the most determined to implement the Silicon Valley concept. If Cebuanos can beef up their universities (like University of San Carlos, UP, etc.) and tap their expatriate community, they can achieve great strides in certain niche areas.

Baguio
Baguio can capitalize on the close proximity between technology industry (i.e. Texas Instruments, Moog), its engineering schools (i.e. UP Baguio, Saint Louis University, UB, etc.) and try to develop startups that can service the multinationals who dominate their economy (i.e. chip equipment, factory automation, etc.).

UNIVERSITY TOWNS (Diliman/Loyola Heights, Los Baños)
The classic Silicon Valley formula relies on university towns as bastions of technology entrepreneurship. Diliman/Loyola Heights (electronics, software) and Los Baños (health sciences) can rely on the research institutions nearby (UP and Ateneo science and engineering labs, DOST ASTI) to fuel the technology startups. This is also where we have the highest concentration of PhD level experts in the country.

The main weakness of our university towns at the moment is the lack of venture capital presence (which can easily be remedied) and a gung ho culture of entrepreneurship. Slowly but surely, our universities are realizing that third world countries need to lean more towards applied research without necessarily sacrificing basic research activities.

Take note that in the case of the Philippines, I am not advocating a single location to be our Silicon Valley (for practical reasons, maybe two or three at the most). Maybe we can have a city that can specialize in chip equipment startups, another specializing in biotechnology, and another in software.

But we cannot have several locations vying to be software centers, or hardware centers, or biotech centers.

It’s the technical community that matters. Keep them strong and keep them together. Anything else is just media hype which we all should try to avoid.

Let’s bring on the freshly cooked homemade tech startups!

tj_brewed

September 25th, 2005, 05:06 PM

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebusnapshots/_cbubsns2.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebusnapshots/943163.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebusnapshots/mfbridge2.jpg

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 05:06 PM

CEBU: First to have METROWIDE Wi-Fi network in South East Asia

CEBU City has again played an important role in history—this time in the history of information technology (IT)—being the first city in Southeast Asia to be Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)-ready.

Wi-fi is a facility that enables a computer to connect to the Internet without using telephone lines.

Victor Law, director for Asia Pacific of Tropos Networks, said the Cebu City local government’s cooperation and the Cebuanos’ openness to new technology, convinced the company and its partners to invest P300 million to install the facility in Cebu City.

“Mayor Osmeña’s thrust in the city of leaving the enterprise on its own is one of the reasons that encouraged us (to pick Cebu as the pilot area). Cebuanos are also known to be open to technologies,” he said on the sidelines of the press conference on the Metro Scale Wi-Fi network for Cebu City project at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel yesterday.

During the press conference, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña assured the proponents of the project that the city government will help them solve any business-related problems they might encounter with government agencies, such as the Bureau of Customs and the National Telecommunications Commission.

He also said the Wi-Fi network confirms that Cebu really has a big edge over Metro Manila. “This is not an opinion anymore. It is a fact,” Osmeña said.

The Metro Scale Wi-Fi Network for Cebu City is a joint undertaking of Cebu-based ASA Enterprise Corp. and Manila-based Protocol Century Inc. in cooperation with US-based Aperto Networks Inc., Tropos Networks and Intel.

The project is also supported by the Cebu Investment Promotions Center and the Cebu City government.

The network will enable business establishments and people in public places in Cebu City to access the Internet through Wi-Fi ready devices, such as laptops or personal digital assistants, minus telephone lines.

Anybody in the hotspots from Fuente Rotunda to General Maxilom Ave., will be able to access the Wi-Fi network for free on the Sinulog festival.

After Sunday, the facility will be available to subscribers only.

Protocol Century Inc. president Sam Alamani said they will start marketing the facility to those interested to become hotspots after Jan. 16. Hotspots are areas that provide clients with high-speed Internet access over a wireless local area network via Wi-Fi for a fee.

Mayor Osmeña said the city will be one of the first subscribers of the Wi-Fi network for surveillance purposes in the South Road Properties (formerly South Reclamation Project).

Tropos Network director of sales-Southeast Asia said some of the cities in the United States, such as Cerritos, California; Chaska, Minnesota; San Mateo, California; and Christi, Texas; are subscribers of their Wi-Fi network to report crime, increase public services and public safety, monitor traffic and address the digital divide (JBN)

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 05:20 PM

Pungko-Pungko: Once Tasted always Wanted…

Cebuanos love to eat and I think everyone will agree with this. From eating out in the most exquisite and fine restaurants to eating out in the busy streets of Colon and Carbon, Cebuanos just can’t get enough of every food they can chomp on. If you happen to be a true-blue Cebuano then you surely have an experience or at least heard of pungko-pungko . It’s hard to trace its history though, but one thing for sure it must be of Cebuano origin.

Pungko-pungko as we fondly call it (or if you’re a bit classy, ‘dirty food’ or if you’re a bit radical and funny ‘cholera’), is a term for eating on a squat. The vendors simply hawk their wares in a basket along crowded neighborhoods such as near big schools and busy streets where pedestrian traffic is heavy. The term ‘pungko-pungko’ came into being because the customers simply squat while they consume their food. No utensils or cutleries or even plates, save only for a knife which is used to cut the ‘puso’ (essentially, a cooked rice stuffed in small baskets made of young coco leaves).

A smorgasbord of delectable finger foods are the usual fare which are often cholesterol-laden items such as ngohiong (a kind of Chinese spring roll stuffed with exotic meat), lumpia (a regular Chinese spring roll usually stuffed with mung beans), dila (pork tongue), bola-bola (meatballs), longanisa (a Filipino-style smoked sausage), nokos (dried squid or cuttlefish), tongol (pig tripe), buwad (dried fish), and of course everyone’s favorite bulaklak or ginabot (deep-fried pork internal organ resembling an intestine, only fattier).

The flavor of these mouth-watering delicacies is even more enhanced when complimented with the tangy homemade sauce, a special concoction of vinegar and a slew of spices that give its distinctive taste. Eating in kinamot (using bare hands), makes eating pungko-pungko an even more wonderful experience. After such sweaty and sinful experience, one can easily order an ice-cold locally made soda pop Sparkle. Whew! I now begin to drool as I recall every pungko-pungko experience that I went through.

A lot of people, especially those who are too concerned about the health hazards that the street foods may bring, warn us not to patronize this eating habit. But who can stop us? It’s a way of life. For us, eating in this manner is just another risk that we are too willing to take just to satisfy our own cravings!!!!! Yummy!!!! As they would say, Once tasted always wanted!!!

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 05:24 PM

Jonie’s Flavored Fried Chicken: Free Trip to Hongkong Disneyland

Get a chance to win a FREE trip to Hong Kong Disneyland every 15 days for every purchase of P100 purchase at Jonie’s Flavored Chicken.

COOOOOL.

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 05:30 PM

More Schoolbuildings To Rise In Talisay City

Eight more school buildings worth over P4 million will be constructed in Talisay City this year.

The construction of school buildings is part of the City Government’s effort to remove Talisay City from the list of “school less” local government units in Cebu.

Econg said the beneficiaries of the proposed projects are Lawaan III Primary School (three classrooms), Tanke National High School (two classrooms), Bulacao National Huigh School (two classrooms), Linao Primary School (one classroom), Manipis National High School (one classroom), Hawanay Primary School (one classroom), Biasong Elementary School (one classroom) and Candulawan National High School (one computer room).

The program of works will be sent to the office of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez for approval, after passing through the offices of Econg and the city budget officer.

Econg said the budget for the construction of new school buildings will be charged against the local school board.

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 05:33 PM

“Simply Cebu” - CIE Cyberfair Project

“Simply Cebu” - this is the project title of the Cyberfair Project of a group of 13 students from CIE, ages 14-18 years old.

The result of their efforts are very good. They have been able to show what Cebu is all about. The website is cool.

http://simplycebu.cie.edu/introduction.htm

Don’t forget to click on the links they have made to see the details of their research work about Cebu.

--------
Wow... still in high school but their project is alresdy a website. :okay:

slerz

September 25th, 2005, 05:44 PM

The City I Like and Made me Cry
by maffey

Who would expect that the place is like paradise? I’ve been to places that are unfamiliar to me like Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan, Butuan, Iligan, Dipolog, Dapitan, Dakak, Bacolod (the city of smiles) , Iloilo (where secluded nut beautiful beaches are there), Dumaguete, Bohol, Baguio, Banaue Dagupan, & Pangasinan. Met different faces in totally unusual places. And I can say that Philippines is such a different and very beautiful place indeed. We should not be foreigner to our country because people from other countries are longing to visit our place. I’ve been there to and pro every first week of the month because the company I worked before required me to travel. I was once a jetsetter and an island hopper. I had the chance to appreciate all the beautiful things made by God and Philippines is really blessed and it is like a PARADISE. Traveling all over was just temporary. Life is like that and I can say that there’s no place like home.

I was raised in Leyte for 20 years. Those 20 years was in Leyte and Leyte and Leyte only . I was not bored until I traveled a lot and visited many places. I was able to compare different cities in the Philippines. Studying in Cebu was my childhood ambition. Even though I was not bent on making my dreams come true but who would expect that I’d be living here for the rest of my life? This is where I was born that’s why perhaps I am destined to live here. In retrospect,the places I went thru, I could say that Cebu is great. There are a lot of white beaches in Lapu-Lapu. The Ayala Business Center where you could also feel like you’re roaming around Makati or Ortigas City. The only lacking is the LRT or MRT.

I really, really like Cebu and despite that this is where I was betrayed and I shed many tears, I still love it and I really don’t know why.

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 05:48 PM

speaking of CIE, i was able to find photos of their school building :D
source: Pbase.com

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/39728038.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20schools/39728039.jpg

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 06:10 PM

List of some condominiums in Cebu

City Lights Garden Cebu City
Ayala Park Towers I & II Cebu City
East Aurora Tower Cebu City
Buenaventura Condominium Cebu City
Ayala Life - FGU Center Cebu City
Century Golden Peak Cebu City
Osmeña Tower condominium Cebu City
Tuscania Cebu City
Windland Towers Cebu City
North Singson Flats Cebu City
Centennial Commercial Center Cebu City
Peninsula Place Mactan, Cebu
Vista Mar Mactan, Cebu
Hilton Towers Mactan, Cebu
Lancaster Suites Mactan, Cebu

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 06:26 PM

Winland Towers, Cebu City, Philippines
Residential Condoniminium Towers
Juana Osmena Ext., Cebu City, Philippines

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cd-801-08.jpghttp://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cd-801-01.jpg

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 06:30 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/index_pix.gif

The Port of Cebu is a busy, efficient Port, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has direct links to surrounding countriesm including Hongkong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Large domestic fery vessels with
capacities of 300 containers and 2,500 passengers regularly ply the Cebu-Manila route twice daily except once during Thursdays and Sundays.

In 1996 the port handled 4 million metric tons of cargo and around 8 million passengers. The annual growth in both cargo and passenger traffic is expected to be a constant 10% level over the next decade.

It is divided into a baseport at Cebu City and four subports: Toledo in the west, Argao in the south, Danao-Carmen in the north and santa Fe at Bantayan Island, off the northern tip of Cebu Island.

An efficiently managed international seaport is a vital necessity for Cebu to become a world class center for business and tourism by the 21st century. Effective maintenance and supervision of the port is essential and the local business-political community felt that this can best be achieved with an autonomous body focused on Cebu.

rustyboi

September 25th, 2005, 06:41 PM

I find this interesting...

Cebu is the education center for 2/3 of the Philippines; has over 1,000 private and public elementary schools; 203 secondary (high) schools; 12 universities; 55 colleges; 10 manpower training centers with an average annual population of 130,000 college students. Cebu is also home to many international schools designed for foreign curricula for primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Like the Greater Seattle region, Cebu is known for highly reputable medical and technical colleges. A testament to its educational system, Cebu can boast of a very high literacy rate of 97 percent of its citizens.

Jimbu

September 25th, 2005, 07:19 PM

SHIPS MADE IN CEBU

http://www.ngkhai.net/cebupics/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tsuneishi1.JPG
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Staff.asp?PicID=PicStaff3
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Shipyard.asp?PicID=PicShipyardView2
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Shipyard.asp?PicID=PicShipyardView1
http://www.ngkhai.net/cebupics/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tsuneishi6.JPG

Name: Sea Amelita
Date of Launching: Jan 28 1996
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Ships.asp?PicID=PicShips1

Name: MEDI CEBU
Date of Launching: Jun 3 2002
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Ships.asp?PicID=PicShips27

Name: MV Florinda I
Date of Launching: November 22, 2004
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Ships.asp?PicID=PicShips45

Name: MV Rosita
Date of Launching: February 28, 2004
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Ships.asp?PicID=PicShips41

Name: MV Gecon I
Date of Launching: January 12, 2005
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ShowImage-Ships.asp?PicID=PicShips46

and many more here:
http://www.thici.com/scripts/ptShips.asp

Jimbu

September 25th, 2005, 08:11 PM

FastCrafts Built in Cebu

http://www.ngkhai.net/cebupics/albums/userpics/10001/tsuneishi3.JPG

dancethingy

September 25th, 2005, 09:39 PM

ryanr

September 25th, 2005, 10:27 PM

Now, a new beginning welcomes us...
The Longest Thread Series in the Philippine Forums[/I][/COLOR]

Actually, its not. The old Metro Manila thread was longer...:D

ryanr

September 25th, 2005, 10:49 PM

Wow cool ships. I didnt know until this year that Cebu made ships.

Whenever i go to Bohol, i prefer taking a flight to Cebu and using the SuperCat Fast Ferry to Bohol over a direct flight to Bohol.

slerz

September 26th, 2005, 01:23 AM

GreyX, you're one of the thousands that didn't know that Cebu has a shipping industry that make ships....huge ships that is exported to other parts of the world and so with fast crafts. The most famous ship that was launched several yers ago was the SEA AMELITA during Ramos' term that was named after the 1st lady @ that time. The inaguration turned comedy during the breaking of champagne bottle by Pres. Ramos and the 1st lady.
Many said that they didn't know that our country has the capability of making ships.

tj_brewed

September 26th, 2005, 04:44 AM

From pacifictours dot com / Great journeys in Asia Pacific

Steeped in history and drenched in fun, Cebu, South of Manila is perhaps unmatched as a cosmopolitan resort. History and Culture buff's can review Cebu's Spanish past by visiting Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, Casa Gorordo, Carcar and the Basilica Minore del Sto.Nino Cebu. Shoppers will find a dream world of bargains in Cebu's handicrafts, fruits, guitars and marvelous antiques. Beach lovers will welcome Cebu's top-rated resorts with their white sand beaches. Cebu is the traveler's fantasy of a tropical island come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts with all the frills of modern living.

Cebu has a varied selection of hotels and resorts to stay. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel is a 562-hotel room and a first-rate convention center. city center location is very ideal for business and leisure travelers. Cebu's Plantation Bay Resort has eight built-in Jacuzzis and saltwater lagoons with waterfalls, waterslides and exudes an elegant colonial plantation dream. Shangrila-Mactan is Cebu's premier deluxe resort overlooking the Visayan Sea and its outlying islands. Alegre is one of the best resorts outside of Metro Cebu. Set in tropical gardens, lagoons and beach frontage are truly cozy.

Cebu's nightlife is on a roll. From downtown to uptown, Metropolitan Cebu comes even more alive as dusk sets in, with queues leading to music bars, discos and the casinos. Competition is in full gear for the coolest place with the hottest party, and three places are vying for the title - Cebu's Ayala Entertainment Center in Ayala Mall, The Village in Lahug, Cebu and Crossroads in the upscale neighborhood of Cebu's Banilad. New bars and restaurants in these three areas are a mere five-minute drive apart.

Cosmopolitan Cebu is noted for its inexpensive gastronomy of many cuisines. Cebu's island flavors are fairly simple with meats and seafood cooked three ways - marinated in vinegar, charbroiled or boiled - and then seasoned with condiments. Cebuanos are known to be full of life, always ready to extend a helping hand, with that warm and hospitable smile to welcome visitors to their island. Come to Cebu and celebrate life like no other!

tj_brewed

September 26th, 2005, 05:03 AM

LIVING IN CEBU

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/ETC/cebuliving.jpg

olineil

September 26th, 2005, 06:59 AM

olineil

September 26th, 2005, 07:04 AM

FastCrafts Built in Cebu

http://www.ngkhai.net/cebupics/albums/userpics/10001/tsuneishi3.JPG

Wow!!! So this means the fast crafts ive been using to go to batam indonesia from singapore are from Cebu...coz they look very similar...Goo!!! Cebooom!!!!

c0kelitr0

September 26th, 2005, 07:19 AM

olineil

September 26th, 2005, 08:27 AM

i think the claim is all about metro-wide wi-fi...and you don't need to be inside fastfoods, starbucks or any establishment to get a wireless connection...cebu is using a wide-area wi-fi technology...it works as the cellsites do for mobile phones...

But the article mentions "Hotspots" and "wi-fi" so that means they are not using "Wi-Max" which is the "wide area wireless network 40km radius per site" and this technology will not be out until around 2007 or so... Singapore has plans to roll this out but the technology is not available yet.

c0kelitr0

September 26th, 2005, 08:44 AM

hmmm...i didn't know wi-max isn't available yet...but if that's the case, then you're right, cebu shouldn't claim being the first...

olineil

September 26th, 2005, 09:02 AM

hmmm...i didn't know wi-max isn't available yet...but if that's the case, then you're right, cebu shouldn't claim being the first...

Prototype of the "Wi-max" is available but not for commercial quantity yet. I guess their still ironing out some issues. But this technology is very promising, it will unclutter our streets with wires coz they just need to broadcast the signal then we will subscribe...then we will be given a PCI adapter card receiver or PCMCIA for laptops then we can get broadband conncetion in a flick of a finger....awesome. Hope Cebu eyes this technology rather than the already aging "Wi-fi". One problem though....although not really a big issue...Broadband access in Pinas is still terribly expensive compared to the average salary our kababayans are getting. Hope Telcos and ISP's iron this issue out and lower down their services to make it more mass appealing. Most developed countries and developing ones consider 512kbps now as slow, what a predicament...and I used to be so blown-away with my 512kbps before...hehehehe. Lets just hope Cebu Officials have better foresight (w/c evidentlly they have) so they can implement it for the good of their constituents.

COme to think of it...i remember before...There was one ISP in Legazpi city around 1998-2000 which rolled out what i believe was the first encarnation and first ever "Cable based internet" in Pinas but they went bust coz their price was soaring high....Sigh...

rustyboi

September 26th, 2005, 11:38 AM

Wow. I would like to thank all of the forumers here who are showcasing Cebu in such wonderful light. For all of you to be so proud of your city makes people who have never been there more attracted to the city. I tend to like cities whose citizen's boast of its greatness because people don't boast of their city for no reason.

I hope Cebu could steal more attention and limelight from Manila. The feeling in Cebu seems to be one that is more promising and forward looking.

Yeah, it is a great feeling. when u see Cebu growing, then it is an indication our country is improving as a whole. :okay: its funny because Cebu doesnt have a mentality of stealing attention from Manila. maybe because Cebu doesn't want to be "another Manila" at all. that's why the province is operating like a separate country. local politicians dont have second thoughts to secede and make Cebu a separate republic anytime they want. hehe.

dominique

September 26th, 2005, 01:09 PM

If Cebu has just extricated itself from the quagmire of imperialist manila, it should have been fully developed already. Shenzen, China for instance started its development in the 80's just as cebu started for a take off. But look, where shenzen now? In a matter of 2 decades it has gone a long long way...rivaling hongkong and shanghai. Im sad Cebu's development is a roller coaster thing. When some cities have more than a dozen of simultaneous high-rise construction, cebu has getting difficulties to have a handful skyscrapers...well maybe because Im comparing cebu to other world class cities. Maybe I should recall the poem Desiderata.."never compare yourself(cebu) to others for you will become bitter, for always there are greater and lesser persons(cities) than you(cebu)"

Now im glad cebu is back on its fighting mood..roaring...as it becomes unstopable and ready to demolish everything blocking its way... on every way...every step of the way..

slerz

September 26th, 2005, 01:41 PM

absolutely:okay:

Jimbu

September 26th, 2005, 06:57 PM

Hmmm...nothing against this...but the claim to be first in southeast asia is abit not accurate. Here in singapore Wi-Fi networks are already established since about 1.5 years ago. All McDonalds, Starbucks, BK and other Fastfoods are hotspots here. They have already rolled out DSL2 which can support upto 25Mbps for now (I just signed up for the 10Mbps hahahaha). When u go to Housing estates people are dumb enuf not to protect their wireless network that u can get a free internet connection hehehehe.....GOOD for cebu though...Cheers...

Wi-Fi networks started in Cebu in June 2003 more than two years ago in Cebu City Sports Club then to Airport, Hotels & Malls.
http://www.inq7.net/inf/2003/may/31/inf_2-1.htm

But the facility brought by ASA Corp. and Protocol Century with the help of American partners, Tropos Networks and Aperto Networks is a seamless metro-scale configuration which to their reliable sources is the first ever facility in Southeast Asia.

DWBA said it’s fast since there is no need for dial-up connection, and it’s also mobile since the user is not restricted to a specific place due to freedom from wire or cable.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2005/02/17/life/wi.fi.invades.cebu.html

Jimbu

September 26th, 2005, 08:44 PM

Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Neda secretary supports LRT project in Cebu

Secretary Augusto Santos of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) fully supports the proposed Cebu light rail transit (LRT) project of Rep. Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas.

“He (Santos) is very much in favor of this project because he knows the terrain in Cebu,” Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
The lawmaker said he pointed out in a meeting with Santos the need to establish an LRT in Cebu to address the rising population and traffic gridlock in Metro Cebu.

“I told him that of all the cities in the Philippines outside Manila, the most viable (highly-urbanized) area to have an LRT is Cebu. And I’d like to see this project start before the end of the 13th Congress,” he said.

According to Gullas, Santos advised him to resubmit the project’s funding scheme for approval by Neda-Investment Coordinating Committee (ICC) because the funding will no longer come from Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance.

Gullas said the European-based AMA Group will undertake the project under the build-operate-transfer scheme.

Gullas has filed House Bill (HB) 3006 that calls for the construction of an LRT in Metro Cebu “as a safe and economical mass transport system for the Cebuanos.”

He said the LRT’s line 1 or backbone line will start from the Lawaan highway corner Pook Road in Talisay City.

19 kilometers

From Talisay City, the railway will go to Cebu City passing the N. Bacalso Highway, before ending in Mandaue City. The route will cover 19 kilometers.

LRT stations will be set up along the way in areas where people usually converge, he said.

As initially planned, Gullas said the railway will pass Osmeña Blvd. in Cebu City towards the Cebu Provincial Capitol, then to SM City Cebu at the North Reclamation Area before going to Mandaue City.

Line 2, Gullas said, will also start from Talisay City down to the southern town of Carcar, Cebu.

Line 3, he said, will take off from Mandaue City and end up in the northern city of Danao.

“But that would take a long time yet. The most viable right now is line one,” Gullas said.

What is advantageous to this project, Gullas said, is that the Government will no longer negotiate for a road-right-of-way because the LRT will be constructed on Metro Cebu’s major thoroughfares.

Gullas said a meeting with Neda officials will follow once all pertinent documents are submitted to the Neda-ICC. (GC)

tnt

September 26th, 2005, 08:50 PM

^^ they shud connect it all the way to toledo
n the other side to bohol

Jimbu

September 26th, 2005, 10:27 PM

amigo32

September 26th, 2005, 11:29 PM

WOW! LRT in Cebu. That would be great! It's a big CEBOOOOOMMM...

Cebu pag-andam sa akong pagbalik/bisita diha!

ryanr

September 27th, 2005, 02:13 AM

Is there a map of the proposed LRT system network? Or if there is none, can someone kindly make one to give a picture to those not familiar with Cebu (like me)?

c0kelitr0

September 27th, 2005, 03:40 AM

i hope the kind of trains are those that don't need overhead cables...

tj_brewed

September 27th, 2005, 04:06 AM

I wish I can be relocated back in Cebu anytime soon....i miss cebuuuuuuuuu!

dominique

September 27th, 2005, 05:14 AM

Anyone who has an update of Vistamar Residences in Mactan? Its a nice project with a number of clustered midrise condos. I think its a bigger project than Lancaster.

tj_brewed

September 27th, 2005, 05:35 AM

Cebu's High Rise Buildings.....

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebusky.jpg

note: Fuente Towers I and II are currently under construction. The Cebu Parklane hotel has not been added yet (still under construction). Other buildings have not been posted as well.

Jimbu

September 27th, 2005, 06:14 AM

Anyone who has an update of Vistamar Residences in Mactan? Its a nice project with a number of clustered midrise condos. I think its a bigger project than Lancaster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/Spaceland/Condotel-ResidenciadeVistamar.jpg

Mactan also has a fast changing skyline. New projects keep coming up.

dominique

September 27th, 2005, 07:43 AM

Thanks for the pics Jimbu. Isn't it a great project? Maybe michael can give us an actual construction update of this project or maybe slerz.

@tj_brewed - great job. nice run down of cebu high rise buildings.

I just wish hyatt, intercon, peninsula, westin, ritz carlton, etc. will invade cebu...hmmn just keep our fingers crossed.

slerz

September 27th, 2005, 11:13 AM

The Manila Bulletin

Construction of P1.6-B tunnel for Cebu subway starts 2005

CEBU CITY (PNA) — Construction works at the kilometer-long subway component of the Cebu South Coastal Road project that is set to be bored by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the historic Plaza Independencia will start by the first quarter of next year.

At the same time, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will also undertake a major face-lift of the Plaza Independencia complex and integrate it with the Office of the President (OP)-Cebu now known as the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

DPWH 7 Project Monitoring Office Chief Gloria Dindin said that an ocular inspection had already been conducted on the park grounds by DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Cebu City Acting mayor Michael Rama and DPWH 7 officials.

The DPWH said that the 0.973-kilometer subway project was not included in the foreign-loan freeze ordered by Malacañang as part of its austerity measures.

It was reported that the government is just waiting for a notice from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) to wrap-up the pre-construction stage of the project, which had been estimated to cost R1.6-billion.

The project is financed by the 27th Yen loan facility through JBIC.

The subway — called Segment 3B-2 of the South Coastal Road — will connect the R8-billion highway and the South Reclamation Project (SRP) coastal road.

Boring of the tunnel will begin at the present gate going to the coastal road, then level off under Plaza Independencia and comes out of MacArthur Boulevard.

The 21-meter wide tunnel will include a four-lane road, with a dividing wall in the center. Construction is expected to last three years.

The Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) and the DOT are also mapping out plans on how the restoration and improvementof the park grounds would proceed.

Cebu City Acting mayor Michael Rama said that DPWH, DOT and the city government are preparing a master plan that would integrate all of the historical sites in Old Cebu, with the development of Plaza Independencia.

The master plan would then be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Included in the face-lift are the old Compana Maritima building, Plaza Independencia, Casa Gorordo, as well as the City Hall grounds.

slerz

September 27th, 2005, 11:24 AM

Mactan-Cebu International Airport EXPANDS!
« on: September 23, 2005, 08:37:14 PM »

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Construction of a new terminal exclusive for international flights will start next year. The project will cost P1 billion and take a maximum of four years to finish. The existing terminal (which houses both domestic and international) will be converted exclusively for domestic flights.

In another related news, the existing "aerobridges" or tubes on the existing terminal will be upgraded and two more will be added bringing it to a total of six from four.. The project will start anytime this month and will cost P109 million. It will be finished in less than four months.

The said projects were unveiled by MCIAA General Manager Adelberto Yap in light of the increasing international and domestic flights to Cebu. In fact, the existing four aerobridges are not enough especially on a very busy day..
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got it from other forums...

xDieselJockx

September 27th, 2005, 01:05 PM

Where are they going to build this new terminal building intended for international use? On another location or is it next to the existing terminal building?

slerz

September 27th, 2005, 01:13 PM

Yeah, it is a great feeling. when u see Cebu growing, then it is an indication our country is improving as a whole. :okay: its funny because Cebu doesnt have a mentality of stealing attention from Manila. maybe because Cebu doesn't want to be "another Manila" at all. that's why the province is operating like a separate country. local politicians dont have second thoughts to secede and make Cebu a separate republic anytime they want. hehe.

this isn't about Cebu Republic but the Visayas Republic...
I just wanna let you share my opinions about visayas republic in this forum:
http://www.gov.ph/forum/thread.asp?rootID=59543&catID=18&page=1

my username in this forum is "HURTYP"...

mind you, its a war...hehe

richard fischer

September 27th, 2005, 03:08 PM

any renderings yet ? would be great to see ! in what paper and date was this article please ?

« on: September 23, 2005, 08:37:14 PM »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction of a new terminal exclusive for international flights will start next year. The project will cost P1 billion and take a maximum of four years to finish. The existing terminal (which houses both domestic and international) will be converted exclusively for domestic flights.

In another related news, the existing "aerobridges" or tubes on the existing terminal will be upgraded and two more will be added bringing it to a total of six from four.. The project will start anytime this month and will cost P109 million. It will be finished in less than four months.

The said projects were unveiled by MCIAA General Manager Adelberto Yap in light of the increasing international and domestic flights to Cebu. In fact, the existing four aerobridges are not enough especially on a very busy day..
-----------

got it from other forums...[/QUOTE]

richard fischer

September 27th, 2005, 03:10 PM

maybe we could open a new thread with the renderings of the new terminal and other pics of the airport called MCIA 1 ?

rustyboi

September 27th, 2005, 03:32 PM

i hope the kind of trains are those that don't need overhead cables...

http://www.quaderns.net/fotos/tramvia.jpg

i think this is the "lightest-looking" LRT in contrast with Manila's. since it is an LRT, it would still have overhead cables. looks good enough for the metro :okay:

LordCarnal

September 27th, 2005, 03:34 PM

rustyboi

September 27th, 2005, 03:44 PM

Where are they going to build this new terminal building intended for international use? On another location or is it next to the existing terminal building?

it was announced earlier the international terminal will be within the existing airport complex. :)

rustyboi

September 27th, 2005, 03:46 PM

rustyboi

September 27th, 2005, 03:54 PM

Anyone who has an update of Vistamar Residences in Mactan? Its a nice project with a number of clustered midrise condos. I think its a bigger project than Lancaster.

a shot of Vistamar residences. :D i dont have any updates though. i think Lancaster suites have more units than vistamar.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/cebu%20hotels/vistamar.jpg

Sinjin P.

September 27th, 2005, 03:57 PM

hehe, I came late..Anyweiz, 1st honor ko...hehehe!!! wa, I'm so happy...

I'm also very happy for Cebu, grabe! Di na nako mareach ang mga projects! :D

LordCarnal

September 27th, 2005, 04:00 PM

http://www.quaderns.net/fotos/tramvia.jpg

i think this is the "lightest-looking" LRT in contrast with Manila's. since it is an LRT, it would still have overhead cables. looks good enough for the metro :okay:

This certainly is a clean looking LRT instead of building "bridges" and "overpasses" for an LRT Line...

At least it wouldn't distrupt much traffic during its construction

LordCarnal

September 27th, 2005, 04:02 PM

it was announced earlier the international terminal will be within the existing airport complex. :)

That's far more better so as to maximize effeciency... All they have to do probably is to put up a conveyor so that people would not have to walk great distances to go from one place to another..

Sinjin P.

September 27th, 2005, 04:04 PM

Some Cebu-based companies are now adopting cost-cutting measures on the use of petroleum products after accepting the fact that the prices of these goods have nowhere to go but up.

In an economic briefing, economist and business consultant Peter Wallace said the world will have to live with the increasing prices of petroleum products because of the depleting supply of oil in the world market in relation to demand.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) president Jon Ramon Aboitiz said in an interview that AEV’s shipping companies’ fleet has reduced its travel speed to cut on fuel costs.

Fuel accounts for 60 percent of the operating cost of AEV’s shipping companies—Aboitiz Transport System and Supercat Fast Ferry Corp.

He said AEV’s shipping companies were able to save some P5 million to P7 million monthly since earlier this year just on cutting the travel speed of their ships.

Slowed down

“We slowed down (the travel time of) our Supercat ferries to 40 minutes from 30 minutes. It does not make much difference, and it is better (for the customers) than increasing the (fare) rates,” Aboitiz said.

But Aboitiz admitted that the company has increased shipping rates just to “recover the operations cost,” which is expected to increase again with the implementation of the reformed value-added-tax (R-VAT) law.

Once implemented, R-VAT would remove the exemptions previously enjoyed by dealers and traders of petroleum products and electricity. Oil dealers are expected to pass the tax on to consumers.

In a separate interview, Waterfront Philippines Inc. (WPI) president Rexlon Gatchalian said the company is now working with the Visayan Electric Co. for a program that will enable WPI to save on the power consumption in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (WCCHC).

Bring down

He said some 12 percent of WCCHC’s revenues go to power consumption alone.

“We want to bring this down to one digit,” Gat-chalian said.

During the Cebu-leg of the government’s R-VAT road show, Energy Under-secretary Melita Obillo said slapping the VAT on petroleum products will regulate or lessen the use of petroleum in the country.

This will also lessen the country’s oil imports, resulting in savings on foreign exchange.

She also emphasized that the VAT on petroleum products is not anti-poor.

As a consumption tax, those who consume more are to be taxed more.

With the crisis in oil currently hounding the world, Obillo said the government is asking the private sector to use oil prudently and responsibly at the household, government, industrial, commercial and transport sectors.

Earlier, Cebu’s business community also urged the private sector to help in minimizing oil consumption through energy conservation measures.

Meanwhile, the government is also asking consumers to always ask for receipts to ensure that the VAT they paid for the petroleum products purchased will be remitted to the government and will be used for social services.

Sinjin P.

September 27th, 2005, 04:05 PM

Following the success of the “Doing Business with the European Union” with CBI of Netherlands, the Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation (Cebu) Inc. (Philexport-Cebu) wants to further expand Cebu’s market in Europe with another initiative.

Philexport-Cebu is organizing a seminar dubbed “Sweden as a Market for Filipino Exporters.”

The one-day seminar will be on Oct. 17 at City Sports Club Cebu and it aims to inform local exporters of the current trends in the Swedish market.

Business customs and protocol are some of the issues that will also be taken up.

The seminar is jointly organized by the Embassy of Sweden, in association with Open Trade Gate Sweden, the Swedish Import Council and the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Benefit

Food traders and design-based exporters, specifically in furniture, gifts, toys and housewares, will benefit from the presentations by two of Sweden’s biggest importers.

In 2003, Asia contributed 9.8 percent to Sweden’s imports.

The Philippines exported $18,270,04 worth of goods to Sweden, where 53.0 3 percent came from machinery, electronics, chemicals and other industrial products.

Consumer products, like garments, housewares, furniture and other decorative items contributed 24.98 percent of the goods exported to Sweden.

Sweden, as part of the European Union, is particular with social accountability standards in its entire trading operations, according to a press release from the Philippine Information Agency 7.

Social accountability provides definitions and parameters to ensure conformance to universal rights concerning labor standards, and an assurance of good practice to consumers, buyers and other companies.

Open Trade Gate Sweden is an initiative formed by the Swedish Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Swedish Ministry of Development Cooperation to help developing countries streng-then their capacity to export and trade.

Representatives

It is a part of the National Board of Trade, which is Sweden’s governmental authority for foreign trade and trade policy.

Representatives from Sweden include Christina Af Klint, Swedish trade advisor, Marie Adersson de Frutos, director of Open Trade Gate Sweden, Arne Rosen, former purchasing director of ICA Retailers Association and Lina Nertby and Marianne Dott of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (CYR)

Sinjin P.

September 27th, 2005, 04:08 PM

Sunday routine. Gone are the days when boring Sundays are spent at home. Today, with malls taking over dying parks in the entertainment mecca list, family day spells 'mall day'.

The routine is almost hypnotic. Kids, all-too-excited to slip into their Sunday's best, tag along with parents who are more than happy to break free for a moment or two from a pile up of paperwork, laundry and never-ending list of house chores.

But those with older kids are luckier. They can always bribe their way to a little, private moment in airconditioned theaters by sending kids to gaming zones.

Sunday trips turned into a habit when malls began to accommodate hourly worships. With early morning mass (9 a.m. at Gaisano Country Mall and 10 a.m. at Ayala Center Cebu) held in cinema houses, some kick off the day with a mall trip to hear mass.

Forget those with lame reasons of somehow preferring the malls for their many comforts—cushioned seats and aircondition system—, but masses here, thanks to widescreens that encourage worshippers to participate, are felt celebrations.

And for the mall management, religiosity consequently translates to good business. These throng of worshippers who are also willing spenders either linger on to lunch out in the malls' long list of fastfoods and restos, stop over in favorite shops or fill up the grocery cart.

The added convenience of not having to go far after a weekly dose of spiritual replenishment is turning the Sunday routine into a weekend affair for most city-dwelling families whose busy lifestyle welcomes any convenience thrown their way.

Weekend trip. Those like me who need a fireman's alarm to drag themselves out of bed may still fulfill their Christian obligation and scour the 'on sale' racks soon after.

As expected, failing to make it to the Ayala's early morning worship, I rushed to it's 4.30 p.m. mass. With Sunday incomplete without a short trip around the shops, I headed for Giordano after the mass, where I shuffled piled up tees, knits and pants pegged at up to 70% off, a prelude to the mall's upcoming mallwide sale.

Shoe stores like New Shoes, Leaveland and Janylyn are slashing off selected items at up to half-the-price this early on. It pays to check the shelves ahead of the wild crowd of bargain-hunters who are sure to show up this weekend.

After all, if there's anything certain next to taxes, the mall is going to be spewing with eager spenders this weekend. And don't count out the family bunch. For when it comes to mall day, it's one hard habit to break.

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Ayala Center Cebu and Metro Ayala Center
SALE, SHOP, SAVE
3 Day Mallwide Anniversary Sale
Up to 70% off

STORE HOURS:
9/30 10AM-10PM
10/1 9AM-10:30PM
10/2 9AM-10PM