Home Blog Page 207

Cebu Bus Rapid Transit — the first in the country

“Aside from the greater convenience that it will bring to the people, it will also provide better opportunities and travel experiences to commuters and drivers in the province of Cebu.”

THESE WERE THE WORDS OF PRES. FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR. DURING THE CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING OF THE CEBU BUS RAPID TRANSIT (CBRT) PROJECT-PACKAGE 1 LAST FEB. 27.
Photo from Department of Transportation – Philippines Facebook Page

One of the government’s most important infrastructure initiatives, the CBRT aims to improve the efficiency of the province of Cebu’s urban passenger transportation system overall. It aims to provide accessibility to passengers, boost productivity through better mobility, and lessen air emissions as well.

Unveiling the project

On Monday, February 27, the P16 billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project finally started construction at the Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City after a ten-year delay.

“Today, we are finally here to put this strategy into action and calibrate Metro Cebu’s transportation system,”

MARCOS STATED.
Photo from Department of Transportation – Philippines Facebook Page
Photo from Department of Transportation – Philippines Facebook Page
Photo from Department of Transportation – Philippines Facebook Page

Following the groundbreaking, the local government plans to start building along Osmeña Boulevard, according to Paul Gotiong, director of Cebu City’s transportation office.

What’s in it for Cebu

The Cebu BRT (CBRT) is one of the national government projects approved to offer an “affordable, dependable, efficient, and safe” public transportation system in Metro Cebu, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the project’s principal implementing agency.

Photo from Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Facebook Page

From South Road Properties (SRP) in the city’s south region to the IT Park in the north, the route spans 13.18 kilometers (km) of separated lanes with 17 stations, one depot, and one trunk terminal. It includes a 22.1 km Feeder Line System with two feeder terminals that will cross mixed traffic.

Three phases also make up the CBRT project, which runs through Talisay, Cebu, and other municipalities in Cebu Province. There will be 76 bus stops all around the province, making it accessible and readily available for commuters.

Expected timeline

The Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co. was given Package One of the CBRT by the DOTr. late in 2022, Ltd. They will be responsible for finishing Phase One, or the building of the 2.38 km segregated bus lane with four bus stations and 1.15 km of a pedestrian upgrade, as well as the civil works.

The CBRT Phase One is expected to be partially operational by December 2023 and fully operational by the second quarter of 2025, according to the P900 million project’s private contractor.

Photo from Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Facebook Page

Next, CBRT Package 2 is responsible for building a 10.8 km Segregated Bus Lane with 13 bus stations, including one in SRP, one at an IT Park roundabout, and one in an SRP depot. The project’s backers are still working on the details of its precise design at this time.

Lastly, Package 3 is for building a 22.1 km feeder route with 76 bus stations, including feeder terminals in Talisay City and Barangay Talamban in Cebu City.

Meet 6 Beauty Queens Hailing from Cebu

All Hail the Queens!

The month of March marks the official women’s month as we celebrate women’s achievements and women’s empowerment. Women have participated in various activities and competitions as they shed light on different issues. A lot of these competitions include beauty pageants.

To people’s knowledge, beauty pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss Earth, and Miss World are not just battles of looks and who wore the best costumes. Instead, these beauty pageants emphasize womanhood and are great avenues to advocate for positive change.

To Kick-off this month’s feature on empowering women, let us introduce five amazing Cebuanas who represented Cebu and the Philippines in different international and national pageants.

1. Pilar Pilapil

Let us start strong with none other than Pilar Pilapil. The veteran actress, a native of Liloan, represented the Philippines during the Miss Universe stage in 1967. She did not place in the top 10. However, she pursued a career in acting when she returned to the Philippines.

Like a true beauty queen with a heart, Pilar Pilapil uses her resources to help women. She now runs her foundation that helps women who are victims of domestic abuse.

2. Gazini Ganados

Hailing from Talisay City, Gazini Ganados represented the Philippines during the Miss Universe 2019. She was hailed as Miss Universe-Philippines and won Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown.

Gazini honored the country by placing a spot on the Top 20 in the Miss Universe pageant.

3. Beatrice Luigi

Beatrice Luigi Gomez’s Miss Universe Philippines win is historic because she is the first winner who is openly bisexual. In addition, she brought honor to the Philippines by placing in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe pageant. Beatrice proudly hails from San Fernando, Cebu, and was raised by a single mother.

4. Karla Paula Henry

Filipina-Canadian, Karla Paula Henry proudly represented Cebu during Miss Earth 2008. She proved to be a beauty with a heart as she led tree-planting activities. She also helped in educating public school students about environmental issues.

5. Jamie Herrell

Jamie Herrell is the second Cebuana to claim the Miss Earth title after Karla Henry. She was only 20 when she was crowned Miss Earth in 2014. The beautiful Filipino-American was born in Glendora in Los Angeles, California.

She settled in Cebu City after spending most of her childhood in the US.

6. Shaila Mae Rebortera

Shaila Mae Rebortera won the Miss Philippines Multinational 2021. She is a licensed dentist. She also joined Sinulog Festival Queen and Miss Millenial Philippines in 2018. The now-licensed dentist is a native of Talisay City, Cebu.

Kudos to these Cebuana women for representing the Queen City of the South. With beauty and grace, they take on the world one positive change at a time.

Fly to Tokyo, Bali, and More with Cebu Pacific’s P27 flights until March 10.

Cebu Pacific’s promos are on a roll!

Cebu Pacific offers international flights for as low as ₱27 for the airline company’s 27th birthday. The sale started on March 6, 2023, and will end on March 10, 2023.

Photo from Unsplash

The promo covers flights from Manila to Beijing, Tokyo, Jakarta, Dubai, Bangkok, and Bali. Not only that, but you can also book local flights going to destinations such as Siargao, Bohol, and Boracay. The travel period for the promo is from April 1 to September 30.

The domestic one-way base fares include a 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance. However, the fares are exclusive of the web admin fee, 12% VAT, terminal fee, and fuel surcharge. Meanwhile, the international one-way fares include a 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance, exclusive of web admin fees for short-haul and long-haul flights, and a ₱550 international terminal fee and fuel surcharge.

Photo from Cebu Pacific Air

Ready to book a flight to your next adventure? Visit the seat sale section on Cebu Pacific’s official website and book now.

Akutsu Cebu Observatory: Cebu’s First Observatory is Now Officially Open

Sugboanons are now closer to the universe!

Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page

Do you love stargazing? Does astronomy pique your interest? Well then, this is your chance to get closer to the universe. Akutsu Cebu Observatory is now open to Cebuanos.

The first-ever astronomical observatory in Cebu opened its doors to the Universe on March 4, 2023. The observatory boasts a Newtonian telescope that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the celestial bodies.

Aside from the telescope and other facilities, the observatory offers an educational tour. What makes it even better is that their package comes with a full meal according to your liking at the observatory’s cafe.

Fathom your thoughts into constellations at Akutsu Cebu Observatory.

Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page
Photo from Akutsu Cebu Observatory Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES:

  • Entrance fee: ₱599 for adults; ₱399 for children.
    • Inclusions:
      • Use of telescope and other facilities
      • A guided tour
      • A full meal at the observatory’s cafe
  • Opening Hours: 4 PM to 10 PM Daily

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Lubo, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu.

BY COMMUTE: N/A

BY MOTORBIKE: From JY Square, ride a habal-habal going to Barangay Bonbon. You may want to negotiate with the driver about the fare.

BY CAR: This is the best choice since no public vehicles are going to the location except for habal-habal. Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Akutsu Cebu Observatory” in Cebu. Parking space is available.

This Glampsite in Cebu Lets You Stay in a Glass Glamping Tent with a View

Kickstart your glamping vacation with a glass glamping experience for an affordable price.

Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page

If you haven’t tried glamping before, this is the sign you might have been waiting for. Glamping is taking traditional camping to a more luxurious level by using glamping domes, tepees, eco-pods, and more. But this Glampsite in San Fernando, Cebu, sports a GLASS glamping tent.

Dayun Glampsite offers an affordable glamping experience to its guests, all the while staying in a unique glass tent. Are you intrigued? Let’s see what Dayun Glampsite has to offer.

Glass Glamping Tent with a View

Dayun Glampsite’s highlight is its fantastic glass glamping tent. The tent is made of straws and “kawayan” (Bamboo) for the roof and ceiling. Meanwhile, a glass wall surrounds the tent, which lets guests witness a beautiful view of the plains below.

Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page

Not only that, but guests will also have a 360-view of the sky. The glampsite is especially perfect for stargazing. Additionally, there is an available lounge area below the tent. A kitchenette is also available, with plates, bowls, and sinks.

Pool and Barbecue Night at Dayun Glampsite

The glampsite also sports different amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. For example, an inflatable pool is available for use if you want a swim day. Guests can also use the grill to have a barbecue night under the stars.

Glamping under the stars has got to be part of your bucket list. Let Dayun Glampsite turn that dream into a reality.

Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page
Photo from Dayun Glampsite Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Introductory Rate: ₱1,950 night
  • Excess head: ₱350 per head (Maximum of 2 excess heads)

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Greenhills, San Fernando, Cebu.

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to San Fernando. Ask the driver to drop you off at the town proper. Ride a habal-habal going to Greenhills and tell the driver to drop you off at Dayun Glampsite

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Dayun Glampsite” in San Fernando, Cebu. Parking space is available.

A Multimillionaire at 16: The Alexis Dupagan Story

Who knew posting food hacks on social media could make you a multi-millionaire?

During the pandemic, people were forced to stay in their homes due to lockdowns. Because of this, people tried to find ways to entertain themselves, and one way was going to different social media platforms like Tiktok, Youtube, and Facebook.

Photo from Alexis Vines on Instagram

Not only did people watch content but they started making their own. Some of them were lucky enough to go viral and get millions of views.

One of these lucky people is 16-year-old Alexis Duoagan or also known as Alexis Vines. Dupagan is a content creator from San Miguel, Del Monte, Bulacan. He started creating food-related content during the pandemic and many people loved his videos. Because of his success, he now has 3.1 million followers on Facebook and one billion combined views on TikTok.

One thing led to another, Alexis was able to monetize his content and is now a multi-millionaire.

The Humble Beginning of Alexis Vines

Before becoming a young multi-millionaire, Alexis Vines had a tough life. According to his mother, it came to a point where they would have a hard time finding food. Alexis even tried cleaning other people’s homes to earn money.

Photo from Alexis Vines on Instagram

The content creator tried all means just to earn money. He even tried joining singing competitions but according to him, it did not work. Alexis came to realize that his talent was not singing but vlogging. He started out by asking for 100 pesos from his mother to buy food at a local “karinderya” and start his vlogging career.

The young content creator’s content got 100,000 views which gradually increased until he reached a 3 Million subscriber count on Facebook and Tiktok. He also has 308k subscribers on Youtube.

Land and Property Owner at 16

The results of Alexis’ hard work were drastic. He was able to monetize his content when he reached 10,000-minute views.

Now, Alexis is a proud owner of multiple properties including a car. Not only that, but the young content creator also turned his dream of owning a coffee shop business into reality. He started his own coffee shop with ₱500,000 starting capital.

With the help of his brother, who is also a content creator, Alexis was able to buy land properties such as a 4,000-square-meter lot in San Miguel, Bulacan, and a 2,000-square-meter land property in Mindoro.

And what’s even more amazing is that the siblings paid in cash. They plan to build a modern house with a swimming pool and a rest house.

Alexis also made sure to build a home for his grandmother in the province. Not only is Alexis hardworking, but he also has a kind heart.

The content creator turned multi-millionaire urges aspiring content creators to be confident with what they are doing and to always work hard.

Photo from Alexis Vines on Instagram

Alexis Dupagan or Alexis Vines is proof that hard work will definitely take you to places. His story is an inspiration to those who want to succeed in life. Alexis started from humble beginnings but because of determination and the desire to turn his dream into reality, he is now earning enough for himself and his family.

Keep it up, Alexis!

LOOK: Proposed Conceptual Design for the Lapu-Lapu Memorial Park, Museum, & Monument

“Retelling the 500-year-old story through modern art and architecture”

This was what the proposed design aimed for. A proposed conceptual design of the Lapu-Lapu National Shrine and Monument was released in 2021, featuring the work of young Senior Architectural staff from the RRSA namely Immanuel Martinez, RA Juanir, Ivan Manabat, and Ar. Ralph Richard Su.

Photo from RRSA Facebook Page

The creators of the proposal wanted to give Cebuanos a fresher perspective on what Lapu-Lapu was like during his time. They also wanted to highlight the two perspectives during the battle of Mactan.

Anamorphic Lapu-Lapu Monument

The proposed design showcases a monument of Lapu-Lapu with an anamorphic effect. Half of the monument shows the image of Lapu-Lapu that’s akin to how Cebuanos see him until this day. Meanwhile, the other half represents Lapu-Lapu’s humanity in an artistic sense.

Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page

The monument is anamorphic since it appears to be abstract at first glance. However, when viewers reach the rear, a silhouette of the other half will be revealed.

Lapu-Lapu Memorial Park & Museum

The design also showcases different outdoor spaces for different social activities. Moreover, there is also an indoor museum that lets visitors experience a story-telling of Philippine History. According to the description, the Museum is lowered to emphasize the monument.

Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page

More About the Proposed Design

There are many aspects to the sign that the creators wanted to put emphasis on. There are social spaces, descending steps by the shore, a sunken cave-like amphitheater, a winding ramp, and a roof deck.

But wait, there’s more! The whole structure has an elliptical configuration that gives visitors a 360-degree descending view of the monuments which dramatically reveals another mirrored monument. As per the description, the creators wanted to symbolize the duality of Lapu-Lapu during the Battle of Mactan.

Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page
Photo from RRSA Facebook Page

The RRSA posted photos of the proposed design along with the description. You can find it here.

Bantayan Island Airports Resumes Operations This March

Skip the grueling 5-hour travel to Bantayan Island as Bantayan Island Airport makes its comeback!

Photo from Bantayan Island Tours and Tourguiding Services Facebook Page

Bantayan Island is definitely a gem for people who love going to the beach. However, what people like the least is the grueling 5-hour travel from the city. But worry not, Bantayan Island Airport will officially resume operations on March 8, 2023.

The Bantayan Island Airport welcomed its first commercial flights in 2020. The airport is equipped with a 1.2-kilometer runway. There are also arrival and departure lounges available that are airconditioned. Back in 2020, four commercial flights carried guests for a three-day Suroy-Suroy SMB.

Photo from Bantayan Island Tours and Tourguiding Services Facebook Page

The reopening of the Bantayan Island Airport will definitely boost the island’s tourism even more. This is also enticing for future visitors to see the beauty of the Island.

This might be the calling you need to hear to visit Bantayan Island. Say goodbye to long travels and be on Bantayan Island in an instant.

In the meantime, you might want to prepare yourself for your next Bantayan escapade. Check out these articles for the ultimate Bantayan Island guide.

From Online Hate to Brand Ambassador: Filipina Teen makes it big with Charles & Keith

Singaporean fashion brand Charles & Keith has announced Zoe Gabriel, a Filipina teenager who received online hate over her excitement for a Charles & Keith bag, as its brand community ambassador. The 17-year-old shared a photo of herself on Instagram as part of the brand’s International Women’s Day campaign, featuring a purple iteration of the Alia bag. In January, Zoe’s response to haters on TikTok who mocked her for calling Charles & Keith a luxury brand went viral. The issue sparked debate among netizens, with some arguing that luxury is subjective. Following her viral fame, Zoe was invited to the brand’s headquarters in Singapore and received two personalized versions of the Gabine bag.

Photo from Charles & Keith

Zoe’s appointment as brand community ambassador highlights the power of social media and the importance of positive representation. Despite facing online hate, Zoe’s love for Charles & Keith’s products did not falter. Her response to the criticism showed class and poise, which earned her the respect and admiration of the brand.

Charles & Keith’s decision to make Zoe its brand community ambassador sends a strong message that the brand values diversity and inclusivity. Zoe’s Filipina heritage adds to the brand’s diverse representation, and her appointment demonstrates the importance of empowering young women from all walks of life.

Photo from Zoe Gabriel on Instagram

Zoe’s story also shows the impact of social media in shaping brand perception. While her initial TikTok video received backlash, it ultimately led to a positive outcome. Brands can learn from this by engaging with their audience and addressing their concerns. By listening to their customers, brands can better understand their needs and create a more meaningful connection with them.

Zoe’s appointment as brand community ambassador for Charles & Keith is a positive step towards diversity and inclusivity. Her story highlights the power of social media and the importance of positive representation. Brands can learn from this and strive to create a more inclusive and engaging brand identity.

Philippine Airlines and Emirates announce interline partnership

0

Dubai, UAE, and Manila, Philippines: Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Emirates have signed an interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both air carriers to new points on each other’s networks via Manila and Dubai, using a single ticket and a common baggage policy.

Photo from Philippine Airlines Facebook Page

Now in effect, the reciprocal interline partnership will provide Emirates’ passengers access to 19 Philippine domestic destinations operated by Philippine Airlines, including Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and more, as well as two (2) Asian regional points via Manila. Philippine Airlines’ passengers will benefit from access to Emirates’ global network and seamlessly connect to 21 cities operated by Emirates including Cairo, Frankfurt, Casablanca and London via Dubai.

Travel itineraries can be booked on philippineairlines.comemirates.com, the Emirates and PAL mobile apps, and with travel agents as well as online travel agents (OTAs).

Bud Britanico, Philippine Airlines Vice President for Sales commented:

“We are happy to embark on this new interline partnership with Emirates that expands the choices available to Philippine Airlines passengers, who now gain easier access to more destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa via our flights to Dubai. We are eager to expand our reach to various international markets and exciting destinations and help stimulate business and tourist travel for global citizens, as well as provide better service to our fellow Filipinos living and working in overseas nations.”

Photo from Unsplash

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer commented:

“Philippines is one of our strongest consumer markets and we’re pleased to sign a new interline agreement with the country’s flag carrier. The partnership with Philippine Airlines will help open new links for trade and tourism that will drive more inbound traffic into the Philippines, and expand Emirates’ footprint in East Asia. We look forward to serving our partner airline’s customers with additional travel choices to Emirates destinations across the Middle East, Europe as well as the Americas, and to expanding our cooperation with plans to include additional points via Cebu in the coming months.”

Philippine Airlines, the Philippine flag carrier and full-service airline with the largest international network, first served Dubai on August 7, 1982 as part of a growing Middle East route network that now includes flights to Doha (Qatar) and to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Currently, PAL operates daily flights between Manila and Dubai with Airbus A330 widebody aircraft offering Business Class and Economy Class service. PAL’s “Buong Pusong Alaga” (whole-hearted care) service philosophy is demonstrated in the gracious and uniquely caring Filipino service extended by the airline’s cabin crew and service teams around the world.

Philippine Airlines operates an extensive network of domestic routes to 32 destinations across the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, with major hubs in Manila and Cebu and an increasing number of flights out of Davao and Clark as well. In addition to the Middle East, PAL offers the only nonstop flights linking the Philippines with the West and East Coasts of the United States and Canada as well as Hawaii, and the most flights between the Philippines and multiple destinations in Japan and Australia.

Photo from Unsplash

Emirates first started operations in Manila in 1992, and has since expanded its network to include Cebu and Clark. The airline currently serves the Philippines with 25 weekly flights to the three gateways.

Emirates operates its modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration on flights to Manila, and two-class configuration on flights to Cebu and Clark, offering 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. Travellers to and from the Philippines benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system which offers up to 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audio books and podcasts.

With the addition of its interline agreement with Philippine Airlines, Emirates takes its commercial partners up to 27 air carriers. These partnerships enable Emirates to respond with agility to the dynamic travel industry, meeting the ever-evolving air travel needs of its customer.